U.S. patent application number 11/474851 was filed with the patent office on 2007-12-27 for adjustable orthotic insole and a method of application the same.
Invention is credited to Scott Ma, Tzann-Ywh Tzeng.
Application Number | 20070294922 11/474851 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38872268 |
Filed Date | 2007-12-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070294922 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ma; Scott ; et al. |
December 27, 2007 |
Adjustable orthotic insole and a method of application the same
Abstract
An adjustable orthotic insole and a unique method of
implementation has a shell and a sole lifter that is to correct
malalignment of lower extremities and other functions such as
cushioning, massage, etc are not anticipated. The distribution of
ground reaction force is changed due to the orthotic effect of the
sole lifter. A user adjusts position and thickness of the sole
lifter incessantly until malalignment of lower extremities is
restored to optimal alignment symmetrically. The present invention
employs a unique method that the sole lifter is always opposite to
rear foot lifter. Once the malalignment of lower extremities is
corrected by the orthotic insole, the user would be able to
maintain good posture and ambulate in ideal gait. Therefore,
symmetric and coordinated movements are harmonious with balanced
muscle function. The musculoskeletal system would be protected from
overuse injury.
Inventors: |
Ma; Scott; (Keelung, TW)
; Tzeng; Tzann-Ywh; (Taipei, TW) |
Correspondence
Address: |
COOPER & DUNHAM, LLP
1185 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS
NEW YORK
NY
10036
US
|
Family ID: |
38872268 |
Appl. No.: |
11/474851 |
Filed: |
June 26, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
36/142 ;
36/44 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 17/02 20130101;
A43B 7/1445 20130101; A43B 7/1465 20130101; A43B 7/16 20130101;
A43B 7/145 20130101; A43B 7/144 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
36/142 ;
36/44 |
International
Class: |
A43B 13/38 20060101
A43B013/38; A43B 7/24 20060101 A43B007/24 |
Claims
1. A method of optimal operation of a novel adjustable orthotic
insole comprising: a user with a right lower extremity and a lift
lower extremity, the user standing on an orthotic insole with a
forefoot area, a rear foot area and a sole lifter being placed
underneath either the right or the left forefoot area, position and
thickness of the sole lifter being adjusted incessantly until
malalignment of lower extremities reformed to demonstrate optimal
alignment symmetrically.
2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein if the lower
extremities is not remedied; the shell with the sole lifter located
at the rear foot area of the shell is placed on the lower extremity
opposite to the lower extremity which already has the shell with
sole lifter placed underneath; the user adjusts position and
thickness of the sole lifters incessantly until both lower
extremities demonstrate optimal alignment symmetrically.
3. The method as claim in claim 1, wherein the sole lifter alters
thickness by stacking up with accessory sole lifter.
4. The method as claim in claim 2, wherein the sole lifter alters
thickness by stacking up with accessory sole lifter.
5. An adjustable orthotic insole comprising a shell having a
forefoot area; and a rear foot area; and a sole lifter be
positioned on one of the areas of a shell having a surface.
6. The adjustable orthotic insole as claimed in claim 5, wherein
the surface of sole lifter tapering from heel toward toes.
7. The adjustable orthotic insole as claimed in claim 5, wherein
the surface of sole lifter tapering toes toward heel.
8. The adjustable orthotic insole as claimed in claim 6 further has
at least one accessory sole lifter stacked on the sole lifter to
increase thickness of the sole lifter.
9. The adjustable orthotic insole as claimed in claim 7 further has
at least one accessory sole lifter stacked on the sole lifter to
increase thickness of the sole lifter.
10. The adjustable orthotic insole as claimed in claim 8, wherein
the sole lifter, the shell and the accessory sole lifter are
connected by adhesive cement.
11. The adjustable orthotic insole as claimed in claim 8, wherein
the sole lifter and the shell are produced as one solid piece.
