Bi-layer orthotic

a bi-layer, orthotic technology, applied in the field of orthotics, can solve the problems of physical damage, injury of the foot, and conventional devices that are not dynamically designed, and achieve the effect of promoting proper function and alignment and reducing excessive for

Inactive Publication Date: 2015-10-08
BUTLER BARRY A
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The system dynamically adjusts to promote proper foot function and alignment, mitigating excessive forces and addressing various orthopedic and therapeutic issues, including diabetic foot complications, by controlling energy distribution throughout the gait cycle.

Problems solved by technology

Such impact energy frequently causes physical damage leading to injury, in particular injury of the foot.
However, conventional devices are not dynamic as designed.
Conventional orthotic devices typically include a shimmed, rigid post and as a result dynamic adjustments to the foot during the gait cycle cannot be done.
For example, adjustments such as making the foot tip out further, making the foot tip in further, raising the heel, raising the ball of the foot, and the like cannot be accomplished with conventional devices dynamically during the gait cycle.
Diabetic neuropathic foot disease typically results in the formation of ulcers which commonly result from a break in the barrier between the dermis of the skin and the subcutaneous fat that cushions the foot during ambulation.
This rupture may lead to increase pressure on the dermis.
While there are devices and methods that purport to prevent planar ulcer formation in a diabetic patient there are no orthotic devices on the market that treat the ulcer with dynamic offloading after formation.

Method used

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Examples

Experimental program
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first embodiment

[0076]Referring now to FIGS. 1 through 6, the orthotic energy return system in accordance with the invention is depicted. FIG. 1 illustrates a foot (in phantom lines) at rest wearing the energy return system 10 in accordance with the invention. The energy return system 10 is shown in the unburdened or off-loaded position with the base layer 12 at rest on a surface such as the ground. The energy return system 10 broadly includes base layer 12, lever 14, platen 16 and orthotic 18. Base 12 may be of any length so long as it generally extends from the sole of the foot to the toe region. Base 12 may comprise any material used for the soles of shoes including but not limited to rubber, plastics, polymers, polyurethanes and the like. Lever 14 includes slide 22, angled central portion 24 and angled connecting portion 26. Lever 14 is made from a material that is resilient to allow it to dynamically deform during the gait cycle. Suitable materials that may be utilized for lever 14 include pla...

embodiment 2010

[0111]FIG. 19 depicts a fourth alternative embodiment 2010 of the energy return system with the foot depicted in a static unburdened position. Like elements are labeled with like numerals. Particularly, orthotic 2018 is attached to platen 2016 at the rear of the foot 2020. Base 2012 is attached to platen 2016 underneath the ball of the foot 2029. Band 2011 surrounds the phalanges and the cable 2028 is attached to the band. As platen 2016 flattens, lever 2014 functions to drawn arch up U. Orthotic 2018 moves rearward R and upward U against the arch when downward force is applied to the ground during the gait cycle. This embodiment is designed to treat plantar fascia.

[0112]FIGS. 20 and 21 depict a fifth alternative embodiment 2110 of the energy return system in accordance with the invention designed to treat plantar fasciitis. Like elements are labeled with like numerals. Base 2112 is attached to platen 2116 behind heel at 2120. As best seen in FIG. 21, orthotic 2118 is modified to fo...

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PUM

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Abstract

A bi-layer orthotic having an orthotic portion and a base layer is provided. The orthotic portion is operably coupled at a heel thereof to the base layer by a coupling. The coupling may comprise an off axis rotator axel or an arcuate rotator follower. The bi-layer orthotic is configured to provide therapeutic correction to a pronated or supinated foot.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13 / 827,949, filed on Mar. 14, 2013 (allowed); which claims the benefit of priority to U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 61 / 707,344, filed on Sep. 28, 2012; and which claims the benefit of priority to U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 61 / 665,097, filed on Jun. 27, 2012; the entireties of which are incorporated by reference herein.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates generally to orthotics and more particularly to a bi-layer orthotic and a tri-layer orthotic configured to absorb energy and then return it to an individual wearer's foot.BACKGROUND OF THE RELATED ART[0003]Walking and running can be defined as methods of locomotion involving the use of the two legs, alternately, to provide both support and propulsion, with at least one foot being in contact with the ground at all times. While the terms gait and walking are often used interchangeably, th...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & AuthorityApplications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): A43B7/28A43B13/38A43B7/24
CPCA43B7/28A43B13/386A43B7/24A43B7/141A43B7/142A43B7/149A43B13/183A43B13/184A43B7/14A43B13/181
InventorBUTLER, BARRY A.
OwnerBUTLER BARRY A