SG174653A1 - Foot correcting and balancing shoe assembly and method for correcting and balancing user's foot - Google Patents

Abstract

FOOT CORRECTING AND BALANCING SHOE ASSEMBLY AND METHODFOR CORRECTING AND BALANCING USER'S FOOTA foot correcting and balancing shoe assemblyincludes at least one sole unit (11, 12, 13) having animaginary transverse line dividing the sole unit (11,12, 13) into front- and rear-half regions (17, 18) . Therear-half region (18) includes left and right rear-halfsections (182, 181) , and a heel area (15) spanning rearportions of the left and right rear-half sections (182,181). A foot arch correction device (14) is mounteddetachably to the sole unit (11, 12, 13). At least onebalancing pad (22, 23, 24 , 25, 26) is mounted detachablywithin the sole unit (11, 12, 13) below the foot archcorrection device (14), and at a predetermined locationin at least one of the left and right rear-half sections(182, 181) to maintain foot balance for a user.Figure 1 is suggested for publication.

Description

FOOT CORRECTING AND BALANCING SHOE ASSEMBLY AND METHOD

FOR CORRECTING AND BALANCING USER'S FOOT

This invention relates to a shoe assembly, more particularly to a foot correcting and balancing shoe assembly and a method for correcting and balancing a user's foot when the foot correcting and balancing shoe assembly is worn by the user. :

Our feet have good flexibility and canbear theweight of our body. However, some foot arches are not normal, s0 that the distribution of pressure on the bottom of the foot is nct balanced, gait is also affected, and the body's center of gravity is moved to an incorrect position. Thus, foot arch correction devices are developed to correct the foot arch of a user. However, since the foot is made up of many bones and joints, as one grows older, the muscles, ligaments, and joints tend to loosen and/or change, and many problems arise because of the pressure brought about by the body weight, especially if a portion(s) of the foot has been previously hurt. Under such circumstances, the use of a foot arch correction device is net sufficient to restore complete balance. Further, even when the foot arch correction device is providing the proper and necessary correction, the foot condition resulting from old habits may seem normal to some. Thus, after using the foot arch correction device for a certain period of time, a new imbalance and a new feeling of discomfort may be experienced.

Therefore, the object of the present invention is : to provide a foot correcting and balancing shoe assembly and a method for correcting and balancing a user’s foot : 5 when the foot correcting and balancing shoe assembly is worn by the user. . According To one aspect cf this invention, a shoe assembly foot correcting and balancing shoe assembly, © comprises at least one sole unit, a foot arch correction device, and at least one balancing pad. The sole unit has an imaginary transverse line dividing the sole unit “into front- and rear-half regions. The rear-half region includes left and right rear-half sections, and a heel area spanning rear pocrtions of the left and right rear—half sections. The foot arch correction device is mounted detachably to the sole unit. The balancing pad is mounted detachably within the scle unit below the B foot arch correction device and at a predetermined location in at least one of the left and right rear-half sections to maintain foot balance for a user.

According to ancther aspect of this invention, a method for correcting and balancing a user’s foot comprises the steps of: obtaining an initial footprint of the user’ s foot; analyzing the shape and the darkness of ink in the initial footprint of the user's foot to obtain initial information as to a location where the user’s foot has foot imbalance; selecting one or more proper balancing pad{s) from a set of balancing pads and attaching the same to a sole unit of a foot correcting and balancing shoe assembly at the location where the user’s foot has the foot imbalance; and allowing the user to wear the foot correcting and balancing shoe. assembly. :

Other features and advantages of the present inventionwill become apparent inthe followingdetailed , description of the preferredembodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

Tig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a foot correcting and balancing shoe assembly according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a set of balancing pads of the preferred embodiment;

Fig. 3 shows balancing pad(s) attached to an insole according to the first preferred embodiment of a method of the present invention;

Fig. 4 is a schematic view of initial footprints of the user's feet obtained in the first preferred embodiment ¢f the method of the present invention;

Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig. 4, but illustrating a contour line drawn around a periphery of each initial footprint:

Fig. © is a schematic view, illustrating a heel pad attached to a heel area of the insole;

Fig. 7 is a schematic view similar to Fig. 6, but illustrating two lateral supporting pads and two micro-adjustment pads attached to an inner lateral side of the insole anteriorly of the heel pad;

Fig. 8 is a view similar to Fig. 7, but illustrating the lateral supporting pads and the micro-adjustment pads attached to an cuter lateral side cf the insole antericrly of the heel pad; -

Fig. 9 is a view similar to Fig. 6, but illustrating a rear adjustment pad attached to the heel pad;

Fig. 10 is a schematic view, illustrating toe and heel regions of an initial footprint of the user's foct respectively put ina frame shown in a D-shaped imaginary - line;