12. The adjustable orthotic insole as claimed in claim 8, wherein
the shell has receptive holes formed on the shell; the sole lifter
has protrusive pins formed on the sole lifter and selectively
engaging to the receptive holes of the shell and receptive holes
formed on the sole lifter; the accessory sole lifter has protrusive
pins formed on the accessory sole lifter and selectively engaging
to the receptive holes of the sole lifter.
13. The adjustable orthotic insole as claimed in claim 8, wherein
the shell has a hook-and-loop mounted on the shell; the sole lifter
has two hook-and-loops mounted on the sole lifter, one of the
hook-and-loops of the sole lifter fastening to the hook-and-loop of
the shell; the accessory sole lifter has a hook-and-loop mounted on
the accessory sole lifter and fastening to the hook-and-loop of the
sole filter.
14. The adjustable orthotic insole as claimed in claim 8, wherein
the shell has a key formed on the shell; the sole lifter has a
keyway formed on the sole lifter and engaging to the key of the
shell.
15. The adjustable orthotic insole as claimed in claim 9, wherein
the sole lifter, the shell and the accessory sole lifter are
connected by adhesive cement.
16. The adjustable orthotic insole as claimed in claim 9, wherein
the sole lifter and the shell are produced as one solid piece.
17. The adjustable orthotic insole as claimed in claim 9, wherein
the shell has receptive holes formed on the shell; the sole lifter
has protrusive pins formed on the sole lifter and selectively
engaging to the receptive holes of the shell and receptive holes
formed on the sole lifter; the accessory sole lifter has protrusive
pins formed on the accessory sole lifter and selectively engaging
to the receptive holes of the sole lifter.
18. The adjustable orthotic insole as claimed in claim 9, wherein
the shell has a hook-and-loop mounted on the shell; the sole lifter
has two hook-and-loops mounted on the sole lifter, one of the
hook-and-loops of the sole lifter fastening to the hook-and-loop of
the shell; the accessory sole lifter has a hook-and-loop mounted on
the accessory sole lifter and fastening to the hook-and-loop of the
sole filter.
19. The adjustable orthotic insole as claimed in claim 9, wherein
the shell has a key formed on the shell; the sole lifter has a
keyway formed on the sole lifter and engaging to the key of the
shell.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention is an adjustable orthotic insole and a
unique method of application, which is used to correct malalignment
of lower extremities. Malaligned structures of lower extremities
are predisposed to overuse injury. Therefore, a speculation is
provided to prevent musculoskeletal system from overuse injuries
that may be achieved through the correaction of malaligned lower
extremities.
[0003] 2. Description of Related Art
[0004] Defective structures of lower extremities are common in
general population. These structural deformities include, but not
limited to, lower limb length Inequality, flat foot, cavus foot,
knock-knee, bow-leg, just name a few. The afflicted people are
vulnerable to muscle fatigue, joint pain, as well as poor posture.
It has been well documented that poor posture is closely associated
with musculoskeletal pain. There is a general consensus among
medical professions that it is highly unlikely to develop
musculoskeletal pains if someone has ideal posture. Based on
contemporary studies of anatomy and biomechanics, criteria of ideal
posture are established. However, almost none of ideal posture has
ever been found in one person. Good posture can not be maintained
without good support, which are lower extremities. For instance,
lower limb length inequality has been recognized as a major
contributing factor to scoliosis (side-bending spine).
[0005] In order to relieve musculoskeletal pains, medical
professions have tried various methods to correct faulty posture.
Physical and manual therapies are usually utilized as primary
conservative means. Custom-made and prefabricated foot orthosis are
also frequently used. In addition, ankle-foot orthosis, knee joint
orthosis, as well as pelvic orthosis are also available devices. If
all of conservative means fail to relieve pain symptoms, the final
therapeutic means is usually resorted to surgical intervention.
Surgery is potentially risky, and inevitably, costly. All of the
available therapeutic means have limited success and long term
outcome is unsatisfactory.
