U.S. patent application number 17/103136 was filed with the patent office on 2022-05-26 for heel and foot support with molded cushioning heel cup.
This patent application is currently assigned to Medi-Dyne Healthcare Products Ltd.. The applicant listed for this patent is Medi-Dyne Healthcare Products Ltd.. Invention is credited to Craig DiGiovanni.
Application Number | 20220160081 17/103136 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005250622 |
Filed Date | 2022-05-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220160081 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
DiGiovanni; Craig |
May 26, 2022 |
HEEL AND FOOT SUPPORT WITH MOLDED CUSHIONING HEEL CUP
Abstract
A foot support and cushioning device can include: a foot portion
having a generally tubular shaped body including: a first opening
located at a first terminal end at a top of the foot portion; and a
second opening located at a second terminal end at a front of the
foot portion for receiving a foot through the first opening and
then the second opening, wherein the foot portion is made of a
material that provides support to at least a portion of a foot of a
user; and a heel cup including: a resilient body and a shock
absorbing area that spans at least an area adjacent to the user's
calcaneus bone. The heel cup is seamlessly attached to an
underneath side of the foot portion. The device can provide shock
absorption to a user's heels and compression support to the foot
and optionally ankle.
Inventors: |
DiGiovanni; Craig;
(Colleyville, TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Medi-Dyne Healthcare Products Ltd. |
Colleyville |
TX |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Medi-Dyne Healthcare Products
Ltd.
Colleyville
TX
|
Family ID: |
1000005250622 |
Appl. No.: |
17/103136 |
Filed: |
November 24, 2020 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 21/32 20130101;
A43B 23/08 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A43B 23/08 20060101
A43B023/08; A43B 21/32 20060101 A43B021/32 |
Claims
1. A foot support and cushioning device comprising: a foot portion
having a generally tubular shaped body, wherein the foot portion
comprises: a first opening located at a first terminal end at a top
of the foot portion; and a second opening located at a second
terminal end at a front of the foot portion for receiving a foot
through the first opening and then the second opening, wherein the
foot portion is made of a material that provides support to at
least a portion of a foot of a user; and a heel cup comprising: a
resilient body comprising two side walls, a rear wall, and a bottom
platform, wherein the bottom platform defines a recess located
within a heel area of the foot portion; and a shock absorbing area
that spans at least an area adjacent to the user's calcaneus bone,
wherein the heel cup is seamlessly attached to an underneath side
of the foot portion.
2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the first terminal end
is located just below the user's talus bone.
3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the first terminal end
extends above the user's talus bone in the range of 1 to 8
inches.
4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the second terminal end
is located at or near the user's cuboid bone, the cuboid/metatarsal
junction, or any location along the metatarsals.
5. The device according to claim 1, wherein the foot portion is
made from a material having elastic properties, wherein the
material stretches to receive the user's foot and snugly engages
the foot after adorning.
6. The device according to claim 5, wherein the foot portion is
made from a material selected from natural latex rubber; expanded
neoprene; knitted compression cottons, polyesters, or other fibers;
or stretchable thermal plastics.
7. The device according to claim 1, wherein the shock absorbing
area comprises a plurality of spaced, parallel longitudinal ribs
that extend longitudinally from the rear wall area along an
exterior of the bottom platform towards the second terminal
end.
8. The device according to claim 7, wherein the shock absorbing
area further comprises a plurality of parallel transverse ribs that
intersect the plurality of longitudinal ribs at spaced intervals
forming a plurality of generally rectangular shock absorbing
sections.
9. The device according to claim 7, wherein the depth of the
plurality of longitudinal ribs decreases from a maximum depth at or
near the rear wall area to a minimum depth near the second terminal
end.
10. The device according to claim 1, wherein the shock absorbing
area comprises a plurality of projections located on an exterior
surface of the heel cup, wherein the plurality of projections are
made of a resilient material, and wherein each projection is
integrally formed as part of the heel cup.
