U.S. patent application number 11/828119 was filed with the patent office on 2009-01-29 for orthotic insole assembly.
Invention is credited to Charles A. Smith.
Application Number | 20090025254 11/828119 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40293983 |
Filed Date | 2009-01-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090025254 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Smith; Charles A. |
January 29, 2009 |
ORTHOTIC INSOLE ASSEMBLY
Abstract
An orthotic insole assembly including a semi-rigid cradle
extending forward from the metatarsal region of the foot to the
heel, wherein medial and lateral sidewalls extend upward from the
cradle. The cradle includes an aperture in the area of heel impact
wherein a heel plug is disposed within the aperture. A resilient,
foam, cushioning layer overlies the cradle and the heel plug. A
riser is connected to the cushioning layer to provide an elevated
region in the area of the first metatarsal.
Inventors: |
Smith; Charles A.; (Navarre
Beach, FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Charles A. Smith
7757 Gulf Blvd.
Navarre
FL
32566
US
|
Family ID: |
40293983 |
Appl. No.: |
11/828119 |
Filed: |
July 25, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
36/44 ;
36/43 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 7/22 20130101; A43B
17/02 20130101; A43B 7/144 20130101; A43B 7/141 20130101; A61F 5/14
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
36/44 ;
36/43 |
International
Class: |
A43B 13/38 20060101
A43B013/38 |
Claims
1. An orthotic insole assembly for supporting a foot having a heel,
toes, an arch and a metatarsal region, the assembly comprising: (a)
a semi-rigid cradle shaped to fit the heel and extending forward
past the arch to a leading edge extending across the metatarsal
region, the cradle including medial and lateral sidewalls and a
interconnecting heel wall, the cradle defining an opening
underlying the heel; (b) a heel plug disposed within the opening,
the heel plug having a given resistance to compression; (c) a
cushioning layer having a bottom side and a top side, the bottom
side overlying the cradle and the heel plug and extending forward
of the cradle to underlie the toes, the cushioning layer including
a thickened portion in the area of the arch; and (d) a riser in the
area encompassing the head of a first metatarsal, the riser
connected to the cushioning layer and extending above an adjacent
portion of the cushioning layer.
2. The orthotic insole assembly of claim 1, further comprising a
surface layer on the top side of the cushioning layer.
3. The orthotic insole assembly of claim 2, wherein the surface
layer includes a textile.
4. The orthotic insole assembly of claim 1, wherein the heel plug
includes a material having a greater density than the cushioning
layer.
5. The orthotic insole assembly of claim 1, wherein the riser
includes a material having a greater density than the cushioning
layer.
6. The orthotic insole assembly of claim 1, wherein the heel plug
has a greater resistance to compression than the cushioning
layer.
7. The orthotic insole assembly of claim 1, wherein the opening in
the cradle is formed by an end wall, a medial leg and a lateral
leg.
8. The orthotic insole assembly of claim 1, wherein the riser has a
plurality of layers, the layers being of different materials.
9. The orthotic insole assembly of claim 1, wherein the heel plug
has a plurality of layers, the layers being of different
materials.
10. The orthotic insole assembly of claim 1, wherein the opening
underlying the heel is an aperture.
11. The orthotic insole assembly of claim 1, wherein the medial
side wall of the cradle includes a plurality of flexure slots.
12. The orthotic insole assembly of claim 1, wherein the cushioning
layer includes at least one compression zone having a reduced
thickness relative to an adjacent portion of the cushioning
layer.
13. The orthotic insole assembly of claim 1, wherein the cushioning
layer includes a plurality of through holes.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not applicable.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable.
REFERENCE TO A "SEQUENCE LISTING"
[0003] Not applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] 1. Field of the Invention
[0005] The present invention relates to an orthotic insole
assembly, and more particularly, to a corrective orthotic insole
assembly that orients and locates the foot within the assembly.
