GB2539453A

GB2539453A - An orthotic boot

Info

Publication number: GB2539453A
Application number: GB1510591.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Herron Mark
Original assignee: Foot & Ankle Clinic Ltd
Current assignee: Foot & Ankle Clinic Ltd
Priority date: 2015-06-16
Filing date: 2015-06-16
Publication date: 2016-12-21
Also published as: GB201510591D0; WO2016203250A1

Abstract

An orthotic boot 1 arranged to substantially immobilise a foot and ankle of a wearer. The boot comprises an upper 25 and a bladder 15 mounted in a rigid sole portion 500. The bladder comprises a gas impermeable membrane, containing a plurality of pellets and having a valve 17 allowing the bladder to be filled and evacuated. The sole portion has a thickness and the upper is mounted on the sole portion to conceal a portion of the sole portions thickness. The sole portion may comprise a carbon fibre stiffening shank 16. The sole portion may have a rocker sole. The sole portion may be inwardly stepped to accommodate an overlapping upper. The boot may be rear opening. The boot may have a tongue with a low opening. The upper may comprise a plurality of articulated panels connected to one another by an elastic material, where the panels move laterally relative to each other by the elastic material stretching and contracting. A lining material may be situated between the upper and the foot of the wearer, where the lining may comprise articulated panels distinct from the uppers articulated panels. Also an articulated upper for use in an orthotic boot.

Description

AN ORTHOTIC BOOT

This invention relates to an article of footwear and related methods.

More particularly it concerns a type of footwear design that can be adapted to the shape of a wearer's foot. The invention may have particular application in the field of orthopaedics but it need not be limited to this use.

There are various designs of post-operative boots available for rehabilitation after injury or operation to the foot and ankle. Most designs incorporate a stiff 'through-rocker' type sole and design elements to support, offload and immobilise the foot and ankle. These current systems are required for a period of approximately three months after an injury and/or operation. During this time the foot and/or ankle and/or lower leg needs protection from knocks and maximum support to maintain the foot and/or ankle and/or lower leg in a set position.

After approximately three months however (when the foot and/or ankle and/or lower leg are usually more robust) currently available orthopaedic rehabilitation/post-operative boots become less useful. Their large size and inflexibility not only become unnecessary and restrictive, but may stigmatise the patient; who is made to feel like an invalid for longer than is necessary. The inflexibility of the boot may even prolong muscle atrophy as the patient may be unnecessarily prevented from exercising' the foot and lower limb more generally by the rigidity and size of the boot. In addition, currently available orthotic boots are visibly medical implements, not normal footwear, and so draw attention to their use, which may frustrate and further stigmatise the patient.

Due to their cumbersome nature, post-operative boots are almost invariably supplied as a unilateral device, which also causes difficulty in finding footwear of appropriate sole height and design for the untreated side.

After significant injuries or operations, a patient is rarely ready, after a period of three months, to resume normal walking with normal footwear and would benefit from continued mechanical and functional support. Currently clinical advice often suggests sturdy walking boots, which are not designed to overcome many of the predictable structural and functional changes which the foot and ankle undergoes.

According to a first aspect, there is provided an orthotic boot arranged to substantially immobilise the foot and ankle of a wearer. The boot typically comprises a rigid sole portion, in which there is mounted a bladder, and an upper.

Advantageously, the bladder comprises a gas impermeable membrane, containing a plurality of pellets and has a valve arranged to allow the bladder to be filled and evacuated.

The sole portion of the boot has a thickness and the upper is advantageously arranged such that it is mounted on the sole so as to conceal a portion of the thickness of the sole. The portion of the thickness of the sole concealed may be substantially the entire thickness of the sole.

The sole portion possesses a 'rocker formation in some embodiments. Advantageously, this allows a wearer to tilt forwards and backwards more easily, while still maintaining weight on the foot, so reducing load on a wearer's joints.

