CN102573554A - Health shoe and method - Google Patents

Abstract

A shoe body includes an upper operatively connected with an outsole. The shoe body has a front portion and a rear portion. The insole is disposed within the upper of the footwear and has a substantially inelastic heel portion and a substantially elastic toe portion. A substantially rigid pressure plate is adjacent the substantially resilient toe portion.

Description

Healthy Shoes and Methods

Cross References to Related Applications

This application claims priority to US Provisional Patent Application No. 61/217,708, filed June 2, 2009, entitled "Healthy Shoes," the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Background technique

The present application relates generally to a shoe that assists a user during the gait cycle, and more specifically, assists the user in maintaining balanced plantar pressure and proper adjustment during the gait cycle.

Contents of the invention

One aspect of the invention includes an article of footwear having a shoe body including an upper operatively connected to an outsole. The shoe body has a front and a rear. An insole is disposed within the upper of the shoe and has a substantially inelastic heel portion and a substantially elastic toe portion. A substantially rigid pressure panel is adjacent to the substantially elastic toe portion.

Another aspect of the invention includes an insert for an article of footwear having an insole including a substantially inelastic heel portion and a substantially elastic toe portion. An elastic absorbent pad is disposed under the non-elastic heel portion. A substantially rigid pressure panel is adjacent to the substantially elastic toe portion.

Yet another aspect of the invention includes a method of modifying the gait of an individual comprising providing a shoe having an upper operatively connected to an outsole. The insole is inserted into the shoe. A substantially elastic toe portion is formed on the insole. A substantially inelastic heel portion is formed on the insole, and the insole is raised on the substantially elastic toe portion. An elastic absorbent pad is attached under the substantially inelastic heel portion. The shoe is worn on the user's foot, thereby promoting the natural gait cycle during walking.

These and other aspects, objects and features of the present invention will be understood and appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art from a study of the following detailed description, claims and drawings.

Description of drawings

Figure 1A is a side view of one embodiment of the shoe of the present invention;

Figure 1B is a bottom plan view of the shoe in Figure 1A;

Fig. 2 is a side sectional view taken along line II-II among Fig. 1B;

Figure 3A is a right side view of one embodiment of the insole of the present invention;

Figure 3B is a bottom plan view of the insole in Figure 3A;

Figure 3C is a left side view of the insole in Figure 3A;

Figure 3D is a top plan view of the insole in Figure 3A;

FIG. 4 is a side sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 1B;

5A is a side cross-sectional view of the shoe in FIG. 1A during the contact phase at the beginning of the gait cycle;

5B is a side cross-sectional view of the shoe in FIG. 1A in an intermediate position during a gait cycle;

5C is a side cross-sectional view of the shoe in FIG. 1A at toe separation at the end of the gait cycle;

Figure 6A is a side view of one embodiment of the proximal shoe of the present invention in the contact phase;

Figure 6B is a side view of one embodiment of the proximal shoe of the present invention in a neutral position stage; and

Figure 6C is a side view of one embodiment of the proximal shoe of the present invention in the toe separation stage.

Detailed ways

For purposes of description herein, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "rear," "front," "vertical," "horizontal," and their derivatives should be oriented in the same manner as in Figure 1. related to the invention. It should be understood, however, that the invention may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly indicated to the contrary. It should also be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the drawings and described hereinafter are merely exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined by the appended claims. Therefore, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims clearly indicate to the contrary.

Referring to FIG. 1 , numeral 10 generally designates a footwear system including shoe 11 having upper 12 operatively connected to outsole 14 . The shoe 11 has a front 16 and a rear 18 . An insole 20 is disposed within the shoe 11 and has a substantially inelastic heel portion 22 and a substantially elastic toe portion 24 . A substantially rigid pressure panel 26 is adjacent to the substantially resilient toe portion 24 .

Referring again to FIGS. 1A and 1B , upper 12 of shoe 11 is designed to substantially conform to the user's foot. It is contemplated that any of a variety of styles and designs may be used on the upper to provide shoe 11 with an aesthetically pleasing appearance. A substantially rigid pressure plate 26 or pressure displacement rotation plate (as it is called) is provided on the forward portion of the shoe 11 adjacent the elastic toe portion 24, as will be described in further detail below. The substantially inelastic heel portion together with the substantially elastic toe portion 24 form the insole 20 such that the insole 20 has metatarsal accelerated compression properties. The engagement of the substantially inelastic heel portion 22 and the substantially elastic toe portion 24 defines a lever that assists the wearer in walking with a more natural gait than is typical in conventional shoes. This configuration of insole 20 provides the wearer of the shoe with a natural, barefoot-type gait, which allows the knee to flex rapidly while the center of gravity of the shoe wearer's body mass is shifted over shoe 11 .

