Footwear for use in specialized activities

Abstract

Footwear for use during a specialized activity such as skiing, cycling, skating and many other sports or industrial uses, and provides a dorsal element engaging the dorsal aspect of the foot for enabling the user to control relative to the plantar aspect the maximum height of the arch of the foot at substantially all times during the activity regardless of the position or orientation of the foot. A pivotal arm is mounted on a frame attached to the planter aspect for pivotal movement about an axis transverse to the foot and is compressed by an adjustable element operable by the user.

Claims

1. A method for maintaining an optimal arch of a user's foot; the method comprising: providing footwear that includes a base unit having a dorsal element, a heel element, a fixed bar, and a plantar element; wherein the dorsal element is located between the fixed bar and the plantar element of the footwear and is adjustable from a nonengaged position to an engaged position; wherein, in the nonengaged position, the dorsal element is spaced a first distance from the plantar element; wherein, the footwear is (1) sized to be mounted in the nonengaged position on a user's foot between the dorsal element and the plantar element, and (2) sized to optimize an arch with the dorsal element moved into the engaged position; wherein the heel element comprises an inclined rear stop that is inclined anteriorly less than ninety degrees but greater than forty-five degrees to prevent a heel of the user's foot from moving rearward or prevents the arch from collapsing; adjusting the dorsal element to the engaged position with the dorsal element spaced a second distance from the plantar element; wherein the second distance is less than the first distance; wherein the fixed bar is connected to the dorsal element and a position of the dorsal element is adjustable with respect to the fixed bar; wherein the dorsal element is inelastic and incompressible to stabilize the footwear in the engaged position.

2. The method according to claim 1 wherein the footwear is configured to engage a pedal or crank of a cycle.

3. The method according to claim 1 wherein the dorsal element is pivotal about the plantar element.

4. The method according to claim 1 wherein the dorsal element includes a component that is adjusted along a rotatable axis.

5. The method according to claim 1 wherein the dorsal element provides a non-compliant positional element that stabilizes the anterior, posterior, and superior aspects of the user's foot.

6. A method of managing a height of an arch of a user's foot; the method comprising: providing footwear that includes a base unit having a dorsal element, a heel element, a fixed bar, and a plantar element; wherein the dorsal element is located between the fixed bar and the plantar element of the footwear and is adjustable at least from a nonengaged position to an engaged position; wherein the dorsal element is spaced from the plantar element a first distance in the nonengaged position; wherein the heel element comprises an inclined rear stop that is inclined anteriorly less than ninety degrees but greater than forty-five degrees to counteract the reactionary force from the longitudinal arch when force is applied onto or by the user's foot the reactionary force from the longitudinal arch when force is applied onto or by the user's foot; moving the dorsal element to the engaged position with the dorsal element a second distance from the plantar element; wherein the fixed bar is connected to the dorsal element and a position of the dorsal element is adjustable with respect to the fixed bar; wherein the second distance is less than the first distance; wherein the dorsal element is inelastic and incompressible to stabilize the dorsal element in the engaged position and wherein, in the engaged position, the footwear is sized to optimize height and stiffness of an arch of a user's foot when disposed between the dorsal element and the plantar element.

7. The method according to claim 6 wherein the footwear is configured to engage a pedal or crank of a cycle.

8. The method according to claim 6 wherein the dorsal element is pivotal about the plantar element.

9. The method according to claim 6 wherein the dorsal element is adjusted along a rotatable axis that acts to move the dorsal element from the nonengaged position to the engaged position.

10. The method according to claim 6 wherein the dorsal element in the engaged position is configured to hold the arch at a desired arch height when force is applied by the user's foot during the process of collapse or growth of the arch.

11. A method of managing a height of an arch of a user's foot in a fixed position; the method comprising: providing footwear having a base unit including a dorsal element, a heel element, a fixed bar, and a plantar element; wherein the dorsal element is adjustable at least from a nonengaged position to an engaged-position; wherein the dorsal element is located between the fixed bar and the plantar element of the footwear and is spaced from the plantar element a first distance in the nonengaged position; wherein a void is created between the dorsal element and the plantar element with the dorsal element in the nonengaged position; wherein the void has a volume; wherein the plantar element includes a bi-planar surface with a first aspect and a second aspect, the second aspect angled above the plane of the first aspect and such that the second aspect is elevated toward the heel element and is configured for contact with at least a portion of a planar aspect of the foot underlying the calcaneus; moving the dorsal element to the engaged position inside the base unit with the dorsal element a second distance from the plantar element; wherein the second distance is less than the first distance; wherein the fixed bar is connected to the dorsal element and a position of the dorsal element is adjustable with respect to the fixed bar; wherein the volume of the void is reduced by the moving of the dorsal element; wherein the dorsal element is inelastic and incompressible to stabilize the dorsal element in the engaged position and wherein, in the engaged position, the footwear is sized to manage an arch of a user's foot when disposed in the void between the dorsal element and the plantar element.