[0006] 2. Description of Related Art
[0007] Typical orthotic devices are designed to distribute the
stress of weight-bearing areas of the foot to maximize comfort and
minimize trauma to the sole of the foot. Such orthotic devices are
custom molded to the individual. Alternatively, the orthotic can be
configured to "an average foot" (a non-custom device). However,
non-custom devices are either significantly flatter than the
average foot or fabricated from a sufficiently soft material, so as
to accommodate average uses. Such material overly compresses
thereby reducing the effectiveness of the device.
[0008] To satisfy the dual requirements of firm support and
precisely contoured fit, prior art corrective devices have
generally been produced in a custom mold of an individual foot.
However, such processes are expensive and time consuming, thereby
preventing use by a large segment of the population.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 4,510,770 discloses an adjustable shoe insert
that includes a relatively rigid shell in contact with the foot bed
of a shoe and is covered with a foam layer.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 5,933,984 discloses an insole having a shell
portion positioned around the heel and the mid foot, wherein a low
friction material is disposed on selected regions of an upper
side.
[0011] Therefore, the need exists for orthotic insole assembly that
does not require custom manufacture, yet provides relief to the
lower extremities from gait induced stresses. The need also exists
for an orthotic insole assembly that can locate and retain the foot
in a favorable location and orientation with respect to the insole
assembly.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The present device provides an orthotic insole assembly
which guides and restricts motion of the joints of the foot to
improve gait efficiency and reduce the stresses imposed on lower
extremity anatomical structures during gait. The orthotic insole
assembly resists pronation (a complex foot motion which produces
the partial collapse of the medial longitudinal arch of the foot)
best seen during the mid-stance phase of the gait cycle.
[0013] Pronation actually consists of the abduction, eversion and
dorsiflexion of the forefoot in relation to the rear foot. Because
of the close contiguity of the joint involved, pronation is also
accompanied by eversion of the heel and internal rotation of the
leg and hip. While pronation is a normal part of gait, excessive
pronation can be the source of many lower extremity pathologies,
including muscle tiredness and inflation, foot and knee joint pain,
tendentious, ligament strain and even neurological damage.
Excessive pronation also renders the gait less efficient since time
and effort are wasted in collapsing, pronating and recovering
supination.
[0014] The present orthotic insole assembly is constructed for
supporting a foot having a heel, toes, an arch and a metatarsal
region. The orthotic insole assembly includes a semi-rigid cradle
shaped to fit the heel, wherein the cradle extends forward past the
arch to a leading edge extending across the metatarsal region, the
cradle further includes medial and lateral sidewalls and an
interconnecting heel wall, the cradle further including an opening
such as an aperture in the area underlying the heel; a heel plug
disposed within the aperture, the heel plug having a given
resistance to compression; a cushioning layer having a bottom side
and a top side, the bottom side overlying the cradle and the heel
plug and extending forward of the cradle to underlie the toes, the
cushioning layer including a thickened portion in the area of the
arch; and a riser in the area encompassing the head of a first
metatarsal.
[0015] In further configurations, the riser and the heel plug can
have a different compressibility than the cushioning layer. It is
also contemplated the riser and the heel plug can have differing
compressibility or hardness.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)
[0016] FIG. 1 is a bottom plan view of the orthotic insole
assembly.
[0017] FIG. 2 is a representative foot for engaging the orthotic
insole assembly.
[0018] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the orthotic insole assembly of
FIG. 1.
[0019] FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the orthotic insole
assembly of FIG. 1.
[0020] FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the orthotic insole
assembly of FIG. 1.
[0021] FIG. 6 is a representative foot bed of the orthotic insole
assembly showing a relative sizing.
[0022] FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view of a first construction of the
Walker orthotic insole assembly.
[0023] FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the orthotic insole assembly of
FIG. 7.
[0024] FIG. 9 is a bottom plan view of a further configuration of
the Walker orthotic insole assembly.
[0025] FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the orthotic insole assembly
of FIG. 9.
[0026] FIG. 11 is a front prospective elevational view of a further
construction of the Walker orthotic insole assembly.
[0027] FIG. 12 is a rear prospective elevational view of the
orthotic insole assembly of FIG. 11.
[0028] FIG. 13 is a bottom plan view of a first configuration of
the Runner orthotic insole assembly.
