Abstract
A device for supporting the human foot may include a first layer forming an arch in a central region of the device and a second layer that is connected to the first layer in a first end region and in a second end region of the device. The device may include at least one deflection element with dorsiflexion of the device. The second layer may be designed to transmit tension acting in the second end region via the deflection element to the first layer in the second end region in such a way that the dorsiflexion leads to an increase in the height of the arch formed by the first layer. The deflection element may be arranged at least partially between the first layer and the second layer, such that the first layer and second layer are spaced apart at a distance specified by the deflection element(s).
Claims
1. A device for supporting the human foot, wherein the device comprises: at least one first layer, which forms an arch at least in a central region of the device; at least one second layer connected to the first layer in a first connection region of a first end region in a heel region of the device and in a second connection region of a second end region in a forefoot region of the device; and at least one deflection element arranged between the first connection region and the second connection region and at least partially between the first layer and the second layer, such that the first layer and the second layer have, at the location of the deflection element, a spacing from each other that is predefined by the at least one deflection element; wherein the second layer is tensioned between the first connection region and the second connection region via the at least one deflection element, and wherein the second layer is designed such that tension acting in the second end region during flexion of the device is transmitted, via the at least one deflection element, to the first layer in the first end region in such a way that the flexion leads to an increase in a height of the arch formed by the first layer.
2. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one deflection element is a separate element.
3. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one deflection element is rigidly connected to the first layer and/or to the second layer or is formed integrally with the first layer and/or with the second layer.
4. The device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that wherein the at least one deflection element is arranged at least partially between the first layer and the second layer in a transition region from the central region to the second end region.
5. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second layer, in a first connection region in the first end region and in a second connection region in the second end region, is rigidly connected to the first layer or is formed integrally with the first layer.
6. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one deflection element is an elongate element with a longitudinal axis which forms an angle in the range of 60° to 120° with the longitudinal axis (L) of the device.
7. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first layer has a plurality of depressions, which reach partially through the first layer, and/or openings, which penetrate the first layer completely.
8. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second layer has at least one cutout, which is oriented substantially along a longitudinal direction of the second layer.
9. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the device has the at least one deflection element comprises a plurality of deflection elements, wherein the deflection elements, at least in the central region, are arranged next to each other and in contact with each other along the longitudinal axis of the device.
10. The device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the deflection elements are rigidly connected to each other.
11. The device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the deflection elements are substantially tubular and elastic.
12. The device as claimed in claim 4, wherein, in addition to the at least one deflection element arranged at least partially between the first layer and the second layer in the transition region from the central region to the second end region, the device further comprises an assemblage of a plurality of second deflection elements which, at least in the central region, are arranged next to each other and in contact with each other along the longitudinal axis of the device, between the first layer and the second layer.
13. The device as claimed in claim 12, wherein the at least one deflection element, is arranged at least partially between the first layer and the second layer in the transition region from the central region to the second end region, and is integrated permanently into the first and/or second layer.
14. The device as claimed in claim 12, wherein the second deflection elements, which form the assemblage of the plurality of second deflection elements, are rigidly connected to each other.
15. The device as claimed in claim 12, wherein the second deflection elements, which form the assemblage of the plurality of second deflection elements, are substantially tubular and elastic.
16. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the device is an insole.
17. A shoe comprising the device as claimed in claim 1.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0045] The accompanying drawings serve to provide an understanding of non-limiting embodiments. The drawings illustrate non-limiting embodiments and, with the description, serve to explain them. Further non-limiting embodiments and numerous intended advantages emerge directly from the following detailed description. The elements and structures shown in the drawings are not necessarily shown true to scale. Identical reference numerals refer to identical or corresponding elements and structures.
