WO2004107895A1

WO2004107895A1 - Ballet shoe insert

Info

Publication number: WO2004107895A1
Application number: PCT/AU2004/000747
Authority: WO
Inventors: Karin Janet
Original assignee: Australian Ballet School
Priority date: 2003-06-06
Filing date: 2004-06-04
Publication date: 2004-12-16
Also published as: AU2003902851A0

Abstract

An insert for a ballet shoe comprising: (a) a body formed by moulding a compound in the toe area of a ballet pointe shoe, the compound having a putty-like consistency which is capable of setting to form a firm but resilient mass; (b) the body being moulded by the wearer minimal pressure on the compound when placed inside the shoe for a period of time sufficient to cause the compound to set so as to fill the space between the tips of at least the first three of the wearer’s toes and the she tip; wherein the insert when worn inside the shoe facilitates weight bearing across the length of at least the first three toes of the wearer’s foot when the wearer is on pointe.

Description

Ballet Shoe Insert

Field of the invention

The invention relates to shoe inserts and more particularly to ballet shoe inserts for equalising weight distribution across the toes of the wearer and for adjusting foot-alignment when the wearer is dancing on pointe or demi-pointe. The invention also relates in other embodiments to methods for forming such inserts.

Background of the invention

In this specification, where a document, act or item of knowledge is referred to or discussed, this reference or discussion is not an admission that the document, act or item of knowledge or any combination thereof was at the priority date:

(i) part of common general knowledge; or

(ii) known to be relevant to an attempt to solve any problem with which this specification is concerned. The 'on pointe' position in ballet is the position that the dancer assumes when they balance on the tips of their toes in a special ballet pointe shoe. In this position, the leg and toes of the dancer are usually approximately vertical and hence perpendicular to the dance surface.

To assist the wearer in standing on pointe, a ballet pointe shoe is constructed with a stiffened rounded toe block which is not differentiated for the right and left foot. The toe block provides some support for the toes and a flattened surface on which the foot can balance. Ideally the wearer's first three toes are of approximately equal length, so the weight of the body is distributed evenly between the three toes. However, in many wearers, one of the first three toes is much longer than the others and accordingly the longer toe has to bear the whole weight of the body which is clearly a load it is not designed to take. This situation can lead to a number of foot problems including toe buckling or bending, blistering, bunions, weakening of the foot muscles, and injuries to soft tissue and bone, especially stress fractures to the metatarsals, tibia and fibula. As a result of continual stress, the brain often programs the long toe to assume the curled position as soon as the dancer starts to put on the shoe, so entrenching the incorrect alignment and muscle development of the toes. Such problems can contribute to misalignment of the foot and the whole body, and insecurity in balancing, rising and landing. Dancers' toes also become misaligned on pointe because the shoe's toe block is usually much deeper from sole to upper surface than the toes and so the toes are not supported within the toe block. The toes are not usually strong enough to bear the body's weight without support from the shoe and so they crumple under the strain, preventing weight- bearing through the joints and causing shortening of toe muscles and corns and blisters.

Misalignment of the first toe is a common problem -where the end of the first toe moves towards the 2^nd toe eventually causing a bunion. The moulding procedure of prior art inventions reinforces this incorrect position instead of correcting it.

Dancers can encounter further problems in rising to demi-pointe which is a weight- bearing position on the balls of the feet. On demi-pointe the weight should be shared equally by the dancers' first three metatarsals but if one metatarsal is substantially longer than the others, the full weight of the body causes undue stress on that metatarsal, the bones above the metatarsal and the surrounding soft tissues, and this stress can be reflected throughout the foot and leg as the dancer struggles to relieve the pain. Metatarsal length and toe length are not necessarily related, so a dancer may have a long 2"^d metatarsal and a long 3^rd toe on the same foot. Protruding sesamoid bones can cause a further complication as the pressure on these small bones between the first and second metatarsal-phalangeal joints causes severe pain when the dancer rises to demi-pointe.

Historically, many ballet dancers have suffered from these problems, resulting in extended time off work for injuries, great pain and in extreme cases the ending of their careers.