11. The device according to claim 1, wherein the heel cup is made
from a material selected from rubbers such as latex rubber,
neoprene, nylon, or low-density thermoplastic materials, such as
polypropylene or polyethylene.
12. The device according to claim 1, wherein the heel cup is formed
via injection molding as a single unit.
13. The device according to claim 12, wherein the heel cup is
attached to the foot portion during or shortly after the injection
molding process for forming the heel cup.
14. The device according to claim 1, wherein the heel cup is
attached to the foot portion by spot heating a top side of the
bottom platform, peripheral edges of the heel cup, and the area of
the foot portion that is to receive the heel cup.
15. The device according to claim 1, wherein the foot portion and
the heel cup are formed as a single unit via injection molding.
16. The device according to claim 1, wherein the foot portion
comprises an opening and a closure, wherein the opening spans at
least a portion of the foot portion.
17. The device according to claim 16, wherein the closure is
selected from a zipper, snaps, buttons, laces, or loop and nook
fabric fasteners.
18. The device according to claim 1, further comprising an
auxiliary support.
19. The device according to claim 18, wherein the auxiliary support
comprises at least one strap, wherein a first end of the strap is
secured to the foot portion, wherein a distal, second end of the
strap extends at least partially around the user's foot, and
wherein the distal, second end of the strap comprises a fastener
for matingly engaging with a fastener receiver when the strap is
fastened.
20. The device according to claim 19, wherein the distal, second
end of the strap extends at least partially around the user's
ankle.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The field relates to a support and cushioning device for
feet. A heel cup designed to cushion or absorb shock can be molded
onto a foot portion of the device. The foot portion can be designed
to support portions of a foot and optionally an ankle area.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0002] The features and advantages of certain embodiments will be
more readily appreciated when considered in conjunction with the
accompanying figures. The figures are not to be construed as
limiting any of the preferred embodiments.
[0003] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a support and cushioning
device according to certain embodiments.
[0004] FIG. 2 is a side, cross-sectional view of the support and
cushioning device.
[0005] FIG. 3 is a plan view of a foot portion of the support and
cushioning device according to certain embodiments in an open
position prior to assembly.
[0006] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the foot portion of FIG. 3
prior to final assembly and the addition of a heel cup.
[0007] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a support and cushioning
device according to certain other embodiments.
[0008] FIG. 6 is perspective view of a support and cushioning
device according to certain other embodiments.
[0009] FIG. 7 is a side, bottom perspective view of the heel cup
showing shock absorbers and shock-absorbing sections.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0010] The skeletal structure of the human foot and ankle includes
the lower portion of the tibia and the calcaneus, commonly known as
the heel bone. The talus, also known as the ankle bone, is
positioned above the calcaneus and below the tibia. The forward
bone structure of the foot includes the cuboid and other bones and
metatarsal bones extending forwardly from the cuboid and other
bones. Generally, in an anatomically correct foot, body weight is
supported at three weight-bearing points: two weight-bearing
portions on the forward part of the foot in the metatarsal area and
one weight-bearing portion at the back of the foot at the heel
bone. Running, jumping, and even walking, often impose heel strike
forces of substantial magnitude on the calcaneus that are
transmitted to the heel structure of the individual. Also, various
activities can impart undesired pronation of the foot, which is a
twisting motion that can cause damage to ligaments and tendons in
the foot or ankle.
[0011] Forces applied at these weight-bearing points can be
substantial. Various conditions or disorders can result from the
impact of these forces. These conditions include apophysitis, which
is inflammation of the Achilles tendon at the location where the
tendons join the underside of the calcaneus. Other disorders can be
caused or aggravated by forces applied at the weight-bearing
portions of the foot. These conditions can be particularly severe
in physically active people, such as joggers, gymnasts, dancers,
etc.
[0012] Various devices exist that seek to alleviate foot disorders
resulting from excessive force to the bones of the foot. Some
devices are orthopedic appliances aimed at alleviating conditions
such as shock and to maintain the heel and the foot in the proper
anatomical attitude to prevent the tendency of the foot to pronate.
