DEVICE FOR FOOT COMFORT

Abstract

Devices for the comfort of a foot. The devices comprise a heel strap, a foot comfort piece, coupling means and anchoring means. The foot comfort piece, which supports and underlies the foot, is operatively coupled to the heel strap directly or indirectly, for example by sleeves, straps, strap and hook features or any other coupling or fastening means known in the art. The coupling and fastening means may include a base plate which underlies the piece. The anchoring means is operatively coupled to the foot comfort piece. The foot comfort piece is secured to the foot by the anchoring means, the coupling means and the heel strap. The location of the foot comfort piece is also adjustable.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to devices for foot orthotics and foot comfort solutions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Over-pronation, or flat feet (also referred to as pes planus), is a common biomechanical problem that occurs in the walking process when a person's arch collapses upon weight bearing. This motion can cause extreme stress or inflammation on the planar fascia, possibly causing severe discomfort and leading to other foot problems.

Over-pronation is prominent in people who have flexible, flat feet. The framework of the foot begins to collapse, causing the foot to flatten and adding additional stress to other parts of the foot, the leg and the body.

There are many causes of flat feet. Obesity, pregnancy or repetitive pounding on a hard surface can weaken the arch leading to over-pronation. People with flat feet often do not experience discomfort immediately, and some never suffer from any discomfort at all. However, when symptoms develop and become painful, walking becomes awkward and causes increased strain on the feet and calves.

Over-pronation, and other foot problems, can be treated conservatively (non-surgical treatments) by using foot orthotics that can be either off-the-shelf or custom-made. These orthotics are generally designed with appropriate arch support and medial rear foot positioning to prevent over-pronation, as well as other problems. Footwear is generally examined to ensure there is a proper fit. Footwear with a firm heel counter is often recommended for extra support and stability. Improper fitting footwear can lead to additional problems of the foot.

The off-the-shelf foot orthotics have numerous drawbacks. The orthotic is generally either a thick sole insert or a thin hard insert. Either can only be used with a shoe that has a removable thick sole insert and can accept orthotics. Therefore, the orthotic cannot be worn with fashionable, warm-weather or indoor shoes, including but not limited to women's high heels, ballet flats, sandals of various types (flip flops, thong sandals, strappy sandals, etc.), mules, and slippers. In addition, because the off-the-shelf orthotic is not customized to the foot, the position of the arch may be incorrect.

While a custom orthotic provides a customized arch support for the particular foot it is supporting, it has numerous drawbacks. The customized orthotic is either a thick sole insert that must be worn with shoes that have a thick removable sole piece or a thin and hard piece which must always be worn with shoes equipped with an insert that can accept foot orthotics. A shoe with a heel counter is also usually required. As such, the custom orthotics can only be worn with a few types of shoes.

There are also other types of orthotic devices in the prior art that are not full-length, but rather fit a particular part of the foot. However, once again, these orthotic devices must be worn with a shoe.

Furthermore, the term “foot comfort piece” is used in this document to mean generally any foot comfort piece which provides foot comfort or support including foot orthotics. In the prior art, there are toe pads or heel cushions, made from gel, foam or other materials that provide foot comfort and that any skilled artisan would readily conceive of. For example, a heel cushion can ensure that the heel does not slip out of the shoe or that blisters are avoided by unwanted rubbing of the foot against the shoe. The heel cushion can also provide padding to a person suffering from a heel spur. However, these prior art devices must be worn with a shoe and the types of shoes that may be worn are restricted to some degree.

Another drawback is that shoes that have removable sole inserts tend to be unfashionable and unattractive. In addition, the above-noted shortcomings of the prior art can lead to people, who need to wear foot orthotics, wearing them less than the desirable amount of time, thus causing further discomfort, such as arch pain.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to devices for the comfort of a foot. The devices comprise a heel strap, coupling means and anchoring means, all of which operate to more accurately position a foot comfort piece on a user's foot. The device may also include a base plate to which the various straps and attachment means may be coupled. The foot comfort piece, which supports and underlies the foot, is operatively coupled to the heel strap directly or indirectly, for example by sleeves, straps, strap and hook features or any other coupling or fastening means known in the art. The coupling and fastening means may include a base plate which underlies the foot comfort piece. The anchoring means is operatively coupled to the foot comfort piece. The foot comfort piece is secured to the foot by the anchoring means, the coupling means and the heel strap. The location of the foot comfort piece is also adjustable.