[0046] Embodiments are explained in more detail below and are set out in the figures, in which
[0047] FIG. 1 shows schematic views of the human foot in order to illustrate the windlass mechanism;
[0048] FIG. 2 shows schematic views of the human foot, with a device for supporting the foot;
[0049] FIG. 3 shows a side view of a device for supporting the foot;
[0050] FIG. 4 shows a view of individual components of the device for supporting the foot;
[0051] FIG. 5 shows a plan view of a device for supporting the foot;
[0052] FIG. 6 shows various views of a device for supporting the foot;
[0053] FIG. 7 shows a second layer of a device for supporting the foot;
[0054] FIG. 8 shows various views of a deflection element of a device for supporting the foot;
[0055] FIG. 9 shows various views of a second layer of a device for supporting the foot;
[0056] FIG. 10 shows a plurality of second deflection elements of a device for supporting the foot; and
[0057] FIG. 11 shows a device for supporting the foot, with a plurality of second deflection elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0058] FIG. 1 illustrates the windlass mechanism using the example of a schematically depicted foot 300. In the left-hand part A of the figure, the foot 300 is shown in a cross-sectional view which reveals in particular the bones 310 of the foot which are curved upward along the arch 601 indicated by a dashed line. Upon dorsiflexion of the toes 311, i.e. an upward hyperextension of the toes 311, as is shown by arrow 605 in FIG. 1B, tendons 301 of the toe flexor muscles (not shown), lying on the plantar aspect 305, and the plantar fascia are tensioned. As is indicated in FIGS. 1A and 1B by a corresponding change of the arch 601 and by the arrow 603, the metatarsal region 310 is thus elevated. The height of the arch 610 increases. Analogously to a bowstring tensioned on a bow, this causes deformation energy to be stored which, upon relaxation, can be used for acceleration. During walking for example, the deformation energy is released particularly at toe-off and is used for acceleration work for lifting the foot 300.
[0059] FIG. 2 shows the foot 300 according to FIG. 1 and a device 100 for supporting the foot 300, which device 100 is used inside a shoe (not shown) in order to support the foot 300. As is shown, the device 100 can be divided (corresponding to the foot 300) into a heel region 610 (a first end region 610), a metatarsal region 620 (a central region 620) and a forefoot region 630 (a second end region 360), which extend along a longitudinal axis L of the device 100 and which are divided in the figure by lines 607 and 609.
[0060] As is shown, the device 100 first of all comprises a first layer 101 which is directed toward the foot 300 when arranged in the shoe (not shown) and which is thus an upper layer when a shoe is placed on the ground. This first layer 101 forms an arch in the foot direction in the metatarsal region 620 and is connected to a second layer 103 in the region 111 of the heel region 610 and in the region 113 of the forefoot region 630. As is shown, the second layer 103 is arranged on a side of the device 100 directed away from the foot 300 and from the arch of the first layer 101 when arranged in the shoe (not shown). The second layer 103 is thus arranged under the first layer 101 when the shoe (not shown) is placed on the ground. A deflection element 105, which is connected to the second layer 103, is arranged here between the first layer 101 and the second layer 103. The deflection element can, for example, be formed integrally with the second layer 103. A connection between the second layer 103 and the deflection element prevents undesired shifting of the deflection element 105 inside the device 100, for example along the longitudinal axis L, which shifting would change the function of the layers 101, 103. Bending about the transverse axis is facilitated here, since the second layer 103 has no three-dimensional profiling in the frontal plane. However, it is also possible to integrate the deflection element at least partially in the first layer 101.
[0061] As can be seen in FIG. 2, the second layer 103 is tensioned via the deflection element 105 between the connection regions 111 and 113 of the heel region 610 and of the forefoot region 630 to the first layer 101. In a bow and bowstring model, the second layer 103 thus corresponds to the bowstring, while the first layer 101 corresponds to the bow. The deflection element 105 predefines a predetermined spacing between the layers 101, 103, which spacing can be adjusted by dimensioning and positioning of the deflection element 105. As is also shown in the figure, the second layer 103 contacts the first layer 101 in the metatarsal region 620. These layers 101, 103 are thus movable relative to each other.
[0062] As can be seen in particular from FIG. 2B, the second layer 103 is designed such that a tension or force acting in the forefoot region 630, during the indicated dorsiflexion of the device 100, is transmitted via the deflection element 105 to the first layer 101 in the heel region 610 such that a height of the arch formed by the first layer 101 increases. This corresponds to the described natural enlargement of the arch 601 of the bones 310 of the foot in FIG. 1B during the upward extension of the toes 311 (in the direction of arrow 605), which supports raising and locking of the foot 300 and thus the windlass mechanism of the foot. Here, the deflection element 105 has in particular the effect of intensifying the enlargement of the arch, which can be suitably adjusted by suitable dimensioning and positioning of the deflection element 105 between the layers 101, 103.
[0063] In other words, the device according to a non-limiting embodiment is able to technically implement the above-described interplay between flexibility and stability of the feet, the so-called windlass effect, in the form of an insole supporting the foot, or as a device integrated rigidly in a shoe, and can thus actively support the foot. A deflection element may be provided for tensioning the second layer 103, via which a spacing between the first layer 101 and the second layer 103 can be adjusted, as a result of which the functionality of the device can be adapted to individual requirements.