12. The method according to claim 11 wherein the footwear is configured to engage a pedal or crank of a cycle.

13. The method according to claim 11 wherein the dorsal element is pivotal about the plantar element.

14. The method according to claim 11 wherein the dorsal element is adjusted along a rotatable axis to dispose the dorsal element in the engaged position.

15. The method according to claim 11 wherein the dorsal element provides a non-compliant positional element that, in conjunction with the heel element and the plantar element, stabilizes plantar and anterior-inferior of the user's foot.

16. A method of configuring a structure of footwear for managing an arch of a user's foot; the method comprising: providing footwear having a base unit including a dorsal element, a heel element, a fixed bar, and a plantar element; wherein the dorsal element is located between the fixed bar and the plantar element of the footwear and is adjustable from a nonengaged position to an engaged position; wherein the dorsal element is spaced from the plantar element a first distance in the nonengaged position; wherein the footwear is adapted to receive a user's foot in a relaxed position between the dorsal element and the plantar element; wherein the heel element comprises an inclined rear stop that is inclined anteriorly less than ninety degrees but greater than forty-five degrees to prevent a heel of the user's foot from moving rearward; moving the dorsal element to the engaged position with the dorsal element a second distance from the plantar element; wherein the second distance is less than the first distance; wherein the fixed bar is connected to the dorsal element and a position of the dorsal element is adjustable with respect to the fixed bar; wherein, after the moving, the dorsal element is stabilized in the engaged position and the footwear is adapted to allow the user's foot to function in a defined space.

17. The method according to claim 16 wherein the footwear is configured to engage a pedal or crank of a cycle.

18. The method according to claim 16 wherein the dorsal element is pivotal about the plantar element, prevents the user's foot from moving upward, and manages growth of the user's arch.

19. The method according to claim 16 wherein the dorsal element includes a component that is adjusted by a along a rotatable axis.

20. The method according to claim 16 wherein the dorsal element in the engaged position is configured to hold the arch at a desired arch height which counteracts the force from the arch when maintained in the engaged position.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) One embodiment of the invention will now be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

(2) FIGS. 1 to 5 show a schematic illustration of the foot of the user when using the arrangement according to the present invention.

(3) FIGS. 6 and 7 show isometric views of a schematic illustration according to the present invention for attachment to equipment such as skates, a bicycle pedal or the like.

(4) FIGS. 8 and 9 show side elevational views of a typical arrangement according to the present invention in open and closed positions.

(5) FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of the embodiment of FIG. 6.

(6) FIG. 10A is an exploded view of the embodiment of FIG. 6.

(7) FIG. 11 is a conventional illustration identifying the height of the arch of the foot according to the definition contained herein.

(8) FIGS. 12A to 12G show further illustrations of the embodiment of FIGS. 8 and 9.

(9) In the drawings like characters of reference indicate corresponding parts in the different figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(10) The invention herein may consist of two principle elements each with separate but complimentary functions and two secondary elements which are integrated with either or both of the principle elements. With reference to the two primary elements, the first element is an exoskeleton that serves as both a maximum arch height controller and a three-dimensional, tri-reaction point, force transfer system.

(11) Heel and dorsal elements act as both force transfer interfaces and locators of the heel and dorsal spine of the foot. Each element has an outer aspect and an inner aspect which either integrate as a unit or are combined as separate elements with either the exoskeleton or footwear/liner systems.

(12) The primary form of the invention is an exoskeleton for enabling the user to control the maximum height of the arch with a heel stop element HS at the rear end. The exoskeleton aligns key structures of the foot in relation to sports equipment such as skis, ice blades and bicycle pedal spindles and facilitates the exchange of three-dimensional forces. The starting point for the base or plantar element P is a uniform thickness, mono-planar surface with zero inclination. Structures are added to the plantar element as necessary in order to induce specific physiologic effects related to the target activity.

(13) A footwear/liner system provides protection from the elements, comfort, and aesthetic properties.

