Foot Support Shoe Insert

Abstract

A performance foot support apparatus operable to provide support to a foot of a user while disposed within a shoe. The performance foot support apparatus includes a body having an opening proximate the top to provide access to the interior volume. The body includes a sole having a first layer wherein the first layer has a nitrile rubber coating thereon. The sole further includes a second layer of foam material which has a protective layer superposed thereon. A heel cup is present that is operable to protect the heel of a user. A plurality of apertures are journaled through the sole and heel cup. The body includes an upper layer that is manufactured from an elastic material. Five toe compartments are included within the body operable to receive the toes of a user. Phalangeal support pads are disposed within the interior volume operable to support the phalangeal joints.

Description

PRIORITY UNDER 35 U.S.C SECTION 119(e) & 37 C.F.R. SECTION 1.78

This nonprovisional application claims priority based upon the following prior United States Provisional Patent Application entitled: Foot Support Device, Application No. 61/882,659 filed Sep. 26, 2013, in the name of Uganda Williams, which is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to orthopedics, more specifically but not by way of limitation, an orthopedic shoe insert operable to be worn like a sock configured to provide enhanced support for the users foot. The orthopedic shoe insert includes an upper portion and a lower portion wherein the upper portion is stretchable and the lower portion includes a plurality of layers including but not limited to foam, gel and nylon spandex.

BACKGROUND

Millions of individuals experience some type of foot pain on a regular basis. Conditions such as but not limited to plantar fasciitis and other foot related ailments can be caused by various conditions and/or shoe types. Those individuals that spend a great deal of time on their feet for work often suffer from the aforementioned conditions which can create significant hardships and discomfort making it difficult to perform certain activities. It has been further shown that women have almost four times the chance of having some foot pain condition than men. A significant portion of this can be attributed to the shoe styles that women often wear such as but not limited to high heels.

One problem with existing foot pain treatment devices is they do not surroundably mount to the foot. Existing technologies such as but not limited to shoe insoles are typically placed within a shoe so as to reduce the impact pressure caused by walking or running. The insoles are typically manufactured from foam or a gel and superposed the interior surface of the sole of the shoe. There are several drawbacks to this design. First the only time the foot pain treatment device can be used is during the wearing of the particular pair of shoes in which the insole has been inserted. As many people routinely change shoes for different occasions, this requires that the user either purchase a set of insoles for each pair of shoes they intend to wear or transfer the insoles to the shoes that need to be worn by the user. The aforementioned options are both costly and/or inconvenient.

Another issue with existing shoe insoles (or inserts) are their impact on the fit of the shoe. Many insoles designs are manufactured from a gel or similar material and have a negative effect on the fit and comfort of the shoe. Subsequent to inserting the insole, the interior surface of the sole is effectively raised which can cause pressure on the upper portion of the foot resulting from the upper portion of the shoe being biased thereagainst with more force than when the insole is not in place.

Accordingly, there is a need for a foot support device that can be worn within a shoe that does not impact the overall fit of the shoe and further wherein the foot support device surroundably mounts the foot and can be worn without the need of a shoe.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is the object of the present invention to provide a foot support shoe insert that is operable to surroundably mount the foot of a user.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a foot support shoe insert that has an upper portion and a lower portion.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a foot support shoe insert wherein the upper portion is manufactured from a stretchable material such as but not limited to nylon or spandex.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide a foot support shoe insert operable to relieve the symptoms of numerous foot maladies wherein the lower portion of the foot support device includes a cushioning layer.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a foot support shoe insert operable to relieve foot pain wherein the cushioning layer of the lower portion is manufactured from a material such as but not limited to memory foam.

Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a foot support shoe insert device operable to relieve foot pain that includes a separate compartment for each toe of the foot.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a foot support shoe insert operable to relieve foot pain, wherein the cushioning layer further includes additional support for specific pressure points on the foot of a user.