[0064] The device does not just adapt to the foot during the gait cycle, it actively supports the foot. The device may thus able to actively raise a foot, for example during walking or running, and to guide the foot in the actual realization of the windlass effect. Through the provision of the at least one deflection element 105 in the transition region from forefoot region to metatarsal region, it is possible to actively support the enlargement of the arch within the metatarsal region, and this supports the lever function of the forefoot region and of the metatarsal region, which lever function is necessary for the propulsion during walking. By virtue of the bow and bowstring design with a deflection element, the device moreover supports the spring action of the toe flexor tendons, which action is generated by pretensioning of the corresponding muscles at heel lift and hyperextension of the toes. Moreover, this design of the device also supports the shock-absorbing function of the feet.
[0065] The device 100 can thus be used to compensate for pathological changes of the feet. In particular, foot pathologies such as flatfoot, pes valgo planus, splay foot and hollow foot can be actively supported and corrected with the device. Alternatively or in addition, however, the device can also be used to support the feet during sports activity, for example when the device is arranged in a sports shoe (permanently or removably).
[0066] FIG. 3 shows a schematic side view of the device 100 in the assembled state, and FIG. 4 shows the individual components from FIG. 3. The device 100 is an insole, which can be arranged removably in a shoe. Alternatively, the device 100 can also be arranged permanently in a shoe, in which case the second layer 103 is either rigidly connected to a sole of the shoe or is a partial layer of the sole of the shoe.
[0067] As is shown in FIG. 3, the first layer 101 is connected to the second layer 103 in the region 111 of the heel region 610 and in the region 101 of the forefoot region 630. Here, the first layer 103 is a two-dimensional structure for example of polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyamides (PA), polyamide 11 (PA11), polyamide 12 (PA12), polylactides (PLA), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS) and/or a fiber composite such as Kevlar, carbon or glass fiber composite, or one or more of various metallic substances and/or other also additively processible or expansive materials such as polyurethanes (PU), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), PLE, nylon, various elastomers, and is stretched convexly upward to give a three-dimensional form. In other words, the first layer 101 forms a highest arch along the longitudinal axis L of the device 100 in a region (the region 121 of greatest arch height in the figure) of the first layer 101, which arch becomes smaller toward a region 123 of the first layer 101. In other words, in this case the first layer forms a three-dimensionally stretched, such as a convex surface, which is adapted to the sole of the human foot. The deflection element 105, which is arranged between the layers 101, 103 in FIG. 3 and is arranged in a transition region between the forefoot region 630 and the metatarsal region 620, is shown separately in FIG. 4. In the case shown, the deflection element 105 is arranged slightly offset to the left from the dividing line 609 and, with the same dimensioning of the deflection element 105, this leads to a smaller spacing in the forefoot region between the first layer 101 and the second layer 103 compared to a case where the deflection element 105 is offset to the right from the line 609. There is therefore an optimization of the structural height in the forefoot region.
[0068] FIG. 5 shows a plan view of the device 100 in which the second layer 103 is arranged above the first layer 101 (a view from below, when the device 100 is arranged in a shoe—the second layer 103 is visible through the first layer 101). FIG. 6, in addition to the plan view (part B), also shows a side view (part A) and a view along the longitudinal axis of the device 100 from the heel region 610 to the forefoot region 630 (part C). As can be seen from the figure, both the first layer 101 and the second layer 103 are of a two-dimensional design, wherein a smallest width of the second layer 103 (in the figure plane) is so wide that the second layer 103 can take up the stresses occurring in the individual regions, an overloading of the material is prevented, and an optimized strength to weight ratio is ensured. The width of the layers is here a width along a plane parallel to the ground when the device 100 is arranged in a shoe and the latter is placed on the ground. On account of the width of the second layer 103, the latter is strong enough to fulfil the function of a bowstring in the above-described bow and bowstring model.
[0069] FIG. 6C shows the region 121 of the greatest arch height and the region 123 of the smallest arch height. As can be seen from this figure, the convexity of the first layer 101 is thus adapted to the three-dimensional shape of the sole of the human foot and can thus also vary in its shape on an individual basis.
