US20230397689A1 - An article of footwear for strengthening and relaxing foot and lower leg muscles - Google Patents

An article of footwear for strengthening and relaxing foot and lower leg muscles Download PDF

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Publication number
US20230397689A1
US20230397689A1 US18/250,149 US202118250149A US2023397689A1 US 20230397689 A1 US20230397689 A1 US 20230397689A1 US 202118250149 A US202118250149 A US 202118250149A US 2023397689 A1 US2023397689 A1 US 2023397689A1
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foot
footwear
article
training
sole
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English (en)
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Yanina Igorevna KRASOVSKAYA
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Individual
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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B3/00—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use
    • A43B3/10—Low shoes, e.g. comprising only a front strap; Slippers
    • A43B3/101—Slippers, e.g. flip-flops or thong sandals
    • A43B3/102—Slippers, e.g. flip-flops or thong sandals leaving the heel of the foot bare 
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B3/00—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B3/00—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use
    • A43B3/12—Sandals; Strap guides thereon
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B1/00—Footwear characterised by the material
    • A43B1/0081—Footwear characterised by the material made at least partially of hook-and-loop type material 
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B13/00—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units
    • A43B13/02—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units characterised by the material
    • A43B13/12—Soles with several layers of different materials
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B13/00—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units
    • A43B13/02—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units characterised by the material
    • A43B13/12—Soles with several layers of different materials
    • A43B13/125—Soles with several layers of different materials characterised by the midsole or middle layer
    • A43B13/127—Soles with several layers of different materials characterised by the midsole or middle layer the midsole being multilayer
    • 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
    • A43B13/188—Differential cushioning regions
    • 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
    • A43B17/18—Arrangements for attaching removable insoles to footwear
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B3/00—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use
    • A43B3/10—Low shoes, e.g. comprising only a front strap; Slippers
    • A43B3/108—Low shoes, e.g. comprising only a front strap; Slippers characterised by the sole
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B3/00—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use
    • A43B3/24—Collapsible or convertible
    • A43B3/246—Collapsible or convertible characterised by the sole
    • 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
    • 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
    • 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
    • A43B7/1463—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 removable pads to allow custom fit
    • 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
    • A43B7/1475—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 type of support
    • A43B7/149—Pads, e.g. protruding on the foot-facing surface
    • 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
    • A43B7/16—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with elevated heel parts inside
    • 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
    • A43B7/22—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with fixed flat-foot insertions, metatarsal supports, ankle flaps or the like
    • 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
    • A43B7/24—Insertions or other supports preventing the foot canting to one side , preventing supination or pronation

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an article of footwear designed for strengthening foot and lower leg muscles and developing overall body coordination, and to a kit for improving general physical fitness.
  • the human body being an extremely complex system of ligaments, muscles, and tendons, with a sensitive upright vertebral column, has an active locomotive system and is naturally capable of moving over rough ground.
  • Orthotic insoles or inserts are commonly used to correct various foot problems and to treat certain foot disorders.
  • a forefoot corrector known from Patent RU2341234 published 20 Dec. 2008, comprises an insole and an insert in the form of a plano-convex lens.
  • Comfortable footwear is designed such as to ensure comfort for the wearer in walking or standing and often comprises suitable inner staffing, an arch support and comfortable insoles.
  • existing footwear provides a good stable base for the wearer's foot, thus requiring lower muscle strength for the wearer to maintain satisfactory equilibrium when standing still or walking.
  • a foot itself has a complex structure: about 26 bones, 31 joints, and 20 muscles and ligaments belonging exclusively thereto. If foot ossicles which are to be stabilized by well-toned foot muscles are positioned incorrectly or displaced, the other muscles in the body fail to work even during normal walking, which will, at some point, also affect the internal organs. The spine and pelvis in their healthy condition provide for normal functioning of the internal organs.
  • the muscles and ligaments do not work as separate mechanisms; they are connected to each other. For example, foot flattening affects the entire leg and the spine.
  • the thigh muscles have to be continuously tensioned to maintain the overloaded knee joint in an appropriate position.
  • the thigh flexor muscles get involved, in their turn pulling the lumbar spine. This causes excessive lumbar flexure and a number of pain feelings in feet, knees and thighs. That is why a muscular imbalance, for example, due to platypodia, cannot be corrected by just rolling a tennis ball with a foot.
  • the body may be utilized in a different manner, while by changing the angle of motion, one can discover new possible ways of training.
  • the article of footwear is to provide a balanced set of exercises aimed at groups of muscles and joints.