(14) FIGS. 1 to 5 show that the dorsal element D1 is brought into contact with the foot along a predetermined path PD that is substantially perpendicular to the transverse aspect of the foot surface of the plantar element P. The path can be linear or an arc pivotal about a transverse axis as shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 6 to 9.

(15) The means to bring the dorsal element into contact with the foot of a user causes both elements to act in concert to control the maximum height of the arch of the foot. However, it is easier to visualise the dorsal element 12 as the active element.

(16) FIGS. 6 and 7 show a prototype with a rotatable arm A to carry the dorsal element D1 which is pivotally connected to the arm. A threaded rotatable screw S mounted on the arm applies tension acting on the dorsal element which enables the user to continually adjust the angle of the arm A with the plantar element P so as to control the maximum height of the arch of the foot of the user. The dorsal element D1 is in a form which is arched so as to be generally following the shape of the dorsum of the foot in the area where force is applied. Although this is a preferred embodiment, the form of the dorsal element D1 is not essential to effecting control of the maximum height of the arch of the foot.

(17) The important differentiation of the embodiment shown in the two figures from structures of the prior art is that the invention enables the user to control the maximum height of the arch of the foot. This is accomplished by adjusting the height of the dorsal element D1 above the plantar element P as necessary to obtain the desired maximum height of the arch of the foot.

(18) It is also important to note that only these two elements D1 and P, properly configured, are required to enable the user to control the maximum height of the arch of the foot. The CAD model of FIGS. 8 and 9 shows the means used to move the dorsal element so it controls the maximum height of the arch of the foot.

(19) In FIGS. 6 and 7 there is shown a structure for enabling the user to control of the maximum height of the arch of the foot. It will be noted that this includes a plantar plate P including a front section P1 and an inclined rear section P2. The dorsal section D includes a plate D1 shaped to overlie the arch of the foot of the user with the plate D1 mounted on an arm A pivotal about an axis A3 parallel to the transverse axis A2. The position of the plate is adjustable by a screw S which operates to press down on the plate D1 from a fixed bar B connected to the plantar plate P by side walls S1 and S2. A heel cup H is carried at the rear of plate P2.

(20) In FIGS. 8 and 9 there is shown a similar structure for enabling the user to control the maximum height of the arch of the foot. It will be noted that this includes a mono-planar plantar element P attached directly to a crank C or pedal of a bicycle with an inclined heel portion P1. The dorsal element D includes the arm A pivotally connected to the plantar element P with a secondary element D shaped to overlie the arch of the foot of the user with the dorsal element D1 mounted on the arm A which is pivotal about an axis A3 which is substantially parallel to the transverse axis A2. The position of the arm A is adjustable by a Strap S3 which operates to pull down on the arm A from the plantar element P. A heel cup H is carried at the rear of plate P. The strap S3 is adjustable in length to control the spacing between the dorsal plate D1 and the plantar element P.

(21) The invention therefore provides a device for enabling the user to control the maximum height of the arch of the foot. The device consists of a single structure having not more than two elements, each element for contact with at least one aspect of the foot of a user. A first element of the device is disposed on the plantar aspect of the foot and a second element of the device disposed on the dorsal aspect of the foot, the two elements are configured with each other so that when the foot of a user is operationally engaged in the device the user is able to control the maximum height of the arch of the foot. However some arrangements may be provided which use more than two elements to create the same effect.

(22) The point of specifying not more than two elements with one plantar element and one dorsal element is to limit the general maximum arch height adjustment mechanisms to two. Having a third aspect on another aspect of the foot such as a medial first metatarsal does not detract from the effect.

(23) In operation the user positions their foot on the plantar element of the device and operates the adjustment means until the desired maximum height of the arch is achieved.

(24) With regard to the height between the plantar and dorsal elements of the invention in relation to the height of the arch of the foot of a user, when the surface of the plantar element is mono-planar the plane defined by the plantar aspect of the foot under the heads of the first and fifth metatarsals and calcaneus will be congruent with the surface of the plantar element. However, when the plantar aspect of the foot is in contact with more than one plane, as it is in FIG. 3, where the heel sits on a heel platform HP the dimension between a point on the dorsal element and a point on the plantar element would be greater than the same distance related to the height of the arch. Accordingly the method of determining arch height is standardized to references in the foot and refers to the effect of the invention on arch height when the foot is operationally positioned. The effect of arch height of the invention should take precedence over the physical differences in height between the surfaces of the plantar and dorsal elements.

