US20120017467A1 - Orthotic shoe and insole assemblies - Google Patents

Orthotic shoe and insole assemblies Download PDF

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Publication number
US20120017467A1
US20120017467A1 US13/126,101 US200913126101A US2012017467A1 US 20120017467 A1 US20120017467 A1 US 20120017467A1 US 200913126101 A US200913126101 A US 200913126101A US 2012017467 A1 US2012017467 A1 US 2012017467A1
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United States
Prior art keywords
central axis
foot
resilient member
sole
insole
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Abandoned
Application number
US13/126,101
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English (en)
Inventor
Kendrick Whitney
James McGuire
Richard Posoff
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Temple University of Commonwealth System of Higher Education
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Temple University of Commonwealth System of Higher Education
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Priority to US13/126,101 priority Critical patent/US20120017467A1/en
Assigned to TEMPLE UNIVERSITY - OF THE COMMONWEALTH SYSTEM OF HIGHER EDUCATION reassignment TEMPLE UNIVERSITY - OF THE COMMONWEALTH SYSTEM OF HIGHER EDUCATION ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: MCGUIRE, JAMES, POSOFF, RICHARD, WHITNEY, KENDRICK
Publication of US20120017467A1 publication Critical patent/US20120017467A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B13/00—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units
    • A43B13/14—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units characterised by the constructive form
    • A43B13/18—Resilient soles
    • A43B13/20—Pneumatic soles filled with a compressible fluid, e.g. air, gas
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B13/00—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units
    • A43B13/14—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units characterised by the constructive form
    • A43B13/18—Resilient soles
    • A43B13/187—Resiliency achieved by the features of the material, e.g. foam, non liquid materials
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B17/00—Insoles for insertion, e.g. footbeds or inlays, for attachment to the shoe after the upper has been joined
    • A43B17/02—Insoles for insertion, e.g. footbeds or inlays, for attachment to the shoe after the upper has been joined wedge-like or resilient
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B3/00—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use
    • A43B3/0031—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use provided with a pocket, e.g. for keys or a card
    • 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
    • A43B7/1405—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form
    • A43B7/1415—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form characterised by the location under the foot
    • A43B7/144—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form characterised by the location under the foot situated under the heel, i.e. the calcaneus bone
    • 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
    • A43B7/1405—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form
    • A43B7/1415—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form characterised by the location under the foot
    • A43B7/1445—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form characterised by the location under the foot situated under the midfoot, i.e. the second, third or fourth metatarsal
    • 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
    • A43B7/1405—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form
    • A43B7/1455—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form with special properties
    • A43B7/1464—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form with special properties with adjustable pads to allow custom fit

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to orthotic shoe and insole assemblies.
  • External orthotic treatment of the human foot is desirable to enhance comfort of the foot, relieve pain associated with weakness, injuries, and malformation of the foot and to prevent tissue damage from conditions such as plantarfasciitis, heel pain, arch strain, ball-of-the-foot pain (metatarsalgia), tendonitis, arthritis and diabetic foot disorders.
  • aspects of the invention relate to an orthotic shoe sole assembly and an orthotic insole that provide a unique form of central axis torsional support and a pressure absorbing energy return system in the sole that work in conjunction to provide for enhanced comfort, improved biomechanical function, and increased shock attenuation during the contact and propulsive phases of gait.
  • the orthotic shoe sole assembly disclosed herein includes a shoe sole defining a cavity and a resilient member positioned within the cavity.
  • the cavity includes a series of channels into which the resilient member may expand under the force of compression. Accommodating expansion of a resilient member is beneficial for enhancing the distribution of forces applied by the foot thereby resulting in more efficient energy return of those forces.
  • the orthotic insole disclosed herein includes a central axis member for supporting the foot along its central axis.
  • the central axis reinforces the heel cup of the insole and provides linear arch elevation and torsional control under the anatomical “spine” of the foot permitting greater mobility of the medial and lateral borders of the foot.
  • the shoe sole assembly and the insole direct the forces of gait to allow for a smooth transition from heel-strike to toe-off.
  • the shoe sole assembly and the shoe insole may be used independently or in combination.
  • FIG. 1 depicts a top side perspective view of a shoe sole including two exposed cavities formed therein according to one aspect of the invention.
  • FIG. 2 depicts a top plan view of the shoe sole of FIG. 1 .
  • FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of a resilient member that is sized for placement within an exposed cavity of the sole of FIG. 1 according to one aspect of the invention.
