U.S. patent application number 14/340151 was filed with the patent office on 2016-01-28 for footwear with dynamic arch system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Sharone Piontkowski, Shlomo Piontkowski. Invention is credited to Sharone Piontkowski, Shlomo Piontkowski.
Application Number | 20160021976 14/340151 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52683138 |
Filed Date | 2016-01-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160021976 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Piontkowski; Shlomo ; et
al. |
January 28, 2016 |
Footwear with Dynamic Arch System
Abstract
The present invention is footwear having a convex shaped outsole
with opposing wedge shaped configurations in the bottom of the
front sole section and the back sole section which provide rotation
of the front sole section and the back sole section in opposite
directions when weight is applied. The present invention is also
footwear convex shaped in the longitudinal direction with a split
sole having opposing wedge shaped configurations in the bottom of
the front sole section and the back sole section that provide
rotation of the front sole section and the back sole section in
opposite directions when weight is applied. The invention further
includes footwear having at least one pair of wedges on the outsole
which provide footwear having improved arch support. The invention
is also footwear with a flexible, elastic, member between the front
sole section and the back sole section of the sole.
Inventors: |
Piontkowski; Shlomo; (New
York, NY) ; Piontkowski; Sharone; (New York,
NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Piontkowski; Shlomo
Piontkowski; Sharone |
New York
New York |
NY
NY |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
52683138 |
Appl. No.: |
14/340151 |
Filed: |
July 24, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
36/29 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 7/144 20130101;
A43B 13/40 20130101; A43B 13/10 20130101; A43B 13/20 20130101; A43B
7/141 20130101; A43B 13/141 20130101; A43B 17/02 20130101; A43B
3/26 20130101; A43B 7/24 20130101; A43B 7/142 20130101; A43B 1/0054
20130101; A43B 7/1435 20130101; A43B 7/1425 20130101; A43B 17/00
20130101; A43B 13/145 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A43B 13/40 20060101
A43B013/40; A43B 7/14 20060101 A43B007/14 |
Claims
1-20. (canceled)
21. An article of footwear comprising an elastic sole having a
front at the toe area and a back at the heel area, a medial side
edge and a lateral side edge, a longitudinal length from the front
to the back and a transverse width from the medial side edge to the
lateral side edge, the sole comprising: a front end section, a back
end section, and a middle section; said front end section located
along an entire front sole region of said sole with a connecting
portion in the front of a midfoot sole region, said back end
section located along an entire rear sole region of said sole with
a connecting portion in the back of the midfoot sole region, said
middle section located between said front end section and said back
end section; said sole further comprising an outsole in said front
end section and said back end section comprising an underside for
contact with the ground; wherein, when said footwear is in a
non-weight bearing position, said underside of said front end
section of said outsole is curved upward toward an upper surface of
said insole from the innermost portion to the front of the
footwear; wherein, when said footwear is in a non-weight bearing
position, said underside of said back end section of said outsole
is curved upward toward an upper surface of said insole from the
innermost portion in the midfoot sole region to the back of the
footwear; wherein, when said footwear is in a non-weight bearing
position, said underside of said outsole has a place of contact at
the innermost portion of the front end section of said outsole and
a place of contact at the innermost portion of the back end section
of said outsole; and wherein when said footwear is worn and weight
is placed down onto said outsole, said front end section and said
back end section of said sole each bend about said places of
contact, said front end section and said back end section rotating
in opposite directions causing the underside of said outsole of the
footwear to flatten in the front end section and the back end
section.
22. The footwear according to claim 21, wherein said sole has no
passive medial arch support.
23. The footwear according to claim 21, wherein said middle section
of said sole between the front end section and the back end section
has no outsole.
24. The footwear according to claim 23, wherein said middle section
of said sole between the front end section and the back end section
has no midsole.
25. The footwear according to claim 21, wherein each of said front
end section and said back end section of said outsole are wedge
shaped.
26. The footwear according to claim 21, further comprising a metal
strip connecting the front end section and the back end section of
said sole, said metal strip extending across the middle section of
said sole.
27. The footwear according to claim 26, wherein said metal strip is
removable and replaceable with a metal strip having different
elasticity.
28. The footwear according to claim 21, wherein each of said front
end section and said back end section of said sole further comprise
a magnet having similar polarity, wherein said magnets cause the
front end section and the back end section to repel each other.
29. The footwear according to claim 28, wherein at least one of
said magnets is removable and replaceable with a magnet having
different magnetic strength.
30. The footwear according to claim 21, wherein at least one of
said front end section and said back end section of said sole is
removable and replaceable with a sole having a different
height.
31. The footwear according to claim 21, wherein said places of
contact for the outsole are inside the contact locations for the
medial arch of a user's foot when the footwear is worn.
32. An elastic insole having a front at the toe area and a back at
the heel area, a medial side edge and a lateral side edge, a
longitudinal length from the front to the back and a transverse
width from the medial side edge to the lateral side edge, the
insole comprising: a front end section, a back end section, and a
middle section; said front end section located along an entire
front sole region of said insole with a connecting portion in the
front of a midfoot sole region, said back end section located along
an entire rear sole region of said insole with a connecting portion
in the back of the midfoot sole region, said middle section located
between said front end section and said back end section; an
underside of said insole in said front end section having a medial
side and a lateral side; when in a non-weight bearing position,
said medial side of said underside of said insole sloped upward
laterally towards an upper surface of said insole from a place of
contact to the medial side edge of said insole; when in a
non-weight bearing position, said lateral side of said underside of
said insole sloped upward laterally towards an upper surface of
said insole from a place of contact to the lateral side edge of
said insole; and wherein when said insole is worn and weight is
placed down onto said insole, said medial side and said lateral
side of said front end section each bend about said places of
contact, said medial side and said lateral side rotating in
opposite directions causing the underside of said insole flatten on
the medial side and the lateral side of said front end section.
33. The insole according to claim 32, wherein said insole has no
passive medial arch support.
34. The insole according to claim 32, wherein each of said medial
side and lateral side of said front end section of said insole are
wedge shaped.
35. The insole according to claim 32, wherein each of said medial
side and said lateral side of said underside of said insole
comprise a magnet having similar polarity, wherein said magnets
cause the medial side and the lateral side to repel each other.
36. The insole according to claim 35, wherein at least one of said
magnets is removable and replaceable with a magnet having different
magnetic strength.
37. The insole according to claim 32, wherein at least one of said
medial side and said lateral side of said insole is removable and
replaceable with a different height component.
38. The insole according to claim 32 wherein, when said insole is
in a non-weight bearing position, said underside of said back end
section of said insole is curved upward toward the upper surface of
said insole from the innermost portion in the midfoot sole region
to the back of the insole; wherein, when said insole is in a
non-weight bearing position, said underside of said insole has a
place of contact at the innermost portion of the back end section
of said insole; and wherein when weight is placed down onto said
insole, said front end section and said back end section of said
outsole each bend about said places of contact, said front end
section and said back end section rotating in opposite directions
causing the underside of said insole to flatten in the front end
section and the back end section.
39. The insole according to claim 38, wherein said insole has no
passive medial arch support.
40. An outsole comprising a front at the toe area and a back at the
heel area, a medial side edge and a lateral side edge, a
longitudinal length from the front to the back and a transverse
width from the edge at the medial side to the edge at the lateral
side, the outsole comprising: an underside, a front end section, a
middle section, and a back end section; said front end section
located along an entire front sole region with a connecting portion
in the front of a midfoot sole region; said back end section
located along an entire rear sole region with a connecting portion
in the back of the midfoot sole region; said middle section located
between the front end section and the back end section; the
underside of the back end section of said outsole generally shaped
upward from a lowest point at the middle most portion on said
outsole when in a non-weight bearing position; the medial side of
the underside of the front end section generally shaped upward
towards the edge of the medial side of the outsole from a lowest
point near the middle most portion when in a non-weight bearing
position; a raised portion of the underside of the outsole in the
middle section between the medial side of the front end section and
the back end section; wherein said underside of said outsole has a
place of contact at the innermost portion of the medial side of
said front end section of said outsole and a place of contact at
the innermost portion of the back end section of said outsole;
wherein when said footwear is worn and weight is placed down onto
said outsole, said front end section and said back end section of
said outsole each bend about said places of contact, causing the
outsole of the footwear to flatten in the front end section and the
back end section.
41. The outsole according to claim 40, wherein said back end
section of said outsole is wedge shaped.