[0029] FIG. 14 is a top plan view of the orthotic insole assembly
of FIG. 13.
[0030] FIG. 15 is a bottom plan view of a further configuration of
the Runner orthotic insole assembly.
[0031] FIG. 16 is a top plan view of the orthotic insole assembly
of FIG. 15.
[0032] FIG. 17 is a front elevational prospective view of a further
configuration of a Runner style orthotic insole assembly.
[0033] FIG. 18 is a rear elevational prospective view of the
orthotic insole assembly of FIG. 17.
[0034] FIG. 19 is a bottom plan view of a configuration of a Cross
Trainer style orthotic insole.
[0035] FIG. 20 is a top plan view of the orthotic insole assembly
of FIG. 19.
[0036] FIG. 21 is a front prospective elevational view of the
Walker style orthotic insole assembly.
[0037] FIG. 22 is a front elevational prospective view of a Runner
style orthotic insole assembly.
[0038] FIG. 23 is a rear elevational perspective view of a Cross
Trainer style [type] orthotic insole assembly.
[0039] FIG. 24 is a lateral side elevational view of an orthotic
insole assembly.
[0040] FIG. 25 is a medial side elevational view of the orthotic
insole assembly of FIG. 24.
[0041] FIG. 26 is a lateral side elevational view of a further
configuration of the orthotic insole assembly.
[0042] FIG. 27 is a medial side elevational view of the orthotic
insole assembly of FIG. 26.
[0043] FIG. 28 is a medial side elevational view of a Cross Trainer
style orthotic insole assembly.
[0044] FIG. 29 is a medial side elevational view of a Runner Style
orthotic insole assembly.
[0045] FIG. 30 is a medial side elevational view of a Walker style
orthotic insole assembly.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0046] As seen in FIG. 1, an orthotic insole assembly 10 includes a
cradle 20, a cushioning layer 50, a heel plug 70 and a riser 80,
which define a foot bed sized to support a foot.
[0047] For purposes of description, a representative foot 12 is
shown in FIG. 2. The foot 12 extends from an anterior portion at
the toes 13 to a posterior portion at the heel 14. An
anterior-posterior axis extends from the toes 13 to the heel 14.
The foot 12 also extends from a medial portion 15 to a lateral
portion 16. The relevant portions of the foot 12 include the heel
14, the arches 17,18 and the metatarsals 19. The metatarsals 19
define a metatarsal region that encompasses the area overlaid by
the metatarsals upon the foot resting on the ground. The metatarsal
region extends laterally from the medial portion 15 to the lateral
portion 16 and longitudinally between the heel 14 and the ball of
the foot. The arches include a longitudinal arch 17 extending along
the anterior-posterior direction and a transverse arch 18 extending
along the medial-lateral direction. The heel 14 encompasses the
calcaneus and includes the rounded posterior portion of the
foot.
[0048] The cradle 20 is semi-rigid and shaped to fit about the heel
14 of the user and extends forward past the longitudinal and
transverse arch 17,18 of the foot to terminate at an anterior edge
22 which extends across the metatarsal region of the foot.
[0049] The cradle 20 includes a plantar base 24 and an upwardly
extending wall 30. The upwardly extending wall 30 is defined by a
medial sidewall 32, a lateral sidewall 36 and a heel wall 34. The
sidewalls 32,36 extend along the medial and lateral side of the
cradle 20, respectively and are interconnected along the heel wall
34.
[0050] In one configuration, the anterior edge 22 is not
perpendicular to the anterior-posterior axis of the foot 12. The
anterior edge 22 is nearest the anterior portion of the foot at the
junction of the medial sidewall 32 and the base 24. The anterior
edge 22 is furthest from the anterior portion of the foot at the
junction of the lateral sidewall 36 and the base 24.