Fig. 11 is a schematic view, illustrating the rear adjustment pad attached to the insole at a position corresponding to a rear outer heel portion of the heel } region;

Fig. 12 is a view similar to Fig. 6, but illustrating a navicular bone supporting pad disposed at a position 24 corresponding to a front inner heel portion of the heel regicn;

Fig. 13 is .a sectional view of the foot correcting and balancing shoe assembly shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 14 is a schematic view of new footprints of the user's feet obtained in the first preferred embodiment of the method of the present invention:

Fig. 15 is aviewsimilar to Fig. 14, but illustrating a contour line drawn around a periphery of each initial footprint;

Fig. 16 shows re-selected balancing pads re-lccated on the insole; Co 5 Fig. 17 is a schematic view of initial footprints of a user’s feet obtained in the second preferred embodiment of a method of the present invention with contcocur lines respectively drawn around peripheries of the initial footprints;

Fig. 18 illustrates amicro-adjustment pad and a rear adjustment pad attached toc the insole at positions corresponding to a front inner heel portion and a rear : inner heel portion of the heel region;

Fig. 19 is a schematic view of new footprints of the user’ s feet obtained in the second preferred embodiment of the method of the present invention;

Fig. 20 is a view similar to Fig. 18, but illustrating the rear adjustment pad removed from the insole;

Fig. 21 is a schematic view of initial fcotprints of a user's feet obtained in the third preferred embodiment ¢f a method of the present invention with " contour lines respectively drawn around peripheries of the initial footprints;

Fig. 22 1s a schematic view, illustrating a micro-adjustment padattachedtotheinsoleataposition corresponding to a front inner heel portion of the heel region;

Fig. 23 is a schematic view of new footprints of the user’s feet obtained in the third preferred embodiment of the method of the present invention; and

Fig. 24 isa view similar to Fig. 22, but illustrating the micrec-adjustment pad removed from the insole.

Before the present invention is described in greater detail, it shouldbe noted that like elements are denoted by the same reference numerals throughout the : disclosure.

Referring to Figs. 1 to 24, a foot correcting and balancing shoe assembly according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a : plurality of sole units, a foot arch correction device 14, and a set of balancing pads. Since the construction 5 of the shoe assembly for the left and right feet of a user is symmetrical, only the foot correcting and balancing shoe assembly for the right fecot 3 of the user is illustrated in the drawings. i The sole units include an cutsole 11, an inscle 12, and a sole liner 13. Each sole unit 11, 12, 13 has an imaginary transverse line (see Fig. 3) dividing a ’ respective scle unit 11, 12, 13 into a front-half region 17 (see Fig. 3) and a rear half-region 18 (see Fig. 3}.

The rearhalf-regicnl8 includes left andright rear-half sections 182, 181 (see Fig. 3), andaheel area 15 spanning rear pertions of the left and right rear-half sections © 182, 181 and corresponding to the user’s heel 231.

The foot archcorrecticndevice ld, inthis embodiment, is configured as an arch-shaped support plate, and is mounted detachably to the scle liner 13, such that the sole liner 13 is disposed between the insole 12 and the foot arch correction device 14. Since the construction of the foot arch correction device 14 isnot amain aspect of the present invention, a detailed description of the same is dispensed herewith for the sake of brevity. A rear edge of the foot arch correction device 14 is fiush with a rear edge of the heel area 15. Two hook fasteners 16 are respectively adhered to a bottom face of the foot arch correction device 14 and a top face of the sole liner 13 to prevent relative movement therebetween, so that the foot arch correction device 14 not only can be immobilized, but alsc can be removed easily away from the sole liner 13.

The set of balancing pads includes a heel pad 22, at least one segment-shaped lateral supporting pad 23, at least cone circular micro-adjustment pad 24, at least cne circular rear adjustment pad 25, and at least one circular navicular bone supporting pad 26. Each of the lateral supporting pad 23, the micro-adjustment pad 24, the rear adjustment pad 25, and the navicular bone supporting pad 26 has a diameter ranging from 15mm to 45mm, andisprovidedwitha loop fastener ona top surface thereof and an adhesive layer ona bottom surface thereof.

The adhesive layer may be a plece of double-sided tape

‘ which can be easily adhered to another surface. Further, each of the lateral supporting pad 23, the micro-adjustment pad 24, and the rear adjustment pad © 75 may be mounted detachably to the left or right rear-half sectiecn 182, 181 of the insole 12 at a predetermined location so as to maintain foot balance for the user.

Taking for example a first foot type, where the user has & fallen foot arch, the set of the balancing pads - 10 required are one heel pad 22, two lateral supporting pads 23, two micro-adjustment pads 24, one rear adjustment pad 253, and one navicular bone. supporting pad 26, as shown in Fig. 1. The balancing pads 22, 23, 24,:25 are attached to the insole 12, while the balancing - pad 26 is attached to a bottom portion of the foot arch correctiondevice 14. Alternatively, the balancing pads 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 may be attached to the outsole 11 or the sole liner 13, and the attachment is not limited oo to the aforesaid disclosure.

