Patent Application
20220160081
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Turning to the figures,
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
The foot portion 12 can be formed as a one-piece unit or fabricated in a sewing operation. Referring to
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
