Adjustable Position Or Shape Patents (Class 36/155)
  • Patent number: 10130139
    Abstract: A women's high-heel shoe and a non-removable insole to be incorporated therein, the insole having an arch fill, a 3-degree rearfoot post and a layer of a closed-cell foam material, such as ethylene vinyl acetate. The arch support extends below the arch and may be positioned along an inside edge of the insole. The 3-degree rearfoot post is configured to extend below an outside edge of a user's foot. The rearfoot post may be integral to the bottom layer of the insole and have a durometer of approximately 55. The rearfoot post may extend the full length of the insole but may have a width that is substantially smaller than the width of the insole. The insole may extend varying lengths, including the full length of the sole of the shoe or to a location adjacent a user's digital sulcus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Marion Parke Designs, LLC
    Inventor: Marion Garrett Parke
  • Patent number: 8597209
    Abstract: A foot correcting and balancing shoe assembly includes at least one sole unit having an imaginary transverse line dividing the sole unit into front- and rear-half regions. The rear-half region includes left and right rear-half sections, and a heel area spanning rear portions of the left and right rear-half sections. A foot arch correction device is mounted detachably to the sole unit. At least one balancing pad is mounted detachably within the sole unit below the foot arch correction device, and at a predetermined location in at least one of the left and right rear-half sections to maintain foot balance for a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Jun-Da Biotechnology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chin-Hsing Hsish, Tsung-Hsien Hsieh, Ken-Tick Soh, Tung-Chen Hsieh
  • Patent number: 8578634
    Abstract: An adjustable orthopedic device includes a holder configured to be worn on a wearer's foot. The holder has an elastic cloth band sized to encircle the wearer's foot at a location between the wearer's toes and the wearer's ankle. A platform is removably secured into a pocket formed in the holder. Raised pads are provided for applying pressure to one or more bones of the wearer's foot, the raised pads include an adhesive surface providing a removable adherence to the top surface of the platform and allowing the raised pads to be manually repositionable to any X and Y coordinate on the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Inventors: Phu Nguyen, Timothy A. Freriks
  • Patent number: 8458930
    Abstract: A footwear outsole includes an arch member shiftably assembled on a central part of an upper surface of a outsole body in a longitudinal direction and a rear heel shiftably assembled on a rear part of a lower surface of the outsole body in a longitudinal direction. The footwear outsole has an advantage in that the footwear outsole can not only prevent the foot from becoming flat, but can also minimize shock on the sole of the foot, and reduce foot fatigue Therefore, the comfortable sensation can be maintained, and an effect of stretching are maximized so as to make the blood smoothly circulate and acupressure the acupunctural K1 region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Shin Kyung Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ki-Ho Ha
  • Patent number: 8371047
    Abstract: The present invention provides devices, methods, and kits for reducing joint pain and treating conditions of weight-bearing joints. The methods are accomplished through the use of a cushioned wedged insole kit that selectively reduces pressure by cushioning impact and redistributing forces away from affected joints or joint compartments. The kit includes a wedged slab and a neutral slab. The slabs may be trimmed using the kit's sizing chart to create medial or lateral wedged insoles for either the right or left foot. The slab construction may mimic the combination of fatty globules and the surrounding restricting fibrous network cushioning structures found in the foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Inventor: Lanny Johnson
  • Patent number: 8250783
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for supplying a customer with a footbed. A kiosk provides measurements of a consumer's feet with a self-guided display by using both pressure measurements and scanning of the feet. The measurement information is converted to identify which of the preselected and stocked components proximate the kiosk can be combined to provide an appropriate footbed for the consumer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Esoles LLC
    Inventors: Simon M. Luthi, Glen D. Hinshaw, Joseph F. McMillan, Peter C. Rueegger, Michael Steszyn
  • Publication number: 20110154692