  • the article of footwear is to be safe and stable with respect to a surface; walking in such article of footwear will not to be spontaneous, but rather predictable, for the body, and, as such, will not require more attention than usual.
  • the wearer will not have to find special time for training sessions, as he/she will be able to train said muscles during routine activities, such as walking.
  • Patent RU57086 published 10 Oct. 2006 discloses an article of footwear which may be used as a home training device to increase natural physical exertion and comprises a sole and a holder attached to the sole.
  • the sole is designed to be positioned under the forefoot and is comprised of an upper portion and a lower portion secured together.
  • the upper portion of the sole may be cylinder-shaped or parallelepiped-shaped, while the lower portion of the sole may be configured as a spherical segment or as a segment of a cylinder.
  • the wearer of such article of footwear struggles to maintain equilibrium due to the lack of support on his/her heel and to an unstable swaying lateral position of his/her feet.
  • Patent JP2007061563 published 15 Mar. 2007 discloses an article of footwear for improving and recovering foot muscle strength during sports activities.
  • the article of footwear has a sole internally configured with a level variation of at least 15 mm in height along the portion from an interphalangeal joint to a metatarsophalangeal joint.
  • a sole with a height variation is not arranged inside an article of footwear, but rather represents an open support for the foot. There is nothing to retain the toes in a bent position or to prevent them from freely moving up and down.
  • the height variation is created to allow for free movement of the toes within a desired range, and it is through this movement that the foot toes and arch are trained. When stepping, the toes are reflexively searching for something to bear on, thus spontaneously pressing the sole surface.
  • Patent RU22465667 published 10 Feb. 2005 discloses an article of footwear for active rolling walk.
  • An upper portion of the device is provided with a shoe top, and the sole comprises at least a sole middle portion, a sole lower portion and a sole bottom layer, wherein the lower layer of the sole middle portion and the sole bottom layer may have a convex shape, an arcuate shape or be in the form of a circular segment, as desired.
  • the invention provides for joint protection, muscle building, and posture improvement.
  • the shoes or the walking devices as described above neither require the entire locomotive system to be utilized through active walking, nor require determining, on one's own and promptly, how the muscles, tendons and the vertebral column are to be utilized for active walking.
  • Orthotic shoes or inserts may only be modified by an expert in orthopedics.
  • the existing devices are, therefore, unsuitable for correcting minor and, possibly, temporary defects of posture and errors in the sequence of the locomotive system operation in a planned and prompt manner.
  • the prior art closest to the claimed solution is an article of footwear or a footwear insole known from International Publication WO2011059045 published 19 May 2011, by which flat-foot can be prevented or treated, weight can be reduced, and/or the plantar muscle can be trained or the leg muscle strength can be enhanced more efficiently.
  • the footwear insole or the article of footwear has such a structure as to positively induce movements of wearer's digits of foot, in particular, open-close (clasp/unclasp) movements of the digits of foot.
  • the footwear insole is provided, at the toe side of a body, with a raised ridge for placing the digits of foot thereon, on which the endphalanx of all of the digits of foot are placed when the wearer wears an article of footwear provided with the footwear insole therein and bends inward the distal interphalangeal joints, proximal interphalangeal joints and metacarpophalangeal joints of all of his/her first to fifth digits of foot.
  • the prior art articles of footwear, insoles and inserts for correcting defects or training are designed to act on a certain portion of a foot, i.e. for training only one group of muscles: the forepart, the portion under the toe bones or the portion under the heel; they do not allow for comprehensive training of multiple muscles and joints, i.e. such article of footwear (footwear insole) is not versatile enough to be used for various joints and groups of foot, leg, back, etc., muscles.
  • the technology has to be compact, i.e. should not take much space in a room or an entrance hall, should be lightweight and easy to use, safe and suitable for wearers of various ages, should be affordable for any wearer, and should allow training discreetly without interruption of routine activities.
  • No complex devices are required in order to change the type of training; changing the type of training is done easily; moreover, by wearing the article of footwear, one may alternately engage the majority of the lower body joints and musculoligamentary system.
  • the technology has to meet all the above requirements in order to perform a set of exercises.
  • the technical result is a wider range of technical means intended for home training, for improving general physical fitness and for strengthening foot and lower leg muscles as part of daily life.
  • the claimed article of footwear is versatile, easy and safe to use even for elderly people; moreover, no considerable physical, economic or time expenditures are required to change the type of training.
  • an article of footwear for strengthening foot and lower leg muscles and for developing overall body coordination comprising a means for fastening the article of footwear to the wearer's foot, a flat sole, the underside of which is in contact with flooring, and the upper surface of which is constructed with a training element for interacting with the wearer's foot, said training element being designed to be exchangeable for changing the type of training and to be secured in the upper layer of the sole via a spike connection, snap fasteners, hook and loop fasteners, an adhesive layer, a textile fastener.