The sole portion may conveniently comprise a stiffening shank. The shank is preferably made out of a strong, light-weight material, such as carbon fibre to reduce the flexibility of the sole portion.

The upper overlaps the sole portion in at least some embodiments. Conveniently, this disguises the true thickness of the sole portion, so giving the orthotic boot an appearance more similar to that of a normal boot. In some embodiments wherein the upper overlaps the sole portion, the sole portion is inwardly stepped to accommodate the overlapping upper.

The bladder may be recessed into the sole portion. Advantageously, this reduces the depth of the sole portion whilst maintain the customisable support offered by the bladder.

The orthotic boot may be rear opening. The rear opening may be provided by fastening means on the heel portion, such as hook and eye fasteners, a zip, buttons, or laces. The skilled person will appreciate that other fastening means are available.

In alternative or additional embodiments, a front tongue of the boot is low-opening. Alternatively or additionally, the orthotic boot may be fully opening, with a front portion which can be folded forward to allow access to the boot.

Advantageously, a low-opening tongue and/or rear opening of the boot provide more comfortable access to the boot for a foot of a wearer.

Conveniently, the upper may comprise articulated panels. The articulated panels of the upper can conveniently move laterally relative to each other.

This may advantageously allow the upper of the boot to expand so as to accommodate swelling and relieve pressure on a foot of a wearer.

In embodiments comprising articulated panels, the panels of the upper may be connected by elastic material. The material used may be elastic, elasticated fabric, Lycra (RTM), neoprene or any other resilient material known to one skilled in the art.

A lining material may be provided within the upper of the boot such that, in use, the lining material is situated between the upper and a foot of a wearer. Advantageously, this improves the comfort of a wearer, cushions sensitive areas and/or accommodates swelling.

In embodiments comprising a lining, the lining may comprise articulated panels. Advantageously, this increases the flexibility of the lining, so allowing more adjustment to the foot of a user.

The articulated panels of the lining of these embodiments may be distinct from the articulated panels of the upper. Conveniently, the panels of the lining can move laterally relative to each other. The movement of the panels may advantageously allow swelling to be accommodated.

The panels of the lining may be connected by elastic material. The material used may be elastic, elasticated fabric, Lycra (RTM), neoprene or any other resilient material known to one skilled in the art.

The upper may be substantially rigid, and, conveniently, the upper may be rigidly connected to the sole portion. Advantageously, the ankle joint is substantially immobilised by the combination of the substantially rigid upper and the rigid sole portion.

The skilled person would understand that, for the purposes of comfort, a limited amount of movement may be allowed at the ankle. In such embodiments, the substantially rigid upper and the rigid sole portion may be connected by an articulated potion which allows a small amount of rotation and/or flexion of the ankle joint. For example, rotation and/or flexion of the ankle joint may be limited to one or more of the following degrees, or the like, 4°, 5°, 10° or 15°. Movement of the ankle joint is therefore restricted by the combination of the substantially rigid upper and the rigid sole portion.

Advantageously, movement may be restricted to uni-planar rotation of the ankle joint, without flexion of the ankle joint being permitted.

Conveniently, an insole allowance is provided within the boot. The depth of the insole allowance may be substantially in the region of 1.5 cm to 3.5 cm.

An advantage of such an article of footwear is that it can be contoured to a wearer's foot thereby providing customised support. The shape, contours and volume of a patient's foot many vary significantly both day to day and over the course of a single day in up to the first six months after surgery/trauma. The design allows this to be catered for dynamically as required.

According to a second aspect, there is provided an orthotic boot, comprising an upper arranged to receive a wearer's foot, wherein the upper comprises a plurality of panels connected to one another. Conveniently, the, or each, connection between the panels comprises elastic material. The panels may move laterally relative to each other via the elastic material stretching and contracting.

Advantageously, this allows the upper to expand to accommodate swelling of a foot of a user.

Conveniently, the panels are made of a substantially rigid material.

