WO2006133894A2 - Form-fitting arch support - Google Patents

Form-fitting arch support Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2006133894A2
WO2006133894A2 PCT/EP2006/005659 EP2006005659W WO2006133894A2 WO 2006133894 A2 WO2006133894 A2 WO 2006133894A2 EP 2006005659 W EP2006005659 W EP 2006005659W WO 2006133894 A2 WO2006133894 A2 WO 2006133894A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
fitting
arch support
foot
support according
supporting member
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2006/005659
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2006133894A3 (en
Inventor
Mario Schiavon
Original Assignee
Mario Schiavon
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Mario Schiavon filed Critical Mario Schiavon
Publication of WO2006133894A2 publication Critical patent/WO2006133894A2/en
Publication of WO2006133894A3 publication Critical patent/WO2006133894A3/en

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F5/00—Orthopaedic methods or devices for non-surgical treatment of bones or joints; Nursing devices; Anti-rape devices
    • A61F5/01—Orthopaedic devices, e.g. splints, casts or braces
    • A61F5/14—Special medical insertions for shoes for flat-feet, club-feet or the like

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a form-fitting arch support particularly suitable for correcting structural anomalies of the foot.
  • the valgus condition is a deviation, with respect to the axis of the tibial bone, of the axis of the heel, which tends toward the inner or medial side of the foot, causing an overload which affects not only the articulation of the foot but also the knees, hips and backbone.
  • the varus condition is instead a deviation, with respect to the axis of the tibial bone, of the axis of the heel, which tends toward the outer or lateral side of the foot and leads essentially to the same kind of problem.
  • the aim of the invention is to solve the problems described above by providing a form-fitting arch support which can correct deviations of the axis of the heel, solving valgus and varus conditions of the hindfoot while using ordinary shoes.
  • an object of the invention is to provide a form- fitting arch support which is universal and straightforward to use for the user.
  • a form-fitting arch support comprising a form-fitting supporting member, made of elastically flexible material and provided with shock- absorbing inserts, the form-fitting supporting member and the shock-absorbing inserts being associated with a base insole and being covered by a covering member, characterized in that it comprises a stabilizing elastic means adapted to contrast and reduce the deviations of the axis of the heel of the foot.
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view of a form-fitting arch support according to the invention.
  • Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a form-fitting arch support according to the invention
  • Figure 3 is a perspective view of some component parts of the form-fitting arch support according to the invention
  • Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of component parts of the form-fitting arch support according to the invention.
  • the form-fitting arch support generally designated by the reference numeral 1 , comprises a form-fitting supporting member 2, which is made of elastically flexible material, for example synthetic or natural latex, and is shaped so as to support uniformly the weight of a user.
  • the form-fitting supporting member 2 which is delimited at the front by a curved edge 3, in fact has a shape which duplicates in plan view the shape of the hindfoot, i.e., of the portion of the foot that lies behind the region of the metatarsal-phalangeal articulation to the heel.
  • transverse cross-section instead forms a surface which is substantially flat and acts as a base which lies opposite a three-dimensional surface which is contoured anatomically in order to reproduce the plantar arch and is directed toward the foot of the user.
  • Two shock-absorbing inserts 6 and 7 are also associated with the base insole
  • each insert is constituted by a suitably shaped blade made of shock- absorbing expanded material, and the inserts are arranged respectively at the opening 4 and in the region of the metatarsal-phalangeal articulation, adjacent to the curved edge 3.
  • the form-fitting arch support 1 has a stabilizing elastic means, constituted by a first plurality of springs 8, that are aligned and positioned in seats that are formed in the form-fitting supporting member 2 so as to affect the outer or lateral region of the heel, and by a second plurality of springs 9, that are aligned and positioned in a corresponding number of seats formed in the form-fitting supporting member 2 so as to affect the internal or medial region of the heel.
  • a first spring 10 is associated with a seat formed in the form-fitting support 2 so as to affect the internal or medial region of the foot, with respect to the metatarsal-phalangeal articulation, and a second spring 11 a and a third spring 11 b that are associated with two other seats that are formed on the form-fitting supporting member 2, so as to affect the outer or lateral region of the foot, with respect to the metatarsal-phalangeal articulation.
  • Each of the springs 8, 9, 10 and 11 whose number can vary both according to their dimensions and according to the dimensions of the base insole 5, is constituted by a substantially cylindrical member, which is made of elastomeric material, with an elastic constant which is diversified in proportion to the weight of the user, so as to apply a stronger reaction force to heavier individuals.
  • the height of the springs 8, 9, 10 and 11 also is differentiated, but in this case according to the region that each spring will affect, so that the springs 8 and 9 are taller than the springs 10 and 11.
  • the stabilizing elastic means also has an arc-like pad 12 interposed between the springs 8, 9 and the base insole 5.
  • the arc-like pad 12 has a plan shape that partially reproduces the portions of the base insole 5 and of the form-fitting supporting member 2 that relate to the hindfoot and is adapted to soften the impact of the heel on the ground, being made of elastomeric material which has a lower elastic constant than the springs.
  • the arch support has a covering member 13, which is made of flexible laminar material and is shaped in a manner which is similar to the base insole 5.
  • the covering member 13 covers the form-fitting support 2, the springs 8, 9, 10 and 11 , and the part of the base insole 5 that relates to the forefoot, forming a monolithic layered structure which forms, as a whole, the form-fitting arch support 1.
  • the operation of the form-fitting arch support 1 according to the invention is as follows.
  • the form-fitting arch support according to the invention fully achieves the intended aim, ensuring the possibility to correct the deviations of the axis of the heel, solving valgus and varus conditions of the hindfoot, although it can be manufactured with relatively modest costs and is associable with an ordinary pair of shoes.
  • the materials used may be any according to the requirements and the state of the art.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Nursing (AREA)
  • Orthopedic Medicine & Surgery (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
  • Vascular Medicine (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Footwear And Its Accessory, Manufacturing Method And Apparatuses (AREA)

