US20200128915A1 - Diabetic Footwear - Google Patents
Diabetic Footwear Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20200128915A1 US20200128915A1 US16/669,034 US201916669034A US2020128915A1 US 20200128915 A1 US20200128915 A1 US 20200128915A1 US 201916669034 A US201916669034 A US 201916669034A US 2020128915 A1 US2020128915 A1 US 2020128915A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- shoe
- toe
- custom
- insole
- toes
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status 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 status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B17/00—Insoles for insertion, e.g. footbeds or inlays, for attachment to the shoe after the upper has been joined
- A43B17/16—Insoles for insertion, e.g. footbeds or inlays, for attachment to the shoe after the upper has been joined with heel or toe caps
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B17/00—Insoles for insertion, e.g. footbeds or inlays, for attachment to the shoe after the upper has been joined
- A43B17/003—Insoles for insertion, e.g. footbeds or inlays, for attachment to the shoe after the upper has been joined characterised by the material
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43C—FASTENINGS OR ATTACHMENTS OF FOOTWEAR; LACES IN GENERAL
- A43C1/00—Shoe lacing fastenings
- A43C1/02—Shoe lacing fastenings with elastic laces
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43C—FASTENINGS OR ATTACHMENTS OF FOOTWEAR; LACES IN GENERAL
- A43C11/00—Other fastenings specially adapted for shoes
- A43C11/004—Fastenings fixed along the upper edges of the uppers
- A43C11/006—Elastic fastenings
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43C—FASTENINGS OR ATTACHMENTS OF FOOTWEAR; LACES IN GENERAL
- A43C11/00—Other fastenings specially adapted for shoes
- A43C11/14—Clamp fastenings, e.g. strap fastenings; Clamp-buckle fastenings; Fastenings with toggle levers
- A43C11/1493—Strap fastenings having hook and loop-type fastening elements
Definitions
- the present invention relates to footwear for patients with diabetes.
- SDN sensory diabetic neuropathy
- the present invention addresses the specialized footwear needs of diabetic patients that are not met by the prior art by featuring a shoe and custom 3D-printed insole with toe separation ridges.
- the invention focuses on specific areas of the feet that are most likely to suffer from SDN. Among the parts of the feet that are deemed more critical to maintaining circulation and comfort include: the big toe, the small toe (“pinky”), certain points in the front of the arch area (pad of the foot), certain points in the heel, and the back of the foot. There is also friction on the tops and bottoms of the toes, where additional diabetic ulcers appear.
- the invention is characterized by a shoe portion and a custom-fitted insole.
- the shoe features a breathable textile material and design features will help diabetic individuals improve their physical activity and foot mobility.
- innovative features of the shoe include breathable fabric, unique ankle shoe design, targeted cushioning including, a soft thin layer of cushion lining for the big toe and pinky toe, alternative fastening options including Velcro and elastic laces.
- the 3D printed insole is custom fit for each individual user, and features custom fit toe impressions to separate the toes and prevent them from rubbing against each other (i.e., prevent or reduce toe-to-toe rubbing), and improved flexibility and breathability in the arch, toe, and heel areas.
- FIG. 1 is a side view of a shoe for diabetic patients according to an embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 2 is an example of a foot imprint kit according to an embodiment of the invention, showing toe wells and toe separation ridges that will be reflected in the custom insole of the invention.
- FIG. 3 is perspective view of a prior art insole
- FIG. 4 is an overhead front view of a shoe for diabetic patients according to an embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 5 is an overhead right side view of a shoe for diabetic patients according to an embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 6 is an overhead left side view of a shoe for diabetic patients according to an embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 7 is an overhead right side view of a shoe for diabetic patients according to an embodiment of the invention, with a Velcro strap unfastened.
- FIG. 8 is an overhead rear view of a shoe for diabetic patients according to an embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 9 is a bottom view of a shoe for diabetic patients according to an embodiment of the invention.
- the shoe 1 for diabetic patients preferably features a custom insole 2 and an upper 3 .
- the upper 3 is preferably made entirely of open pore flexible material or have significant regions made of open pore flexible material to allow air circulation into and out of the interior foot area.
- the open pore flexible material is provided at least in the top and side areas adjacent the wearer's toes.
- the upper may feature vent holes 5 in the material of the shoe upper 3 to increase air circulation.
- the material of the upper 3 is also preferably made from hydrophobic materials to minimize accumulation of moisture.
- the tongue 7 of the shoe is preferably made of the same or similar open pore material, additionally including a reticulated foam layer for padding.
