Abstract: The present invention provides a footbed made of cotton fabric, polyurethane, ethyl vinyl acetate, polyester and thermoplastic gel rubber. The invention also provides footwear which includes a footbed as described herein.

Abstract: The device and methodology of the present invention promotes and maintains the user's Pointe position of the foot in a completely, at-rest, passive manner. It combines the technology of medical grade custom orthotics/insoles pre-shaped, including a subtalar neutral heel position, into the proper arched position of the user's foot position “en pointe”, securing the toes to the device with Velcro®. A non-stretch, firm, breathable material such as canvas is the base of a self-adjustable lacing system that pulls the foot muscles onto the orthotic/insole to passively “teach” the foot muscles to conform and mimic the Pointe position. This self-adjusting feature of the lacing system allows constant correction and improvement of the foot muscles as they conform to the device. This leads to the formation of a near-perfect pointe position.

Abstract: An orthotic device for use with an individual's footwear is customised to the individual's therapeutic, comfort and footwear requirements by using, as a template for its manufacture, an existing orthotic device that has been previously created for that individual. The therapeutically contoured shape of the existing device is captured in a malleable layer that sets to be self-supporting, so to allow creation of a new therapeutic layer that replicates the surface of the existing device and that forms a therapeutic surface of the new device.

Abstract: A foot orthotic device is disclosed. More specifically described is an individualized foot orthotic device to correct and/or restore the ideal alignment and/or positioning of foot structures. The device is designed using a method and system that applies sequential pressure to regions on a plantar foot surface, and obtaining positional information about each region. Based on the positional information, an orthotic profile is determined, for design of one or more custom, individualized foot orthotic devices for a subject.

Abstract: The invention utilizes a semi-rigid endoskeleton foot support encased inside an elastomeric sock. The endoskeleton controls the hind foot as well as supporting the medial longitudinal arch, extending over the malleoli if extra support is needed for additional biomechanical control, while allowing the fore, lateral, and rear plantar surface of the foot indirect contact with the ground through the sock. The elastomeric sock provides circumferential compression, while simultaneously securing the endoskeleton intimately to the wearer's foot.

Abstract: A shoe releasing assembly for use with an orthotic bar or splint is disclosed. The shoe releasing assembly comprises a bar attachment member securable to a bar or splint, a shoe attachment member securable to the sole of a shoe, and latching means to secure the bar and shoe members. The bar attachment member comprises a base, a wall section at least partially surrounding the base. The shoe attachment member comprises a shoe attachment base, a shoe attachment wall section at least partially surrounding the shoe attachment base. When one of the attachment members comprises a wall section defining a recess, the corresponding member comprises a wall section having a shape conforming to the recess for vertically inclined insertion. Latching means are provided for receiving, securing, and disengaging the shoe attachment member to the bar attachment member. Methods of treating foot disorders using the assembly are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed therein is a shoe having a functional sole for degenerative osteoarthritis of a knee joint, which includes a sole having at least one of an insole, a midsole and an outsole, characterized in that, in longitudinal section of the insole, the outsole or the midsole formed integrally with one of the insole and the outsole, both sides of an inner face and an outer face thereof are not parallel with each other, and that an angle of one of both sides of the inner face or the outer face to the ground outside the sole is smaller than an angle of the opposed side to the ground outside the sole.

Abstract: An orthopedic shoe appliance includes an insole, midsole or outersole of footwear; and one or more orthopedic devices disposed on the insole, midsole or outersole at one or more locations selected from the group consisting of a location under a big toe, a location under a medial longitudinal arch, a location under a lateral longitudinal arch, a location under a transverse metatarsal arch, and a location under and/or around a heel. Small wings may be attached to a part of the insole that will wrap around the medial and lateral aspects of the foot. A slit and hinge as well as changes in the flexibility of the materials allow the big toe joint to move independently of the other toes. Other pads may be applied to the top of the insole to allow for other corrections.

Abstract: Orthopedic device for treating neuropathic ulcers and other injuries while allowing easy access to the wound site on the plantar surface of a patient's foot includes a base portion and a sole that is either movably connected or removably connected to either the base or to a strut member. The base or strut is maintained in position on the lower leg while the sole may be rotated, slid, or completely removed for allowing inspection and access to the plantar surface of the patient's foot.

Abstract: An orthotic is disclosed. The orthotic may include a cushioning layer configured to extend from at least the metatarsal region to the proximal heel region, the cushioning layer having a heel region with a protruding heel piece integrally molded as part of the cushioning layer. The orthotic may also include an outer shell layer fixedly coupled to the cushioning layer, the outer shell layer extending longitudinally from at least the medial cuneiform-first metatarsal joint region to the calcaneus bone region of the user, the outer shell layer configured to receive the protruding heel piece.

