ARCH SUPPORT INDEPENDENT OF FOOTWEAR
This device elevates the midsection of the foot when shoeless, addressing congenital flatness, or lapsing or pronation in the arch. The device, which can be constructed of various materials, does not support the metatarsus or heel, and is attached to the foot by lateral straps or stretchable bands, either singular or in two pieces closed by a snap, buckle, velcro or similar fastener, and adding a heel or, ankle strap or band if greater stability is desired. It may be worn inside or over stockings, and feature assorted shapes, textures, coloration, and decoration. The device can also serve as an orthotic for barefoot runners or dancers by means of longitudinal extension, with openings under the metatarsus and heel so these areas may touch the ground or floor, and employ additional straps or bands. This device may be contraindicated as a diagnostic or therapeutic aid, without the intent of medical application.
This application claims priority benefit of U.S. Ser. No. 11/811,575 filed on Jun. 11, 2007 which in turn claims priority benefit to U.S. Ser. No. 60/812,909, filed Jun. 13, 2006. Each of these applications is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE Field of the DisclosureFlat feet, whether congenital, from fallen arches, or pronated by lateral deformation inward or outward, afflict sometimes excruciating pain for approximately 30 percent of the human population, including a substantial urban increase due to recent weight gains from highly caloric diets, and in developed countries are alleviated by footwear orthotics such as arch supports or insoles of various designs and materials. But once the user is inside a home or in an informal outdoor environment, shoe inserts are typically removed, against podiatric advice, along with footwear as relaxation is sought or cultural practices observed, with alternatives being stockings, slippers, moccasins, or simply bare feet. However, physical or psychological reliance upon arch supports remains, and that unaddressed dependency is the tradeoff for freedom from the constraints of workplace foot attire. To resolve this dilemma, an independent orthotic, as distinguished from a temporary brace or bandage, without the necessity of its placement requiring footwear, centered on the instep and which leaves free the toes, metatarsus, and heel, would be a desirable innovation, one rapidly becoming essential for relief. Prototype testing has shown that even individuals without arch problems find this invention comfortable, supportive, and an aid to traction indoors or out, on rough along with smooth surfaces, thereby inaugurating an entirely new category of general footwear as well as a specialized orthotic. As listed in the U.S. Patent Documents above, several devices for supporting barefoot athletic activity, such as running or dancing, are known to the art, but these physically extend to the heel, toes, or both, and some are merely attached to the foot by wrappings of various materials, while none is intended or designed for normative household or ambulatory comfort, although this invention may be novelly adapted to more mobile purpose, with two such configurations given.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSUREThis nonmedical device is a safe, effective, unique, and low cost means for alleviating instep pain due to flat feet, fallen arches, or pronation by providing a comfortable contour and relaxing pressure when walking or standing barefoot on hard surfaces. A shoeless arch support constructed of any appropriate material, such as rubber, plastic, polymer foam, fabric, gel cushion, etc., with surfaces treaded to prevent epidermal slipping and aid ground traction, can be affixed directly to the foot with one or more continuous tension straps or bands of diverse composition, such as elastic, fabric, leather, rubber, polyester, etc., or adjustable halves fastening for foot size by velcro, snap, buckle, or other means, and may feature an ankle strap or band for additional security. This innovation is to be utilized without footwear, or inside or over stockings. User sizes as well as arch elevation can be various. An identical round or oval shape defining each support permits the pair to be worn interchangeably, thus avoiding confusion over which is intended for the left or right foot. While the sole features a slight grid against undersurface slippage, deeper treads for outdoor use in or out of water would be appropriate. Design variations may include any color, texture, contour, wording, decorative jewelry or beads. Unlike conventional shoe inserts, these supports would not extend significantly past the arch in any direction, neither under the heel or ball of the foot, but cover only the midsection of the sole, and therefore could be considered a partial or abbreviated orthotic sandal with tapered longitudinal ends. A slightly raised lip on both lateral sides of each support deters twisting or slippage, particularly important in a humid climate or water, as does texturing of the surface which touches the epidermis of the foot. Construction should be sufficient to permit machine washability and drying.
The unique features that are characteristic of the present invention are set forth in the appended claims. However, the preferred embodiments of the invention, together with further objects and attendant advantages, are best understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:
Referring to
Those versed in the art will appreciate that changes and emendations can be made to the embodiments and descriptions herein without departing from the spirit of the present innovation. All such alternatives and alterations are intended to be subsumed by the claims stated herein.
Claims
1. A footwear device comprising:
- a. a raised midsole element, tapered at its longitudinal ends,
- b. wherein the footwear device does not support the wearer's heel, nor metatarsals from contact with the ground or floor by way of surfaces defining openings under the user's heel and metatarsals;
- c. a plurality of straps providing lateral attachment of the midsole element to the wearer's foot;
- d. the straps comprising a midfoot strap and a midfoot strap;
- e. and
- f. the footwear device for supporting a wearer's foot when shoeless.
2. The footwear device as recited in claim 1 wherein the midsole element and the plurality of straps are molded as a unitary structure.
3. The footwear device as recited in claim 1 wherein the plurality of straps are stretchy bands.
4. The footwear device as recited in claim 1 wherein the midsole element further comprises a raised portion at each lateral side of the midsole element.
5. The footwear device as recited in claim 4 wherein the midsole element is thicker in a vertical direction at the raised portions than the remainder of the midsole element.
6. The footwear device as recited in claim 1 further comprising a heel strap having two ends connected to the midfoot strap at both ends.
7. A footwear device comprising:
- a. a raised midsole element, tapered at its longitudinal ends,
- b. wherein the footwear device does not support the wearer's heel, nor metatarsals from contact with the ground or floor;
- c. a midfoot strap providing lateral attachment of the midsole element to the wearer's foot; and
- d. the footwear device for supporting a wearer's foot when shoeless.
8. The footwear device as recited in claim 7 wherein the midsole element and strap are molded as a unitary structure.
9. The footwear device as recited in claim 7 wherein the midsole element further comprises a raised portion at each lateral side of the midsole element.
10. The footwear device as recited in claim 9 wherein the midsole element is thicker in a vertical direction at the raised portions than the remainder of the midsole element.
11. The footwear device as recited in claim 7 further comprising a heel strap having two ends connected to the midfoot strap at both ends.
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 10, 2012
Publication Date: Dec 13, 2012
Inventor: Brent Ellis Logan (Mount Vernon, WA)
Application Number: 13/571,881