WO2000070984A9 - Customizable orthotic with resilient, dynamic support and simplified adjustable foot cushioning and support shoe insert - Google Patents
Customizable orthotic with resilient, dynamic support and simplified adjustable foot cushioning and support shoe insertInfo
- Publication number
- WO2000070984A9 WO2000070984A9 PCT/US2000/014178 US0014178W WO0070984A9 WO 2000070984 A9 WO2000070984 A9 WO 2000070984A9 US 0014178 W US0014178 W US 0014178W WO 0070984 A9 WO0070984 A9 WO 0070984A9
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- hook
- component
- adjustable orthotic
- loop
- section
- Prior art date
Links
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B7/00—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements
- A43B7/14—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts
- A43B7/1405—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form
- A43B7/1455—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form with special properties
- A43B7/1464—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form with special properties with adjustable pads to allow custom fit
- A43B7/1467—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form with special properties with adjustable pads to allow custom fit adjustable by resilient members, e.g. springs
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B7/00—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements
- A43B7/14—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts
- A43B7/1405—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form
- A43B7/141—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form having an anatomical or curved form
-
- 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
- A43B17/02—Insoles for insertion, e.g. footbeds or inlays, for attachment to the shoe after the upper has been joined wedge-like or resilient
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B7/00—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements
- A43B7/14—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts
- A43B7/1405—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form
- A43B7/1455—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form with special properties
- A43B7/146—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form with special properties provided with acupressure points or means for foot massage
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B7/00—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements
- A43B7/14—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts
- A43B7/1405—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form
- A43B7/1455—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form with special properties
- A43B7/1463—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form with special properties with removable pads to allow custom fit
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B7/00—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements
- A43B7/14—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts
- A43B7/1405—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form
- A43B7/1455—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form with special properties
- A43B7/1464—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form with special properties with adjustable pads to allow custom fit
Definitions
- the present invention relates to insoles for shoes and, in particular, to customizable orthotics with resilient, dynamic support and simplified adjustable foot cushioning and support.
- Orthotics or shoe inserts also called insoles, make standing, walking, running and sports activities more comfortable for individuals who suffer discomfort resulting from various foot, joint, leg, hip, back and other problems and injuries. Some of these problems may be congenital, caused by overuse, improper shoes, sports, workplace injury or other causes. Traditionally custom-made orthotics fitted by a foot care professional have been used to care for these problems and have had some success in correction but generally very limited success in alleviating discomfort. In addition, these orthotics are very expensive and are not easily adjustable.
- the above-noted Kellerman U.S. Patents 5, 1 54,682 and 5,799,41 4 describe adjustable orthotic devices, generally comprising a foot-contacting layer, with various cushion pads adjustably adhering to the underside. Such devices require the user to engage in "mirror thinking" in which the underside of the insole, where the pads are to be adjusted, is the mirror image of the user's foot.
- Such prior art units may employ a hook-and-loop fastening or attachment system, such as marketed under the trademark Velcro ® (trademark of Velcro USA Inc.) and described, for example, as prior art in U.S. Patent 5,953,797 and similar literature.
- Velcro ® trademark of Velcro USA Inc.
- Such a hook-and-loop fastening or attachment system tends to be somewhat harder than the soft cushion pads that are designed for comfort.
- the edges of the pads, where the Velcro ® hook member is present may be harder and the user may feel this as a hard protrusion and experience discomfort on the underside of his/her feet.
- the orthotic comprises a top section, a pad section and, if desired, a bottom section.
- the top section has a surface which is disposed to contact a user's foot.
- the pad section is disposed to rest directly on the footbed or through the intermediary of a bottom section on the footbed.
- the pad section includes at least one pad positioned between the top section and bottom section or between the top section and the flatbed of the shoe.
- a hook-and-loop fastening system includes one or more hook members and loop members that releasably secure the pad or pads to at least one of the top section, the bottom section and releasable attachment material that is secured to the footbed.
- Hook members are formed from a sufficiently thin sheet stock to provide molding capability and freedom from the feel of hard edges; a thickness of less than 0.03 inched (0.08 cm) has been found to work well.