[0006] To overcome the shortcomings, the present invention provides
an adjustable orthotic insole and a method of application to
obviate or mitigate the aforementioned problems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The rationale behind present invention employs a sole lifter
to redistribute ground reaction force. To be advised that ground
reaction force is always present, no matter whatever means
employed. However, when traumatic ground reaction force is
redistributed or eliminated by the sole lifter, malalignment of
lower extremities would be corrected. A good posture ensues.
[0008] The present invention consists of a shell, which houses
front a sole lifter. Various thickness of the sole lifter is
available. The unique feature of present invention is the sole
lifters are always opposite to each other. The implementation of
present invention employs neurobiofeed-back principle to achieve
optimum correaction. A good posture would be maintained and long
term outcome is very satisfactory.
[0009] Based on the inconvenience of prior art, a present invention
is designed as an adjustable orthotic insole and an unique method
of application, which is used to correct asymmetry and malalignment
of lower extremities. If the lower extremities are well aligned and
function symmetrically, the incidences of overuse injury are
greatly reduced.
[0010] In order to meet the above demand, the technical means
employed by present invention is to design a novel orthotic insole,
which is composed of a shell and one or more sole lifter. Sole
lifter corresponds to front foot or rear foot. The user applies at
least one sole lifter to fulfill his/her specific demand. For
instance, one foot or two feet may be applied. While the user
stands on the insole, the insole provides joints optimal support,
which ensues balanced muscle function. In particular, when
structural asymmetry of lower extremities is present, the orthotic
insole can correct the structural asymmetry. Through the corrective
effect of present invention, the user may ambulate in ideal gait.
Therefore, injuries associated with malalignment and asymmetry of
lower extremities are prevented.
[0011] Other objectives, advantages and novel features of the
invention will become more apparent from the following detailed
description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a user afflicted with lower
limb length inequality;
[0013] FIG. 2 through FIG. 7 are top views of several embodiments
of an adjustable orthotic insole when the user is testing;
[0014] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of an
adjustable orthotic insole in accordance with the present
invention;
[0015] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of an
adjustable orthotic insole in accordance with the present
invention;
[0016] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a third
embodiment of an orthotic insole in accordance with the present
invention;
[0017] FIG. 11 is a cross-section view in a partial section of the
adjustable orthotic insole in FIG. 10;
[0018] FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of a fourth
embodiment of an adjustable orthotic insole in accordance with the
present invention; 1 FIG. 13 is a cross-section view in a partial
section of a fifth embodiment of an adjustable orthotic insole in
accordance with the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 14 is a cross-section view in a partial section of a
sixth embodiment of an adjustable orthotic insole in accordance
with the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 15 is cm exploded perspective view of a seventh
embodiment of an adjustable orthotic insole in accordance with the
present invention;
[0021] FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of a eighth
embodiment of an adjustable orthotic insole in accordance with the
present invention;
[0022] FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view of a ninth
embodiment of an adjustable orthotic insole in accordance with the
present invention;
[0023] FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view of a tenth
embodiment of an adjustable orthotic insole in accordance with the
present invention;
[0024] FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view of a eleventh
embodiment of an adjustable orthotic insole in accordance with the
present invention;
[0025] FIG. 20 is a cross-section view in a partial section of a
twelfth embodiment of an adjustable orthotic insole in accordance
with the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 21 is an exploded perspective view of a thirteenth
embodiment of an adjustable orthotic insole in accordance with the