    Abstract: The next generation pre-customized/customizable orthotic device “BT' Orthotic Device” or “Brilliant Orthotic Device” otherwise known as “BThotics” or “BThoses” is described that molds around your feet following the natural anatomical gait cycle which can be adjusted manually or automatically. BThotics is a structurally sound orthotic that is so unique and versatile in that it can adjust to your daily needs and preferences be it a mildly high arch, a moderately high arch, a high arch, a narrow foot, a moderately wide foot or wide feet. With BThotics, you do not have to wait 2 weeks for a trial and error test fitting. You would be immediately matched to the appropriate insole/insert/shoe within seconds and better yet, it won't cost you an arm and a leg to get one. For these reasons and many more to be discussed below, BThotics is truly a technological marvel that would revolutionize the orthotic world.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 25, 2009
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Inventor: Babatunde Olanipekun Adegbile
  • Patent number: 7900380
    Abstract: An insole which is individually adaptable for insertion in footwear is disclosed. The insole has an upper cradle having an upper surface for contact with a foot. The upper surface is a ETC material. A lower interlocking surface is molded of EVA for cushioning of the foot. A lower cradle having an upper surface with an arch depression and a lower surface with flow domes provided. The flow dome has a flow hole fluidly communicating with the arch depression. A gel layer is placed in the arch depression, the gel layer being moldable via heat. The insole is heated to allow the gel layer to soften. The user then places their foot in on the insole allowing the gel layer to conform to the user's feet. The gel layer then cools and sets in the shape. Excess gel in the gel layer runs out through the flow holes and fills the flow domes. The excess gel is removed and the flow dome is plugged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Masterfit Enterprises Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey S. Rich
  • Publication number: 20110041360
    Abstract: A removable and adjustable insert for footwear has slots placed in the insole and/or midsole of the shoe to allow access to the arch and/or metatarsal and/or heel regions of the insole and/or midsole. In an embodiment, an insert placed into the arch insert slot that establishes how much the arch protrudes above the remainder of the top surface of the insole. One or more inserts are provided having different thicknesses so that the height of the arch can be varied by the user or at the direction of a third party, such as a doctor or a trainer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2010
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Applicant: DASHAMERICA, INC. D/B/A PEARL IZUMI USA, INC.
    Inventors: Tony L. Torrance, Philip Majure, Robert K. Scofield
  • Patent number: 7856742
    Abstract: An application for an adjustable orthopedic device includes a holder configured to be worn on a wearer's foot. The holder has an elastic cloth band sized to encircle the wearer's foot at a location between the wearer's toes and the wearer's ankle. A platform is removably secured to the holder by hook and loop material. The platform includes more hook and loop material on its top surface. Raised pads are provided for applying pressure to one or more bones of the wearer's foot, the raised pads include mating hook and loop material for providing a removable adherence to the top surface of the platform and allowing the raised pads to be manually repositionable to any X and Y coordinate on the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Inventors: Phu Nguyen, Timothy A. Freriks
  • Patent number: 7856741
    Abstract: An application for an adjustable orthopedic device includes a holder configured to be worn on a wearer's foot. The holder has an elastic cloth band sized to encircle the wearer's foot at a location between the wearer's toes and the wearer's ankle. The holder also has a holding strap affixed to the elastic cloth band, the holding strap securely holds a platform beneath the wearer's foot. The platform is positioned beneath the wearer's foot and includes a magnetic material. Raised pads are provided for applying pressure to one or more bones of the wearer's foot, the raised pads include a ferromagnetic material providing a removable adherence to the platform through magnetic force and allowing the raised pads to be manually repositionable to any X and Y coordinate on the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Inventors: Phu Nguyen, Timothy A. Freriks
  • Patent number: 7849612
    Abstract: An adhesive strip for use with a balancing disc for balancing the gait of the user comprises a medial polyester sheet having an upper surface and a lower surface. An acrylic adhesive is the disposed on both the upper and lower surfaces. A silicone release sheet is disposed atop the upper layer of acrylic adhesive and a circular polyester sheet is disposed over the lower layer of adhesive. The overlying polyester sheet is scored to facilitate removal of at least a portion thereof in order to expose a portion of the acrylic adhesive for immediate adherence to a surface of an associated balancing disc. After emplacement, the other portion of the polyester sheet is removed to secure the adhesive to the disc. When the silicone release sheet is removed, the disc can then be readily applied to an insole or to a footwear item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Inventor: Merel Epstein