42. The footwear according to claim 40, further comprising a metal
strip connecting the front end section and the back end section of
said sole, said metal strip extending across the middle section of
said sole.
43. The footwear according to claim 42, wherein said metal strip is
removable and replaceable with a metal strip having different
elasticity.
44. The footwear according to claim 40, wherein each of said front
end section and said back end section of said outsole further
comprise a magnet, wherein said magnets cause the front end section
and the back end section to repel each other.
45. The footwear according to claim 44, wherein at least one of
said magnets is removable and replaceable with a magnet having
different magnetic strength.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to footwear, including
sneakers, shoes, and socks, and more specifically to footwear
configured to improve support of the user's foot and foot arches.
The present invention also relates to devices used to increase foot
comfort when footwear is worn. The present invention further
relates to footwear configured to improve and assist with walking
and/or running.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Conventional footwear (e.g., shoes and sneakers) comprises a
sole and an upper secured to the sole on a lower portion of the
upper. The top of the upper includes an opening, typically near the
back part of the upper, where the foot enters the cavity formed by
the upper and the sole. The entire structure functions to support
the foot. The sole is the portion between the foot and the ground.
The sole is intended to provide traction, support and cushioning
for the user. Many soles have a multi-part construction including
an outsole, a midsole, and an insole. The insole is located on the
upper most portion of the sole, typically with an upper surface
exposed inside the footwear where the user's foot contacts the
sole. The outsole is located on the bottom most portion of the sole
of the footwear. The underside of the outsole contacts the surface
on which the user walks or runs (the bottom of the sole contacts
the ground and provides traction against the surface on which the
user walks) and is designed for durability and traction. The
midsole is located between the insole and the outsole and it is
commonly designed to absorb the forces commonly encountered when
walking or running in the footwear. One or more parts of the sole,
including each the insole, midsole, and outsole, may include
padding/cushioning and/or be made of materials that create
cushioning for comfort and for shock absorption properties.
[0003] For most footwear the sole also includes a passive medial
arch support. The passive medial arch support is a raised
part/portion of the sole positioned in the location where the
medial arch of the user's foot rests on the insole. In most
footwear, the passive medial arch support is located on the medial
side (inside) of the footwear in a lateral direction and about
midway between the front and the back of the footwear in a
longitudinal direction. Passive medial arch supports are typically
convex in at least two directions to complement and conform to the
shape of the user's medial foot arch. To achieve the shape of the
passive medial arch support, the sole of the footwear can be shaped
to form the passive medial arch support and/or the footwear can
include padding/cushioning as part of the sole (typically the
insole) to create the passive medial arch support. The flexibility
of the passive arch support cushion and its ability to compress
when the foot's medial arch contacts the passive arch support
cushion allows, to some extent, for use by people with different
arch heights, widths and shapes, although not every user's medial
arch is comfortably supported by the standard passive arch supports
inside footwear. Accordingly, it is not uncommon for users to add
to the passive medial arch support inside footwear with inserts or
to modify the passive arch support and/or the insole shape using
orthotics for improved comfort.
[0004] With the foot inside the footwear, the foot rests on top of
the insole and contacts at least some parts of the inside of the
upper. For footwear having a passive medial arch support, the
medial arch of the user's foot rests upon the passive medial arch
support causing upward forces on the user's medial arch when weight
is applied onto the footwear.
[0005] There are many different types of soles. Some footwear uses
a very rigid sole intended to provide resistance to penetration,
such as, for example, steel plated construction boots/shoes. Some
footwear includes a less rigid sole which provides rigidity but
with also provides some flexibility, such as, for example, in
athletic footwear with spikes (e.g., soccer shoes, baseball
spikes/cleats, football cleats, etc.). Still further there is
footwear with a strong and durable sole which provides some
flexibility but also provides a different appearance more appealing
for formal use, the sole intended to last for an extended period of
time, such as, for example, dress shoes. Footwear also exists with
a light and flexible sole intended to provide comfort and improve
balance, typically when exercising but also during daily use
(walking), such as, for example, sneakers and running sneakers.
Sneaker soles are typically made for motion during use and include
padding to absorb impact forces associated with foot strike.
[0006] Some footwear has a split sole design with a front sole
portion/section and a back sole portion/section, without a middle
sole portion/section. In split sole footwear, the front sole
portion/section and the back sole portion/section are connected to
each other using the upper. Split sole footwear also often includes
a heel pad and a toe pad made from a rough material, such as
leather or suede, to offer traction. The middle section of the
split sole footwear (sometimes both over and under the foot) is
covered and protected only by the material used for the upper.
Split sole footwear usually provides less arch support to the user
(along the user's medial arch as well as the lateral arch) than
full sole footwear and thus those arches of the foot may be
vulnerable to injury during use. An advantage of split sole
footwear is that it may provide more traction in certain
environments, such as, for example, for rock climbing where the
split sole allows for greater flexibility of the footwear which
assists with contact with uneven or rocky terrain. As another
example, hunters may use split sole footwear for quieter movement
than full sole footwear. In addition, split sole shoes are
considered aesthetically pleasing, especially in the dance
industry, because they make the line of the foot appear more
flattering. A split sole shoe is particularly useful for dancers
who need to bend their foot and/or point their toes, such as, for
example, in ballet. Such footwear, however, does not provide
support for the foot, particularly in the midsection where there is
no sole.
[0007] Still further, there is footwear designed to improve/assist
the user with walking/running through the use of mechanical devices
located in the footwear. For example, some footwear includes one or
more springs within the sole, typically located in the heel region,
to create lift during a push off phase (of the Gait Cycle) or when
jumping. Other footwear includes encapsulated air pockets within
the sole, also typically in the back portion of the sole to create
increased cushioning. Mechanical devices such as springs or air
pockets in the sole provide shock absorption properties that
relieve some of the stress and fatigue of walking or running.
[0008] Some recent footwear marketed for running includes channels
or grooves in the outsole to increase outsole flexibility between
the forefoot section and the heel section of the sole, such as, for
example in the Nike.RTM. Free 3.0 Flyknit. The segmented sole may
benefit the user runner by strengthening the muscles in the foot.
The outsole is made of lightweight material to try to give the
feeling of running barefoot while still giving a cushioned support
to the user's foot. Some segmented outsoles are also configured
with a ratio of the heel-to-toe height smaller than in a
traditional sneaker or running shoe to encourage forefoot strike as
opposed to a heel strike when running.
[0009] Many runners, especially those who wear traditional running
shoes, strike the ground heel first while running. Due to this
reason, traditional running shoes usually have added height and
cushion in the midsole and outsole of the heel portion of the shoe,
causing a larger heel-to-toe ratio. The added cushioning seeks to
provide comfort to runners by reducing the impact of the heel
strike phase on the foot and skeletal system. In heel striking, as
understood in the context of the gait cycle (the conventional six
phases/steps of the gait cycle are 1) heel strike, 2) foot flat, 3)
mid-stance, 4) heel-off, 5) toe-off, and 6) swing) the collision of
the heel on the ground generates a significant impact force on the
skeletal system, whereas in forefoot striking, the collision of the
forefoot with the ground causes less effect on the skeletal
system.
[0010] Applicant has discovered that the existing footwear impedes
the natural shock absorptive and cushioning capabilities of the
human foot. Existing footwear with passive arch supports limits the
foot's natural ability to achieve superior arch compression of the
foot structure (including bones, muscles and ligaments) which
provides shock absorption and cushioning for the user's foot and
body. Similarly, the structure of existing footwear with passive
arch supports limits the energy absorbing and dissipation
characteristics of the foot. In addition, most existing footwear
causes splaying of the foot along at least one of the medial arch,
the lateral arch and the transverse arch, which causes discomfort
for some including the feeling of a tight shoe or sneaker.
[0011] Throughout the gait cycle, the arches of the foot experience
fluctuation of compressive forces due to the different placement of
body weight forces at each stage and the reaction of the foot's
biomechanics. Spacing and the shapes of the bones in the human foot
allow enable the human foot to achieve two different types of
compression of the bones depending on the position of the foot and
the direction of the forces.
[0012] As used herein, the phrase "inferior compression" refers to
the state of the human foot when compressive forces are applied
along inside arch(es) of the foot causing the parts of the bones of
the foot along the inside of the arch(es) to touch together. FIG.
12 shows a side view of the human foot depicting inferior
compression along the medial arch with the bones touching along the
inside of the arch and separated along the outside of the arch.