present invention; and
[0027] FIG. 22 is an exploded perspective view of a fourteenth
embodiment of an adjustable orthotic insole in accordance with the
present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF COMPONENT DESIGNATION
TABLE-US-00001 [0028] (10) shell (11) sole lifter (10A) shell (11A)
sole lifter (10B) shell (11B) sole lifter (10C) shell (11C) sole
lifter (10D) shell (11D) sole lifter (10E) shell (11E) sole lifter
(10F) shell (101F) receptive holes (11F) sole lifter (111F)
protrusive pins (10G) shell (101G) receptive holes (11G) sole
lifter (111G) protrusive pins (10H) shell (101H) hook-and-loop
(11h) sole lifter (111h) hook-and-loop (10i) shell (101i)
hook-and-loop (11i) sole lifter (111i) hook-and-loop (10j) shell
(101j) keyway (102J) keyway (11J) sole lifter (111J) key (12J)
accessory sole lifter (121J) key (10k) shell (11k) sole lifter
(12K) accessory sole lifter (10L) shell (101L) hook-and-loop (11K)
sole lifter (111L) hook-and-loop (112L) hook-and loop (12L)
accessory sole lifter (121L) hoop-and-loop (10M) shell (101M)
receptive holes (11M) sole lifter (111L) protrusive pins (112L)
receptive holes (12L) accessory sole lifter (121L) protrusive pins
(20) user (21) left lower extremity (22) right lower extremity
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0029] With reference to FIG. 8, a first embodiment of an
adjustable orthotic insole in accordance with the present invention
for a forefoot having a plantar surface comprises a shell (10) and
a sole lifter (11). The shell (10) has a top forefoot surface. The
sole lifter (11) is positioned on the top forefoot surface of shell
(10) and in contact with the plantar surface of the forefoot. The
sole lifter (11) and the shell (10) are produced as one solid
piece, i.e. non-separable. In addition, the sole lifter (11) may be
wedge-shaped, tapering from toes toward heel. The thickness of
thickest end of the sole lifter (11) may varie between 0.1 cm and
1.6 cm.
[0030] With further reference to FIG. 9, a second embodiment of an
adjustable orthotic insole in accordance with the present invention
for a rear feet near a heel having a plantar surface comprises a
shell (10A) and a sole lifter (11A). The shell (10A) has a top rear
foot surface. The sole lifter (11A) is positioned on the top rear
foot surface of shell (10A) and in contact with the plantar surface
of the rear foot near the heel. The sole lifter (11A) and the shell
(10A) are produced as one solid piece, i.e. non-separable. The sole
lifter (11A) may be wedge-shaped and tapering from heel toward
toes. The thickness of thickest end of the sole lifter (11A) varies
from 0.1 cm to 1.6 cm.
[0031] With further reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, a third
embodiment of an adjustable orthotic insole in accordance with the
present invention for a forefoot having a plantar surface has a
shell (10B) and a sole lifter (11B). The sole lifter (11B) is
attached to the shell (10B) via adhesive cement and corresponds to
plantar surface of the forefoot. The sole lifter (11B) may be
wedge-shaped and tapering toward heel.
[0032] With further reference to FIG. 12, a fourth embodiment of an
adjustable orthotic insole in accordance with the present invention
for a rear feet near a heel having a plantar surface has a shell
(10C) and a sole lifter (11C). The sole lifter (11C) is attached to
the shell (10C) via adhesive cement and corresponds to the plantar
surface of the rear feet near the heel. The sole lifter (11C) is
wedge-shaped and tapering from heel toward toes.
[0033] With further reference to FIG. 13, a fifth embodiment of an
adjustable orthotic insole in accordance with the present invention
for a forefoot/a rear foot having a plantar surface has a shell
(10D) and a foot lifter (11D). The foot lifter (11D) is attached to
shell (10D) via adhesive cement and corresponds to the plantar
surface of the forefoot/the rear foot. The foot lifter (11D) is
wedge-shaped and tapering from heel.
[0034] With further reference to FIG. 14, a sixth embodiment of an
adjustable orthotic insole in accordance with the present invention
for a forefoot/a rear foot having a plantar surface has a shell
(10E) and a sole lifter (11E). The sole lifter (11E) is attached to
either the forefoot or the rear foot position of shell (10E) via
adhesive cement and corresponds to the plantar surface of the
forefoot/the rear foot. The sole lifter (11E) is even
thickness.
[0035] With further reference to FIG. 15, a seventh embodiment of
an adjustable orthotic insole in accordance with the present
invention for a forefeet has a shell (10F) and a sole lifter (11F).