  • Patent number: 7690133
    Abstract: Shoe (10), in particular for a child, which advantageously has an unusually long lifetime, is of the type comprising a sole (12) and a upper (14), that define a determined fitting volume (V2), in which a determined length (L2) and a determined fitting (C2) are individualized, said shoe (10) comprising at least one removable, fittable spacer (20), which determines a reduced fitting volume (V1), in which a reduced length (L1) and a reduced fitting (C1) are individualized with respect to said determined length (L2) and said determined fitting (C2), respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Kellismere LLC
    Inventor: Oliviero Olivieri
  • Patent number: 7644522
    Abstract: A shoe insert system with adjustable and interchangeable supports comprising: a base sole, a longitudinal arch, a heel insert, and a transverse arch; the base sole being generally planar and having a perimeter which covers the underside of a foot from the heel region up to the bottom of a person's toes, a longitudinal arch, the longitudinal arch having a d-shape with perforated holes and a row of pins sized to mate with perforations of the base sole, a heel insert, the heel insert having alternating perforated holes and pins near the edge defining a general circumference of the heel insert, the pins are sized to mate with corresponding perforated holes on the base sole, the transverse arch having a hole side and a pin side, the transverse arch having a series of perforated holes on the hole side and at least one pin sized to mate with a corresponding perforated hole on the base sole on the hole side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Inventor: Manuel Ramirez Martinez Ramirez
  • Patent number: 7645251
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Inventors: Dale L. Hatton, Zane G. Wallace, Gary W. Horton
  • Patent number: 7610696
    Abstract: An adjustable fit insole system for shoes includes an insole member formed of flexible, resilient cushioning material that is removably inserted within the foot-receiving chamber of the shoe, the insole member and the shoe having corresponding heel, arch, ball and toe portions. In order to vary the internal width and girth dimensions of the ball portion of the chamber, a width adjustment pad of a desired thickness and/or hardness is removably connected with the bottom surface of the ball portion of the insole member, thereby to permit the user to customize the fit of the shoe. The top surface of the insole member is contoured to position the foot relative to the insole, and the bottom surface of the heel portion of the insole member is provided with an anti-slip stabilizing arrangement, thereby to prevent sliding movement of the insole member relative to the shoe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Munro & Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Russell L. Davis
  • Publication number: 20090133294
    Abstract: A device is disclosed comprising a contour configured to engage a foot and supported by a response assembly, the response assembly configured to mechanically respond to pressure applied to the contour. The contour may comprise at least one stimulating mound configured to engage at least one non-medial arch of the foot and/or a heel ridge for dividing the heel from the rest of the foot. A control circuit is disclosed that may communicate with an orthopedic device to create a pressure reading used to control a point of response and/or a stimulating mound. The device may include a second contour configured to engage a second foot supported by a second response assembly. Methods of using the device are disclosed. The device may be an orthopedic device and/or a sports training device. A shoe insert and shoe are disclosed, each comprising a contour including at least one stimulating mound.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2007
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventor: Ronald Frank Harwin
  • Publication number: 20080307677
    Abstract: An application for an adjustable orthopedic device includes a holder configured to be worn on a wearer's foot. The holder has an elastic cloth band sized to encircle the wearer's foot at a location between the wearer's toes and the wearer's ankle. The holder also has a holding strap affixed to the elastic cloth band, the holding strap securely holds a platform beneath the wearer's foot. The platform is positioned beneath the wearer's foot and includes a magnetic material. Raised pads are provided for applying pressure to one or more bones of the wearer's foot, the raised pads include a ferromagnetic material providing a removable adherence to the platform through magnetic force and allowing the raised pads to be manually repositionable to any X and Y coordinate on the platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2007