Referring again to FIGS. 1A and 1B , the shoe 11 is generally designed to support the weight of the wearer of the shoe and help reset the wearer's body to an angle that promotes the natural gait cycle, which thus engages the user's muscular system. and reduce stress on the skeletal system.

Referring again to FIGS. 1A and 1B , the upper 12 of the shoe includes a plurality of side portions 40 that converge at the rear portion 18 and are operatively connected to the front portion 16 . Top 44 is integrally formed with tongue 46 . Sides 40, rear 42, top 44 and tongue 46 maintain shoe 11 on the wearer's foot. Transition 50 between shoe upper 12 and outsole 14 connects outsole 14 and shoe upper 12 and provides an aesthetically pleasing transition between shoe upper 12 and outsole 14 . The outsole 14 includes a base 52 made of a non-slip material, such as rubber, which is in contact with the ground when the shoe 11 is in use. A substantially rigid pressure plate 26 is located between the outsole 14 and the substantially elastic toe portion 24 .

The shoe 11 of the footwear system 10 of the present invention is specifically designed to reduce stress on the forefoot and limit toe fatigue by promoting the natural movement of the foot in toe separation. The shoe 11 also corrects and improves the gait of the wearer so that the wearer exerts less fatigue on the skeletal system. Footwear system 10 enables the wearer to engage more of the body's musculature than conventional footwear provides. More specifically, footwear system 10 controls more motion and absorbs less shock during walking. The pressure displacement rotation plate 26 and the metatarsal acceleration compression insole 20 may be formed integrally or separately. In either case, the pressure displacement rotation plate 26 and the metatarsal acceleration compression insole 20 work together to provide support across the arch, absorb shock and mitigate rotation of the foot during toe separation.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 b and 2 , the insole 20 has a perimeter that is less than the perimeter of the outsole 14 and is disposed above and generally within the perimeter of the outsole 14 . The interface of the insole 20 to the outsole 14 is illustrated in FIG. 2 , which shows the insole 20 resting on a rigid pressure plate 26 supported by the outsole 14 . The rigid pressure plate 26 may be exposed through the bottom surface of the outsole 14, as shown in FIG. 2, or may be covered to prevent damage to the rigid pressure plate 26 and keep the rigid pressure plate 26 clean. A midsole (not shown) may be positioned anywhere between the insole and outsole to generally add further comfort to the shoe.

Referring again to FIGS. 1 b and 2 , the rigid pressure plate 26 or pressure-displacement rotating plate begins no less than 40% forward of the distal heel end 60 of the shoe 11 and can be positioned throughout the substantially inelastic heel portion 22 . Extends posteriorly below the surface. The rigid pressure plate 26 extends forwardly, stopping no less than 15% rearwardly of the distal toe end 62 of the shoe 11 . In one embodiment, it is contemplated that the rigid pressure plate 26 extends all the way to the distal toe end 62 of the shoe 11 . Rigid pressure plate 26 may be integrally formed with insole 20 or may be separate from insole 20 . However, a rigid pressure plate 26 is located generally between the outsole 14 and the substantially elastic toe portion 24 of the insole 20 . Rigid pressure plate 26 may be constructed of a variety of materials, including carbon fiber or other composite materials such as fiberglass, steel, or injection molded plastic such as nylon or TPU, with or without additional fiberglass reinforcement.

聚氨酯(polyurethane)、乙烯/乙酸乙烯酯共聚物(EVA)或其它基于泡沫材料的材料。弹性脚趾部24位于非弹性足跟部22前方，并且从鞋11的远端脚趾端部62向后延伸不超过80％。弹性脚趾部24由较小密度的泡沫材料形成，此较小密度的泡沫材料具有的密度比基本非弹性足跟部22的密度小至少8度邵氏硬度C(Shore C)。如下材料，诸如泡棉

聚氨酯(polyurethane)、EVA或其它基于泡沫材料的材料，被设想用在基本弹性的脚趾部24。因为从基本非弹性足跟部24到基本弹性脚趾部24，泡沫材料的密度降低，所以在步态周期期间，当脚从步态周期的接触阶段68移动到中间位置阶段70(图5B)时，穿用者的脚中的跖骨的头部在足前段下降区域66陷入基本弹性的脚趾部24中。当使用者的脚的跖骨的头部以这种方式陷入时，使用者的行走肌肉被激活并为脚向前旋转进入趾分离阶段72做准备，如将在下文中参考图5A至5C的更详细的讨论的一样。Referring now to FIGS. 3A to 3D , the insole 20 supports the wearer's foot from the initial contact phase of the gait cycle through the mid-position phase through the use of multi-density foam. The inelastic heel portion 22 extends forwardly from the distal heel end 60 by at least 20% and no more than 60%. The inelastic heel portion 22 is made of a foam material having a density of Shore C (Shore C) of 35 degrees or more. It is envisioned that foam, for example, could be used