Although there have been various prior art attempts at addressing the problem (s) associated with incorrect weight bearing and toe alignment on pointe, no particularly effective remedy has been found and none of the prior-art attempts address such problems in the demi-pointe position or in habitual distortion of toe alignment. Early attempts to allow for toe problems have involved the use of toe padding such as that disclosed in US Patent 2,210,304. However, the toe padding is used merely to provide a non-specific space filler between the ends of the toes and the toe block.

Further, the prior art attempts disclosed in Australian Patent No 30125 and US Patent 4,026,046 refer to the use of a formed solid rubber or rubber-like insert in the toe area of a dancing slipper. Although these inserts conform to the toe line to some extent, they do not provide any correction for curled or mis-aligned toes.

Another prior art attempt disclosed in US Patent 4,026,046 refers to a custom designed ballet slipper having an opening or toe portion in which a moldable toe insert can be inserted after being heated to conform to the exact toe configuration of the dancer. The method requires specific engineering of ballet shoes for each wearer which is expensive and inconvenient. Furthermore, the toe insert can only be used specifically with that shoe and is not transferable between shoes which creates problems when the wearer is required to change shoes in the course of a performance. This insert does not correct any habitual misalignment of the wearer's toes.

A similar principle is disclosed in US Patent 5,469,641 in which the internal volume of the shoe can be adjusted by filling a cavity between the shoes and the toes. In order to do this it is necessary to create an injection opening on the outside tip of the box on the shoe. It is through the injection opening that a polyurethane foam or soft reformable material is injected into the cavity to fill the space. Again, it would appear that the process of custom making a ballet shoe would need to be repeated for each new pair of shoes, leading to a rather time consuming and expensive process. The insert remains in the shoe and is not transferable between shoes. This insert does not correct any habitual misalignment of the wearer's toes. A ballet shoe insert that is capable of. being transferred between ballet shoes is described in US Patent 5,129,165. The toe insert is molded to fit only the tips of the relatively shorter toes inside the ballet shoe so as to provide even weight bearing across the tips of all the toes. US patent 5,129,165 teaches forming the insert when the toes are in their normal position on pointe and flat. Therefore, the insert merely represents a mould of the dancer's foot topography even if that includes curled toes, where soft tissue at the back of the toes has shortened through habitual curling, or other misalignments such as those caused by bunions. Thus, the prior art insert can merely reinforce bad foot position or technique.

Such prior art proposals may be effective in the simple case of a dancer having toes of varying lengths but they do not address other problems such as those presented by curling toes, bunions and varying metatarsal lengths.

Accordingly, there is a need for a removable insert for a ballet shoe which can be molded to accommodate each individual wearer's foot and shoe irrespective of relative toe length and which places the foot in a bio-mechanically sound position for weight-bearing thus removing bone and soft tissue stress.

Summary of the invention

In a first embodiment, the present invention provides an insert comprising a body shaped to fit inside the toe area of a ballet shoe, the insert having recesses which are shaped to conform to the shape of the wearer's toes, when the toes are in correct alignment and an extended or stretched position. Preferably, the insert includes a separate recess for the end of each of the wearer's toes.

More preferably, the insert further includes an extended ledge which is shaped to substantially fill the space between the upper surface of the wearer's toes and the inside of the shoe upper and in use resists and corrects curling or buckling of the wearer's toes. The present invention accordingly provides in one embodiment an insert for a ballet pointe shoe comprising:

(a) ^■ a body formed by moulding a compound in the toe area of a ballet pointe shoe, the compound having a putty-like consistency which is capable of setting to form a firm but resilient mass; (b) the body being moulded by the wearer exerting minimal pressure on the compound when placed inside the shoe for a period of time sufficient to cause the compound to set so as to fill the space between the tips of at least the first three of the wearer's toes and the shoe tip; wherein the insert when worn inside the shoe facilitates weight bearing across the length of at least the first three toes of the wearer's foot when the wearer is on pointe.

The minimal pressure for moulding the body may be applied by the wearer in a sitting position to support at least a proportion of the wearer's body weight.