As shown in Figs. 1 and 3, the heel pad 22 is attached to the heel area 15 of the insole 12, the lateral supportingpads 23 are attached side-by-side tothe right rear-half section 181 of the insole 12 anteriorly of the heel pad 22, and have linear edges flush with an edge of an outer lateral side of the insole 12. One of the micro-adjustment pads 24 is attached to and spanning top surfaces of the two lateral supporting pads 23 and partially protrudes cut of the cuter lateral side of the insole 12. The other micro-adjustment pad 24 is attached to and spanning top surfaces of the heel pad 22 and the lateral supporting pad 23 that is adjacent to the heel pad 22, is side-by-side with said one of the micro-adjustment pads 24, and partially protrudes out of the outer lateral side of the insole 12. The rear : adjustment pad 25 is attached to the top surface of the heel pad 22 at a rear outer porticn therecf andpartially protrudes out of the heel pad 22. The navicular kone supporting pad 26 is attached to the hook fastener 16, which is adhered to the bottom portion of the foot arch correction device 14, at a positicn corresponding to an inner lateral side of the inscle 12 anteriorly of the heel pad 22.

A first preferred embodiment of the method for correcting and balancing a user’ s foot according to the present invention comprises steps I~VII and employs the foot correcting andbalancing shoe assembly as described hereinbefore. | :

Step I | .

Initial footprints 41 of the user's left and right feet 3 {only theright foot isshowninFig. 3) arecobtained, and are printed on a sheet of paper 4, as shown in Fig. 4. A printing device (not shown} includes overlapping left and right boards, and a resilient fabric sheet disposed therebetween. The initial footprints 41 are obtained using the steps as cutlined below. 1. The left and right boards are flipped open to reveal the resilient fabric sheet. The resilient fabric ) sheet is placed on the right board first if the left foct is to be printed, after which the ink is applied to the resilient fabric sheet by using a roller. The roller is moved back and forth so as to spread uniformly } the ink on the resilient fabric sheet. 2. A blank sheet of paper 4 is folded lengthwise, and is placed on the left board with a left fool printing : area facing upward. 3. The resilient fabric sheet is flipped toward the left board so as to impcse upon the paper 4. The surface of the resilient fabric sheet having the ink faces a a left foot printing area of the paper 4. 4. The user's left foot is then placed on a surface of the resilient fabric sheet that is opposite to that having the ink, while the user's right foot 3 is placed on the right board. The user must stand completely still at this time. If there is any movement, printing of the user's left foot must be repeated. 5. The user then sguats so that the pressure borne by the left foot can be printed on the paper 4. 6. Afterthefootprint4lof theleft foot isobtained, the left foot is first removed from the left board, after which the right foot 3 is removed from the right board.

The resilient fabric sheet is then flipped to the right il board away fromthe paper 4 to reveal an initial footprint 41 of the user’ s left foot. If the right foot 3 is removed first from the right board, the printing of the left foot must be repeated. 7. The left and right boards are then turned 180° relative to a horizontal surface so that the resilient fabric sheet 1s now located on the left board. The paper 4 is placed on the right board with a right foot printing area facing upward. Steps 3 to 6 are repeated. It should be noted chat the height of squatting for the second time must be the same as that of the first time.

Step II .

In this step, the shape and the darkness of ink in each of the initial footprints 41 of the user’s feet 3 are analyzed to obtain initial information as to where the user's feet have foot imbalances.

With reference to Fig. 5, the step of analyzing the shape and the darkness of the ink in each of the initial foctprints 41 of the user's feet 3 includes the substeps as outlined below. : (i) A contour line 32 is drawn around a periphery of each initial footprint 41. (11) The following lines aredrawn on each footprint 41: a first transverse reference line 33 that passes through a rear end of a heel thereof, a second transverse reference line 26 that passes through a front end of a toe thereof, a first longitudinal reference line 34

Co 12 that passes centrally through the index toe 412 of each footprint 41, and a second longitudinal reference line 35 that passes through an inner lateral side of each footprint 41 that is proximate to the big tee 413 and that is parallel to the first longitudinal reference line 34. The first and second longitudinal reference lines 34, 35 are perpendicular to the first and second transverse reference lines 33, 36. {iii) The contour lines 32 cf the footprints £41 are it analyzed to determine the foot arch type of each user's foot 3. If the width of the foot arch mid region 414 is large, the user’s foot 3 has a fallen arch.

If the foot archmid region 414 isnarrowor has a discontinuity, the user's foot 3 has a high arch.

