U.S. patent application number 13/409686 was filed with the patent office on 2012-06-28 for functional foot cover.
This patent application is currently assigned to Ossur hf. Invention is credited to Arinbjorn Viggo Clausen, Erla Sigridur Gestsdottir, Christophe Lecomte, Heidrun Gigja Ragnarsdottir, Hjordis Thorhallsdottir.
Application Number | 20120165958 13/409686 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35463307 |
Filed Date | 2012-06-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120165958 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Clausen; Arinbjorn Viggo ;
et al. |
June 28, 2012 |
FUNCTIONAL FOOT COVER
Abstract
A cover for a foot prosthesis comprises an opening at a top end
of the cover, which extends into a cavity formed within the cover,
wherein the cavity is configured to receive a prosthesis therein. A
wall surrounds the cavity and has the shape of a natural human
foot. The wall has an inner surface and an outer surface. The wall
also has a top section, a bottom section and a rear section. The
bottom section defines a sole area having a toe section, a heel
section, and a metatarsal region, wherein the sole area is provided
with varying levels of stiffness configured to induce a desired
rollover from heel-to-toe in a lateral-to-medial direction.
Inventors: |
Clausen; Arinbjorn Viggo;
(Reykjavik, IS) ; Gestsdottir; Erla Sigridur;
(Mosfellsbaer, IS) ; Lecomte; Christophe;
(Reykjavik, IS) ; Ragnarsdottir; Heidrun Gigja;
(Reykjavik, IS) ; Thorhallsdottir; Hjordis;
(Akureyri, IS) |
Assignee: |
Ossur hf
Reykjavik
IS
|
Family ID: |
35463307 |
Appl. No.: |
13/409686 |
Filed: |
March 1, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11139009 |
May 26, 2005 |
8128709 |
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13409686 |
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60575142 |
May 28, 2004 |
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60575587 |
May 28, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
623/53 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 2250/0029 20130101;
A61F 2002/5009 20130101; A61F 2002/6685 20130101; A61F 2002/665
20130101; A61F 2002/6635 20130101; A61F 2250/0084 20130101; A61F
2002/5007 20130101; A61F 2002/30433 20130101; A61F 2/6607 20130101;
A61F 2250/0036 20130101; A61F 2220/0041 20130101; A61F 2/66
20130101; A61F 2250/0018 20130101; A61F 2002/5066 20130101; A61F
2002/6642 20130101; A61F 2002/3007 20130101; A61F 2002/503
20130101; A61F 2002/30708 20130101; A61F 2002/6628 20130101; A61F
2002/5001 20130101; A61F 2002/5055 20130101; A61F 2002/5003
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
623/53 |
International
Class: |
A61F 2/66 20060101
A61F002/66 |
Claims
1. A prosthetic foot, comprising: a body having an outer surface
that defines an upper portion and a sole of the prosthetic foot,
the outer surface having the shape and contours of a natural human
foot; the sole having a traction surface thereon configured to
increase traction of the prosthetic foot on wet or slippery
surfaces.
2. The prosthetic foot of claim 1, wherein the traction surface is
formed in a pattern configured to increase traction of the foot
during use.
3. The prosthetic foot of claim 1, wherein the traction surface is
molded to the sole during manufacture.
4. The prosthetic foot of claim 1, wherein the sole comprises a toe
section, a heel section, and a metatarsal region.
5. The prosthetic foot of claim 4, wherein the traction surface
covers one or more of the toe section, heel section, and metatarsal
region of the sole.
6. The prosthetic foot of claim 1, wherein the body surrounds a
cavity configured to receive a prosthetic foot insert therein.
7. The prosthetic foot of claim 4, wherein the toe section
comprises five toes so that the toe section has the appearance of
natural human toes.
8. The prosthetic foot of claim 7, wherein the toe section
comprises a slot between at least two of the toes, the slot
configured to receive a strap of a sandal.
9. A prosthetic foot, comprising: a body having an upper portion
and a sole portion, an outer surface of the body on the upper and
sole portions and extending between a rear end and a front end of
the body having the shape and contours of a natural human foot such
that the body has the appearance of a natural human foot; wherein
the outer surface on the sole portion has at least one area of
non-slip material, said non-slip material configured to increase
traction of the prosthetic foot on wet or slippery surfaces.