Abstract

A form-fitting arch support includes a form-fitting supporting member, made of elastically flexible material and provided with shock-absorbing inserts that are coupled to a base insole and are covered by a covering member. The support includes a stabilizing elastic means, which is adapted to contrast and reduce the deviations of the axis of the heel of the foot.

Description

_
FORM-FITTING ARCH SUPPORT
The present invention relates to a form-fitting arch support particularly suitable for correcting structural anomalies of the foot.
As is known, there are many structural anomalies which can alter the correct functionality of the foot, altering its natural behavior and consequently facilitating instability in contact with the ground, with considerable influence on the entire locomotor system.
Particular attention must be paid to certain morphological and functional anomalies which become apparent in performing sports actions or in ordinary walking, until they become one of the most frequent causes of alterations of general posture: valgus and varus conditions of the hindfoot.
In particular, the valgus condition is a deviation, with respect to the axis of the tibial bone, of the axis of the heel, which tends toward the inner or medial side of the foot, causing an overload which affects not only the articulation of the foot but also the knees, hips and backbone.
The varus condition is instead a deviation, with respect to the axis of the tibial bone, of the axis of the heel, which tends toward the outer or lateral side of the foot and leads essentially to the same kind of problem.
These malformations are corrected generally by using, besides surgical reductions, which are usually reserved to the worst situations, special shoes and expensive customized corrective arch supports, created according to specific indications of technical and sanitary personnel, or by orthopedic technicians.
This kind of solution generally entails rather long times and certainly very high costs, consequently denying immediate availability of the necessary corrective solutions to users, who therefore very often find themselves using shoes which are incompatible with the requirements, with limited respect for the physiology of the foot.
The aim of the invention is to solve the problems described above by providing a form-fitting arch support which can correct deviations of the axis of the heel, solving valgus and varus conditions of the hindfoot while using ordinary shoes. Within the scope of this aim, an object of the invention is to provide a form- fitting arch support which is universal and straightforward to use for the user.
Another object of the invention is to provide a form-fitting arch support which can be manufactured at competitive costs. This aim and these and other objects, which will become better apparent hereinafter, are achieved by a form-fitting arch support comprising a form-fitting supporting member, made of elastically flexible material and provided with shock- absorbing inserts, the form-fitting supporting member and the shock-absorbing inserts being associated with a base insole and being covered by a covering member, characterized in that it comprises a stabilizing elastic means adapted to contrast and reduce the deviations of the axis of the heel of the foot.
Further characteristics and advantages will become better apparent from the description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment of a form-fitting arch support according to the invention, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, wherein:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a form-fitting arch support according to the invention;
Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a form-fitting arch support according to the invention; Figure 3 is a perspective view of some component parts of the form-fitting arch support according to the invention;
Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of component parts of the form-fitting arch support according to the invention.
With reference to the cited figures, the form-fitting arch support, generally designated by the reference numeral 1 , comprises a form-fitting supporting member 2, which is made of elastically flexible material, for example synthetic or natural latex, and is shaped so as to support uniformly the weight of a user.
The form-fitting supporting member 2, which is delimited at the front by a curved edge 3, in fact has a shape which duplicates in plan view the shape of the hindfoot, i.e., of the portion of the foot that lies behind the region of the metatarsal-phalangeal articulation to the heel.
Its transverse cross-section instead forms a surface which is substantially flat and acts as a base which lies opposite a three-dimensional surface which is contoured anatomically in order to reproduce the plantar arch and is directed toward the foot of the user.
The flat surface of the form-fitting supporting member 2, which has, at the heel region, a substantially elliptical opening 4, is glued to a base insole 5, which is made of flexible and breathable laminar material, according to the most recent shoe manufacturing technologies. Two shock-absorbing inserts 6 and 7 are also associated with the base insole
