Abstract: A collapsible free standing stocking is disclosed. This invention removes the danger from a stocking that hangs over a flame (of any kind). It also eliminates the danger of being pulled off from a mount having heavy weighted holder and crushing a child head, a person's foot or injuring a pet. It eliminates the need of nailing, screwing or attaching hooks into mantels. The collapsible stocking includes a footpad that is received in a foot portion of the stocking. A weighted sock is dimensioned to be received within the foot portion and carries a malleable weighted material, which may be a granular or pelletized material. A plurality of sleeves and a corresponding plurality of rods support an upper sleeve portion of the stocking body in an upright orientation.

Abstract: Provided is a compression garment formed of a stretchable woven fabric with a uniform elasticity, such as denim. A circumferential portion of the garment surrounds a wearer's body part and is characterized by different degree of stretching but the same circumferential compressive forces when worn by a wearer, at various axial locations due to geometric cuts made to the fabric to form one or more fabric panels, each of which extend along the entire length of the circumferential portion. The compressive forces, degrees of stretching and circumferential lengths of fabric, are calculated using formulas and algorithms that take into account various factors relating to the fabric and the garment being formed.

Abstract: A footwear device is disclosed herein that includes a knitted outer sock with an anatomical sole attached to its external bottom surface. The anatomical sole includes a raised arch support region and may, in some embodiments, include a plurality of apertures extending from a top surface of the sole through to a bottom surface of the sole. In other embodiments, however, the anatomical sole may be free from apertures. The anatomical sole may be shaped to curve upward along one or more of its edges (e.g., on a medial side and on a lateral side). In these and other embodiments, the anatomical sole may curve upward in a heel region to wrap around a heel area of the outer sock. An inner sock may optionally be positioned within the outer sock to provide additional cushioning and support.

Abstract: A non-binding-mark sock is provided, including a sock sole and a straight sock leg connected to each other, where the upper portion of the straight sock leg is an opening end. An inner surface of the straight sock leg has at least one transverse annular convex portion near the opening end, where the transverse annular convex portion is sewn by a thread, a plurality of convex segments are formed on an inner surface of the transverse annular convex portion along the thread, and the convex segments protrude from the inner surface of the straight sock leg.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is a method for manufacturing a tubular compression item, having at least one leg part, one foot tip, one heel and one foot, comprising a first step for knitting the leg part and the foot with at least one knitting yarn on a double cylinder knitting machine during which an elastic weft yarn is inserted between two rows of ribbed stitches (n)*(p) and (n?)*(p?) every 1/1 to 1/5 rows of stitches of the leg part and of the foot, on at least 50% by number of the number (m) of needles without forming any tuck stitch or loop stitch.

Abstract: A low profile sock device may include a body for receiving portions of a foot of a user. A first retainer may be configured to tension portions of the body, such as a first side and/or a heel region towards a portion of an upper foot region that the first retainer may be coupled to. A second retainer may be configured to tension portions of the body, such as a second side and/or a heel region towards a portion of the upper foot region that the second retainer may be coupled to. The retainers may be used to tension the body to the foot of a user to increase friction between the body and the foot prevent walking/running motion from pushing the body downward at the back of the foot while allowing the body to remain hidden while being worn with a shoe.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a material, a first tag portion and a second tag portion. The material may be configured to be worn. The second tag portion may comprise a fastener. The first tag portion and the second tag portion may be attached near an opening of the material. When the material is worn, (a) the first tag portion may overlap the second tag portion and (b) the second tag portion may be between the first tag portion and the material. The fastener may be configured to removably attach to a complementary fastener on another of the apparatus.

Abstract: A footwear combination that includes a base shoe that may be combined with plural different fitted socks to accommodate plural outfits, depending upon the fitted sock that is combined with the shoe. The fitted socks are detachable from the shoe (e.g., for washing and change of outfitting). Points of attachment between the sock and shoe extend down to the region of the metatarso-phalangeal joints. This allows the dorsal portion of the foot to remain bare and will allow fashionable women's footwear to be at once comfortable and trendy.