Inferior compression of the medial foot arch typically occurs
during the heel-off phase of the gait cycle when the foot is
plantar flexed and the big toe is dorsiflexed causes a longitudinal
stretching of the plantar fascia tissue shortens the distance
between the calcaneus and metatarsals (arch base decreases) to
elevate the medial longitudinal arch (arch height increases) for
inferior compression, as seen in FIGS. 13, 12, 2 and 2A. The
plantar shortening that results from plantarflexion of the foot and
dorsiflexion of the big toe is the essence of the "Windlass
Mechanism" of the foot that helps with propulsion by creating a
stable arch and hence a more rigid level for push off. Notably,
with footwear having a passive medial arch support, the footwear
limits the ability of the longitudinal arch base to shorten
preventing inferior compression and thus decreasing the effect from
the windlass mechanism of the foot. In some cases for footwear,
when in a heel-off stage, the passive medial arch support in the
footwear pushes against the plantar fascia forcing it in another
direction (e.g., upwards towards the top of the user's foot) which
can cause pain and discomfort.
[0013] As used herein, the phrase "superior compression" refers to
the state of the human foot when compressive forces are applied
along the outside arch(es) of the foot causing the parts of the
bones of the foot along the outside of the arch(es) to touch
together. FIGS. 13, 11, and 2 show a side view of the human foot in
the flat foot phase depicting superior compression along the medial
longitudinal arch with the bones touching along the outside of the
arch and separated along the inside of the arch. Splaying occurs in
an arch, such as, for example in the foot arch(es), when weight is
applied on the outside of the arch causing the arch height to
decrease and causing the arch base to increase (widen) as shown in
FIG. 2 where y.sub.2<y<y.sub.1 and x.sub.2>x>x.sub.1.
For the transverse arch of the foot, the forefoot flattens and the
arch height decreases, causing widening of the forefoot as well as
potential damage or irritation to the nerve under the ball of the
foot. Splaying can also be caused by applying too much pressure to
the foot, for example by wearing high heels or by being overweight.
Injury or disease, such as diabetes, may also cause splaying by
compromising bone and soft tissue integrity. Morton's neuroma is a
painful condition that is often associated with splayfoot as it may
be caused by irritation or damage to the intermetatarsal plantar
nerve.
[0014] A passive medial arch support such as the arch pads commonly
found inside footwear, provides a filler of arch concavity. It
supports the medial longitudinal arch of the user during weight
bearing (at the flat foot stage of the gait cycle) when walking
and/or running keeping the foot arch structure in a middle position
(between a state of inferior compression and a state of superior
compression) and thus not rigid. The uncompressed position hinders
normal foot biomechanics of arches splaying. Since ground forces
dissipate through the passive arch support, force fluctuation is
restricted, there are no arch compressive forces either inferior or
superior and thus the natural arch neutralizing and shock
absorption properties of the foot are diminished. Passive arch
supports also have a long term deleterious effect on the foot; they
passively hold the foot as if in a cast sometimes causing
osteoporosis, muscle and ligaments atrophy, with a loss of ligament
integrity which maintains the architectural structure of the foot.
Consequently, when walking barefoot without a passive arch support
after experiencing these deleterious effects, the foot effectively
"Hyper-Splays" due to the loss of ligament integrity without
achieving arch rigidity (Flat Foot) and is weak and unstable.
[0015] None of the existing footwear is capable of providing a user
with a dynamic arch support system that increases the users' medial
arch rigidity when the user pushes down on the insole (e.g., during
the flat foot and mid-stance stages of the gait cycle), an arch
support system that increases footwear comfort and also provides
assistance with walking and/or running through propulsion. None of
the existing footwear lessens the splaying of the user's foot along
the medial longitudinal arch and/or the transverse arch for
increased comfort. None of the existing footwear increases the
rigidity of the arch support(s) when loading to help achieve an
inferior compression of the user's foot (as opposed to superior
arch compressions which occurs during arch splaying) creating
improved shock absorption and cushioning effects. None of the
exiting footwear provides a convex shaped outsole with opposing
wedge shaped configurations in the bottom of the forefoot sole
section and the heel sole section which provide rotation of the
forefoot sole section and the heel sole section in opposite
directions when weight is applied.
[0016] None of the exiting footwear provides a convex shaped, split
sole (in the longitudinal direction) with an outsole having
opposing wedge shaped configurations in the bottom of the forefoot
sole section and the heel sole section that provide rotation of the
forefoot sole section and the heel sole section in opposite
directions when weight is applied.
[0017] None of the exiting footwear provides a convex shaped
outsole transversely across the width of the footwear in the
forefoot section with opposing wedge shaped configurations which
provide rotation of the medial side and the lateral side of the
forefoot sole section in opposite directions when weight is
applied.
[0018] None of the exiting footwear provides a convex shaped
outsole transversely across the width of the footwear with a split
sole and with opposing wedge shaped configurations in the forefoot
sole section which provide rotation of the medial side and the
lateral side of the forefoot sole section in opposite directions
when weight is applied.
[0019] None of the exiting footwear provides a flexible, elastic,
member between the forefoot sole section and the heel sole section
configured to increase cushioning effects, store and dissipate
energy thereby assisting with propulsion, and which increases foot
comfort by reducing splaying. None of the existing footwear
provides a split sole with a flexible, elastic, member between the
forefoot sole section and the heel sole section configured to
increase cushioning effects, store and dissipate energy thereby
assisting with propulsion, and which increases foot comfort by
reducing splaying.
[0020] None of the existing footwear provides a flexible, elastic,
member transversely positioned in the forefoot sole to increase
cushioning effects and comfort by reducing splaying. None of the
exiting footwear provides a split sole with a flexible, elastic,
members longitudinally and transversely in the forefoot sole
section to increase cushioning effects and comfort by reducing
splaying.
[0021] No existing footwear provides a dynamic arch support
comprising an elastic member connected at opposing ends to
rotatable wedges which, when force is applied on the wedges, causes
the wedges to rotate and in some cases slide thereby bending the
elastic member, increasing the energy stored in the elastic member,
and creating arch support.
[0022] No existing footwear includes at least one pair of rotatable
wedges positioned in a location in the footwear such that they are
along at least one of the medial arch, the lateral arch, and the
transverse arch of the user's foot when worn, wherein the wedges
rotate and slide thereby reducing splaying and pronation of the
user's foot.
[0023] None of existing footwear provides a mechanism to help the
user's foot achieve inferior compression of the medial arch during
the flat foot phase which relaxes the plantar fascia tissue due to
a decrease in distance between the calcaneus and metatarsals.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0024] Applicant has invented footwear with an improved arch
support, footwear configured to improve comfort and to assist with
walking and/or running that overcomes the foregoing and other
shortcomings. Applicant has invented footwear using at least one
pair of wedges on the outsole, midsole, and/or innersole which
provide footwear having improved arch support, configured to
improve comfort and to assist with walking and/or running. While
the invention will be described in connection with certain
embodiments, it will be understood that the invention is not
limited to those embodiments. To the contrary, the invention
includes all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be
included within the spirit and scope of the present invention.
[0025] The present invention includes an article of footwear
comprising an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper
having a front at the toe area and a back at the heel area, a
medial side and a lateral side, a longitudinal length from the
front to the back and a transverse width from the medial side to
the lateral side. The sole structure according to the invention
comprises an outsole with a generally convex shape along the
longitudinal length of the footwear when the footwear is in a
non-weight bearing position having a front end region and a back
end region. The front end region is located along the entire front
sole region of the sole with a connecting portion in the front of
the midfoot sole region. The back end region is located along the
entire rear sole region of the sole with a connecting portion in
the back of the midfoot sole region. There is a raised portion of
the sole between the front end region and the back end region in
the midfoot sole region of the footwear. Accordingly, the front end
region of the outsole is curved upward toward the upper from the
innermost portion in the midfoot sole region to the front of the
footwear and the back end region of the outsole is curved upward
toward the upper from the innermost portion in the midfoot sole
region to the back of the footwear. The outsole has a place of
contact defined as at the innermost portion of the front end region
of the outsole and a place of contact defined as the innermost
portion of the back end region of the outsole. When the footwear is
worn and weight is placed down onto the sole, the front end and the
back end of the outsole each bend about the respective places of
contact bending in opposite directions causing the outsole of the
footwear to flatten in the forefoot sole region and the rear sole
region.
[0026] Preferably, the footwear according to the invention has no
passive medial arch support. Preferably, the raised portion of the
sole between the front end region and the back end region has no
outsole or a raised outsole. In other embodiments, the raised
portion of the sole between the front end region and the back end
region has no midsole and/or insole.
