With Means To Turn Foot About Its Long Axis Patents (Class 36/144)
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Patent number: 7124518Abstract: An orthotic insert assembly having a stationary heel post with a guide slot and an unattached rigid plate member with a depending peg that is received in the slot. The peg cooperates with the guide slot to control and direct a medial-to-lateral rocking movement of the plate member as the wearer's foot progresses through the gait cycle. The slot may be angled to impose a predetermined direction on the rocking movement.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2004Date of Patent: October 24, 2006Assignee: Northwest Podiatric Laboratory, Inc.Inventor: Dennis N. Brown
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Patent number: 7100308Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear includes an upper plate and a heel plate assembly secured to the upper plate. The heel plate assembly extends downwardly from the upper plate such that the heel plate assembly forms an acute angle with the upper plate. A medial side of the heel plate assembly has a thickness greater than a thickness of a lateral side of the heel plate assembly. An article of footwear may include an upper secured to the sole structure.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2003Date of Patent: September 5, 2006Assignee: Nike, Inc.Inventor: Michael A. Aveni
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Patent number: 7013583Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed having an upper, a foot-supporting member, and a sole structure. The foot-supporting member includes a heel region located at a greater elevation than a forefoot region, thereby defining a recess under the heel region. The sole structure includes a midsole that forms a protrusion on the interior of the footwear. The protrusion mates with the recess to provide support for the heel region. The foot-supporting member may also incorporate pronation control characteristics, including a downward cant from a medial to a lateral side of the foot-supporting member and a region of reduced support generally underlying the first metatarsal. To further reduce the rate of pronation, the sole structure includes a region in the rear-lateral corner that is more compressible than other areas of the sole structure.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2003Date of Patent: March 21, 2006Assignee: Nike, Inc.Inventors: Pamela S. Greene, Kevin W. Hoffer, Sergio G. Lozano, Michael Martindale, Gordon A. Valiant
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Patent number: 6973743Abstract: Golf shoe insole inserts for improving the position of a golfer's body during a golf swing while stabilizing the feet against both over-pronation and over-supination. The golf shoe insert according to the present invention has an upper portion fashioned to support the entire bottom of the foot, including the transverse arch, the longitudinal arch, and the heel. In particular, the upper portion of the orthopedic insert supports bottom regions of the foot from the posterior plantar surface of the metatarsus through the plantar surface of the lesser tarsus to the posterior plantar surface of the rear foot. The upper portion of the subject orthopedic insert includes a deep heel cup to aid in stabilizing the foot and providing support at the back of the foot.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2003Date of Patent: December 13, 2005Inventor: Tom Mowery
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Patent number: 6938363Abstract: An apparatus for orthopedic treatment including a top surface, a bottom surface, and an angle of inclination formed between the top surface and the bottom surface is disclosed. In addition, the apparatus, in some embodiments, may be integrally formed as part of a piece of footwear. A method for providing stability during ambulation including providing and insert and elevating a toe using the insert is also disclosed. Also disclosed is an apparatus for orthopedic treatment wherein the angle of inclination is between approximately 1 and 60 degrees. Also disclosed is an apparatus for orthopedic treatment manufactured from an elastomeric material. Also disclosed is an apparatus for orthopedic treatment, where the top surface further includes at least one fastener.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2000Date of Patent: September 6, 2005Assignee: Cluffy Biomedical, LLC.Inventor: James G. Clough
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Patent number: 6874258Abstract: An apparatus for orthopedic treatment including a first upper surface, a second upper surface, bottom surface, and an angle of inclination formed between the top surface and the bottom surface is disclosed. In addition, the apparatus in some embodiments, may be integrally formed as part of a piece of footwear. A method for providing stability during ambulation including providing an insert and elevating a proximal phalanx using the insert is also disclosed. Also disclosed is an apparatus for orthopedic treatment wherein the angle of inclination is between approximately 1 and 60 degrees. Also disclosed is an apparatus for orthopedic treatment manufactured from an elastomeric material. Also disclosed is an apparatus for orthopedic treatment, where the upper surface further includes at least one fastener.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2001Date of Patent: April 5, 2005Assignee: Cluffy Biomedical LLCInventors: James G. Clough, Ronald G. Ray