Still an additional object of the present invention is to provide a foot support shoe insert operable to relieve foot pain that further includes an exterior layer on the lower portion so as to increase the surface cohesion.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a foot support shoe insert wherein the exterior layer on the lower portion is manufactured from a suitable material such as but not limited to nitrile rubber.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a foot support shoe insert wherein the lower portion further includes a molded heel cup that is operable to provide protection for the Achilles tendon of a user.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide a foot support shoe insert operable to relieve foot pain that is worn in a sock-like manner so as provide the ability to be worn without a shoe.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a foot support shoe insert operable to relieve foot pain that includes a loop or similar structure on the rear of the upper portion for providing assistance in donning the foot support device.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a foot support shoe insert operable to relieve foot pain wherein the lower portion further includes a molded arch support.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a foot support shoe insert that is operable to relieve foot pain that is manufactured in numerous sizes.

To the accomplishment of the above and related objects the present invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Attention is called to the fact that the drawings are illustrative only. Variations are contemplated as being a part of the present invention.

In the preceding description, along with which drawings and/or photos accompanying said description that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments, and certain variants thereof, have been described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It is to be understood that other suitable embodiments may be utilized and that logical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. The description may omit certain information known to those skilled in the art. The preceding detailed description is, therefore, not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forth herein, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as can be reasonably included within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present invention may be had by reference to the following Detailed Description and appended claims when taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is an end view of an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 2 is a top view of the upper surface of the sole of the present invention; and

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic sectional view of the layers of the sole of the present invention; and

FIG. 4 is a partial bottom view of the present invention; and

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings submitted herewith, wherein various elements depicted therein are not necessarily drawn to scale and wherein through the views and figures like elements are referenced with identical reference numerals, there is illustrated a foot support shoe insert 100 constructed according to the principles of the present invention.

Referring in particular to FIG. 3, a diagrammatic view of the layers of the sole 10 are illustrated therein. The sole 10 includes a bottom layer 12 that is operable to engage either the inside upper surface of the sole of an exemplary shoe. The bottom layer 12 is manufactured from a suitable durable absorbing material such as but not limited to gel. The gel material of the bottom layer 12 functions to provide the first layer of impact force reduction to the foot of the user disposed within the foot support shoe insert 100. Disposed on the bottom layer 12 on the external surface thereof is a gripping agent 14. The gripping agent 14 is operable to provide an increased coefficient of friction between the foot support shoe insert 100 and the shoe in which it is disposed. During rapid movements such as those made in a basketball game or other sports, there are significant lateral forces on the feet of an individual. Utilizing a gripping agent 14 on the outer surface of the bottom layer 12 provides additional securement of the foot support shoe insert 100 during movements of increased force. While no particular gripping agent 14 is required, good results have been achieved utilizing a nitrile rubber as the gripping agent 14. Additionally, utilization of nitrile rubber as the gripping agent 14 is desirable as nitrile rubber is less susceptible to bacteria growth. Those skilled in the art will recognize that numerous types of material could be utilized for the gripping agent 14.

Superposed the bottom layer 12 is a cushioning layer 16. The cushioning layer 16 is manufactured from a suitable durable material such as but not limited to memory foam. The cushioning layer 16 is secured to the bottom layer 12 utilizing suitable durable techniques such as but not limited to stitching and/or chemical adhesion. The cushioning layer 16 provides an additional layer of material within the sole 10 that provides impact force reduction. As the bottom layer 10 and cushioning layer 16 are manufactured from different materials have different cell structures, the bottom layer 10 and cushioning layer 16 combine to reduce impact force from walking or running more than a single layer of material. The cushioning layer 16 further includes magnets 20 disposed therein. The magnets 20 are conventional magnets and are manufactured in a circular shape being relatively thin. The magnets 20 function to stimulate acupuncture points on the foot disposed within the foot support shoe insert 100 in order to relieve muscle pain and similar symptoms. It is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the magnets 20 could be present in numerous different quantities and placed in various locations. Additionally, it is further contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the magnets 20 could be manufactured in alternative sizes.