[0027] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3C, a flexible and elastic
member 140 is positioned across the middle section 220 into the
outsole 119 in the front end section 210 and in the back end
section 230. As seen in Position B, the flattening of the bottoms
of the front end section 210 and the back end section 230 when
weight is applied to the footwear 110 causes the elastic member 140
to bend/arch.
[0028] The flexible and elastic member may be, for example, a metal
strip/rod or a plastic strip/rod connecting the front end section
and the back end section. The metal or plastic strip/rod spans
across the middle section. The metal or plastic strip/rod stores
energy when bent and the energy is released when the metal or
plastic strip/rod flexes back to its original form/position. The
invention also includes embodiments where the metal strip is
removable and replaceable with a metal strip having different
elasticity so that the propulsive force created by the footwear can
be modified. In another embodiment, instead of a metal strip
between the front end section and the back end section, both the
front end section and the back end section can include magnets
having similar polarity such that the magnets cause the front end
section and the back end section to repel each other when they bend
and the magnets move toward each other. As for the metal strip, the
invention includes embodiments where the magnets are removable and
replaceable with magnets having different magnetic strength.
[0029] The invention also includes embodiments where the front end
section and/or the back end section of the sole is removable and
replaceable with an component having a different configuration
(e.g., height) to modify the amount of arch support created by the
invention. Such embodiments include devices where the sole
adjustments are made in the factory during manufacturing,
post-manufacture in the factory as a customization, in stores,
and/or post-purchase. The invention also includes embodiments where
air and/or water can be added to or removed from the sole to change
its shape/configuration, including alteration of the angle(s) of
inclination of the front end section and/or the back end section.
The invention further includes embodiments where the spacing
between the front end section and the back end section of the sole
can be adjusted for a greater or smaller spacing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0030] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of
the invention and, together with the general description of the
invention given above and the detailed description of an embodiment
given below, serve to explain the principles of the present
invention. Similar components of the devices are similarly numbered
for simplicity.
[0031] FIGS. 1 and 2 are schematics of the human foot in different
views and positions with a partial showing of the bones in the
foot. FIG. 1 shows the general locations of the medial arch, the
lateral arch, and the transverse arch in a foot and thus in
footwear when footwear is worn. The medial arch is located along
the inside of the foot (the medial side from the 1st metatarsal
head to the heel) from front (toes) to back (heel) longitudinally
along the foot. The lateral arch is located along the outside of
the foot (opposite the medial side) longitudinally along the foot.
The transverse arch is located across the foot in the forefoot area
under the metatarsals and formed by the metatarsals from the medial
side to the lateral side of the foot. FIG. 2 shows the changes in
the foot during movement (e.g., walking and different stages of the
gait cycle) including changes in the height (y) and length (x) of
the medial arch and changes in the plantar fascia tissue. FIG. 2
shows the foot and the foot arches in 1) a neutral position (e.g.,
a non-weight bearing position) with a medial arch height y and a
medial arch base x, 2) in a position during the heel-off stage with
the windlass effect shown where the medial arch height (and the
arch height in the bones (designated as dimension y.sub.1))
increases, the medial arch base length (and the arch base length in
the bones (designated as dimension x.sub.1)) decreases, and the
plantar fascia tissue tightens, and 3) in a weight bearing position
during the mid-stance stage of the gait cycle where the medial arch
height (and the arch height in the bones designated as y.sub.2)
decreases as compared to a non-weight bearing position, the medial
arch base length (and the arch base length in the bones designated
as x.sub.2) increases as compared to a neutral position, and the
plantar fascia tissue stretches as compared to a non-weight bearing
position. FIG. 2 also shows schematics of the human foot and the
bones of the foot in different positions depicting inferior
compression along the medial arch with the bones touching along the
inside of the arch and separated along the outside of the arch and
depicting superior compression along the medial arch with the bones
touching along the outside of the arch and separated along the
inside of the arch
[0032] FIG. 2A illustrates a bottom plan view and a lateral side
view of a sole showing predetermined sections, regions or portions
substantially corresponding to the anatomy of a human foot with the
skeletal structure of the human foot.
[0033] FIGS. 3A-3C show several embodiments of the invention in the
form of a shoe or sneaker comprising a modified outsole. FIGS.
3A-3C show the footwear worn and in each figure in two positions:
1) a non-weight bearing position A (the swing stage of the gait
cycle) and 2) a weight bearing position B (the mid-stance stage of
the gait cycle).
[0034] FIG. 3A shows the modified outsole configuration according
to the invention with a pair of wedge shaped portions one near the
back end of the front end section of the sole (shown only on the
medial side of the foot) and the other near the front end of the
back end section of the sole transversely across the width of the
outsole.
[0035] FIG. 3B shows the modified outsole configuration according
to the invention similar to the embodiment in FIG. 3A with a pair
of wedge shaped portions one near the back end of the front end
section (this time shown transversely across the outsole) and the
other near the front end of the back end section transversely
across the width of the outsole.
[0036] FIG. 3C shows the modified outsole configuration according
to the invention similar to the embodiment in FIG. 3B with a pair
of wedge shaped portions one near the back end of the front end
section of the sole (transversely across the width of the outsole)
and the other near the front end of the back end section of the
sole transversely across the width of the outsole, along with an
elastic member connected to (joining) each wedge shaped portion at
the front end section and the back end section.
[0037] FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of the invention comprising a
modified insole configured with the wedges allowing for the
movement (dual rotation of the ends) of the insole within the
footwear.
[0038] FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of the invention comprising a
sock configured with wedges on the underside of the sock.
[0039] FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of the invention comprising wedge
shaped pads that can be placed on the user's foot to cause the
rotation of the front and back of the user's foot to create
inferior compression of the foot causing a reduction in
splaying.
[0040] FIGS. 7A-7C show embodiments of footwear according to the
invention comprising wedges positioned under the front end section
(under the user's forefoot) to cause the user's foot to arch along
the transverse arch when weight is applied thereby decreasing the
length of the arch base. FIG. 7A shows an embodiment located on the
insole of footwear, FIG. 7B shows an embodiment in the form of a
sock, and FIG. 7C shows an embodiment in the form of an insert into
footwear or in the form of a stick on pad that adheres to the
user's foot.
[0041] FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of the invention in the form of
an adhesive foot cushion for the underside of the user's foot
comprising three wedges to cause arching along all three arches,
namely the medial arch, the lateral arch, and the transverse
arch.
[0042] FIG. 9 includes schematics to show the benefit of the
invention on foot padding. FIG. 9 shows the human foot and the
contact locations for the foot along the longitudinal direction
when weight is applied on a flat surface. It demonstrates that with
the invention, once inferior arch compression is established, it
brings about diffusions and direction change of weight force
vectors such that a lesser force per unit area travels through a
thicker padding (P+). Therefore, more pressure, more padding.
[0043] FIG. 10 shows the theory behind the present invention and
how a dynamic arch works. The combination of sliding and rotating
opposing wedges with a flexible and elastic member between them
(external to the human foot or the arch(es) within the foot itself)
changes the direction of the resultant forces on the wedges causing
a more stable structure when the wedges rotate to a flat position.
The forces cause the middle section connecting the two wedges to
bend into an arch like shape storing potential energy in the middle
section when an elastic member is used. The energy is released in a
spring like fashion when the force is removed from at least one of
the wedges which has a forward force vector assisting with forward
propulsion and an upward vector force which augments body center of
gravity shift. A stable arch system is created due to the resulting
forces on the arch which become directed inward at the bases of the
arch as opposed to distractive outward directed forces in a
splaying arch.
[0044] FIGS. 11-12 further show how the principles of a dynamic
arch work with the invention. FIG. 11 shows the human foot with a
neutral arch and in a condition with superior arch compression.
FIG. 12 shows inferior arch compression occurring in the foot
during the heel-off phase without the invention and during
mid-stance phase with the invention according to the embodiment
shown in FIG. 3A with the wedges on the outsole along the medial
arch.
[0045] FIG. 13 shows the various phases of the gait cycle and the
condition of the foot during each phase. The figure includes images
showing the foot without the invention on top. On bottom, the
figure shows the effects of the invention on the foot during the
phases of the gait cycle. In the flat-foot and midstance phases,
with the invention, the foot achieves inferior arch compression
without talus pronation instead of superior arch compression with
talus pronation.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0046] Reference is being made in detail to presently preferred
embodiments of the invention. Selective embodiments are provided by
way of explanation of the invention, which is not intended to be
limited thereto. In fact, those of ordinary skill in the art may
appreciate upon reading the present specification and viewing the
present drawings that various modifications and variations can be
made.