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Patent number: 6845575Abstract: The present invention discloses golf shoes comprising outsoles including multiple jointing holes installing spikes respectively, uppers sewed or adhered with the outer circumstance of the top of the outsoles, and midsoles and insoles stacked sequentially to the outsoles within the uppers, wherein the protrusions 12 and 12? are protruded from the surroundings of the jointing holes 11 and 11? formed at the outsoles 10 and 10? of the golf shoes and protruded more and more form the inside to the outside direction to have a slope from the outside to the inside direction, the inside of the toe of the right outsole 10? is rounded to make rotation of the right golf shoe smooth at the finish step, and the outsole 10 of the left golf shoe, making a role of a prop at the finish step, is wider than the outsole 10? of the right golf shoe to widen the contact area with the ground in maximum.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2003Date of Patent: January 25, 2005Inventor: Joon-Ho Hwang
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Patent number: 6792700Abstract: A high-top shoe having an integrated internal ankle brace allows substantial forward and rearward movement of an ankle while substantially constraining side-to-side motion of the ankle. The ankle brace includes a semi-rigid orthotic plate shaped to receive a wearer's ankle thereon and a rear support portion. A longitudinally extending blade element is fixedly attached to the rear support portion at a proximal end thereof and substantially fixed relative to a leg of the wearer by at least one support member at a distal end thereof. The support member may be the shoe upper itself, or a separate element. The blade element has an axial length, a thickness T and a width W. The ratio of T to W is selected so that the distal end is free to flex about the proximal end in the fore/aft direction and the blade element is substantially constrained from flexure in the width direction.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2002Date of Patent: September 21, 2004Assignee: Z-CoilInventor: Alvaro Gallegos
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Patent number: 6785986Abstract: A shoe comprising a sole having a supporting surface for supporting a foot and an upper connected with the sole for locking a foot onto the supporting surface. The sole comprises an elongated torsion stiffener enhancing resistance to torsion about the longitudinal axis of the sole. The torsion stiffener extends in outward direction diagonally across the sole, such that as the sole is made to roll along the longitudinal axis by the foot, the resistance to outward torsion increases. The invention also relates to a sole.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2002Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Assignee: C.D. Johgenengel Beheer BVInventors: Johanna Louise Brand, Cornelis Dirk Jongenengel
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Patent number: 6782643Abstract: An orthotic insert having an angled lateral surface that engages the insole so as to pivot the insert in a lateral direction and invert the rearfoot at heel strike, and a medial bottom surface that freely interfits within the heel counter and insole of the shoe so as to avoid limiting pivoting motion in the medial direction as the weight on the foot shifts forwardly and medially. Pivoting motion in the medial direction is arrested by engagement between a distal medial portion of the rigid plate member and the insole along the transverse plane of the shoe. The distal medial portion of the plate member is located generally proximal and beneath the first metatarsal head of the foot. The upwardly angled medial surface of the post permits the post to fit optimally within the heel area of the shoe and also avoids interference between the heel counter/insole and the post that would impair proper operation of the insert.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2002Date of Patent: August 31, 2004Inventor: Dennis N Brown
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Publication number: 20040111925Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a pair of shoes with fixtures for walking on a slope and also in a flat place while maintaining the natural posture by adjusting the height of the heel, the toe, or the arched portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2003Publication date: June 17, 2004Inventor: Tomio Fukui
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Patent number: 6732456Abstract: A shoe insert of the orthotic type made of a flexible material to enable repeated flexing without cracking and having a built-in step indicating device made of a stiff material that indicates to the user the posture or orientation of the foot at initial heel-to-ground contact through final toe-off.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2002Date of Patent: May 11, 2004Inventor: Shakil Hussain