An insert according to the present invention preferably comprises a separate recess for at least the first three and most preferably for each of the wearer's toes. It is most preferably that an insert according to the present invention comprises an extended ledge shaped to substantially fill the space between the upper surface of the wearer's toes and the inside of the ballet shoe upper.

Safe weight bearing requires that the centre of weight passes through all the relevant joints. When any toes curl or buckle, the weight cannot pass direcdy through the joints and so stress is placed on the soft tissue and the long bones of the foot. This can result in poor technique, soft tissue injury and stress fractures of the bones of the foot and leg, usually the metatarsal, tibia or fibula.

To accommodate dancers having varying toe lengths, the body of an insert according to the present invention is moulded when the wearer's toes are in a lengthened or stretched position so that the lengthened or stretched position will be encouraged in the finished insert. Preferably, the lengthening of the toes is encouraged by splinting, for example with wooden or plastic splints during moulding.

By encouraging the placement of toes in a lengthened position, the insert allows the centre of weight to pass direcdy through the first three metatarsal-phalangeal joints and all joints of the first three toes to the toe tips. When the weight passes direcdy through these joints and along the long bones, the weight is shared by the first three toes so that when a dancer stands on pointe, undue stress is not placed on any of the bones of the foot. Furthermore, the lengthened position of the toes assists in the prevention of calluses or blisters caused by friction of the toes with the shoe wall which occurs if the toes are curled.

The insert provided by the present invention is preferably moulded to fill the space between at least the ends of the wearer's first three toes and the shoe tip. This is because weight bearing should be centred over the wearer's second toe when on pointe and accordingly weight bearing is generally restricted to the first three toes.

The advantage of an insert moulded to accommodate all the toes of the wearer is that it encourages the fourth and fifth toes to also lengthen.

Preferably, the insert for a ballet pointe shoe is moulded to conform to the pointe, demi- pointe and flat foot positions of the wearer's foot before setting. While it has been convenient to describe the invention predominancy in its application to ballet pointe shoes, the term ballet shoe is used herein to include both ballet pointe shoes and soft ballet shoes. It is to be appreciated that soft ballet shoes are worn only by a dancer for the demi-pointe and flat foot positions. Hence an insert according to the invention for a soft ballet shoe is moulded only to conform to the demi-pointe and flat foot positions. In that instance the insert is specific to a soft ballet shoe.

The present invention accordingly provides in another preferred embodiment an insert for a soft ballet shoe comprising:

(a) a body formed by moulding a compound in the sole area of a soft ballet shoe, the compound having a putty-like consistency which is capable of setting to form a firm but resilient mass;

(b) the body being moulded by the wearer exerting minimal pressure on the compound when placed inside the shoe for a period of time sufficient to cause the compound to set so as to form a support under the wearer's metatarsal arch; wherein the insert when worn inside the shoe facilitates weight bearing across the length of at least the wearer's first three metatarsals when the wearer is on demi-pointe.

The compound from which an insert according to the present invention is formed preferably comprises a two component compound comprising a silicon-rubber base and a hardener. The amount of hardener added can be varied to vary the rigidity of the final compound when set. Therefore, where additional support is required, additional hardener may be added.

The compound may comprise any mouldable resilient material: The compound should provide an insert which is firm without being rigid. Compounds already known for use in orthotic supports may be suitable for use in accordance with the present invention. Silicone-rubber based compounds have been found to be suitable for use in accordance with the present invention. Otoform-K/C from Dreve-Otoplastik GmbH of Unna, Germany which is a condensation vulcanising ear impression silicone has been found particularly suitable for use in accordance with the present invention. This product is supplied as a two-component system having a base and hardener.

The hardness and flexibility of the insert may be controlled by varying the amount of hardener added to the silicone-rubber base to render the compound when set soft enough to provide resiliency for comfort while firm enough to provide the support needed to keep the wearer's toes in a lengthened position. A second embodiment addresses the problem of dancers' toes becoming misaligned on pointe because a ballet pointe shoe's toe block is almost always much deeper from sole to upper surface than the toes and so only the tips of the toes are supported by the toe block. The toes are not usually strong enough to support the body's weight on their own and so they crumple laterally under the strain, preventing weight-bearing through the joints and causing shortening of toe muscles and corns and blisters. If the extended ledge of an insert according to the first embodiment provides insufficient lateral support a space filler may be additionally provided according to a second embodiment of the invention. The space filler is designed to extend for some distance, often to the end of the block or the shoe vamp' and thereby to fill the space between the upper surface of the toe and the upper inner surface of the block, so maintaining the correct lengthened position of the toes and correct weight_rbearing. This space filler can be amalgamated with any of the other embodiments if required.