Superposed the cushioning layer 16 is protective layer 25. The protective layer 25 is manufactured from a suitable durable material such as but not limited to a polyurethane-polyurea copolymer. Those skilled in the art will recognize that such materials are spandex and lycra. The protective layer 25 is the upper surface of the sole 10 that will engage the foot of the user as a foot is disposed within the foot support shoe insert 100. The protective layer 25 is superposed the cushioning layer 16 and secured thereto utilizing suitable durable techniques such as but not limited to chemical adhesion and/or stitching. Utilization of spandex or similar material for the protective layer 25 is desirable as the elastic properties of the material provide the required performance for the user of the foot support shoe insert 100. This material or one similar thereto is further desirable as it has a porosity that allows airflow therethrough with is desirable for the foot support shoe insert 100 as further discussed herein. By way of example but not limitation, when a user participates in aggressive maneuvers, the elasticity of the protective layer 25 maintains the integrity of the material and prevents tearing or damage thereto. While not illustrated in particular herein, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the protective layer 25 could be disposed completely around the cushioning layer 16 as an alternative to being superposed thereon. This configuration would provide protection for the cushioning layer 16 wherein the cushioning layer 16 is manufactured from an open cell foam.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the sole 10 includes a plurality of apertures 30 bored therethrough. The apertures 30 journal through the bottom layer 12 and the foam layer 16 but do not journal through the protective layer 25. In the preferred embodiment there are three apertures 30 in the sole and a fourth aperture in the heel cup 40. This configuration facilitates desired airflow into the interior of the foot support shoe insert 100 so as to reduce perspiration and increase comfort to the user. Apertures 30 located only in the sole 10 do not provide the air circulation required for desired performance and thus at least one aperture 30 is required in the heel cup 40. While a particular quantity of apertures 30 have been disclosed herein, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the sole 10 could have numerous different amounts of apertures 30 journaled therethrough. Additionally, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the apertures 30 could be manufactured in various different sizes.

Referring in particular to FIGS. 1 and 4, the heel cup 40 is illustrated therein. The heel cup 40 is integrally formed with the sole 10 and is operable to provide specific support and protection for the Achilles tendon of a user. The heel cup is manufactured from a dense foam material that is less resilient than that of the cushioning layer 16. It is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the heel cup 40 could be manufactured from numerous different material in order to achieve the desired functionality herein. Located adjacent to the heel cup 40 is tab 50. The tab 50 is secured to the upper rear perimeter 55 utilizing suitable durable methods such as but not limited to chemical adhesion or stitching. The tab 50 is secured to the tab support 51. The tab 50 and tab support 51 are manufactured from a suitable durable material such as but not limited to nylon. The tab 50 provides an interface for a user to engage when donning the foot support shoe insert 100. The tab support 51 provides reinforcement and additional strength in the area that experiences additional pulling forces during the donning of the foot support shoe insert 100 by a user. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the tab 50 and tab support 51 could be manufactured in alternative styles and sizes.

Referring in particular to FIG. 2, a diagrammatic view of the upper inner surface 60 of the sole 10 is illustrated therein. As previously described herein, the protective layer 25 comprises the upper inner surface 60. Superposed on the upper inner surface 60 are a plurality of pads 70. The pads 70 are manufactured from a suitable material such as but not limited to gel or foam. The pads 70 function to provide additional cushioning for areas of a user's foot that experience more pressure during activities such as but not limited to walking or running. More specifically but not by way of limitation, the heel of a foot and the arch area are susceptible to greater stress and thus have pads 70 located proximate thereto. Certain areas of the foot are susceptible to higher force during the aforementioned activities. The pads 70 function to reduce the impact force transferred to the areas of the feet in which they are located. While three pads 70 have been illustrated herein of particular size and shape, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the upper inner surface 60 could have numerous different sizes and quantities of pads 70 superposed thereon. The phalangeal joint supports 80 are further included on the upper inner surface 60. The phalangeal joint supports 80 are operable to fill the void 81 intermediate the upper inner surface 60 and the exemplary phalange 98. The human foot is shaped that the areas proximate the phalangeal joint are slightly higher than the bottom of the phalanges, in this example, the toes. This shape causes void 81 to be present between the phalangeal joint area and the surface on which a foot is superposed. This creates additional stress on these areas during activities such as prolonged standing, walking or running. The phalangeal joint supports 80 are specifically placed to be underneath each of the phalangeal joint areas of a human foot. This additional support substantially fills the void 81 and reduces the pressure on the phalangeal joint area. The phalangeal joint supports 80 are manufactured from a suitable material such as but not limited to gel or foam and are secured to the upper inner surface 60 utilizing suitable techniques.