- the top section is formed from a component whose material is of a compressible resilient material, such as that marketed under the trademark Poron ® (trademark of the Rogers Corporation) and, if desired, a conformable non-compressible component of a material such as HDPE (high density polyethylene) .
- a conformable non-compressible component of a material such as HDPE (high density polyethylene)
- the hook member or the loop member is directly adhered to the compressible resilient material enabled, in particular, by the use of thin hook- and-loop fastening system members.
- the hook material serves the dual function both of being an element of the hook-and-loop fastening system and of acting as the conformable, non-compressible component.
- a layer of a resin foam material such as marketed under the mark Evazote ® (trademark of BXL Plastics, Ltd.) may be added as a further component to the Poron ® component.
- the Evazote ® material causes enhanced cushioning and molding.
- Other cushioning materials may be used for other purposes to alter the energy absorption or returning characteristics of the insole.
- the conformable, non- compressible materials help the wearer experience more continuous contouring sensations, as opposed to experiencing the sensation of individual underlying cushioning elements, i.e., to avoid any uncomfortably uneven feeling.
- These additional resin foam materials can also add a firmer supporting and molding capability.
- the pads of the pad section are configured variously in combinations of cushioning material and hook and loop members in both two-section and three-section orthotic assemblies.
- Such combinations include a loop member- cushioning material combination, a hook member-cushioning material combination, a loop member-cushioning material-loop member combination, a loop member-cushioning material-hook member combination and a hook member-cushioning material-hook member combination.
- the bottom section is configured to provide a plurality of different functions.
- the hook member alone can function as a conformable non- compressible component for fastening to the top section to protect the orthotic assembly for dirt and wear.
- a separate conformable non-compressible component is fastened to the top section by either hook or loop members.
- a hook member alone, or a vinyl component with a hook or a loop member are used. Such a stiffening capability prevents the assembly from bunching up and facilitates the insertion of the assembly into a shoe.
- a gripping material such as latex and neoprene alone, can be adhered to the orthotic assembly solely for gripping purposes. When additional cushioning is desired, such compressible resilient material as Poron ® and latex and neoprene gripping material can be added to any of the stiffening elements.
- the conformable non-compressible component may be provided with perforations, slits or round or rectangular cutouts that provide aeration, wicking for passage of perspiration, and comfort.
- the shoe footbed may be recessed to form a cavity into which the orthotic is placed, to provide the shoe with a slim-line fashionable appearance.
- the orthotics are easily adjustable. Their cost is lower as compared to custom-made orthotics.
- Pad inserts are quickly and easily positioned and removed by use of a hook-and-loop fastening system. Frictional and soiling problems are significantly reduced.
- FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment in generalized form illustrating an adjustable foot comfort system in top planar view in which any of the inventive embodiments may be housed, including an top section in FIG. 1 (a) and middle and bottom sections in FIG. Kb) .
- the middle section includes cushion pads of various shapes, sizes, thicknesses and physical characteristics which are attached, for example and in accordance with one attachment system, by a hook-and-loop fastening system to the bottom section. Other attachments systems are further described and depicted herein.
- FIG. 2 is an exploded view in cross-section of a portion of a first more specifically depicted embodiment of the present invention comprising a three- section insole or orthotic.
- FIG. 3 shows a variation of a portion of the bottom section employable in the first embodiment depicted in FIG. 2.
- FIG. 4 is an exploded view in cross-section of a portion of a second embodiment of the present invention comprising a three-section insole or orthotic similar to that shown in FIG. 3.
- FIG. 5 is an exploded view in cross-section of a portion of a third embodiment of the present invention comprising a two-section insole or orthotic.
- FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a fourth embodiment of the top section of the present invention in which the hook member or portion of the hook-and-loop fastening system is secured directly to the foot-contacting layer, rather than through the intermediary of a supporting material such as comprising high density polyethylene (HDPE) . This is enabled by using a very thin hook member.
- HDPE high density polyethylene
- FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a variation of a portion of the fourth embodiment of the top section of the present invention depicted in FIG . 6 in which the loop member or portion of the hook-and-loop fastening system is likewise secured directly to the foot-contacting layer, rather than through the intermediary of a supporting material such as comprising high density polyethylene (HDPE) .