The panels may be connected by strips of the elastic material. The strips of elastic material are advantageously arranged substantially along the seams 900 between panels 902.

Advantageously, the elastic connections between the panels allow some relative rotation of the panels, in addition to lateral translation.

In alternative embodiments, the panels may be connected to a continuous elastic material which substantially covers the inner surface of the upper of the boot.

The elastic material used may be one of the following, or may alternatively be any suitable resilient material known to one skilled in the art: (i) elastic; (ii) neoprene; (iii) Lycra (RTM).

Conveniently, the panels can move apart by a maximum of substantially 25 one of the following distances: 2 mm, 5 mm, 8 mm, 10 mm, 15mm, 20 mm.

In some embodiments, the boot further comprises a lining material, which, in use, is between the upper and a foot of a wearer.

The lining material may have any of the features described for the lining material of the first aspect.

In a third aspect, there is provided an articulated upper, as described above, suitable for use in an orthotic boot.

The skilled person will appreciate that features discussed in relation to any one aspect of the invention may be provided with any other aspect of the invention.

According to a third aspect, there is provided an orthotic boot arranged to substantially immobilise the foot and ankle of a wearer. The boot typically comprises a rigid sole portion, in which there is mounted a bladder, and an upper.

Advantageously, the rigid sole portion is a rocker sole. Further, the upper may be stiff. In at least some embodiments, the foot and the ankle joint are substantially immobilised by the combination of the stiff upper and the rigid sole portion.

The rocker sole is designed to allow a wearer to tilt forwards and backwards more easily, while still maintaining weight on the foot. The skilled person would understand that the rocker sole therefore reduces load on a wearer's joints. Rocker soles typically have a curvature along their length which allows tilting to occur without bending of the foot and/or ankle.

In some embodiments, the bladder comprises a gas impermeable membrane, containing a plurality of pellets. Advantageously a valve is provided and arranged to allow the bladder to be filled and evacuated.

The sole portion of the boot has a thickness and the upper is advantageously arranged such that it is mounted on the sole so as to conceal a substantial portion of the thickness of the sole.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described in more detail by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a boot of one embodiment, showing a sole portion and a bladder of an article of footwear; Figure 2 shows a longitudinal cross-section through the sole portion of Figure 1 along line XX; Figure 3 is a cross-section through the bladder of Figure 1 along line YY thereof; Figure 4a is a cross-sectional view through the sole portion of Figure 1 along line ZZ, also showing a portion of an upper of the boot; Figure 4b is a cross-sectional view through the sole portion of an alternative embodiment, showing a second method of connecting the upper to the sole portion; Figure 4e is a cross-sectional view through the sole portion of a further alternative embodiment, showing a third method of connecting the upper to the sole portion; Figure 5 is a view of the sole portion of Figure 1; Figures 6a and 6b are schematic representations of the sole portion of the embodiment; Figures 7a and 7b are schematic representations of a cross section of a foot along a heel-toe axis, demonstrating the positioning of components of the embodiment; Figure 8 shows a schematic representation of an upper portion of an embodiment, including articulated panels; and Figure 9 shows a boot of an embodiment.

Any measurements and/or angles labelled in the Figures are provided for illustrative purposes only, and are not to be taken as limiting. The skilled person would understand that dimensions to be used vary dependent on the foot size and shape of the user, the style of boot chosen, the injury to be accommodated, the amount of padding and or bandaging used, and the like.

A boot sole portion 500 of an orthotic boot 1 is provided having what is commonly referred to as a rocker base 500; the boot sole portion 500 also referred to as a "rocker sole". The rocker sole 500 comprises a base formation 3 and a sole body portion 5. In the embodiment being described, the base formation 3 and the sole body portion 5 are provided as separate pieces and joined together such as via an adhesive, welding, or the like. In other embodiments, the base formation 3 and the sole body portion 5 are provided as a single piece, such as a single piece moulding.