The base plate may be constructed and arranged to hold or include a foot comfort piece that underlies the foot. This piece can be generic or custom-made. Other aspects of the invention do not require a base plate as the foot comfort piece may be directly coupled to the foot using hooks, straps, and other attachment means.

The device may be advantageously worn with or without shoes.

The present invention is further advantageous in that the device fits within many types of footwear, including many fashionable shoes. Given the minimal amount of material required for the device, the device of the present invention is relatively less expensive than orthotic devices of the prior art. The device of the present invention is also discreet and generally unnoticeable. Furthermore, the device can be used for a myriad of footwear. Therefore, it is not limited to shoes with removable sole inserts or otherwise to a specific shoe.

In one aspect, the present invention provides a device for foot comfort, the device comprises a heel strap, a foot comfort piece for providing foot comfort and for supporting the foot, such that the foot comfort piece underlies the foot, anchoring means for securing the foot comfort piece to the foot, coupling means for operatively coupling anchoring means to the heel strap. For this aspect of the invention, the foot comfort piece is secured to the foot by the anchoring means, the coupling means and the heel strap. Also in this aspect, the location of the foot comfort piece is adjustable.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a retrofit kit for foot comfort, the retrofit kit comprising a heel strap, a coupling means for operatively coupling an existing foot comfort piece to the heel strap, and anchoring means for securing the existing orthotic piece to the foot. In this aspect of the invention, the existing foot comfort piece is secured to the foot using the anchoring means, the coupling means and the heel strap.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments of the present invention will now be described by reference to the following figures, in which identical reference numerals in different figures indicate identical elements and in which:

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of the device according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the device, similar to the one shown in FIG. 1, on the foot according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the device, similar to the one shown in FIG. 1, on the foot according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of the device on the foot according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of the device, similar to the one shown in FIG. 4, according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of the device having a further foot comfort piece according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of the device on the foot according to another embodiment of the present invention, having an adjustable length strap and hook coupling feature;

FIG. 8 is a side perspective view of the adjustable length strap and hook coupling feature of the device according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of the device on the foot according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, having adjustable length straps coupling feature; and

FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view of the device according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, having adjustable length straps coupling feature.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The terms “coupled” and “connected”, along with their derivatives, may be used herein. It should be understood that these terms are not intended as synonyms for each other. Rather, in particular embodiments, “connected” may be used to indicate that two or more elements are in direct physical contact with each other. “Coupled” may be used to indicated that two or more elements are in either direct or indirect (with other intervening elements between them) physical contact with each other, or that the two or more elements co-operate or interact with each other (e.g. as in a cause and effect relationship).

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of the device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The device 10 includes a heel strap 20, a base plate 30, and anchoring means 40A, 40B. In this embodiment, the base plate 30, which supports and underlies the foot, is connected to the heel strap. The base plate 30 is constructed and arranged to provide comfort to the foot 90 by properly positioning a foot comfort piece 50. The foot comfort piece 50 may provide padding, may be an orthotic piece, or may be any device or component which, when used, provides comfort to a person's foot as that person is standing or walking. The foot comfort piece 50 may be any component for foot comfort as may be contemplated by the skilled artisan. The anchoring means 40A, 40B are operatively coupled to the heel strap 20 and the base plate 30.