In a third embodiment the present invention provides an insert which further includes a toe separator between adjoining toes. Preferably, the separator is made while the feet are bare and the toes are held in correct alignment. Each foot may require separators between more than one pair of adjacent toes. Each required separator is preferably formed independenuy. The separators may be formed from the same material as the insert preferably with additional hardener being added to provide material of firmer consistency than the remainder of the insert. Once any required toe separators are formed but before they are fully cured an insert is moulded according to the first embodiment but in such a manner as to at least partially encapsulate each separator. In this "way a unitary insert according to the third embodiment is formed which contains both toe recesses and at least one toe separator, and may also include a space filler over the toes.

In a fourth embodiment the present invention provides an insert for a ballet pointe shoe which further includes a metatarsal support. Preferably, the metatarsal support is made from the same material used to mold the insert but comprising additional hardener to create a firmer support. According to the present invention -when in use, a metatarsal support is positioned under the metatarsal arch of the foot and shaped to facilitate correct alignment and load bearing on demi-pointe for feet having varying lengths of metatarsals.

A metatarsal support for an insert according to the invention is preferably formed by preparing a mock-up of the shape required to support the shorter metatarsals and so reduce pressure on the longer metatarsal when the dancer stands on demi-pointe. The support must also ensure correct alignment of the metatarsal arch when the dancer stands with the foot flat on the floor. The mock-up can be convenientiy prepared using off cuts from previously made inserts and thereby adjusting the shape by trial and error until the correct support and alignment of metatarsals is achieved. The mock-up so formed can then be used as a pattern for forming a metatarsal support for an insert according to the invention. Such a support is preferably formed from the same type of silicone rubber based material as an insert according to the invention but with additional hardener added to form a more resilient support than an insert according to the first embodiment of the invention. The metatarsal support can be tailored to reduce pressure on the sesamoid bones if necessary.

As with the toe separator the metatarsal support may be moulded and when only partly cured an insert may be moulded according to the first embodiment but in such a manner as to encapsulate the support. In this way a unitary insert according to the fourth embodiment is formed which includes both toe recesses and a metatarsal support and optionally further includes one or more toe separators and may also incorporate a space filler over the toes.

In another embodiment the present invention provides a method for forming an insert for a ballet pointe shoe according to the invention. The method comprises: (a) splinting the toes of the wearer with -wooden or plastic splints to maintain their maximum length;

(b) applying a quantity of mouldable compound inside the appropriate area of a ballet pointe; (c) allowing the compound to move to the required place(s) when the wearer's foot is inserted so that the compound fills the space between at least the first three splinted toes of the wearer the inside of the shoe upper and the toe block of the shoe;

(d) placing limited pressure on the toes in pointe, demi-pointe and flat positions so that the compound conforms to all positions;

(e) allowing the compound to set whereby to form a toe insert for equalising weight bearing through the toes of a wearer's foot in the pointe position.

Optionally the method for forming an insert for a ballet pointe shoe according to the present invention further includes the additional step of preparing one or more toe separators and/or metatarsal supports.

The method may be used for forming an insert for a soft ballet shoe according to the invention in a similar manner to that described above but adapted by applying the limited pressure only in the demi-pointe and flat positions so that the compound conforms to those positions. Accordingly the present invention provides a method of forming an insert for a soft ballet shoe comprising the steps of:

(a) applying a quantity of mouldable compound inside the appropriate area of a soft ballet shoe;

(b) allowing the compound to move to the required place(s) when the wearer's foot is inserted so that the compound fills the space between at least the metatarsal of first three splinted toes of the wearer, the inside of the shoe sole and the toe of the shoe;

(c) placing limited pressure on the ball of the foot in demi-pointe and flat positions so that the compound conforms to both positions; and

(d) allowing the compound to set whereby to form an insert for equalising weight bearing through at least the wearer's first three metatarsals when the wearer is on demi-pointe.