  • the article of footwear may be a slide shoe with a fastening means for fastening it on a foot in a variety of ways or a sandal ( FIG. 1 a , 1 b , 1 c , 1 d , 1 e ).
  • the spike connection is a mortise and tenon ( FIG. 2 a , 2 b ) or a tongue and groove ( FIG. 4 ) connection.
  • the sole may be made of an elastic polymer material, for example, rubber, PVC, polyurethane, ethylene vinyl acetate, polypropylene, polymer foam.
  • the article of footwear may be made without any distinctions in its shape (configuration), i.e. may be designed for wearing on either right or left foot.
  • the spike connection is configured in the form of tenons and respective mortises of different shapes arranged on the training element surfaces and the sole upper surface in contact with each other (ref to FIG. 2 a , 2 b ).
  • the spike connection is configured in the form of spikes and respective perforations arranged on the training element surfaces and the sole upper surface in contact with each other (ref to FIG. 3 a , 3 b ).
  • the training element may be configured in the form of a flat insole with a thickness of 5 to 60 mm (ref to FIG. 4 a , 4 b ).
  • the training element may be configured in the form of a semi-cylinder (ref to FIG. 5 a , 5 b ) or a polyhedron having its base secured on the sole upper surface along the longitudinal axis of the latter.
  • the training element may be configured in the form of an insole with a semi-cylinder or a polyhedron secured on its upper surface along the longitudinal axis (ref to FIG. 6 a , 66 ).
  • the training element is configured in the form of a flat insole having, on its upper surface, under the foot arch or under the waist area, a semi-cylinder or a polyhedron arranged perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis (ref to FIG. 7 ).
  • the training element may be configured in the form of a semi-cylinder or a polyhedron having its base secured on the sole upper surface, across the width of the sole under the foot arch or under the waist area, perpendicularly to the sole longitudinal axis.
  • the training element may be configured in the form of a sole segment having a triangular cross-section and narrowing towards the sole inner edge, which is arranged under the foot's outer side, thus causing the lateral border of the foot to be raised in the horizontal plane and causing the foot to be turned inwardly (ref to FIG. 8 ).
  • the training element may be configured in the form of a sole segment having a triangular cross-section and gradually narrowing towards the sole outer edge, thus causing the medial border of the foot to be raised in the horizontal plane and causing the foot to be turned outwardly (ref to FIG. 9 ).
  • the training element may be configured in the form of a sole forepart segment having a triangular cross-section and gradually narrowing towards the sole central part, thus causing the foot toe portion to be raised in the vertical plane (ref to FIG. 10 , 11 , 12 ).
  • the training element may be configured in the form of a sole forepart segment having a trapezoidal cross-section and gradually beveled towards the sole central part, thus causing the foot toe portion to be raised in the vertical plane.
  • the training element may be configured in the form of a flat insole having arranged, on its upper surface, in the forepart, a segment having a triangular cross-section and gradually narrowing towards the insole central part, thus causing the foot toe portion to be raised in the vertical plane (ref to FIG. 13 ).
  • the training element may be configured in the form of an insole having a triangular diagonal section and gradually narrowing in the direction from the outer heel seat region towards the inner forepart region, thus causing the outer region of the foot heel portion to be raised and causing the front inner region of the foot toe portion to gradually descend in the diagonal direction in the vertical plane (ref to FIG. 14 ).
  • the training element may be configured in the form of an insole having a triangular diagonal section and narrowing in the direction from the inner heel seat region towards the outer forepart region of the sole, thus causing the inner region of the foot heel portion to be raised and causing the front outer region of the foot toe portion to gradually descend in the diagonal direction in the vertical plane (ref to FIG. 15 ).
  • the training element may be configured in the form of an insole having a triangular diagonal section and narrowing in the direction from the outer region of the foot toe portion towards the inner region of the foot heel portion, thus causing the outer region of the foot toe portion to be raised and causing the inner region of the foot heel portion to gradually descend in the diagonal direction in the vertical plane (ref to FIG. 16 ).
  • the training element may be configured in the form of an insole having a triangular diagonal section and narrowing in the direction from the inner forepart region towards the outer heel seat region, thus causing the inner region of the foot toe portion to be raised in the vertical plane and causing the foot to be turned outwardly (ref to FIG. 17 ).
  • the training element may be configured in the form of a flat insole having its outer surface gradually sloping from the insole outer edge towards its inner edge, thus causing the foot outer portion to be raised in the horizontal plane and causing the foot to be turned inwardly (ref to FIG. 18 ).