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Patent number: 6725578Abstract: A joint protective shoe construction for preventing knee and hip osteoarthritis is provided. The shoe construction includes a midsole or insole having a body with medial and lateral sides. The height of the lateral side of the body is greater than the height of the medial side, thereby forming a lateral wedge. A cantilevered arch support is also provided for transferring forces from the weight of the body to the lateral side of the shoe and foot. The arch support is adapted to support the medial side of an arch of a wearer's foot at a height above the ground. The lateral wedge and/or the arch support significantly reduce the knee and hip torques during walking, running, standing, or other weight bearing activities including athletic endeavors.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2001Date of Patent: April 27, 2004Inventor: D. Casey Kerrigan
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Publication number: 20040040181Abstract: Disclosed is a pair of golf shoes, each comprising an outsole provided with a plurality of spikes protruded from a lower surface of the outsole, in which the lower surface of the outsole is inclined from an outer edge of the outsole to an inner edge of the outsole so that the spikes at the inner edge of the outsole have a height larger than that of the spikes at the outer edge of the outsole, and the spikes respectively have heights so that an upper surface of the outsole is substantially parallel with a ground. The golf shoes allow golfer's feet to be stably mounted on the surface of a green, thereby assisting a golfer in taking a stable position during address and swing motions.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2003Publication date: March 4, 2004Inventor: Jinho Kim
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Publication number: 20040040183Abstract: A cantilevered shoe construction for preventing knee and hip osteoarthritis. The shoe construction includes a cantilevered foot support with an anchored lateral side and a fully or partially cantilevered medial side. The cantilevered foot support transfers forces, otherwise transmitted through the medial aspect of the shoe and foot, to the lateral side of the shoe and foot, thereby reducing the knee varus and hip adductor torques to prevent or delay onset of knee and hip osteoarthritis and reducing the ankle joint adductor torque to reduce the risk for ankle sprain injury. The reduction of these joint torques also maintains posture without counterbalancing muscle activity, thereby improving muscle efficiency and performance during weight bearing activities and reducing the tendency for musculoskeletal injury. A spring loading effect of other embodiments enhances the natural coronal foot progression during gait so as to enhance the push off phase of gait.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 5, 2003Publication date: March 4, 2004Inventor: D. Casey Kerrigan
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Patent number: 6684532Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed having an upper, a foot-supporting member, and a sole structure. The foot-supporting member includes a heel region located at a greater elevation than a forefoot region, thereby defining a recess under the heel region. The sole structure includes a midsole that forms a protrusion on the interior of the footwear. The protrusion mates with the recess to provide support for the heel region. The foot-supporting member may also incorporate pronation control characteristics, including a downward cant from a medial to a lateral side of the foot-supporting member and a region of reduced support generally underlying the first metatarsal. To further reduce the rate of pronation, the sole structure includes a region in the rear-lateral corner that is more compressible than other areas of the sole structure.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2001Date of Patent: February 3, 2004Assignee: Nike, Inc.Inventors: Pamela S. Greene, Kevin W. Hoffer, Sergio G. Lozano, Michael Martindale, Gordon A. Valiant
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Publication number: 20030226288Abstract: An orthotic insert having an angled lateral surface that engages the insole so as to pivot the insert in a lateral direction and invert the rearfoot at heel strike, and a medial bottom surface that freely interfits within the heel counter and insole of the shoe so as to avoid limiting pivoting motion in the medial direction as the weight on the foot shifts forwardly and medially. Pivoting motion in the medial direction is arrested by engagement between a distal medial portion of the rigid plate member and the insole along the transverse plane of the shoe. The distal medial portion of the plate member is located generally proximal and beneath the first metatarsal head of the foot. The upwardly angled medial surface of the post permits the post to fit optimally within the heel area of the shoe and also avoids interference between the heel counter/insole and the post that would impair proper operation of the insert.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2002Publication date: December 11, 2003Inventor: Dennis N. Brown
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Publication number: 20030177667Abstract: A shoe insert of the orthotic type made of a flexible material so that it can repeatedly flex without cracking and having a built-in step indicating device made of a stiff material that indicates to the user the posture or orientation of the foot at initial heel-to-ground contact through final toe-off.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2002Publication date: September 25, 2003Inventor: Shakil Hussain