- the shoe according to the invention also features additional heel area 9 and ankle area 11 support in the form of reticulated foam padding lining the top edges of the shoe where it contacts the wearer's angle and Achilles tendon.
- the padding of the area at the back of the foot may extend to the bottom of the heel to reduce rubbing and improve comfort.
- the area of the shoe adjacent the ankle may be made of elastic material, to facilitate putting on and removal of the shoe.
- the shoe is provided with both elastic laces 13 and Velcro-style hook and loop type closure systems 15 for user flexibility and comfort.
- the removable elastic laces 13 may be threaded through a plurality of eyelets 17 on each side of the upper across the tongue section.
- a removable Velcro-strap is provided with snaps that may be snapped and unsnapped from corresponding snaps on each side of the shoe.
- the Velcro-strap may comprise an inboard section 19 and an outboard section 21 .
- the inboard section is preferably provided at one end with has one or more strap snaps 23 that snap onto and off of corresponding shoe snaps 25 affixed to the inboard side (e.g., right side of a left shoe) of the shoe.
- the other side of the inboard section has a ring 27 for engaging the outboard section of the Velcro strap.
- the outboard Velcro strap 21 is provided at one end with strap snaps 23 that snap onto and off of corresponding shoe snaps 25 affixed to the outboard side (e.g., left side of a left shoe) of the shoe.
- the opposite end of the outboard Velcro strap section is configured to be long enough to be threaded through the ring 27 at the proximate end of the inboard Velcro section, and turned back on itself where corresponding sections of hook and loop cause the outboard Velcro strap to be secured to itself.
- the outboard section may be configured the same as the inboard section, with snaps at one end and a ring at the other end, and the inboard and outboard sections may be joined by a third piece comprising a Velcro strap which may be looped through the rings at the ends of both inboard and outboard sections and fastened to itself. Any one or more of the inboard section, the outboard section, and the central Velcro section may be provided with an elastic portion to provide additional comfort and flexibility.
- the Velcro strap system 15 may be used alone, or in conjunction with the elastic laces 13 .
- the inboard and outboard sections of the Velcro strap may be unsnapped from the shoe and stored for later use.
- the elastic laces may be removed and stored for later use.
- the shoe is provided with an interior padding layer preferably made from open pore reticulated foam to reduce moisture retention, provide cushioning and to reduce rubbing and wear on the foot.
- the interior surface of the shoe is devoid of stitching in the areas that contact the foot to avoid irritation. Additional padding is provided in the big toe area 29 and pinky toe area 31 .
- the shoe is provided with an enlarged toe box to provide additional comfort and to prevent the rubbing of the toes against the inside surface of the shoe and against each other.
- the shoe insole 2 is custom fitted to the wearer.
- an impression is taken of the wearer's entire foot including to and just above the ankle, and a custom insole is 3D printed, including toe wells 33 and toe separation ridges 35 to separate the toes while inside the shoe and prevent them from rubbing against one-another.
- the toe separate ridges 35 preferably extend a distance above the top surface of the insole sufficient to prevent the wearer's toes from touching and rubbing against one-another.
- the height of the toe separation ridges 35 extend 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50% or more of the height of the toes.
- the height of the toe separation ridges 35 is preferably not more than 2 ⁇ 3 the height of the wearer's toes.
- the insole 2 preferably features three layers, a top padded layer with extra padding in areas prone to wear and blistering; a rigid middle layer to provide arch support, and overall shape, and a bottom layer comprising a slip-resistant material.
- the shoe is also custom constructed according to the whole-foot impression, with the interior dimensions of the shoe are constructed to allow for entry of the insole overall custom fit of insole and upper.
- the sole of the shoe includes heel and toe box areas made of a flexible and cushioned material, where the middle section of the sole, between the heel and toe box areas are made of a more rigid material to provide for arch support.
- a kit for making an impression of the user's feet to the ankle.
- the impressions may be made at the user's home and sent to the manufacturer for manufacture of the custom shoes, or they may be made at a retail location or at a physician's office.
- a custom insole is 3D printed, and a corresponding shoe is custom manufactured, tailored to the custom insole and the user's foot.
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- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Materials Engineering (AREA)
- Wood Science & Technology (AREA)
- Footwear And Its Accessory, Manufacturing Method And Apparatuses (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates to footwear for patients with diabetes.
- More than 30 million Americans, or 9% of the population, have diabetes, a fourfold increase since 1980, and 1.5 million Americans are diagnosed with diabetes every year. Diabetics are prone to circulatory issues and nerve damage in the foot. Without proper foot care and shoe support, nerves in the feet can become damaged (called sensory diabetic neuropathy, or SDN). SDN causes the foot to lack feeling throughout the muscles and can lead to higher risk of infections due to the toes not being able to function properly. About 60 percent of all non-traumatic lower-limb amputations among people aged 20 years or older occur in people diagnosed with diabetes.