- HDPE high density polyethylene
- FIG. 8 shows the use of a portion of a finishing surface, such as of leather or athletic top cover material, secured to the top section for purposes of presenting the orthotic in a fashionable manner.
- a finishing surface such as of leather or athletic top cover material
- FIGS. 9-1 2 respectively illustrate a cross-sectional view of a portion of an top section of a fifth embodiment of the present invention, a perforated component part thereof in plan, and detail views of portions of differently configured perforations in one (e.g., the conformable non-compressible component) of the components of the top section.
- FIGS. 1 3-1 5 depict top planar views of three variations actualized as slit areas and differently configured cut outs in one (e.g., the Conformable non- compressible component) of the components of the top section.
- FIGS. 1 6-1 9 illustrate another aspect of the present invention in which a cavity is formed in the shoe itself for reception of an orthotic for purposes, for example, of fashionably reducing the shoe size.
- FIG. 20 shows a further embodiment wherein an top or bottom section may be reduced in length to constitute only the heel and arch sections for use, for example, where height in the front of the shoe is limited.
- FIG . 21 illustrates another embodiment including the use of cushioning pads secured by a hook-and-loop fastening system directly onto the footbed of a shoe, also for such purposes as to enable the shoe size to be reduced for reasons of fashion and to prevent inside slipping against the footbed.
- hook-and-loop fasteners comprise two mating components: a hook member that has upstanding, hook-type fastener elements, and a loop member that has a surface that provides fibers or fiber loops with which the hook member elements become engaged.
- a "hook member” means a member having fastener elements whose hooks extend substantially in a given plane. When of molded form, the stems of these elements are significantly broader in the direction of their plane of extent than in the thickness direction at a right angle thereto.
- hook fasteners have performed successfully, other types of fasteners, e.g., those having mushroom-like form, may be employed should their configurations provide equivalent success in the present invention .
- hook member For purposes of the present invention, however, reference to the term “hook member” will be used as a matter of convenience; but its use is not to be construed in any limiting manner. Thus, the term “hook member” is intended to include equivalent elements in all fastening systems, including those having a mushroom-like form. Loop members for hook-and-loop fastening have been formed from knitted, woven and non-woven textiles. A common example of a non-woven textile is known by the term “spun bonded,” which is made by spinning fine filaments of plastic resin, e.g., nylon and polypropylene, and distributing them in superposed layers.
- loop member herein is intended to incorporate the forgoing description and those elements which cooperate to form a fastening system with the "hook member. " In the following discussion, it is to be understood that the hook and loop members may be exchanged, one for the other, as desired.
- an adjustable foot comfort system 30 includes an top section 32, a middle section 34 and a bottom section 36 to form an assembly thereof. Any of the inventive embodiments disclosed hereafter may be housed within system 30.
- Middle section 34 includes cushion pads 38 of various shapes, sizes, thicknesses and physical characteristics which are attached, for example, by a hook-and-loop fastening system to bottom section 36. This and other examples of attachments systems are further described, referenced by indicia and depicted in greater detail in the ensuing description of the several inventive embodiments.
- a three- section insole or orthotic 40 includes a foot-contacting top section 42, a middle section 44 and a bottom section 46.
- Middle section 44 is composed of one or more cushioning pads 48. Although two pads are depicted, as many pads as are needed are used.
- Cushion pads 48 are defined by various shapes, sizes, thicknesses and physical characteristics which, in this embodiment, are attached by hook and loop members 50 and 52 to bottom section 46.
- bottom section 46 has a top component which comprise a loop member but a hook member can also be used and, if so, a loop member would be secured to pads 48.
- a component 54 of vinyl or any other suitable sheet material is bonded to the underside of this loop member for support thereof.
- Top section 42 includes a foot-contacting component or portion 56 of a compressible resilient material, such as a material marketed under the trademark Poron ® (trademark of the Rogers Corporation) .
- a conformable non- compressible component 58 of a material such as HDPE (high density polyethylene) is bonded by a laminating adhesive 60. It is preferred that Poron ® component 56 also be sewed around the perimeter of top section 42 approximately 0.25 inches (0.64 cm) from the edge to ensure a durable attachment.
