Anterior transverse arch support with phalanges grip

Abstract

A pad for providing anterior transverse arch support and a phlalanges grip for a human foot. The pad has an upper surface contoured or manufactured with specific materials to fit into the valley created by the formation of the anterior, transverse, arch. The pad can be adapted so it can be secured in footwear either temporarily or permanently

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] This invention relates generally to pads for supporting the foot in footwear. More particularly, this invention relates to a pad which can be used in footwear to provide anterior, transverse arch and phalanges support, particularly when the foot is inclined. [0002] Footwear has been known and used by people for thousands of years. Yet there remains a need for improvements in footwear and its use. For example, modern footwear often does not provide adequate support and comfort for the foot. Sometimes one selects footwear for aesthetic reasons even though walking in the footwear may be awkward and uncomfortable. Even when one wishes to select footwear for fit and comfort, there are limited choices offered by manufactured footwear and a precise fit may not be available since such footwear is made in a limited number of sizes rather than for a specific foot. Also, such footwear is provided with generic insoles since anatomically correct insoles would b...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides a pad for use in footwear that provides support for the human foot's anterior transverse arch and grip for the phalanges. The pad fits into a valley in the foot, which is formed by the distal ends or heads of certain metatarsal bones. The pad can be made using a contoured surface or a material that will form a contoured surface under its conditions of use. This invention helps to provide better support and comfort for the foot while walking, running, or engaging in other activities."

Problems solved by technology

For example, modern footwear often does not provide adequate support and comfort for the foot.

Sometimes one selects footwear for aesthetic reasons even though walking in the footwear may be awkward and uncomfortable.

Even when one wishes to select footwear for fit and comfort, there are limited choices offered by manufactured footwear and a precise fit may not be available since such footwear is made in a limited number of sizes rather than for a specific foot.

Also, such footwear is provided with generic insoles since anatomically correct insoles would be too expensive to produce due to the number of variances in human feet.

This presents a problem when the foot is inclined, such as when the foot is in motion or when one is wearing certain footwear such as the footwear known commonly as “high heels.”

When the foot is inclined at the beginning of the step, the toes are unable to flex and push off properly.

Also, with weight centered more on the forefoot, balancing is more difficult and the foot tends to slide about in the footwear.

In some cases the supports and insoles interfere with the aesthetics of the footwear.

In other cases, the supports and insoles do not enhance proper positioning of the toes and metatarsal heads.

In still other cases, the designs are not designed correctly for certain types of footwear such as high heels, backless footwear, open toe footwear, etc, in that they are not designed to provide an appendage or grip for the toes to push-off from, or they only provide support for the metatarsal area.

Furthermore, many existing designs of supports and insoles often change the fit of the footwear when they are installed and cause blisters.

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