10. The prosthetic foot of claim 9, wherein the area of non-slip
material is located on one or more of a toe section, a heel
section, and a metatarsal region of the sole portion.
11. The prosthetic foot of claim 9, wherein the body comprises a
cavity configured to receive a prosthetic foot insert therein.
12. The prosthetic foot of claim 9, wherein a toe region of the
body comprises five toes so that the toe region has the appearance
of natural human toes.
13. The prosthetic foot of claim 12, further comprising a slot
between at least two of the toes.
14. The prosthetic foot of claim 13, wherein the slot is configured
to receive a strap of a sandal.
15. A prosthetic foot, comprising: a body comprising: an upper
portion formed as a single piece body with a sole portion, the sole
portion having a toe section, a heel section, and a metatarsal
region; and an outer surface having the shape and contours of a
natural human foot such that the body has the appearance of a
natural human foot; wherein the sole portion is provided with at
least one area of non-slip material, the non-slip material
configured to increase traction of the prosthetic foot on wet or
slippery surfaces.
16. The prosthetic foot of claim 15, wherein the body comprises an
opening at a top end of the body extending into a cavity formed
within the body, the cavity configured to receive a prosthetic foot
insert therein.
17. The prosthetic foot of claim 15, wherein said at least one area
of non-slip material is molded to the sole portion during
manufacture.
18. The prosthetic foot of claim 15, wherein said at least one area
of non-slip material is applied to the outer surface of the sole
portion.
19. The prosthetic foot of claim 15, wherein said non-slip material
comprises silicone.
20. The prosthetic foot of claim 15, wherein said at least one area
comprises three areas disposed on the outer surface of the toe
section, heel section, and metatarsal region of the sole portion.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/139,009, filed May 26, 2005, which in turn
claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Applications No.
60/575,142 and No. 60/575,587, both filed May 28, 2004, the entire
contents of all of which are hereby expressly incorporated by
reference and should be considered a part of this
specification.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to foot covers and, in
particular, to covers for a foot prosthesis.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Conventional prosthetic foot designs are sometimes enclosed
in a cosmesis or cover to improve the aesthetic appeal of the
prosthesis, as shown, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,865,612 to
Arbogast et al. Some conventional cosmesis designs have the shape
of a human foot and are made, for example, of rubber or other
flexible materials, which provide additional cushion to the
prosthesis during use. However, conventional cosmeses are not
designed enhance the performance of the prosthesis based on the
nature and impact-level of the expected use.
[0006] Accordingly, there is a need for an improved foot cover that
can be used in combination with a prosthesis to achieve a desired
performance based on the impact-level of the expected use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In accordance with one embodiment disclosed herein, a cover
for a foot prosthesis is provided. An opening at a top end of the
cover extends into a cavity formed within the cover, wherein the
cavity is configured to receive a prosthesis therein. A wall
surrounds the cavity and has the shape of a natural human foot. The
wall has an inner surface and an outer surface. The wall also has a
top section, a bottom section and a rear section. The bottom
section defines a sole area having a toe section, a heel section,
and a metatarsal region, wherein the sole area is provided with
varying levels of stiffness configured to induce a desired rollover
from heel-to-toe, a portion of the desired rollover being in a
lateral-to-medial direction.
[0008] In accordance with another embodiment disclosed herein, a
cover for a foot prosthesis is provided comprising an opening at a
top end of the cover. The opening extends into a cavity within the
cover configured to receive a prosthesis therein. A wall surrounds
the cavity and has the shape of a natural human foot. The wall has
an inner surface and an outer surface. The wall also has a top
section, a bottom section and a rear section. The bottom section
defines a sole area having a toe section, a heel section, and a
metatarsal region, wherein the sole area is provided with a
plurality of selected regions of differing stiffness relative to
areas surrounding said selected regions.
[0009] In accordance with still another embodiment disclosed
herein, a cover for a foot prosthesis is provided comprising an
opening at a top end of the cover. The opening extends into a
cavity within the cover configured to receive a prosthesis therein.