  • the training element may be configured in the form of a flat insole having its outer surface gradually sloping from its inner edge to its outer edge, thus causing the foot inner portion to be raised in the horizontal plane and causing the foot to be turned outwardly (ref to FIG. 19 ).
  • the training element may be configured in the form of a part of a flat insole, which is arranged under the heel portion, arch and metatarsus and has a bench under the foot metatarsophalangeal joints (ref to FIG. 20 ).
  • the training element may be configured in the form of a convex hemisphere and arranged in the sole central part, wherein the surface in contact with the foot causes the foot's longitudinal arch to be flexed along the convex surface (ref to FIG. 21 ).
  • the training element may be configured in the form of a convex hemisphere arranged in the sole central part, wherein the surface in contact with the foot causes the foot's transverse arch to be flexed along the convex surface (ref to FIG. 22 ).
  • the training element may be configured in the form of an ellipsoid or a semi-cylinder and is arranged between the hallux and the second toe (ref to FIG. 23 a ).
  • the training element may be configured in the form of an insole having secured thereon, between the hallux and the second toe, an ellipsoid or a semi-cylinder (ref to FIG. 23 b ).
  • the training element may be configured in the form of an elastic insole having an upturned forepart region which straightens under the force exerted by the foot when walking (ref to FIG. 24 a , 24 b ). When walking, the toes press and release the forepart region, acting against the insole resistance.
  • the training element may further include an elastic tricot cover to provide a smooth surface for the foot to slide over, in the event the wearer is training without tricot socks (ref to FIG. 25 ).
  • the tricot cover is secured onto the insole so as to provide for maximum sliding of the cover over a smooth surface.
  • the training element having a smooth surface may be used without the tricot cover, wearing a conventional sock instead.
  • the training element may be configured in the form of an insole having an additional elastic porous layer on the outer surface, for example, of polyurethane foam, for example, as shown in FIG. 26 .
  • the additional elastic layer is used essentially to provide comfort and dampening when the foot is pressing any of the above hard training elements during a training session. It may be bonded with a conventional glue to a hard surface of a training element.
  • the training element embodiments including the elastic porous layer are shown in FIGS. 27 a - j.
  • the elastic layer may cover only a portion of the hard surface of the training element, for example, only that under the toes, as shown in FIG. 27 j and FIG. 28 .
  • an article of footwear for strengthening foot and lower leg muscles and for developing overall body coordination, comprising a means for fastening the article of footwear to the foot, which is configured in the form of elastic slings secured at the edges of the sole, a flat sole, the underside of which is in contact with flooring, and the upper surface of which is constructed with a training element for interacting with the wearer's foot, the training element being configured in the form of an insole having through cutouts through which the slings can be passed.
  • the training element in this embodiment of the footwear article is configured in the form of an insole having holes to secure straps therein, as shown in FIG. 29 .
  • the training element is configured in the form of an insole having through cutouts at the insole edge to secure straps therein, as shown in FIG. 30 .
  • a training element configured in the form of a multi-layered insole comprised by successive layers of various densities: a flat bottom layer having its outer surface secured on the sole upper surface and having secured on its inner surface a hard element in the form of an ellipse or a semi-circle arranged under the foot arch, an intermediate layer formed of an elastic foam material and having a hole for the hard element, and a top flat layer, the outer surface of which is in contact with the foot, the layers being bonded to each other via a glue layer ( FIG. 31 ).
  • the bottom layer is formed, for example, of ethylene vinyl acetate
  • the intermediate layer is formed of thermoplastic rubber
  • the hard element and the top layer are formed of polypropylene.
  • the central hard element is of elliptical or semi-circular section, as shown in FIGS. 31 a , 31 b , 31 c , 31 d , 31 e.
  • the central hard element supports the top hard layer which, due to the central element's rounded surface, bends, as shown, under the load from the foot tangentially in all directions, and acts as a pivot about which the foot can deflect to any direction within a small range determined by the insole thickness, thus ensuring both safe walking and calibrated instability requiring the lower limb and back muscles to be stabilized in order to maintain equilibrium, see FIGS. 31 f , 31 g , 31 h.
  • a training kit comprising the article of footwear according the first or the second embodiment and at least two training elements configured to be exchangeable for changing the type of training.
  • the training kit may consist of a set of the elements shown in FIG. 32 .
  • the article of footwear with training elements providing the following effects on a foot: a change in the foot position with respect to a flooring/ground surface (flexion angle, height); for example, pressure exerted to the foot (in a standing or walking position) from below by the training element via a dampening spring-elastic material, which pressure causes a response from the foot muscles; for example, displacement of the foot, when walking, with respect to a bearing surface, which is caused by a movably attached element with a small motion range within the insole/sole, etc.