Some of these devices are designed to be inserted into footwear as
an insole. Insoles are generally provided in various sizes and
shapes for insertion into shoes. Air holes can be provided at
spaced intervals, and a special cellular design can provide a
bellows-type action to enhance flow of air around and through the
insole and can also serve to improve blood circulation to the
extremities of the user.
[0013] Some individuals have a condition that is commonly known as
weak ankles. To treat this condition, a person can wear an ankle
support or wrap. Additionally, people that do not have weak ankles
may also need ankle support when participating in various types of
athletic endeavors, both professionally and recreationally, such as
hiking. An ankle support can offer additional reinforcement, both
psychologically and physiologically, when worn with or without a
shoe. Moreover, some individuals who engage in activities that
require standing for long periods of time or who suffer from
pooling of blood in the ankles, known as edema, can benefit from an
ankle support or wrap.
[0014] Many athletes can experience special problems when
practicing or performing. For example, gymnasts engaged in
vaulting, tumbling, and other gymnastic routines often land on
their feet and particularly on their heels; thus, receiving strong
force impacts to the feet and heels. It is well known that striking
the heels on hard surfaces can cause damage and pain to an
individual. Certain athletes, such as gymnasts, dancers, vaulters,
and acrobats cannot wear shoes because of the requirement for
precise foot control and tactile sensation during exercises or on
bars and beams. The athlete's feet need to be unobstructed in order
to engage with bars, mats, stages, etc. to maintain a gripping
effect. People who wear sandals or flip-flops also cannot wear shoe
inserts.
[0015] There are several disadvantages to products that currently
exist. One disadvantage is that heel-cushioning or shock absorber
shoe inserts cannot be used by people performing activities without
shoes. Another disadvantage is the scarcity of products that
combine foot or ankle support with heel cushioning or a shock
absorber. Products that do combine foot or ankle support with a
heel cup generally attach the heel cup to the foot support via
stitching or an adhesive, such as glue. However, these types of
attachments can be problematic. For example, stitching places holes
in the heel cup and foot support. The holes can weaken the
attachment points and can contribute to tears in the heel cup,
which can ultimately result in dislocation of the heel cup from the
foot support. Thread used for stitching can also cause irritation
to a user's foot due to the thread rubbing against the skin.
Moreover, adhesives may not be strong enough to hold the heel cup
in attachment to the foot support--especially with continued use. A
user that is allergic to adhesives may not be able to use such a
device without suffering an allergic reaction.
[0016] Thus, there exists a need and an ongoing industry-wide
concern for improved foot cushioning devices that can absorb shock
away from the foot and heel of an individual, can provide support
to feet and ankles, and can be used with or independently of
footwear.
[0017] It has been discovered that a support and cushioning device
can include foot portion for providing support to a user's foot and
optionally the ankle and a heel cup for providing cushioning and
shock absorption to the heel or other bones in the feet. The heel
cup can be molded onto the foot portion as a seamless design,
thereby eliminating the current problems of separation or
irritation.
[0018] A foot support and cushioning device comprises: a foot
portion having a generally tubular shaped body, wherein the foot
portion comprises: a first opening located at a first terminal end
at a top of the foot portion; and a second opening located at a
second terminal end at a front of the foot portion for receiving a
foot through the first opening and then the second opening, wherein
the foot portion is made of a material that provides support to a
foot of a user; and a heel cup comprising: a resilient body
comprising two side walls, a back wall, and a bottom wall, wherein
the bottom wall defines a recess located within a heel area of the
foot portion; and a shock absorbing area that spans at least an
area adjacent to the user's calcaneus bone, wherein the heel cup is
seamlessly attached to an underneath side of the foot portion.
[0019] Turning to the figures, FIG. 1 is a perspective view and
FIG. 2 is a side, cross-sectional view of the foot support and
cushioning device 10. The foot support and cushioning device 10 is
designed to fit snugly about the foot of the user. The foot support
and cushioning device 10 includes a foot portion 12 and a heel cup
14. The foot portion 12 is tubular in shape with a side,
cross-section being L-shaped as shown in FIG. 2 after adornment by
a user.