When it is observed that the foot arches of the left and right footprints 41 are incomplete, and the width of the foot arch mid regions 414 are excessively large, this means that the user's feet 3 have fallen arches. (iv) Through an inspection of areas at the left (inner) and right {cuter) sidescfthefirst longitudinal ’ reference line 34 of each footprint 41, and through an investigation as to whether the first longitudinal reference line 34 cf each footprint 41 passes through the center of a heel region 411 or falls between the center and the inner lateral side of the footprint 41 or between the center and an outer lateral side of the footprint 41, a tilting direction of each footprint 41 is analyzed L¢ determine whether the user’s foot has a2 deviation or pronation problem. If the first longitudinal reference line 34 of each footprint 41 is located between the center and the outer lateral side of the footprint 41, this indicates that the body weight of the user deviates toward the inner lateral sides of the feet therecf. {v} Since the foot pressure is distributed evenly in all regions of a normal foot, the darkness cof the ink in each footprint 41 must beuniform if it is normal.

If the darkness of the ink of the footprint 41 is uneven, : thedistribution of the foot pressurewill bedisuniform.

The foot pressure is high where the color of the ink is dark. Hence, by observing the darkness of the ink. in each footprint 41, it is possible todetermine whether the pressure is concentrated at the front or rear or toward the inner or outer lateral side of the footprint 41, If the ink at the heel region 411 is dark, this means that the center of gravity is at the rear of the user’s foot. Further, if the shading of the ink at the inner side of the first longitudinal reference line 34 is darker than that at the right side thersof, this indicates that the foot pressure deviates toward the inner side, especially when the toe region 415 that is situated below the big toe 413 has ink shading that gradually becomes darker from the right side to the left side of the first longitudinal reference line 34. If the shading of the ink at the big toe 413 of the right : footprint 41 is relatively dark, then 1t can be determined that the foot pressure is concentrated at the big toe 413. (vi) The shapes of the footprints 41 are inspected : to determine whether there is any abnormal protrusion.

An inclination angle of the big toe 413 relative to the second lengitudinal reference line 35 is analyzed to determine an angle cof deviation of the big toe 413. If the inclination angle of the big toe 412 is greater than 20°, the big toe 413 has hallux valgus. Referring to

Fig. 6, it is observed that the left foot slants at an : angle greater than 20°, so that the big toe 413 of the left foot has hallux valgus. Further, it is observed } that there is a protrusion at a front inner side of the heel region 411 of the right footprint 41. This means : that there is protrusion of the navicular bone.

Step III : A proper balancing pad(s) is selected from a set of the balancing pads 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, and is attached to the insole 12 at a location(s) where the user’s foot has a foot imbalance. Selection of the balancing pad(s) can be done according to the following information: 1} If the body weight falls at the rear side of the . 25 footprint 41, one heel pad 22 may be attached to the insole 12 at a position corresponding to the heel area 15, as shown in Fig. 6. If the pressure exerted by the body weight is high, more heel pads 22 may be stacked and attached to the insole 12 to compensate for this high pressure. 2) If the body weight deviates toward the inner lateral side of the footprint 41, two lateral supporting pads 23 may be attached side-by-side te the left rear~half section 182 (see Fig. 3} of the insole 12 anteriorly of the heei pad 22. In addition, two micro-adjustment pads 24 may be disposed on top of the lateral supporting pads 23 in a stagger such that a one-third portion of each micro-adjustment pad 24 protrudes out of the insole 12, as shown in Fig. 7. When the insole 12 is inserted into the shoe assembly, the one-third portion of the micro-adjustment pads 24 will flex upward and abut against the outscle 11 and the sole liner 13 (see Fig. 13} cf the shoe assembly. The number of the lateral = supporting pads 23 and the micro-adjustment pads 24 may be increased or decreased depending on the size of the insole 12.

C20 © 3) If the body weight deviates toward the outer lateral side of the footprint 41, two lateral supporting pads 23 may be attached side-by-side to. the right rear—-half section 181 (see Fig. 3) of the insole 12 anteriorly of the heel pad 2Z. In addition, two micro-adjustment pads 24 may be disposed on top of the lateral supporting pads 23 in a stagger such that a one-third porticn of each micro-adjustment pad 24 protrudes out of the inscle 12, as shown in Fig. 8. The number of the lateral supporting pads 23 and the micro-adjustment pads 24 may be increased or decreased depending on the size of the inscle 12. © 4) If the big toe 413 has hallux valgus, one rear adjustment pad 25 is adhered to a front outer side of the heel pad 22, as shown in Fig. 9, with a one-third portion thereof protruding out of the inscle 12. 5) If the toe region 415 (see Fig. 10) of the footprint : 10 41 indicates excessive foot pressure in this area of : the user's Toot 3, the below steps may be performed.