  • FIG. 4A depicts a top side perspective view of a shoe sole assembly comprising two resilient members positioned within respective exposed cavities of the shoe sole of FIG. 1 , wherein the resilient members are illustrated in an uncompressed state.
  • FIG. 4B depicts the resilient members of FIG. 4A in a compressed state.
  • FIG. 5 depicts a top side perspective view of an orthotic insole according to one aspect of the invention.
  • FIG. 6 depicts a bottom plan view of the orthotic insole of FIG. 5 .
  • FIG. 7 depicts a top side perspective view of a central axis member of the orthotic insole of FIG. 6 .
  • FIG. 8 depicts a cross-sectional side view of a shoe including the orthotic insole of FIG. 5 positioned on the exposed surface of the shoe sole assembly of FIG. 4A , wherein the upper of the shoe is illustrated in broken lines.
  • FIGS. 1 and 2 depict a top side perspective view and a top plan view, respectively, of shoe sole 10 according to one exemplary embodiment of the invention.
  • Shoe sole 10 is a component of a shoe, such as a sport shoe, a dress shoe, a therapeutic shoe or slipper, for example. Shoe sole 10 may also be referred to in the art as an outsole. According to this exemplary embodiment, shoe sole 10 is a double-rocker sole, as described in greater detail with references to FIG. 8 .
  • Shoe sole 10 defines tread surface 12 , a small portion of which is illustrated, for contacting a ground surface (not shown). Sole 10 further defines an exposed surface 14 (i.e., exposed to an end-user) that is oriented opposite tread surface 12 of sole 10 .
  • a recess 15 is defined in sole 10 and is sized for accommodating an insole (not shown).
  • an insole (not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 ) is removably positioned in recess 15 and rests on exposed surface 14 of sole 10 .
  • Two exposed cavities 16 and 18 are formed on exposed surface 14 of sole 10 . Exposed cavities 16 and 18 are accessible to an end-user by removing the insole (not shown) positioned on exposed surface 14 . As described in greater detail with reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B , a resilient member is positioned within each exposed cavity 16 and 18 .
  • exposed cavity 16 is positioned at a location corresponding to a hindfoot region or heel portion of a foot when the foot is positioned within a shoe including sole 10 .
  • Exposed cavity 16 extends into sole 10 a portion of the depth “D” (see FIG. 8 ) of sole 10 between exposed surface 14 and pad mounting surface 20 .
  • Exposed cavity 16 includes an elliptical central region 24 , as indicated by broken lines, and a plurality of expansion channels 28 (eight shown) each extending from central region 24 and toward exterior surface 31 of sole 10 .
  • Expansion channels 28 of exposed cavity 16 may extend a desired length from central region 24 and may have essentially any desired cross-sectional shape such as square (as shown), circular, elliptical, rectangular, and so forth. Additionally, although not shown, one or more expansion channels 28 may extend through exterior surface 31 , such that a resilient member (not shown in FIG. 2 ) that is positioned within exposed cavity 16 can be viewed externally of the shoe. Suitable lengths and shapes of expansion channels will be understood by any one of skill in the art from the description herein.
  • Central region 24 of exposed cavity 16 is substantially elliptical.
  • the major axis of central region 24 extends substantially parallel to a central axis “A” of sole 10 and the minor axis of central region 24 extends substantially perpendicular to central axis “A” of sole 10 . In such an orientation, central region 24 conforms to the shape of the heel portion of a foot.
  • Exposed cavity 18 is positioned at a location corresponding to a forefoot region of a foot when the foot is positioned within a shoe including sole 10 . Exposed cavity 18 extends into sole 10 a portion of depth “E” of sole 10 (see FIG. 8 ) between exposed surface 14 and pad mounting surface 22 . Exposed cavity 18 includes an elliptical central region 26 , as indicated by broken lines, and a plurality of expansion channels 30 (fourteen shown) each extending from central region 26 and toward exterior surface 31 of sole 10 . Central region 26 of exposed cavity 18 is substantially elliptical.
  • central region 26 extends substantially parallel to central axis “A” of sole 10 and the major axis of central region 26 extends substantially perpendicular to central axis “A” of sole 10 . In such an orientation, central region 26 conforms to the shape of the forefoot portion of a foot at a location corresponding to the base of the metatarsals of the foot.