- middle section 44 of the present invention comprises one or more cushion pads 48 generally spaced apart with hook members 50.
- the pads are made from a compressible soft material, generally formed from the same type Poron ® material used in top foot-contacting component 56 of top section 42.
- Hook members preferably formed as strips, are secured to the undersides of the pads.
- loop members 50 and Poron ® components 48 of this section are bonded together with a laminating adhesive.
- two to four lines of stitches be sewn across the width of the pads across the areas where the hook members of the hook-and-loop system is attached to ensure a durable attachment.
- Hook and loop members may be added to both sides of the pads to allow stacking of two or more pads together.
- Pads 48 may be produced from any number of compressible, generally soft, resilient materials. However, Poron ® has been found to work well in the preferred embodiment. The pads generally are die cut from flat sheet material or can be molded or extruded from suitable materials to provide angular slopes and shapes to enhance foot-weight shaping of the top section as described, for example, in above-referenced patent 5,799,414.
- Bottom section component 54 of vinyl or other material component can have a textured or coated surface on its underside to provide a frictional engagement to prevent bunching up, slippage and the like, as well as to be durable and protective of the more fragile component of loop member 52 bonded to it and, therefore, to mitigate any wear resulting from the often rough surface of the shoe foot bed upon which it rests.
- This bottom component of the bottom section may be glued, sewn, or otherwise attached to the footbed of the shoe.
- bottom section 44 can optionally have a component of compressible material 62, such as Poron ® or other compressible material, laminated and bonded or otherwise adhered between the underside of loop member 52 and the top surface of bottom section component 46.
- a component of compressible material 62 such as Poron ® or other compressible material
- the placement of this extra cushioning in the bottom section enables this embodiment or assembly to be well-suited for thicker cushioning, greater impact absorption and/or greater support for uses involving high impact activities, such as differing sports, hard surfaces, long use, and particular foot conditions.
- a bottom section 46a consists of a component 62' of different elements, such as comprising a hook member alone, gripping material such as neoprene and latex, and a compressible material such as Poron ® and/or Evazote ® .
- bottom section 46a a plurality of different functions.
- the hook member alone functions as a conformable non- compressible component for fastening to the top section to protect the orthotic assembly for dirt and wear, as well as a conformable non-compressible component.
- the hook member provides a stiffening capability to prevent the assembly from bunching up and to facilitate the insertion of the assembly into a shoe.
- the gripping material e.g., of latex and neoprene, can be adhered to the orthotic assembly solely for gripping purposes or as a conformable non-compressible component.
- Such compressible resilient material as Poron ® and latex and neoprene gripping material can be added to any of the stiffening elements.
- the placement of the cushioning in the bottom section enables this embodiment or assembly to be well-suited for thicker cushioning, greater impact absorption and/or greater support for uses involving high impact activities, such as differing sports, hard surfaces, long use, and particular foot conditions.
- the embodiment depicted in FIG . 4 provides a response to a matter deriving from the arrangement of the attachment means illustrated in FIG . 2, viz., bottom section 44 of FIG. 2 has unused loop member areas, e.g., those designated by indicium 64, not covered by the cushioning pads.
- the unused bottom section areas which are not covered by cushion pads, such as in the toe or forefoot areas and adjoining the medial arch pad areas can be employed to attach the bottom section to the upper section.
- the hook and loop members are reordered amongst the three sections designated as top section 42a, middle section 44a and bottom section 46a.
- the top section includes Poron ® and conformable non-compressible components 56a and 58a secured together by an adhesive 60a.
- a loop member 66 is secured to the underside of the conformable non-compressible components and a hook member 68 is secured to bottom layer 46a.
- both loop and hook members 66 and 68 are each shown as a single piece, either can be formed as a plurality of discrete segments. This results in an attachment of the top section to the bottom section and, thus, to effect a sandwich assembly including the middle pad section.
- the foot care professional or end user first inserts insole or orthotic 40 into the user's shoes and then removes and scissor-cuts the edges of the insole, if necessary, to fit it properly in the shoe.