Optionally, the method of forming an insert for a soft ballet shoe according to the present invention further includes the additional step of preparing one or more toe separators. Preferably, the metatarsal supports are prepared when the foot is bare and placed in the flat and demi-pointe positions.

An insert for a soft ballet shoe according to the present invention is optionally moulded to at least partially encapsulate any toe separators and/or metatarsal supports. Any excess material can be trimmed away following curing of the material.

It is also to be understood that it is within the scope of the invention, that according to the method of forming an insert, the compound may be applied direcdy to the wearer's foot prior to placing the foot and the compound within the shoe.

An insert according to the present invention may optionally comprise the further step of pressing the outside of the shoe to further mould the compound as desired. The application of this additional force to press the shoe may occur at either the upper and/or sole of the shoe as required.

In forming an insert according to a method provided by the present invention, the shoe is preferably lined with plastic film before applying a quantity of the mouldable compound inside the appropriate area of a ballet shoe. This can be conveniendy achieved by placing the film over a quantity of the compound already applied to the wearer's foot prior to insertion of the foot, compound and film into the shoe.

An insert formed according to the method of the present invention may be worn inside the ballet pointe shoe to facilitate weight distribution across the length of the toes of a wearer's foot when on pointe. The insert may be worn inside the wearer's tights and hence be readily transferable from shoe to shoe if a shoe change is required during a performance.

In the ideal alignment on demi-pointe and in the process of rising to or lowering from pointe, the centre of weight passes between the second and third metatarsals and the weight is distributed between the first three or four metatarsals. If correct alignment is not maintained when there is a large difference in the lengths of the first three metatarsals, the long metatarsal is forced to bear the whole weight of the body and therefore becomes stressed. Consequendy, the foot usually rocks to one side or the other in an attempt to avoid pain and stabilise itself. This in turn leads to poor balance and incorrect muscle action in the leg which ultimately causes injury. '

In another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an insert for a ballet shoe formed according to one or more methods of the invention. Description of the drawings

The invention will now be further explained and illustrated by reference to the accompanying drawing in which:

Figure la is an oudine of a front view of a right foot showing the desired bone alignment when on pointe.

Figure lb is a corresponding view from the left side of the right foot showing the desired bone alignment when on pointe.

Figure 2a is an oudine of a front view of a right foot with a long 2^nd toe. The misalignment of the toe does not show in this view as the toe is buckled backwards. Figure 2b is a view along the line 2b-2b of Figure 2a, showing the misalignment of the 2^nd toe as it crumples to match the 1^st and 3^rd toes.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of an insert according to the first preferred embodiment of the invention.

Figure 4 is an underside view of the insert of Figure 3. Figure 5 is view corresponding to Figure la showing the positioning in use of the insert of Figures 3 and 4.

Figure 6 is a view along the line 6-6 of Figure 5.

Figure 7 is a longitudinal section through a right foot showing toes crumpled laterally when on pointe because there is too much room in the shoe. Figure 8 is a longitudinal section through a right foot showing the desired toe alignment on pointe using an insert including a space filler according to the second embodiment of the invention.

Figure 9 is a view along the line 9-9 of Figure 8.

Figure 10 is a perspective view of an insert according to the second preferred embodiment of the invention.

Figure 11 is an underside view of the insert in Figure 10.

Figure 12a is an oudine of a view from the rear of a right foot while weight-bearing on the balls of the feet (demi-pointe), showing the long 2^nd metatarsal bearing all the weight.

Figure 12b is longitudinal section of 1^st metatarsal along the line 12b-12b of Figure 12a Figure 12c is longitudinal section of 2nd metatarsal along the line 12c-12c of Figure 12a

Figure 12d is longitudinal section of 1^st metatarsal along the line 12d-12d of Figure 12a Figure 13a is a view corresponding to Figure 12 showing the use of an insert for a soft ballet shoe according to the invention showing the equalisation of pressure onto the first three metatarsals.