Abstract: An orthotic is disclosed. The orthotic may include a cushioning layer configured to extend from at least the metatarsal region to the proximal heel region, the cushioning layer having a heel region with a protruding heel piece integrally molded as part of the cushioning layer. The orthotic may also include an outer shell layer fixedly coupled to the cushioning layer, the outer shell layer extending longitudinally from at least the medial cuneiform-first metatarsal joint region to the calcaneous bone region of the user, the outer shell layer configured to receive the protruding heel piece.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method of orthopedic footwear for post-surgical or diabetic patients or for sanitary use. The footwear has an ambidextrous bottom sole. In a higher part thereof, there is a groove of at least 10 mm, in which an off-loading plantar insoles or medicine or bandages can be inserted. These have been built-in the bottom sole using an ortho-dynamic concept which allows the patient a controlled deambulation. To that end, the present invention prevents sheer force on the plantar part of the bottom sole and the foot and in particular on the metatarsal and/or tarsal part of the foot.

Abstract: A foot orthotic for golf that provides solid stability and encourages proper foot bracing and release during the golf swing. The orthotic having a semi-rigid shell, compliant top cover, anti-skid forefoot pad and a heel post. The heel post having a short medial edge to encourage proper bracing and release and an extended lateral edge to resist foot rolling or supination during the golf swing.

Abstract: Methods and systems for aiding with dynamic compression of venous tissue enable improved blood movement, reducing edema, reducing leg cramping, treating plantar fasciitis in the extremities, and/or the like. In an exemplary embodiment, a therapy shoe entirely contains a therapy device which provides a compressive force to the venous plexus region of the foot. The system may assist blood circulation which may reduce the occurrence of undesirable complications such as deep vein thrombosis, ulcers, and the like.

Abstract: Support elements for footwear or other products include: (a) a base member having first and second major surfaces; and (b) an extending arm having a free end for engaging a portion of a footwear structure. The extending arm may engage and further support a heel-supporting portion or other structural portion of an article of footwear or other foot-receiving device. Such foot-receiving devices may include: (a) a foot-covering member (such as a footwear upper); (b) a foot-supporting member (such as a footwear sole structure) engaged with the foot-covering member; and (c) a lateral-reinforcing member that includes an extending arm engaged with at least one of the foot-covering member or the foot-supporting member.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for design of a foot orthotic, and a foot orthotic device designed in accord therewith. More specifically described is an individualized foot orthotic device to correct and/or restore the ideal alignment and/or positioning of foot structures. In the method, sequential pressure is applied to regions on a plantar foot surface, and positional information is obtained about each region. Based on the positional information, an orthotic profile is determined, for design of one or more custom, individualized foot orthotic devices for a subject.

Abstract: An orthotic device comprises a flexible support structure comprising at least one surface for contacting a body part of a user, a plurality of pressure sensors configured for coupling to a microcontroller, and a plurality of displacement regions. Each region defines a portion of said flexible support structure, wherein each portion includes at least one sensor disposed on or below the at least one surface and at least one electrically deformable unit. Each unit comprises at least one electroactive material and is configured for coupling to the microcontroller and to a power source. The device is dynamically adjustable to change its shape and support properties, when an electrical voltage is applied to the electroactive material under the control of a microcontroller.

Abstract: An above heel lower limb orthosis comprising: an orthosis body; a support surface adapted to support a portion of a lower limb, the support surface connected to, secured to, or integral with the orthosis body; relief means adapted to relieve a portion of a lower limb from pressure; and at least one relief region connected to, secured to, or integral with the orthosis body or the support surface or the orthosis body and the support surface, the relief region depressed relative to the support surface and adapted to receive, secure, or integrate the relief means.

Abstract: An orthotic insert system which is configured to be inserted into footwear utilizes an orthotic member consisting of a posted orthotic element with a rear heel section and a forwardly extending arch support section tapered downwardly away from the rear heel section. The rear heel section of the posted orthotic element has first and second lateral walls of different heights and substantially flat upper and lower surfaces extending between the lateral walls. One end of the upper surface is the height of the first lateral wall and the other end of the upper surface is the height of the second lateral wall. The upper surface has a gradual slope as it extends from the first lateral wall to the second lateral wall. The orthotic member also has a rim which overlays the upper surface of the rear heel section. An insole member is positioned within the orthotic member. The orthotic member is not attached to the footwear nor is the insole member attached to the orthotic member.

