Articulated Orthotic Shoe Insert

Abstract

An articulated orthotic insert including a first curved member with a tapered edge configured to fit the heel of a foot. An elongated flexible rod is attached to the first curved member at a first end of the elongated flexible rod. A second member is attached to a second end of the elongated flexible rod. The second member has an indented section that accepts the ball of a foot. There are numerous support members attached to the elongated flexible rod in a perpendicular manner. The support members are curved upwards as to support the arch of a foot. The support members are in various lengths and heights to better conform to a foot. The support members are made from a rigid material such that they support the arch of a foot when a foot is placed on the support members.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to orthotics and inserts for shoes to provide comfort to users. More particularly, the present invention provides an articulated orthotic shoe insert.

Many people prefer, or are required, to wear shoes that have a form over function quality. This means that many shoes that are stylish or trendy are not overly comfortable. People are willing to make this sacrifice, even though the repercussions can become severe. People tend to neglect their feet even though they are an extremely important extremity. Shoes can be uncomfortable for a number of reasons. One of the main reasons that shoes can be uncomfortable is from lack of support.

One of the major reasons people purchase orthotics is due to pain resulting from pes planus (otherwise known as flat feet), or secondary conditions linked to pes planus such as plantar fasciitis, arch pain, etc. Many shoes do not contain the proper support to handle flat feet or these other conditions. This means that individuals with flat feet do not have the adequate support that is needed to maintain healthy foot posture. This can cause further issues in the foot due to the lack of proper support. Traditional orthotics only partially correct this issue as most are not designed to conform to the pitch of high heeled shoes. To wear orthotics in heels, either a foam insert that offers little support, or a hard orthotic that cannot be worn in other shoesis required, as it cannot accommodate multiple heel pitches. This orthotic aims to marry the two, providing the flexibility of a soft insert that can accommodate many heights of heels with the support of a rigid one.

Pes planus is one of the most common types of foot ailments, yet most types of shoes offer little in the way of support. This is especially true in high heeled shoes. This orthotic is designed to accommodate multiple issues caused by both wearing high heeled shoes, as well as supporting the arch. The C shaped heel cup helps offload the calcaneus and relieves pressure on the insertion point of the fascii at the calcaneus, helping to reduce heel pain associated with plantar fasciitis. The trench in the forefoot portion is for the metheads will help prevent forefoot pain, as it acts as an offloading device to help disperse weight off those joints. The arch supports help maintain a healthy foot posture, even while the foot is in an unnatural stance inside a heeled shoe.

There is a need for an improvement in the art of orthotics and shoe inserts. The present invention substantially diverges in design elements from the known art, while at the same time solves a problem many people face when attempting to wear shoes that do not provide a great amount of comfort and stability to the wearer. In this regard, the present invention substantially fulfills these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an articulated orthotic shoe insert wherein, the same can be utilized for providing convenience for the user when wearing an uncomfortable shoe that lacks the proper support. The articulated orthotic shoe insert includes a first section, wherein the first section is configured to accept a heel of a foot. An elongated member is attached to the first section at one end of the elongated member. A second section is attached to the elongated member at a second end, wherein the second member is configured to accept the ball of a foot. A plurality of support members is attached to the elongated member, wherein the plurality of support members is configured to support the underside of a foot.

Another object of the present invention is to have the plurality of support members of varying lengths.

Another object of the present invention is to construct the plurality of support members of rubber.

Another object of the present invention is to construct the plurality of support members of spring steel.

Another object of the present invention is to have a plurality of support members pivotably attached to the elongated member, wherein the plurality of support members is configured to support the underside of a foot.

Another object of the present invention is that the plurality of support members are curved such that they push up against the bottom of a foot.

Another object of the present invention is that the first member is a C-shaped member, wherein each edge thereof tapers downwards.

Another object of the present invention is to provide indents corresponding with a foot disposed on the second member.

Another object of the present invention is that the elongated member is a flexible rod.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself, and manner in which it may be made and used, may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the articulated orthotic shoe insert.

FIG. 2 shows a close-up view of an embodiment of the connections between the plurality of supports and the elongated member.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the articulated orthotic shoe insert with a foot thereon.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the articulated orthotic shoe insert within a shoe.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the articulated orthotic shoe insert. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, a preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for the articulated orthotic shoe insert. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a perspective view of an embodiment of the articulated orthotic shoe insert. The articulated orthotic shoe insert includes a heel portion 101, a middle portion 102, and a front portion 103. The heel portion 101 of the articulated orthotic shoe insert is a semi-circular shape. The heel portion 101 is configured to accept a human heel, therein. The heel portion 101 is wider at an outer edge thereof, and narrows toward the middle of the heel portion 101. In one embodiment, the middle of the heel portion 101 has been cut away such that a heel will rest on the shown material. In one embodiment, the heel portion 101 is made from rubber. In another embodiment, the heel portion is made from foam. The heel portion 101 has a connector that attaches to the middle portion 102.

The middle portion 102 has an elongated flexible member 104 on at least a side of the middle portion 102. The elongated flexible member 104 is attached to the heel portion 101 by being inserted into the heel portion 101. In one embodiment, the elongated flexible member 104 is a rod. In another embodiment, the elongated flexible member 104 is a thin bar. In another embodiment, the elongated flexible member 104 is foam, gel, or other suitable material.