- the user or foot care professional selects pads 48 from among various standard pre-cut pad or, if that shape and/or size is not available, to cut a non-standard pad from pad sheet stock and places the pads on the top side of bottom section 46 to create the desired support areas, e.g., for the arch or other foot areas needing support, and/or valleys defined by areas that are partially or completely surrounded by elevated areas.
- Pressure relief of sensitive areas can be achieved by attaching cushioning material adjacent or surrounding the sensitive area to transfer pressure away from the sensitive area. In such a manner, parts of the foot which need support, or are sensitive or painful due to injury, overuse, anatomical problems, disease or other causes, are shielded from the full impact of the user's weight against the shoe and the step shock of the surface below.
- the top section utilizes a component of a conformable, non-compressible material, such as HDPE, which conforms to the underlying shapes of the pads below, flexibly supports and conforms to the unique contours of the foot.
- a conformable, non-compressible material such as HDPE
- HDPE high density polyethylene
- each of these layers modulates and undulates differently due to differing density, thickness, softness, compression and resiliency characteristics.
- This special combination of material properties creates simultaneous and continuous actions of molding, massaging, cushioning and support, with the ameliorative effect of exercising the foot, and providing pressure relief and flexible dynamic support.
- the top section When the pads are moved, the top section will be re-molded to the existing underlying shapes of the pads below.
- the pads may also be optionally stacked one on top of the other or staggered (see FIG . 9 of U.S. Patent 5,799,414), to vary the amount of lift and pressure relief and to topographically adapt the assembly to the contours of the foot, thereby enabling the individual needs of the wearer for his/her best comfort.
- small hook member circles or strips thereof can be used as attachments to stacked or nested pads, and may take the form of double-sided hooks or loops, respectively to fasten facing loop member-loop member and hook member-hook member arrangements.
- Similar double-sided fastening members are positionable between facing like fastening members on the top and bottom sections. They can be attached within the loop member areas which will then form an attachment to the loop member of the top section.
- a two-section orthotic 70 comprises a top or first section 72 and a second pad section 74.
- Top section 72 includes a Poron ® component 76 and an Conformable non-compressible component 78 bonded thereto by an adhesive 80.
- a hook member 82 is attached to the bottom side of Conformable non-compressible component 78 by bonding, sewing, glueing, etc.
- Second section 74 includes one or more pads 84 with a loop member 86 positioned on top of the pads, to enable the pads to be affixed to the hook member on the underside of top section 76.
- the two-section orthotic assembly may be converted into a three-section assembly by adding a bottom section comprising a component of vinyl or similar material to top section 70 by an appropriate hook-and-loop system to enclose pads 74 and thus to reduce friction and wear, and to inhibit dirt from entering the shoe foot bed.
- FIGS. 6 and 7 Further embodiments of the present invention are shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, and may be used with either of the above described three-section orthotic or two-section orthotic designs.
- These assemblies relate to alternative top section configurations, viz., an top section 88 (FIG . 6) and an top section 88 (FIG. 7) .
- Both include top components 92 and 94 of Poron ® or like material with good resiliency and shock absorbing properties, which are respectively attached to bottom components respectively configured as a hook member 96 and a loop member 98 by bonding, sewing, gluing, etc., without inclusion of an intervening component of non-compressible (HDPE) material between them and their respective Poron ® components 92 and 94.
- HDPE non-compressible
- FIGS. 6 and 7 provide thinner orthotic assemblies for use in low profile footwear.
- these thinner innersoles which include an top section 1 00 having a Poron ® component 1 02 of previously described construction, can further utilize a leather or other decorative component overlayed onto and suitable laminated or otherwise adhered to component 1 04.
- the lamination of leather and like, to cover the Poron ® component of the top section is employed for various reasons, such as to create a certain aesthetic appearance or to add a non-slip capability to the insole.
- a leather or leatherlike component may be used in a dress shoe model.
- FIGS. 9-1 Still another embodiment 1 1 6 of the present invention is disclosed in FIGS. 9-1 2.
- Assembly 1 1 6 includes a component 1 08, for example of Poron ® , to which a perforated Conformable non-compressible component 1 10 is bonded by an adhesive 1 1 2.