[0020] After adornment, the foot portion 12 includes a first
opening 16 for receiving a user's foot located at a first terminal
end 20. The first terminal end 20 can be positioned just below a
user's talus (ankle) bone. In order to additionally provide support
to a user's ankle, the first terminal end 20 can also extend above
the user's talus bone in the range of 1 to 8 inches (in.). The foot
portion 12 can extend downwardly conforming to the general shape of
the foot of the user in an L-shape. The foot portion 12 also
includes a second terminal end 22. The second terminal end 22 can
be positioned at or near a user's cuboid bone, at the
cuboid/metatarsal junction, or any location along the metatarsals.
In some embodiments, especially for gymnasts and dancers, the
second terminal end 22 does not terminate at the
metatarsal/proximal phalanges junction. In this manner, the "ball"
of the foot is unobstructed for making contact with gymnasium
equipment (e.g., bars) or mats or flooring. In other embodiments,
the second terminal end 22 terminates at the metatarsal/proximal
phalanges junction in order to provide cushioning and shock
absorption to the user's heel and ball of the foot. An opening 80
extends through the foot support and cushioning device 10 from the
first terminal end 20 to the second terminal end 22.
[0021] The foot portion 12 can be made from a material that
provides support to at least the foot and optionally ankle area of
a user. The foot portion 12 can be constructed from a stretchable
material that then returns to its pre-stretched state after
adorning. A material that returns to its pre-stretched shape can
provide compression and support. Materials such as natural latex
rubber and expanded neoprene that are commonly used in such
applications as diver wetsuits are suitable for this purpose. Other
suitable materials for the foot portion 12 include, but are not
limited to, knitted compression cottons, polyesters, or other
fibers, and thermal plastics that are stretchable. Any material for
the foot portion 12 can be used, but preferably the material should
have elastic properties so the material will stretch to receive a
user's foot and snugly engage the foot of the wearer to provide
suitable support after adorning. The material may also be a
laminate material with suitable laminations to allow the material
to properly breath, absorb moisture, and/or resist wear. A
stretchable sock or stocking can also be used for the foot portion
12.
[0022] The foot support and cushioning device 10 also includes a
heel cup 14. The heel cup 14 can include a cup-like body 25. The
body 25 can include an interior heel-receiving recess 26 defined by
opposite side walls 28a and 28b, a bottom platform 32, and a
generally vertical rear wall 34. The bottom platform 32 can extend
the entirety of or a portion of the bottom of the foot portion 12
from the rear wall 34 or in proximity to the rear wall towards the
second terminal end 22.
[0023] The heel cup 14 also includes a shock absorbing area 40 that
spans at least an area adjacent to the user's calcaneus bone. The
shock absorbing area 40 can be located on the underneath, exterior
surface of the body 25. The shock absorbing area 40 as shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2 can include a plurality of parallel, spaced ribs 44
extending longitudinally from the rear wall 34 along the exterior
of the bottom platform 32 towards the second terminal end 22.
Preferably the depth of the longitudinal ribs 44 decreases from a
maximum depth at or near the rear wall 34 area to a minimum depth
near the second terminal end 22. The number and spacing of the
longitudinal ribs 44 can vary, but should substantially cover the
full width of the calcaneus bone. The longitudinal ribs 44 can
terminate in close proximity to the second terminal end 22 or can
terminate closer to the calcaneus bone.
[0024] The shock absorbing area 40 can also include parallel,
transverse ribs 46 that intersect the longitudinal ribs 44 at
spaced intervals forming a plurality of generally rectangular shock
absorbing sections 42 having a waffle-like appearance as shown in
FIG. 7. The shock absorbing area 40 can also include a plurality of
ribs that intersect each other to form other geometric shock
absorbing sections such as triangular, diamond shaped, etc. Forces
imparted to a user during walking, running, or other activities are
absorbed by deflection or deformation of the ribs 44/46. After
deflection, the ribs 44/46 can return to their normal,
non-deflected state.