Abstract: According to the invention, a system for increasing the effectiveness of a mechanical joint brace worn by a user is disclosed. A sleeve may fit around, and to either side, of a user's joint. The sleeve may include a first portion which applies compressive pressure on a proximate side of the joint, a second portion disposed around the joint, and a third portion which applies compressive pressure on a distal side of the joint. A first set of pads may be disposed and compressed between at least a first portion of a mechanical joint brace worn over the sleeve and the proximate side of the joint. A second set of pads may be disposed and compressed between at least a second portion of the mechanical joint brace worn over the sleeve and the distal side of the joint.

Abstract: A loss prevention mechanism may be attached to an article of clothing to prevent the removal of the article and/or at least one covering worn by the child. One implementation has a first connector coupled to a first covering, the first connector having a connector capable of forming a connection with a second covering, and a second connector coupled to the first connector and the first covering, wherein the second covering is positioned in a proximity to the first covering. The covering(s) may be any number of type of covering including socks, shoes, gloves, mittens, hats, and the like. The coupling mechanism is easy to operate yet requires a combination of skills not often exhibited by young children. Further, the components are all interconnected thereby preventing separation of and choking on any of the components.

Abstract: A combination of a ski boot and a strap, where the strap extends from an attachment point on the lateral side of a hard outer shell of the boot and in use is tightened to hold the inner boot liner in relatively fixed proximity to the lateral side of the outer boot shell during skiing. The strap can extend around the inner boot liner, or be at least partially incorporated as a part of the inner boot liner. In either case, the strap is adjustable between the tightened position, and an open position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tubular compressive orthosis having an upper edge defining a first knitted compression zone, and comprising, close to said upper edge, at least one grip element facilitating the process of putting on the orthosis. Characteristically, the grip element is a second knitted gripping zone arranged beneath the upper edge and having a mesh density higher than the mesh density of the first compression zone.

Abstract: A two sock system, including an inner sock, and an outer sock surrounding the inner sock, wherein the inner sock and the outer sock include a support band system that prevents movement of the inner sock relative to the outer sock. A method of preventing movement between an inner sock and outer sock in a two sock system, by preventing movement of the inner sock on a user's foot, and preventing movement of the outer sock on the inner sock, wherein the inner sock and outer sock are unattached.

Abstract: A water sock forming a tubular body having a pair of opposing, open ends that allow the water sock to be put on and removed as easily as any sock. The simple design of this water sock makes it compatible with any type of outer footwear. In one exemplary embodiment, a stretchable toe strap extends between opposing sides of the water sock adjacent to one of the open ends. This toe strap is received between two of the wearer's toes during use and prevents the water sock from sliding rearward toward the wearer's heel.

Abstract: The orthopedic support garment includes a garment body made of stretchable fabric and configured to be worn in a form-fitting manner on the upper body of a wearer. The garment body has a front body portion, a rear body portion joined to the front body portion, and right and left sleeve portions attached to the front and rear body portions. Also provided is at least one tensor band laid out along one of the front and rear body portions in a manner intended to substantially correspond to at least one of the fascial lines extending along the upper body of the wearer. When the garment is worn by the wearer, the at least one tensor band may be placed in tension so as to provide proprioceptive feedback to the wearer during movement.

Abstract: Suspenders particularly for wearing under outer garments and for connecting a wearer's shirt to his/her socks. The straps of the suspenders are preferably positioned in a “Y”-type shape with three ends. Each of the ends has a fastener for attachment to a shirt or a sock.

Abstract: A sock is provided having a first compression area 1 which raises the compressive force in a wale direction from a position A behind the toe area of a sole portion of the sock to a position C which includes the boundary between an arch portion B and a heel portion 6, a second compression area 2 provided on the periphery to raise the compressive force in a course direction at the position A behind the toe area, a third compression area 3 provided on the periphery to raise the compressive force in a course direction at an ankle portion D, and a fourth compression area 4 provided on the periphery to raise the compressive force in a course direction from the position C which includes the boundary between the arch portion B and the heel portion 6 to a position E at the base of the instep portion.

Abstract: A medical undergarment system effective for supporting an ostomy system consists of a first diagonal catheter channel, a second diagonal catheter channel, a first vertical catheter channel, and a second vertical catheter channel. The system consists of tubing, a base undergarment, and a fluid bag. The medical undergarment system provides a comfortable yet stable ostomy system that can easily be slipped on and off by a user. The system enables convenient and easy removal of bodily fluid when using a catheter.