(25) As shown in FIG. 5, there is provided an inclined rear stop element for the posterior aspect of the heel of a user. The device consists of a substantially mono-planar inclined upstanding structure for contact with at least a portion of the posterior aspect of the heel of a user. The device is affixed to the rear aspect of the base element with the inclined aspect of the device being arranged at an angle A anteriorly less than angle A1 ninety degrees but greater than forty-five degrees in relation to the transverse aspect of the plantar element at the position of attachment.

(26) There is provided a bi-planar surface for the plantar aspect of the foot. This surface consists of a structure having not more than two discrete aspects set in different planes each aspect for contacting at least a portion of the plantar surface of the foot of a user, the first aspect being a mono-planar surface disposed under and for contact with the plantar surface at an area AR underlying the bases of the five metatarsals and associated phalanges including at least a portion of the shaft of the fifth metatarsal of the foot of a user, but excluding the portion of the plantar aspect of the foot underlying-the calcaneus with a second aspect disposed above the plane of the first aspect for contact with at least a portion of the plantar aspect of the foot underlying the calcaneus. This is shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

(27) The footwear may have a lateral elastomeric lateral element. In particular, footwear fabricated of material with an elastic modulus, which has at least one aspect disposed on the lateral aspect of the foot in contact with a least a portion of the shaft of the fifth metatarsal and which extends forwardly to the proximate anterior aspect of the associated phalange, consisting of a continuous panel of material having a greater elastic modulus than the material of which the footwear is generally comprised.

(28) Although the invention for enabling the user to control the maximum height of the arch of the foot is suitable for use without a liner/footwear element the invention provides for the addition of a liner/footwear element having sufficient structure to differentiate it from a sock. Any form of liner/footwear element used in combination with any device that enables the user to control the maximum height of the arch of the foot falls within the scope of the invention.

(29) The ability of the user to control of the maximum height of the arch of the foot is the key point, while the elements to achieve this can vary. The elements include: a) Dorsal element D b.) Heel element H c) Plantar element P

(30) These elements are designed and configured to create a device that provides a precise three-dimensional interface between the foot and a reaction force or appliance attached to the device. It does this by enabling the user to control the maximum height of the arch of the foot by providing three-dimensional control of the foot using a minimum of three elements: the dorsal element, the heel element and the plantar element. That is, it also provides a means of aligning the position of the foot so as to create an efficient transfer of force from the shank through the structures of the foot to a bicycle pedal or other external element.

(31) The inclined heel element, in itself, is a key structure.

(32) The arrangement herein therefore provides a device to enable the user to control the maximum height of the arch of the foot. A device consisting of a single, structure having not more than two elements for contact with the foot of a user, a first element disposed on the plantar aspect of the foot and a second element disposed on the dorsal aspect of the foot, the two elements configured with each other so that when the foot of a user is operationally engaged in the device the user is able to control the maximum height of the arch of the foot.

(33) In operation, an adjustment means operated by the user enables the user to adjust the dimension between the plantar and dorsal elements of the invention until the desired maximum height of the arch of the foot is achieved.

(34) That is the maximum height of the arch of the foot is maintained by the elements at a value less than that when the foot is un-weighted.

(35) An inclined rear stop element is provided for the posterior aspect of the heel of a user. The element consists of a substantially mono-planar structure inclined slightly forwardly of the vertical for contact with at least a portion of the posterior aspect of the heel of a user, said device affixed to the plantar element, the inclined aspect of the device being angled anteriorly less than ninety degrees but greater than forty-five degrees in relation to the transverse aspect of the plantar element at the point of attachment. An angle in the range 75 to 85 degrees is preferred.

(36) The plantar aspect of the foot can include a bi-planar surface where a base element having not more than two discrete aspects is set in different planes, each aspect for contacting at least a portion of the plantar surface of the foot of a user, the first aspect being a mono-planar surface for contact with plantar surface underlying the bases of the five metatarsals and associated phalanges including at least a portion of the anterior aspect of the lateral aspect of the fifth metatarsal of the foot of a user but excluding the portion of the plantar aspect of the foot underlying the base of the calcaneus with a second mono-planar aspect disposed above the plane of the first aspect for contact with at least the portion of the plantar aspect of the foot underlying the base of the calcaneus.