A wall surrounds the cavity and has the shape of a natural human
foot. The wall has an inner surface and an outer surface. The wall
also has a top section, a bottom section and a rear section. The
bottom section defines a sole area having a toe section, a heel
section, and a metatarsal region, wherein the sole area is provided
with at least one selected region of reduced stiffness relative to
an area surrounding said selected region.
[0010] In accordance with yet another embodiment disclosed herein,
a cover for a foot prosthesis is provided, the cover having the
shape of a natural human foot. An opening at a top end of the cover
extends into a cavity within the cover, the cavity configured to
receive a prosthesis therein. A top section extends between the
opening and a toe section. A rear section extends between the
opening and a heel section. A bottom section defines a sole area
between the heel section and the toe section, the sole area having
a metatarsal region extending between an inner edge and an outer
edge of the bottom section. A section of shock absorbing material
is disposed on the sole area and has a first selected stiffness.
The section of shock absorbing material is configured to provide a
desired level of shock absorption. A section of energy return
material is disposed on the sole area and has a second selected
stiffness. The section of energy return material is configured to
provide a desired level of energy return. The sections of shock
absorbing material and energy return material effect a desired
rollover during a transition from heel-strike to toe-off to
approximate the rollover of a human foot.
[0011] In accordance with another embodiment disclosed herein, a
cover for a foot prosthesis is provided, wherein the cover has the
shape of a natural human foot. The cover comprises a bottom section
that defines a heel section, a toe section, and a metatarsal region
therebetween. A first material is disposed on the heel section and
has a first selected stiffness. A second material is disposed on
the metatarsal section and has a second selected stiffness
different from the first selected stiffness, wherein the first and
second materials induce a rollover during a transition from
heel-strike to toe-off, a portion of the desired rollover being in
a lateral-to-medial direction.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a bottom and side profile view of one embodiment
of a functional foot cover.
[0013] FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional side view of the functional
foot cover in FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 2B is a side view of a prosthetic foot in combination
with the functional foot cover of FIG. 2A.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of another embodiment
of a functional foot cover.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of another embodiment
of a functional foot cover.
[0017] FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of another embodiment of a
functional foot cover.
[0018] FIG. 6 is a bottom and side profile view of another
embodiment of a functional foot cover.
[0019] FIG. 7 is a bottom and side profile view of another
embodiment of a functional foot cover.
[0020] FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional side view of another embodiment
of a functional foot cover.
[0021] FIG. 8B is a bottom plan view of the functional foot cover
in FIG. 8A.
[0022] FIG. 9A is a bottom, side and rear profile view of another
embodiment of a functional foot cover.
[0023] FIG. 9B is a bottom plan view of the functional foot cover
in FIG. 9A.
[0024] FIG. 10A is a front, top and side profile view of another
embodiment of a functional foot cover.
[0025] FIG. 10B is a bottom, side and rear profile view of the
functional foot cover in FIG. 10A.
[0026] FIG. 11A is a partial side and top view of another
embodiment of a functional foot cover.
[0027] FIG. 11B is a partial side and top view of another
embodiment of a functional foot cover.
[0028] FIG. 12 is a top and side profile view of another embodiment
of a functional foot cover.
[0029] FIG. 13A is a partial bottom and side profile view of
another embodiment of a functional foot cover.
[0030] FIG. 13B is a partial bottom plan view of the functional
foot cover in FIG. 13A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0031] Foot covers are known in the art and are described, for
example, in pending U.S. application Ser. No. 09/586,666, filed
Jun. 1, 2000, the contents of which are incorporated herein by
reference in their entirety.
[0032] FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a functional foot cover
100. Preferably, the functional foot cover 100 has the shape of a
natural human foot, including a heel section 10 and a toe section
20. In one preferred embodiment, the functional foot cover 100 can
be made of polyurethane or a similar material. However, the
functional foot cover 100 can be made of other suitable materials,
such as materials commonly used for the manufacture of prosthetic
cosmeses.