[0051] The medial sidewall 32 extends from the heel wall 34 forward
to terminate forward of the longitudinal and transverse arch 17,18
at the anterior edge 22 of the cradle 20. The medial sidewall 32
includes an arch portion 33 in the region of the longitudinal and
transverse arch 17,18. The arch portion 33 of the medial sidewall
32 is non perpendicular to the plantar base 24. The arch portion 33
of the medial sidewall 32 can extend from the base 24 at an angle
from approximately 30.degree. to approximately 80.degree.. The arch
portion 33 of the medial sidewall 32 can have a slightly curved or
convex surface, rather than merely defining a planar face. The
anterior end of the medial sidewall 32 tapers in height from the
arch portion 33 to the anterior edge 22 of the base 24.
[0052] The lateral sidewall 36 extends from the heel wall 34
forward to terminate at the anterior edge 22 of the cradle 20. The
height of the lateral sidewall 36 is typically less than the height
of the medial sidewall 32.
[0053] The medial and lateral sidewalls 32,36 of the cradle 20 can
have supporting ribs 38 or portions, such as by areas of thickened
material to provide enhanced weight bearing and load bearing
capacity. Thus, deflection of the sidewalls 32,36 is resisted. In
one configuration, the cradle 20 is constructed to substantially
prevent detrimental deformation under intended operating loads.
That is, the cradle 20 retains the foot during gait, rather than an
encompassing shoe retaining the foot.
[0054] Referring to FIG. 1, the cradle 20 defines an opening 21 in
the calcaneus region (heel portion) of the foot, wherein the
opening can be a heel aperture 23. The heel aperture 23 is located
in an area associated with heel impact during gait. The heel
aperture 23 can have any of a variety of shapes, such as but not
limited to oval, circular, obround or polygonal. The area of the
heel aperture 23 is selected, in conjunction with the other
components, to allow a portion of the heel to displace at least
toward the plane of the base 24. Depending upon the size of the
orthotic insole assembly 10, the heel aperture 23 can range from
approximately 8 cm.sup.2 to approximately 25 cm.sup.2.
[0055] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 14, further configurations of the
cradle 20 has a substantially U-shape configuration, wherein the
opening 21 is at least partially defined by the heel wall 34 and an
anteriorly projecting medial leg 42 and lateral leg 46. The medial
leg 42 includes the medial sidewall 32 and the lateral leg 46
includes the lateral sidewall 36. The medial leg 42 is spaced apart
from the lateral leg 46.
[0056] The medial leg 42 and the lateral leg 46 can have differing
lengths, wherein the medial leg is longer than the lateral leg. The
medial leg 42 extends at least to the anterior end of the arch 17.
The lateral leg has a minimum length extending to at least to the
posterior end of the arch 17 and a maximum length extending to the
anterior end of the arch 17.
[0057] In the U-shape configuration of the cradle 20, the medial
leg 42 can include an anterior bulbous portion 44 in the area of
the arch. The anterior bulbous portion 44 can extend laterally to
terminate within the lateral dimension of the heel plug or extend
further laterally than the heel plug.
[0058] In the U-shape configuration of the cradle 20, the spacing
of the medial leg 42 and the lateral leg 46 permits the orthotic
insole assembly 10 to express lateral flexibility and accommodate
various shoe widths, without requiring customization of the given
assembly.
[0059] Referring to FIGS. 9, 18 and 27, the cradle 20 and
specifically the medial sidewall 32 can include a plurality of
flexure slots 27. The flexure slots 27 are sized and spaced to
permit bending along the longitudinal dimension of the cradle
without detrimentally deforming resulting surface exposed to the
foot. The flexure slots 27 extend from the edge of the medial
sidewall 32 and terminate adjacent the base 24, and can have a
generally linear configuration. However, it is understood the
flexure slots 27 can be curvilinear, as well as include bulbous
portions.
[0060] The cradle 20 is formed of at least a semi-rigid material
such as nylon having a density of approximately 1.09 to 1.15 grams
per cubic centimeter. However, it is contemplated that injection
mold polyethylene, polypropylene, thermoplastic urethane or other
plastic which is relatively light weight can be employed for the
cradle 20. The material of the cradle 20 is selected to
substantially maintain the cradle shape under anticipated loading.
In one configuration, the cradle 20 is an integral continuous one
piece element, such as a molded component.