The rocker sole 500 is designed to allow a wearer to tilt forwards and backwards more easily, while still maintaining weight on the foot, so reducing load on a wearer's joints. Rocker soles have a curvature along their length which allows tilting to occur; this curvature can most readily be seen in Figure 2 and Figures 5 to 7.

In the embodiment being described, the curvature of the rocker sole 500 is such that it is widest under the ball of the foot, is narrower under the heel, and tapers towards the toes. This is illustrated most clearly in Figure 7b. In this embodiment, the rocker angle, marked Angle R, of the rocker sole 500 is 20°. In other embodiments, the rocker angle is between 5° and 45°, preferably between 100 and 30°, and more preferably between 15° and 25°.

The apex angle of the boot of the embodiment being described, marked Angle A in Figure 7a, is 80°. In other embodiments, the apex angle is between 70° and 90°, preferably between 75° and 90°, and more preferably between 75° and 85°.

The sole portion 500 is substantially rigid. In the embodiment being described, at least one carbon fibre shank 16 is incorporated into the sole portion 500, as shown in Figure 1. Advantageously, the use of at least one carbon fibre shank allows increased rigidity without substantially increasing the thickness of the sole portion 500. The skilled person will understand that shanks of other materials may be used instead of, or as well as, carbon fibre, such as a plastics material, a metal, etc. In the embodiment being described, the sole portion 500 is made of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). The skilled man will appreciate that other materials may be used. Advantageously, the material chosen for the sole portion is amenable to injection moulding.

The base formation 3 comprises the grip or tread of the boot. On top of the base formation 3 is a body 5 of the sole portion 500 which defines the perimeter sole portion side wall 7. The sole portion side wall 7 is shaped so as to provide support to the foot of a wearer.

In a top region of the body portion of the sole 5 is a cavity 9 which has a bottom wall 11 and a side wall 13. In the embodiment of Figures 1 to 4 the cavity 9 is provided over substantially the whole top surface of the sole body portion 5.

In other embodiments the cavity 9 may be of any suitable size and shape as required. For example the cavity may be provided in a ball of the foot region 14 or may be positioned over substantially the heel region.

In use there is positioned in the cavity 9 a bladder 15. For ease of reference the bladder is shown separately with tracking lines to show positioning relative to the sole portion 500. The bladder 15 rests on the bottom wall 11 of the cavity 9 and may be secured by a suitable adhesive such as a glue, or any other suitable securing means, such as hook and eye fasteners, double sided tape, etc.. Indeed, in other embodiments, the bladder 15 may be retained in position by engagement with the side walls 13 of the sole portion 500; i.e. by frictional engagement. In the embodiment being described, the bladder 15 forms part of an insole portion 100. The insole portion 100 further comprises a layer of material covering the area of the sole body portion 5 over which the bladder 15 does not extend. The material is chosen to have a thickness which is small compared to the thickness of the sole, so as not to significantly decrease the space available inside the boot. If the cavity 9 is larger than the bladder 15, the thickness of the material in the region of the cavity 9 not filled by the bladder 15 is chosen to provide a smooth sole with no noticeable discontinuity at the edge of the bladder. In alternative embodiments, the bladder 15 may form substantially all of the insole portion 100, or the insole portion 100 may further comprise lining and/or padding materials such as foams.

In the embodiment being described, space is provided within the boot 1 for fitting of a separable insole portion 100. This allows insole portions to be added or replaced. In the embodiment being described, a 2 cm depth of insole allowance 600 is provided for the insole portion 100. In alternative embodiments, the insole depth provided for 600 may be substantially any of the following: 1 cm, 1.5 cm, 2.5 cm, 3 cm, 3.5 cm.

In extreme cases, the insole depth may be up to 5 or 7 cm.

In the embodiment being described, the insole allowance 600 is of substantially equal depth across substantially all of the foot, except where it tapers in the toe region and under the medial arch area of the midfoot.

The midfoot refers to the bones and joints that make up the arch of the foot. The midfoot connects the forefoot (comprising the bones of the toes) to the hindfoot (comprising the ankle and heel bones).