  • the wearer of the article of footwear is urged to increase his/her muscle activity when standing or walking in order to maintain proper equilibrium.
  • the muscles are, therefore, toned and strengthened when one is simply being in a standing position or is walking.
  • the wearer is required to increase his/her muscle activity.
  • the instability is properly calibrated, it is barely perceptible for the wearer of the article of footwear. Yet, after having walked several steps or when wearing it to achieve physical fitness as part of normal way of life, the additional muscle activity so required may assist in strengthening and improving the physical fitness of groups of muscles, in particular, as part of an exercise or recovery regime. Most preferably, the article of footwear is to be used frequently and as part of a discreet regime of daily exercise and recovery.
  • FIG. 1 shows footwear models with various designs of the means for fastening to the foot.
  • FIG. 2 shows an article of footwear with a training element, wherein a connection is configured in the form of tenons and respective mortises.
  • FIG. 3 shows an article of footwear with a training element in the form of a semi-cylinder secured on the sole upper surface along the longitudinal axis of the latter via a tongue and groove connection.
  • FIG. 4 shows an article of footwear with a training element in the form of a flat insole following the shape of the sole of different thicknesses.
  • FIG. 5 shows an article of footwear with a training element in the form of an insole having a semi-cylinder along the longitudinal axis, which is secured on the sole outer surface via tongue and groove connections.
  • FIG. 6 shows an article of footwear with a training element in the form of an insole having a semi-cylinder along the longitudinal axis, which is secured on the sole outer surface by means of snap fasteners.
  • FIG. 7 shows an article of footwear with the training element in the form of a flat insole having, on its upper surface, under the foot arch or under the waist area, a semi-cylinder arranged perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis and secured on the sole outer surface via a spike connection.
  • FIG. 8 shows an article of footwear with a training element in the form of a sole segment having a triangular cross-section and narrowing towards the sole inner edge, which is arranged under the foot's outer side, thus causing the lateral border of the foot to be raised in the horizontal plane and causing the foot to be turned inwardly.
  • FIG. 9 shows an article of footwear with a training element in the form of a sole segment, having a triangular cross-section and gradually narrowing towards the sole outer edge, secured on the sole outer surface via a spike connection, thus causing the medial border of the foot to be raised in the horizontal plane and causing the foot to be turned outwardly.
  • FIG. 10 - 11 shows an article of footwear with a training element in the form of a sole forepart segment having a triangular cross-section and gradually narrowing towards the sole central part, secured on the sole outer surface via tongue and groove connections, thus causing the foot toe portion to be raised in the vertical plane.
  • FIG. 12 shows an article of footwear with a training element in the form of a flat insole having arranged, on its upper surface, in the forepart, a segment having a triangular cross-section and gradually narrowing towards the insole central part, secured on the sole upper surface via a tongue and groove connection or via a mortise and tenon connection as shown in FIG. 13 .
  • FIG. 14 shows an article of footwear with a training element in the form of an insole having a triangular diagonal section and gradually narrowing in the direction from the outer heel seat region towards the inner forepart region, secured on the sole upper surface via a tongue and groove connection, thus causing the outer region of the foot heel portion to be raised and causing the front inner region of the foot toe portion to gradually descend in the diagonal direction in the vertical plane.
  • a training element in the form of an insole having a triangular diagonal section and gradually narrowing in the direction from the outer heel seat region towards the inner forepart region, secured on the sole upper surface via a tongue and groove connection, thus causing the outer region of the foot heel portion to be raised and causing the front inner region of the foot toe portion to gradually descend in the diagonal direction in the vertical plane.
  • FIG. 15 shows an article of footwear with a training element in the form of an insole having a triangular diagonal section and narrowing in the direction from the inner heel seat region towards the outer forepart region of the sole, secured on the sole upper surface via a tongue and groove connection, thus causing the inner region of the foot heel portion to be raised and causing the front outer region of the foot toe portion to gradually descend in the diagonal direction in the vertical plane.
  • a training element in the form of an insole having a triangular diagonal section and narrowing in the direction from the inner heel seat region towards the outer forepart region of the sole, secured on the sole upper surface via a tongue and groove connection, thus causing the inner region of the foot heel portion to be raised and causing the front outer region of the foot toe portion to gradually descend in the diagonal direction in the vertical plane.