[0061] The cradle 20 is configured to cooperate with the cushioning
layer 50 to maintain the shape of the orthotic insole assembly 10
without relying upon inward support from the shoe, as well as
provide optimal location of the foot 12 relative to the orthotic
insole assembly.
[0062] The cushioning layer 50 has an upper surface 52 and a bottom
surface 54. A portion of the bottom surface 54 of the cushioning
layer 50 overlies and is bonded to a corresponding upper surface of
the base 24 of the cradle 20 and the upwardly extending wall 30, as
well as the heel plug 70. The cushioning layer 50 extends beyond
the anterior edge 22 of the cradle 20 to terminate beyond the
toes.
[0063] The cushioning layer 50 is joined to the cradle 20 to
overlie the area of the cradle. The cushioning layer 50 is formed
or joined to the cradle 20 so as to extend above the upwardly
extending wall 30. Further, the cushioning layer 50 is formed or
joined to the cradle 20 to dispose the exposed surface of the
cradle substantially planar (continuous) with the adjacent exposed
surface of the cushioning layer. The continuous surface across the
cradle-cushioning layer interface can be formed by providing a
recess in the cushioning layer 50 for receiving the thickness of
the cradle. Alternatively, the bonding process of the cradle 20 and
the cushioning layer 50 can locally deform the cushioning layer to
provide the substantially continuous surface. In one configuration,
the cushioning layer 50 overlies a terminal edge of the upwardly
extending wall 30 of the cradle 20 such that a downward force at
the terminal edge of the wall encounters a thickness of the
cushioning layer.
[0064] The cradle 20 and the cushioning layer 50 are sized and
configured to interfit with one another to provide substantially
continuous contact between the cradle and the cushioning layer. The
cushioning layer 50 can be fixed to the cradle 20 by any of a
variety of methods including adhesives or thermal bonding.
Alternatively, the cushioning layer 50 can be molded with, or
subsequent to the cradle 20, thereby providing a thermal bonding of
the components. It has been found advantageous for the cradle 20
and the cushioning layer 50 to be joined along a substantially
continuous interface, rather than local or spot locations of the
joining or bonding.
[0065] The cushioning layer 50 generally defines the footprint of
the orthotic install assembly 10. The cushioning layer 50 has a
varying thickness from approximately 5 mm in the anterior portion
to approximately 7 to 10 mm in the heel portion, wherein the
cushioning layer includes a thickened arch support 56, in the area
of the longitudinal and transverse arch 17,18. The arch support 56
corresponds with the arch portion of the medial sidewall 32. The
arch support 56 can have a thickness from approximately 15 mm to 25
mm. The arch support 56 in conjunction with cradle 20 is configured
to increase support of the arch of the foot; maintain the arch in a
natural (non-conformed) alignment, as well as stabilize the
foot.
[0066] As seen in FIGS. 7 and 25, one configuration of the
cushioning layer 50 can include compression zones 62 formed as
lines of reduced thickness, particularly in the anterior portion of
the layer. The compression zones 62 allow the cushioning layer 50
to laterally or longitudinally compress without creating a
corresponding ridge of material. Similarly, the lines of reduced
thickness allow enhanced flexing of the cushioning layer 50,
without generation of corresponding thickness variations is spaced
locations of the layer.
[0067] In selected configurations, the cradle 20 and the cushioning
layer 50 are configured to provided substantially continuous
support between the arch and the heel.
[0068] The cushioning layer 50 can be a breathable material such as
an open-cell foam. A suitable material for the cushioning layer 50
has been found to be an open cell polyurethane foam, having a
density of approximately 0.30 to 0.034 grams per cubic centimeter.
Using a type A and type 000 sclerometer, the cushioning layer 50
has a hardness of approximately 20.degree. to 45 with a
satisfactory range of between approximately .degree.23.degree. to
30.degree.. The polyurethane foam has a tear strength of
approximately 1.3 Kg/cm, and a compression set loss of less than
approximately 3%. In one construction, the cushioning layer 50
includes an antibacterial agent as known in the molding
industry.