Abstract: A human shoe sole or insole, sockliner or orthotic for insertion into a human shoe having a foot supporting upper surface including a first region for supporting the first, second, third, fourth and optionally fifth metatarsal heads of the foot, and a second region surrounding the first region for supporting the remainder of the foot, at least in part. The first region provides less resistance to downward motion than the second region, and includes a hollow or depressed area relative to the remainder of the first region having a medial border portion and a lateral border portion, wherein the depression has its lowest point skewed to the medial side of center, whereby to promote eversion of the first metatarsal head as the wearer moves from midstance through propulsive phase.

Abstract: A system and method for comfortably restraining a child's feet undergoing the Ponseti method for treatment of clubfeet, using a foot and ankle abduction orthosis, where the improvement includes a shoe with a single piece sole and quick release slot with an adjustable hinged heel support member, as well as having a soft pliable area around the feet and ankle support with lateral support bands to limit foot plantar flexion.

Abstract: An orthopedic appliance includes a slab configured to be placed underneath a big toe, forward of and not extending under a head of a first metatarsal, and wherein the slab has a predetermined height and is configured to deflect a proximal phalanx upwardly relative to the first metatarsal. A method for improving stability of a foot during ambulation includes placing an orthopedic appliance, having a predetermined height, under a big toe such that the orthopedic appliance is located forward of and does not extend under a head of a first metatarsal of the big toe; and deflecting a proximal phalanx upwardly relative to the first metatarsal.

Abstract: An article of footwear with a shape correcting member is disclosed. The shape correcting member includes an inner surface associated with a portion of a foot and an outer surface disposed opposite of the inner surface. The inner surface is pre-shaped to fit the contours of a portion of the foot and the outer surface is substantially non-protruding. With this arrangement, the outer surface may facilitate accurate kicking.

Abstract: A forefoot wedge insert, and methods for forming same, are described for a piece of footwear, such as but not limited to ice skating boots, or a shoe, such as but not limited to exercise, therapeutic, or physiological footwear, for correcting a pronation and/or supination condition wherein the insert permits the subtalar joint of the affected foot to be placed and/or maintained in a neutral position. In this manner, the insert can provide the corrected foot with adequate balance relative to the skate blade during typical ice skating maneuvers. Also described is a skating boot, or shoe, having an adjustable toe cap portion that is selectively operable to be raised up to accommodate the uplifted forefoot portion of the wearer when the forefoot wedge insert is being used.

Abstract: A method for producing a shoe that can be adapted to the foot of a wearer, is made of hard, thermoplastic synthetic material and is worn for sports, includes heating a prefabricated shoe at least in sections and adapting the shoe by applying pressure from the outside and by shaping the heated area. The shoe is then cooled, a correction strip, which is made of a hard material and is taken from the foot, is introduced in to the prefabricated shoe and the heated shoe is pressed onto the correction strip by applying pressure. A strip correction and a shoe are also provided.

Abstract: A method of classifying a foot into a specific foot type selected from a group of twenty-four foot types. The method includes visualizing the foot, in a standing position, or in a walking or running motion, and assessing a plurality of characteristics of the foot. Classification of the foot is based on the aforementioned visualization of the foot and the assessment of the characteristics exhibited by the foot.

Abstract: A flexible support device adapted to provide overall structural biomechanics support and contouring of a lower limb of a patient by a practitioner where the flexible support device having various indentations to provide proper fitting of a bold for production of an orthosis device in one form.

Abstract: A flexible foot relief pad that is wrapped about and secured to the individual's foot in order to relieve the symptoms of restless leg syndrome, restless arms, and foot and leg cramps includes a pliable cloth wrap having a foot engaging portion joined to a securing portion by a fold, with the foot engaging portion enclosing a cavity for holding therein a layered raised pressure application pad that applies pressure to select areas of the inner side and sole of the foot with the layered pad configured so that a portion of the pad extends transverse to the sole of the foot and a raised portion extends along the inner side of the foot for applying pressure to the specific muscle groups involved in restless leg syndrome.

Abstract: The present invention provides a footbed made of cotton fabric, polyurethane, ethyl vinyl acetate, polyester and thermoplastic gel rubber. The invention also provides footwear which includes a footbed as described herein.

Abstract: The plantar balancer in accordance with the present invention has a body and a primary adjuster. The body is for padding the sole of the foot and made from a cushioning material and has a first metatarsal portion, a fourth metatarsal portion and a heel portion. The primary adjuster is positioned between the first metatarsal portion and the fourth metatarsal portion.