Abstract: An open toe stocking is provided. The stocking includes a body with a foot engaging portion having a heel area. The body also includes an open toe area disposed in front of the heel area of the foot engaging portion and a bottom area extending from the heel area of the foot engaging portion to the open toe area of the foot engaging portion. A leg engaging portion is integrally formed with, and extends generally perpendicularly upwardly from, the foot engaging portion. The stocking also includes an elastic circumferential band encircling a lip of the open toe area of the foot engaging portion so as to allow the open toe area of the foot engaging portion to engage the foot of the wearer when the toes of the wearer are passed therethrough. A retention strap extends through the open-toed area of the foot engaging portion so as to engage between a pair of adjacent toes of the wearer.

Abstract: The slipper has an upper composed of woven material having a warp which extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the slipper and a weft which extends normal to the weft. The weft has a larger degree of elasticity than that of the warp. The opening for a wearer's foot is defined by a margin which lacks any means for biasing the margin into contact with a wearer's ankle such that minimal pressure is exerted on the ankle by the margin.

Abstract: A compression or support stocking encases a human leg. The stocking has a first understocking and a first overstocking, each with a leg section and a foot section, which can be worn over each other, wherein the understocking has a continuous pressure progression in the area between measuring points B and B1, and the pressure at measuring point B1 amounts to 90%-100% of the pressure at measuring point B. The compression or support stocking can be used for treating Ulcus cruris venosum.

Abstract: A multi-piece article of clothing, and a method of manufacturing the same, includes a plurality of pieces of clothing. Each of the plurality of pieces of clothing includes a top strap and a bottom leg portion being substantially opposite one another for engaging with an opposite shoulder and leg of a person, respectively. Each of the plurality of pieces of clothing includes a body portion, and each of the body portions includes a crotch portion. Each of the body portions include one leg opening and one hip opening defined by the crotch portions and respective side sections. The body portion of each of the plurality of pieces of clothing is in overlapping relation with each other to at least partially cover the person.

Abstract: The invention incorporates a legging and a sock into one clothing article. The fabrics and sock legging attachment mechanisms can be varied for specialized uses ranging from fire-safety clothing to medical patient wear to recreational uses.

Abstract: A specialized sock having a removable insert. The specialized sock includes an upper leg region with a sock opening leading to a sock interior, a bottom sock section, and an upper sock section. The sock also includes a liner mounted within the interior of the sock. The liner is positioned along the upper leg region and the bottom section and has an opening adjacent the sock opening. An insert sized and shaped to fit against a bottom of a foot of a user is inserted through the insert opening and positioned adjacent the bottom section of the sock. The specialized sock allows a person to utilize an insert without wearing a shoe. The specialized sock also allows the user to easily and quickly insert and remove the insert from the specialized sock.

Abstract: The invention relates to the domain of retention garments and to those used to facilitate the application of the same. The invention especially relates to a garment or an undergarment to be placed under a retention garment, which is characterized in that it is essentially knitted with at least two different stitch structures, a first, knitted according to a float stitch pattern in a textile material having a smooth outer surface, and a second, knitted according to a weft stitch pattern in an adapted elastic textile material having a weft count of between 240 dtex and 600 dtex, in such a way as to generate a slight compression or retention.

Abstract: A sock with a strap having a securing mechanism for the rear hem of the user's pants. The strap is secured to the sock and hangs downwards with a securing mechanism. The securing mechanism secures the rear hem of the user's pants to prevent the pants from being dragged or stepped on to increase the longevity of the pants.

Abstract: A gradient compression article with therapeutic and aesthetic properties broadly includes a limb-receiving section extending continuously between a distal end and an open proximal end thereof. The limb-receiving section includes a tubular distal portion and a tubular proximal portion. The limb-receiving section is knitted at least substantially of a core-spun yarn with an elastomeric core and a twisted fiber sheath and includes elastomeric threads integrated into the stretch yarn knitting. The limb-receiving section further presents a gradient region that extends from a distal location adjacent the distal end to a proximal location adjacent the proximal end, with a property of the article changing progressively along the gradient region to provide compression that decreases progressively from the distal location to the proximal location when the article is donned.

Abstract: An instep enhancing prosthesis (19) to be worn by a dancer to enhance the appearance of the dancer's foot (10). The prosthesis (19) includes a flexible sock portion (20) formed of elastic material to which there is attached an instep enhancing prosthetic portion (27) that has an upper surface (28) that is to provide a smooth line extending from adjacent the ankle joint (11) of the dancer to adjacent the dancer's metatarsals to give the appearance of an increased height of the instep of the dancer's foot.