  • channels 30 of exposed cavity 18 may extend any desired length from central region 26 and may have any desired cross-sectional shape such as square (as shown), circular, elliptical, rectangular, and so forth. Additionally, although not shown, one or more channels 30 may extend through exterior surface 31 of outsole 10 , such that a resilient member (not shown in FIG. 2 ) that is positioned within exposed cavity 18 can be viewed externally of the shoe through a port that connects exterior surface 31 of sole 10 with exposed cavity 18 . While a series of ports 32 shown in FIG. 1 are ornamental, they depict the location of such ports for viewing the resilient member.
  • Exposed cavities 16 and 18 of sole 10 are not limited to that shown and described herein, as sole 10 may include any number of exposed cavities that are positioned at any desired location along exposed surface 14 of sole 10 .
  • FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of a resilient member 34 that is sized to fit within exposed cavity 16 of sole 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2 .
  • the description of resilient member 34 provided hereinafter also applies to resilient member 36 , which is sized to fit within exposed cavity 18 of sole 10 .
  • the resilient members may be otherwise referred to herein as a viscoelastic pad, a coil, an amoebic coil, a gel pad or an insert.
  • Resilient members 34 and 36 have a substantially elliptical shape.
  • the overall perimeter of resilient members 34 and 36 conforms to the size and shape of central region 24 and 26 of each exposed cavity 16 or 18 , respectively.
  • the depth of each resilient member 34 and 36 is approximately equal to the depth “D” and “E” of exposed cavity 16 and 18 of sole 10 (see FIG. 8 ), respectively.
  • the size and shape of each resilient member 34 and 36 may vary to conform to the size and shape of each exposed cavity 16 or 18 , respectively.
  • the resilient members 34 and 36 may be substantially the same size so that they may be interchangeable or may be different sizes.
  • resilient member 34 includes a resilient medium encapsulated within a fluid-tight barrier material.
  • the resilient medium may be a gas, a high viscosity liquid, a polymer, or any other resilient fluid or solid known to those skilled in the art.
  • the density of the resilient medium of the resilient member 34 may vary to accommodate the weight or firmness desired by the end-user.
  • Resilient member 34 may be composed of a plurality of elliptical rings that are adhered or otherwise coupled together, or, alternatively, the resilient member 34 may be a single unitary structure. Resilient member 34 may incorporate a ribbed top surface and a ribbed bottom surface, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 8 .
  • each resilient member may include indicia corresponding to its density, firmness, elasticity or recommended weight of the end-user, for example, enabling an end-user to select and install the most appropriate resilient member.
  • the indicia may also refer to the size of the resilient member or the proper position of the resilient member, e.g., heel or forefoot, left foot or right foot, top side of resilient member or bottom side of resilient member, and so forth.
  • the indicia may be provided in the form of a label that is applied to the resilient member, or the indicia may be printed directly on the surface of the resilient member.
  • an orthotic shoe sole assembly kit includes shoe sole 10 and at least three resilient members.
  • Each resilient member has a pre-determined density, elasticity or firmness, wherein at least two of the resilient members have a different density, elasticity or firmness.
  • Each resilient member includes indicia corresponding to its respective density, elasticity or firmness, for example, thereby enabling an end-user to select and install an appropriate resilient member based upon the density, elasticity or firmness of the selected resilient member. The end-user can replace the installed resilient member with another resilient member provided with the kit if so desired.
  • FIG. 4A depicts a top side perspective view of shoe sole assembly 38 which comprises two resilient members 34 and 36 removably positioned within respective exposed cavities 16 or 18 of sole 10 of FIG. 1 .
  • Resilient members 34 and 36 are shown in an uncompressed state in FIG. 4A .
  • the overall perimeter of resilient members 34 and 36 conform to the size and shape of central region 24 and 26 of each exposed cavity 16 or 18 , respectively.
  • resilient members 34 and 36 in the uncompressed state, do not intrude upon, i.e., enter, channels 28 and 30 of exposed cavities 18 and 20 , respectively.
  • the uncompressed resilient members 34 and 36 are sized to fill the elliptical void of central regions 24 and 26 , respectively.
  • the resilient members may extend into channels 28 and 30 (e.g., slightly) when in the uncompressed state and may extend further into channels 28 and 30 when in the compressed state.
  • each resilient member 34 and 36 and the boundary of a respective central region 24 and 26 influences the expansion of the resilient member under an applied load. Increasing the radial distance between a resilient member and a respective central region permits greater expansion of the resilient member under an applied load, and vice versa.
  • the respective sizes of resilient member 34 and central region 24 may be tailored to achieve a desired firmness at the heel region of sole 10 .