[0047] The present invention is footwear with an improved arch
support, footwear configured to improve comfort and to assist with
walking and/or running. The invention includes footwear with a
convex shaped outsole bottom along at least one of the arches (the
medial arch, the lateral arch and the transverse arch of the
footwear). The footwear according to the invention uses at least
one pair of wedges on the outsole, or an outsole shaped and
configured in such a manner, which provide for improved arch
support, improve comfort, and assist with walking and/or
running.
[0048] For a better understanding of the present invention, FIG. 2A
illustrates a side view and a bottom plan view of a foot and sole
showing predetermined regions or portions substantially
corresponding to the anatomy of a human foot. The footwear
according to the present invention comprises three major divisions,
a front sole region, a midfoot sole region and a rear sole region.
The front sole region is the location where the user's toes are
positioned including the front of the toes to the point where the
phalanges connect to the metatarsal bones. The midfoot sole region
is the location where the user's medial longitudinal arch is
located including the metatarsal bones (also the location for
passive arch supports in conventional footwear) and the several
interconnecting bones that form the medial arch including the
cuboid, the navicular and the talus. The midfoot sole region is
further defined by what would be considered the base locations of
the medial longitudinal arch, that is, the section between the
places where the user's foot, when outside the footwear, would
contact a flat surface. Typically, a human foot makes contact at
the joints between each of the phalanges and corresponding
metatarsal bones and at the heel. The rear sole region is defined
as the location behind where the user's heel bone, when outside the
footwear, would contact a flat surface, and thus includes a portion
of the location of the heel bone. It is understood that the human
foot also includes interconnecting muscles, ligaments, and other
tissue which are not shown for clarity. The front sole region,
midfoot sole region and a rear sole v shown in FIG. 2A represent
general areas of footwear that will vary in size and proportion
depending upon the user.
[0049] As shown in FIG. 3A, the invention is an outsole with a
generally convex shape (or angled) along the longitudinal length of
the footwear when in a non-weight bearing position/condition
(Position A). The footwear according to the invention further
comprises a wedge shaped rear end section of the outsole and a
wedge shaped front end section of the outsole. The footwear
according to the invention further comprises a portion of the
outsole in the midfoot sole region connected to the outsole in the
front end section and a portion of the outsole in the midfoot sole
region connected to the outsole in the rear end section. The
footwear according to the invention has a raised outsole in a part
of the midfoot section. The invention also includes a split sole
configuration where there is no outsole in at least a part of the
midfoot sole region and/or the midsole and/or the insole.
[0050] The outsole in the front section of the footwear according
to the invention is thus curved upward from the lowest location in
the midfoot sole region of the footwear to the front of the
footwear 120, including the portion in the forefoot sole region.
Likewise, the outsole in the rear section of the footwear according
to the invention is thus curved upward from the lowest location in
the midfoot sole region of the footwear to the rear of the footwear
124, including the portion in the rear sole region. The footwear
thus has two places of contact for the outsole on the surface it is
placed located in the midfoot sole region that are spaced apart
from each other such that when the footwear is worn, the two places
of contact will be inside the contact locations for the medial arch
of a user's foot. The footwear is also configured such that when
worn and weight is placed down onto the footwear and the outsole,
the outsole bends about the two places of contact in opposite
directions causing the outsole of the footwear to flatten in the
rear sole region and in the forefoot sole region. The footwear
according to the invention preferably has no passive medial arch
support that would otherwise limit the user's foot's ability to
achieve inferior arch compression along the medial arch during a
flat foot position. It is understood that the outsole of the
footwear according to the invention in the front end section of the
footwear and/or in the back end section of the footwear can be
configured in other shapes with or without curves, such as, for
example, a straight outsole sloped upward from the place of contact
to the front of the sole and/or from the place of contact to the
back of the sole.
[0051] The sole according to the invention is flexible preferably
made from--plastic, rubber, metal, opposing magnets, leather, air
pockets, etc.
[0052] As shown in FIG. 3A, a side view of footwear according to
the invention with a foot shown inside, the invention's outsole
configuration creates two locations 133 and 135 where the sole
hinges and bends when weight is applied. Because the contact
locations for the foot (the locations forming the base of the
medial foot of the arch) are located outside of the locations of
the points of contact for the footwear 133 and 135, the front end
section 210 and the back end section 230 of the footwear each
rotate down in opposite directions. The initial points of contact
on the outsole when the footwear is placed straight down onto the
ground identifies those locations about which the rotation occurs,
e.g., the apex of the wedge like shape. In FIGS. 3A-C, the
locations of rotation are identified by numerals 133 and 135. These
locations may be a small (e.g., a small line) or the locations may
be small areas. For stability, the locations are preferably bigger
than a single point of contact and consist of a small area on the
sole. According to the invention, for most footwear have a
longitudinal length L from the toe to the heel, the point of
contact 133 for the footwear is located at about 1/3L from the back
of the footwear. The point of contact 135 for the footwear is also
located at about 1/3L from the front of the footwear, although the
invention includes larger distances including distances between
about 1/3L and 1/2L.
[0053] When weight is placed on the footwear, as shown in Position
B, the front end section of the sole 210 of the footwear comprising
the sole in the forefoot sole region and a part of the outsole
located in the front of the midfoot sole region connected to the
sole in the forefoot region rotates around the place of contact 135
for the front wedge 134 in a direction t. The back end section of
the footwear 230 comprising the sole in the rear sole region and a
part of the outsole located in the rear of the midfoot region and
connected to the sole in the rear sole region rotates around the
place of contact 133 for the rear wedge 132 in a direction s. The
direction of rotation t of the front end of the sole 210 is about
opposite to the direction of rotation s of the back end of the sole
230. The invention includes the ability for the sole to rotate
(each the front end section 210 and/or the back end section 230) in
the transverse direction (e.g., a twisting like pronation of the
foot).
[0054] The rotation of the front and back ends of the sole 210 and
230 in opposite directions stabilizes the outsole 119 on the ground
(or another surface on which the footwear is placed). The front end
section 210 and back end section 230 rotation causes the middle
section of the sole in between the two 220 (within the midfoot sole
region) to arch. When the footwear is worn, the weight of the user
comes down on the contact locations for the medial arch which are
outside of the places of contact 133 and 135. The footwear
consequently shortens the base of the user's medial foot arch,
raising the medial arch of the user's foot, thereby increasing the
rigidity along the medial arch with inferior arch compression. The
user's foot is placed into the condition it would normally be in
during the heel-off windlass stage of the gait cycle (but without
toe dorsiflexion and its consequence of tighter plantar fascia)
with an increased arch height and decreased arch base length and
the plantar fascia tissue shortens (and it therefore loosens)
instead of the foot being placed into the mid-stance stage where
the user's foot is splayed with a decreased arch height and
increased arch base length and with the plantar fascia tissue
lengthened (stretched longitudinally)). The user's foot is pushed
into a state where the bones of the foot experience inferior arch
compression (the same state as during the windlass effect during
the heel-off stage of the gait cycle) instead of superior
compression. Particularly for user's with tight footwear (shoes),
with the invention, in this position, the user's foot fits more
comfortably inside the footwear because it does not "spread out"
(splay) as much as without the invention.
[0055] Most preferably, although not necessary, when weight is
placed on the footwear causing rotation of the front end section
210 and the back end section 230, causing the shape of the
underside of the outsole to change from a convex configuration to
an about flat configuration, either one or both of the front end
section 210 of the outsole and the back end section 230 of the
outsole also slide on the surface they contact each towards the
middle of the footwear (towards each other). The combination of
sliding and rotating of the front end section 210 and back end
section 230 of the sole increases the bending force on the middle
section 220 of the sole which in turn increases the arching action
of the footwear in the middle section 220 and thus the medial arch
of the user's foot. A stronger and more stable arch system is
created due to the resulting forces on the base of the arch which
become directed inward at the bases of the arch (at the outsole) as
depicted in FIG. 10.
[0056] The sliding of the outsole 119 along the contacting surface
at the places of contact 133 and 135 may occur for typical outsole
materials of construction (e.g., rubber) without the need for
modification. Alternatively, in another embodiment of the
invention, the sliding of the outsole 119 along the contacting
surface at the places of contact 133 and 135 could be improved by
constructing parts of the underside of the outsole with a smooth
plastic or similar material over the entire outsole or parts of it
including the places of contact 133 and 135.