Ce As shown in Fig. 10, the toe region 415 is first put oo in a frame 416 shown by a D-shaped imaginary line, after } | which an imaginary front longitudinal line (FL) is drawn to divide the toe region 415 inte inner and cuter toe : portions, and twe parallel imaginary front transverse : lines (FT) are drawn that intersect the imaginary front longitudinal line (FL), so that the toe region 415 is divided into front, medial, and rear inner toe portions (A, B, C), and front, medial, and rear outer toe portions (D, E, F). Thereafter, the heel region 411 is put in a frame 417 shown by another D-shaped imaginary line, after which an imaginary rear longitudinal 1ine (RL) is drawn to divide the heel region 411 into inner and outer heel portions, and two parallel imaginary rear transverse lines (RT) are drawn that intersect the imaginary rear longitudinal line (RL), sc that the heel region 411 is divided into front, medial, and rear inner heel portions (f£, e, d), and front, medial, and rear outer heel portions {(c¢, b, a).

When the fool pressure is concentrated on the front : 5 inner toe portion (A), a proper balancing pad is adhered fo the inscle 12 at a position cerresponding to the rear outer heel! portion {a}. When the foot pressure is concentrated on the medial inner toe portion (B), the proper balancing pad is adhered to the inscle 12 at a position corresponding to the medial outer heel portion (b) . When the foot pressure is concentrated on the rear inner toe porticn (C}, the proper balancing pad is : adhered to the insole 12 at a position corresponding to the front outer heel portion (cc). When the foot i pressure is concentrated on the front outer toe portion {(D), the proper balancing pad is adhered te the insole 12 at a position corresponding to the rear inner heel portion (d). When the foot pressure is concentrated on the medial outer toe portion (E), the proper balancing pad 1s adhered to the 1inscle 12 at a position : corresponding to the medial inner heel portion (e). When the foot pressure is concentrated on the rear outer toe portion {(I'), the proper balancing pad is adhered to the insole 12 at a position corresponding to the front inner heel portion {f).

With reference to Figs. 10 and 11, when the foot pressure falls on the big toe 413 (see Fig. 5), that is, at the front inner toe portion (A), the rear adjustment pad 25 is adhered to the heel pad 22 at a position corresponding to the rear outer heel portion {a). If the medial inner toe portion (B} bears the foot -5 pressure, the rear adjustment pad 25 is adhered to the insole 1Z at aposition corresponding to themedial outer heel portion (b) with the one-third portion thereof’ protruding out of the insole 12. 6) When the navicular bene has a protruding problem, with reference to Figs. 1 and 12, a navicular bone supperting pad 26 may be adhered to the bottom portion of the foot arch correction device 14 at a position corresponding to the inner lateral side of The insole 12 anteriorly of the heel pad 22. i5 Step IV } After the initial footprint 41 of the user’s foot 3is analyzed toobtain the initial informationandafter the balancing pads (22, 23, 24, 25, 2b) are selected properly and attached to the sole unit(s) 11, 12, 13 of the foot correcting and balancing shee assembly at . proper locations, the user is allowed to wear the foot correcting and balancing shoe assembly to carry out an initial correction and adjustment for the user's foot 3. 23 With reference to Fig. 13, in combination with Fig. : 1, when the user wears the foot correcting and balancing shoe assembly of the present invention, particular regions of the user's foot 3 are suppecrted by the balancing pads 22, 23, 25, 26, while the one-third portions of the micre-adjustment pads 24 are used to push a portion of the outer lateral side of the user’s 3 foot 3 toward the center for correction and adjustment. : When the user walks while wearing the left and right . shoe assemblies of the present invention, as the user's feet completely contact the ground, the foot arches become flattened, and the muscles and tendons of the foot arches are also stretched to absorb the user’ s body welght during walking.

When cone of the user’s heels 31 } ig raised fromthe ground, these soft tissues will gather up, and energy is converted into force that pushes the user’s body to move forward.

Each time a step 1s taken, : as shown by arrows in Figs. 1 and 3, the pressure ’ conversion of the foot 3 starts from the heel 31 toward the front along an outer lateral side of the foot 3, } and then toward the inner lateral side along the toe region 415 until reaching a position below the big foe 413. Because the heel 31 of the foot 3 1s nearest the user's body, the weight of the body is mainly supported by the heel 31. The direction of the force exerted by the heel 31 will determine the distribution direction of the foot pressure, sc that the weight can be displaced through the heel pad 22. When the foot pressure moves ferwardly, through the support of the lateral supporting pads 23 and the micro-adjustment pads 24, the weight

Co “of the user's body can be moved forwardly and inwardly.