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Inventors: Phu Nguyen, Timothy A. Freriks
  • Publication number: 20080307678
    Abstract: An application for an adjustable orthopedic device includes a holder configured to be worn on a wearer's foot. The holder has an elastic cloth band sized to encircle the wearer's foot at a location between the wearer's toes and the wearer's ankle. A platform is removably secured to the holder by hook and loop material. The platform includes more hook and loop material on its top surface. Raised pads are provided for applying pressure to one or more bones of the wearer's foot, the raised pads include mating hook and loop material for providing a removable adherence to the top surface of the platform and allowing the raised pads to be manually repositionable to any X and Y coordinate on the platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2007
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Inventors: Phu Nguyen, Timothy A. Freriks
  • Publication number: 20080256830
    Abstract: An adjustable shock attenuating means comprises at least one arch element (1) and at least one tensile element (2) arranged between any two positions at a concave surface of the element (1) or between two ends of the arch element (1). This means further comprises at least one additional arch element (12) arranged intersecting with the arch element (1) or arranged with the arch element (1) side by side. The arch element (1) has a U-shaped cut-out (13, 14) at its two ends respectively and the tensile element (2) correspondingly has a connecting piece (23, 24) at its two ends respectively to be coupled with the U-shaped cut-outs (13, 14) of the arch element (1) with which the tensile element (2) is coupled with the arch element (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2006
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventor: Edward Frederick
  • Patent number: 7272900
    Abstract: A balancing disc or appliance for use in with a shoe insole, or biomechanical device, such as an ankle or foot brace, for balancing the gait of a user is defined by a substantially circular disc or body element having a top surface and a bottom surface. The top surface and the bottom surface are angularly inclined with respect to each other in an angle ranging from about 2° to about 6°. Optimally, an adhesive is deposited onto one of the surfaces for facilitating affixation of the disc to an insole or similar orthotic device. The disc is, preferably, formed from a flexible material. Since the device is substantially circular in nature, it may be rotated about a vertical axis through a 360° arc to facilitate minute adjustments in the balance of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Inventor: Merel Epstein
  • Patent number: 6990756
    Abstract: A footwear orthotic is disclosed having a plurality of removable inserts. The removable inserts are preferably provided in the metatarsal region and/or in the heel region. The inserts are designed to gradually train the user's feet to become comfortably accustomed to orthotic support. Each insert preferably has a different profile than the others. The user can select the insert with the most appropriate profile and securely position the insert in the footwear orthotic for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Sylmark Holdings Limited
    Inventor: Robert Johnson
  • Patent number: 6966131
    Abstract: An arch support orthosis includes an arch curve being variably tensioned for supporting a user's arch and foot. The arch support orthosis includes a metatarsal curve, a curved heel portion and a continuous medial longitudinal arch curve. An anterior slope and posterior slope of the arch curve include varying thicknesses from the base of each slope to a crown of the arch curve. A greater base thickness of each anterior and posterior slope provides firm support of the respective anterior curve and posterior curve of a user's arch, with the crown being resiliently supportive of the user's arch during weighted and unweighted use. A means for tensioning having an adjusting means are connectable under the continuous arch curve between the anterior and posterior slopes, thereby allowing a user to adjust angles of the respective slopes and the tension along the arch curve for treating plantar fasciitis and other foot disorders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Inventors: John C. McCracken, Jack K. Greer, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6804902