Figure 13b is longitudinal section of 1^st metatarsal along the line 13b-13b of Figure 13a Figure 13c is longitudinal section of 2nd metatarsal along the line 13c-13c of Figure 13a

Figure 12 d is longitudinal section of 3^rd metatarsal along the line 13d-13d of Figure 13a

Figure 14 is an underside view of the insert of Figure 13.

Figure 15 is a top view of the insert of Figure 13.

Figure 16 is a top view of unaligned toes of a right foot, due to a bunion. Figure 17 is a perspective view from above of a toe separator according to the third embodiment of the invention.

Figure 18 is a top view of the right foot shown in Figure 16 with toe separator according to the third embodiment of the invention shown in correcting misalignment.

The insert 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention as illustrated in Figures 3 and 4 is moulded so that it fills the space between the ends of the toes and the toe block of the ballet pointe shoe. The preferred embodiment illustrated in Figures 3 and 4 includes extended ledge 6 which partially covers the wearer's toes.

The insert 2 according to the second embodiment as shown in Figures 10 and 11 additionally fills the space above the toes and the upper shoe wall thereby conforming to the inside shape of the front of the shoe and the varying toe lengths and shape of a dancer's toes. Filling the entire space within the front of the shoe by providing space filler 3 as an integral part of insert 2 allows the toes to be maintained in their correct lengthened position without bucking or curling.

Various types of lateral displacement including buckling and curling are illustrated in Figures 2a, 2b, 7 and 16.

As best seen in Figure 4 the insert 1 includes toes recesses 4. Although insert 1 is shown as accommodating all toes, it is to be appreciated that an insert according to the present invention need not accommodate all 5 toes. Corresponding toe recesses 4 can also be seen in insert 2 shown in Figure 11 and insert 5 shown in Figure 15. Preferably an insert according to the present invention accommodates at least the wearer's first three toes in recesses as described.

It is necessary that the insert is stable once molded so that there is no flowing or distortion when the wearer's foot is in the insert in the demi-pointe or the pointe position. However the insert must also be soft enough to provide comfort to the wearer and absorb some of the shock through the toes caused by dancing on pointe.

Compounds that are found to provide the best support are those that are silicone-rubber based such as Otoform-K which is commercially available. Such compounds, which are generally of a putty-like consistency are readily molded into the required conformation. Furthermore, such compounds are ideally suited to orthotic use because they can be set within a relatively short period of time once the hardener is added, are hygienic, can be readily cleaned with water or alcohol and are durable and portable.

While the insert can be moulded as a single piece, depending on the specific requirement of the individual wearer's foot, additional components which complement the insert can also be incorporated. These additional components can include a toe separator 7 as illustrated in Figure 17 or metatarsal supports 8 as illustrated in Figures 14 and 15. The additional components may be made of the same material as that of the insert. The components may be made firmer or softer than the insert by varying the amount of hardener added to the Otoform-K.

While the use of silicone-rubber based compounds such as Otoform-K is preferred, other compounds which are suitable for preparing the insert of the invention having the required characteristics can also be used.

When an insert according to the invention is used for habitually curled toes, the surface contour of the pointe shoe and the wearer's toes are utilised as a mould when preparing the insert. Before the Otoform K compound is added to the shoe and while the toes are bare, they may first be splinted with a wooden or plastic splint so that the lengthened position of the toes is encouraged in the finished insert.

The mixture is then hand applied and moulded over the wearer's bare toes to ensure that all toe surfaces are contacted. More compound may be needed at the end, on the side, the top or base of the shoe depending on the individual requirements. The foot is then placed into the shoe and limited pressure is placed on the pointe, on the demi-pointe and on the flat foot so that the insert conforms to all the positions. Preferably the shoe is lined with plastic film to facilitate removal of the moulded insert from the shoe.. This may be achieved by placing the film over the compound on the wearer's foot prior to inserting the foot into the shoe.

Once prepared, the insert can be trimmed away or added to as required by the individual wearer. Depending upon the individual requirements of each dancer, it may be necessary while the foot is bare, to prepare one or more additional components. A toe separator 7 can be prepared to alleviate misalignment of toes which may include the presence of bunion(s).

