ORTHOTIC HEEL SUPPORT DEVICE

Abstract

The invention provides an orthotic heel support device comprising a heel lift, at least one securing strap connected to the back of the heel lift, at least one fastening strap, connected to the securing strap, and at least one foot strap, separated from the fastening strap.

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/107,976, filed Oct. 23, 2008, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/221,945, filed Jun. 30, 2009, the complete disclosure of which is incorporated herein, in the entirety.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files and records, but otherwise reserves all other copyright rights.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention describes an orthotic heel support device for footwear.

2. Description of Related Art

Millions of people suffer from orthopedic problems of the foot and spine. Custom footwear is a means of providing therapy and comfort for these individuals. Various types of orthopedic devices, such as heel lifts, are well known in the art. Orthopedic devices, such as heel lifts for those with one leg shorter than the other, are normally secured to the insoles of conventional shoes and, sometimes, to the insoles of sandals of a patient to maintain the foot in a correctly aligned position. Generally, such orthopedic devices are limited to use with conventional shoes.

Historically, men and women who normally use prescription orthotic devices in their shoes are forced to temporarily give up the corrective or stabilizing orthotics if they want to wear sandals due to the nature and design of the sandals. Ordinary sandals lack the ability to stabilize the heel of a patient's foot because there is typically only a narrow strap that wraps around the ankle. Additionally, if a patient tried to use an orthotic insert with a sandal, the insert would not remain in place because of the sandal's loose fit and open toe, heel and sides. Moreover, when an orthopedic device is secured to a sandal, the device is visible, and oftentimes, unattractive, thereby reducing a patient's compliance in using such orthopedic devices. The present invention provides a solution to this problem.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,901,394 to Greenawalt, titled “Custom-Made Footwear,” discloses a custom made sandal-type shoe having an orthotic unit fashioned specially for the foot of the wearer. Although the Greenawalt device constitutes a solution to the specific problem of the lack of the ability to wear a sandal with an orthotic device, the solution limits the patient to a single pair of sandals. This solution restricts the patient's ability to switch between multiple sets of footwear and still utilize the orthotic device. Moreover, the harness disclosed in Greenawalt is bulky and may be perceived as unattractive or undesirable by certain wearers. Finally, such a patient-specific custom made solution is likely to incur a high cost.

United States Publication No. 20080010861 to Kosmas, titled “Orthotic Device for Open Shoes,” discloses an orthopedic device designed to be used in open shoes. This device, which is essentially a complex footpad, utilizes an adhesive layer that temporarily bonds the device to the insole of a shoe. It is anticipated that any adhesive utilized in such a device, especially one designed to form a temporary bond, would quickly be compromised under the ordinary rigors of use, resulting in the wearer having difficulty maintaining the positioning of the device. Moreover, because the orthopedic device is not affixed to the bottom of the foot, and some sandals are designed to fit loosely, there is no guarantee that the patient's foot will impact in the same correctly aligned position upon each step, thereby potentially depriving the patient of the benefits of the orthopedic device through the ordinary action of walking.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,162,041 to Simmons, titled “Footwear Device Allowing a Wearer of Orthopedic Apparatus To Go Without Conventional Shoes,” discloses an article of footwear for receiving and holding an orthopedic apparatus such as a heel lift or arch support which enables the user to wear it without wearing shoes. The device can receive and hold an orthopedic apparatus and can also be secured around the ankle and heel of the user leaving the forefoot and toes unencumbered. The Simmons device, while avoiding the chief drawbacks of the Kosmas device, introduces its own limitations. The device is intended to allow the use of an orthopedic apparatus in the absence of shoes. As disclosed, a wearer would not be able to fit sandals over the device. Moreover, the harness disclosed by Simmons is bulky and unattractive, with complex interlocking wide straps, and would be likely to cause the patient to abandon the device when wearing certain footwear for aesthetic reasons.