As shown in FIG. 1, the base plate 30 is coupled to a separate foot comfort piece 50 which is overtop of the base plate 30 and which comfortably underlies the foot 90. Although the foot comfort piece 50 is shown overtop of the base plate, the foot comfort piece 50 may also positioned underneath the base plate 30 (not shown). In this alternative embodiment, the foot comfort piece 50 would comfortably underlie the base plate 30. The foot comfort piece 50 would also be in direct contact with a ground surface if the device is worn barefoot or in direct contact with the surface of a shoe worn by the foot. As such, the separate foot comfort piece 50 may be covered with a non-slip material. The separate piece may be a foot pad, an orthotic stent, or a cushion. In another embodiment, the foot comfort piece may be placed between two layers of material of the base plate.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 7, each of the loops of the anchoring means 40 embracingly engages at least one toe of the foot. It should be mentioned that the anchoring means 40 do not necessarily need to include loops as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 7. The embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4 through 6 shows the anchoring means 40 operatively coupled to the base plate 30. This embodiment in FIGS. 4-6 uses a single loop as an anchoring means. This embodiment has two straps as the anchoring means—both straps are attached to the base plate and pass between the big toe and the second toe. In one view, it can be said that one toe is embracingly engaged by a single loop as an anchoring means.

In FIG. 1, the device 10 is shown with a foot comfort piece 50. The foot comfort piece 50 may be an orthotic piece that is a generic or a custom-made orthotic piece. Various hard or soft pads are also contemplated as a possible foot comfort piece 50. The foot comfort piece 50 or the base plate may be provided with a non-slip cover material to prevent or minimize the movement of the foot comfort piece 50 relative to the base plate. Such movement may move the foot comfort piece 50 out of its proper position and may cause foot pain or discomfort. The present invention also contemplates that the foot comfort piece 50 may cover the full length of the base plate 30 or a smaller area of the base plate 30. It is also contemplated that the foot comfort piece 50 may overhang from the base plate 30, and such that the foot comfort piece 50 is not fully supported or adhered to the base plate 30.

In FIG. 1, the heel strap 20 optionally has adjustment pieces 60A, 60B to provide an adjustable heel strap 20. The length of the heel strap 20 can be made longer or shorter depending on the user's foot length.

It should be mentioned that the heel strap length may also be customized to the foot length. In this case, the base plate 30 would be adjustable in size or length (not shown) and movable along the heel strap 20 as shown more clearly in FIGS. 5 and 6 where the base plate 30 is slidable through the three operative connection sleeves 70A, 70B, 70C to the heel strap 20.

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the device, similar to the one shown in FIG. 1, with the device deployed on the foot 90 according to one embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment the base plate 30 is directly secured to the foot 90 by the anchoring means 40A, 40B and the heel strap 20. Use of the base plate 30 allows the foot comfort piece 50 (not shown in FIG. 2) to be operatively coupled to the foot to thereby provide foot comfort to the wearer.

FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the device 10, similar to the one shown in FIG. 1, on the foot 90 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of the device 10 on the foot 90 according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of the device 10, similar to the one shown in FIG. 4, according to another embodiment of the present invention. The device includes an optional heel strap adjustment piece 60C for adjusting the length of the heel strap 20. The base plate 30 is also shown as having operative sleeve couplers 70A, 70B, 70C to operatively couple the base plate 30 to the heel strap 20. In FIG. 5, the anchoring means 40 is operatively coupled to the base plate 30.

FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of the device 10 showing a foot comfort piece 50 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The device in FIG. 6 may be configured to allow the foot comfort piece 50 to be removable or the foot comfort piece 50 may be integral to the device.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the device 10 on the foot 90 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The device 10 includes a heel strap 20, a foot comfort piece 50, coupling means 80 and anchoring means 40A, 40B. The coupling means 80 may take the form of sleeve coupler as shown in FIGS. 4-6. In this specific embodiment the foot comfort piece 50, which supports and underlies the foot 90, is operatively coupled to the heel strap 20 by one or more sleeve couplers 80, one of which is shown more clearly in FIG. 8 as sleeve coupler 80A. As can be seen, the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7 does not use a base plate as the relevant couplers are directly coupled to the foot comfort piece 50.

Although the anchoring means 40A, 40B in FIG. 7 include two loops, the skilled artisan would readily conceive of other anchoring means such as a single loop or direct operative coupling means as shown in FIGS. 4 through 6. Furthermore, the separate foot comfort piece 50 may be provided with or without a non-slip cover material.