The middle portion 102 further includes a plurality of support members 105. The plurality of support members 105 are connected to the elongated flexible member 104 in a perpendicular direction. In one embodiment, the support members 105 are hingedly attached to the elongated flexible member 104. The hinge attachment will allow the plurality of support members 105 to articulate when a foot is placed thereon. In another embodiment, the plurality of support members are attached to the flexible rod 104. In this embodiment, the flexible rod 104 is capable of twisting such that the plurality of support members can still be articulated and mesh with the sole of a foot. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of support members 105 are curved such that they will push up toward a wearer's foot, providing additional support. In some embodiments, the plurality of support members 105 are “C” shaped with the curvature pointing upwards to press against the bottom of a foot. In this design the plurality of support members 105 will bend under the weight of the foot conforming to the foot. In another embodiment, the plurality of support members 105 are made from spring steel. In another embodiment, the plurality of support members 105 are made from rigid plastic.

The elongated flexible member 104 is connected to a front portion 103. In one embodiment, the elongated flexible member 104 is connected to the front portion 103 by being placed within a hole in the front portion 103 and secured therein. In another embodiment, the elongated flexible member 104 is angled such that the articulated orthotic shoe insert will fit in a high heel shoe. The front portion 103 has a series of indents 106 located, therein. The series of indents 106 are configured to accept the ball of a human foot. In one embodiment, the indents 106 are different in order to better fit the ball of the foot. In this embodiment, one indent is longer to fit the ball of the foot behind the four smaller toes. Further, a larger circular indent is positioned next to the first indent for the ball of the foot behind the big toe. In one embodiment, the front portion 103 is made from foam. In another embodiment, the front portion 103 is made from rubber.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a close-up view of an embodiment of the connections between the plurality of support members 105 and the elongated member. In one embodiment, the plurality of support members 105 have a thicker first end 201. The thicker first end 201 has a hole 202 located, therein. In this embodiment, the plurality of support members 105 are attached to the upper side of the thicker first end 201. The plurality of support members 105 are attached to the elongated flexible member 104 by having the elongated flexible member 104 placed therethrough. This will allow the plurality of support members 105 to be rotatably attached to the flexible elongated member 104. This will limit the amount of hardware needed to connect the plurality of support members 105 to the flexible elongated member 104.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a perspective view of an embodiment of the articulated orthotic shoe insert with a foot thereon. When the foot is placed on the articulated orthotic show insert, the heel will fit into the heel portion 101. The ball of the foot will fit into the front portion 103. The middle portion 102 and the plurality of support members 105 will be of a proper length to fit the arch of the foot. In one embodiment, there will be 12 supports that make up the plurality of support members 105. The plurality of support members 105 will support the sole of the foot.

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a perspective view of an embodiment of the articulated orthotic shoe insert within a shoe. Once placed in a shoe, the articulated orthotic shoe insert will fit flush against the heel of the shoe 401. In this way, an outer edge of the heel portion 101 will sit against the heel of the shoe 401 providing support for the heel. The middle portion 102 will be proportioned to fit the correct size of the shoe 401. The plurality of support members 105 will not be as wide as the width of the shoe 401. This will allow the plurality of support members 105 to flex when a foot is placed into the shoe 401. The front portion will be located by the ball of the shoe 401. This will allow the foot to properly sit on the articulated orthotic shoe insert when placed inside a shoe 401.

It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, and, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1) An articulated orthotic shoe insert, comprising: a first section, wherein the first section is configured to accept a heel of a foot;an elongated member attached to the first section at one end of the elongated member;a second section attached to the elongated member at a second end, wherein the second member is configured to accept the ball of a foot;a plurality of support members is attached to the elongated member, wherein the plurality of support members is configured to support the underside of a foot.

2) The articulated orthotic shoe insert of claim 1, wherein the plurality of support members are varying lengths.

3) The articulated orthotic shoe insert of claim 1, wherein the plurality of support members are made from rubber.

4) The articulated orthotic shoe insert of claim 1, wherein the plurality of support members are made from spring steel.

5) The articulated orthotic shoe insert of claim 1, wherein the second member is made from foam.

6) The articulated orthotic shoe insert of claim 1, wherein the first member is made from foam.

7) A articulated orthotic shoe insert, comprising: a first section, wherein the first section is configured to accept a heel of a foot;an elongated member attached to the first section at one end of the elongated member;a second section attached to the elongated member at a second end, wherein the second member is configured to accept the ball of a foot;a plurality of support members are pivotably attached to the elongated member, wherein the plurality of support members are configured to support the underside of a foot;wherein the plurality of support members are curved such that they push up against the bottom of a foot.

8) The articulated orthotic shoe insert of claim 7, wherein the plurality of support members are over varying lengths.

9) The articulated orthotic shoe insert of claim 7, wherein the plurality of support members are made from rubber.

10) The articulated orthotic shoe insert of claim 7, wherein the plurality of support members are made from spring steel.

11) The articulated orthotic shoe insert of claim 7, wherein the second member is made from foam.

12) The articulated orthotic shoe insert of claim 7, wherein the first member is made from foam.

13) The articulated orthotic shoe insert of claim 7, wherein the first member is a C-shaped member, wherein each edge thereof tapers downwards.

14) The articulated orthotic shoe insert of claim 7, wherein the second member further comprises indents placed therein that correspond with a foot.

15) The articulated orthotic shoe insert of claim 7, wherein the elongated member is a flexible rod.