ORTHOSIS AND METHOD OF USE

Abstract

An orthosis for footwear includes an insert having a plurality of retainers, and a plurality of adjustment elements of predetermined configuration which can be removably retained by the insert to alter the shape of the insert adjacent the arch of a subject's foot when located in the footwear. The orthosis provides an improved device and method for alleviating at least one of the symptoms of a foot condition, such as flat feet.

Claims

1. An orthosis for footwear comprising an insert having a plurality of retainers, and a plurality of adjustment elements of predetermined configuration, wherein each of the adjustment elements may be positioned on a lower sole-facing surface of the orthosis, and wherein the adjustment elements are configured to be removably retained by the insert to alter a shape of the insert adjacent an arch of a subject's foot when located in the footwear.

2. The orthosis for footwear of claim 1 comprising; the insert comprising a proximal portion, medial portion and distal portion and having an upper foot-facing surface, and a lower sole-facing surface, the insert defined by a periphery having a medial longitudinal edge and a lateral longitudinal edge, the retainers located adjacent the edge of the insert, and the adjustment elements removably located in respective retainers, wherein each of the adjustment elements holds an adjacent portion of the lower surface of the insert at a predetermined angle relative to the footwear sole.

3. The orthosis according to claim 1 wherein each of the adjustment elements includes a generally wedge-shaped body.

4. The orthosis according to claim 3 wherein each of the adjustment elements has 2 triangular faces and 3 quadrilateral faces, at least one pair of the faces meeting a predetermined angle from 5° to 25°.

5. The orthosis according to claim 4, wherein the predetermined angle is 5°, 10°, 15° or 25°.

6. The orthosis according to claim 1 wherein each of the adjustment elements is removably attached to the retainer by one or more of an interference fit, friction fit or snap fit.

7. A method of treating at least one symptom of a foot condition using an orthosis comprising: an insert comprising a proximal portion, medial portion and distal portion and having an upper foot-facing surface, and a lower sole-facing surface, the insert defined by a periphery having a medial longitudinal edge and a lateral longitudinal edge, locating a retainer along an adjacent the edge of the insert, and an adjustment element holding an adjacent portion of the lower surface of the insert at a predetermined angle relative to a footwear sole; removably locating the adjustment element in the retainer in the insert, and locating the insert in an item of footwear.

8. The method according to claim 7 wherein the insert is located in the item of footwear such that the upper foot-facing surface extends along at least part of the length of a subject's foot, the distal portion being adjacent a ball of the subject's foot, the proximal portion being adjacent a heel of the subject's foot and the medial portion being adjacent a mid-region of the subject's foot.

9. The method according to claim 7 wherein the method further comprises periodically changing the adjustment element over a period of time.

10. The method according to claim 1, wherein the foot condition is flat feet.

11. The orthosis according to claim 2, wherein each of the adjustment elements includes a generally wedge-shaped body.

12. The orthosis according to claim 6, wherein each of the adjustment elements has 2 triangular faces and 3 quadrilateral faces, at least one pair of the faces meeting a predetermined angle from 5° to 25°.

13. The orthosis according to claim 12, wherein the predetermined angle is 5°, 10°, 15° or 25°.

14. The orthosis according to claim 2, wherein each of the adjustment elements is removably attached to the retainer by one or more of an interference fit, friction fit or snap fit.

15. The method according to claim 2, wherein the foot condition is flat feet.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0054] Further disclosure, objects, advantages and aspects of preferred and other embodiments of the present application may be better understood by those skilled in the relevant art by reference to the following description of embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are given by way of illustration only, and thus are not limitative of the disclosure herein, and in which:

[0055] FIG. 1 illustrates the bones of the foot as viewed from above, looking down (FIG. 1a) and from the side (FIG. 1b);

[0056] FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of an insert of the present invention without adjustment elements;

[0057] FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the insert of FIG. 1 with adjustment elements inserted along the longitudinal medial edge of the insert

[0058] FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom view of left foot and right foot versions of the insert and adjustment elements viewed looking towards the shoe sole;

[0059] FIG. 5 illustrates the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 3 viewed looking towards the shoe upper;

[0060] FIG. 6 illustrates the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 3 viewed looking from the shoe heel with adjustment elements in the form of wedges for a user having flat feet;