[0033] FIG. 2A illustrates a cross-section of another embodiment of
a functional foot cover 200. The functional foot cover 200 is
preferably configured to receive a prosthesis therein, such as the
prosthetic foot 50 illustrated in FIG. 2B. In the illustrated
embodiment, the prosthetic foot 50 is an Elation.TM. Foot by Ossur
of Reykyavik, Iceland. However, the use of any of the functional
foot cover embodiments disclosed herein is contemplated with any
prosthetic foot design.
[0034] In the illustrated embodiment, the foot cover 200 has an
opening 212 at a top end 210 thereof and a wall 214 having an inner
surface 216 and an outer surface 218. The inner surface 216
comprises a top section 216a, a bottom section 216b and a rear
section 216c. Likewise, the outer surface 218 comprises a top
section 218a, a bottom section 218b and a rear section 218c. The
opening 212 and inner surface 216 together define a cavity 220
within the functional foot cover 200. Preferably, at least one
recess 230 is formed on the inner surface 216 of the wall 214. In
the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of recesses 230 are shown,
some of which are disposed on the bottom section 216b along a
metatarsal region 240 proximal a toe section 250 of the foot cover
200. Recesses 230 can also be disposed on the rear 216c and top
216a sections of the wall 214. In another embodiment, the recesses
230 can be formed on the outer surface 218 of the foot cover 200.
Preferably, the recesses 230 are disposed on the foot cover 200 so
as to facilitate flexion of the foot cover 200 during use. For
example, when the foot cover 200 is placed on a prosthetic foot,
the recesses 230 facilitate the flexion of the cover 200 during the
prosthetic foot's walking motion, such as during toe-off.
Accordingly, the recesses 230 advantageously provide a functional
foot cover 200 with improved rollover characteristics. In one
embodiment, the recesses 230 are notches 230 formed on the inner
surface 216 of the wall 214 of the functional foot cover 200, as
illustrated in FIG. 2. In a preferred embodiment, the notches 230
extend between about 1/4 and about 1/2 of a thickness 214a of the
wall 214 of the foot cover 200. However, the notches 230 can have
other depths, such as less than about 1/4 of the thickness 214a of
the wall 214, or more than about 1/2 of the thickness 214a of the
wall 214, as desired.
[0035] FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of another
embodiment of a functional foot cover 300. In the illustrated
embodiment, a shock absorbing material 330 is preferably disposed
in the heel section 310 of the foot cover 300. For example, the
shock absorbing material 330 can be inserts 332 disposed in
cavities 334 formed on the inner surface 316 of the foot cover 300.
Preferably, the shock absorbing material 330 can be embedded into
the heel section 310. In another embodiment, the shock absorbing
material 330 can be attached to the inner surface 316 of the foot
cover 300 with, for example, an adhesive. In still another
embodiment, the shock absorbing material 330 can be removably
attached to the inner surface 316 of the foot cover 300. For
example, the shock absorbing material 330 can comprise inserts 332
that lockingly engage recesses or cavities (not shown) formed on
the inner surface 316 of the foot cover 300. As shown in FIG. 3,
the shock absorbing material 330 is disposed on at least a portion
of the heel section 310. In a preferred embodiment, the shock
absorbing material 330 covers an area between about 6 cm.sup.2 and
about 20 cm.sup.2 of the heel section 310. In other embodiments,
the shock absorbing material 330 can cover an area of less than
about 6 cm.sup.2. In still other embodiments, the shock absorbing
material 330 can cover an area of more than about 20 cm.sup.2.
[0036] The shock absorbing material 330 is preferably disposed on
areas of the foot cover 300 that receive high impact forces during
use. In one embodiment, the shock absorbing material 330 is EVA, or
a similar material. However, other materials providing suitable
shock absorbing characteristics can also be used.
