Boot and shoe making – Forms – Lasts
Reexamination Certificate
1999-10-06
2001-04-10
Kavanaugh, Ted (Department: 3728)
Boot and shoe making
Forms
Lasts
Reexamination Certificate
active
06212723
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to foot support systems and, more particularly, to foot support systems for hyperpronating feet.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Throughout the years people have been continuously searching for better ways to comfort their feet while walking. One common cause of discomfort associated with walking is hyperpronation of the feet. Hyperpronation is an inward, forward and downward twisting of the foot relative to the ground.
To treat and support a hyperpronating foot, foundational stability is provided by maximizing foot-to-ground contact so that the foot does not collapse. Traditionally, this is accomplished by orthotic devices. In particular, orthotics for supporting a hyperpronating foot are designed to support deficits in a foot's contact with the ground, and in essence function so as to build the ground up to the foot.
Presently, some orthotics wedge the forefoot from the medial side to the lateral side of the foot. Other orthotics similarly wedge the heel. It is believed that these orthotics, designed to prevent hyperpronation, sufficiently support the static foot. However, once the foot is in motion, pronation and discomfort often return. In some instances, this discomfort is partially attributed to the foot sliding off the orthotic during gait.
Therefore, there is a need for a foot support system that supports a hyperpronating foot both statically and dynamically.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a foot support system for supporting a hyperpronating foot both statically and dynamically. The foot support system is essentially an elongate bed upon which a portion of the foot rests. The foot support system includes an inner edge, an outer edge, a front edge and a back edge. The inner edge is positioned along the medial side the foot, and the outer edge is positioned longitudinally in a zone adjacent to a lateral margin of the hallux, the proximal phalanx, and the first metatarsal of the foot and a medial margin of the phalanges of the second toe and the second metatarsal. The foot support system linearly decreases in thickness from the inner edge to the outer edge. The foot support system also extends from the front edge, which is positioned along an anterior end of the hallux, to the back edge, which is positioned between an anterior end of the talar head and an anterior end of the plantar portion of the heel.
In accordance with other aspects of the invention, the foot support system decreases in thickness from the inner edge to the outer edge in a concave, convex, or stepped fashion.
In accordance with still other aspects of this invention, the foot support system is, preferably, an orthotic.
In accordance with further other aspects of this invention, the foot support system also includes a plate having a uniform thickness which is shaped such that it follows the contour of the sole of the foot. Further, the plate is positioned either underneath or on top of the elongate bed of the foot support system, or, preferably, the plate and elongate bed are integrated to form a single unit. The foot support system integrating the plate and elongate bed into a single unit is an insole for inserting in a shoe.
In accordance with further aspects of this invention, the foot support system is integrated into a shoe bed of a shoe.
In accordance with still other aspects of this invention, the foot support system which is integrated into the shoe bed of a shoe is made from a last having a cavity corresponding to the foot support system such that a shoe formed around the last includes the foot support system in the shoe bed.
As will be readily appreciated from the foregoing description, the invention provides a foot support system that supports the medial column of the foot from the anterior end of the hallux to a position between the anterior end of the talar head and the anterior end of the plantar portion of the heel, and thus supports a foot having Rothbart's Foot Structure and prevents hyperpronation. Because the foot support system extends to the hallux, the foot is supported in its anatomical position not only while standing but also during toe-off while in motion. Therefore, the foot support system of the present invention more fully supports a hyperpronating foot and decreases discomfort associated therewith.
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James Natale, “Wedges and Corrections for Various Cases of Pronations”,The Master Shoe Rebuilder, vol. X, No. 2 (Oct., 1950).
Brian A. Rothbart, D.P.M., Ph.D. and Lew Estabrook, D.C., “Excessive Pronation: A Major Biomechanical Determinant in the Development of Chondromalacia and Pelvic Lists”,Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, vol. 11, No. 5, 373-379 (Oct., 1988).
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Christensen O'Connor Johnson & Kindness PLLC
GRD Biotech, Inc.
Kavanaugh Ted
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