In alternative embodiments, the insole allowance 600 is of substantially equal depth across all of the foot, or is of variable depth to accommodate specific needs of a wearer.

The insole depth 600 is accommodated and disguised by the design of the boot 1. This is achieved by recessing the insole portion 100 into the sole portion 500 by use of cavity 9 and by the dimension and arrangement of the upper 25. In the embodiment being described, the upper 25 overlaps the sole portion 500, as described in more detail below.

A valve 17 is provided on the bladder 15 which allows air in and out of the bladder 15. The valve 17 is fitted to the side of the bladder 15 to be used on the medial side of the boot sole portion 500.

A channel 19 is formed through a heel region 21 of the body 5 on the medial side of the sole portion 500. The skilled person would understand that, in other embodiments, the channel leading from the inside to the outside of the boot may be located elsewhere. To accommodate the channel 19 a dip is formed in the bottom wall 11, in other embodiments this may not be necessary.

The channel 19 extends from the cavity side wall 13 to the sole portion side wall 7 and as such allows communication between the cavity 9 and the outside of the boot 1. The channel 19 is designed to receive an outer part of the valve 17 which protrudes far enough through the channel 19 to be operated by a wearer, or someone else, from the outside of the boot 1.

Referring to Figure 2 the rocker sole formation 500 can be clearly seen.

The rocker sole feature comprises a curvature in the base formation 3 and sole body portion 5 along the length of the sole portion 500. This curvature facilitates easier walking in a heel to toe manner. In the case where the wearer has an injury the rocker sole 500 feature may reduce stress on the bones, joints and soft tissues of the foot and ankle in question by automatically tilting the foot with the momentum of walking as weight is transferred over it.

Referring to Figure 3, a plurality of semi-rigid pellets 23 are provided inside the bladder 15, which substantially fill the bladder 15. For ease of reference the pellets 23 are shown larger than might be used. The skilled person would understand that fully rigid or soft pellets could also be used.

The pellets 23 comprise a nitrite material, but any other suitable material may be used.

In this embodiment the pellets 23 are substantially spherical and are of approximately 3mm in diameter. The skilled person would understand that other sizes and shapes of pellets could be used, for example substantially cubic or rhombic pellets, or the like. The bladder 15 is shaped to fit the cavity 9, but may also be shaped with particular orthopaedic objectives in mind. The outer surface of the bladder 15 comprises a non-porous material, in this case PVC, although many other suitable materials may be used.

The bladder 15 itself is substantially air-tight with passage for air in or out of the bladder being controlled by the valve 17. When air at substantially atmospheric pressure, or above, is present inside the bladder 15 the pellets arc relatively free to move about in response to external forces placed on the bladder 15. When the bladder 15 is substantially evacuated the pellets are substantially retained in position and do not move substantially relative to one another.

The valve 17 is of a suitable design to allow removal of air from the bladder 17 while also allowing injection of air back into the bladder 15 when the valve 17 is open. The valve closes automatically when the pump is not in use. The valve is provided with an outer casing that enables it to function even when the sole portion 500 is weight bearing. Additionally the valve 17 is designed to be relatively discreet and does not protrude beyond the channel 19 so as to ensure that it is not a trip hazard.

As can be seen in Figure 4, the boot 1 also comprises an upper 25 allowing a wearer to retain the boot on his/her foot. The boot 1 is fabricated from one or more materials so as to provide an upper 25 which is stiff enough to retain a wearer's foot in place. In the embodiment being described, the upper 25 is made of leather. The skilled person will understand that many other materials, or combinations of materials, may be used. The upper 25 is rigidly connected to the sole portion 500. The upper 25, in conjunction with the rigid sole portion 500, restricts movement of a wearer's foot and ankle. In the embodiment being described, the foot and the ankle joint are substantially immobilised by the combination of the stiff upper 25 and the rigid sole portion 500. The boot 1 extends over the ankle of a wearer to facilitate the immobilisation of the ankle joint.