The shell (10F) has a forefoot area and receptive holes (101F). The
receptive holes (101F) are formed in forefoot area of the shell
(10F). The sole lifter has a surface and protrusive pins (111F).
The protrusive pins (111F) are formed on the surface of the sole
lifter (11F) and secretively engage to the receptive holes (101F)
of the sole lifter (11F) to securely bond the sole lifter (11F) and
the shell (10F) together.
[0036] With further reference to FIG. 16, an eighth embodiment of
an adjustable orthotic insole in accordance with the present
invention for a rear foot has a shell (10G) and a sole lifter
(11G). The shell (10G) has a rear foot area and receptive holes
(101G). The receptive holes (101G) are formed on the rear foot area
of the shell (10G). The sole lifter (11G) has a surface and
protrusive pins (111G). The protrusive pins (111G) are formed on
the surface of the sole lifter (11G) and selectively engage to the
receptive holes (101G) of the sole lifter (111G) to securely bond
the sole lifter (11G) and the shell (10G) together.
[0037] With further reference to FIG. 17, a ninth embodiment of an
adjustable orthotic insole in accordance with the present invention
for a forefoot has a shell (10H) and a sole lifter (11H). The shell
(10H) has a forefoot area and a hook-and-loop (101H). The
hook-and-loop (101H) is mounted on the forefoot area of the shell
(10H). The foot lifter (11H) has a surface and a hook-and-loop
(111H). The hook-and-loop (111H) is mounted on the surface of the
foot lifter (11H) and selectively fastens the hook-and-loop (101H)
of the shell (10H) to securely bond the shell (10H) and the sole
lifter (11H) together.
[0038] With further reference to FIG. 18, a tenth embodiment of an
adjustable orthotic insole in accordance with the present invention
for a rear foot has a shell (10I) and a sole lifter (11I). The
shell (10I) has a rear foot area and a hook-and-loop (101I). The
hook-and-loop (101I) is mounted on the rear foot area of the shell
(10I). The sole lifter (11I) has a surface and a hook-and-loop
(111I). The hook-and-loop (111I) is mounted on the surface of sole
lifter (11I) and selectively fastens the hook-and-loop (101I) of
the shell (10I) to bond the shell (10I) and the sole lifter (11I)
together.
[0039] With further reference to FIG. 19, an eleventh embodiment of
an adjustable orthotic insole in accordance with the present
invention for a forefoot/a rear foot has a shell (10J) and a sole
lifter (11I, 12J). The shell (10J) has a forefeet area, a rear foot
area and two keyways (101J, 102J). The two keyways (101J, 102J) are
separately formed on the a forefeet area and a rear foot area of
the shell (101J). The sole lifer (11J, 12J) has a surface and a key
(111J, 121J). The key (111J, 121J) is formed on the surface of the
is sole lifer (11J, 12J) and selectively engage, the keyway (101J,
102J) of the shell (10J) to securely connect to the shell (10J) and
sole lifer (11J, 12J) together.
[0040] With further reference to FIG. 20, a twelfth embodiment of
an adjustable orthotic insole in accordance with the present
invention for a forefoot/a rear foot has a shell (10K), a sole
lifter (11K) and a least one accessory sole lifter (12K). The shell
(10K) has a forefoot area and a rear foot area. The sole lifter
(11K) is mounted on the shell (10K) either on the forefoot area or
the rear foot area of the shell (10K) and has a surface. The at
least one accessory sole lifter (12K) is mounted on the surface of
the sole lifter (11K) to increase thickness of sole lifter (11K).
If the thickness of the sole lifter (11K) needs to fit a desire of
a user, the more accessory sole lifter (12K) can be added on the
sole lifter (11K).