Polyurethane, ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), or other foam-based materials. The elastic toe portion 24 is located forward of the non-elastic heel portion 22 and extends rearwardly no more than 80% from the distal toe end 62 of the shoe 11 . The elastic toe portion 24 is formed from a lower density foam material having a density that is at least 8 degrees Shore C less than the density of the substantially inelastic heel portion 22 . materials such as foam

Polyurethane, EVA, or other foam-based materials are contemplated for the substantially elastic toe portion 24 . Because the density of the foam material decreases from the substantially inelastic heel portion 24 to the substantially elastic toe portion 24, during the gait cycle, when the foot moves from the contact phase 68 of the gait cycle to the neutral position phase 70 (FIG. 5B) , the heads of the metatarsals in the wearer's foot sink into the substantially elastic toe portion 24 at the forefoot drop region 66 . When the heads of the metatarsal bones of the user's foot sink in this manner, the user's walking muscles are activated and prepare for the forward rotation of the foot into the toe separation phase 72, as will be described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 5A to 5C . same as discussed.

Referring now to Figures 2 and 3D, the insole 20 includes a bi-material top cover 80 or cushioning layer. The bi-material top cover 80 allows the orientation of impact cushioning relative to the surface of the insole 20 to be controlled during the gait cycle and motion of the foot. More specifically, the bi-material top cover 80 assists in transferring downward force from the substantially non-elastic heel portion 22 to the substantially elastic toe portion 24 . As shown, a resilient absorbent pad 86 is disposed beneath the outsole 14 and wraps around the distal heel portion of the shoe 11 . The bi-material top cover 80 includes a non-elastic top cover 82 and an elastic top cover 84 . Furthermore, it is also contemplated that the thin layer 90 of soft foam material may extend across the entire insole 20 covering both the substantially non-elastic heel portion 22 and the substantially elastic toe portion 24 . A thin foam layer 90 is disposed beneath the bi-material top cover 80 and helps transition the wearer's foot from the substantially non-elastic heel portion 22 to the substantially elastic toe portion 24 . The thin foam layer 90 may be of any thickness, and in one embodiment is 3 millimeters (mm) thick.

Referring to FIG. 4 , the rigid pressure plate 26 has a convex cross-section that protrudes downward from the plantar surface of the insole 20 by not less than 2 mm and as much as 20 mm. The degree of toe spring (toe spring) is affected by the amount and degree of downward protrusion of rigid pressure plate 26 from the plantar surface of insole 20 . It is expected that the head tilt will be in the range of 15 degrees to 40 degrees.

5A to 5C, in use, when an impact force is applied to the substantially inelastic heel portion 22 during the contact phase 68 (FIG. 5A) of the gait cycle, the inelastic top cover of the inelastic heel portion 22 82 forces elastic absorbent pad 86 to compress upward from the plantar surface of the foot. As a result, impact forces are absorbed from the sole or bottom surface of the foot. This structure stabilizes the calcaneus and prevents the user's heel from sinking into the heel portion of the insole 20 . While the insole 20 compresses the plantar surface at the substantially inelastic heel portion 22 , the opposite effect is achieved at the substantially elastic toe portion 24 . Specifically, the substantially elastic toe portion 24 allows compression of the elastic two-way or four-way stretch material. The elastic top cover 84 adjacent the substantially elastic toe portion 24 allows impact forces from the back or top surface down through the insole 20 to be absorbed during the gait cycle. Thus, pressure on sensitive areas of the foot, including the metatarsals, is reduced. When the wearer moves from the substantially inelastic heel portion 22 to the substantially elastic toe portion 24 from the mid-position phase 70 ( FIG. 5B ) to the toe separation phase 72 ( FIG. 5C ) of the gait cycle, the substantially elastic toe portion 24 and the elastic The top cover 84 is curved. Accordingly, the acceleration of the substantially elastic toe portion 24 into the forefoot descent region 66 is increased compared to the rate of descent of the calcaneus, at which point the foot will move plantarally in a smooth and comfortable manner.