[0057] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3A, the middle section 220
of the sole 114 between the places of contact 133 and 135 is shown
with an insole 115, a midsole 117, and an outsole 119. Preferably,
one or more of the insole 115, a midsole 117, and outsole 119 are
made from an elastic material in the middle section of the sole 220
extending at least over/past the places of contact 133 and 135 in
the front end section 210 and the back end section 230. In FIG. 3A,
the midsole 117 is an elastic material (e.g., rubber) which bends
(arches) when the footwear is placed into Position B.
Alternatively, one or more plastic or metallic plates/rods could be
included in the sole 114, positioned on the underside of the
outsole 119, inside the outsole 119, inside the midsole 117, and/or
inside the insole 115.
[0058] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3A, the outsole 119 is
configured with front end section 210 and a back end section 230
each having a wedge shaped configuration 132 and 134. The front end
section 210 of the outsole 119 is located in the forefoot sole
region and a part is in the midfoot sole region. The back end
section 230 of the outsole 119 is located in the rear sole region
and a part is in the midfoot sole region. In this embodiment, the
front end section 210 of the outsole 119 is only wedged on the
medial side of the footwear. Such a configuration provides for
dynamic arch support primarily along the medial arch of the user's
foot.
[0059] In the alternative embodiments shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C, the
outsole 119 configuration is similar to the embodiment shown in
FIG. 3A configured with a front end section 210 and a back end
section 230 each having a wedge shaped configuration 132 and 134.
The front end section 230 of the outsole 119 is located in the
forefoot sole region and a part is in the midfoot sole region. The
back end section 230 of the outsole 119 is located in the rear sole
region and a part is in the midfoot sole region. In this
embodiment, the front end section 210 of the outsole 119 has a
wedge shape across the footwear in the transverse direction. Such a
configuration provides for dynamic arch support along the user's
medial foot arch and, more so than the embodiment shown in FIG. 3A,
also along the transverse arch of the user's foot. In the
embodiment shown in FIG. 3B, there is no outsole 119 in the middle
section 220 of the sole 114.
[0060] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3C, a flexible and elastic
member 140 is positioned across the middle section 220 into the
outsole 119 in the front end section 210 and in the back end
section 230. As seen in Position B, the flattening of the bottoms
of the front end 210 and the back end section 230 when weight is
applied to the footwear 110 causes the elastic member 140 to
bend/arch.
[0061] The elastic member 140 or the sole 114 in the case of an
elastic sole, stores energy when bent and the energy is released
when the weight is removed and the elastic member flexes back to
its original form/position. When a flexible, resilient, elastic
member, such as, for example, a metal strap or a plastic strap, are
used, the footwear according to the invention therefore stores and
releases energy during the various stages of the gait cycle
effectively assisting with walking and/or running. The energy
stored is released between the mid-stance and the heel off stages
of the gait cycle causing the heel of the foot to spring up when
the back end section 230 of the footwear comes up off of the ground
and the stored energy is released. The user thus experiences a
spring like effect causing a propulsion of the user's foot. The
amount of force received is a function of the degree of inclination
(convexity) of the bottom of the outsole, the elasticity of the
sole (and/or elastic member), and the amount of weight (force)
applied.
[0062] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3C, metal strip 800 includes
lines or gradations to see or measure the spacing between the
points of contact 133 and 135. The invention includes embodiments
where the user can adjust the spacing between the front end 210 and
the back end 230 by hand, or using a wrench or a pump.
Alternatively, the entire front end section 210 of the sole and/or
the entire back end section 230 of the sole can be removed and
replaced with a different sized component as desired for comfort
and/or for a specific activity (e.g., walking, running, etc.). In
yet another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3C, magnets with similar
polarity can be positioned within both the front end section 210
and the back end section 230 to increase the propulsive force for
the footwear according to the invention.
[0063] It is understood that the same dynamic arch effect can be
achieved with a modified insole for footwear instead on the
outsole. As shown in the embodiment in FIG. 4, the insole can be
configured with the wedged like configuration allowing for the
movement (rotation) of the front end section 210 and the back end
section 230 of the insole within the footwear. The wedge shaped
configuration on the underside of the insole 115 which is made of
an elastic material allows the front end 210 and the back end
section 230 to rotate and slide causing the front end section 210
and back end section 230 of the insole 115 to flatten down against
the midsole of the footwear. The middle section 220 of the insole
bends/arches upward as shown in position B causing inferior arch
compression of the user's foot and therefore a stable medial arch
of the user.
[0064] The present invention is not limited to just shoes and
sneakers but also includes other forms of footwear including socks
configured with wedges, pads that can be inserted into footwear or
into socks, and adhesive pads that can be adhered to the user's
skin. FIG. 5 shows an embodiment in a sock 310 form with wedges 132
and 134 on the underside of the sock 310. In Position A, in a
non-weight bearing position, the places of contact 133 and 135
contact the inside of the shoe or sneaker with the front (at the
toes) and back (at the heel) raised. When weight is applied down,
as shown in position B, the front and back of the user's foot
rotate about the places of contact 133 and 135 causing the user's
foot to experience a modified windlass type effect without
extension (dorsiflexion) of the toe and therefore relaxation rather
than tightening of the plantar fascia. Splaying is counteracted as
a result of the inferior compression of the user's foot along the
medial arch.
[0065] FIG. 6 shows an embodiment with wedge shaped pads 410 and
430 on a an adhesive pad 450 that can be placed on the user's foot
to cause the desired rotation of the front and back of the user's
foot when weight is applied. When the user's foot is in Position B,
a weight bearing position, in the high heel shoe, as shown in FIG.
6, the medial arch of the user' foot becomes rigid due to inferior
compression causing a reduction in splaying as compared to Position
B without any pads 410 and 430.
[0066] The invention also includes embodiments footwear with wedge
shaped pads positioned along the traverse arch of the user's foot.
FIGS. 7A-7C show embodiments of footwear according to the invention
with the wedge shaped components positioned under the user's
forefoot to cause the user's foot to arch along the transverse arch
when weight is applied decreasing the transverse arch base length
rather than an increase with splaying.
[0067] FIG. 7A shows an embodiment in the form of an insole 515,
FIG. 7B shows an embodiment in the form of a sock 610, and FIG. 7C
shows an embodiment in the form of an adhesive pad 650 for the
underside of the user's foot (in the form of a stick on pad that
adheres to the foot). In each of the embodiments shown in FIGS.
7A-7C, the wedge like components 532 and 536 are positioned on
opposing sides of the footwear transversely in the forefoot sole
region of the footwear. When weight is placed on the footwear, as
shown in Position B, both the medial side and the lateral side of
the footwear rotate around the places of contact 533 and 537 in
directions Z.sub.2 and Z.sub.1 respectively. The direction of
rotation of the medial side of the footwear is about opposite the
direction of rotation of the lateral side of the footwear. The
invention includes embodiments with some rotation for each the
medial side and/or the lateral side also in the longitudinal
direction.
[0068] The rotations of the footwear causes the sole of the user's
foot (and the footwear between the places of contact 533 and 537,
such as, for example, for the embodiments shown in FIG. 7A-7C) to
arch raising the portion of the device (and the user's foot above)
between the places of contact 533 and 537. Splaying is reduced
along the transverse arch of the user's foot increasing comfort in
the footwear.
[0069] It is further understood that the invention is not limited
to embodiments of footwear having the wedge shaped configuration
along just the medial arch, the lateral arch, or the transverse
arch, but rather also includes combinations thereof. For example,
FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of the invention in the form of an
adhesive foot cushion for the underside of the user's foot
comprising three wedge shaped areas that cause arching along all
three arches of the user' foot, namely the medial arch, the lateral
arch, and the transverse arch. A high heel shoe is shown in FIG. 8,
it being understood that the invention is not limited to high heel
shoes but rather includes all other forms of footwear.
[0070] The wedge like shaped part 532 and 536 of the foot cushion
750 are positioned on opposing sides of the footwear transversely
in the forefoot sole region. When weight is placed on the footwear,
as shown in Position B, both the medial side and the lateral side
of the footwear rotate around the places of contact 533 and 537 in
directions Z.sub.2 and Z.sub.1 respectively. The direction of
rotation of the medial side of the footwear Z.sub.2 is about
opposite the direction of rotation of the lateral side of the
footwear Z.sub.1. This embodiment also includes the ability for the
cushion 750 to rotate at each the medial side and/or the lateral
side in the longitudinal direction. The rotations of the footwear
causes the sole of the user's foot (and the footwear where there a
part of the footwear between the places of contact 533 and 537) to
arch raising the portion of the device (the user's foot above)
between the places of contact 533 and 537. Splaying is reduced
along the transverse arch of the user's foot increasing comfort in
the footwear.