The upper 25 is arranged to partially conceal the thickness of the sole portion 500. In the embodiment being described, this is achieved by having a step 400 in the sole portion 500, such that the upper region of the sole portion 500 fits within the upper 25. The step 400 is shown in Figure 4a.

In alternative embodiments, the sole portion 500 may not be stepped. In some of these alternative embodiments, the upper 25 may overlap the sole portion 500 as shown in Figure 4b. Extra width is required in the upper 25 when there is no step 400 in the sole portion 500.

In further alternative embodiments, the sole portion 500 may be split such that the base formation 3, providing the rocker, is separated from the sole body portion 5, in which the bladder 15 is mounted. In such embodiments, the upper 25 may overlap the body portion 5 of the sole 500 and fit in between the body portion 5 of the sole portion 500 and the base formation 3 of the sole portion 500. The width of the body portion 5 of the sole portion 500 is therefore hidden in such embodiments.

An outer region 27 of the bladder is in contact with the sole portion 500 and (when the boot is worn) the wearer's foot.

In use, the valve 17 is opened such that the air inside the bladder 15 is at approximately atmospheric pressure or above. A wearer places his or her foot inside the boot and puts his or her weight on that foot and therefore the bladder 15. As the air in the bladder 15 is at approximately atmospheric pressure the pellets 23 are substantially free to move about within the bladder 15 and therefore form to the shape of the underside of a wearer's foot.

The user then uses a pump (not shown) to substantially evacuate the bladder 15 thereby substantially retaining the pellets 23 in position such that they do not move relative to one another. Thus, the bladder remains substantially rigid under a wearer's foot. The pump may be hand-held and may for instance be supplied as part of a kit with a shoe.

The pellets 23, which are semi-rigid provide cushioning while also providing substantially rigid support following the contours of a wearer's foot.

The positioning of the valve 17 on the medial side of the heel of the sole portion 500 facilitates operation of the pump (not shown) by a wearer. The skilled person would understand that other positions could also be used. The body 5 of the sole portion 500 also provides additional support around the lower sides of the foot. The rocker sole base 500 promotes ease of ambulation, especially where the foot in question is damaged in someway.

Referring to Figure 4, the bladder 15 is shown in its substantially evacuated configuration. It can be seen that the bladder 15 has been shaped before evacuation to follow the contours of a wearer's foot (not shown). Additionally the boot upper 25 can be seen.

The boot 1 of the embodiment being described further comprises a heel 700. In the embodiment being described, the heel 700 height ranges from 32-37mm and the depth under the rocker sole 500 in the forefoot region ranges from 15-17mm (incorporating a heel pitch of 17-20mm).

The heel 700 incorporates a striker heel modification 18 to allow transition at heel strike. As shown in Figure 2, the striker heel modification 18 introduces a curve or slant at the back of the heel 700. 10 Advantageously, the striker heel modification 18 facilitates a more comfortable gait for a user.

As shown in Figure 9, the upper 25 of the embodiment being described has one or more scams 900. In this embodiment. panels 902 constituting the upper 25 can move relative to each other in the direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the seam 900 substantially within the plane of the upper 25, indicated for example by arrow B. This movement of the scams may be thought of as lateral movement of the panels. It will be understood by the skilled person that the direction of motion of the panels 902 may not be exactly perpendicular to the scam 900. The panels 902 can therefore be described as being articulated. Advantageously, the relative movement of the panels 902 accommodates swelling and inflammation of the foot. This flexibility of the upper 25 is provided by an elastic material 802 within the upper 25, which connects the panels 902. The elastic material 802 may be coloured to match the colour of the upper 25, or may be a contrasting colour, or matched to the colour of thread used for the seams 900. An elasticated fabric is used in the embodiment being described. In alternative or additional embodiments, neoprene or another resilient, stretchable material is used. The material 802 is deformable when pressure is applied and substantially returns to its initial size and shape when the pressure is removed.