  • FIG. 16 shows an article of footwear with a training element in the form of an insole having a triangular diagonal section and narrowing in the direction from the outer forepart region towards the inner heel seat region, secured on the sole upper surface via a tongue and groove connection, thus causing the outer region of the foot toe portion to be raised and causing the inner region of the foot heel portion to gradually descend in the diagonal direction in the vertical plane.
  • FIG. 17 shows an article of footwear with a training element in the form of a flat insole having a triangular diagonal section and narrowing in the direction from the insole forepart region inner edge towards the heel seat region outer edge, secured on the sole upper surface via a tongue and groove connection, thus causing the inner region of the foot toe portion to be raised in the vertical plane and causing the foot to be turned outwardly.
  • a training element in the form of a flat insole having a triangular diagonal section and narrowing in the direction from the insole forepart region inner edge towards the heel seat region outer edge, secured on the sole upper surface via a tongue and groove connection, thus causing the inner region of the foot toe portion to be raised in the vertical plane and causing the foot to be turned outwardly.
  • FIG. 18 shows an article of footwear with a training element in the form of a flat insole having its outer surface gradually sloping from the sole outer edge towards its inner edge, secured on the sole upper surface via a tongue and groove connection, thus causing the foot outer portion to be raised in the horizontal plane and causing the foot to be turned inwardly.
  • FIG. 19 shows an article of footwear with a training element in the form of a flat insole having its outer surface gradually sloping from its inner edge to its outer edge, secured on the sole upper surface via a tongue and groove connection, thus causing the foot inner portion to be raised in the horizontal plane and causing the foot to be turned outwardly.
  • FIG. 20 shows an article of footwear with a training element in the form of a part of a flat insole, which is arranged under the heel portion, arch and metatarsus, has a bench under the foot metatarsophalangeal joints, and secured on the sole upper surface.
  • FIG. 21 shows an article of footwear with a training element in the form of a convex hemisphere arranged in the sole central part, wherein the surface in contact with the foot causes the foot's longitudinal arch to be flexed along the convex surface.
  • FIG. 22 shows an article of footwear with a training element in the form of a convex hemisphere arranged in the sole central part, wherein the surface in contact with the foot causes the foot's transverse arch to be flexed along the convex surface.
  • FIGS. 23 a , 23 b show an article of footwear with a training element in the form of an ellipsoid or semi-cylinder arranged between the hallux and the second toe.
  • FIG. 24 shows an article of footwear with a training element in the form of an elastic insole having an upturned forepart region which straightens under the force exerted by the foot when walking.
  • FIG. 25 shows an article of footwear with a training element comprised of an insole made from a smooth glossy material and an elastic tricot cover.
  • FIG. 26 shows embodiments of an article of footwear comprising a training element provided with an elastic layer on its outer surface.
  • FIG. 27 a - j show embodiments of the elastic layer on the article of footwear outer side.
  • FIG. 28 shows an article of footwear with a training element, wherein the training element is provided with an additional elastic layers under the toes.
  • FIG. 29 shows an embodiment of an article of footwear, wherein the means for fastening the article of footwear to the foot is configured in the form of textile straps (slings) secured at the sole edges, and the training element is configured in the form of an insole having holes to secure the straps therein.
  • the means for fastening the article of footwear to the foot is configured in the form of textile straps (slings) secured at the sole edges
  • the training element is configured in the form of an insole having holes to secure the straps therein.
  • FIG. 30 shows an embodiment of an article of footwear, wherein the means for fastening the article of footwear to the foot is configured in the form of textile straps (slings) secured at the sole edges, and the training element is configured in the form of an insole having through cutouts at the insole edge to secure the straps therein.
  • the means for fastening the article of footwear to the foot is configured in the form of textile straps (slings) secured at the sole edges
  • the training element is configured in the form of an insole having through cutouts at the insole edge to secure the straps therein.
  • FIGS. 31 a - h show an article of footwear with a training element in the form of multi-layered insole, comprised by successive layers of various densities: a flat bottom layer having its outer surface secured on the sole upper surface and having secured on its inner surface a hard element in the form of an ellipse or a semi-circle arranged under the foot arch, an intermediate layer formed of an elastic foam material and having a hole for the hard element, and a top flat layer the outer surface of which is in contact with the foot, the layers being bonded to each other via a glue layer.
  • FIG. 32 shows a set of footwear insoles and inserts for training.
  • FIG. 33 shows examples of exercises with the use of the article of footwear.
  • FIG. 34 shows the outcome of exercises according to Example 16.
  • FIG. 19 shows an article of footwear with a training element in the form of a flat insole having its outer surface gradually sloping from its inner edge to its outer edge, secured on the sole upper surface via a mortise and tenon connection, thus causing the foot inner portion to be raised in the horizontal plane and causing the foot to be turned outwardly.
