Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a dynamic sock, pantyhose, athletic pants/leggings or similar clothing, designed to increase propulsion or restrict motion in human gait as would be advantageous in athletic, lifestyle, medical or similar applications. Similarly, the described invention would be advantageous in sedentary applications to restrict joint angle for various pathologies. The exemplary sock includes an integrated propulsion/tension band with increased elastic/compression/tension capability at specific parts of the foot, ankle and lower leg to increase the tension at the dorsiflexion, midstance or plantarflexion phase of the gait cycle or restrict joint excursion in medical applications to thereby increase the rate, amount and force of plantarflexion or dorsiflexion or restrict motion in the sagittal, transverse or horizontal planes.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a dynamic sock, pantyhose, athletic pants/leggings or similar clothing, designed to increase propulsion or restrict motion in human gait as would be advantageous in athletic, lifestyle, medical or similar applications. Similarly, the described invention would be advantageous in sedentary applications to restrict joint angle for various pathologies. The exemplary sock includes an integrated propulsion/tension band with increased elastic/compression/tension capability at specific parts of the foot, ankle and lower leg to increase the tension at the dorsiflexion, midstance or plantarflexion phase of the gait cycle or restrict joint excursion in medical applications to thereby increase the rate, amount and force of plantarflexion or dorsiflexion or restrict motion in the sagittal, transverse or horizontal planes.

Abstract: A shoe with an integral orthotic or propulsion plate is provided that includes a shoe defining an upper and a sole, and an orthotic or propulsion plate positioned between the upper of the shoe and the sole of the shoe. The orthotic or propulsion plate defines a toe platform region, a longitudinal arch pad region, and a heel region. In the absence of an applied force to the top surface of the orthotic or propulsion plate and with the sole of the shoe resting on a horizontal surface, the orthotic or propulsion plate bows upward in the longitudinal arch pad region relative to the toe platform region and the heel region. In response to a force being applied to the top surface of the orthotic or propulsion plate, the bowed longitudinal arch pad region flexes downward relative to the toe pad region and the heel region to load a first preload force in the orthotic or propulsion plate.

Abstract: Flexible members are provided that define (i) a toe platform region, (ii) a longitudinal arch pad region, (iii) a heel region, and (iv) a center axis; and include a plurality of fiber layers of varying lengths. The fiber layers each include a plurality of unidirectionally aligned fibers that are angled at between about 10° and 20° relative to the center axis such that the plurality of unidirectionally aligned fibers are angled medially from the heel region to the toe platform region. The flexible members may be used as orthotics, orthotic inserts or as an orthotic footplate that is joined with respect to a brace structure to function as an ankle foot orthosis. The flexible member improves biomechanical function, including biomechanical function of the foot, ankle and knee, and advantageously imparts propulsive force in connection with a user's gait by storing and releasing an individual's own energy to assist in walking and/or standing.

Abstract: A shoe with an integral orthotic or propulsion plate is provided that includes a shoe defining an upper and a sole, and an orthotic or propulsion plate positioned between the upper of the shoe and the sole of the shoe. The orthotic or propulsion plate defines a toe platform region, a longitudinal arch pad region, and a heel region. In the absence of an applied force to the top surface of the orthotic or propulsion plate and with the sole of the shoe resting on a horizontal surface, the orthotic or propulsion plate bows upward in the longitudinal arch pad region relative to the toe platform region and the heel region. In response to a force being applied to the top surface of the orthotic or propulsion plate, the bowed longitudinal arch pad region flexes downward relative to the toe pad region and the heel region to load a first preload force in the orthotic or propulsion plate.

Abstract: A foot orthotic comprising: a toe platform, the toe platform comprising a toe, sulcus, and ball; a longitudinal arch pad in communication with the toe platform; a heel cup in communication with the longitudinal arch pad, the heel cup comprising a heel; where the orthotic is made from a flexible material, and where in order to form an angle ? that is greater than 0° between the toe platform and the remainder of the orthotic, a pre-load pressure P is required.

Abstract: A foot orthotic comprising: a toe platform, the toe platform comprising a toe, sulcus, and ball; a longitudinal arch pad in communication with the toe platform; a heel cup in communication with the longitudinal arch pad, the heel cup comprising a heel; where the orthotic is made from a flexible material, and where in order to form an angle ? that is greater than 0° between the toe platform and the remainder of the orthotic, a pre-load pressure P is required.