[0037] As illustrated in FIG. 3, an energy return material 350 is
also disposed in the metatarsal area 340 proximal the toe section
320 of the foot cover 300. In one embodiment, the energy return
material 350 can comprise inserts 352 disposed in cavities 354
formed on the inner surface 316 of the foot cover 300. Preferably,
the energy return material 350 is embedded into the wall 314 of the
foot cover 300. In another embodiment, the energy return material
350 can be attached to the inner surface 316 of the foot cover 300
with, for example, an adhesive. In still another embodiment, the
energy return material 350 is removably attached to the inner
surface 316 of the foot cover 300. In a preferred embodiment, the
energy return material 350 covers at least a portion of the
metatarsal region 340 of the foot cover 300. For example, the
energy return material 350 can comprise inserts 352 that lockingly
engage recesses or cavities 354 formed on the inner surface 316 of
the foot cover 300. Preferably, the energy return material 350
covers an area of between about 6 cm.sup.2 and about 20 cm.sup.2 of
the metatarsal region 340 of the foot cover 300. In other
embodiments, the energy return material 350 can cover areas less
than about 6 cm.sup.2. In still other embodiments, the energy
return material 350 can cover an area of more than about 20
cm.sup.2. Additionally, the energy return material 350 is an
elastic material, such as silicone. However, other materials that
provide suitable energy return characteristics can also be
used.
[0038] FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment of a functional foot
cover 400. In the illustrated embodiment, the shock absorbing 430
and energy return 450 materials discussed above are attached to a
bottom outside surface 418b of the foot cover 400. In one
embodiment, the shock absorbing material 430 and energy return
material 450 comprise inserts 432, 452 removably disposed in
cavities 434, 454 formed on the bottom surface of the foot cover
400, respectively. For example, the shock absorbing 430 and energy
return 450 materials can be attached to the foot cover 400 with an
adhesive. In another embodiment, the inserts 432, 452 can have
engagement members (not shown) that snap onto the recesses or
cavities 434, 454. However, the shock absorbing 430 and energy
return 450 materials can be attached to the foot cover 400 using
other known mechanisms, such as bolts and screws. In another
embodiment, the shock absorbing 430 and energy return 450 materials
can be molded onto the foot cover 400 during manufacture.
[0039] In a preferred embodiment, a set of shock absorbing inserts
432 having varying levels of shock absorption are provided.
Accordingly the foot cover 400 can be tailored to provide the level
of shock absorption best suited for a particular user's needs.
Similarly, a set of energy return inserts 452 with varying levels
of energy return can be provided to provide the level of energy
return required by a specific user. Accordingly, the shock
absorption 430 and energy return 450 materials can be tailored to
the particular activity level of the user. For example, for a
low-activity user, the shock absorption material 430 can be a
highly elastic material, such as a highly elastic urethane or other
polymer material. Similarly, for a high activity user, the shock
absorption material 430 can be one with a lower elasticity.
[0040] FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of a functional foot
cover 500. In the illustrated embodiment, the foot cover 500
comprises materials of selected stiffness disposed along the sole
area 505 of the foot cover 500. For example, said materials can
have a durometer of between about 60 Shore A and about 95 Shore A.
However, in other embodiments, the materials can have other levels
of stiffness. In the illustrated embodiment, said materials are
injection molded onto the foot cover 500 during manufacture. As
shown in FIG. 5, the heel section 510 comprises a first material
530 of selected stiffness. Additionally, at least a portion of the
metatarsal region 520 comprises a second material 532 of selected
stiffness, which can have the same stiffness as the material in the
heel section 510. Still another section 525 of the sole 505 of the
foot cover 500 comprises a third material 534 of selected
stiffness, which may be different than that of the heel 510 or
metatarsal sections 520. It will be obvious to one of ordinary
skill in the art that various materials, each having a different
stiffness, can be incorporated into the foot cover 500. Moreover,
though the illustrated embodiment illustrates three different areas
comprising materials of selected stiffness, it will be obvious to
one of ordinary skill in the art that more or fewer areas of
selected stiffness can be incorporated into the foot cover 500.
[0041] Preferably, said materials 530, 532, 534 are disposed, and
their stiffness selected, so as to guide the rollover of the foot
cover 500 during use. For example, material having a higher
stiffness can be disposed on the heel section 510 and be surrounded
by material of lower stiffness. In another embodiment, the material
disposed on the heel section 510 of the foot cover 500 can have a
lower stiffness than the material surrounding said heel section
510. Similarly, the material disposed on the metatarsal region 520
can be disposed, and its stiffness selected, so as to guide the
rollover of the foot cover 500. In one embodiment, the material
disposed on the metatarsal region 520 has a higher stiffness than
the material surrounding said region. In another embodiment, the
material disposed on the metatarsal region 520 has a lower
stiffness than the surrounding material. In a preferred embodiment,
the materials are disposed, and their stiffness selected, so that
the functional foot cover 500 rolls over medially toward an inner
edge 540 of the foot cover 500 during transition from heel-strike
to toe-off and approximates the rollover of a natural human
foot.