Abstract: The shoe accessory includes a platform for supporting a conventional shoe. The shoe accessory's base has a convex or other non-planar surface that causes the shoe accessory to be stable in a longitudinal (heel-toe) direction, and unstable in a lateral (medial/lateral) direction. The non-planar surface may be defined by a ridge segment on the platform's bottom side. One or more straps are provided to temporarily secure the wearer's conventional shoe to the platform in a non-destructive manner. A generally U-shaped heel retainer may be provided adjacent a rear portion of the platform for receiving the heel of the shoe. The shoe accessory makes a flat-soled shoe laterally unstable while allowing for longitudinal stability and a naturalistic gait, and thus facilitates exercise of leg and foot muscles during normal walking, etc.

Abstract: An exercise management function providing system and method is disclosed having a shoe with built-in sensors for sensing a user's exercise. User exercise information is measured using sensor values from each of the sensors and the measured user exercise information is transmitted to a mobile terminal. Then, the mobile terminal receives the user exercise information so as to grasp a user's exercise state and quantity of motion, and provides an exercise management function in accordance with the user's exercise state and quantity of motion. Accordingly, the present invention provides an exercise program suitable for a user in accordance with a user's quantity of motion so that the user can get exercise suitable for a specific user, and the user can be provided with an exercise program to attain their own desired weight, thereby assisting with health care.

Abstract: The invention discloses a resilient support having a slit in the heel part.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for protecting ligaments in a knee joint of a user. The device includes a knee brace positionable about a knee joint of a user and a boot wearable on a foot of a user. Additionally, the device includes a flexible tether member including a first coupling element coupled to the knee brace and a second coupling element coupled to the boot. The boot and knee brace are attachable and detachable via the first and second coupling elements. The flexible tether member is adjustable in length to dispose the flexible tether member in tension at least in a portion of a maximum foot range of rotation, where the maximum foot range of rotation of the user's foot relative to the knee joint causes hyperextension of a knee ligament.

Abstract: An improved foot abduction brace device in which the shoe are connected by an abduction bar which is a single bar that can be bent by the treating heal care professional to hold the shoes in the desired angles of abduction and dorsiflexion. The abduction bar is bent near the heel portion of the shoe and is made of a material that allows the bar to retain the selected position once bent. However, the bar is sufficiently strong so that the child cannot bend the bar and therefore change the selected angles.

Abstract: A device and method is provided wherein a non-extendable strap is attached to the interior of an athletic, or other type of shoe, commencing on the instep side, extending below the user's foot, and ankle, which has been previously fitted with a commercial brace or wrap or taped, which is inserted within the shoe, and the strap is attached within the shoe again on the outstep upper side. The strap element is drawn tight about the user's ankle when the shoe is laced, strapped, or otherwise secured about the user's foot. The strap element extends above the user's ankle, and is pulled taut and affixed to the brace, or wrap, or separately taped, at a position on the outside of the user's lower leg. The device and method of attachment allows the shoe and brace or wrap to act together, as an integrated system, to limit active ankle inversion.

Abstract: A quick-release mechanism for disconnecting the footwear and footplate of an orthoses from a rotation bar, 90-degree bar, or other component of an orthosis is disclosed. The mechanism allows the footwear to be fitted to a patient with the bar or other component disengaged, while also allowing the angle between the bar or other component and the footplate to be locked when the orthosis is in place in order to treat conditions such as clubfoot.

Abstract: A foot orthotic for use as an insole in footwear is made solely from a copper-containing material.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an article of foot apparel that includes a platform curved to anticipate the natural movement of a foot. The method includes forming the platform with a heel pad having a geometric center point. The method also includes connecting a retaining covering to the platform that is configured to retain a foot at the front of the platform and to allow the heel of the foot to move freely relative to the heel pad. The article of foot apparel conforms more closely to the actual physiology of the foot and allows the heel of the foot to remain centered in the heel pad when worn.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved pedorthic systems for patients having partial foot amputations or foot neuropathies. Custom-molded, custom-made pedorthics with leather linings and molded stiffeners are disclosed, along with methods of manufacture. Custom-molded, custom-made pedorthics and ankle-foot orthoses having solid, molded fillers to replace the volume of missing foot portions are also provided, along with methods of manufacture.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for treating a foot using a medical shoe and interchangeable insoles. A plurality of interchangeable insoles is provided, including a surgical insole and a wound care insole. The surgical insole provides rigidity for a patient's foot. The surgical insole comprises a first upper layer and a rigid second lower layer. The wound care insole offloads weight from a wound region on the foot. The wound care insole comprises a first upper layer of stretchy, thin film, a second, middle, layer that is moldable, and a third, lower layer that is spongy and provides support.