[0025] The heel cup 14 can be molded, such as by an injection
molding process, as a single unit from appropriate light-weight
material including, but not limited to, rubbers, such as latex
rubber; neoprene; nylon; or low-density thermoplastic materials,
such as polypropylene or polyethylene. According to various
embodiments, the material selected has a sufficient resiliency and
memory, such that after the material has deformed from an impact,
it returns to its original shape or condition.
[0026] The heel cup 14 is seamlessly attached to an underneath side
of the foot portion 12. The heel cup 14 can be attached in any
manner that results in a seamless attachment. By way of a first
example, the heel cup 14 can be attached to the foot portion 12
during or shortly after an injection molding process for forming
the heel cup 14. The peripheral edges of the heel cup 14 and a top
side of the bottom platform 32 that will be in contact with a
bottom of the foot portion 12 can be heated to form a fused,
blended material as illustrated by numeral 52. By way of a second
example, the top side of the bottom platform 32, the peripheral
edges of the heel cup 14, and the area of the foot portion 12 that
is to receive the heel cup 14 can be "spot heated" via a torch or
other heat source. The heated heel cup can then be attached to the
foot portion whereby fusion of the materials can occur. By way of
another example, the foot portion 12 and the heel cup 14 can be
formed as a single unit via injection molding. This embodiment
would obviate the need to seamlessly attach the heel cup to the
foot portion as two distinct pieces. As used herein, the term
"seamless" and all grammatical variations thereof means a smooth
and continuous transition, without apparent gaps, seams, or spaces
and no clear delineation between the heel cup and the foot portion
at the attachment area. A seam and clear delineation exists when
the heel cup is stitched or sewn or an adhesive is used to attach
the heel cup to the foot portion. It is to be understood that a
fused, blended material may appear different from the heel cup
material and the foot portion material; however, such a fused,
blended material 52 region does not provide a seam or a clear
delineation between the heel cup and the foot portion.
[0027] According to certain embodiments, the attachment areas of
the heel cup 14 and the foot portion 12 are heated to at least the
melting temperature of the heel cup material and the foot portion
material. For example, if the heel cup material has a lower melting
point than the foot portion material, then each material can be
heated to its melting temperature or higher. Preferably, the
materials are not heated to such a temperature to cause permanent
deformation of the various parts and functions of the foot support
and cushioning device 10. After the materials have been heated, the
heel cup 14 is contacted with foot portion 12, and the materials
have formed the fused, blended material 52, the foot support and
cushioning device 10 can be allowed to cool to room temperature in
order to solidify the fused, blended material 52 regions. Unlike
stitching or other forms of attachment, the seamless attachment can
not only provide a more stable foot support and cushioning device
10, but also increases the longevity of the device because
separation of the heel cup from the foot portion is less likely to
occur. The seamless design can also prevent irritation to a user's
skin from rubbing or allergic reactions.
[0028] The foot portion 12 can be formed as a one-piece unit or
fabricated in a sewing operation. Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the
fabrication and assembly of the foot portion 12 is shown. Numeral
60 illustrates a piece of the material or fabric that forms the
foot portion 12 that has been cut to a desired shape. Piece 60 has
a right-hand portion designated by the letter "R" and a left-hand
portion designated by the letter "L". FIG. 3 shows the piece with
the inner side of the foot portion 12 disposed towards the viewer.
The foot portion 12 is assembled as shown in FIG. 4 with the right
and left portions being folded about fold line 75 and brought in
juxtaposition. Front edges 76 and 77 can be joined by a bonding or
sewing operation. Similarly, the rear edges 78 and 79 can be joined
completing the tubular structure with the opening 80 that extends
from the first terminal end 20 to the second terminal end 22.