  • the respective sizes of resilient member 36 and central region 26 may be tailored to achieve a desired firmness at the forefoot of sole 10 . Decreasing the size of a resilient member with respect to the size of a central region in which the resilient member is accommodated would decrease firmness of sole 10 at a particular area, and vice versa.
  • the size and number of channels 28 and 30 may also be varied to achieve a desired firmness of orthotic sole 10 at either the heel or the forefoot region. Decreasing the size and number of channels of an exposed cavity would increase firmness and vice versa.
  • the density of the resilient medium within a resilient member may be varied to adjust the firmness of sole 10 . It will be understood by those skilled in the art that numerous ways exist to vary the firmness of sole 10 at a particular location without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.
  • FIG. 4B depicts resilient members 34 ′ and 36 ′ of sole assembly 38 in a compressed state.
  • the prime designation of the item numbers indicates that the resilient members are shown in a compressed state.
  • resilient member 34 expands into channels 28 of exposed cavity 20 upon compression of the heel during weight bearing (referred to as heel-strike).
  • Resilient member 34 retracts from channels 28 upon unloading (referred to as heel-off).
  • resilient member 36 expands into channels 30 of exposed cavity 22 upon weight bearing of the forefoot.
  • Resilient member 36 retracts from channels 30 upon unloading (referred to as toe-off). It should be understood that, by virtue of the resilient nature of resilient members 34 and 36 , the resilient members return to their original uncompressed state upon unloading of the foot.
  • Accommodating expansion of resilient members 34 ′ and 36 ′ is beneficial for enhancing the distribution of forces applied by the foot, thereby resulting in more efficient energy return of those forces when the compressive forces are relieved.
  • shock-attenuating materials for alleviating one or more of the above conditions, such shoes and insoles typically limit expansion of the shock-attenuating materials. Expansion of the shock-attenuating material is limited by the interior confines of those shoes thereby limiting the cushioning and comforting potential of the shock-attenuating materials.
  • an insole may be removably positioned over exposed surface 14 of sole 10 , thereby enabling an end-user to remove, replace or install resilient members 34 and 36 at will.
  • an end-user simply removes the insole.
  • Most conventional orthotic shoes do not provide a resilient member that is accessible to the end-user.
  • one or more exposed cavities may be formed on a lower surface of an insole and resilient members 34 and 36 may be positioned within those cavities of the insole.
  • the sole may not include any cavities for accommodating resilient members.
  • FIGS. 5 and 6 depict a top side perspective view and a bottom plan view, respectively, of an orthotic insole 40 according to one aspect of the invention.
  • the orthotic insole 40 may generally be referred to herein as a shoe insert or an orthotic.
  • the illustrated orthotic insole 40 is sized and shaped for resting in a shoe and is a full-length insert, i.e., it expands the entire length of the foot.
  • Insole 40 defines a top surface for supporting a foot and a bottom surface for resting against exposed surface 14 of sole 10 (see FIG. 8 ).
  • Insole 40 generally includes a hindfoot portion for supporting a heel of the foot, a midfoot portion extending from the hindfoot portion along the central axis “A” of the foot and a forefoot portion extending from the midfoot portion along the central axis “A”.
  • orthotic insole 40 includes two portions 42 and 43 of varying material properties, such as rigidity, firmness, density and/or elasticity. As shown in FIG. 6 , portion 42 is positioned on the bottom side of portion 43 and extends a portion of the length of insole 40 . Portion 42 of insole 40 is also referred to hereinafter as a central axis portion or a central axis member because is it configured to support a foot along its central axis.
  • portion 42 may be characterized as a ‘central axis portion.’
  • portion 42 may be characterized as a ‘central axis member.’
  • central axis member and central axis portion may be used interchangeably herein.
  • Portion 43 of insole 40 represents the remaining portion of insole 40 .
  • Portion 43 is provided for cushioning the end-user's foot.
  • Portion 43 includes metatarsal pad 45 that is defined on the top surface of insole 40 for cushioning the region of the end-user's forefoot corresponding to the head region of the metatarsals.
  • Metatarsal pad 45 may be integral with, coupled to or positioned on the top surface of insole 40 .
  • FIG. 7 depicts a top side perspective view of central axis member 42 of orthotic insole 40 of FIG. 6 .
  • Central axis member 42 generally encompasses a heel cup 44 that is positioned to correspond with the heel of a user's foot, a central section 46 that is positioned to correspond with an arch of the foot and a flat or slightly elevated forefoot section 48 that is positioned to correspond with a location of the end-user's foot that is immediately behind the metatarsal heads.