The forgoing art demonstrates that there is a need for a device that will maintain an orthopedic apparatus in a correctly aligned position so as to maximize its therapeutic and comfort value yet still allow the patient to wear open footwear such as sandals. Such a device must be economical and durable and be designed to be fashionable or unobtrusive when worn with open footwear.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides an orthotic heel support device comprising a heel lift, at least one securing strap connected to the back of the heel lift, at least one fastening strap, connected to the securing strap, and at least one foot strap, separated from the fastening strap. This invention further provides that the fastening strap may surround the wearer's ankle and that the foot strap may encircle the middle portion of the wearer's foot.

This invention also provides, in alternative embodiments, that the fastening strap and/or the foot strap may be less than one half inch in thickness, less than one quarter inch in thickness, may be composed of a transparent material, may be a metal chain, may be composed of fabric material or may be composed of a leather material.

These and other features and advantages of this invention are described in, or are apparent from, the following detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of the apparatus according to this invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present invention and the attendant features and advantages thereof may be had by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of the orthotic heel support device, showing how the device fits on a wearer's foot.

FIG. 2 is a side view of a first embodiment of the orthotic heel support device.

FIG. 3 is a top-down view of a first embodiment of the orthotic heel support device.

FIG. 4 is a front view of a first embodiment of the orthotic heel support device.

FIG. 5 is a back view of a first embodiment of the orthotic heel support device.

FIG. 6 is a bottom-up view of a first embodiment of the orthotic heel support device.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of the orthotic heel support device, showing how the device fits on a wearer's foot.

FIG. 8 is a side view of a first embodiment of the orthotic heel support device.

FIG. 9 is a top-down view of a second embodiment of the orthotic heel support device.

FIG. 10 is a front view of a second embodiment of the orthotic heel support device.

FIG. 11 is a back view of a second embodiment of the orthotic heel support device.

FIG. 12 is a bottom-up view of a second embodiment of the orthotic heel support device.

FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of a third embodiment of the orthotic heel support device, showing how the device fits on a wearer's foot.

FIG. 14 is a side view of a third embodiment of the orthotic heel support device.

FIG. 15 is a top-down view of a third embodiment of the orthotic heel support device.

FIG. 16 is a front view of a third embodiment of the orthotic heel support device.

FIG. 17 is a back view of a third embodiment of the orthotic heel support device.

FIG. 18 is a bottom-up view of a third embodiment of the orthotic heel support device.

FIG. 19 shows a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the orthotic heel support device, showing how the device fits on a wearer's foot.

FIG. 20 is a side view of a fourth embodiment of the orthotic heel support device.

FIG. 21 is a top-down view of a fourth embodiment of the orthotic heel support device.

FIG. 22 is a front view of a fourth embodiment of the orthotic heel support device.

FIG. 23 is a back view of a fourth embodiment of the orthotic heel support device.

FIG. 24 is a bottom-up view of a fourth embodiment of the orthotic heel support device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The product of the present invention provides an orthotic heel support device that is economical, durable and designed to be fashionable or unobtrusive when worn with open footwear, yet still maintains the supported heel lift in a correctly aligned position so as to maximize the heel lift's therapeutic and comfort value.

Before the present invention is described in greater detail, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to particular embodiments described as such may, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting, since the scope of the present invention will be limited only by the appended claims.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although any materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, the preferred materials are now described.

All publications and patents cited in this specification are herein incorporated by reference as if each individual publication or patent were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference and are incorporated herein by reference to disclose and describe the materials in connection with which the publications are cited. The citation of any publication is for its disclosure prior to the filing date and should not be construed as an admission that the present invention is not entitled to antedate such publication by virtue of prior invention. Further, the dates of publication provided may be different from the actual publication dates which may need to be independently confirmed.

As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It is further noted that the claims may be drafted to exclude any optional element. As such, this statement is intended to serve as antecedent basis for use of such exclusive terminology as “solely,” “only” and the like in connection with the recitation of claim elements, or use of a “negative” limitation.