Referring now to FIGS. 6A to 6C , the shoe 11 of the present invention (specifically the insole 20 provided in the shoe 11 ) is used to reset the body angle to the natural gait cycle to facilitate further activation of the muscular system. The forefoot accelerates down into the soft and easily compressible substantially elastic toe 24 area, which decelerates the body. The rigid pressure plate 26 and substantially inelastic heel portion 22 in turn allow the knee to flex rapidly as body mass shifts center of gravity. This switch engages the muscular system, allowing it to absorb any extra force that occurs while walking. Thus, increased core muscle activity results in increased effort for walking, but substantially less impact on the skeletal system and joints. The convex design of the rigid pressure plate 26 allows forefoot pressure to spread across the entire surface of the rigid pressure plate 26, thereby translating impact forces across the entire surface of the rigid pressure plate 26 and improving the natural gait cycle. This construction provides cushioning and support under the foot while helping the body move naturally as if the user were not wearing shoes at all. Thus, the rigid pressure plate 26 works in conjunction with the insole 20 to assist in proper rotation of the foot through toe separation for proper gait cycle. Thus, pressure is redistributed and muscle utilization is increased.

It should be understood that changes and modifications can be made to the foregoing structure without departing from the inventive concept, and it should also be understood that such concept is intended to be covered by the appended claims unless the words of these claims expressly express the opposite meaning.

Claims (20)

1. footwear product comprises:

The footwear main body comprises the upper of a shoe that operatively is connected with outer bottom, and said footwear main body comprises front and rear;

The interior end, be arranged in the upper of a shoe of said footwear, and have stiff basically heel portion and flexible basically toe section; And

The pressure plare of substantially rigid, contiguous said flexible basically toe section.

2. footwear product according to claim 1 further comprises:

The elasticity absorption pad is arranged between said stiff heel portion and the said outer bottom.

3. footwear product according to claim 1 further comprises:

The middle end, be arranged between the said interior end and the said outer bottom.

4. footwear product according to claim 1, wherein, the thickness of said stiff basically heel is about twice of the thickness of said flexible basically toe section.

5. footwear product according to claim 1, wherein, said pressure plare comprises the protuberance that aligns basically with user's metatarsal.

6. footwear product according to claim 1 further comprises:

Cushion is arranged at said the interior end.

7. footwear product according to claim 6, wherein, said cushion comprises rear portion that is made up of stiff basically material and the front portion that is made up of flexible basically material.

8. footwear product according to claim 1 further comprises:

Lever is limited between said stiff basically heel portion and the said flexible basically toe section, and said lever will onwards be transferred to said front portion from the downward energy at said rear portion.

9. insert that is used for footwear product comprises:

The interior end, have stiff basically heel portion and flexible basically toe section;

The elasticity absorption pad is arranged on the below of said stiff heel portion; And

The pressure plare of substantially rigid, contiguous said flexible basically toe section.

10. insert according to claim 9 further comprises:

The middle end, be arranged between the said interior end and the said outer bottom.

11. insert according to claim 9, wherein, the thickness of said stiff basically heel is the general twice of the thickness of said flexible basically toe section.

12. insert according to claim 9, wherein, the pressure plare of said substantially rigid comprises the protuberance that aligns basically with user's metatarsal.

13. insert according to claim 9 further comprises:

Cushion is arranged at said the interior end.

14. insert according to claim 14, wherein, said cushion comprises rear portion that is made up of basic non-elastic material and the front portion that is made up of basic elastomeric material.

15. insert according to claim 9 further comprises:

Lever is limited between said stiff basically heel portion and the said flexible basically toe section, and said lever will onwards be transferred to said front portion from the downward energy at said rear portion.

16. a method of revising individual gait, said method comprises:

Footwear with the upper of a shoe that operatively is connected with outer bottom are provided;

The interior end, be inserted in the said footwear;

In said, form flexible basically toe section at the end;

In said, form stiff basically heel portion, swell on said flexible basically toe section at the said interior end at the end;

The elasticity absorption pad is connected the below of said stiff basically heel portion;

On the pin of said footwear, thereby during walking, promote the gait cycle of nature through the user.

17. method according to claim 16 further comprises:

The pressure plare of substantially rigid is provided near the said flexible basically toe section at the end in said.

18. method according to claim 17, wherein, the said step of the pressure plare of substantially rigid that provides further comprises:

The pressure plare of the end in said and said substantially rigid is formed.

19. method according to claim 16 further comprises:

The top covering of two materials is set in said at the end.

20. method according to claim 16 further comprises:

In said, between the end and the said outer bottom be set the middle end.

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