[0071] In combination with the wedge shaped configuration 534
located at the back end of the footwear, the wedge like
configurations 532 and 536 on the underside of the footwear cause
bending/arching along the medial arch and the lateral arch of the
user when weight is applied as shown in position B. With the
invention, arch splaying is eliminated as a result of the inferior
compression of the user's foot along the medial arch, the lateral
arch, and the transverse arch.
[0072] FIG. 13 shows how one embodiment of the invention works, the
embodiment according to FIG. 3A with the wedges on the outsole
along the medial arch, during the various stages of the gait
cycle.
[0073] FIG. 9 includes schematics to show the benefit of the
invention on foot padding. FIG. 9 shows the human foot and the
contact locations for the foot along the longitudinal direction
when weight is applied on a flat surface. The padding beneath the
foot is compressed at the points of contact and the more pressure
applied to the insole, the more the padding compresses and
decreases in thickness. The forces are concentrated at the points
of contact. On the other hand, when using the invention, the weight
forces are redirected and distributed over a larger area causing
less compression transversing a thicker padding under the user's
foot. As shown in FIG. 9, the invention helps to reduce the amount
of the foot's plantar thinning of skin and natural soft tissue
padding under pressure. The decreased foots soft tissue natural
padding thinning preserves its inherent hydraulic for dissipation
properties. Hydraulic force dissipation is a major shock absorption
mechanism: Ground force Shock dissipation occurred in a biological
system when foot "shock absorption" mechanism of arch deformation
is supplemented by force dissipation within muscles and other soft
tissues of the foot and leg acting as a fluid envelope surrounding
bone. Without this hydraulic force dissipation complex bones can
breaks easily. Tired muscle looses their hydraulic properties which
can lead to stress fractures
[0074] The size, shape and physical dimensions of the human foot
vary from one person to another. Accordingly, there is no single
distance between the wedge shaped portions of the footwear
according to the invention that works effectively for everyone. The
invention thus includes footwear with spacing between the wedge
shaped portions (and the places of contact) other than just for the
embodiments shown in the figures and herein disclosed.
[0075] Accordingly, the invention also includes the process for
measuring the bottom of one's foot and/or using molds or other
similar methods to measure the bottom of a foot to determine the
placement/location of wedge shaped portions (and places of contact)
on footwear for the purpose of fabricating footwear according to
the invention. Preferably, the places of contact for opposing
wedges would be positioned inside the points of contact for the
foot on either side of the medial arch, the lateral arch or the
transverse arch. The process for making a sock, an insole, an
outsole, an orthotic insert, and the like according to such process
is part of the invention.
[0076] The present invention is unique in that when the footwear is
in the flat foot phase of the gait cycle, once the stable arch
established in a state of inferior compression with a shorter base,
adding further pressure does not cause a splaying of the arch. To
the contrary, adding more pressure will stabilize the arch further
since now the force vectors are inward at the base of the arch. The
arch base will not increase in length once inferior arch
compression is achieved. Inward directed force vectors are
established and resist splaying distraction force vectors. The
opposite happens. Increased forces on the arch reinforce and
enhance inward directed force vectors and stabilize arch further a
windlass arch and a splaying arch are mutually exclusive. A person
cannot have shorter and longer plantar fascia at the same time. A
user cannot have lower and higher arch height at the same time.
[0077] Another benefit of the invention is the reduction in talus
pronation. The conventional teaching is that talus pronation occurs
at the flat foot phase of the gait cycle to stabilize the medial
longitudinal arch. Once the talus and therefore the hind-foot
pronates the arch is stable. The clinical observation of a. talus
pronation followed by b. rigid arch, are indisputable. Applicant
has discovered, however, that talus pronation is not the cause for
a rigid foot arch. Rather, a rigid foot arch is a consequence of
the splaying of the foot at the flat foot phase due to weight
pressure on the arch. Arch stability is brought about by superior
arch compression, not pronation which is consequential reaction to
weight forces bringing it and the calcaneus into stable
positions.
[0078] It is a clinical fact that the talus pronates at the flat
foot phase when the splaying mechanism is active, but does not
pronate at a heel-off phase when the Windlass mechanisms is
activated, and the medial longitudinal arches are rigid in both
states. Arch rigidity at the flat-foot phase is brought about by
the splaying mechanism which generates superior arch compression
with talus pronation and the rigid arch at heel-off phase is
brought about by the Windlass mechanism which generates inferior
compression without talus pronation. It logically follows that when
there is inferior compression, as with the Windlass Arch, something
does not allow for talus pronation. Applicant has discovered that
the sub-talar joint has a "locking" mechanism that is activated
only in a state of inferior arch compression (e.g., during a
Windlass state). In the flat foot gait phase when the splaying
mechanism is activated force vector goes through the longitudinal
axis of the talus in effect "unlocking" the sub-talus joint and
allowing for pronation around the SAC force axis. During the swing
phase when there are no arch compressive forces, the sub-talus
joint is free and loose and talus falls into its default position
which is neutral.
[0079] Accordingly, the footwear according to the present invention
has numerous advantages including the following:
[0080] 1) it creates a dynamic arch support--the invention assists
and enhances foot biomechanics by a timely adaptation of foot
arches from a semi-rigid neutral arch to rigid arch state and vice
versa exactly when needed during all walking and running phase,
allowing rigid arches unique properties of force neutralization and
"shock absorption". The inventions provides a dynamic arch support
as opposed to a passive arch support.
[0081] 2) it provides "shock absorption" by an alternative
mechanism of a "compressed spring" like effect (rather than a
"stretched spring" like effect which occurs during splaying) on
foot arch under weight (load) at the flat foot phase walking and
running gait, therefore acting as a "shock absorber" dissipating
and blunting ground forces.
[0082] 3) it provides force vector realignment. It manipulates
foots arches structure in such a way that it changes direction of
forces (vectors) acting on foots arches. It also redirects ground
forces to foot arch from heel and forefoot, therefore increasing
surface area and decreasing force per unit area.
[0083] 4) it brings about potential energy (PE) storage within
foots arch by an alternative mechanism. PE is stored in the in foot
arch deformation. "Natural" foot by a "Stretching" spring action of
the splaying arch superior arch compression, at the flat foot phase
of walking and running, and according to the invention by a
"Compressing" spring action of the Windlass like arch inferior arch
compression.
[0084] 5) it assists the foot and therefore body forward
propulsion. When weight is withdrawn at heel off, the splaying arch
of flat foot phase releases its stored PE. Arch base decreases and
arch height increases. The arch reverts to its original "Neutral"
state and losses its superior arch compression. Kinetic Energy (KE)
is dissipated in foots horizontal plain. This energy is wasted
without any beneficial effect toward forward propulsion since force
vectors at arch base are inward. In contrast inferior arch
compression in the Windlass like arch according to the invention
aid forward propulsion. On weight withdrawal at heel off, when the
posterior wedge is released and anterior wedge is still grounded,
the PE stored in arch (inferior arch compression) (or rod) is
instantly released as KE whose vector forces the heel up, assisting
propulsion.
[0085] 6) with increased pressure, the invention increases padding.
With regular shoes, higher the pressure causes thinning of foot
cushioning. With the invention, force vectors are redirected in
such a way that with increase pressure (force) there is an increase
in the thickness and surface area the force has to go through
[0086] 7) for the invention with a rod, the rod provides an added
advantage of additional energy storage in the rod. When the wedges
are connected by some means (metal, rubber, magnetic, etc.), the
rod stores potential energy in the rod. Deformation is in addition
to the stored energy in foots arch deformation. This stored
Potential Energy can be harness toward more powerful forward
propulsion or captures (ex: battery). Opposing force Magnets (+,+)
can act as a Virtual Rod storing PE.
[0087] 8) the invention relaxes the Plantar Fascia (9b) With the
invention, the Windlass like arch at flat foot phase of walking and
running the base of the Medial longitudinal arch decreases
(therefore relaxing Plantar Fascia as opposed to Splaying of the
foot at the FF Phase in "Natural" foot at the FF Phase where the
Plantar Fascia (PF) is stretched. In contrast, a passive arch
support "kinks" the plantar fascia in a manner of passively pushing
up on a bowstring, especially when the Windlass effect tightens it.
