Patent Application
20060059726
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to foot orthosis, which may correct the faulty biomechanics of the lower extremities.
2. Description of Related Art
Ambulation depends on neuromusculoskeletal structures. If the skeletal structures are malaligned, walking can be a very painful experience. Most people have normal skeletal structures of their feet, so they are able to walk without significant problem. However, some people have abnormal skeletal structure associated with faulty biomechanics. For example, some individuals have lower limb length discrepancy, excessive foot pronation or supination. These abnormalities predispose to abnormal gait or musculoskeletal pain.
People wear shoes while walking to protect their feet from the external environment. However, most shoes do not contain any corrective features. For those who with abnormal feet, walking with regular shoes may be a problem, because they can not walk optimally without corrective shoes.
People with abnormal feet frequently suffer from musculoskeletal pain. Some podiatrists have invented exquisite foot orthosis to improve faulty biomechanics of lower limbs. Nevertheless, the foot orthosis has been custom made in a pedorthic lab. The cost of custom-made foot orthosis ranges from $300 to $600 (USD) approximately.
Additionally, further adjustment of custom-made foot orthosis is time-consuming.
To overcome the shortcomings of custom-made foot orthosis, the present invention provides a foot orthosis which may partially resolve the aforementioned problems.
The primary objective of the present invention is to provide a foot orthosis which may correct faulty biomechanics of foot.
The purpose of the present invention is prefabricated orthosis. The cost of the foot orthosis can be reduced to a fraction of custom-made one so that most general consumers with abnormal feet can afford the foot orthosis. In addition, self-adjustment may be achieved without professional assistance.
The foot orthosis consists of a shell and a corrective wedge assembly. The corrective wedge assembly is attached to the shell. Faulty biomechanics of foot may be improved via optimal application of the foot orthosis.
Other objectives, advantages and novel features of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description along with the accompanying drawings.
With reference to
The shell (10) has a top surface (11), a bottom surface (15) and a base connection device. The top surface (11) has forefoot area (12), midfoot area (13) and hindfoot area (14). With further reference to
With further reference to
With further reference to
The complementary connection devices are formed on the bottom surfaces (212, 222, 232, 242, 252) respectively of the corrective wedge assembly (20), which correspond and attach respectively to the base connection devices. Therefore, secure attachment of the corrective wedge assembly (20) to the shell (10) is achieved.
The arms (215) are attached to an edge of the curved sides (213, 223, 233, 243, 253). Receptive holes (not numbered) are formed on a bottom surface of the arms (215).
Since the base connection device comprises receptive holes (121,131,141), the complementary connection device comprises corresponding protrusions (214, 224, 234, 244, 254) that selectively engage the receptive holes (121,131,141) to securely attach the corrective wedge assembly (20) to the shell (10).
The complementary connection device is a hook connector (41) where the base connection device is a loop connector (40). The loop connectors (40) on the corrective wedge assembly (20) attach the corrective wedge assembly (20) to the shell (10) by engaging the hook connectors (41) on the shell (10).
With reference
With reference
With reference
The height adjusters (30) can be stacked on each other to increase the height of the corrective wedge assembly (20).
The lateral forefoot corrective wedge (21) and medial forefoot corrective wedge (22) are mounted on the forefoot area (12). The midfoot corrective wedge (23) is mounted on the midfoot area (13). The medial hindfoot corrector wedge (24) and the lateral hindfoot corrector wedge (25) are mounted on the hindfoot area (14).
People with abnormal feet can assemble the shell (10) with corrective wedge assembly (20) by themselves to fulfill their own specific needs. The corrective wedge assembly (20) may manipulate the joint motion to desired biomechanical function. Therefore, people with abnormal feet are able to walk smoothly and comfortably
With reference
With reference
Even though numerous characteristics and advantages of the present invention have been set forth in the foregoing description together with detailed illustration of the structure and function of the invention, the disclosed figures are for illustrative purpose only. Changes may be made in detail with regard to shape, size, and arrangement of parts within principles of the invention to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed.