[0070] It can be seen in particular from FIGS. 5 and 6 that the second layer 103 is narrowed toward the rear and, in relation to the first layer 101, is shaped such that it can take up the occurring stresses in an optimal manner. As is shown in FIG. 5, the second layer 103, in particular in the forefoot region, has a suitable width for ensuring that a suitable form-fit can be generated between the first layer 101 and the second layer 103.
[0071] FIGS. 5 and 6 also show that the first layer 101 has elongate oval slits/perforations which serve to reduce axial and polar resistance moments. As is shown, the first layer 101 for this purpose comprises a plurality of depressions or openings 1001, which are of an elongate oval shape. In the case shown, these are formed as a plurality of holes 1001, i.e. as openings which penetrate the first layer 101 completely. As has been mentioned, it is alternatively or additionally possible also to provide depressions which, in the manner of a blind bore, reach only partially through the first layer. By adaptation of the plurality of depressions 1001 or openings 1001 in the first layer 101, a bending flexibility and torsion flexibility can be adapted in different regions of the first layer 101. At the same time, the plurality of depressions 1001 or openings 1001 can permit an increase in cutaneous secretion and air circulation.
[0072] FIG. 5 also indicates a region 1002 in which a material thickening of the first layer 101 at the height of the deflection element 105 is provided as a mechanical counterbearing and for stabilizing the layer 101 and the deflection element 105. A planar indentation of the first layer 101 and a reduction of the material thickness of the first layer 101 are also shown in a region 1003. In this way, increased flexibility is achieved in a targeted manner in these regions.
[0073] FIG. 7 shows the second layer 103 with two deflection elements 105 of different sizes. An arrangement of more than one deflection element 105 allows the deflection elements 105 to be adapted suitably to a shape of the upwardly convex first layer 101 and thus to the sole of the foot. By means of different sizes of deflection elements 105, correspondingly different spacings can be set between first layer and second layer. Thus, by distributing suitably dimensioned deflection elements along a width of the device, the desired effect can be suitably adapted to the human foot.
[0074] Deflection elements 105 can be shaped as shown in FIG. 8 for example. FIG. 8 shows a deflection element in a cross-sectional view (part A), a first side view (part B), and a second side view (part C) rotated 90° about the longitudinal axis 106 of the deflection element 105 compared to the first side view. In other words, the deflection elements in non-limiting embodiments can have at least in part a substantially oval cross section, which supports adaptation of the device to the sole of a human foot. The shape of the deflection element 105 can be adapted to support the bow and bowstring mechanism of the first layer 101 and of the second layer 103. For this purpose, the deflection element 105 can be designed as an elongate element having at least in part an oval cross section. As is shown in FIG. 7, a longitudinal axis 106 of the deflection element 105 is oriented substantially in the direction of a width direction 611. To put it another way, this longitudinal axis 106 of the deflection element 105 forms an angle in the range of 60° to 120° with the longitudinal axis L (see FIG. 3) of the device 100. In a non-limiting embodiment, the deflection element is produced from polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyamides (PA), polyamide 11 (PA11), polyamide (PA12), polylactides (PLA), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS) and/or a fiber composite such as Kevlar, carbon or glass fiber composite, various metallic substances, or other also additively processible materials. With a suitable choice, in particular from these materials, an optimal weight to strength ratio can be achieved, such that the deflection element can be tension-resistant, dimensionally stable, compression-resistant, flexurally elastic and torsionally elastic.
[0075] FIG. 9 shows a second layer 103 without deflection element 105 (part A, in a side view on the left and in a plan view on the right), and a second layer 103 with a deflection element 105 in a further embodiment (part C, in a side view on the left and in a plan view on the right). Parts B and D in FIG. 9 show the corresponding second layers 103 of the respective parts A and C shown above, seen from the rear along the longitudinal axis of the device 100 from a heel region 610 in the direction of the forefoot region 630. As is shown, the second layer 103 in this non-limiting embodiment comprises an elongate oval cutout 107, which serves to reduce the axial and polar resistance moment. In non-limiting embodiments, the second layer 103 can thus have at least one elongate oval cutout which is oriented substantially along a longitudinal direction of the second layer 103. A plurality of such cutouts can also be provided. As is shown in the figure, the elongate oval cutout 107 in the example shown extends from the forefoot region 630 on the second layer 103 into the metatarsal region 620 via the deflection element 105.