    Abstract: An arch support orthosis includes an arch curve being variably tensioned for supporting a user's arch and foot. The arch support orthosis includes a metatarsal curve, a curved heel portion and a continuous medial longitudinal arch curve. An anterior slope and posterior slope of the arch curve include varying thicknesses from the base of each slope to a crown of the arch curve. A greater base thickness of each anterior and posterior slope provides firm support of the respective anterior curve and posterior curve of a user's arch, with the crown being resiliently supportive of the user's arch during weighted and unweighted use. A means for tensioning having an adjusting means are connectable under the continuous arch curve between the anterior and posterior slopes, thereby allowing a user to adjust angles of the respective slopes and the tension along the arch curve for treating plantar fasciitis and other foot disorders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Inventors: John C. McCracken, W. Gilmer Reed, Jr., Jack K. Greer, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6792699
    Abstract: An orthopaedic shoe has an outsole and a special insole including an array of independently vertically movable sections or elements which are heat moldable to retain the contour of the users foot and which serve to reduce or avoid peak pressures and evenly distribute pressure during walking. The resilient sections preferably have a height which is substantially equal to or greater than the lateral extent of the sections, to permit swaying action and to reduce shear forces on the users feet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Royce Medical Company
    Inventors: Kelly M. Long, Tracy E. Grim, Joseph M. Iglesias, Kevin O'Donnell
  • Publication number: 20040103561
    Abstract: The invention provides an innersole system for an article of footwear, including an orthopedic intermediary support member and a user-selectable exchangeable innersole. The orthopedic intermediary support member includes a cupped heel portion having a concave upper bearing surface and a midfoot portion having a medial longitudinal arch support with a curvilinear upper bearing surface. The exchangeable innersole mates with the orthopedic intermediary support member to provide a user-selected orthopedic correction factor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventors: Todd D. Campbell, Russell C. Davis, William Y. Guthrie
  • Patent number: 6732457
    Abstract: An insole device configured to fit the profile of the human foot to promote proprioceptive stimulation of the Golgi tendon organ. The midfoot section of the insole device has an asymmetric domed structure that is presented to the plantar aspect of the foot at a location found to be the anatomical apex of the foot's arch system. The asymmetric domed structure displays physical properties to catalyst muscle group balancing by using the body's proprioceptive feedback mechanisms. The asymmetric domed structure displays physical properties such that it does not provide functional bracing or support to the plantar aspect of the foot. The net result will be more structurally sound foot capable of more energy efficient and less injury inducing use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Barefoot Science Technologies Inc
    Inventor: Roy J.W. Gardiner
  • Publication number: 20040064974
    Abstract: The invention relates to a support especially for medical or technical purposes comprising at least one flexible element which can be arched and which comprises at least one central part and lateral elements, the arch of said element being adjustable by means of a device. According to the invention, even in its arched state, the support can be at least partially spatially distorted, and/or rotated, and/or deformed about an axis by means of at least one lateral element and/or central element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventor: Wilhelm Schuster
  • Patent number: 6609314
    Abstract: In a shoe, an apparatus for the support of a foot, comprising a semi rigid piece of metal or plastic extending from the heel to the ball of the foot, disposed over the inner sole of the shoe, and a screw penetrating upward to raise or lower the semi rigid piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Inventor: Benjamin B. Dubner
  • Patent number: 6598319
    Abstract: An insole of a sheet material of polymeric foam material having two openings therein corresponding to a portion of the heel and a portion of the arch. The openings are filled with a polymeric gel composition having a tacky bottom surface to assist holding the insole in place and for the removable attachment of a polymeric gel arch cushion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Spenco Medical Corporation
    Inventor: John C. Hardt
  • Patent number: 6438873
    Abstract: An athletic shoe including a upper, a support member or “chassis” attached to the underside of the upper, and sole elements attached to the bottom of the support member. The support member provides support for the foot, and thereby permits use of spaced apart sole elements rather than a full midsole and a full outsole. In addition, the support member can be tailored to provide the optimum stiffness for a particular activity or user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: adidas International B.V.