[0029] In use, the toes of a user's foot are inserted in the first
opening 16 at the first terminal end 20 of the foot portion 12 of
the foot support and cushioning device 10. The upper edge of the
first terminal end 20 is grasped and pulled upwardly towards the
user's knee. The toes of the user's foot then travel through the
second opening 18 of the second terminal end 22 until the foot
support and cushioning device 10 is fully adorned. After the device
has been fully adorned, the device assumes a position below or
above the ankle and at least a portion of the user's foot with the
user's heel firmly seated in the heel receiving recess 26 of the
heel cup 14. The bottom platform 32 of the heel cup 14 can extend
from at least below the calcaneus portion of the user's foot
forwardly towards the toes. The heel cup 14 can also extend
rearwardly up the back side of the user's heel and medially and
laterally along the sides of the heel. A portion of the user's foot
and toes can project forwardly from the second terminal end 22. One
or more loops (not shown) can be placed near the first terminal end
20 of the foot portion 12 to aid a user in adorning the device. In
practice, the user would insert a finger into each loop and pull
upwardly to adorn the device.
[0030] The elasticized foot portion 12 provides support to the
wearer's foot and optionally to the wearer's ankle. As mentioned
above, the elasticized material of the foot portion and optionally
ankle portion can help minimize swelling in the ankle area and
foot. The elasticized foot portion 12 can also hold the heel cup in
the correct position at the heel of the user. The heel cup 14
serves to absorb shock forces imparted during walking or other
activities by deflection and deformation of the ribs 44/46. After
deflection, the ribs will return to their normal non-deflected
state. The configuration of the device can leave a forward portion
of the user's foot unimpeded for good tactile feel and toe and ball
gripping as required in many athletic activities.
[0031] FIG. 5 illustrates other embodiments of the foot support and
cushioning device 10--generally designated by the numeral 100.
According to these embodiments, the integrally molded heel cup 110
is formed generally as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 having a cavity 112
secured in the heel area of the foot portion 115. The exterior
surface 118 of the heel cup 110 can include a plurality of
projections 120 made of a resilient material, wherein each
projection is integrally formed as part of the heel cup 110.
Although shown in FIG. 5 with the projections 120 being circular in
shape, other geometric shapes (e.g., square, rectangle, triangle,
diamond, etc.) can be used. The thickness of the projections 120
can be selected, in part, based on comfort to a user and the amount
of shock absorption anticipated. The thickness of each projection
can also be the same or different. For example, the projections
located underneath a user's calcaneus may be thicker than the
projections that would be located underneath a user's metatarsal
region. The projections 120 can be located on and extend from the
exterior of the heel cup 110 in at least the area of the calcaneus
such that forces or shock imparted to the heel are absorbed by
deflection and deformation of the projections 120. The projections
120 are depicted in FIG. 5 in lieu of the ribs 44/46 of FIGS. 1 and
2. The foot portion 115 is again constructed having elastic
characteristics to stretch and snugly engage the foot and
optionally the ankle area of the wearer via compression. For the
comfort of the user, a plurality of ventilation openings 125 can be
included on the foot portion 115 in a variety of
configurations.
[0032] FIG. 6 illustrates a cushioning member 150 according to
certain other embodiments. The shock absorbing area 160 includes a
heel cup 162 that defines a heel-receiving recess 165. Shock
absorbing members 165 can be located along the underside of the
bottom platform and can be either ribs as shown or projections as
described above. Preferably the shock absorbing members 165 have
the greatest depth or thickness in the area immediately below the
calcaneus. The shock absorbing members 165 can also include lateral
and medial side walls 168 and 169 that extend upwards at either
side of the heel cup 162. A rear wall 170 can extend upwardly along
the back of the foot portion for added support.
[0033] The foot portion includes a first terminal end 175 that can
be located below or above the ankle bone of the user after
adorning. The foot portion also includes a second terminal end 180.