Abstract: A garment for securing and storing bodily fluid drainage reservoirs and other fluid reservoirs. The garment comprises a loose-fitting body with at least one small aperture for receiving drainage tubing and at least one pocket cloth partly fixed to the body of the garment and partly detachably coupled to the body of the garment which allows for the easy storage and removal of the fluid drainage reservoir. The pocket cloth allows for the continuing support of the drainage reservoir as the drainage reservoir becomes heavier e.g. about 1 kilogram, due to the collection of fluid draining from the patient into the drainage reservoir. The secure storage of the drainage reservoir enables the wearer to move without worry of the drainage reservoir coming loose, losing fluid, or being exposed to a non-sterile environment external to the pocket cloth. The garment may be configured for wear by male and female children and adults.

Abstract: [Problems] To provide a supporter, socks or stockings which can maintain the transverse arch even under the user's weight, and enables comprehensive, effective prophylaxis and treatment of disorders accompanying foot deformation (e.g., splayfoot, hallux valgus and PTTD) without discomfort or pain. [Means to Solve the Problems] A support structure for prophylaxis or treatment of disorders accompanying a foot deformation, comprising an instep part, a sole part, and a pair(s) of slip-proof means for gripping the sides of the forefoot, wherein: the instep and sole parts are connected together to form a cylindrical structure such that the borders between the parts are aligned with the sides of the forefoot; the slip-proof means are attached to the inner surface of the cylindrical structure at portions thereof to be contacted with the sides of the forefoot; and the instep part exhibits a larger elongation than the sole part in the widthwise direction of the foot.

Abstract: [Problem] To provide a conventionally unavailable novel penis securing method and a penis retainer for implementing this novel penis securing method. [Solution Means] Male undergarment (penis retainer) 50 associated with the present embodiment comprises tubular cloth member 55, which is a retainer main body; front connecting cord 58a, which is a connecting member for installing the retainer main body on a human body, one end of front connecting cord 58a being attached to the lower side of a front open portion of tubular cloth member 55; clip 59a, which is attached to the tip of front connecting cord 58a; back connecting cord 58b, one end of which is attached to the upper side of a back open portion of tubular cloth member 55; and clip 59b, which is attached to the tip of back connecting cord 58b. When securing the penis, the penis is inserted into the interior of tubular cloth member 55.

Abstract: In order to prevent heel ulcers and Achilles' tendon ulcers as described above, a sock with a gelfoam pad or other supporting material in the Achilles' tendon area and the heel area is slid into an outside pocket of a sock. In one embodiment, a circle-shaped or oval-shaped hole is formed in the gelfoam pad in the region of the Achilles' tendon area and the heel area to relieve pressure on these areas. Non-slip material is also affixed to the sole of the sock. These socks are easily removed. Two pairs may be used for a patient such that the inserts may be removed from one for to the other so that one could be washed while the other is being used. In addition, the socks may be placed underneath the cast or on a knee immobilizer or on any bed-ridden patient at any hospital to prevent the serious problems described above.

Abstract: An open toe stocking is provided. The stocking includes a body with a foot engaging portion having a heel area. The body also includes an open toe area disposed in front of the heel area of the foot engaging portion and a bottom area extending from the heel area of the foot engaging portion to the open toe area of the foot engaging portion. A leg engaging portion is integrally formed with, and extends generally perpendicularly upwardly from, the foot engaging portion. The stocking also includes an elastic circumferential band encircling a lip of the open toe area of the foot engaging portion so as to allow the open toe area of the foot engaging portion to engage the foot of the wearer when the toes of the wearer are passed therethrough. A retention strap extends through the open-toed area of the foot engaging portion so as to engage between a pair of adjacent toes of the wearer.

Abstract: A sock contains built-in cushions or spacers to correct or protect the toes, or to provide the wearer better comfort. The cushions or spacers may be retained between the toes in a tube, formed integrally with the sock, which is everted to a position between adjacent toes. A strap may also be built in to the sock, or into a shoe, shoe insert, boot, sandal or slipper to maintain a corrective force on the great toe.