    Inventors: Jeff Gebhard, Charles D. Kraeuter
  • Patent number: 6421933
    Abstract: An insole for shoes for soccer, running or similar sports having a contoured plate-like element made of plastics, which has a first through slot composed of a transverse portion which lies ahead of the position of the line of optimum flexing of the foot, and of two longitudinal portions which protrude from the preceding portion toward the plantar arch. The insole further having a second through slot which extends from the outward region of the heel, adjacent to the plantar arch, and has a first portion directed forward, a second portion directed backward, and a wider end portion arranged in a central rear region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Lotto Sport Italia S.p.A.
    Inventor: Mauro Zamprogno
  • Patent number: 6393736
    Abstract: An arch brace orthotic includes an adjustable arch curve having a plurality of extensions separated by incisions which separate the arch curve surface into multiple resiliently cantilevered extensions. The extensions adjust the arch curve height and slopes during each foot-strike along the arch curve. The weighted arch curve height is returned to an unweighted height by flexibly rebounding of each extension to support the arch of the user's foot. A tensioning means is connectable under the arch brace, providing adjustment of the arch curve height and slope to therapeutically support the user's arch. The arch brace is movable without disassembly between any shoe for treatment of arch and foot disorders. A method of treating plantar fasciitis and related foot disorders includes selectively and periodically adjusting the arch curve height and slopes by manipulating the tensioning means for therapeutic support and user controlled strengthening of the user's arch and foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Greer Reed Biomedical, LLC
    Inventors: Jack K. Greer, Jr., W. Gilmer Reed, Jr., John C. McCracken
  • Patent number: 6393733
    Abstract: A shoe having a fixed insole and an upper being provided with an adjustable arch strap. The strap has an elastically stretchable portion interposed between a main portion and a free end portion of the strap. The strap further includes an indicator for rendering said tension reproducible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Inventors: Eliyahu London, Shmuel Brody
  • Patent number: 6345455
    Abstract: An orthotic arch support including an intrinsically self-adjusting medial longitudinal arch curve including a plurality of generally adjacent incisions being generally transverse across the medial longitudinal arch curve. The incisions originate at a medial side of the arch curve, thereby separating the curved arching surface into a plurality of resilient extensions. The plurality of extensions are compressed against each other and self-adjust the arch curve height and slopes during each step. As weight shifts onto the posterior slope, the height of the arch curve is decreased by limited compression of each extension against adjacent extensions during each stride. Each resilient extension flexibly rebounds to return the arch curve to an unweighted height when weight shifts off of the arch curve. A tensioning means is insertable underneath the extensions to adjust the height and slopes of the arch curve, providing for user adjustment of the arch curve height and slopes as foot pain is reduced during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Assignee: Greer Reed Biomedical, LLC
    Inventors: Jack K. Greer, Jr., W. Gilmer Reed, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20020014023
    Abstract: An insole (20, 90, 110) provides for adjustable pediatric support characteristics for a user's foot. One or more pairs of stacked rotor and stator resilient elements (34, 36) are supported by the insole. Each pair of resilient elements is characterized by having a greater resiliency when the rotor is oriented along or at 90° with respect to the stator. The rotor is relatively movable with respect to the stator to effect different orientations of the paired rotor and stator and enables the blending of the respective resiliences of the pair and, thereby, for providing the adjustable pediatric support characteristics. A plurality of rotor and stator pairs enables adjustments for different parts of the foot and for differences between an individual's feet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2001
    Publication date: February 7, 2002
    Inventors: Hindy Kellerman Tolwin, David Kellerman
  • Publication number: 20020014024
    Abstract: An insole device configured to fit the profile of the human foot to promote proprioceptive stimulation of the Golgi tendon organ. The midfoot section of the insole device has an asymmetric domed structure that is presented to the plantar aspect of the foot at a location found to be the anatomical apex of the foot's arch system. The asymmetric domed structure displays physical properties to catalyst muscle group balancing by using the body's proprioceptive feedback mechanisms. The asymmetric domed structure displays physical properties such that it does not provide functional bracing or support to the plantar aspect of the foot. The net result will be more structurally sound foot capable of more energy efficient and less injury inducing use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Publication date: February 7, 2002