The toe separator 7 which is also made from Otoform-K is placed between adjacent toes as shown in Figure 18. The toes may be held in correct alignment by hand until the material has cured sufficientiy to retain the desired shape. Once the toe separator 7 has cured sufficientiy, it can be incorporated into the rest of an insert (not shown) when the insert is molded to the dancer's toes. The toe separator should be arranged so as to correct any misalignment of the toes as a result of having bunion(s). The insert 5 shown in Figures 14 and 15 contains metatarsal supports 8. These supports are also made from Otoform-K containing additional hardener so that a firmer support is created. The supports can be made in a number of ways.

In one example, for feet with differing metatarsal lengths, the bare foot is placed in the demi-pointe position and a selection of small silicone pads is fitted under the shorter metatarsals until the foot assumes correct alignment. The toe alignment is checked when the foot is flat on the floor and corrected as required. Once the desired shape is formed this mock-up can be used as a pattern to form a silicone pad which is bound to the feet with cotton thread and the insert formed as described above. The Otoform partly or wholly encapsulates the silicone pad forming the metatarsal support thereby forming a unitary insert 5 according to the third embodiment of the invention as shown in Figures 14 and 15. When the whole insert 5 has set, the cotton thread and any excess compound are trimmed away.

In another example, for feet with varying lengths of metatarsals the bare foot is placed in the demi-pointe position, and a pad is made to mimic the protrusion of the longer metatarsal beyond the others. The pad is wrapped in plastic film and attached to the foot by cotton tread. The alignment is checked when the foot is flat on the floor. An insert is then made by putting the foot into silicone in the shoe and putting full weight on the foot. When the Otoform K has set the plastic-covered pad and thread are. removed, allowing the longer metatarsal to protrude into the space left within the insert. With an insert according to the present invention placed inside the pointe shoe, the wearer has better balance and weight distribution across the length of the toes. This assists in improving dance technique but most importantly, it assists in the prevention of injury caused by bucking of the toes and weakening of the foot muscles. When the wearer finishes dancing, the insert may be left inside the shoe or removed for placement in a different shoe or for storage. The insert is compact, lightweight and easily transportable.

The word 'comprising' and forms of the word 'comprising' as used in this description does not limit the invention claimed to exclude any variants or additions.

Modifications and improvements to the invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Such modifications and improvements are intended to be within the scope of this invention.

Claims

Claims Defining the Invention

1. An insert for a ballet pointe shoe comprising:

(a) a body formed by moulding a compound in the toe area of a ballet pointe shoe, the compound having a putty-like consistency which is capable of setting to form a firm but resilient mass;

(b) the body being moulded by the wearer exerting minimal pressure on the compound when placed inside the shoe for a period of time sufficient to cause the compound to set so as to fill the space between the tips of at least the first three of the wearer's toes and the shoe tip; wherein the insert when worn inside the shoe facilitates weight bearing across the length of at least the first three toes of the wearer's foot when the wearer is on pointe.

2. The insert according to claim 1 comprising a separate recess for the end of each of at least the first three of the wearer's toes.

3. The insert according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the insert further comprises an extended ledge shaped to substantially fill the space between the upper surface of the wearer's toes and the inside of the ballet shoe upper.

4. The insert according to any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the insert is moulded to accommodate all the toes of the wearer.

5. The insert according to any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the insert is formed from a two component compound comprising a silicon-rubber base and a hardener.

6. The insert according to any one of claims 1 to 5 further comprising at least one toe separator between adjoining toes.

7. The insert according to claim 6 wherein the toe separator is formed from the same base material as the remainder of the insert using additional hardner.

8. The insert according to claim 7 wherein the insert is formed as a unitary member comprising both toe recesses and at least one toe separator.

9. The insert according to any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein the insert further comprises a space filler.

10. The insert according to any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein the insert further comprises a metatarsal support.

11. The insert according to claim 10 wherein in use the metatarsal support is positioned under the metatarsal arch of the foot and shaped to facilitate correct alignment and load bearing on demi-pointe for feet having varying lengths of metatarsals.