As will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading this disclosure, each of the individual embodiments described and illustrated herein has discrete components and features which may be readily separated from or combined with the features of any of the other several embodiments without departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention.

In this description, the term “heel lift” means any orthopedic device, intended to be of medicinal or comfort value and directed toward the support of the heel of the foot.

By “transparent material” is meant any material that is entirely or partially transparent including various clear, colored and partially opaque plastics.

By “metal chain” is meant any repeating structure composed of interlocking metal components or interlocking components intended to appear as or give the impression of metal components.

By “fabric material” is meant any woven material of any composition.

By “leather material” is meant any material composed of animal skin or intended to appear as or give the impression of animal skin, including such materials as leather, faux leather and leatherette as well as fur, dyed fur and fake fur.

As shown in FIGS. 1-6, in a first embodiment, two securing straps 120, 122 are affixed to the back edge 114 of a heel lift 110 (having a front 112, a back 114 and two side edges 116, 118) by any one of several means known in the shoe construction art. These securing straps 120, 122 extend up the back of the foot. The ends of the securing straps 120, 122, transverse to those affixed to the heel lift 110, terminate in loops 124, 126 through which is passed a fastening strap 128 in a loop configuration designed to encircle the ankle of the wearer. The fastening strap 128 connects at the front and may be secured with one of several clasping devices know in the shoe construction art or simply tied. In addition, a foot strap 130 encircles the middle portion of the wearer's foot, one end of the foot strap being affixed to the side edge 116 of the heel lift on one side of the foot and the other end being affixed to the side edge 118 of the heel lift on the other side of the foot.

As will be apparent from FIGS. 1-6, in the first embodiment, the fastening strap 128 and the foot strap 130 are composed of a transparent material such as plastic. The two securing straps 120, 122 may be of the same material or a different material. The transparency of the material is advantageous as it renders the device unobtrusive when worn in conjunction with open footwear and thereby encourages the wearer to use the device with open footwear. As is further apparent from FIGS. 1-6, to the front of the fastening strap 128 may be added a bow 132 or similar decoration. This decoration conceals or serves as a point of connection for the fastening strap 128. This device also provides an aesthetically pleasing decoration.

FIGS. 1-6 show that the device employs a harness composed of the various straps 120, 122, 128, 130. A harness is advantageous as it maintains the orthotic heel support device 110 in the same correctly aligned position at each step so as to maximize its therapeutic and comfort value.

FIGS. 1-6 also show that the straps 120, 122, 128, 130 of the harness are sufficiently thick to secure the heel lift 110 to the foot and provide durability, but no thicker. Moreover, the fastening strap 128 does not meet the foot strap 130 at any point. This configuration provides the advantage of reducing the bulk of the harness and thereby allowing it to be worn with other footwear. This configuration also renders the device more aesthetically pleasing than a device employing a bulkier harness, thereby encouraging the wearer to use the device with open shoes.

As shown in FIGS. 7-12, in a second embodiment, the configuration of the various straps 220, 222, 228, 230 is identical to the configuration of the first embodiment, but the fastening strap 220 and foot strap 230 each constitute a metal chain. The fastening strap 220 connects at the front 232 and may be secured with one of several clasping devices know in the shoe construction art. The clasping device is not shown.

As will be apparent from the drawings, the use of such metal chains provides the wearer with an aesthetically pleasing option that may complement or accent open footwear worn with the device and, thereby, encourages the use of the device with such footwear.

As shown in FIGS. 13-18, in a third embodiment, the configuration of the various straps 320, 322, 328, 330 is identical to the configuration of the first embodiment, but the fastening strap 328 and foot strap 330 are composed of a leather material. The two securing straps 320, 322 may be of the same material or a different material. In addition, the foot strap 330 and fastening strap 328 include buckles 332, 334 that may be either decorative or functional.