FIG. 8 is a close-up of sleeve coupler 80A according to one embodiment of the present invention. The sleeve coupler 80A includes a strap 24, a first and second sleeve 25A, 25B. The heel strap 20 passes through first sleeve 25A while a hook 26 located on or which is attached to the foot comfort piece 50 passes through second sleeve 25B. The strap 24 is preferably similar in nature to the heel strap 20. This strap 24 may be implemented as having an adjustable length (not shown) to allow for adjustments depending on the user's foot size. The strap 24 is connected to first and second sleeves 25A, 25B to thereby operatively couple the heel strap 20 to the base plate 30 by way of the hook 26. The hook 26 may form part of the foot comfort piece 50 or may be attached or removably attached to the foot comfort piece 50. Of course, other anchoring means, such as a bridge constructed of a suitable material or a loop, may also be conceived and used by the skilled artisan.

It should be noted that other alternative coupling means may be used. FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of the device 10 on the foot 90 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. The device 10 includes a heel strap 20, a foot comfort piece 50, coupling means 80B and anchoring means 40A, 40B. In this specific embodiment the foot comfort piece 50, which supports and underlies the foot 90, is operatively connected to the heel strap 20 by one or more sleeve couplers 80B. The configuration of the sleeve couplers is shown more clearly in FIG. 10.

FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view of the device 10 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10, the foot comfort piece 50 is operatively connected to the heel strap 20 by two sleeve couplers 80B. Each one of these sleeve couplers passes underneath the foot comfort piece 50 and has sleeves at each end. Accordingly, in this embodiment, each of the sleeve couplers has a sleeve at each side of the foot and the heel strap 20 passes through both of these sleeves. Of course, while FIG. 10 illustrates two sleeve couplers 80B, more than two sleeve couplers can be used. Alternatively, instead of relatively thin sleeve couplers, a single large sleeve coupler, similar to that shown as elements 70A and 70B in FIG. 6, can be used. The sleeve couplers in FIG. 10 can be connected across the bottom of the foot comfort piece 50 by adhesive means. It should also be mentioned that all of the straps, sleeve couplers, and sleeves discussed above may be made of plastic material. The foot comfort piece 50 may be made of leather material. In one embodiment, the plastic material is transparent such that the device can be used with the straps, couplers, and sleeves being mostly inconspicuous.

It should also be noted that the configuration in FIG. 10 may be used with a base plate (not shown) with the foot comfort piece 50 being overtop the base plate. The sleeve couplers 80B would be coupled to the base plate and would therefore operatively couple the foot comfort piece 50 to the foot.

It should be mentioned that if the foot comfort piece 50 is made from a leather material or a more slippery material, it may be preferable that the device 10 be worn with a non-slip surface shoe.

The device 10 may also include elastic materials.

It is clearly understood that device 10 may include multiple types of materials.

It is further mentioned that the entire device 10 may be made of a translucent material. For example, it may be desirable that the straps, sleeves, couplers, and anchoring means 40 are made of a translucent or transparent material, such that strappy sandals, for example, may be worn without the device being obvious or prominent to others.

It should also be readily understood that the device 10 of the present invention may be worn on the foot without shoes. Shoes are not required for the wearer. Furthermore, the device in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention is suitable for use with many, if not all, types and manners of footwear.

In another embodiment of the invention, a retrofit kit for existing foot comfort pieces is provided. A user may already have an existing foot comfort piece and simply wishes to be able to use the foot comfort piece with or without their footwear.

The retrofit kit has the various parts of the device as explained above with the exception of the foot comfort piece. The coupling means and the anchoring means are attachable to the existing foot comfort piece by well-known attaching means such as staples, adhesives, clips, hook and loop straps (also known as Velcro™), and any other suitable means for attaching to the foot comfort piece. Preferably, the coupling means and the anchoring means are removably attachable to the foot comfort piece so that a user may, if they wish, unattach the retrofit kit from the foot comfort piece.

It should be clear that part of the invention encompasses the concept of detachably wearing an orthotic device (or a foot comfort piece) on a foot using different types of attachment means. As noted above, these attachment means allows a user to use the orthotic device both with and without shoes. The attachment means includes straps that are attached underneath the orthotic device, straps attached directly to the sides of the orthotic device, and any other means by which the orthotic device can be detachably worn on a foot.