- Component 1 1 0 includes a plurality of perforations or openings 1 1 4 of different sizes. Such differently sized openings are illustrated in FIGS. 1 1 and 1 2 as openings 1 14a and 1 14b disposed in their respective components 1 1 0a and 1 1 0b.
- the support in terms of rigidity, flexibility and compressibility, can be adjusted to meet particular needs.
- This additional means of adjustability is effected, not by the ultimate user, but by the insole fabricator who can, by the perforation means, provide a range of insole models with grades of light to heavier duty use and variations of foot sense of "just right comfort" with a certain style.
- the perforation to the Conformable non- compressible component, aeration is enabled due in part to the open cell structure of the Poron ® material without the discomfort often caused by prior art units whose perforations extend to the foot-contacting surface.
- the perforations also assist in the wicking away of foot perspiration achieved in the open cell construction of the Poron ® , migrating downwards through the perforations.
- the bottom side of the Poron ® component will be essentially drier than the foot-contacting top side thereof.
- the variations in component thickness vis-a-vis opening size also provide different patterns of perspiration.
- the Conformable non-compressible component in thickness will range from about 0.01 inches to 0.1 4 inches (0.03 - 0.36 cm) and in open area from about 1 0% to 30% .
- the Conformable non-compressible component in thickness will range from about 0.01 5 inches to 0.03 inches (0.04 - 0.08 cm) with a perforation range of about 25% to 50%.
- Representative hole sizes range from about V ⁇ to 14 inch (0.33 - 0.64 cm) .
- FIGS. 1 3-1 5 The Conformable non-compressible components in the top sections can also be adapted in other manner, as depicted in FIGS. 1 3-1 5, for use in other orthotic assemblies.
- FIG. 1 3 shows a component 1 1 6 with slits or slit areas 1 1 8 for increased softness and give.
- FIG . 14 shows a component 1 20 with circular or otherwise rounded cutouts 1 22.
- FIG. 1 5 shows a component 1 24 with rectangular cutouts 1 26.
- the round or rectangular cutouts including slits can be used for all embodiments and serve to provide variations in Conformable non-compressible component flexibility and resultant molding to the plantar aspect of the feet.
- Special styles, which can be machine or hand laminated, can combine the Conformable non-compressible components disclosed in FIGS.
- the loop members can utilize selective area cutouts to provide a softer or firmer resilience, support, shock protection or other characteristics. This will enable the areas beneath the heel and metatarsal bones of the feet to benefit from elliptical and other special cut out or slit shapes.
- FIGS. 1 6-1 9 A further, differently constructed assembled embodiment of the present invention is disclosed in FIGS. 1 6-1 9, comprising a specially constructed shoe 1 30.
- FIG. 1 6 depicts a shoe 130 which is provided with a space or cavity 1 32 in its footbed 1 34 for an orthotic 1 36, either by creating an indentation in the footbed into which the orthotic fits, or by surrounding the orthotic with a berm or lip.
- the berm or lip holds the orthotic and foot in place for sideways support. Additionally, it enables the orthotic to be better adapted for use in dress or other shoes which, for reasons of style, do not or may not have a particularly high toe box. This embodiment is adaptable also for use with any other type of shoe or foot covering, such as sandals, slippers and boots. A shoe thus constructed effects a slim-line appearance.
- FIGS. 1 7 and 1 8 the cutaway shoe is viewed looking through its toe box in which insole 1 36 is not flat, as evidenced by protuberance 1 38. Due to the molding of the lamination with the cushion pads beneath the top Poron ® and Conformable non-compressible components and the loop/hook member, the foot plantar irregular aspect shapes around pad shapes. Here, the orthotic is shaped by the weight of the foot.
- the FIG. 1 9 embodiment depicts a shoe 1 30a, similar to that shown in FIG . 1 6, but without orthotic 1 38, to provide more toe box height.
- the assembly of FIG . 20 illustrates an orthotic 1 40 which shows a further embodiment wherein an top and/or bottom section may be reduced in length to constitute only the heel and arch sections for use, for example, in small shoe interiors where height in the front of the shoe is limited.