[0042] Preferably, the coverage area of each material of selected
stiffness is chosen to adequately guide the rollover of the foot
cover 500, as described above. For example, the material disposed
on the heel section 510 can have an area of between about 6
cm.sup.2 and about 20 cm.sup.2. Similarly, the material of selected
stiffness disposed on the metatarsal region 520 can have an area of
between about 6 cm.sup.2 and about 20 cm.sup.2. However, in other
embodiments the material of selected stiffness can be have an area
less or greater than that disclosed above.
[0043] FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of a functional foot
cover 600. In the illustrated embodiment, the foot cover 600
includes a heel section insert 630 attached thereto and made of a
material having a selected stiffness, which preferably differs from
the stiffness of the surrounding area on the foot cover 600.
Similarly, the foot cover 600 includes a toe section insert 640
attached thereto and made of a material having a selected
stiffness, which preferably differs from the stiffness of the
surrounding area. Said materials preferably have a durometer of
between about 60 Shore A and about 95 Shore A. In other embodiment,
said materials can have other levels of stiffness. For example, the
materials can have durometers lower or greater than the values
noted above. Preferably, the heel and toe section inserts 630, 640
are removably attached to the foot cover 600. For example, the
section inserts 630, 640 can be lockingly snapped onto cavities
632, 642 formed on the foot cover 600. In another embodiment, the
toe and heel section inserts 630, 640 can be attached to the foot
cover 600 with an adhesive. However, the section inserts 630, 640
can be attached to the foot cover 600 using other fixation
mechanisms, such as bolts and screws. Preferably, sets of inserts
are provided, each having a different stiffness level. Accordingly,
the foot cover 600 can be tailored to have a particular rollover
characteristic based on the stiffness level of the toe and heel
section inserts 630, 640 that are attached to the toe section 620
and heel section 610, respectively, of the foot cover. Moreover, as
discussed above, the inserts 630, 640 can be tailored to the
particular activity level of the user.
[0044] FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of a functional foot
cover 700. In the illustrated embodiment, a sole portion 720
extending between a heel section 722 and a toe section 724, and
defining a metatarsal region 726 therebetween, is provided for
attachment to the foot cover 700. The sole portion 720 has areas
725 of selected stiffness with a durometer preferably between about
60 Shore A and about 95 Shore A. In other embodiments, said areas
725 can have a durometer higher than about 95 Shore A. In still
other embodiments, said areas 725 can have a durometer lower than
about 60 Shore A. In the illustrated embodiment, the sole portion
720 has an opening 727a disposed generally at the heel section 722
and a second opening 727b disposed generally at the metatarsal
region 726. The openings 727a, 727b are preferably configured to
fit over inserts of selected stiffness 732, 734 located generally
at a heel section and metatarsal region of the foot cover 700,
respectively. In one embodiment, the inserts 732, 734 have a
stiffness level different than the stiffness of the surrounding
area 725 on the sole portion 720. One of ordinary skill in the art
will recognize that the sole portion 720 can have any number of
openings configured to accommodate an equal number of inserts of
selected stiffness disposed in the foot cover 700. In another
embodiment, the sole portion 720 does not have any openings.
[0045] In one embodiment, the sole portion 720 is removably
attached to the foot cover 700. For example, the sole portion 720
can have members (not shown) that protrude into recesses or
cavities (not shown) formed on the bottom of the foot cover 700 so
as to lockingly engage the sole portion 720 to the foot cover 700.
In another embodiment, the sole portion 720 can be attached to the
foot cover 700 with an adhesive. As with the embodiments
illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the sole portion 700 can be
manufactured using materials of different stiffness to guide the
rollover of the foot cover 700 during use. In a preferred
embodiment, said guided rollover is used to control pronation of
the foot cover 700 during use. More preferably, the guided rollover
approximates the walking motion of a natural human foot, so that
the foot cover 700 rolls over medially toward the inner edge 740 of
the foot cover 700 during transition from heel-strike and toe-off.