- The present invention addresses the specialized footwear needs of diabetic patients that are not met by the prior art by featuring a shoe and custom 3D-printed insole with toe separation ridges. The invention focuses on specific areas of the feet that are most likely to suffer from SDN. Among the parts of the feet that are deemed more critical to maintaining circulation and comfort include: the big toe, the small toe (“pinky”), certain points in the front of the arch area (pad of the foot), certain points in the heel, and the back of the foot. There is also friction on the tops and bottoms of the toes, where additional diabetic ulcers appear. The invention is characterized by a shoe portion and a custom-fitted insole. The shoe features a breathable textile material and design features will help diabetic individuals improve their physical activity and foot mobility. Innovative features of the shoe include breathable fabric, unique ankle shoe design, targeted cushioning including, a soft thin layer of cushion lining for the big toe and pinky toe, alternative fastening options including Velcro and elastic laces. The 3D printed insole is custom fit for each individual user, and features custom fit toe impressions to separate the toes and prevent them from rubbing against each other (i.e., prevent or reduce toe-to-toe rubbing), and improved flexibility and breathability in the arch, toe, and heel areas.
-
FIG. 1 is a side view of a shoe for diabetic patients according to an embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 2 is an example of a foot imprint kit according to an embodiment of the invention, showing toe wells and toe separation ridges that will be reflected in the custom insole of the invention. -
FIG. 3 is perspective view of a prior art insole -
FIG. 4 is an overhead front view of a shoe for diabetic patients according to an embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 5 is an overhead right side view of a shoe for diabetic patients according to an embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 6 is an overhead left side view of a shoe for diabetic patients according to an embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 7 is an overhead right side view of a shoe for diabetic patients according to an embodiment of the invention, with a Velcro strap unfastened. -
FIG. 8 is an overhead rear view of a shoe for diabetic patients according to an embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 9 is a bottom view of a shoe for diabetic patients according to an embodiment of the invention. - Features in the attached drawings are numbered with the following reference numerals:
-
1 shoe 2 insole 3 upper 5 vent holes 7 tongue 9 heel area 11 ankle area 13 elastic laces 15 velcro closure system 17 eyelets 19 velcro inboard section 21 velcro outboard section 23 strap snaps 25 shoe snaps 27 velcro closure system ring 29 big toe area 31 pinky toe area 33 toe wells 35 toe separation ridges - Referring to the figures, the
shoe 1 for diabetic patients according to the invention preferably features a custom insole 2 and an upper 3. The upper 3 is preferably made entirely of open pore flexible material or have significant regions made of open pore flexible material to allow air circulation into and out of the interior foot area. According to a preferred embodiment, the open pore flexible material is provided at least in the top and side areas adjacent the wearer's toes. In addition to being manufactured entirely or partially of open pore flexible material, the upper may featurevent holes 5 in the material of the shoe upper 3 to increase air circulation. The material of the upper 3 is also preferably made from hydrophobic materials to minimize accumulation of moisture. Thetongue 7 of the shoe is preferably made of the same or similar open pore material, additionally including a reticulated foam layer for padding. The shoe according to the invention also featuresadditional heel area 9 andankle area 11 support in the form of reticulated foam padding lining the top edges of the shoe where it contacts the wearer's angle and Achilles tendon. The padding of the area at the back of the foot may extend to the bottom of the heel to reduce rubbing and improve comfort. The area of the shoe adjacent the ankle may be made of elastic material, to facilitate putting on and removal of the shoe. - According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the shoe is provided with both
elastic laces 13 and Velcro-style hook and looptype closure systems 15 for user flexibility and comfort. The removableelastic laces 13 may be threaded through a plurality of eyelets 17 on each side of the upper across the tongue section. In addition, a removable Velcro-strap is provided with snaps that may be snapped and unsnapped from corresponding snaps on each side of the shoe. According to this embodiment, the Velcro-strap may comprise aninboard section 19 and anoutboard section 21. The inboard section is preferably provided at one end with has one ormore strap snaps 23 that snap onto and off ofcorresponding shoe snaps 25 affixed to the inboard side (e.g., right side of a left shoe) of the shoe. The other side of the inboard section has aring 27 for engaging the outboard section of the Velcro strap. The outboard Velcrostrap 21 is provided at one end withstrap snaps 23 that snap onto and off ofcorresponding shoe snaps 25 affixed to the outboard side (e.g., left side of a left shoe) of the shoe. The opposite end of the outboard Velcro strap section is configured to be long enough to be threaded through thering 27 at the proximate end of the inboard Velcro section, and turned back on itself where corresponding sections of hook and loop cause the outboard Velcro strap to be secured to itself. According to an alternate embodiment, the outboard section may be configured the same as the inboard section, with snaps at one end and a ring at the other end, and the inboard and outboard sections may be joined by a third piece comprising a Velcro strap which may be looped through the rings at the ends of both inboard and outboard sections and fastened to itself. Any one or more of the inboard section, the outboard section, and the central Velcro section may be provided with an elastic portion to provide additional comfort and flexibility. - The Velcro