  • Heel cup 44 has a substantially conical shape for seating a user's heel. Opening 50 is provided in the center of heel cup 44 for retaining the user's heel over heel cup 44 .
  • Central section 46 of central axis member 42 is a narrow portion of insole 40 that is defined between heel cup 44 and forefoot section 48 .
  • Central section 46 is positioned within insole 40 to correspond with and extend along central axis “A” of a user's foot (see FIG. 2 ) for supporting the foot along its central axis “A.”
  • Forefoot section 48 of central axis member 42 extends from central section 46 and has a substantially elliptical shape.
  • Forefoot section 48 is sized and shaped within insole 40 to correspond with a location of the foot that is directly beneath the neck region of the metatarsals.
  • Forefoot section 48 is anatomically shaped or slightly elevated to support a region of the end-user's foot that corresponds to the neck region of the metatarsals in an effort to offload the metatarsals during stance and ambulation.
  • Central axis member 42 reinforces the heel portion and provides linear arch elevation and torsional control under the anatomical “spine” of the foot (i.e., corresponding to the second cuneiform and 2 nd metatarsal shaft), thereby permitting greater mobility of the medial and lateral borders of the foot. Furthermore, central axis member 42 permits free mobility of the medial and lateral borders of the foot.
  • Portions 42 and 43 of insole 40 may be composed of two different materials. Alternatively, portions 42 and 43 of insole 40 may be composed of the same material with varying material properties, such as density, rigidity and/or elasticity. According to one aspect of the invention, central axis portion 42 has a greater rigidity (i.e., firmness) than portion 43 of insole 40 for firmly supporting the foot along its central axis and evenly distributing a user's weight over the surface area of the resilient members.
  • central axis member 42 of insole 40 may be composed of polypropylene, Subortholen®, a moldable polymer or any other suitable material known to those skilled in the art.
  • portion 43 of insole 40 may be composed of foam, Ethylene vinyl acetate, urethane, or any other suitable material which will be understood to those skilled in the art from the description herein.
  • Central axis portion 42 may be integrally formed with portion 43 or permanently mounted to portion 43 by an adhesive, for example. According to one aspect of the invention, portions 42 and 43 are molded together in a molding operation. Portion 43 may be partially or entirely molded around central axis portion 42 . If portion 43 is partially or entirely molded around central axis portion 42 , portion 43 may be considered as an ‘outer shell’ of insole 40 because it encases central axis portion 42 within an interior region of the outer shell. Those skilled in the art will recognize others ways to fabricate an insole having portions of varying material properties from the description herein without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.
  • central axis member 42 and portion 43 of insole 40 are formed independently and are releasably coupled together such that central axis member 42 can be replaced by an end-user.
  • the material of central axis member 42 may be tailored to complement the weight or ailment of an end-user or to influence the degree of control applied to the end-user's foot.
  • insole 40 may be provided in kit form including a portion 43 and several central axis members 42 of varying material properties, thereby enabling a user to select the most appropriate central axis member 42 to complement his or her unique condition.
  • FIG. 8 depicts a cross-sectional side view of a shoe 52 including orthotic insole
  • FIG. 5 resting on exposed surface 14 of sole assembly 38 .
  • Vamp 53 of the shoe is connected to sole 10 and is illustrated in broken lines.
  • Insole 40 is removably positioned over exposed surface 14 of sole 10 , thereby enabling an end-user to easily remove insole 40 to remove or install resilient members 34 or 36 .
  • Shoe sole 10 illustrated in FIG. 8 is a double-rocker sole.
  • Integral tread 12 formed in the over-mould of sole 10 comprises a first rocker profile 54 that extends under the hindfoot and a second rocker profile 56 that extends under the forefoot.
  • the zone between rocker profiles 54 and 56 is relieved to support the arch of the foot.
  • the hindfoot and forefoot rockers 54 and 56 are designed to assist the user's body in moving rapidly over the heel, the arch area and the ball of the foot. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that sole 10 may include a single rocker, or no rocker at all, without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.
  • resilient members 34 and 36 cushion the foot and work with sole 10 to provide for a smooth, energy efficient gait, as well as increased shock attenuation over conventional solid cushioning designs.
  • Shoe 52 redistributes compressive forces during loading and directs the progression of the foot from heel-strike to toe-off by virtue of the arrangement of rockers 54 and 56 and resilient members 34 and 36 .
  • sole assembly 38 and insole 40 direct the forces of gait to allow for a smooth transition from heel-strike to toe-off.