(37) The plantar element can be formed of two plane aspects at an angle with each other as shown in FIG. 6 or can include a single plane as in FIG. 8. The footwear can include an elastic lateral element E, as shown in FIG. 10, with an elastic modulus, which has at least one aspect disposed on the lateral aspect of the foot in contact with a least a portion of the fifth metatarsal and which extends forwardly from a rear edge E1 at the proximate anterior aspect of the associated phalange. The element E consists of a continuous panel of material having a greater elastic modulus than the material of which the footwear is generally comprised.

(38) The arrangement provides a combination of Maximum Arch Height Control Means and Liner/Footwear. That is, there is provided a device for enabling a user to control the maximum height of the arch of the foot in combination with footwear having sufficient structure to differentiate it from the structure of a sock.

(39) The sketches of FIGS. 12A to 12G show the schematic arrangement of FIGS. 6 and 7 arranged in pairs to show the construction of the base unit in association with elements worn on the foot of the user.

(40) Thus FIG. 12A shows the base unit where the user is barefoot inside the base unit. In this case the channel shaped dorsal element D1 includes padding D2 on the underside for engaging the skin of the user and the heel cup H mounted on the inclined heel stop HS has padding HP.

(41) Thus FIGS. 12B and 12C shows the base unit used where the user wears minimal footwear FM inside the base unit. In this case the channel shaped dorsal element D1 includes the padding D2 on the underside for engaging the skin of the user and the heel cup H mounted on the inclined heel stop HS has the padding HP. Thus the unit comprises an exoskeleton with the secondary elements D1 and H cooperating with the base P both including the padding HP and D2.

(42) Thus FIGS. 12D and 12E shows the base unit used where the user wears pads PA1 and PA2 on the footwear FM1 which is then inserted inside the base unit. In this case the channel shaped dorsal element D1 includes no padding D2 and the heel cup H has no padding. In this case the hard elements D1 and H are mounted on the exoskeleton of the base unit.

(43) Thus FIGS. 12F and 12G shows the base unit used where the user wears footwear FM2 inside the base unit. In this case the channel shaped dorsal element D1 includes the padding D2 and the heel cup H mounted on the inclined heel stop HS has the padding HP all of which are mounted on the footwear FM2. Thus the base unit comprises the exoskeleton only with the arm A which is adjustable and supported so that it engages the element D1 on the foot wear to hold the arch under compression as described above.

(44) In FIG. 10 is shown a schematic representation of the invention with a footwear liner system in the outer frame forming the exoskeleton. An open area in the liner on the lateral border illustrates the location of the elastomeric lateral panel E that will expand laterally in response to lateral forces acting on it with the panel E being incorporated into the liner.

(45) FIG. 10A shows an exploded view of the elements of the exoskeleton and the footwear liner system with the elastomeric panel E incorporated into the liner.

(46) The operation is shown in FIG. 11. The base of the three-dimensional quasi-truss structure that forms the vault of the arch of the foot is shown where area XA is the plantar aspect of the foot under the base of the head of the first metatarsal, area XB is the plantar aspect of the foot under the base of the head of the fifth metatarsal and area XC is the plantar aspect of the foot under the base os calcis of the calcaneus or heel bone. These three points XA, XB and XC form a plane that acts as a reference for measuring the height of the vault of the arch. The proximate apex of the arch is shown at XD where XD represents the superior surface of the dorsal aspect of the foot above the mid tarsal bone. The height of the arch as measured from the apex XD to the closest point on the base plane XA, XB, XC is shown at XD, XE.

(47) In terms of laxity in the joints that form the vault of the arches of the foot, there is a direct relationship between the dimension XD-XE and laxity, wherein as XD-XE increases there will be a corresponding increase in laxity and wherein as XD-XE decreases there will be a corresponding decrease in laxity.

(48) Medial, lateral and anterior structures can be provided where appropriate in relation to the management of the function of the foot and the provision of means intended to protect the foot from mechanical injury. Such structures may be strategically placed on the lateral or medial aspects or on both aspects as well as on the anterior (front) aspect of the exoskeleton and/or the associated footwear of the invention.

(49) The means for enabling the user to control the maximum height of the arch of the foot provided herein thus provides the means to manage the degree of rigidity of the arch as appropriate for the intended application of the lower limbs.

(50) Since various modifications can be made to the invention as herein described, and many apparently widely different embodiments of same made within the spirit and scope of the claims without departing from such spirit and scope, it is intended that all matter contained in the accompanying specification shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not in a limiting sense.