A person understanding this invention may now conceive of alternative structures and embodiments or variations of the above all of which are intended to fall within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims that follow.

Claims

1. A device for foot comfort, the device comprising:

a heel strap;

a foot comfort piece for providing foot comfort and for supporting the foot, such that the piece underlies the foot;

anchoring means for securing the piece to the foot,

coupling means for operatively coupling anchoring means to the heel strap; and

wherein the foot comfort piece is secured to the foot by the anchoring means, the coupling means and the heel strap, and

wherein the location of the foot comfort piece is adjustable.

2. The device as in claim 1, wherein the heel strap is an adjustable length strap.

3. The device as in claim 1, wherein the heel strap includes at least one adjustment piece for adjusting a fit of the heel strap.

4. The device as in claim 1 further comprising a base plate such that said foot comfort piece is overtop of said base plate, said foot comfort piece underlying the foot.

5. The device as in claim 1 wherein the foot comfort piece is covered with a non-slip material.

6. The device as in any one of claim 1 wherein the foot comfort piece is one of: a foot pad, an orthotic stent, and a cushion.

7. The device as in claim 1, wherein the coupling means operatively couples the foot comfort piece to the heel strap using at least one sleeve.

8. The device as in claim 1, wherein the coupling means operatively couples the foot comfort piece to the heel strap by way of at least one sleeve coupler.

9. The device as in claim 8, wherein the or each sleeve coupler passes underneath said foot comfort piece such that said heel strap is coupled to each sleeve coupler at each end of said sleeve coupler.

10. The device according to claim 9 wherein each sleeve coupler is attached to said underneath of the foot comfort piece by adhesive means.

11. The device as in claim 1, wherein the coupling means operatively couples the foot comfort piece to the heel strap by way of at least one hook.

12. The device according to claim 11, wherein the coupling mean comprises:

a strap;

a first and a second sleeve, said first sleeve being attached to said second sleeve through said strap;

wherein said hook passes through said second sleeve and said heel strap passes through said first sleeve.

13. The device according to claim 12, wherein the strap is adjustable to allow for adjustments depending on a user's foot size.

14. The device according to claim 11, wherein the hook is attached to the foot comfort piece.

15. The device according to claim 11 wherein the hook is removably attached to the foot comfort piece.

16. The device according to claim 11 wherein the hook forms part of said foot comfort piece.

17. The device as in claim 1, wherein the anchoring means extends from both ends of the heel strap.

18. The device as in claim 1, wherein the anchoring means is secured between two toes and couples to said foot comfort piece.

19. The device as in claim 1, wherein the anchoring means extends from at least one end of the heel strap, and wherein the anchoring means further includes a loop for embracingly engaging at least one toe.

20. A retrofit kit for foot comfort, the retrofit kit comprising:

a heel strap;

coupling means for operatively coupling an existing foot comfort piece to the heel strap; and

anchoring means for securing the existing foot comfort piece to the foot,

wherein the existing foot comfort piece is secured to the foot using the anchoring means, the coupling means and the heel strap.

21. The retrofit kit as in claim 20, wherein the heel strap is an adjustable length strap.

22. The retrofit kit as in claim 20, wherein the heel strap includes at least one adjustment piece to adjust the length of the heel strap.

23. The kit according to claim 20 wherein the coupling means operatively couples the foot comfort piece to the heel strap using at least one sleeve.

24. The kit according to claim 20 wherein the anchoring means is secured between two toes and couples to said existing piece.

25. The kit according to claim 20 wherein the anchoring means extends from at least one end of the heel strap, and wherein the anchoring means further includes a loop for embracingly engaging at least one toe.

26. A device for foot comfort, the device comprising:

a foot comfort piece for providing foot comfort and for supporting the foot, such that said foot comfort piece underlies the foot; and

anchoring means, operatively coupled to the foot comfort piece for securing the foot comfort piece to the foot,

wherein the foot comfort piece is secured to the foot by the anchoring means; and

wherein the location of the piece is adjustable.