Abstract: A supportive device for the longitudinal arch of the foot is comprised of a fabric-coated elasticized strap enclosing a specially designed pad of rubberized material. This strap is wrapped snugly around the longitudinal arch with the enclosed pad strategically placed to provide optimum arch support and secured by a VELCRO-type fastener strip.

Abstract: The invention is an orthotic system including a combination partial insole, heel cup and metatarsal pad. The combination partial insole is comprised of the heel cup, a modified metatarsal pad, a midfoot support and a longitudinal arch support. The heel cup and metatarsal pad may be used separately or in combination. Each of the structural elements of the system are designed to control the motion of a human foot during gait, as well as to attenuate shock to the foot during gait. Each of the structural elements of the system are self-adjustable for variations in foot and shoe size and are formed of a compression-resistant, deformable material without rigid components.

Abstract: A foot correction method comprises the steps of raising a plantar arch (15) and applying a pressure on either side of a foot (13) to thereby maintain a configuration of a longitudinal arch and a transversal arch of the foot (13) so as to prevent and correct a spraying phenomenon of the foot (13). A splint (11, 23) for practicing the method comprises shape memory alloy wires preferably in the form of either woven fabric, such as a mesh (17), or a nonwoven fabric plate. The shape memory alloy wires preferably consists of a Ti-Ni series alloy exhibiting superelasticity at a normal or used temperature.

Abstract: A foot cushioning device especially adapted for use by diabetic persons suffering from a protruding joint disorder of the foot in the arch or instep region includes a thick foam pad having a notch extending into the pad from one side thereof. The pad may be positioned against the sole of a person's foot with the Charcot joint protrusion accommodated in the notch. An elastic band of non-chafing material may be secured at a first end to the lower surface of the pad by means of hooked anchoring fabric secured to the pad. The other end of the band may be wrapped around the top of the person's foot and overlapped onto the first end of the band at a location beneath the lower surface of the pad and secured in place to the band material by another swatch of the anchoring fabric provided on the overlapping end of the band.

Abstract: Polymer matrix composite materials containing a thermoplastic composite core bonded integrally with a fabric layer are provided. The fabric layer has a greater elasticity than the core, so that the fabric layer can conform smoothly to the core during thermoforming. This improvement has been demonstrated to improve aesthetic appearance and nearly eliminate wrinkling and distortion of the fabric layer when compared to conventional composite materials.

Abstract: A cushion insole for a shoe comprises a cushion insole member and a separate arch support member which may be secured to the insole member or shoe foundation and which includes an arch support section bearing against the arch of the foot. The arch support member is available in various sizes to conform to the arch of the foot of the individual user, and may be secured to the insole member or shoe foundation at adjustable locations. An appropriate size arch support member and insole member are inserted into the shoe, with the arch support member positioned at the desired location relative to the arch of the foot, whereafter the shoe is worn in the normal manner.

Abstract: An arch support is provided for treatment of problems arising from the displacement of the cuboid-navicular arch, the support comprising a base portion having a rear edge and a front edge, a top portion raised above the base, a first surface sloping upwardly and forwardly from the base rear edge to the top portion, and a second surface sloping downwardly and forwardly from the top portion to the base front edge, wherein the maximum depth of the arch support is in the region of the top portion adjacent the first surface for engaging the cuboid-navicular arch of the foot.

Abstract: A therapeutic arch support is described, more particularly intended for therapy of disorders of the circulation of the foot, for the treatment of venous insufficiency within the area of the leg or for bedding load-sensitive feet, especially for bedding the feet of diabetics suffering from foot detects. The arch support has a multi-layer construction with a highly resilient elastomer core layer standardized so as to be as soft as possible and a thin, top-side covering layer in the form of a smooth fibrous structure. On the side of the sole, a separate supporting layer of flexible, machinable and compression-resistant material may be provided.

Abstract: A foot supporting orthotic having parallel, separately flexing rays extending forwardly from an arch region which in use underlies the arch of a wearer's foot. The rays are bowed by spring-like elastomers and facilitate the shock absorbing and adaptation stages of walking.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing footgear with comfortable individualized custom support, said apparatus comprising mechanical means to selectively and seperately change the position of multiple areas of the inner sole of said footgear, said areas corresponding generally to the areas of the foot described as the inner heel, the lateral arch, and the metatarsal area, and, whereas such changing of positions involves movement in two different directions: (1) upward and downward, (2) forward and backward, said changes in position are achieved by two different and seperate structures, wherein the movement of each of said structures is controlled by the selective turning of a screw, the heads of said screws being located on the outside of said footgear, where they can be selectively turned at any time.

Abstract: A removable, three quarters length, innersole for an article of footwear, adapted to provide cushioning and/or support to a foot. Said innersole comprises a forward toe portion having a radius edge, a rear heel portion having a radius edge and an intermediate arch cushion portion between said toe and heel portions. The forward toe portion, the rear heel portion and said intermediate arch cushion portion are one-piece. The innersole being resilient. The innersole including a first flat bottom surface, a second upper surface having an intermediate arch portion whose contour is generally convex-shaped and a third concave-shaped surface extending from said bottom surface to said upper surface to define with said upper surface an arched projection extending upwardly from said bottom surface and outwardly at a distance about equal to or greater than the tangent of said toe radius edge and said heel radius edge. The arched projection defining a space beneath said third surface.

Abstract: A resilient and compressible orthopedic pad adapted to be placed in a shoe under the longitudinal and metatarsal arches comprises a flat L-shaped bottom surface adapted to contact the inner sole of the shoe. One longitudinal side is substantially convex for the majority of its length and is adapted to roll up into the medial side of the shoe. The other longitudinal side is concave over the intermediate portion. The ratio of length to width of the pad is between approximately 1.3 and 1.5. The forward end of the pad is wider than its rear end. The forward end of the pad curves upwardly and rearwardly and the rear end curves upwardly and forwardly. Each longitudinal side curves upwardly towards the other longitudinal side.

Abstract: An insert for a shoe or a shoe interior comprises a central portion which prevents excess pronation, a front portion which extends arcuately and transversely across the foot to support the transverse metatarsal arch, a rear portion which extends transversely across the foot and contacts the forward edge of the heel, a lateral, slanted edge which is aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis of the arch and support the fifth metatarsal shaft of the foot, and a fourth portion which slopes medially. The device is designed to fit the area of void on the plantar side of the human foot to support the structure of the foot to prevent excess pronation and to substantially reduce foot morbidity.