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Patent number: 6616544Abstract: An indication device for instructing a predetermined golf swing action, or for instructing a predetermined stance during skiing, includes inserts (1, 6, 10, 22) which are adapted and which can be located in use to provide a tactile indication to the user that a predetermined stance has been maintained or deviated from. In the case of golf, the device is particularly adapted such that when not swinging, no such tactile indication to the golfer is provided.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2000Date of Patent: September 9, 2003Inventor: Kenneth Robert Kimmorley
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Publication number: 20030150137Abstract: A shoe construction is described in which generally concealed means can be manually adjusted to change the degree of transverse orthopedic foot support provided by the shoe.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2002Publication date: August 14, 2003Inventor: Henri E. Rosen
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Patent number: 6604301Abstract: A removable orthotic shoe sole insert for a patient having a high arch comprises a built-up heel portion with a deep cup shape with a flaring around the heel pad area for containing the fatty fibrous heel pad, a arch area formed lower than the arch of the wearer and a forefoot portion just lateral to the first metatarsal head and lateral sesamoid of the foot and extending to the lateral edge of the insert. A shallow divot or depression is formed for receiving the first metatarsal and its underlying hallux sesamoids. The shoe sole insert is designed to accommodate the majority of foot sizes and is sized by the length from the posterior heel to the first metatarsal head of the foot so that the first metatarsal head is positioned in the shallow divot of the insert.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2000Date of Patent: August 12, 2003Inventors: Arthur Manoli, II, Brian Graham
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Patent number: 6601320Abstract: A two-piece orthotic insert assembly. A post member is fixedly mounted in the heel end of a shoe, and has a generally concave bearing surface. A separate plate member is placed in the shoe so that the heel end thereof rests in the post, the heel cup of the plate member having a generally convex lower bearing surface which engages the concave bearing surface in the post member so as to permit a predetermined range of pivoting motion between the two pieces. The concave upper bearing surface of the post member defines a generally U-shaped bearing area which supports the rear foot portion of the plate at a predetermined angle for heel strike. Following heel strike, the plate member pivots so as to permit a controlled amount of pronation of the foot.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2000Date of Patent: August 5, 2003Assignee: Northwest Podiatric LaboratoryInventor: Dennis N. Brown
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Publication number: 20030093920Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed having an upper, a foot-supporting member, and a sole structure. The foot-supporting member includes a heel region located at a greater elevation than a forefoot region, thereby defining a recess under the heel region. The sole structure includes a midsole that forms a protrusion on the interior of the footwear. The protrusion mates with the recess to provide support for the heel region. The foot-supporting member may also incorporate pronation control characteristics, including a downward cant from a medial to a lateral side of the foot-supporting member and a region of reduced support generally underlying the first metatarsal. To further reduce the rate of pronation, the sole structure includes a region in the rear-lateral corner that is more compressible than other areas of the sole structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2001Publication date: May 22, 2003Applicant: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Pamela S. Greene, Kevin W. Hoffer, Sergio G. Lozano, Michael Martindale, Gordon A. Valiant
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Patent number: 6557271Abstract: An article of footwear of the present invention includes a sole and an upper portion, which forms a shell for enclosing a user's foot therein. The shell has a collar for extending around a user's ankle and a suspension system extending between the upper portion and the sole. The suspension system including an energy storage member, which transfers reaction forces from the sole to the shell generally at the collar whereby the energy storage member reduces overturning moment forces on the user's ankle when lateral forces are applied to the article of footwear.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2001Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Inventor: Robert B. Weaver, III
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Patent number: 6550160Abstract: A shoe device that is useful in obtaining the proper stance when playing the game of golf. The shoe device has a sole section, wherein the sole section has a left side and a right side. The shoe also includes an upper section that is coupled to the sole section. The upper section is sized to receive a foot. The upper section has a right side area that is disposed above the right side of the sole and a left side area that is disposed above the left side of the sole. A slanting mechanism is disposed within the shoe for selectively slanting the sole section of the shoe so that either the right side area or the left side area is elevated to a height above the opposite area. By slanting the shoe to one side, a golfer is reminded to keep his/her weight the inside of their right foot when swinging a golf club, thereby making for a better swing.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2001Date of Patent: April 22, 2003Inventor: Eugene T. Miller, II