[0069] The upper surface 52 of the cushioning layer 50 can include
a cloth or textile cover 58 which is preferably breathable to allow
air to circulate to the cushioning layer. A polyester fabric has
been found satisfactory as the cover 58, wherein the fabric can
include odor inhibiting, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal additives
either disposed within the fabric or subsequently added. The
porosity or weave of the cover 58 is selected to enhance or promote
the passage of air into and out of the cushioning layer 50 in
response to the operating pressures on the orthotic insole assembly
10 during use. In addition, the cover 58 wicks moisture from the
cushioning layer 50, thereby allowing the moisture to more readily
evaporate.
[0070] The heel plug 70 is disposed within the heel aperture 23. As
seen in the configuration of FIGS. 4 and 5, the heel plug 70
extends above the surrounding portion of the cushioning layer 50.
The heel plug 70 can extend approximately 2 mm above the adjacent
cushioning layer 50. It is further contemplated, depending upon the
intended operating parameters and the material of the heel plug 70,
an upper surface of the heel plug can extend above an adjacent
portion of the cushioning layer 50 by approximately 5% to 25% of
the adjacent cushioning layer thickness. That is, the heel plug 70
has a thickness that is greater than the adjacent cushioning layer
50.
[0071] In one configuration, a bottom surface 72 of the heel plug
70 is aligned co-planer with the adjacent surface of the bottom of
the cradle 20. Thus, as the cradle 20 has a thickness, the bottom
surface 72 of the heel plug 70 is either within the thickness of
the cradle or extending along the upper surface of the base 24.
Locating the bottom surface 72 of the heel plug 70 is either within
the thickness of the cradle or extending along the upper surface of
the base 24 reduces wear on the bottom surface, and effectively
extends the useful life of the orthotic insole assembly 10.
However, as discussed herein, upon impact loading, a portion of the
heel plug 70 can be displaced though the heel aperture 23.
[0072] The cradle 20 and the heel plug 70 are selected to space a
center or central portion of the heel plug and hence the
corresponding opening 21 at the heel strike. The heel strike is
typically characterized as the local region of highest impact upon
the person landing on the heel.
[0073] The heel plug 70 can be formed of the same material as the
cushioning layer 50. In this construction, the cushioning layer 50
has a localized increased thickness to define the heel plug having
a greater thickness than the adjacent portion of the cushioning
layer. Alternatively, the heel plug 70 can be at least partially
formed of a different material than the cushioning layer 50. In
such construction, the heel plug 70 is resilient, but less
compressible than the material of the cushioning layer 50. For
example, the heel plug 70 can be formed of a dense material such as
a gel. A satisfactory material for the heel plug 70 has been found
to be polyurethane gel having a density of approximately 1.00 to
1.05 grams per cubic centimeter. It is also contemplated the heel
plug 70 can be formed to include gel thickness and a thickness of
the cushioning layer 50. The gel can define from 0% to 100% of the
thickness of the heel plug 70.
[0074] The riser 80 is disposed beneath (or within) the cushioning
layer 50 in an area encompassing the head of the first metatarsal.
The riser 80 is substantially coplanar with the bottom surface 54
of the cushioning layer 50 and projects above the adjacent upper
surface of the cushioning layer (or cover).
[0075] The riser 80 can have any of a variety of shapes, such as
but not limited to oval, circular, obround or polygonal. The area
of the riser 80 is selected, in conjunction with the other
components, to rotate the foot outward and locate the heel 14
within the recess defined by the cradle 20 and cushioning layer 50.
The riser 80 does not extend across the anterior-posterior axis of
the foot (or the orthotic insole assembly 10). Depending upon the
size of the orthotic insole assembly 10, the exposed contact area
of the riser 80 with the foot can range from approximately 12
cm.sup.2 to approximately 35 cm.sup.2. Thus, the riser 80 typically
has a greater area than the heel plug 70. In the configuration of
the riser having a substantially square, rectangular or faceted
periphery, the height of the riser 80 can taper down to the
adjacent upper surface of the cushioning layer 50 (or cover) along
each of the sides of the riser.