As will be apparent from the drawings, the use of leather material for the straps provides the wearer with an option that may match leather sandals and, thereby, encourages the use of the device with such footwear.

As shown in FIGS. 19-24, in a fourth embodiment, a single securing strap 420, composed of a transparent material, is affixed to the back edge 414 of a heel lift 410 (having a front 412, a back 414 and two side edges 416, 418) by any one of several means known in the shoe construction art. This securing strap 420, extends up the back of the foot. The end of the securing strap 420, transverse to that affixed to the heel lift 410, terminates in a loop 424 through which is passed a fastening strap 428, comprising a decorative metal chain in a loop configuration, designed to encircle the ankle of the wearer. The fastening strap 428 connects at the front 432 and may be secured with one of several clasping devices know in the shoe construction art. The clasping device is not shown. In addition, a foot strap 430, composed of transparent material, encircles the middle portion of the wearer's foot, one end of the foot strap 430 being affixed to the side edge 416 of the heel lift 410 on one side of the foot and the other end being affixed to the side edge 418 of the heel lift 410 on the other side of the foot.

As will be apparent from the drawings, this fourth preferred embodiment combines an unobtrusive foot strap 430 with a aesthetically appealing fastening strap 428, again with the advantage that the unobtrusive and appealing components will encourage the wearer to use the device with open footwear.

As can be surmised from FIGS. 1-24, the use of transparent material, metal chains, leather material, cloth material or any combination of any of these may be used for any of the straps.

While this invention has been described in conjunction with the specific embodiments outlined above, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the preferred embodiments of the invention, as set forth above, are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention.

Claims

1. An orthotic heel support device comprising: wherein said fastening strap is not connected to said foot strap.

a) a heel lift;

b) at least one securing strap connected to the back of said heel lift;

c) at least one fastening strap connected to said securing strap; and

d) at least one foot strap connected to said heel lift;

2. The orthotic heel support device of claim 1, wherein said at least one fastening strap is less than one-half inch in thickness.

3. The orthotic heel support device of claim 1, wherein said at least one fastening strap is less than one-quarter inch in thickness.

4. The orthotic heel support device of claim 1, wherein said at least one foot strap is less than one-half inch in thickness.

5. The orthotic heel support device of claim 1, wherein said at least one foot strap is less than one-quarter inch in thickness.

6. The orthotic heel support device of claim 1, wherein said at least one fastening strap comprises a transparent material.

7. The orthotic heel support device of claim 1, wherein said at least one foot strap comprises a transparent material.

8. The orthotic heel support device of claim 1, wherein said at least one fastening strap comprises a metal chain.

9. The orthotic heel support device of claim 1, wherein said at least one foot strap comprises a metal chain.

10. The orthotic heel support device of claim 1, wherein said at least one fastening strap comprises fabric material.

11. The orthotic heel support device of claim 1, wherein said at least one foot strap comprises fabric material.

12. The orthotic heel support device of claim 1, wherein said at least one fastening strap comprises leather material.

13. The orthotic heel support device of claim 1, wherein said at least one foot strap comprises leather material.

14. The orthotic heel support device of claim 1, wherein said at least one fastening strap encircles a wearers ankle.

15. The orthotic heel support device of claim 1, wherein said at least one foot strap encircles the middle portion of a wearer's foot.

16. The orthotic heel support device of claim 1, wherein said heel lift comprises a front, a back and two side edges.

17. The orthotic heel support device of claim 16, wherein said at least one securing strap attaches to said heel lift at said back.

18. The orthotic heel support device of claim 1, wherein said at least one fastening strap passes through a loop in said at least one securing strap.

19. The orthotic heel support device of claim 16, wherein said at least one foot strap attaches to said heel lift at each of said two sides.

20. The orthotic heel support device of claim 1, wherein said at least one fastening strap is reversibly secured about said foot.