The skilled person would understand that the elastic material 802 permits some relative rotational movement of the panels 902.

In the embodiment being described, the panels 902 overlap such that, where they join, one is closer to a foot of a wearer than the other. The elastic material 802 connecting the panels is between the panels 902 and is arranged in strips where the panels 902 join. The elastic material 902 is therefore connected to the outer surface of the panel closer to a foot of a user and to the inner surface of the outer panel. Advantageously, the elastic material 802 is therefore not visible from the outside of the boot 1. In some embodiments, the panels overlap by more than the width of the elastic material 802. The extra overlap distance x ensures that the elastic material 802 does not become visible when the panel moves apart, or reduces the visibility thereof if x is insufficiently large to account for the displacement.

In alternative embodiments, the elastic material 802 is connected to the inner surface of both panels 902. In these embodiments, the panels 902 are substantially equidistant from a foot of a user at the connecting point.

The elastic material 802 may be present in strips along the seams 900 between panels 902, as indicated schematically in Figure 8 by 820. In alternative embodiments, the elastic material 802 covers the entire inner surface of the upper 25. The panels 902 are connected to the elastic material 802, as indicated schematically in Figure 8 by 810.

In the embodiment being described, the panels 902 of the upper 25 can move apart by up to 5mm. In other embodiments, the elastic material 802 allows the panels to move apart by substantially any of the following distances: 2 mm, 5 mm, 8 mm, 10 mm, 15mm.

Within the rigid upper 25, in the embodiment being described, lining material (not shown) is provided to further support the foot and accommodate foot swelling. In this embodiment, Tempur (RTM) foam is used for the lining material. In additional or alternative embodiments, the lining material is made of a different type of foam or other deformable material.

In the embodiment being described, the lining material is applied in separate panels (not shown) to panels 902 of the outer 25. Articulated movement between the lining panels is permitted by the use of elastic material connecting the lining panels. In alternative embodiments, the lining material is connected directly to the underside of the panels 902, or is provided as a single, flexible piece.

To accommodate the lining material and the overlap with the sole portion 500, an over-sized upper 25 is used as compared to the size of the sole portion 500. For example, if the sole portion 500 corresponds to a size 10 boot, the upper 25 may correspond to a size 11 boot. Alternatively, an extra-wide size 10 upper 25 may be used with a sole portion 500 corresponding to a size 10 boot of normal width.

In the embodiment being described, the upper 25 is fastened by means of laces 904. In alternative or additional embodiments, other fastening means such as a hook and eye type fastener, buckles, zips and/or buttons may be used.

In the embodiment being described, the tongue 903 is low-opening, i.e. it is sufficiently flexible and/or articulated to allow the tongue 903 to be folded forward so as to provide a large entry area into the boot 1 for the foot of a wearer. In alternative or additional embodiments, the boot 1 may be rear opening. The skilled man will appreciate that rear entry to the boot I for a foot may be provided by a substantially vertical slit on a heel portion of the boot. The slit may be fastened and unfastened with a zip, buttons, laces, Velcro (RTM) or any other fastening means known to one skilled in the art.