[0061] FIG. 7 illustrates the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 3 viewed looking from the shoe heel with adjustment elements for a user having a high arched foot posture;

[0062] FIG. 8 illustrates the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 3 in perspective view looking from the shoe heel;

[0063] FIG. 9 illustrates one embodiment of the adjustment elements according to the present invention in perspective view (FIG. 9a), side view (FIG. 9b) and bottom view (FIG. 9c) and another embodiment in side view (FIG. 9d) and bottom view (FIG. 9e); and

[0064] FIG. 10 illustrates four embodiments of the adjustment elements shown in FIG. 9 having a wedge-shaped body with two faces at an angle of 5° (FIG. 10a), 10° (FIG. 10b), 15° (FIGS. 10c) and 20° (FIG. 10d).

TABLE OF PARTS

[0065]

TABLE-US-00001 1-5 Metatarsals 6 Phalanges (toe bones) 7 Cuboid 8 Lateral cuneiform 9 Intermediate cuneiform 10 Medial cuneiform 11 Calcaneus 12 Trochlea of talus 13 Transverse tarsal joint 14 Tarsometatarsal joint 15 Calcaneus (heel bone) 16 Head of talus 17 Navicular 18 Sesamoid 20 Insert 22 Proximal portion 23 Medial portion 24 Distal portion 25 Upper surface 26 Lower surface 28 Medial longitudinal edge 29 Lateral longitudinal edge 30 Adjustment elements 32 Retaining means 33 Shoe 34 Heel cup 35 Body of Adjustment elements 36 Lug 37 Face 39 Groove

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0066] For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “interior,” “exterior,” “lateral”, “medial” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 5. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawing and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. Additionally, unless otherwise specified, it is to be understood that discussion of a particular feature of component extending in or along a given direction or the like does not mean that the feature or component follows a straight line or axis in such a direction or that it only extends in such direction or on such a plane without other directional components or deviations, unless otherwise specified.

[0067] FIG. 1 illustrates the bones of the foot viewed from the top (FIG. 1a) and from the side (FIG. 1b).

[0068] FIG. 2 illustrates a side view, towards the medial longitudinal edge (28) of an insert (20) of the present invention for a left foot. The illustration does not depict the adjustment elements. The insert (20) comprises a proximal portion (22), medial portion (23) and distal portion (24). In use, the upper surface (25) of the insert (20) faces the subject's foot, while the lower surface (26) faces the sole of the footwear. The insert (20) is defined by a periphery having a medial longitudinal edge (28) and a lateral longitudinal edge (29, not shown in this view).

[0069] FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the insert (20) of FIG. 2 with adjustment elements (30) inserted in retaining means (32) located in the medial portion (23) and adjacent the medial longitudinal edge (28) of the insert (20).

[0070] FIG. 4 illustrates left foot (FIG. 4a) and right foot (FIG. 4b) versions of the insert (20) located in a right shoe (33a) and left shoe (33b), the outline of which are shown in broken lines). The insert is viewed looking towards the sole of the shoes (33). In this view the medial longitudinal edge (28) and lateral longitudinal edge (29) of the inserts (20) can be easily seen.

[0071] Each individual adjustment element in the orthotic allows for modification of different segments of the device depending on the need of the user.

[0072] The lower surface of the insert (20) comprises multiple segments with voids therebetween, creating a pattern which is adapted to be specific to the functional requirements. The segments are created to impart strength and adequate support where it is required by the foot of the user. The ‘E’ shape profile on the edge of each segment is to allow the adjustment elements (30), preferably in the form of wedges, to be readily pushed in with a low frictional resistance whilst applying sufficient force to hold the wedges securely. The wall section at the base of each segment is minimised to allow easy flex under the influence of the wedge.

[0073] FIG. 5 illustrates the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 4 viewed looking towards the upper of the shoes (33a, 33b).

[0074] FIG. 6 illustrates the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 4 showing a left and right insert (20) viewed looking from the heel cup (34) towards the toe with showing adjustment elements (30) in the form of wedges adjacent the medial longitudinal edge (28) of the insert (20) for a user having flat feet.

[0075] FIG. 7 illustrates the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 4 viewed looking from the shoe heel with adjustment elements (30) in the vicinity of the lateral longitudinal edge (29) of the insert (20) for a user having a high arched foot posture.