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Publication number: 20030033733Abstract: Footwear comprising a sole. The sole has a heel section for supporting a heel of the foot. The heel section has medial and lateral regions. At least a portion of the lateral region has a first compressive resilience for attenuating the shock of impact to the wearer during running and walking. Further, the sole has an arch section forward of the heel section for supporting an arch of the foot. The arch section also has medial and lateral regions. At least a portion of the lateral region of the arch section has the first compressive resilience and at least a portion of the medial region of the arch section has a second compressive resilience harder than the first compressive resilience for providing firm support for the foot during running and walking. In addition, the sole has a forefoot section forward of the arch section for supporting a ball of the foot including first, second, third, fourth and fifth metatarsal heads and associated metatarsal necks, proximal phalanges and metatarsal phalangeal joints.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2001Publication date: February 20, 2003Inventor: Jeffrey S. Brooks
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Publication number: 20030014884Abstract: The modified oxford shoe providing vertical and horizontal heel pressure diminishment including an optional means of adjusting pronation is an inventive device which diminishes pressures to the heel with a floating collar and supple counter assembly with adjusting strap, with spacing studs attached strategically to the sides of the midsole to prevent exterior pressure to the heel and with a multi functioning cushion assembly coupled with adjustable underlying steel springs and resilient midsole and wearing surface to diminish pressure to the bottom of the heel and provide pronation adjustment if needed.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2002Publication date: January 23, 2003Inventor: Lester Erwin Carroll
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Patent number: 6502330Abstract: A sole includes a strengthener in the form of a closed loop which surrounds the zone on which the heel rests and is extended forward in the form of two branches extending along the two edges of the sole at least as far as the zone of the first and fifth metatarsal heads.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2001Date of Patent: January 7, 2003Inventors: Loic David, Jean-Jaques Rivet, Michel Maestro
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Patent number: 6477793Abstract: Methods and apparatus for promoting an ergonomically proper leg and foot posture while cycling are disclosed. A cycling shoe has a rigid outsole with a heel portion, a forefoot portion forward of the heel portion, a toe portion forward of the forefoot portion, an upper surface and a lower surface. The lower surface has a pedal contact area underlying the forefoot portion. The pedal contact area defines a base plane, and the upper surface of the outsole is sloped laterally with respect to the base plane along substantially the entire width of the forefoot portion, at a predetermined varus-compensation angle.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2000Date of Patent: November 12, 2002Assignee: Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc.Inventors: Andrew L. Pruitt, Carl Bird, Luke Fryer
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Patent number: 6474006Abstract: An athletic shoe is provided which contributes to dynamic stability of the shoe during several athletic activities. The athletic shoe comprises a tapered lateral wedge section and may further include a lateral heel stabilizer, a medial heel wedge and a tapered lateral forefoot section.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2000Date of Patent: November 5, 2002Inventors: William G. Cummings, Jay G. Levine
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Publication number: 20020144439Abstract: An athletic shoe attachment comprises a wedge-shaped shim adapted to be interposed between the bottom of a shoe and a ground engageable traction member. Any selected traction member may be removed and replaced by a shim, and the removed traction member may be mounted on the shim in ground engageable position.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2001Publication date: October 10, 2002Inventor: Shawn Price
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Patent number: 6460275Abstract: An orthotic device for inserting within a heel portion of a shoe of a user for inhibiting excessive pronation or excessive supination of a user's foot, and for comforting associated pain by cushioning a heel of the foot, which includes a sloped wedge member with a cutout for receiving a portion of the heel of the user; and a cup member positionable adjacent the wedge member, the cup member including a cushion material therein located so as to substantially underlie the cutout of the wedge member when the cup member is positioned adjacent the wedge member.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2001Date of Patent: October 8, 2002Inventors: W. Scott Bennett, Mary Lee Evers, John H. Krusenklaus
