Abstract: A rigid orthotic insert made of a plurality of layers bonded to one another, with each of the layers comprising parallel fibers, some of which are graphite. Along an outside edge of the insert, there is a layer of reinforcing graphite fibers. This arrangement desirably alleviates certain force patterns when high heels are worn, and also adds to comfort.

Abstract: A rigid orthotic insert having a reinforcing structure for the heel made up of a plurality of layers, each layer having graphite fibers positioned parallel to one another and oriented along an axis skewed from the longitudinal axis of the insert.

Abstract: A rigid orthotic insert made up of a plurality of layers, bonded to one another, with each layer made of a plurality of parallel graphite fibers. Some of the layers are aligned longitudinally, while other of the layers have the fibers offset from the longitudinal axis. Thus, force loads are transmitted predominantly along length of the insert.

Abstract: A rigid orthotic insert made of layers bonded to one another, with each of the layers being made of graphite fibers positioned parallel to one another. At least one of the inserts is made of several sections, with some of the sections having the fibers oriented at different angles, thus causing a desired pattern of transmission of forces through the insert.

Abstract: A rigid orthotic insert having an elongate reinforcing member at a localized position in the orthotic. The reinforcing member comprises a fiberglass reinforced plastic core, around which is wrapped several layers of a sheet made of graphite fibers impregnated with resin. The graphite fibers are oriented with the lengthwise axis of the reinforcing member, and these are formed as an integral part of the insert.

Abstract: An orthotic insert formed of a plurality of layers bonded to one another. Some of the layers are made from fiberglass reinforced plastic, having the fibers oriented at 45.degree. from the longitudinal axis. At least one of the layers is made of parallel graphite fibers, having an axis of orientation offset from the longitudinal axis of the insert.

Abstract: An orthotic appliance adapted to be placed in an article of footwear which includes; a first upper, relatively flexible blank portion and an underlying rigid cap portion. The cap portion has upwardly extending side walls along the side portions of the orthotic. A relatively resilient and flexible pad portion and a moldable insert are positioned intermediate the blank and cap portions. The orthotic being characterized in that the orthotic restrains outward expansion of side portions of the foot while cushioning impact upon initial ground contact, and with the foot terminating ground contact, resiliency of the insert aids departure of the foot from ground contact.

Abstract: An insert for use in ice skates and the like which includes a blank pad having a top layer with an upper surface provided with a contour substantially complemental to the plantar surface of a person's foot, the top layer formed from suitable material to resist abrasion and absorb perspiration. The top layer is bonded to an intermediate layer formed of resilient material, a bottom of the intermediate surface affixed to a lower surface having a bottom layer provided with an alignment device for registry with the center line of a skate whereby deformation of the blank occurs along its longitudinal axis directly above the skate blade, the deformation of the blank causing a cradling and supporting effect upon the foot disposed within the skate so as to provide not only better centering over the skate blade, but also an improved load transmission from the foot through the leg resulting in overall better balance and skate edge control.

Abstract: An insert for a shoe, boot, or the like which is capable of plural adjustments so as to adapt the insert to the unique physical conformation of the wearer's foot, to hold the foot in a neutral axis position substantially at all times, to return a foot into the neutral axis mode automatically, and to provide a wide range of support, resiliency, and angulation based on the needs of the user. The device as set forth lends itself to modification for various sports where lateral motion is of primary importance, shock absorption and longitudinal extension of the foot is of paramount importance, or for geriatric patients whereby a single insert and the modifying devices associated therewith address the vast spectrum of orthotic needs.

Abstract: An orthotic appliance and a method of making same in which the appliance is for use between a foot and a shoe, boot or the like and includes an insert which is to be placed between the foot and the boot, the insert is to be custom formed to correspond to the contour of an individual's foot. The insert is initially heated until its volume expands, thereafter the insert is placed on a platform and the two are adjoined to the foot. A vacuum bag is slid thereover, a vacuum is formed within the bag, and thereafter the insert takes the configuration of the bottom face of the foot. Additionally, foot pressure may be applied to augment the degree of conformation of the insert to the foot, and in other embodiments an additional heel insert is placed below the major insert, and a crest piece is placed between the ball and toe area of the insert on the underside thereof so that this additional material can be bonded to the major insert and also conform to the user's foot.

Abstract: An orthotic insert for use in various types of foot gear consisting of a first blank and a second blank fused together. The first blank is a flexible pad generally contoured to the bottom of a person's foot and the second blank is more rigid and contoured to the calcaneal and arch regions of a specific individual's foot. In combination the first and second blank form an orthotic insert which offers support to and is resiliently deformable in the heel area and flexible in the toe area thus emulating the requirement of the human gait cycle.

Abstract: A method for determining the neutral axis of a foot or the like, as well as an apparatus therefore. The neutral axis can be conveniently defined as the orientation of the subtalar joint wherein its relationship to adjacent bones is such that there is no movement in that area. Consequently no loading is transferred to adjacent areas. The method includes placing a level indicator on the sinus tarsi portion of the foot and rotating the foot relative to the vertical axis defined by the leg until the indicator on the level is centered, indicative of the neutral position. The level structure includes a hinged wing attached at one extremity to the indicator and a tether so that in the preferred form the level indicator is disposed in substantially a horizontal plane. Disposition of the indicator on the patella is also contemplated as being a part of this invention for orienting the foot when it is covered by a boot or the like.

Abstract: An insert for use in ice skates and the like which includes a blank having a top layer with an upper surface provided with a contour substantially complemental to the plantar surface of a person's foot, the top layer formed from a suitable material to resist abrasion, and absorb perspiration. The top layer is bonded to an intermediate layer formed of resilient material, a bottom portion of the intermediate surface affixed to a lower surface having a bottom layer provided with an alignment device for registry with the center line of a skate whereby deformation of the blank occurs along its longitudinal axis thereof, directly above the skate blade, the deformation of the blank causing a cradling and supporting effect upon the foot disposed within the skate so as to provide not only better centering over the skate blade, but also an improved load transmission from the foot through the leg resulting in overall better balance and skate edge control.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a moldable foot wedge which when suitably treated as by heat, becomes deformable so that the person for whom the wedge is to be customed fit is allowed to stand on the wedge thereby deforming same to conform identically to the contour of the person's foot, thereby filling voids. An area below the rear heel on one side thereof is defined as a plug which is not subjected to the heat treatment so that a beneficial cant of inclination can be provided to the wedge by not allowing this cold plug to be heat treated and thereby deformed. A method associated with the article is similarily disclosed.

Abstract: The form fitting of shoes and boots of the instant invention includes the heating of the area of the foot gear which needs to be enlarged to accommodate the foot and simultaneously applying pressure from the inside of the foot gear to cause the heated portion of the foot gear to expand the desired amount. Pneumatically or hydraulically actuated cylinders are used within the foot gear to provide the required pressure and a number of different shoe contacting members are interchangeable to assist in shaping the expanded portion of the foot gear.

Abstract: An orthocasting system for producing a negative mold of the bottom of the foot with the negative mold being used to produce a positive form which is then used as a base on which to form a rigid foot support insert which is constructed in accordance with a prescription prepared by a foot doctor.

Abstract: The method of form fitting shoes and boots of the instant invention is directed to the heating of the area of the foot gear which needs to be enlarged to accommodate the foot and simultaneously applying pressure from the inside of the foot gear to cause the heated portion of the foot gear to expand the desired amount. Pneumatically or hydraulically actuated cylinders are used within the foot gear to provide the required pressure and a number of different shoe contacting members are interchangeable to assist in shaping the expanded portion of the foot gear.