[0076] FIG. 8 illustrates the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 4 with respect to an insert (20) for a left shoe (33a, not shown) and a right shoe (33b, not shown) in perspective view looking from the proximal portion (22) towards the distal portion (24) across the upper surface (25).

[0077] The insert (20) includes a generally planar distal portion (24), a proximal portion (22) and a medial portion (23) interconnecting the distal portion (24) and the proximal portion (22). The distal portion (24) is located adjacent the ball of the foot, that is the area adjacent the sesamoid bone (18) and may optionally extend across at least part of the phalanges (6) (toe bones). The proximal portion (22) supports the calcaneus (11) (heel) of the foot and has a centrally disposed concave depression and a generally planar border located posteriorly with respect to the concave depression which together form the heel cup (34). The heel cup (34) produces a medial and lateral wedging effect against the heel of the foot. This helps to aid positioning of the heel and aligning the heel bone with the ankle and lower leg muscles.

[0078] FIG. 9 illustrates one embodiment of the adjustment elements (30) according to the present invention shown in perspective view (FIG. 9a), side view (FIG. 9b) and bottom view (FIG. 9c). This embodiment includes a generally wedge-shaped body (35) and a lug (36) to facilitate retention in the retainer of the insert (20). The wedge-shaped body (35) has 5 faces (37) 2 triangular faces and 2 flat quadrilateral faces and a curved face. The wedge has a pair of faces (37a, 37b) which meet at a predetermined angle of 5°.

[0079] The orthosis of the present invention can be customised to the subject's foot by using these adjustment elements (30) in the form of wedges having different angles. FIG. 10 illustrates four embodiments of the adjustment elements shown in FIG. 9 having a wedge-shaped body with two faces (37a, 37b) at an angle of 5° (FIG. 10a), 10° (FIG. 10b), 15° (FIGS. 10c) and 20° (FIG. 10d). An adjustment element having a first wedge angle of 5° can be swapped at a later date for an adjustment element having a second wedge angle of 10°, 15° or 20° in response to changes to the subject's foot condition such as flat feet or a high arched foot. In cases of severe flat feet, the adjustment elements (30) can be gradually modified over time. For example, the wedge angle can be slowly increased over the course of several weeks to raise the insert (20) in the areas adjacent the foot arch.

[0080] FIG. 9 also illustrates another embodiment of the adjustment elements (30) according to the present invention, shown in side view (FIG. 9d) and bottom view (FIG. 9e). Again, this embodiment includes a generally wedge-shaped body (35) and a lug (36) to facilitate retention in the retainer of the insert (20). It is substantially the same as the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 9a to 9d except for a groove (39) providing a weakened portion in the faces (37a, 37b) of the wedge-shaped body (35). The wedge-shaped body (35) may be ruptured or cut along the groove (39) to alter the length of the adjustment element.

[0081] The medial portion supports the mid-region of the foot. The medial portion may include a centrally disposed, generally planar raised portion, a first depression for supporting the medial arch of the foot, a second depression for supporting the lateral arch of the foot, and a third depression for supporting the metatarsal arch of the foot.

[0082] While this invention has been described in connection with specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood that it is capable of further modification(s). This application is intended to cover any variations uses or adaptations of the invention following in general, the principles of the invention and including such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice within the art to which the invention pertains and as may be applied to the essential features hereinbefore set forth.

[0083] As the present invention may be embodied in several forms without departing from the spirit of the essential characteristics of the invention, it should be understood that the above described embodiments are not to limit the present invention unless otherwise specified, but rather should be construed broadly within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative only and not restrictive.

[0084] Various modifications and equivalent arrangements are intended to be included within the spirit and scope of the invention and appended claims. Therefore, the specific embodiments are to be understood to be illustrative of the many ways in which the principles of the present invention may be practiced. In the following claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover structures as performing the defined function and not only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures.

[0085] “Comprises/comprising” and “includes/including” when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof. Thus, unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words ‘comprise’, ‘comprising’, ‘includes’, ‘including’ and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to”.

[0086] Whenever a range is given in the specification, for example, a temperature range, a time range, or a composition or concentration range, all intermediate ranges and subranges, as well as all individual values included in the ranges given are intended to be included in the disclosure. It will be understood that any subranges or individual values in a range or subrange that are included in the description herein can be excluded from the claims herein.