- FIG. 21 illustrates another embodiment where pads are secured to the shoe through an intermediary structure, e.g., a hook member or a loop member.
- a shoe 142 represented by its footbed 144, has cushioning pads 146 secured by a hook-and-loop fastening system directly to a top section 1 50, in any convenient manner, such as previously described.
- This embodiment may be used for such purposes as to enable the shoe size to be reduced for reasons of fashion or to prevent slippage of the foot on the footbed.
- Pads 146 may be fashioned in any manner so as to provide the necessary support for the foot.
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Epidemiology (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Footwear And Its Accessory, Manufacturing Method And Apparatuses (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP00936221A EP1098576A1 (en) | 1999-05-21 | 2000-05-22 | Customizable orthotic with resilient, dynamic support and simplified adjustable foot cushioning and support shoe insert |
CA002340124A CA2340124A1 (en) | 1999-05-21 | 2000-05-22 | Customizable orthotic with resilient, dynamic support and simplified adjustable foot cushioning and support shoe insert |
AU51569/00A AU5156900A (en) | 1999-05-21 | 2000-05-22 | Customizable orthotic with resilient, dynamic support and simplified adjustable foot cushioning and support shoe insert |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13530099P | 1999-05-21 | 1999-05-21 | |
US60/135,300 | 1999-05-21 | ||
US15984299P | 1999-10-15 | 1999-10-15 | |
US60/159,842 | 1999-10-15 |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2000070984A1 WO2000070984A1 (en) | 2000-11-30 |
WO2000070984A9 true WO2000070984A9 (en) | 2002-06-20 |
Family
ID=26833184
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2000/014178 WO2000070984A1 (en) | 1999-05-21 | 2000-05-22 | Customizable orthotic with resilient, dynamic support and simplified adjustable foot cushioning and support shoe insert |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP1098576A1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU5156900A (en) |
CA (1) | CA2340124A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2000070984A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US8864692B2 (en) | 2004-12-22 | 2014-10-21 | Ossur Hf | Knee brace and method for securing the same |
US9220622B2 (en) | 2004-12-22 | 2015-12-29 | Ossur Hf | Orthopedic device |
Families Citing this family (27)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US7762973B2 (en) | 2004-12-22 | 2010-07-27 | Ossur Hf | Spacer element for prosthetic and orthotic devices |
US7713225B2 (en) | 2004-12-22 | 2010-05-11 | Ossur Hf | Knee brace and method for securing the same |
US7794418B2 (en) | 2004-12-22 | 2010-09-14 | Ossur Hf | Knee brace and method for securing the same |
US8585623B2 (en) | 2004-12-22 | 2013-11-19 | Ossur Hf | Orthopedic device |
US8231560B2 (en) | 2004-12-22 | 2012-07-31 | Ossur Hf | Orthotic device and method for securing the same |
EP1714624A1 (en) * | 2005-04-01 | 2006-10-25 | Song, Ching-hui | Foot orthosis |
DE102005017100A1 (en) * | 2005-04-13 | 2006-10-19 | Axel Krauss | Apparatus and method for the orthopedic dressing of footwear |
EP1891869B1 (en) * | 2006-08-23 | 2012-01-11 | VINDRIIS, Soren | Cushioning insole adjustment kit |
WO2008102391A1 (en) * | 2007-02-23 | 2008-08-28 | Scm Consulting S.A.S. | Inner sole |
GB2497340B (en) * | 2011-12-08 | 2014-12-31 | Footjacks Ltd | Footwear/insole for footwear |
JP2015506728A (en) * | 2011-12-08 | 2015-03-05 | アポス‐メディカル アンド スポーツ テクノロジーズ リミテッド | Tools and methods for treating neurological disorders |