Claims

CLAIMS1 An orthotic boot the boot being arranged to substantially immobilise the foot and ankle of a wearer the boot comprising a rigid sole portion, in which there is mounted a bladder, and an upper; the bladder comprising a gas impermeable membrane, containing a plurality of pellets and having a valve arranged to allow the bladder to be filled and evacuated; wherein the sole portion has a thickness and the upper is arranged such that it is mounted on the sole portion so as to conceal a portion of the thickness of the sole portion.
2. An orthotic boot according to claim 1 wherein the upper is arranged to conceal a substantial portion of the thickness of the sole portion.
3. An orthotic boot according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the upper and sole portion are arranged to allow at least partial uni-planar rotation of the ankle joint.
4. An orthotic boot according to any preceding claim wherein the upper and sole portion are arranged to substantially prohibit flexion of the ankle joint.
5. An orthotic boot according to any preceding claim wherein the sole portion possesses a rocker sole formation.
6. An orthotic boot according to any preceding claim wherein the sole portion comprises a stiffening shank, wherein preferably the shank is made out of carbon fibre.
7. An orthotic boot according to any preceding claim wherein the upper overlaps the sole portion.
8. An orthotic boot according to claim 7 wherein the sole portion is inwardly stepped to accommodate the overlapping upper.
9. An orthotic boot according to any preceding claim wherein the bladder is recessed into the sole portion.
10. An orthotic boot according to any preceding claim wherein the boot is rear opening.
11. An orthotic boot according to any preceding claim wherein a tongue of the boot is low-opening.
12. An orthotic boot according to any preceding claim wherein the upper comprises articulated panels.
13. An orthotic boot according to claim 12 wherein the panels of the upper can move laterally relative to each other.
14. An orthotic boot according to claim 13 wherein the panels of the upper are connected by elastic material.
15. An orthotic boot according to any preceding claim wherein lining material is provided within the upper of the boot such that, in use, the lining material is situated between the upper and a foot of a wearer.
16. An orthotic boot according to claim 15 wherein the lining comprises articulated panels.
17. An orthotic boot according to claim 16 wherein the articulated panels of the lining are distinct from the articulated panels of the upper.
18. An orthotic boot according to claim 16 or claim 17 wherein the panels of the lining can move laterally relative to each other.
19. An orthotic boot according to any one of claims 16 to 18 wherein the panels of the lining arc connected by elastic material.
20. An orthotic boot according to any preceding claim whcrcin the upper is substantially rigid.
21. An orthotic boot according to any preceding claim wherein the upper is substantially rigidly connected to the sole portion.
22. An orthotic boot according to any preceding claim wherein an insole allowance provided, with a depth substantially in the region of 1.5 cm to 3.5 cm.
23. An orthotic boot substantially as described herein with reference to 25 the accompanying drawings.
24. An orthotic boot, comprising an upper arranged to receive a wearer's foot, wherein the upper comprises a plurality of panels connected to one another by elastic material, wherein the panels move laterally relative to each other via the elastic material stretching and contracting.
25. An orthotic boot according to claim 24 wherein the panels are made of a substantially rigid material.
26. An orthotic boot according claim 24 or claim 25 wherein the elastic material is substantially continuous, and wherein preferably the elastic material substantially covers the inner surface of the upper.
27. An orthotic boot according claim 24 or claim 25 wherein the panels are connected by strips of the elastic material.
28. An orthotic boot according to any of claims 24 to 27 wherein the elastic material is one of the following: (i) a thermoplastic clastomcr; or (ii) rubber.
29. An orthotic boot according to any of claims 24 to 28 wherein the panels can move apart by a maximum of substantially one of the following distances: 2 mm, 5 mm, 8 mm, 10 mm, 15mm.
30. An orthotic boot according to any of claims 24 to 29 further comprising a lining material. which, in use, is between the upper and a foot of a wearer.
31. An orthotic boot according to claim 30 wherein the lining material is as described in any of claims 12 to 15.
32. An articulated upper as described in any of claims 24 to 31, suitable for use in an orthotic boot.
33. An orthotic boot the boot being arranged to substantially immobilise the foot and ankle of a wearer the boot comprising: a rigid sole portion, wherein the sole portion is a rocker sole; a bladder mounted in the rigid sole portion; and a stiff upper.
34. The orthotic boot of claim 33 wherein the bladder comprises a gas impermeable membrane containing a plurality of pellets and having a valve arranged to allow the bladder to be filled and evacuated.
35. The orthotic boot of claim 33 or claim 34 wherein the sole portion has a thickness and the upper is arranged such that it is mounted on the sole portion so as to conceal a substantial portion of the thickness of the sole portion.