Abstract: Gradient compression hosiery with therapeutic and aesthetic properties broadly includes a stocking section extending continuously between a distal end and an open proximal end thereof. The stocking section includes a tubular foot portion and a tubular leg portion. The stocking section is knitted at least substantially of a core-spun yarn with an elastomeric core and a twisted fiber sheath and includes elastomeric threads integrated into the stretch yarn knitting. The stocking section further presents a gradient region that extends from a distal location adjacent the distal end to a proximal location adjacent the proximal end, with a property of the hosiery changing progressively along the gradient region to provide compression that decreases progressively from the distal location to the proximal location when the hosiery is donned.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hosiery article (such as socks, stockings, hose, leggings, panty hose, etc.) that includes a novel configurable retaining component with a range of various levels of tension and compression forces that are selectable and adjustable by a user. Advantageously, when the inventive hosiery articles are worn, the user (e.g., the wearer) is able to adjust the level of tension and compression force exerted by each article as the circumference of their lower limbs changes throughout the day and/or in response to one or more environmental factors, and/or in response to one or more physical and/or health conditions. As a result, the user is always able to maintain their desired balance between appearance and comfort of the worn novel hosiery articles.

Abstract: A stirrup for securing the end of a pant leg to the foot of a wearer. The stirrup has a base web and at least three arms projecting therefrom. Each arm has a fastener such as alligator jaws style, for engaging the pant leg at at least three points about its circumference, to avoid bunching. The base member may comprise an elastic fabric and may include a length adjusting mechanism. Alligator jaw fasteners may instead comprise buttons, hooks, hook and loop material, or snaps. The stirrup may be made from denim, leather, cotton, satin, lace, or nylon. The base web may optionally form a sock.

Abstract: A sock is provided having a first compression area 1 which raises the compressive force in a wale direction from a position A behind the toe area of a sole portion of the sock to a position C which includes the boundary between an arch portion B and a heel portion 6, a second compression area 2 provided on the periphery to raise the compressive force in a course direction at the position A behind the toe area, a third compression area 3 provided on the periphery to raise the compressive force in a course direction at an ankle portion D, and a fourth compression area 4 provided on the periphery to raise the compressive force in a course direction from the position C which includes the boundary between the arch portion B and the heel portion 6 to a position E at the base of the instep portion.

Abstract: A sock includes a sock body with a leg section and a foot section. The leg section has a cuff that defines a foot opening for insertion of a foot of a wearer. The foot section is connected to the leg section, and includes a toe section, a heel section, a sole section, and an instep section. The leg section has a back segment that faces away from the toe section and that is formed with an opening. The sock body is convertible when worn on the foot to an ankle protecting state, in which the leg section is folded down so that the cuff surrounds the foot section between the toe section and the heel section and so that the heel section extends through the opening, such that the leg section is able to provide additional protection for an ankle joint of the foot.

Abstract: A sock includes a cushion pad connected to an outside of the sock and the cushion pad includes chambers which have pressurized air filled therein. The cushion pad is made by flexible material and the chambers are in communication with each other or partially in communication with each other.

Abstract: A sock which reduces and substantially eliminates creasing of the instep of footwear, such as shoes, sneakers, boots or the like when worn with such footwear. The sock includes conventional sock portions, such as an ankle portion, a heel portion, a toe portion and an instep portion, and at the instep portion one or more pads are provided such that when the sock is worn the pads override the instep of the foot of the wearer and underlie the instep of the footwear of the wearer. Pressure created during walking or running is transferred from the foot through the crease reducing pad or pads to the instep of the footwear thereby reducing or eliminating creasing thereof.

Abstract: A stocking capable of the convenient holding of articles, wherein the stocking body section extending upward from the sole and along the joint between the calf and the thigh has an additional layer appended to the stocking body in the form of an annular, wrap-around outer layer stocking body. The outer layer stocking body bottom consists of a fixing means disposed at the upper extent of the joint over the sole and an opening at the topmost end that is hemmed. As such, after being worn by the user, articles such as protective equipment and warmth insulating material are directly placed inside the outer layer stocking body and retained in position by the knitted binding force of the outer layer stocking body, thereby enabling effective leg section protection and convenient wearing utility.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device for reducing friction, caused due to contact or rubbing of the rear portion of a foot heel with the inner portion of footwear. The device is composed of a thin, smooth, and flexible material with a low coefficient of friction. The material of the device is molded into different shapes and sizes to fit different portions of a shoe of any shape and size. The device may be attached temporarily or embedded permanently to the inner heel portion of the shoes, or socks of the user. The device may also be used in any article of clothing or protective covering to reduce the effects of friction. Disclosed herein are various methods of attaching or affixing the device to the inner heel portion of the shoes, socks, and any other article of clothing or protective covering. Also, disclosed is a method to hold the device in place without using any kind of adhesive material on the device itself.