Referring in particular to FIG. 5, a perspective external view of the foot support shoe insert 100 is illustrated therein. Proximate the first end 85 are the toe compartments 90. The toe compartments 90 are hollow having separate walls 92 defining each toe compartment 90. The toe compartments 90 function to provide a separate compartment for each toe of a human foot. While separate toe compartments 90 have been illustrated herein, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the body 5 of the foot support shoe insert 100 could be manufactured having only one large toe compartment operable to receive but not separate all five toes of a human foot. The body 5 further includes an upper layer 7 that is operable to surroundably mount the upper portion 2 of an exemplary human foot 1. The upper layer 7 is integrally formed with the sole 10 and the sides 4 of the body 5. The upper layer 7 is manufactured from a suitable elastic material such as but not limited to spandex. An elastic material is desired for the upper layer 7 in order to facilitate improved donning of the foot support shoe insert 100. Furthermore, the upper layer 7 being manufactured from a material having some elasticity functions to ensure a secure and stable fit of the foot support shoe insert 100 reducing any movement once donned by a user. The upper layer 7 is formed to create opening 13. Opening 13 functions to provide access to the interior of the foot support shoe insert 100 in order to be donned by a user.

While not particularly illustrated herein, it is further contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the foot support shoe insert 100 could be manufactured such that it is calf height as opposed to the ankle height embodiment illustrated herein. Additionally, the foot support shoe insert 100 is contemplated having an embodiment that includes a compression element integrated therewith. The compression element would be secured to the body 5 and be operable to be surroundably mounted to a user's ankle and calf area for either additional support or to assist in treatment of symptoms of an injury. Furthermore, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the compression element could extend beyond the ankle to an area such as but not limited to a user's upper thigh. While the gripping agent 14 of the bottom layer 12 has been taught herein to include an antibacterial function, it is further contemplated within the scope of the present invention that all other elements of the foot support shoe insert 100 could be impregnated with either anti-bacterial and/or anti-fungal material. Those skilled in the arts will recognize that numerous different compounds could be utilized for anti-bacterial and anti-fungal benefits.

In the preceding detailed description, reference has been made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments, and certain variants thereof, have been described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It is to be understood that other suitable embodiments may be utilized and that logical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. The description may omit certain information known to those skilled in the art. The preceding detailed description is, therefore, not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forth herein, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as can be reasonably included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A performance sock comprising:

a body, said body further including a sole, said body further including an upper layer integrally formed with said sole, said body having an opening, said opening being formed into said upper layer, said opening operable to facilitate access to an interior volume of said body, said interior volume being sufficient in size to accommodate a human foot therein, said body having at least one toe compartment; and

wherein said sole further includes a first layer, said first layer being proximate a surface on which a user is superposed subsequent to donning the performance sock, said first layer being manufactured from an impact reducing material, said first layer having an external surface, said external surface further having a coating thereon, said sole further including a second layer, said second layer being secured to said first layer opposite said external surface, said second layer being manufactured from a impact reducing material.

2. The performance sock as recited in claim 1, and further including a protective layer, said protective layer being secured to said second layer opposite said first layer.

3. The performance sock as recited in claim 2, and further including at least one cushioning pad, said at least one cushioning pad being superposed said protective layer and disposed within the interior volume of the performance sock.

4. The performance sock as recited in claim 3, and further including a plurality of phalangeal joint pads, said phalangeal joint pads being superposed said protective layer and disposed within the interior volume, said phalangeal joint pads being positioned so as to be underneath phalangeal joints of a user's foot disposed within the interior volume of the performance sock.

5. The performance sock as recited in claim 4, and further including a heel cup, said heel cup being integrally formed with said sole, said heel cup being proximate a heel of a user's foot subsequent a foot being disposed within the interior volume of said body.

6. The performance sock as recited in claim 5, and further including at least two apertures, one of said at least two apertures being journaled through the first layer and second layer of said sole, one of said at least two apertures being journaled through said heel cup.

7. The performance sock as recited in claim 6, and further including at least one magnet, said at least one magnet being disposed within said second layer.