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Publication number: 20020139011Abstract: A joint protective shoe construction for preventing knee and hip osteoarthritis is provided. The shoe construction includes a midsole or insole having a body with medial and lateral sides. The height of the lateral side of the body is greater than the height of the medial side, thereby forming a lateral wedge. A cantilevered arch support is also provided for transferring forces from the weight of the body to the lateral side of the shoe and foot. The arch support is adapted to support the medial side of an arch of a wearer's foot at a height above the ground. The lateral wedge and/or the arch support significantly reduce the knee and hip torques during walking, running, standing, or other weight bearing activities including athletic endeavors.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 3, 2001Publication date: October 3, 2002Inventor: D. Casey Kerrigan
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Patent number: 6457262Abstract: An article of footwear with a bladder system providing cushioning and dynamic motion control in a multi-bladder system. The bladder system gives the needed amount of motion control by stiffening a portion of the footwear in response to the individual user's side-to-side motion. When used in the heel, the bladder system takes into consideration a center-of-pressure pathway of the foot to increase medial stiffness in response to lateral-to-medial rotation of the foot, so the more a user pronates, the stiffer the medial portion of the footwear is made. The bladder system provides comfort and control without the extra weight and bulk of prior art support structures. The bladder system dynamically changes the stiffness of a portion of the footwear when pressure is applied thereto, and returns to equilibrium when the pressure is removed.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2000Date of Patent: October 1, 2002Assignee: Nike, Inc.Inventor: John Swigart
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Publication number: 20020112378Abstract: Golf shoes are proposed which make it possible for particularly senior golfers whose lower half body has weakened to make a correct swing during a downswing. A sealed bag formed of a vinyl is fixed to a portion of a midsole in surface contact with the foot sole of a shoe. A hand pump and a release valve are connected to the sealed bag through a vinyl tube. When the shoes are put on with the sealed bag inflated by injecting air into it by operating the hand pump, the portion of the little toe rises. When a swing is made in this state, even when the body weight moves at the time of a downswing or an impact, due to the rise of the portion of the little toe by inflation of the sealed bag, even a senior golfer can make a right swing by standing firm on his left foot. When air is released from the sealed bag, normal walking is possible.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2001Publication date: August 22, 2002Inventor: Nariie Kaneko
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Patent number: 6412198Abstract: A forefoot support system 60 for supporting a hyperpronating forefoot 20 both dynamically while the forefoot 20 is in motion and statically is disclosed. The forefoot support system 60 is a bed upon which the forefoot 20 rests which includes an inner edge 62 and an outer edge 64. The forefoot support system 60 is positioned underneath the medial column of forefoot 20. The forefoot support system 60 laterally decreases in thickness from the inner edge 62 to the outer edge 64. The inner edge 62 is positioned along the medial side of the forefoot 20, and the outer edge 64 is positioned longitudinally in a zone substantially between a lateral margin of the hallux 48, the proximal phalanx 46, and the first metatarsal 36 and a medial margin of the phalanges 47 of the second toe and the second metatarsal 38.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2000Date of Patent: July 2, 2002Assignee: GRD Biotech, Inc.Inventor: Brian A. Rothbart
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Patent number: 6349487Abstract: An adjustable dynamic, removable, mechanical foot leverage orthotic system is disclosed having a plate member positioned on top of one or more fulcrum member that are placed inside of a shoe. The plate is free to move within the shoe about the fulcrum to provide the wearer with mechanical improvement of abnormal, functional and associated foot pathology and can directly and indirectly effect the entire gait cycle. The foot leverage system can be integrated into the shoe design or can be inserted within a conventional shoe to create a foot leverage system. Methods of use and treatment are disclosed for the treatment of pes planus, pes cavus and tendonitis. The foot leverage system may also be used with the disclosed foot mapping system and method.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2000Date of Patent: February 26, 2002Assignee: Pivotal Image, Inc.Inventor: Gilbert Alan Hice
