INSOLE WITH ARCH STRAP

Abstract

An insole combined with a band/strap that wraps around the midfoot. The insole provides arch, midfoot and metatarsal support, cushioning and a heel cup. The band/strap supports the arch, talus and midfoot and keeps the plantar fascia stretched. The arch, metatarsal and midfoot support of the insole press up against said areas of foot, opposing their collapse, and work in conjunction with the heel cup to limit over pronation. The band/strap keeps the plantar fascia tissue stretched, which can hinder tearing. The insole can provide soft cushioning which can increase comfort by spreading out the force of foot impact over a more evenly dispersed and greater area.

Description

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/581,150, entitled “INSOLE WITH ARCH STRAP,” filed on Dec. 29, 2011, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Embodiments relate generally to orthopedic devices for the foot, and more specifically to an insole, with features that fit the shape of the foot, combined with a band/strap that can help keep a wearer's plantar fascia tissue stretched.

There are two anatomical arches of the foot, the transverse (metatarsal) arch and the longitudinal arch. Supporting this arch by mechanical means is an indicated and accepted modality for several conditions of the foot. General foot fatigue/excessive pronation and heel spur syndrome/plantar fasciitis are two of the more common conditions.

Pronation of the foot, although technically a motion involving all three anatomic planes, is essentially a rolling in of the foot and ankle, or in even more simple terms, a collapsing of the longitudinal arch. Pronation along with its opposite counterpart, supination, is a regular and essential part of foot function when it occurs within a “normal” range. When excessive pronation occurs, however, problems usually result. To begin with, motion in joints that are not supposed to have much motion (hypermobility) cause muscles which are not used to working during certain phases of gait or stance to become active in order to stabilize these joints. The most immediate result of this increased muscular demand is foot and leg fatigue. Over a period of time additional pathology may result from this pronation syndrome.

One of these additional effects is on the plantar fascia, a thick ligamentous band along the plantar (bottom) surface of the foot which inserts into the heel. It is generally agreed that over pronation increases the tension on this ligament. Any device that can resist, limit, or stabilize an over pronation tendency to any degree will allow its wearer to stand or walk in greater comfort and reduce the chances of further pathology.

At present, the most widely accepted, effective and long term method of providing this support is by means of molded arch support devices, commonly called arch supports or orthotic devices. These devices are made from a wide range of materials and may be customized by a physician at the high monetary end of the spectrum or purchased as an over-the-counter commercial item from many outlets at the low end. They are durable and provide consistent results over time.

The major disadvantages of insoles are: (1) they lack immediate pain relief for persons with conditions such as plantars faciitis; (2) the foot isn't securely held in place relative to the insole, which can allow the foot to move out of proper position in the insole; and (3) many insoles don't provide quality cushioning as the materials used give rebound therefore not absorbing much of the shock.

Strapping the foot or ankle with various types of adhesive tape to maintain optimal function has also been a mainstay method of addressing the problem of proper compression. While this method is quite practical for short term use by physicians and professional trainers, it has numerous drawbacks. For example: (1) for optimal results it should be applied by a professional, which rules out self-application; (2) it stretches and loses its effectiveness quickly (two or three days is usually the maximum limit for wear); (3) it can be used only once; (4) no adjustment is possible after the initial application; and finally, (5) adhesive material may be irritating to the skin, can facilitate fungal infections, and has the potential for allergic reactions.

Some non-orthotic devices have been developed to support the longitudinal arch in varying ways such as a device designed to control the alignment of the foot. Which can include one elastic component of a relatively inelastic material which slips over the forefoot and another component, a long adjustable strap, which is wrapped around the heel and secured by a hook and loop fastener. A goal of the conventional device may be to resupinate the foot, an action opposite to pronation.

Another conventional device may be designed to fit your foot and support the ligaments, tendons and muscles. The device can include a cushion which is placed under the longitudinal arch and secured by two hook and loop fastener strips.

Still another device can include a pad of somewhat comparable design within an encircling, elasticized band.

Some disadvantages of conventional straps and wraps are: (1) the entirety of the foot is not supported; (2) they do not provide a long-term solution; and (3) after they wear out the pain will return.

Embodiments were conceived in light of the above-mentioned problems and limitations, among other things.

SUMMARY

Some implementations can include a device which combines an insole with a strap to secure the foot and provide arch support for both axes and total foot control yielding immediate pain relief and a long term solution.