[0041] With further reference to FIG. 21, a thirteenth embodiment
of an adjustable orthotic insole in accordance with the present
invention for a forefoot has a shell (10L), a sole lifter (11L) and
a least one accessory sole lifter (12L). The shell (10L) has a
forefoot area and a hook-and-loop (101L). The hook-and-loop (101L)
is mounted on the forefoot area of the shell (10L). The sole lifter
(11L) has two surfaces and two hook-and-loops (111L, 112L). Each
hook-and-loop (111L, 112L) is mounted on each surface of the sole
lifter (11L). The hook-and-loop (111L) is selectively engage to the
hook-and-loop (101L) of the shell (10L) to connect to the sole
filter (11L) to the shell (10L). The least one accessory sole
lifter (12L) has at least one surface and at least one
hook-and-loop (121L). The at least one hook-and-loop (121L) is
mounted on the at least one surface of the least one accessory sole
lifter (12L) and selectively engage to the hook-and-loop (112L) of
the sole lifter (11L) to combine the least one accessory sole
lifter (12L) and the sole lifter (11L) together.
[0042] With further reference to FIG. 21, a fourteenth embodiment
of an adjustable orthotic insole in accordance with the present
invention for a rear foot has a shell (10M), a sole lifter (11M)
and a least one accessory sole lifter (12M). The shell (10M) has a
rear foot area and receptive holes (101M). The receptive holes
(101M) are formed on the rear foot area of the shell (10M). The
sole lifter (11M) has a bottom surface, a top surface, protrusive
pins (111M) and receptive holes (112M). The protrusive pins (111M)
are formed on the bottom surface of the sole lifter (11M) and
selectively engage to the receptive holes (101M) of the shell (10M)
to combine the shell (10M) and the sole lifter (11M) together. The
receptive holes (112M) are formed on the top surface of the sole
lifter (11M). The at least one accessory sole lifter (12M) has a
surface and protrusive pins (121M). The protrusive pins (121M) are
formed on the surface of the at least one accessory sole lifter
(12M) and selectively engage to the receptive holes (112M) of the
sole lifter (11M) to combine the sole lifter (11M) and the at least
one accessory sole lifter (12M) together.
[0043] With further reference to FIGS. 1 through 7, a unique method
of applying an adjustable orthotic insole in accordance with the
present invention for a user (20) having a left lower extremity
(21) and a right lower extremity (22) comprises acts of determining
which lower extremities (21, 22) of the user (20) needs the shell
(10) with the sole lifter (11, 11A), comparing sensation of joint
and muscle of the left lower extremity (21) and the right lower
extremity (22) of the user (20) and optionally adding the accessory
sole lifter (12J, 12K) to increase the thickness of the sole lifter
(11, 11A).
[0044] The act of determining which lower extremities (21, 22) of
the user (20) needs the shell (10) with sole lifter (11, 11A)
comprises a testing and a comparing. The testing is the user (20)
stands on the shell (10) with the sole lifter (11), one of the
user's lower extremities (21, 22) corresponding to the sole lifter
(11). If the thickness of the sole lifter (11) is not enough, the
accessory sole lifter (12J, 12K) may be stacked up to increase the
thickness of sole lifter (11). The comparing is the user (20) feels
the sensation of joint and muscle of the lower extremities (21,
22). The perception of comfort and relaxation of one lower
extremity (21, 22) would indicate that the sole lifter (11) needs
to be placed on the shell (10). When one lower extremity (21, 22)
stands on the shell (10) with the sole lifter (11), both lower
extremities (21, 22) would feel comfortable and relaxing
simultaneously. If the contralateral lower extremity (21, 22),
standing on the shell (10) without the sole lifter (11),
experiences uncomfortable and tight, the sole lifter (11A) may be
placed in position. The sole lifter (11A) may alter the thickness
by stacking up accessory lifter (12J, 12K). The thickness of the
sole lifter (11, 11A) needs to be adjusted until both lower
extremities (21, 22) of the user (20) feels comfortable and
relaxing simultaneously. At this point, both lower extremities (21,
22) are symmetric, well-aligned, and balanced.
[0045] In summary, the decision for optimal placement of the sole
lifter (11, 11A) on the shell (10, 10A) is entirely dependent on
the feedback sensation of comfort and relaxation of both lower
extremities (21, 22).
* * * * *