  • a training element in the form of a flat insole having its outer surface gradually sloping from its inner edge to its outer edge, secured on the sole upper surface via a mortise and tenon connection, thus causing the foot inner portion to be raised in the horizontal plane and causing the foot to be turned outwardly.
  • FIG. 18 shows an article of footwear with a training element in the form of a flat insole having its outer surface gradually sloping from the sole outer edge towards its inner edge, secured on the sole upper surface via a mortise and tenon connection, thus causing the foot outer portion to be raised in the horizontal plane and causing the foot to be turned inwardly.
  • a training element in the form of a flat insole having its outer surface gradually sloping from the sole outer edge towards its inner edge, secured on the sole upper surface via a mortise and tenon connection, thus causing the foot outer portion to be raised in the horizontal plane and causing the foot to be turned inwardly.
  • the training element as shown in FIG. 19 is secured onto the left sole, and the training element as shown in FIG. 18 is secured onto the right sole. In this way, asymmetric training is provided, necessitating the lower limb and back muscle stabilization in order to maintain equilibrium.
  • the training element as shown in FIG. 18 is secured onto the left sole, and the training element as shown in FIG. 19 is secured onto the right sole. In this way, asymmetric training is provided, necessitating the lower limb and back muscle stabilization in order to maintain equilibrium.
  • FIG. 9 shows an article of footwear with a training element in the form of a sole segment, having a triangular cross-section and gradually narrowing towards the sole outer edge, secured on the sole outer surface via a spike connection, thus causing the medial border of the foot to be raised in the horizontal plane and causing the foot to be turned outwardly.
  • FIG. 8 shows an article of footwear with a training element in the form of a sole segment having a triangular cross-section and narrowing towards the sole inner edge, which is arranged under the foot's outer side, thus causing the lateral border of the foot to be raised in the horizontal plane and causing the foot to be turned inwardly.
  • FIGS. 10 - 13 show an article of footwear with a training element in the form of a sole forepart segment having a triangular cross-section and gradually narrowing towards the sole central part, secured on the sole outer surface via tongue and groove connections, thus causing the foot toe portion to be raised in the vertical plane.
  • a training element in the form of a sole forepart segment having a triangular cross-section and gradually narrowing towards the sole central part, secured on the sole outer surface via tongue and groove connections, thus causing the foot toe portion to be raised in the vertical plane.
  • FIG. 24 shows an article of footwear with a training element in the form of an elastic insole having an upturned forepart region which straightens under the force exerted by the foot when walking.
  • the toes press and release the forepart region, acting against the insole resistance.
  • FIG. 12 shows an article of footwear with a training element in the form of a sole forepart segment having a triangular cross-section and gradually narrowing towards the sole central part, secured on the sole outer surface via tongue and groove connections, thus causing the foot toe portion to be raised in the vertical plane.
  • FIG. 14 shows an article of footwear with a training element in the form of an insole having a triangular diagonal section and gradually narrowing in the direction from the outer heel seat region towards the inner forepart region, secured on the sole upper surface via a tongue and groove connection, thus causing the outer region of the foot heel portion to be raised and providing a gradual descent in the diagonal direction towards the foot anterior inner toe portion in the vertical plane.
  • a training element in the form of an insole having a triangular diagonal section and gradually narrowing in the direction from the outer heel seat region towards the inner forepart region, secured on the sole upper surface via a tongue and groove connection, thus causing the outer region of the foot heel portion to be raised and providing a gradual descent in the diagonal direction towards the foot anterior inner toe portion in the vertical plane.
  • FIG. 15 shows an article of footwear with a training element in the form of an insole having a triangular diagonal section and narrowing in the direction from the inner heel seat region towards the outer forepart region of the sole, secured on the sole upper surface via a tongue and groove connection, thus causing the inner region of the foot heel portion to be raised and providing a gradual descent in the diagonal direction towards the foot anterior outer toe portion in the vertical plane.
  • a training element in the form of an insole having a triangular diagonal section and narrowing in the direction from the inner heel seat region towards the outer forepart region of the sole, secured on the sole upper surface via a tongue and groove connection, thus causing the inner region of the foot heel portion to be raised and providing a gradual descent in the diagonal direction towards the foot anterior outer toe portion in the vertical plane.
  • FIG. 16 shows an article of footwear with a training element in the form of an insole having a triangular diagonal section and narrowing in the direction from the outer region of the foot toe portion towards the inner region of the foot heel portion, secured on the sole upper surface via a tongue and groove connection, thus causing the outer region of the foot toe portion to be raised and providing a gradual descent in the diagonal direction towards the inner region of the foot heel portion in the vertical plane.