The present invention provides a combination of an insole with a band/strap yielding increased comfort to the wearer. The key elements in this invention are the arch, midfoot and metatarsal support, cushioning and heel cup combined with a band/strap that keeps the arch, talus and midfoot supported and the plantar fascia stretched. The arch, metatarsal and midfoot support of the insole press up against said areas of foot, opposing their collapse, and work in conjuction with the heel cup to limit over pronation. The band/strap keeps the plantar fascia tissue stretched, which hinders tearing.

Supporting the entire foot, limiting overpronation and using soft cushioning will accomplish three main goals: (1) There will be less foot fatigue because muscles will not have to be used as intensively to stabilize the foot, (2) a reduction in overpronation will lessen the stress on the plantar fascia, and (3) a greater area of the foot will be in contact with the insole lessening the force on any one area of the foot, because force equals pressure divided by area.

The band/strap accomplishes three main goals: (1) keeping the plantar fascia tissue stretched so that it does not tighten, overstretch and then tear, (2) provide adjustable support and compression to accommodate different foot sizes and preferences, (3) provide the user a way to keep the plantar fascia tissue stretched and supported when not wearing the insole, by just wearing the strap.

In comparison to the other apparatuses/devices previously described, some implementations can provide one or more of the following advantages: (1) increased comfort to wearer; (2) A more complete solution to their problem; (3) simpler self-application because of the design concept; (4) less expensive and easier than buying two products; (5) over-the-counter availability will enhance early self-treatment which may avoid costly medical treatment; and (6) can be utilized on a wide scale by persons in occupations requiring more than usual standing or walking.

In particular, some implementations can include a device for stabilizing a foot and limiting over pronation, plantars faciitis and heel spur syndrome.

The insole can include: (1) has an arch supporting base and heel cup which minimizes over pronation; (2) midfoot and metatarsal support to counter foot collapse; and (3) soft cushioning to increase comfort to user.

The band/strap: (1) can be a flexible, elastic strap for encircling the midfoot to keep the plantar fascia tissue stretched; (2) can have a velcro-type hook and loop fastener; (3) can be adjustable; and (4) can be removable for user to wear without insole or once user no longer needs band/strap.

Some implementations can include a system having an insole having a combined arch support, midfoot support and metatarsal support member formed into a bottom of a base member, and a heel cup formed so as to be coupled to the arch support on an interior edge of the insole. The system can also include a strap removably attachable to the insole via a slit in a side portion of the insole, the strap having a releasable attachment member. The insole can include a midlayer and wherein the base and midlayer of the insole are made of a thermoformable material.

In some implementations, the strap can have an adjustable length or a non-adjustable length. The strap can be formed of an elastic material or an inelastic material.

Some implementations can include an insole with a strap. The insole can also include a combined arch support, midfoot support and metatarsal support member formed into a bottom of a base member.

The insole can further include a heel cup formed so as to be coupled to the arch support on an interior edge of the insole. The strap is removably attachable to the insole via a slit in a side portion of the insole, and wherein the strap includes a releasable attachment member.

The insole can also include a midlayer, wherein the base and midlayer of the insole are made of a thermoformable material. The strap can have an adjustable length or a non-adjustable length. The strap can be formed of an elastic material or an inelastic material.

In some implementations, the strap can be attached on, through or under the insole in via one or more slits, lamination or any other method of attachment or fixation, including integration of the strap into materials of the insole.

The insole can also include a midfoot support. In other implementations, the insole can include a combined midfoot and metatarsal support. In still other implementations, the insole can include a combined arch, midfoot and metatarsal support formed into a bottom of a base portion, wherein the combined support is configured to be raised up from the base by adding material.

In some implementations, the insole can include a combined arch, midfoot and metatarsal support formed into a bottom of a base portion, wherein the combined support is formed of a thermoformable material.

The insole can also include a heel cup that links with the arch support on the interior edge. The insole can further include a semi-rigid base, a cushioned midlayer and a topcover. The base can include an opening for a heel pad. The midlayer can include a forefoot pad.

In some implementations, the strap can be placed through a slit on the interior or exterior edge of the base, wherein the slit is configured to position the strap so as to apply compression to the entire width of the foot of a wearer at an area where the plantar fascia tissue passes within a foot of the wearer when the strap is attached to the foot of the wearer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1 and 2 are top views of an insole with arch strap in accordance with at least one embodiment.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are side views of an insole with arch strap in accordance with at least one embodiment.

FIGS. 5 and 6 are top views of an insole with arch strap in accordance with at least one embodiment.

FIGS. 7 and 8 include views of the foot.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In reference to FIGS. 1-6, an insole with an arch strap (or band) includes a composite structure including base 11, heel cup 12, arch support 13, midfoot support 14, metatarsal support 15, midlayer 16, and topcover 17.