[0076] The riser 80 can be formed of a polymer gel including a
polyurethane gel, similar to the heel plug 70. It is contemplated
in the riser 80 can be formed by a combination of the cushioning
layer material and a gel. Further, the cushioning layer 50 can be
locally thickened in the area of the riser 80 to cooperate with a
correspondingly located gel pad so as to define the riser. In one
configuration, the riser 80, in conjunction with the overlying
thickness of the cushioning layer 50 has an approximate (8 to 12
mm) one-half (1/2) inch height and maintains an approximate
three-eights (3/8) inch height during use. In certain
configurations, the height of the riser 80 includes a gel component
and a cushioning layer 50 component. The portion of the riser
height resulting from the gel can be from approximately 5% to 100%.
Preferably, at least ten percent (10%) of the height of the riser
is defined by the gel thickness.
[0077] In selected configurations, the orthotic insole assembly 10
includes a plurality of through holes or ventilation ports 61
extending through the cover 58 and the cushioning layer 50. The
ventilation ports 61 are generally located in the front portion of
the orthotic insole assembly 10, and particularly between the arch
and the toes. The ventilation ports 61 have a diameter and spacing
selected to preclude detrimental deformation or compression of the
orthotic insole assembly. The ventilation ports 61 can have a
diameter of approximately 1/32 of an inch to 1/8 of an inch,
wherein the ventilation ports are spaced from approximately .+-.4
to 1 inch apart. The ventilation ports 61 can be symmetrically or
randomly disposed within the orthotic insole assembly 10.
[0078] In use, the orthotic insole assembly 10 provides a deep
cushioned heel cup, by employing the heel plug 70, wherein the
semi-rigid upwardly extending walls 30 of the cradle 20 are
contoured to the shape of the foot 12 and support the cushioning
layer 50. The rigidity and firmness of the cradle 20 are sufficient
to stabilize the heel 14 and reduce friction that would otherwise
result from lateral foot movement.
[0079] The arch support portion 33 of the cradle 20 and the
localized areas of increased thickness of the cushioning layer 50
are selected to substantially retain the foot 12 in its natural
alignment and to prevent the arch 17,18 of the foot from flattening
(falling).
[0080] The riser 80 is sized and located to work in conjunction
with the arch 33 and the cradle 20 to seat the foot 12 in a
desirable position and retain the foot relative to the orthotic
insole assembly 10.
[0081] The cradle 20, the cushioning layer 50 and the heel plug 70
are configured to absorb and cushion the weight bearing pressure
while the rigidity of the cradle minimizes lateral movement of the
foot relative to the orthotic insole assembly 10. The heel plug 70
and the opening 21 in the cradle 20 are selected to allow a portion
of the heel plug to pass through the opening in response to a heel
strike. In selected configurations, a portion of the heel plug 70
passes below the bottom of the cradle 20. In further constructions,
the heel plug 70 and the cradle 20 are selected so that in response
to the heel strike, the top of the heel plug 70 is compressed below
the upper surface of the cradle 20.
[0082] It is understood that the flexure slots 27, the ventilation
ports 61 and the compression zones 64 can be employed in any
configuration of the orthotic insole assembly 10, and are not
limited to the specific configurations shown in the Figures. That
is, any combination of the flexure slots 27, the ventilation ports
61 and the compression zones 64 can be employed in a given orthotic
insole assembly.
[0083] A variety of lower extremity conditions can be addressed
with the orthotic insole assembly 10. For example, symptoms
relating to or resulting from plantar fasciitis, an inflammation in
the tough, fibrous band of tissue (fascia) connecting the heel bone
to the base of the toes; Chondromalacia patella resulting from poor
alignment of the kneecap (patella) as the patella slides over the
lower end of the thigh bone (femur); shin splints, heel spurs and
patellar tendonitis may be address by the orthotic insole assembly.
Further, the orthotic insole assembly 10 may reduce symptoms
associated with over pronation.
[0084] While the invention has been described in connection with a
presently preferred embodiment thereof, those skilled in the art
will recognize that many modifications and changes can be made
without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention,
which accordingly is intended to be defined solely by the appended
claims.
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