strap system 15 may be used alone, or in conjunction with theelastic laces 13. In the case that the elastic laces are used alone, the inboard and outboard sections of the Velcro strap may be unsnapped from the shoe and stored for later use. Likewise, in the case that the Velcro strap is used alone, the elastic laces may be removed and stored for later use. - Referring now to the interior of the shoe, the shoe is provided with an interior padding layer preferably made from open pore reticulated foam to reduce moisture retention, provide cushioning and to reduce rubbing and wear on the foot. According to a preferred embodiment, the interior surface of the shoe is devoid of stitching in the areas that contact the foot to avoid irritation. Additional padding is provided in the
big toe area 29 andpinky toe area 31. - According to a preferred embodiment, the shoe is provided with an enlarged toe box to provide additional comfort and to prevent the rubbing of the toes against the inside surface of the shoe and against each other.
- The shoe insole 2 is custom fitted to the wearer. According to a preferred embodiment, an impression is taken of the wearer's entire foot including to and just above the ankle, and a custom insole is 3D printed, including
toe wells 33 andtoe separation ridges 35 to separate the toes while inside the shoe and prevent them from rubbing against one-another. The toeseparate ridges 35 preferably extend a distance above the top surface of the insole sufficient to prevent the wearer's toes from touching and rubbing against one-another. According to various embodiments, the height of thetoe separation ridges 35 extend 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50% or more of the height of the toes. However, in order to ensure circulation through and among the toes, the height of thetoe separation ridges 35 is preferably not more than ⅔ the height of the wearer's toes. - The insole 2 preferably features three layers, a top padded layer with extra padding in areas prone to wear and blistering; a rigid middle layer to provide arch support, and overall shape, and a bottom layer comprising a slip-resistant material. The shoe is also custom constructed according to the whole-foot impression, with the interior dimensions of the shoe are constructed to allow for entry of the insole overall custom fit of insole and upper.
- The sole of the shoe includes heel and toe box areas made of a flexible and cushioned material, where the middle section of the sole, between the heel and toe box areas are made of a more rigid material to provide for arch support.
- According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a kit is provided for making an impression of the user's feet to the ankle. The impressions may be made at the user's home and sent to the manufacturer for manufacture of the custom shoes, or they may be made at a retail location or at a physician's office. Once the manufacturer receives the custom foot impressions, a custom insole is 3D printed, and a corresponding shoe is custom manufactured, tailored to the custom insole and the user's foot.
Claims (6)
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US16/669,034 US20200128915A1 (en) | 2018-10-30 | 2019-10-30 | Diabetic Footwear |
US18/124,601 US20230284744A1 (en) | 2018-10-30 | 2023-03-22 | Diabetic Footwear |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201862752556P | 2018-10-30 | 2018-10-30 | |
US16/669,034 US20200128915A1 (en) | 2018-10-30 | 2019-10-30 | Diabetic Footwear |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US202217982790A Continuation | 2018-10-30 | 2022-11-08 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20200128915A1 true US20200128915A1 (en) | 2020-04-30 |
Family
ID=70326611
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US16/669,034 Abandoned US20200128915A1 (en) | 2018-10-30 | 2019-10-30 | Diabetic Footwear |
US18/124,601 Pending US20230284744A1 (en) | 2018-10-30 | 2023-03-22 | Diabetic Footwear |
Family Applications After (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US18/124,601 Pending US20230284744A1 (en) | 2018-10-30 | 2023-03-22 | Diabetic Footwear |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US20200128915A1 (en) |
-
2019
- 2019-10-30 US US16/669,034 patent/US20200128915A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2023
- 2023-03-22 US US18/124,601 patent/US20230284744A1/en active Pending
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20230284744A1 (en) | 2023-09-14 |
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Owner name: MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY, MARYLAND Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:DAVIS, LAPORCHIA;REEL/FRAME:051046/0328 Effective date: 20191031 |
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