Abstract: An orthotic appliance adapted to be placed in an article of footwear, the orthotic including a first upper, relatively flexible blank portion and an underlying, relatively rigid cap portion. The blank portion has a longitudinally-extending zone of disparate resiliency relative to first and second side areas of the blank; the zone of disparate resiliency deforms downwardly raeltive to the side areas as the foot begins to bear weight, so that the side areas cradle the foot and urge it into a neutral position as the foot transitions from heel strike to mid-gait. A relatively resilient pad portion and a moldable insert are positioned intermediate the blank and cap portions. The zone of disparate resiliency may be formed by a recess in the bottom side of the blank, and the pad may be complementally formed to fit into this and so modify the zone of disparate resiliency.

Abstract: A relatively rigid cap is made of a material which is deformable at moderately elevated temperatures. A flexible blank contoured to fit a person's foot is placed against the cap which is at the elevated temperature, and these two are placed against the plantar surface of the foot. A plastic bag is placed around the cap, the blank and the foot, and a blank is applied to conform the cap and the blank to the person's foot so as to make a custom fit orthotic. Upon cooling, the cap remains properly contoured relative to the plantar surface of the foot.

Abstract: A relatively rigid cap is made of a material which is deformable at moderately elevated temperatures. A flexible blank contoured to fit a person's foot is placed against the cap which is at the elevated temperature, and these two are placed against the plantar surface of the foot. A plastic bag is placed around the cap, the blank and the foot, and a blank is applied to conform the cap and the blank to the person's foot so as to make a custom fit orthotic. Upon cooling, the cap remains properly contoured relative to the plantar surface of the foot.

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 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 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: 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.