As discussed above, the weight of a person is supported generally
at three points on the foot. The shock absorbing area 160 can
extend to the second terminal end 180 or an area adjacent to the
second terminal end to provide shock absorption from forces imposed
on the metatarsal area of the foot as well as on the area
immediately subjacent to the calcaneus.
[0034] The foot portion may be so snug that it is difficult for the
user to pull over his or her foot. According to any of the
embodiments, the foot portion can include an opening or a
placket-like opening and a closure 190 to permit the foot portion
to be opened, placed on the foot, and then closed in a snug
position. The opening can span a partial or full distance from the
first and second terminal ends, the heel cup, and combinations
thereof. The closure 190 can be a zipper extending centrally from
the first terminal end 175 along the front opening to the second
terminal end 180 or a predetermined distance above the second
terminal end 180. The closure 190 can also include other types of
closures, such as snaps, buttons, laces, or loop and nook fabric
fasteners. The location of the opening and the closure 190 can also
be located in other areas of the foot portion, such as at the back,
medial side, or lateral side of the foot portion. It is to be
understood that reference to the first opening 16 and the second
opening 18 may be formed after a user adorns the device. For
example, if the foot portion 12 includes an opening that traverses
the entire front of the foot portion and a closure (e.g., a
zipper), then the first and second openings will not be formed
until after the user adorns the device and closes the opening.
[0035] The foot support and cushioning device 10 can further
include other features, such as auxiliary support in the form of at
least one strap 200 and/or 202. A first end of the strap(s) 200 and
202 can be stitched or otherwise secured to the foot portion at a
first end 205. The distal, second end of the strap(s) can extend at
least partially around the foot and/or optionally the ankle. The
foot portion can include a fastener receiver 212. The distal,
second end of the strap(s) can include a fastener 210 for matingly
engaging with the fastener receiver 212 when the strap(s) are
fastened. The fastener receiver 212 can have a variety of
dimensions and be located such that the snugness of the foot
portion can be adjusted based on a user's preference and needs.
Although shown in FIG. 6 with the fastener 210 and the fastener
receiver 212 being made of VELCRO, other fasteners can be used.
Other fasteners can include, but are not limited to, a hook for the
fastener and one or more eyes for the fastener receiver.
[0036] Therefore, the present invention is well adapted to attain
the ends and advantages mentioned as well as those that are
inherent therein. The particular embodiments disclosed above are
illustrative only, as the present invention may be modified and
practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those
skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein.
Furthermore, no limitations are intended to the details of
construction or design herein shown, other than as described in the
claims below. It is, therefore, evident that the particular
illustrative embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified
and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit
of the present invention.
[0037] As used herein, the words "comprise," "have," "include," and
all grammatical variations thereof are each intended to have an
open, non-limiting meaning that does not exclude additional
elements or steps. While compositions, systems, and methods are
described in terms of "comprising," "containing," or "including"
various components or steps, the compositions, systems, and methods
also can "consist essentially of" or "consist of" the various
components and steps. It should also be understood that, as used
herein, "first," "second," and "third," are assigned arbitrarily
and are merely intended to differentiate between two or more
openings, terminal ends, etc., as the case may be, and does not
indicate any sequence. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the
mere use of the word "first" does not require that there be any
"second," and the mere use of the word "second" does not require
that there be any "third," etc.
[0038] Whenever a numerical range with a lower limit and an upper
limit is disclosed, any number and any included range falling
within the range is specifically disclosed. In particular, every
range of values (of the form, "from about a to about b," or,
equivalently, "from approximately a to b," or, equivalently, "from
approximately a-b") disclosed herein is to be understood to set
forth every number and range encompassed within the broader range
of values. Also, the terms in the claims have their plain, ordinary
meaning unless otherwise explicitly and clearly defined by the
patentee. Moreover, the indefinite articles "a" or "an," as used in
the claims, are defined herein to mean one or more than one of the
element that it introduces. If there is any conflict in the usages
of a word or term in this specification and one or more patent(s)
or other documents that may be incorporated herein by reference,
the definitions that are consistent with this specification should
be adopted.
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