The base 11 is a more rigid, higher density foam or plastic material (e.g., a thermoformable plastic). The base 11 can include a heel cup 12 with a raised edge that wraps around the heel and extends partially along the sides of the foot and up under the arch such that the insole conforms to the natural shape of the foot, helping to control and support the foot.

Base 11 extends from the heel cup to just past metatarsal support 15.

Heel cup 12, arch support 13, midfoot support 14 and metatarsal support 15 are all a part of and integrated into the shape of base 11 through ridges and recesses.

Midlayer 16 covers the entire insole and is attached to base 11.

Topcover 17 is attached to and covers all of the top of Midlayer 16.

Band/Strap 18 slides over topcover 17 and through hole 21 on the lateral edge of insole 10.

Band/strap 18 can be used independently of insole 10.

Band/strap 18 can be wrapped around user's foot and then placed on top of insole 10.

Band/strap 18 could be extended from topcover 17, midlayer 16 or both together.

Band/strap 18 has hooks 19 on its top, exterior edge and loops 20 on its bottom, interior edge.

Midlayer 16 has the shape of the full insole and is comprised of foam, preferably softer than base 11. Band/strap 18 is comprised of flexible, elastic fabric.

The midfoot support can extend along the center of the foot that runs proximal the front of the calcaneus (heel bone) all the way proximal to the metatarsal phalangeal joints (MPJ). The midfoot support can include a portion supporting under the front of the talus. The midfoot support can include a support section providing hindfoot to forefoot support.

In FIGS. 7 and 8, views of the foot are drawn in accordance with a standard foot anatomy and composition. Foot 1 is comprised of hindfoot 2, midfoot 3, forefoot 4, calcaneus 5, talus 6, plantar fascia 7, cuboid, cuneiform and navicular bones 8, metatarsals 9, and metatarsal phalangeal joints 10.

Specific examples of materials and dimensions described above are for purposes of illustrating principles of exemplary embodiments and are not intended to be limiting. It will be appreciated that other materials and dimensions can be used with equal success depending on a contemplated embodiment.

It is, therefore, apparent that there is provided, in accordance with the various implementations disclosed herein, an insole with arch strap. While the invention has been described in conjunction with a number of embodiments, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations would be or are apparent to those of ordinary skill in the applicable arts. Accordingly, Applicant intends to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, equivalents and variations that are within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A system comprising:

an insole having a combined arch support, midfoot support and metatarsal support member formed into a bottom of a base member, and a heel cup formed so as to be coupled to the arch support on an interior edge of the insole; and

a strap removably attachable to the insole via a slit in a side portion of the insole, the strap having a releasable attachment member,

wherein the insole includes a midlayer and wherein the base and midlayer of the insole are made of a thermoformable material.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the strap has an adjustable length.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the strap has a non-adjustable length.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the strap is formed of an elastic material.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the strap is formed of an inelastic material.

6. An insole with a strap.

7. The insole of claim 6, further comprising a combined arch support, midfoot support and metatarsal support member formed into a bottom of a base member.

8. The insole of claim 7, further comprising a heel cup formed so as to be coupled to the arch support on an interior edge of the insole.

9. The insole of claim 8, wherein the strap is removably attachable to the insole via a slit in a side portion of the insole, and wherein the strap includes a releasable attachment member.

10. The insole of claim 9, further comprising a midlayer, wherein the base and midlayer of the insole are made of a thermoformable material.

11. The insole of claim 10, wherein the strap has an adjustable length.

12. The insole of claim 10, wherein the strap has a non-adjustable length.

13. The insole of claim 10, wherein the strap is formed of an elastic material.

14. The insole of claim 10, wherein the strap is formed of an inelastic material.

15. The insole of claim 6, wherein the strap can be attached on, through or under the insole in via one or more slits, lamination or any other method of attachment or fixation, including integration of the strap into materials of the insole.

16. The insole of claim 6, further comprising a midfoot support.

17. The insole of claim 6, further comprising a combined midfoot and metatarsal support.

18. An insole having a strap, wherein the insole includes a combined support having arch, midfoot and metatarsal support, the combined support formed into a bottom of a base portion of the insole.

19. The insole of claim 18, wherein the combined support is configured to be raised up from the base by adding material, and wherein the combined support is formed of a thermoformable material.

20. The insole of claim 18, wherein the strap can be placed through a slit on an interior edge or an exterior edge of the base portion, wherein the slit is configured to position the strap so as to apply compression to an entire width of a foot of a wearer at an area where the plantar fascia tissue passes within a foot of the wearer when the strap is attached to the foot of the wearer.