  • Heel cup 44 and forefoot section 48 of central axis member 42 seat the wearer's heel and ball of the foot directly over resilient members 34 and 36 , respectively.
  • Heel cup 44 and forefoot section 48 of central axis member 42 direct the pressure that is applied by the foot onto resilient members 34 and 36 which expand and contract into and out of expansion channels 28 and 30 , respectively.
  • heel cup 44 directs the pressure that is exerted by the foot onto resilient member 34 thereby compressing resilient member 34 into channels 28 of the exposed cavity 20 .
  • resilient member 34 is a source of potential energy.
  • resilient member 34 retracts from channels 28 of insole 10 and the potential energy stored within resilient member 34 is converted to kinetic energy propelling central axis member 42 along with the heel of the foot in the upwards direction.
  • central axis member 42 stores energy during heel-strike and torsional distortion and returns that energy upon heel-off.
  • central axis member 42 directs the pressure that is exerted by the foot onto resilient member 36 thereby compressing resilient member 36 into channels 30 of exposed cavity 22 .
  • resilient member 36 retracts from channels 30 of insole 10 and the potential energy stored within resilient member 36 is converted to kinetic energy propelling central axis member 42 along with the toe of the foot in the upwards direction.
  • Central axis member 42 also stores energy during toe-strike and torsional distortion and returns that energy upon toe-off propelling the toe of the foot in the upwards direction.
  • shoe sole assembly 38 and orthotic insole 40 provides improved enhanced mechanical support and pressure off-loading to relieve foot pain and prevent tissue damage from conditions such as plantarfasciitis, heel pain, arch strain, metatarsalgia (ball-of-the-foot pain), tendonitis, arthritis and diabetic foot disorders. While orthotic insole 40 is desirably utilized in combination with sole sole assembly 38 , both insole 40 and shoe sole assembly 38 may be utilized, sold and distributed separately.
  • Shoe sole assembly 38 and insole 40 can be incorporated into any shoe design in an effort to protect the foot, enhance ambulatory function, and increase comfort for the end-user.
  • insole 40 and shoe sole assembly 38 can both be incorporated into slippers, sport shoes, dress shoes, or therapeutic shoes for enhancing comfort, preventing injury, and improving foot function.

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  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
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US13/126,101 2008-10-27 2009-10-26 Orthotic shoe and insole assemblies Abandoned US20120017467A1 (en)

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US10866408P 2008-10-27 2008-10-27
US61/108664 2008-10-27
US13/126,101 US20120017467A1 (en) 2008-10-27 2009-10-26 Orthotic shoe and insole assemblies
PCT/US2009/062024 WO2010062539A2 (fr) 2008-10-27 2009-10-26 Ensembles de chaussure et de semelle intérieure orthopédiques

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Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
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US20120159814A1 (en) * 2010-12-28 2012-06-28 Smith Christopher E Footwear with orthotic midsole
US20130333249A1 (en) * 2010-11-29 2013-12-19 Jean-Luc Guer Athletic shoe having cleats
US20160150854A1 (en) * 2014-12-01 2016-06-02 Stanley George Hockerson Shoe Tuning System and Method
US20160235159A1 (en) * 2013-10-25 2016-08-18 Bauerfeind Ag Visco-elastic insert
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US10383400B2 (en) * 2013-10-25 2019-08-20 Bauerfeind Ag Visco-elastic insert
US20160235159A1 (en) * 2013-10-25 2016-08-18 Bauerfeind Ag Visco-elastic insert
US20160150854A1 (en) * 2014-12-01 2016-06-02 Stanley George Hockerson Shoe Tuning System and Method
US20160345661A1 (en) * 2015-05-28 2016-12-01 Nike, Inc. Sole Plate For An Article Of Footwear
US10292451B2 (en) * 2015-05-28 2019-05-21 Nike, Inc. Sole plate for an article of footwear
US20170055641A1 (en) * 2015-09-01 2017-03-02 Vincent L. Truchsess Footwear
WO2017160996A1 (fr) * 2016-03-15 2017-09-21 Nike Innovate C.V. Plaque de semelle destinée à un article de chaussure
EP3429394A4 (fr) * 2016-03-15 2019-11-27 NIKE Innovate C.V. Plaque de semelle destinée à un article de chaussure
WO2021173898A1 (fr) * 2020-02-26 2021-09-02 Kiki Price Llc Semelle intérieure de chaussure pour fournir un confort et réduire la douleur dans des chaussures à talon haut et des chaussures, construites à partir d'une forme de forme anatomique

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