However, because the inner side of the foot arch correction device 14 is raised, and through a balance mechanism of human dynamics and ergonomics, the foot 3 is urged to correct by itself to deviate outwardly soc that the force is outward. Further, through the navicular bone supporting pad 26 that supperts the navicular bone, the foot arch can be corrected and restored to nermal, Moreover, by adhering the rear adjustment pad 25 to the rear outer portion of the insole 12, similarly, through the human balance mechanism, the force at the big toe 413 is pulled back so as to reduce the pressure borne by the big toe 413.

Aside from using the foot arch correction device 14 135 to correct the foot shape, the balancing pads 22, 23, . 24, 25, 26 are used to support porticns of the user’s foot, so that foot imbalance can be corrected. This results in the external rotation of the tibia and the - pelvis, so that friction among the bonesmay be prevented.

Hence, the soft tissues around the knee joint can be adjusted, tension of the tendons, ligaments, andmuscles can be lowered, and pain and swelling may be reduced.

Afterthe foot correcting andbalancing shoe assembly is used for a period of time, for example, three months, the foot imbalance problem may be alleviated or completely removed.

Step VIf | the foot imbalance problem is found to be alleviated, re—adjustment may be carriedout as follows:

New footprints 51 of the user’s feet are printed on a sheet of paper 5, as shown in Fig. 14, after the user has used the foct correcting and balancing shoe assembly for a certain period, for example, 2~3 months. Contour lines of the new footprints 51 are drawn, as shown in : Fig. 15. -

Step VI

The shape andthe darkness of the inkin each footprint 51 are analyzed to obtain re-adjustment information as to the progress of the user’s foot 3 which has the foot : imbalance. The re—adijustment information is compared with the initial information. From the compariscn, the progress of the user’s foot 3 canbe observed. For example, it can be noted that, while the body weight is still at the rear of the heel 31, the fool pressure has been minimized, the foot arch of the users foot 3 has been corrected te be close to a normal arch, Lhe navicular bone ‘has been raised, the big toe 513 of the right footprint 51 is not subjected to too much foot pressure, and the body weight that initially deviates inwardly isnowdeviatingoutwardly. Accordingtothecomparison, re-adjustment may be made by re-arranging the balancing pads. For re-arrangement, one or more balancing pad(s) may be re-selected from the set of the balancing pads :

22, 23, 24, 25, 26 accerding to the re-adjustment . information.

Step VII

In this step, the balancing pads 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 : previously used in step III are removed from the sole unit of the shoe assembly, and according to the re-adiustment information, the re-selected balancing pad(s) are re-located on the sole unit. For example, referring to Fig. 16 in combinaticen with Fig. 3, the 1G re—-selected balancing pads re-located on the insole 12 include the heel pad 22, the two lateral supporting pads 23, the two micro-adjustment pads 24, and the rear adjustment pad 25. Only the navicular bene supporting pad 26 shown in Fig. 3 is removed from the shoe assembly.

The rear adjustment pad 25 on the heel pad 22 is moved to a position corresponding te the front inner heel portion (f) (see Fig. 10). The heel pad 22, the lateral supporting pads 23, and the micro-adjustment pads 24 are malntained at the original positions therecf. When : 20 the user wears the shoe assembly with the re-located balancing pads 22, 23, 24, 25, the height of the user’s : foot in particular regions can be adjusted, so that the pressure on the user's foot can be re-balanced, and the abnormal parts of the user’s foot 3 can be placed in their respective correct positicens. Hence, when the user stands or walks, an excellent balance and stability can be obtained, and the user can walk comfortably without

© easily feeling rired.

IL second preferred embodiment of the method for correcting and balancing the user’s foot 3 according to the present invention includes the steps as outlined below. ‘ }

Initial footprints 41 of the user’ s feet are obtained on a sheet of paper 4, as shown in Fig. 17.

The shape and the darkness of the ink in each of the left and right initial footprints 41 are analyzed to obtain initial infeormaticn. For example, referring to

Fig. 17, the initial information indicates that the left and right footprints 41 have high arches, the foot pressure obviously deviates toward the outer side of each foot, and the little toe is subjected to stress.

As shown in Figs. 10 and 18, one micro-adjustment pad 24 is adhered to the front inner heel portion (£) of theinsole 1lwithaone-thirdportion thereof protruding out cof the insole 12, and one rear adjustment pad 25 is adhered to the rear inner hee! portion {(d} of the inscle 12 with a one-third portion thereof protruding out of the insole 12.

When the user walks using the foot correcting and balancing shoe assembly of the present invention having the insole 12 adhered with the micro-adjustment pad 24 and the rear adjustment pad 25 to support the respective portions of the user's foot 3, through the balance mechanism of human dynamics and ergonomics, the user's feet can be automatically corrected so that the pressure deviates toward the inner side, thereby reducing the pressure upon the little toe.

After the user has used the corrected shoe assembly for a certain period, for example, three months, new footprints 51 of the user's feet are obtained on a sheet of paper 5, as shown in Fig. 12. The shape and the darkness of the ink in each of the left and right footprints 51 are analyzed to obtain re-adjustment information.