    Inventor: Roy J.W. Gardiner
  • Patent number: 6301807
    Abstract: An insole device configured to fit the profile of the human foot to promote proprioceptive stimulation of the golgi tendon organ. The midfoot section of the insole device has an asymmetric domed structure that is presented to the plantar aspect of the foot at a location found to be the anatomical apex of the foot's arch system. The asymmetric domed structure displays physical properties to catalyse muscle group balancing by using the body's proprioceptive feedback mechanisms. The asymmetric domed structure displays physical properties such that it does not provide functional bracing or support to the plantar aspect of the foot. The net result will be a more structurally sound foot capable of more energy efficient and less injury inducing use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Barefoot Science Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Roy J. W. Gardiner
  • Patent number: 6119373
    Abstract: An athletic shoe including a upper, a support member or "chassis" attached to the underside of the upper, and sole elements attached to the bottom of the support member. The support member provides support for the foot, and thereby permits use of spaced apart sole elements rather than a full midsole and a full outsole. In addition, the support member can be tailored to provide the optimum stiffness for a particular activity or user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: adidas International B.V.
    Inventors: Jeff Gebhard, Charles D. Kraeuter
  • Patent number: 6098319
    Abstract: A balancing disc or appliance for use in with a shoe insole, or biomechanical device, such as an ankle or foot brace, for balancing the gait of a user is defined by a substantially circular disc or body element having a top surface and a bottom surface. The top surface and the bottom surface are angularly inclined with respect to each other in an angle ranging from about 2.degree. to about 6.degree.. Optimally, an adhesive is deposited onto one of the surfaces for facilitating affixation of the disc to an insole or similar orthotic device. The disc is, preferably, formed from a flexible material. Since the device is substantially circular in nature, it may be rotated about a vertical axis through a 360.degree. arc to facilitate minute adjustments in the balance of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Inventor: Merel Epstein
  • Patent number: 5903985
    Abstract: Sport boot including a sole overlaid by an upper, the boot having an internal support surface for the foot and a portion for supporting the arch of the user's foot, wherein the supporting portion is constituted by a flexible, elastically deformable element positioned between the internal support surface and an internal lateral flank of the upper, and wherein it includes a volume adjusting mechanism which it demarcates with the upper, by acting on its profile, along at least one transverse plane with respect to the longitudinal axis of the foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Assignee: Salomon S.A.
    Inventor: Jean-Louis DeMarchi
  • Patent number: 5285584
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing footgear with comfortable individualized custom support, said apparatus comprising mechanical means to selectively and seperately change the position of multiple areas of the inner sole of said footgear, said areas corresponding generally to the areas of the foot described as the inner heel, the lateral arch, and the metatarsal area, and, whereas such changing of positions involves movement in two different directions: (1) upward and downward, (2) forward and backward, said changes in position are achieved by two different and seperate structures, wherein the movement of each of said structures is controlled by the selective turning of a screw, the heads of said screws being located on the outside of said footgear, where they can be selectively turned at any time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1994
    Inventor: Benjamin B. Dubner
  • Patent number: 5164878
    Abstract: A resilient and compressible orthopedic pad adapted to be placed in a shoe under the longitudinal and metatarsal arches comprises a flat L-shaped bottom surface adapted to contact the inner sole of the shoe. One longitudinal side is substantially convex for the majority of its length and is adapted to roll up into the medial side of the shoe. The other longitudinal side is concave over the intermediate portion. The ratio of length to width of the pad is between approximately 1.3 and 1.5. The forward end of the pad is wider than its rear end. The forward end of the pad curves upwardly and rearwardly and the rear end curves upwardly and forwardly. Each longitudinal side curves upwardly towards the other longitudinal side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1992
    Inventor: John P. Hauser