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Publication number: 20020005000Abstract: The present invention relates to a body figure curing footwear, and more particularly to a body figure curing slant footwear which prevents and cures symptoms such as inwardly curved knee (bow leg) by balancing a body upon walking by slantly forming a part of front portion of footwear sole.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2001Publication date: January 17, 2002Inventor: Byoung-Hoon Choi
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Publication number: 20010054242Abstract: A shoe device that is useful in obtaining the proper stance when playing the game of golf. The shoe device has a sole section, wherein the sole section has a left side and a right side. The shoe also includes an upper section that is coupled to the sole section. The upper section is sized to receive a foot. The upper section has a right side area that is disposed above the right side of the sole and a left side area that is disposed above the left side of the sole. A slanting mechanism is disposed within the shoe for selectively slanting the sole section of the shoe so that either the right side area or the left side area is elevated to a height above the opposite area. By slanting the shoe to one side, a golfer is reminded to keep his/her weight the inside of their right foot when swinging a golf club, thereby making for a better swing.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2001Publication date: December 27, 2001Inventor: Eugene T. Miller
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Publication number: 20010027616Abstract: A combined pronation and supination control plantar insert for shoes comprising posture control elements adapted to correct and/or modify the posture of the entire tendon, bone and muscle structure of the body, both laterally and medially and both for talipes equinus and for talipes calcaneus. The plantar insert allows to correct the main postural defects involving mastication, cervical structures, the spinal column, hips, ankles and feet.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2001Publication date: October 11, 2001Inventors: Bruno Silvestrini, Camillo Buratto, Alberto Buratto
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Patent number: 6269554Abstract: A combined pronation and supination control plantar insert for shoes comprising posture control elements adapted to correct and/or modify the posture of the entire tendon, bone and muscle structure of the body, both laterally and medially and both for talipes equinus and for talipes calcaneus. The plantar insert allows to correct the main postural defects involving mastication, cervical structures, the spinal column, hips, ankles and feet.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 1999Date of Patent: August 7, 2001Inventors: Bruno Silvestrini, Camillo Buratto, Alberto Buratto
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Patent number: 6269555Abstract: A two-piece orthotic insert assembly. A post member is fixedly mounted in the heel end of a shoe, and has a generally concave bearing surface. A separate plate member is placed in the shoe so that the heel end thereof rests in the post, the heel cup of the plate member having a generally convex lower bearing surface which engages the concave bearing surface in the post member so as to permit a predetermined range of pivoting motion between the two pieces. The concave upper bearing surface of the post member defines a generally U-shaped bearing area which supports the rear foot portion of the plate at a predetermined angle for heel strike. Following heel strike, the plate member pivots so as to permit a controlled amount of pronation of the foot.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2000Date of Patent: August 7, 2001Assignee: Northwest Podiatric Laboratory, Inc.Inventor: Dennis N. Brown
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Patent number: 6260289Abstract: A sole capable of smoothly performing aori motion while absorbing a shock on a foot when the foot touches the ground with the outer side thereof is obtained. This sole comprises a central surface, a front bottom surface and a rear bottom surface. The central surface is formed substantially parallel to the bottom of the foot, and the front bottom surface has a first angle of inclination with respect to the central surface. The rear bottom surface has a second angle of inclination with respect to the central surface. A first elastic layer made of a material having higher flexibility as compared with the remaining portions is provided on the outer side of the boundary between the central surface and the front bottom surface to extend over the boundary. Thus, the first elastic layer smoothly deforms with a load when the central surface touches the ground, whereby aori motion can be smoothly performed while absorbing a shock on the foot when the foot touches the ground with the outer side thereof.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2000Date of Patent: July 17, 2001Inventor: Hiroaki Tsuji
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Publication number: 20010001907Abstract: An article of footwear including a sole with a stability element constructed of a material and configured for controlling, in a preselected manner, the rotation of the forefoot portion of the article of footwear around the longitudinal axis with respect to the rearfoot portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2001Publication date: May 31, 2001Inventors: Simon Luthi, Frans Xavier Karl Kalin, Jeffrey E. Gebhard, Charles D. Kraeuter