The re-—adjustment information is compared with the initial information, and it is found that the pressure : on the cuter side of each foot is reduced, and the little toe bears no force. With reference to Figs. 10 and 20, the micro-adjustment pad 24 is remained on the insole 12, andthe rear adjustment pad 25 (see Fig. 18} is removed from the insole 12. Through the human balance mechanism that permits the pressure to continuously move inward, the pressures on the user's feet can obtain a perfect balance.

A third preferred embodiment of the method for correcting and balancing the user's foot according to the present invention includes the steps as outlined below.

Initial footprints 41 of the user’ s feet are obtained on a sheet of paper 4, as shown in Fig. 21.

The shape and the darkness of the ink in each of the left and right initial footprints 41 are analyzed to obtain initial information. The initial information ‘indicates that the footprints 41 have high arches, and the force is toward the cuter side. As shown in Figs. 10 and 22, only one micro-adjustment pad 24 is adhered to the front inner heel portion (ff) of the insole 12 with a one-third portion thereof protruding cut of the insole 12.

When the sser uses the corrected shoe assembly, through human balance mechanism of dynamics and i0 ergonomics, the user's foot can be automatically corrected so that the force moves inwardly.

Lfter the user uses the corrected shoe assembly for acertainperiod, for example, ocnemonth, new footprints 51 of the user's feet are obtained on a sheet of paper 5, as shown in Fig. 23.

The shape and the darkness of the ink in each of the new footprints 51 are analyzed to obtain re-adjustment information. The re—adjustment information is compared with the initial information. The comparison indicates that the pressure has been reduced, and the stress has been shifted inward, sc that the micro-adjustment pad 24 shown in Fig. 22 is not necessary and 1s therefore removed from the insole 12.

In sum, aside from using the fcot arch correction device 14 to correct the shape of the footprint made by each user's foot 3, the present invention also uses the set of the balancingprads 22, 23, 24, 25, Z6 to support the location(s) wheretheuser’s foot has foot imbalance.

As such, the pressure at the user's foot can be restored from an imbalanced condition to a balanced condition, thereby bringing therealong the knee, the pelvis, and the spine to restore to their respective normal positions.

Claims (20)

CLAIMS : :

1. A foot correcting and balancing shoe assembly, comprising: at least one sole unit having an imaginary | transverse line dividing said sole unit into a front-half region and a rear-half region, said rear-half region including left and right rear-half sections, and & heel area spanning rear portions of said left and right rear-half sections; and a foot arch correction device mounted detachably tc said sole unit; characterized by at least one balancing pad mounted detachably within said sole unit below said foot arch correction . device, and at a predetermined location in at least cone of said left and right rear-half sections to maintain foot balance for a user.

2. The foot correcting and balancing shoe assembly of Claim 1, characterized in that said foot correcting and balancing shoe assembly comprises a plurality of saidsoleunits, saidscleunits includinganinscle, and a sole liner disposed between sald insole and sald foot arch correction device, said balancing pad beingmountedbetweensaidinsoleandsaidsele liner.

3. The foot correcting and balancing shoe assembly of

Claim 1, characterized by a plurality of said sole units which include an insole, and a sole liner disposed between said insole and said foot arch correction device, and ky a plurality of said balancing pads which are mounted between said insole and said sole liner and between said sole liner and said foot arch correcticn device.

4. The foot correcting and balancing shoe assembly of Claim 1, characterized by a plurality of said balancing pads which include at least one segment—-shaped lateral supporting pad mounted detachably to one of said left and right rear-half sections and anteriorly of said heel area, said lateral supporting pad having a linear edge flush - with an edge of said sole unit and a diameter ranging from 15mm te 45mm. : :

5. The foot correcting and balancing shoe assembly of Claim 1, characterized by a plurality of said + balancing pads which include at least one circular micro-adijustment pad mounted detachably to one of said left and right rear—half sections and anteriorly of said heel area, sald micro-adjustment pad partially protruding cut of sald sole unit and having a diameter ranging from 15mm to 45mm.

6. The foot correcting and balancing shoe assembly of Claim 1, characterized by a plurality of said balancing pads which include at least one circular : rear adjustment pad mounted detachably to one of said left and right rear-half sections and disposed on sald heel area, said rear adjustment pad partially protruding out of said sole unit and having a diameter : ranging from 15mm to 45mm.

7. The foot correcting and balancing shoe assembly of Claim 3, characterized by a plurality of said balancing pads which include at least cne circular navicular bone supporting pad mounted detachably to a bottom portion of said foot arch correction device at a location corresponding to one of said left and right rear-half sections, said navicular bone supporting pad partially protruding out of said sole unit and having a diameter ranging from 15mm to 45mm.