This is a causes of pain and discomfort.
[0088] 9) it causes a "SkinnyFoot" effect. With the invention, when
weight is applied, the Windlass like arch shortens the base of the
arches of the foot in FF Phase, therefore allowing for narrower,
slimmer, coronal (transverse), and/or sagital (front to back), area
with increased load. This essentially brings about a smaller foot
profile exactly when needed at the flat foot and the push-off
phases of walking and running, and allows for tighter, slimmer,
shoes ("Skinny Foot"). As opposed to normal splaying of the arches
under load, which causes a larger foot profile and therefore
tighter shoes.
[0089] 10) it eliminates the need for passive arch supports.
Passive arch supports are problematic. With the invention, there is
no physical contact and therefore pressure on foots arch concavity
while it provides a timely dynamic arch support exactly when needed
in the gait cycle. Passive arch support provides a filler of arch
concavity; it functions as an arch stabilizes during weight bearing
at the flat-foot phase of walking and running. Keeping the arch
structure passively stable but NOT rigid (it remains Semi-Rigid)
hinders "normal" foots biomechanics of arches splaying, its
transformation from a semi-rigid to a rigid arch, which would have
facilitated rigid arch unique property of neutralizing opposing
ground force. Since ground forces dissipate through the passive
arch support, arch plasticity is restricted and fluctuation
hindered, there are no arch compressive forces either inferior
(concave) or superior (convex) which would have formed a distinct
rigid arch, therefore foot arch cannot exhibit solid arches force
neutralizing properties and Shock absorption is diminished. Passive
arch supports also have a long term deleterious effect on the foot;
they passively holds the foot as if in a cast, osteoporosis, muscle
and ligaments atrophy sets in, with loss of the "rubbery glue"
which keeps foot arch internal integrity. Subsequently, on bare
foot walking without the PAS, the foot "Hyper-Splays" usually
without achieving arch rigidity (Flat Foot) and is weak and
unstable. Passive arch support "Kinks" plantar fascia passively,
pushing up on the bowstring plantar fascia, especially, when the
tight due to the Windlass. This causes pain and discomfort. Passive
arch support press on the stretched plantar fascia during flat-foot
and Windlass at push-off therefore cause "Kinky" Plantar Fascia
which can cause pain.
[0090] 11) it provides for a functional restoration of foot arch in
pathologic states and diseases. [0091] a. Dropped Arch--Elevate a
Supple Dropped Arch and restores its functional rigidity and `Shock
absorption" capacity exactly when needed in the gait cycle. [0092]
b. Heel Spur--Relax Plantar Fascia therefore taking pressure off
heel spurs. [0093] c. Plantar Fasciitis--Relaxes Plantar Fascia
therefore relieving tension and pressure. [0094] d. Morton's
Neuroma--Decreases pressure on Morton's Neuroma by rounding
Transverse Arch and increased shoe space via the "Skinny Foot"
effect. [0095] e. Calluses--Force vector shift allows for
redistribution of pressure points with increase padding on increase
pressure and increase surface area at pressure points therefore
decreases pressure point irritation and reactive callus formation.
[0096] f. Bunions--Force vector shift allows for redistribution of
pressure points with increase padding on increase pressure and
increase surface area. Transverse Arch rounding and "Skinny Foot"
effect also relieve pressure off the bunions (1st Metatarsal and
5th Metatarsal-Taylor). [0097] g. Hallux Rigidus and Arthritis MP
joint Big Toe--Relaxes plantar Fascia and shifts pressure to the
arch from metatarsal head therefore decreasing pressure and pull on
the MP joint.
[0098] 12) it helps a diabetic foot. Naturopathic foot-force vector
shift causes redistribution of pressure points with increase
padding on increase pressure, it redirects pressure from forefoot
to dynamic arch support wedges and foot arches with increase
surface area and allows Transverse and Lateral Arches rounding
facilitating the "Skinny Foot" effect. These factors dissipate
ground forces, distribute pressure points over a greater area and
decrease foot functional volume in a shoe therefore lower or
eliminate Pressure Ulcers.
[0099] 13) it prevents osteoporosis--Oscillate created by the
ground-reaction forces, "vibrates" foot, leg, pelvis and spine
bones, stimulating them to increase in density. In addition, active
muscular contraction in conjunction with passive ligaments
stretching and shrinking, adds to these stimulus effects during
walking, running and exercising. By contrast the impact blunting,
shock absorbing shoe soles in "Regular" shoes and sneakers are
"anti-vibration" denying increase bone density stimulus.
[0100] 14) it avoids fluctuation and therefore conserves energy and
increase power-Windlass like inferior arch compression is in effect
in both the flat-foot phase (dynamic arch support mechanism) and
push-off phase (Windlass mechanism) this allows for foot and leg
muscle to rest conserve energy for an improved more efficient and
powerful walking and running. In contrast during "Natural" walking
and running fluctuation from superior arch compression at the
flat-foot phase (Splaying mechanism) to inferior arch compression
at push-off phase (Windlass mechanism) occurs. This Fluctuation
mechanism requires energy, tires foot and leg muscles and accounts
for a less efficient and less powerful walking and running.
[0101] 15) it creates a Windlass like inferior arch compression
"Locks" sub-talar joint therefore preventing pronation or
supination (true also for the Windlass Mechanism). The invention's
inferior arch compression (similar to Windlass inferior Arch
compression) "Locks" sub-talar joint while forming a rigid arch
which does not allow for pronation (P), or supination (S) of hind
foot relatively to fore-foot. Proof of this phenomena is clinical
observation of the Windlass Mechanism during toe off and push-off
phases whereas a rigid longitudinal arch with inferior compression
forces is formed with the hind-foot and fore-foot in a solid
"Neural" alignment without any pronation or supination.
[0102] 16) it corrects foot pronation and supination anomalies and
Pathology. Under load at the flat-foot phase the invention causes
inferior arch compression "locks" sub-talar joint in "Neutral"
preventing and therefore correcting pathological dynamic pronation
or supination.
[0103] 17) it diverges plantar directed forces medially, toward big
toe, achieving mechanical advantage by a longer lever arm at push
off and toe off phases. Under load at flat foot phase in "Natural"
gait pressure is distributed throughout the foot but mainly
concentrated on the splayed medial, lateral and transverse arches.
At toe off and push off forces are concentrated toward fore-foot
and especially metatarsal heads. Diversion of force vectors toward
medial longitudinal arch and 1st metatarsal brings about a longer
lever with a mechanical advantage during walking and running.
[0104] 18) it prevents heel valgus--Under load at the flat-foot
phase the sub-talar joint is locked which not only prevents
pronation but also heel valgus.
[0105] 19) it prevents knee valgus and external rotation, therefore
protecting knee from injuries. Since under load at flat foot phase
the Windlass like mechanism with its inferior arch compression,
"locks" sub-talar joint, prevents pronation and heel vagus, the
compensatory knee valgus and external rotation does not come about.
With the leg in "Neutral" the cruciates are "wound-in" and knee
tight.
[0106] 20) it brings about earlier "Locking" of Ankle. By
preventing talus pronation and inferior arch compression shorting
and "Rounding" medial longitudinal arch during flat-foot brings
about earlier presentation of talar doom wider anterior articulate
surface and therefore a stable ankle joint.
[0107] 21) the invention can compensate for knee weakness. Earlier
ankle locking allows for earlier full extension and passive locking
of knee at heel strike which can compensating for knee weakness due
quadriceps muscle atrophy.
[0108] 22) it brings about a more efficient muscular Dynamic.
Consistency of dynamic arch support and Windlass inferior arch
compression, "locked" sub-talar joint. Elimination of talus
pronation, and the increase in foot lever length in addition to the
ankle earlier "locking" make for a stable more dynamically and
efficient lower extremity therefore muscle tier less and can go a
longer distance.
[0109] 23) conserves legs Hydraulics and prevents stress fractures:
Preservation of foots plantar soft tissue integrity keeps its
hydraulic protection in addition to its spring like effect of
"shock absorption" of foots arch. Ground force shock dissipation
occurred in a biological system when foot "shock absorption"
mechanism of arch deformation is supplemented by force dissipation
within muscles and other soft tissues of the foot and leg acting as
a fluid envelope surrounding bone. Without this hydraulic force
dissipation complex bones can breaks easily. Tired muscle looses
their hydraulic properties which can lead to stress fractures.
* * * * *