Abstract: The therapeutic system of the preferred embodiments includes a foot platform having a lateral segment and a medial segment. The foot platform is coupled to the foot of the patient and supports the body force of the patient. The foot platform functions to move the foot from an equilibrium position to an activated position. The transition of the foot between equilibrium position and activated position, preferably occurs substantially instantaneously once the foot platform supports greater than substantially half of the body force.

Abstract: A corrective device to be worn on a human foot having a misalignment and positioned inside of footwear. The device having an inner shell having a first material composition and flexibility, and shaped to accommodate receiving therein and supportingly couple with the foot, and an outer shell having a second material composition and flexibility, the second material composition and flexibility being substantially the same as the first flexibility, the outer shell shaped to accommodate receiving therein the inner shell, supportingly couple with the inner shell and allow positioning into the footwear. At least a sufficient portion of a pressure is distributed by the outer shell and the inner shell over a desired area of the foot to provide an amount of correction to the misalignment while allowing the human to wear the inner shell inside of the outer shell inside of the footwear.

Abstract: An orthopedic sandal or shoe to be worn intermittently with and to correct the effects of high heel shoe wear, includes a body with upper and lower surfaces. The upper surface provides equalized pressure support without concentration on the heel or balls of the foot and without arch support. A traction system provides first toe traction without foot rotation relative to the upper surface. A foot securing system is disposed at the upper surface. A heel support at the upper surface interacts with the foot securing system to eliminate toe gripping and strain. A descending slope or dome may be provided at the upper surface to support, spread and downwardly deflect the toes to reverse dorsal-flexing. An elevated forefoot angulation may be provided at the upper surface to stretch the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon. A rocker bottom may be provided only under the toe area of the lower surface.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for protecting ligaments in a knee joint of a user. The device includes a knee brace positionable about a knee joint of a user and a boot wearable on a foot of a user. Additionally, the device includes a flexible tether member including a first coupling element coupled to the knee brace and a second coupling element coupled to the boot. The boot and knee brace are attachable and detachable via the first and second coupling elements. The flexible tether member is adjustable in length to dispose the flexible tether member in tension at least in a portion of a maximum foot range of rotation, where the maximum foot range of rotation of the user's foot relative to the knee joint causes hyperextension of a knee ligament.

Abstract: The present invention attempts to replicate in footwear, orthotics, and other products the naturally effective anatomical structures like a bare foot that provide superior flexibility, cushioning, and stable support compared to existing products. More specifically, the invention relates to a device for such products including a unitary internal sipe component, said internal sipe providing increased flexibility for said device. Even more specifically, the invention relates to footwear, orthotic or other products with an outer chamber and at least one inner chamber inside the outer chamber; the outer chamber and the inner chamber being separated at least in part by an internal sips; and the internal sipe providing increased flexibility, cushioning, and stability.

Abstract: Devices with internal flexibility sipes, such as slits, provide improved flexibility, improved cushioning to absorb shock and/or shear forces, and improved stability of support. Siped devices can be used in any existing product that provides or utilizes cushioning and stability. These products include human and other footwear, both soles and uppers, as well as orthotics; athletic, occupational and medical equipment and apparel; padding or cushioning, such as for equipment or tool handles, as well as furniture; balls; tires; and any other structural or support elements in a mechanical, architectural, or any other product.

Abstract: The specification and drawing figures disclose, describe and claim a rigid orthotic plate with a resilient member, the combination positionable into footwear. In at least one aspect, a resilient member is fixedly mounted on the rigid orthotic. In another aspect, the resilient member is removably mountable on the rigid orthotic plate. In yet another aspect, a plurality of resilient members is provided.

Abstract: An article of footwear is provided in which the footbed is formed from a shoe last which is considerably thicker at the metatarsal region than conventional footwear permitting a much thicker insole to be received within the footbed. The thicker insole of a ?? or greater throughout permits a range of different durometers of material to be used to ensure that maximum compression of the material is not reached through a stepping motion of a user of the footwear. A metatarsal insert and a combined heel and arch insert are received within respective cavities in a body of the insole so that durometers of the heel, arch and metatarsal region of the insole can be customized to a particular user's needs. The combined effect of the resulting thicker insole and varying durometers of the inserts therein results in a users applied weight being substantially evenly distributed across an entire footprint of the footwear during a stepping motion.

Abstract: An article of foot apparel includes a platform curved to anticipate the natural movement of a foot. The article also includes a heel pad having a geometric center point; a retaining covering connected to the platform and configured to retain a foot at the front of the platform and to allow the heel of the foot to move freely. A substantial angle is created at the point of intersection of a line passing through the geometric center point of the heel pad and the center line of the retaining covering. The article of foot apparel conforms more closely to the actual physiology of the foot and allows the heel of the foot to remain centered in the heel pad when worn.