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Patent number: 6199302Abstract: An athletic shoe comprises an upper (3) for accommodating an instep of a foot, and outer sole (4) having a tread on bottom surface, and a midsole (1) interposed between the upper (3) and the outer sole (4). A shock absorbing groove (2) is formed in the midsole (1). The shock absorbing groove (2) is formed of a long transverse groove (20) and a short longitudinal groove (21) in a continuous manner. The transverse groove (20) is formed on the midsole (1) extending from a side face of a rear foot part (1B) of the midsole (1) on lateral side (10) of the foot to a back face of a heel part (1H) of the midsole (1) and has an end (22) on the heel part (1H). The longitudinal groove (21) is formed in such a manner as to cut out the heel part (1H) of the midsole (1) from a lower end face of the midsole (1) toward the end of the transverse groove (20).Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 1999Date of Patent: March 13, 2001Assignee: Asics CorporationInventor: Toshikazu Kayano
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Patent number: 6182380Abstract: A demi pointe equalizer, exerciser, and tensioning device that is a small pad in the general shape of a common big toe. The equalizer pad extends from the tip of the big toe to a point behind the metatarsal parabola. The equalizer pad is designed to support only the big toe. The support system is also designed to be applied in layers, so that correction can be built up slowly, as needed. By using layers of equalizer pads, the ideal thickness of pad can be achieved. This equalizer pad may be attached directly to the bottom of the big toe, or to the sole of a shoe, slipper, sock, sandal, or to an insole to form a system. The pad or system may be constructed from a variety of materials that are matched to a particular activity.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 1998Date of Patent: February 6, 2001Inventor: Paul Liley
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Patent number: 6125557Abstract: A two-piece orthotic insert assembly. A post member is fixedly mounted in the heel end of a shoe, and has a generally concave bearing surface. A separate plate member is placed in the shoe so that the heel end thereof rests in the post, the heel cup of the plate member having a generally convex lower bearing surface which engages the concave bearing surface in the post member so as to permit a predetermined range of pivoting motion between the two pieces. The concave upper bearing surface of the post member defines a generally U-shaped bearing area which supports the rear foot portion of the plate at a predetermined angle for heel strike. Following heel strike, the plate member pivots so as to permit a controlled amount of pronation of the foot.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 1998Date of Patent: October 3, 2000Assignee: Northwest Podiatric LabInventor: Dennis N. Brown
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Patent number: 6092314Abstract: A foot support system 60 for supporting a hyperpronating foot 20 both dynamically while the foot 20 is in motion and statically is disclosed. The foot support system 60 is a bed upon which the foot 20 rests which includes an inner edge 62 and an outer edge 64. The foot support system 60 is positioned underneath the medial column of the forefoot of foot 20. The foot support system 60 laterally decreases in thickness from the inner edge 62 to the outer edge 64. The inner edge 62 is positioned along the medial side of the foot 20, and the outer edge 64 is positioned longitudinally in a zone adjacent to a lateral margin of the hallux 48, the proximal phalanx 46, and the first metatarsal 36 and a medial margin of the phalanges 47 of the second toe and the second metatarsal 38.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 1998Date of Patent: July 25, 2000Assignee: GRD Biotech, Inc.Inventor: Brian A. Rothbart
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Patent number: 5921009Abstract: An adjustable dynamic, removable, mechanical foot leverage orthotic system is disclosed having a plate member positioned on top of a fulcrum member that are placed inside of a shoe. The plate is free to move within the shoe about the fulcrum to provide the wearer with mechanical improvement of abnormal, functional and associated foot pathology and can directly and indirectly effect the entire gait cycle. The foot leverage system can be integrated into the shoe design or can be inserted within a conventional shoe to create a foot leverage system. Methods of use and treatment are disclosed for the treatment of pes planus, pes cavus and tendonitis. The foot leverage system may also be used with the disclosed foot mapping system and method.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 1997Date of Patent: July 13, 1999Assignee: Pivotal Image, Inc.Inventor: Gilbert A. Hice
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Patent number: 5881478Abstract: A shoe having a resilient sole, an upper secured to the sole, and a rockable member within a cavity in the sole. The rockable member is configured for side-to-side rocking in the sole cavity between a neutral position and a tilted position as the wearer's foot is moved relative to the sole between a neutral position and a tilted position.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 1998Date of Patent: March 16, 1999Assignee: Converse Inc.Inventors: Thomas A. McMahon, John Healy