One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the guided
rollover characteristics described above can be incorporated into
the sole portion 720 of a cosmesis as described above, as well as
an individual sole attached to a prosthetic foot, as described in
U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/575,142, filed May 28, 2004,
which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
[0046] The foot cover 700 preferably comprises a metatarsal region
750 generally parallel to a supporting surface on which the foot
cover 700 rests. Additionally, the toe section 760 of the foot
cover 700 preferably comprises a set of toes 765 having an upper
bend or tilt to provide a smoother toe push-off during use.
[0047] FIG. 8A illustrates another embodiment of a functional foot
cover 800 with a support member 820 disposed therein. In the
illustrated embodiment, the support member 820 is a plate that is
preferably embedded in the wall 824 of the foot cover 800. The
support member 820 is preferably made of a stiff material. For
example, the support member 820 can be made of a carbon fiber
material. However, the support member 820 can be made of other
suitable materials that provide the desired stiffness, such as a
hard plastic. Advantageously, the support member 820 improves the
stability of the foot cover 800 along the metatarsal region 840. In
one embodiment, the support member 820 extends along a portion of
the metatarsal region 840. In another preferred embodiment, the
support member 820 attaches to the bottom of the foot cover 800 and
extends transversely across substantially the entire width W of the
foot cover 800 at the metatarsal region 840, as illustrated in FIG.
8B. In other embodiments, the support member 820 can have other
shapes, such as cylindrical. Additionally, the support member 820
can be disposed on other areas of the foot cover 800 requiring
additional stability.
[0048] FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate another embodiment of a
functional foot cover 900. In the illustrated embodiment, the foot
cover 900 includes a heel section 910 having a material of a
selected stiffness 920. Preferably, said material of selected
stiffness 920 is disposed on the heel section 910 of the foot cover
900 so as to improve the stability of the foot during heel strike.
In the illustrated embodiment, the material of selected stiffness
920 is embedded into the heel section 910 so that the medial 912
and lateral 914 edges of the heel are stiffer than the middle
portion 916 of the heel. Preferably, said material of selected
stiffness 920 is injection molded into the heel section 910 during
manufacture of the foot cover 900. In another embodiment, said
materials of selected stiffness 920 can be removably attached to
the heel section, via for example, snap-on inserts, as discussed
above.
[0049] FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate another embodiment of a
functional foot cover 1000. In the illustrated embodiment, the foot
cover 1000 comprises the shell 1100 configured to fit over a
prosthetic foot or other prosthetic device. In one preferred
embodiment, the shell 1100 is sized to fit within conventional
footwear, such as a shoe. More preferably, the shell 1100 is sized
to substantially completely fill the inside of a shoe. As
illustrated in FIG. 10B, the shell 1100 comprises a top surface
1110 and a side surface 1120, but does not have a bottom
surface.
[0050] With reference to FIG. 11A, another embodiment of a
functional foot cover 1200 is disclosed. In the illustrated
embodiment, the top portion 1210 of the foot cover 1200 proximal an
opening 1220 includes a surface of increased area 1230 to
facilitate the attachment of foam or other cosmetic filling to the
functional foot cover 1200. As shown in FIG. 11, the surface of
increased area 1230 includes several slots 1232 to facilitate
attachment of the functional foot cover 1200 to foam or other
cosmetic filling. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize
that the number of slots 1232 on said foot cover 1200 can vary so
as to be fewer or more than those depicted in FIG. 11A.
[0051] FIG. 11B illustrates another embodiment of a functional foot
cover 1300 having a surface of increased area 1330 on a top portion
1320 of the foot cover 1300. In the illustrated embodiment, the
surface of increased area 1330 defines a recess 1332 proximal a
heel section 1310 of the foot cover 1300. Said recess 1332 is
preferably sized so as to facilitate attachment of the foot cover
1300 to foam or other cosmetic filling.