Abstract: Articles of apparel include: (a) a garment structure having one or more fabric elements structured and arranged to provide a close fit to at least one predetermined portion of a body (e.g., area(s) of the body for which enhanced position sensing and/or feedback are desired, such as the lower back, the arch of the foot, etc.); and (b) a body position feedback system engaged with or integrally formed as part of the garment structure. The body position feedback system may apply higher tensile or constricting (compressive) forces to selected portions of the wearer's body, which can help stimulate or interact with nerves and deep tissue receptors located in various portions of the body. The increased forces at selected locations of the body give the wearer sensory feedback regarding the position or orientation of these parts of the body and can improve or accelerate development of “muscle memory.

Abstract: A sport sock with an integral shin guard has a series of inflatable bladder elements positioned next to and affixed to an inner surface of the sock material to overlie the shin of a wearer and perform a guard function when inflated. The bladder elements are inter-connected and may be connected to a small, manually-operated pump that is located at the rear upper portion of the sock. A pair of upper and lower inflatable straps are affixed to the sock material and encircle the leg. The straps are also inter-connected to the bladder element so that they inflate and deflate in coordination with the bladder elements and retain the sock on the leg when inflated.

Abstract: A novel stocking is disclosed having an advantageous combination of static and graduated compression regions to provide beneficial circulation for individuals having compromised circulation and for athletes. Because the stockings compression is graduated to generally comply with muscle contours, the stockings can be easily placed on the foot and removed and substantially improve the circulation of those with a variety of circulatory problems. During exercise, improved circulation facilitates the removal of metabolites such as carbon dioxide and lactic acid from muscle tissue in the leg and increases oxygenation of the same muscle tissue. The novel stockings are constructed from a novel knit fabric comprising a taut elastic material providing sufficient stretch to allow the stockings to be easily placed on a foot. The elastic material is further responsible for static and/or graduated compression in selected regions of a stocking.

Abstract: An elastic sock (1) is provided for maintaining at least one protection module for protecting one zone of a foot. The sock includes a tubular part (2) shaped to cover the ankle, a front part (3) shaped to cover the foot and heel, and an opening (4) in a region of the sock corresponding to the curve of the foot. The sock can be pulled on by first pulling on the tubular part (2) around the ankle and by putting the foot into the opening (4), then by pulling on the front part (3) around the foot after having arranged at least one protection module (10) on the foot.

Abstract: A soccer sock woven from Lycra/Spandex has a protective pad sewn into the sock, or in a pocket defined in the upper metatarsal prominence area of the sock, to provide protection for the wearer's foot. A tongue portion protects the metatarsal area, and wing portions protect his/her ankle joint. The pad is of closed cell polyurethane foam, and is 3 to 6 millimeters in thickness.

Abstract: In a corrective sock for correcting hallux valgus and digitus quintus varus of a foot, the sock has a foot portion, and an elastic band formed in the foot portion so as to cover both a metatarsophalangeal joint portion and a Lisfranc joint portion of the foot between which first, second, third, fourth and fifth metatarsals extend. A first reinforcing band is formed on the elastic band to cover a distal caput of the first metatarsal and a distal caput of the fifth metatarsal, and a second reinforcing band is formed on the elastic band to cover a proximal caput of the first metatarsal and a pioximal caput of the fifth metatarsal.

Abstract: A support apparatus for supporting the plantar fascia of a foot. The support apparatus is made of an elastic material expandable in the width and longitudinal axis of the foot. When in operative position on the foot, the apparatus frictionally remains in place mid the first metatarsal bone and extends behind the heel of the foot above its os calcis bone such that when the foot is caused to bear weight, the apparatus expands along the longitudinal axis of the foot to its limit of expandability such that the arch of the foot is maintained substantially unchanged as the foot alternates between load bearing and non-load bearing orientations.