[0076] In a non-limiting embodiment, the device 100 can have a plurality of deflection bodies or support elements (second deflection elements 115) in addition to or alternatively to the described at least one deflection element 105. In both cases, these deflection bodies, support elements, second deflection elements 115 can form an assemblage in which the deflection bodies, support elements, second deflection elements 115 are rigidly connected to each other. FIG. 10 shows an assemblage of a plurality of such second deflection elements 115 in a side view (A) and in a plan view (B). For the sake of clarity, only two of the second deflection elements 115 are designated in the figure. As is shown, these second deflection elements are substantially tubular and have a substantially circular cross section. As is shown, the second deflection elements 115, at least in the metatarsal region of the device, are in contact with each other and/or rigidly connected to each other in a direction which corresponds to a longitudinal axis of the device 100. By virtue of this flush arrangement of the second support elements 115 and by virtue of a suitable geometrical configuration, for example, of the individual cross sections of the respective second support elements, for example according to the shape of a foot, the first layer 101 in the metatarsal region is advantageously stretched/elevated during deformation of the device about a transverse axis (in particular during dorsiflexion of the device in the forefoot region). This elevation of the first layer, i.e. the enlargement of the corresponding arch height, is actively supported by the second deflection elements.
[0077] The second deflection elements 115, which form the assemblage of the plurality of second deflection elements 115, are rigidly connected to each other. For this purpose, the second deflection elements 115 in different embodiments can be connected cohesively (for example adhesively bonded, crosslinked, welded, additively processed, vulcanized or soldered). For this purpose, the second deflection elements 115 in different embodiments can also be connected by form-fit engagement, for example via a tongue-and-groove connection, a toothed connection or a dovetail connection. For this purpose, the second deflection elements 115 in different embodiments can be connected by force-fit engagement, for example via a hook-and-loop fastener. For this purpose, the second deflection elements 115 in different embodiments can be connected by form-fit and force-fit engagement, for example riveted or screwed.
[0078] In a non-limiting embodiment, the second deflection elements 115 are made of, for example, polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyamides (PA), polyamide 11 (PA11), polyamide 12 (PA12), polylactides (PLA), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS) and/or a fiber composite such as Kevlar, carbon or glass fiber composite, or one or more of various metallic substances and/or other also additively processible or expansive materials such as polyurethanes (PU), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), PLE, nylon, or various elastomers.
[0079] The assemblage of the second deflection elements 115 is thus an assemblage of three-dimensional bodies which are geometrically arranged such that it is possible to directly influence all the bodies or each individual body. The illustrated assemblage of second deflection elements 115 supports the stability of the first layer 101 in the metatarsal region upon application of a surface load, for example caused by a foot.
[0080] In a non-limiting embodiment, the second deflection elements 115 are of a tubular shape, as is illustrated. The tubular shape has proven a suitable cross section as regards the longitudinal direction of these second deflection elements 115 since, in the event of a reduction of the width of a tube, the latter gains in height if a corresponding second support element 115 is deformed elastically. This shape thus supports the described enlargement of the arch height of the first layer 101 in an advantageous manner. In alternative embodiments, the second deflection elements 115 can also be configured as hollow spheres or spherical shells. The second deflection elements 115 are elastically deformable and their respective diameters are chosen such that the arch height of the first layer 101 can be suitably adjusted. The plurality of second deflection elements can be provided additionally to the at least one first deflection element 105 in order to support the effect of the latter. In particular, the plurality of second deflection elements 115 can permit particularly controlled lowering and lifting of the first layer 101 during the gait cycle.
[0081] Such a design, in which the device 100 has the plurality of second deflection elements 115 additionally to the above-described first deflection element 105, is shown in FIG. 11. Here, FIG. 11A shows a side view, FIG. 11B a plan view, and FIG. 11C a view from the rear, from the heel region 610 toward the forefoot region 630 of the device. As is shown, the second deflection elements 115, at least in the metatarsal region 620 (central region 620), are arranged next to and in contact with each other along the longitudinal axis (see FIG. 3) of the device 100. As can be seen from FIG. 11, the individual second deflection elements 115 are arranged in a width direction of the device 100 between the first layer 101 and the second layer 103, wherein a thickness of the respective substantially cylindrical deflection elements 115 can be suitably adapted, for example, to a shape of the first layer 101. As is shown, the plurality of the second deflection elements 115 can be used to support the function of the first deflection element 105. Alternatively, in a non-limiting embodiment, the plurality of the second deflection elements 115 can replace the first deflection element 105.