8. A method for correcting and balancing a user’s foot, characterized by: . obtaininganinitial Footprint of the user’ s foot, analyzing the shape and the darkness of ink in ) the initial footprint of the user's fcot to obtain initial information as toa location where the user's foot has foot imbalance, selecting one ormore proper balancing pad(s) from a set of balancing pads and attaching the same to a sole unit of a foot correcting and balancing shoe assembly at the location where the user’s foot has the foot imbalance, and : allowing the user to wear the foot correcting and balancing shoe assembly.

5. The method of Claim 8, further characterized by performing re-adjustment including obtaining a new footprint of the user’s foot after the user has used the foot correcting and balancing shoe assembly for a certain period, and ’ analyzing the shape and the darkness of ink in the new footprint of the user's foot to obtain . re—adjustment information as to the progress of the user’s foot which has the foot imbalance, the ] re-adjustment information being compared with the initial information. : 200

10.Themethod of Claim 9, characterized in that the step of performing re-adjustment further includes re—arranging the balancing pad(s) on the sole unit.

11. The method of Claim 10, characterized in that the re-arranging of the balancing pad(s) includes re-selecting at least one balancing pad from a set of the balancing pads according to the oo re—-adjustment information, and re—-locating the re-selected balancing pad on the - sole unit.

1Z.The method cf Claim 8, characterized in that the step of performing re-adjustment further includes removing the balancing pad from the sole unit when the comparisonbetweenthe re-adjustment information and the initial information indicates that the foot imbalance problem of the user's foot has been - eliminated.

13. The method of Claim 8, characterized in that the step : of analyzing the shape and the darkness of the ink in the initial footprint of the user’s foot includes the following substeps: : drawing a contour line around a periphery of the initial footprint; drawing a transverse reference line that passes through a rear end of the initial footprint, a first longitudinal reference line that passes centrally through the index toe of the initial footprint, and a second longitudinal reference line that passes through aninner lateral sideof the initial footprint that is proximate to the big toe of the initial footprint and that is parallel to the first longitudinal reference line, the first and second longitudinal reference lines being perpendicular to the transverse reference line; analyzing the areas at the left and right sides of the first longitudinal reference line to determine a tilting direction of the initial footprint; analyzing the darkness of the ink to determine thedistributionofpressureonthe footof theinitial footprint; and analyzing an inclination angle of the big toe ic relative to the second longitudinal reference line to determine an angle of deviation of the big toe.

14. The method of Claim 8, characterized in that the sole i unit includes a heel area, the proper balancing pad including a heel pad for attachment to the heel area.

15. The method of Claim 8, characterized in that the sole unit includes a heel area, the proper balancing pad including at least one lateral supporting pad for attachment to a lateral side of the sole unit anteriorly of the heel ares.

16. The method of Claim 15, characterized in that the proper balancing pad further includes at least one C25 micro-adijustment pad to be stacked on the lateral supporting pad.

17. The method of Claim 8, characterized in that the sole unit includes a heel area, the proper balancing pad including at least one rear adjustment pad for attachment tec a lateral side of the sole unit within the heel area. :

18. Themethod of Claim 8, characterized in that the sole unit includes a heel area, the proper balancing pad including at least cne navicular bone supporting pad for attachment to a lateral side of the sole unit anteriorly of the heel area. :

15. The method of Claim 8, characterized in that the foot correcting and balancing shoe assembly includes a : 15 plurality of the sole units, the sole units including arr outscle, an insole, and a sole liner, the foot correcting and balancing shoe assembly further including a fcct arch correction device mounted to the sole liner, the proper balancing pad being attached to the insole.

20. The method of Claim 8, further characterized by drawing an imaginary front longitudinal line to divide a toe region of the initial fcotprint into inner and cuter toe portions, drawing two parallel imaginary front transverse lines that intersect the imaginary front longitudinal line so that the toe region is divided into front, medial, and rear inner toe portions, and front, medial, and rear outer toe portions, drawing an imaginary rear longitudinal line to divide a heel region of the initial footprint into inner and outer heel portions,

drawing two parallel imaginary rear transverse lines that intersect the imaginary rear longitudinal line so that the heel region is divided into front, 16 medial, and rear inner heel portions, and front,

medial, and rear outer heel portions,

: wherein, the proper balancing pad is attached to the rear cuter heel portion when a foot pressure is concentrated on the front inner toe portion, to the middie cuter heel portion when the foot pressure is concentrated on the middle inner tos portion, to the front outer heel portion when the foot pressure is concentrated on the rear inner toe portion, to the rear inner heel portion when the foot pressure is concentrated on the front cuter toe portion, to the middle inner heel portion when the foot pressure is concentrated on the middle outer toe portion, and to the front inner heel portionwhen the foot pressure is concentrated on the rear outer toe portion.