  • a training element in the form of an insole having a triangular diagonal section and narrowing in the direction from the outer region of the foot toe portion towards the inner region of the foot heel portion, secured on the sole upper surface via a tongue and groove connection, thus causing the outer region of the foot toe portion to be raised and providing a gradual descent in the diagonal direction towards the inner region of the foot heel portion in the vertical plane.
  • Lower leg muscle training gastrocnemius muscle, soleus muscle, posterior tibial muscle (in a greater extent), anterior tibial muscle (in a smaller extent), long peroneal muscle, short peroneal muscle, third peroneal muscle, inferior peroneal retinaculum, lateral gastrocnemius head.
  • FIG. 17 shows an article of footwear with a training element in the form of an insole having a triangular cross-section and gradually narrowing, in the diagonal direction, from the inner surface of the sole forepart region to the outer side of the sole heel seat region, thus causing the inner region of the foot toe portion to be raised in the vertical plane.
  • FIG. 20 shows an article of footwear with a training element in the form of an insole having a flat element in the form of a sole segment arranged under the heel portion, arch and metatarsus, creating a height variation under the foot's metatarsophalangeal joints.
  • FIG. 7 shows an article of footwear with a training element in the form of a flat insole having, on its upper surface, under the foot arch or under the waist area, a semi-cylinder arranged perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis and secured on the sole outer surface via a spike connection.
  • FIGS. 3 , 5 , 6 show an article of footwear with a training element in the form of a semi-cylinder (or an insole with a semi-cylinder) arranged on the sole upper surface in contact with the foot along the sole longitudinal axis.
  • a training element in the form of a semi-cylinder (or an insole with a semi-cylinder) arranged on the sole upper surface in contact with the foot along the sole longitudinal axis.
  • FIG. 21 shows an article of footwear with a training element in the form of a convex hemisphere arranged in the sole central part, wherein the surface in contact with the foot causes the foot's transverse arch to be flexed along the convex surface.
  • FIG. 22 shows an article of footwear with a training element in the form of a convex hemisphere arranged in the sole central part, wherein the surface in contact with the foot causes the foot's longitudinal arch to be flexed along the convex surface.
  • FIG. 23 shows an article of footwear with a training element in the form of an ellipsoid or semi-cylinder arranged between the hallux and the second toe.
  • the training elements are exchangeable and are of different sizes. By using such article of footwear, the following muscles are trained.
  • FIG. 4 shows an article of footwear with a training element in the form of a flat insole following the shape of the sole, of different thicknesses for the left foot and for the right foot. By using such article of footwear, the following muscles are trained.
  • FIG. 25 shows an article of footwear wherein the training element is configured in the form of an insole having a smooth sliding surface, for example, made from paper with an adhesive layer for gluing to the sole, and an additional elastic cover, so as to provide for maximum sliding of the cover over a smooth surface.
  • the training element is configured in the form of an insole having a smooth sliding surface, for example, made from paper with an adhesive layer for gluing to the sole, and an additional elastic cover, so as to provide for maximum sliding of the cover over a smooth surface.

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  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Materials Engineering (AREA)
  • Footwear And Its Accessory, Manufacturing Method And Apparatuses (AREA)
US18/250,149 2020-10-21 2021-10-20 An article of footwear for strengthening and relaxing foot and lower leg muscles Pending US20230397689A1 (en)

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RU2020134551A RU2759112C1 (ru) 2020-10-21 2020-10-21 Обувь для укрепления и расслабления мышц ступни и голени (варианты) и комплект для повышения общей физической подготовленности организма
RU2020134551 2020-10-21
PCT/RU2021/000449 WO2022086368A1 (ru) 2020-10-21 2021-10-20 Обувь для укрепления и расслабления мышц ступни и голени

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SU1367968A1 (ru) * 1985-01-10 1988-01-23 Киевский научно-исследовательский институт ортопедии Каблук ортопедический
KR20060121307A (ko) * 2005-05-24 2006-11-29 신윤호 평발 교정 및 발목 근육 강화 신발
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US20200107612A1 (en) * 2015-08-28 2020-04-09 Evelyn Ford, Inc. Customizable footwear system
CN208892900U (zh) * 2018-01-29 2019-05-24 佛山林至高分子材料科技有限公司 一种缓冲吸能带足弓矫正功能鞋垫
US20200221824A1 (en) * 2019-01-10 2020-07-16 Foot Care Store Inc. d.b.a. Dia-Foot Foot Orthotic Device

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