12. An insert for a soft ballet shoe comprising:

(b) the body being moulded by the wearer exerting minimal pressure on the compound when placed inside the shoe for a period of time sufficient to cause the compound to set so as to form a support under the wearer's metatarsal arch; wherein the insert when worri inside the shoe facilitates weight bearing across the length of at least the wearer's first three metatarsals when the wearer is on demi- pointe.

13. The insert according to claim 12 comprising a separate recess for the end of each of at least the first three of the wearer's toes.

14. The insert according to any one of claims 16 to 18 wherein the insert is moulded to also fill the space between at least the ends of the wearer's first three toes and the shoe tip.

15. The insert according to any one of claims 12 to 14 wherein the insert is moulded to accommodate all the toes of the wearer.

16. The insert according to any one of claims 12 to 15 wherein the insert is formed from a two component compound comprising a silicon-rubber base and a hardener.

17. The insert according to any one of claims 12 to 16 further comprising at least one toe separator between adjoining toes.

18. The insert according to claim 17 wherein the toe separator is formed from the same base material as the remainder of the insert using additional hardner.

19. The insert according to claims 17 or claim 18 wherein the insert is formed as a unitary member.

20. A method of forming an insert according to claim 1 comprising the steps of:

(a) splinting the toes of the wearer with wooden or plastic splints to maintain their maximum length;

(b) applying a quantity of mouldable compound inside the appropriate area of a ballet pointe shoe;

(c) allowing the compound to move to the required place (s) when the wearer's foot is inserted so that the compound fills the space between at least the first three splinted toes of the wearer, the inside of the shoe upper and the toe block of the shoe; (d) placing limited pressure on the toes in pointe, demi-pointe and flat positions so that the compound conforms to each position; and

(e) allowing the compound to set -whereby to form a toe insert for equalising weight bearing through the toes of a wearer's foot in the pointe position.

21. A method of forming an insert according to claim 1 comprising the steps of: (a) splinting the toes of the wearer with wooden or plastic splints to maintain their maximum length;

(b) applying a quantity of mouldable compound to envelope the appropriate area of the wearer's toes;

(c) allowing the compound to move to the required place (s) when the wearer's foot and compound are inserted into the shoe so that the compound fills the space between at least the first three splinted toes of the wearer, the inside of the shoe upper and the toe block of the shoe;

(d) placing limited pressure on the toes in pointe, demi-pointe and flat positions so that the compound conforms to each position; and (e) allowing the compound to set whereby to form a toe insert for equalising weight bearing through the toes of a wearer's foot in the pointe position.

22. The method according to claim 20 or claim 21 comprising the additional step of pressing the outside of the upper of the shoe to further mould the compound.

23. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 22 comprising the additional step of preparing one or more toe separators and/or metatarsal supports.

24. The method according to claim 23 wherein the insert is moulded to at least partially encapsulate the toe separators and/or metatarsal supports.

25. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 24 wherein the shoe is lined with plastic film.

26. A method of forming an insert according to claim 12 comprising the steps of:

(b) allowing the compound to move to the required place (s) when the wearer's foot is inserted so that the compound fills the space between at least the metatarsal of the first three toes of the wearer, the inside of the shoe sole and the toe of the shoe; (c) placing limited pressure on the ball of the foot in demi-pointe and flat positions so that the compound conforms to both positions; and

27. A method of forming an insert according to claim 12 comprising the steps of:

(a) applying a quantity of mouldable compound to envelope the appropriate area under at least the metatarsals of the first three toes of the wearer;

(b) allowing the compound to move to the required place(s) when the wearer's foot and compound are inserted into the shoe so that the compound fills the space between at least the metatarsal of the first three toes of the wearer, the inside of the shoe sole and the toe of the shoe;

28. The method according to claim 26 or claim 27 comprising the additional step of pressing on the sole of the shoe to further mould the compound.

29. The method according to any one of claims 26 to 28 wherein the shoe is lined with plastic film.

30. An insert for a ballet shoe formed according to the method of any one of claims 20 to 29.

31. A ballet shoe comprising an insert according to any one of claims 1 to 19 or claim 30.