5, whose plan shape is approximately similar to the internal supporting surface of a shoe; each insert is constituted by a suitably shaped blade made of shock- absorbing expanded material, and the inserts are arranged respectively at the opening 4 and in the region of the metatarsal-phalangeal articulation, adjacent to the curved edge 3.
According to the invention, the form-fitting arch support 1 has a stabilizing elastic means, constituted by a first plurality of springs 8, that are aligned and positioned in seats that are formed in the form-fitting supporting member 2 so as to affect the outer or lateral region of the heel, and by a second plurality of springs 9, that are aligned and positioned in a corresponding number of seats formed in the form-fitting supporting member 2 so as to affect the internal or medial region of the heel.
In order to make the action of the stabilizing elastic means described above even more effective, thus assisting the action of the springs 8 and 9, a first spring 10 is associated with a seat formed in the form-fitting support 2 so as to affect the internal or medial region of the foot, with respect to the metatarsal-phalangeal articulation, and a second spring 11 a and a third spring 11 b that are associated with two other seats that are formed on the form-fitting supporting member 2, so as to affect the outer or lateral region of the foot, with respect to the metatarsal-phalangeal articulation. Each of the springs 8, 9, 10 and 11 , whose number can vary both according to their dimensions and according to the dimensions of the base insole 5, is constituted by a substantially cylindrical member, which is made of elastomeric material, with an elastic constant which is diversified in proportion to the weight of the user, so as to apply a stronger reaction force to heavier individuals.
The height of the springs 8, 9, 10 and 11 also is differentiated, but in this case according to the region that each spring will affect, so that the springs 8 and 9 are taller than the springs 10 and 11.
The stabilizing elastic means also has an arc-like pad 12 interposed between the springs 8, 9 and the base insole 5. The arc-like pad 12 has a plan shape that partially reproduces the portions of the base insole 5 and of the form-fitting supporting member 2 that relate to the hindfoot and is adapted to soften the impact of the heel on the ground, being made of elastomeric material which has a lower elastic constant than the springs. The arch support has a covering member 13, which is made of flexible laminar material and is shaped in a manner which is similar to the base insole 5. The covering member 13 covers the form-fitting support 2, the springs 8, 9, 10 and 11 , and the part of the base insole 5 that relates to the forefoot, forming a monolithic layered structure which forms, as a whole, the form-fitting arch support 1. The operation of the form-fitting arch support 1 according to the invention is as follows.
To correct the structural anomalies commonly known as varus and valgus conditions, which impair the normal functionality of the foot, it is sufficient to insert the form-fitting arch support 1 of the right size in any kind of shoe one wishes to use and then wear the shoe.
In the case of a valgus condition of the hindfoot, i.e., of a deviation of the axis of the heel which tends to make the foot bear the entire weight of the body in its medial or internal region, when the foot makes contact with the ground, the reaction of the springs 9 and 10 causes an inversion of the foot, i.e., an inward rotation thereof, correcting its position. _ _
Vice versa, in the presence of a varus condition of the hindfoot, i.e., when the deviation of the axis of the heel causes the foot to tend to bear the entire weight of the body on its lateral or outer region, when the foot makes contact with the ground, the reaction of the springs 8 and 11 causes an eversion of the foot, i.e., an outward rotation thereof, correcting its position in this case as well.
Those corrective actions are softened by the presence of the arc-like pad 12 in each form-fitting arch support 1.
Accurately prepared and certified laboratory tests have allowed to assess that in both of the cases cited above, the reduction of the deviation of the vertical axis of the heel with respect to the axis of the tibia is at least 5° greater than obtained with a normal arch support.
In practice it has been found, therefore, that the form-fitting arch support according to the invention fully achieves the intended aim, ensuring the possibility to correct the deviations of the axis of the heel, solving valgus and varus conditions of the hindfoot, although it can be manufactured with relatively modest costs and is associable with an ordinary pair of shoes.
This application claims the priority of Italian Patent Application No. VI2005A000171 , filed on 13 June 2005, the subject matter of which is incorporated herein by reference. The form-fitting arch support thus conceived is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, within the scope of the appended claims. All the details may be replaced with other technically equivalent elements.
In practice, the materials used, so long as they are compatible with the specific use, as well as the contingent shapes and dimensions, may be any according to the requirements and the state of the art.