8. A foot support apparatus operable to be worn by a user wherein the foot of a user can be inserted into a conventional shoe ensuing the donning of the foot support apparatus comprising:

a body, said body further including a sole, said body further including an upper layer integrally formed with said sole, said upper layer being manufactured from an elastic material, said body having a first end and a second end, said body having an opening, said opening being formed into said upper layer, said opening operable to facilitate access to an interior volume of said body, said interior volume being sufficient in size to accommodate a human foot therein, said body having five toe compartments, said five toe compartments being proximate said first end of said body;

wherein said sole further includes a first layer, said first layer being manufactured from an impact reducing material, said first layer having an external surface, said external surface further having a coating thereon, said coating being a nitrile rubber, said sole further including a second layer, said second layer being secured to said first layer opposite said external surface, said second layer being manufactured from a impact reducing material; and

a heel cup, said heel cup being proximate said second end of said body, said heel cup being manufactured from a more dense material than said sole, said heel cup operable to protect a heel of a user's foot.

9. The foot support apparatus as recited in claim 8, and further including a protective layer, said protective layer being superposed said second layer opposite said first layer, said protective layer being manufactured from a breathable material.

10. The foot support apparatus as recited in claim 9, and further including a plurality of apertures, wherein one of said plurality of apertures is journaled through said heel cup, said plurality of apertures being journaled through said first layer and said second layer of said sole, said plurality of apertures operable to facilitate air circulation within the interior volume of said body.

11. The foot support apparatus as recited in claim 10, and further including a plurality of phalangeal joint pads, said phalangeal joint pads being superposed said protective layer and disposed within the interior volume, said phalangeal joint pads being positioned so as to be underneath phalangeal joints of a user's foot disposed within the interior volume of the body.

12. The foot support apparatus as recited in claim 11, and further including a plurality of support pads, said support pads being manufactured from an impact reducing material, said support pads being superposed said protective layer opposite said second layer.

13. The foot support apparatus as recited in claim 12, and further including a plurality of magnets, said plurality of magnets being disposed within said second layer.

14. The foot support apparatus as recited in claim 13, wherein said first layer of said sole is manufactured from a gel material and said second layer of said sole is manufactured from a foam material.

15. A performance foot support apparatus operable to be worn during use of a conventional shoe comprising:

a body, said body further including a sole, said body further including an upper layer integrally formed with said sole, said upper layer being manufactured from an elastic material, said body having a first end and a second end, said body having an opening, said opening being formed into said upper layer, said opening operable to facilitate access to an interior volume of said body, said interior volume being sufficient in size to accommodate a human foot therein, said body having five toe compartments, said five toe compartments being proximate said first end of said body;

wherein said sole further includes a first layer, said first layer being manufactured from an impact reducing material, said first layer having an external surface, said external surface further having a coating thereon, said coating being a nitrile rubber, said sole further including a second layer, said second layer having an upper surface and a lower surface, said lower surface of said second layer being secured to said first layer opposite said external surface, said second layer being manufactured from a impact reducing material;

a heel cup, said heel cup being proximate said second end of said body, said heel cup being manufactured from a more dense material than said sole, said heel cup operable to protect a heel of a user's foot; and

four apertures, three of said four apertures being journaled through said first layer and said second layer of said sole, one of said four apertures being journaled through said heel cup, said four apertures being operable to promote air circulation within the interior volume of said body.

16. The performance foot support apparatus as recited in claim 15, a protective layer, said protective layer superposed said upper surface of said second layer, said protective layer being manufactured from spandex.

17. The performance foot support apparatus as recited in claim 16, and further including a plurality of phalangeal joint pads, said phalangeal joint pads being superposed said protective layer and disposed within the interior volume, said phalangeal joint pads being positioned so as to be underneath phalangeal joints of a user's foot disposed within the interior volume of the body.

18. The performance foot support apparatus as recited in claim 17, and further including a plurality of support pads, said support pads being manufactured from an impact reducing material, said support pads being superposed said protective layer opposite said second layer.

19. The performance foot support apparatus as recited in claim 18, and further including a plurality of magnets, said plurality of magnets being disposed within said second layer.

20. The performance foot support apparatus as recited in claim 19, and further including a pull tab, said pull tab being proximate said opening, said pull tab operable to assist a user in donning the performance foot support apparatus.