DE102011056949A1 (en) * | 2011-12-22 | 2013-06-27 | Kühnreich Orthopädie GmbH | Modular insert comprises upper ceiling, and lower ceiling, where vario layer and supporting mold part are arranged between upper and lower ceilings, and vario layer is equipped with mold elements comprising orthopedic correction elements |
CN104981173B (en) | 2012-11-13 | 2017-06-27 | 奥索有限责任公司 | The fastener member of the structure being attached in orthopedic appliance and the method for fixing it |
WO2014107697A2 (en) | 2013-01-07 | 2014-07-10 | Ossur Hf | Orthopedic device and method for securing the same |
EP2950759B1 (en) | 2013-01-31 | 2020-05-13 | Ossur Hf | Orthopedic device having detachable components for treatment stages |
WO2014120393A1 (en) | 2013-01-31 | 2014-08-07 | Ossur Hf | Progressive force strap assembly for use with an orthopedic device |
EP2983627B1 (en) | 2013-04-08 | 2018-12-12 | Ossur hf | Strap attachment system for orthopedic device |
WO2016112110A1 (en) | 2015-01-06 | 2016-07-14 | Ossur Iceland Ehf | Orthopedic device for treating osteoarthritis of the knee |
WO2016115381A1 (en) | 2015-01-15 | 2016-07-21 | Ossur Iceland Ehf | Liner for orthopedic or prosthetic device |
US11850175B2 (en) | 2016-06-06 | 2023-12-26 | Ossur Iceland Ehf | Orthopedic device, strap system and method for securing the same |
EP3463215B1 (en) | 2016-06-06 | 2022-02-16 | Ossur Iceland EHF | Orthopedic device |
US11712359B2 (en) | 2017-10-06 | 2023-08-01 | Ossur Iceland Ehf | Connector for an orthopedic device |
USD882803S1 (en) | 2018-10-08 | 2020-04-28 | Ossur Iceland Ehf | Orthopedic shell |
USD908458S1 (en) | 2018-10-08 | 2021-01-26 | Ossur Iceland Ehf | Hinge cover |
USD888258S1 (en) | 2018-10-08 | 2020-06-23 | Ossur Iceland Ehf | Connector assembly |
EP4007505A4 (en) * | 2019-08-01 | 2023-08-09 | Frankie4 IP 1 Pty Ltd | Improvements to articles of footwear |
EP4267049A1 (en) | 2020-12-28 | 2023-11-01 | Ossur Iceland Ehf | Sleeve and method for use with orthopedic device |
Family Cites Families (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US2312378A (en) * | 1940-05-23 | 1943-03-02 | John D Baum | Arch support |
DE3131163A1 (en) * | 1981-08-06 | 1983-03-03 | Elfriede A. Andresen | Insert for shoes |
US5154682A (en) | 1989-09-14 | 1992-10-13 | David Kellerman | Low friction adjustable shoe insert |
US5799414A (en) | 1989-09-14 | 1998-09-01 | Kellerman; David | Shoe insert with non-compressible deformable base attached to resilient pads |
DE4200362C2 (en) * | 1992-01-09 | 1994-06-09 | Bauerfeind Gmbh | Insole |
US5768803A (en) * | 1996-05-15 | 1998-06-23 | Levy; Dodd M. | Adjustable insole for support of painful foot areas |
US5787608A (en) * | 1996-07-30 | 1998-08-04 | Greenawalt; Kent S. | Custom-made footwear |
US5953797A (en) | 1996-10-09 | 1999-09-21 | Velcro Industries B.V. | Hook fasteners and methods of manufacture |
US6000147A (en) | 1998-07-17 | 1999-12-14 | Kellerman | Three section orthotic device |
-
2000
- 2000-05-22 AU AU51569/00A patent/AU5156900A/en not_active Abandoned
- 2000-05-22 WO PCT/US2000/014178 patent/WO2000070984A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2000-05-22 CA CA002340124A patent/CA2340124A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2000-05-22 EP EP00936221A patent/EP1098576A1/en not_active Withdrawn
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US8864692B2 (en) | 2004-12-22 | 2014-10-21 | Ossur Hf | Knee brace and method for securing the same |
US9220622B2 (en) | 2004-12-22 | 2015-12-29 | Ossur Hf | Orthopedic device |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2000070984A1 (en) | 2000-11-30 |
AU5156900A (en) | 2000-12-12 |
CA2340124A1 (en) | 2000-11-30 |
EP1098576A1 (en) | 2001-05-16 |
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