Claims

1. A form-fitting arch support comprising a form-fitting supporting member made of elastically flexible material and provided with shock-absorbing inserts, said form-fitting supporting member and said shock-absorbing inserts being associated with a base insole and being covered by a covering member, characterized in that it comprises a stabilizing elastic means adapted to contrast and reduce the deviations of the axis of the heel of the foot.
2. The form-fitting arch support according to claim 1 , characterized in that said stabilizing elastic means comprises a first plurality of springs associated with said form-fitting supporting member so as to affect the outer or lateral region of said foot related to said heel.
3. The form-fitting arch support according to claim 2, characterized in that said stabilizing elastic means comprises a second plurality of springs, associated with said form-fitting supporting member so as to affect the internal or medial region of said foot related to said heel.
4. The form-fitting arch support according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said stabilizing elastic means comprises at least one first spring, which is associated with said form-fitting supporting member so as to affect the internal or medial region of said foot related to the metatarsal- phalangeal articulation.
5. The form-fitting arch support according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said stabilizing elastic means comprises at least one second spring, which is associated with said form-fitting supporting member so as to affect the outer or lateral region of said foot, related to the metatarsal- phalangeal articulation.
6. The form-fitting arch support according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that each of said springs comprises at least one substantially cylindrical member, which is made of elastomeric material.
7. The form-fitting arch support according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said springs have an elastic constant which is proportional to the weight of the user.
8. The form-fitting arch support according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said stabilizing elastic means comprises an arc-like pad, which is interposed between said two pluralities of springs and said base insole.
9. The form-fitting arch support according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said arc-like pad has an elastic constant which is lower than that of said springs.
10. The form-fitting arch support according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said form-fitting supporting member has a substantially flat surface, which can be coupled to said insole, and a three- dimensional surface, which is anatomically contoured and directed toward the foot of said user.
11. The form-fitting arch support according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said shock-absorbing inserts are associated with said form-fitting supporting member so as to affect respectively the central region of said foot related to said heel and the region of said foot related to the metatarsal- phalangeal articulation.
PCT/EP2006/005659 2005-06-13 2006-06-13 Form-fitting arch support WO2006133894A2 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ITVI2005A000171 2005-06-13
ITVI20050171 ITVI20050171A1 (en) 2005-06-13 2005-06-13 STRUCTURE OF ANATOMICAL FOOTBED

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2006133894A2 true WO2006133894A2 (en) 2006-12-21
WO2006133894A3 WO2006133894A3 (en) 2007-03-08

Family

ID=37532650

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/EP2006/005659 WO2006133894A2 (en) 2005-06-13 2006-06-13 Form-fitting arch support

Country Status (2)

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IT (1) ITVI20050171A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2006133894A2 (en)

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE845557C (en) * 1950-03-01 1952-08-04 Franz Josef Fleissner Orthopedic shoe insole with replaceable, elastic support plugs
US3828792A (en) * 1968-11-18 1974-08-13 A Valenta Shoe liners
EP0173396A2 (en) * 1984-08-24 1986-03-05 Northwest Podiatric Laboratory, Inc. Variable adjustable shoe inserts
GB2189372A (en) * 1986-04-24 1987-10-28 Anthony Clive Andrews Insoles for footwear
US6510626B1 (en) * 2000-07-28 2003-01-28 Kent S. Greenawalt Custom orthotic foot support assembly

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE845557C (en) * 1950-03-01 1952-08-04 Franz Josef Fleissner Orthopedic shoe insole with replaceable, elastic support plugs
US3828792A (en) * 1968-11-18 1974-08-13 A Valenta Shoe liners
EP0173396A2 (en) * 1984-08-24 1986-03-05 Northwest Podiatric Laboratory, Inc. Variable adjustable shoe inserts
GB2189372A (en) * 1986-04-24 1987-10-28 Anthony Clive Andrews Insoles for footwear
US6510626B1 (en) * 2000-07-28 2003-01-28 Kent S. Greenawalt Custom orthotic foot support assembly

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ITVI20050171A1 (en) 2006-12-14
WO2006133894A3 (en) 2007-03-08

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