[0052] FIG. 12 illustrates another embodiment of a functional foot
cover 1400. In the illustrated embodiment, a height H of the foot
cover 1400 is generally higher than conventional foot covers. For
example, the height H of the foot cover 1400 can be between about 7
cm and about 10 cm. In other embodiments, the height H of the foot
cover 1400 can be greater than about 10 cm. Preferably, a wall 1430
of the foot cover 1400 has a thickness T that tapers from a thicker
section at the bottom 1410 of the foot cover 1400 toward a thinner
section proximal an opening 1425 at a top end 1420 of the foot
cover 1400. In another embodiment, the wall 1430 of the foot cover
1400 has a stepped thickness T, with a thicker section proximal the
bottom 1410 of the foot cover 1400 and a thinner section proximal
the top end 1420 of the foot cover 1400. Preferably, the thickness
T of the wall 1430 at the opening 1425 of the foot cover 1400 is
between about 1/4 and about 1/2 the thickness T of the wall 1425
proximal the bottom 1410 of the foot cover 1400. In other
embodiments, the thickness T of the wall 1430 at the opening 1425
of the foot cover 1400 can be between about 1/8 and about 3/4 of
the thickness T of the wall 1430 proximal the bottom 1410 of the
foot cover 1400. Said tapered thickness T advantageously
facilitates the insertion of a prosthetic device within the foot
cover 1400.
[0053] FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate another embodiment of a
functional foot cover 1500. In the illustrated embodiment, a sole
1510 of the foot cover 1500 includes areas of non-slip material
1530. Preferably, said areas of non-slip material 1530 increase the
traction of the foot cover 1500 during slippery conditions, such as
on a wet surface. In one embodiment, said areas of non-slip
material 1530 include a pattern designed to increase traction of
the foot cover 1500 during use. Preferably, the areas of non-slip
material 1530 are molded to the sole 1510 of the foot cover 1530
during manufacture. In another embodiment, the areas of non-slip
material 1530 can be applied to the bottom 1510 of the functional
foot cover 1500. For example, the non-slip material 1530 can be
sprayed onto the bottom 1510 of the foot cover 1500. In a preferred
embodiment, the non-slip material 1530 comprises silicone. However,
other materials having suitable non-slip characteristics can be
used. In one embodiment, the non-slip material 1530 is applied to
substantially the entire sole 1510 of the foot cover 1530. In
another embodiment, the non-slip material 1530 is applied to
selected localized areas on the sole 1510 of the foot cover
1500.
[0054] With respect to any of the embodiments described above, the
functional foot cover can be manufactured to resemble a human foot,
both male and female, and have five toes. In one embodiment, the
foot cover can be used with a sandal. For example, as illustrated
in FIG. 5, among other figures, the foot cover 500 can have a slot
550 between at least two of the toes 552, 554 formed on the foot
cover 500, said slot 550 configured to receive a strap of a sandal.
In another embodiment, the foot cover defines several toes disposed
adjacent each other without any intervening slots therebetween.
[0055] Additionally, any of the embodiments discussed above can be
manufactured so as to closely resemble the person's foot. In one
embodiment, a person's foot is scanned and a mold of said foot
manufactured based on said scanning. Preferably, foot covers of
varying sizes are manufactured using said foot scan.
Advantageously, construction of a foot cover using a mold based on
a scanned foot provides a more accurate anatomical representation
of a natural human foot.
[0056] Of course, the foregoing description is that of certain
features, aspects and advantages of the present invention to which
various changes and modifications can be made without departing
from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Moreover, the
functional foot cover may not feature all objects and advantages
discussed above to use certain features, aspects and advantages of
the present invention. Thus, for example, those skill in the art
will recognize that the invention can be embodied or carried out in
a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or a group of
advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other
objects or advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. In
addition, while a number of variations of the invention have been
shown and described in detail, other modifications and methods of
use, which are within the scope of this invention, will be readily
apparent to those of skill in the art based upon this disclosure.
It is contemplated that various combinations or subcombinations of
these specific features and aspects of embodiments may be made and
still following the scope of the invention. Accordingly, it should
be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed
embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another in
order to form varying modes of the discussed functional foot
cover.
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