Footwear apparatus for improving gait biomechanics

Abstract

The present invention is for a footwear apparatus for improved gait biomechanics. In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the footwear apparatus may comprise a heel cup that provides a valgus tilt to a user's foot and provides a deep heel cup to adequately support the user's heel. It may also be comprised of a medial arch support member and a forefoot lateral support member, wherein the heel cup, the medial arch, and the forefoot lateral support member stabilize the user's foot in a lateral direction to minimize pronation and heel inversion. In one example, the heel cup provides a valgus tilt of approximately 4 degrees to the user's rear foot, and the forefoot lateral support member provides a valgus tilt of approximately 2 degrees to the user's forefoot.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15 / 931,557, filed on May 13, 2020, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 847,297, filed on May 13, 2019. These applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.BACKGROUNDField of the Art[0002]The present invention relates to a device to be integrated into an article of footwear, normally as, but not limited to, a shoe innersole or shoe midsole, to interact with the plantar surface of the wearer's foot, in the region of the foot's main first layer intrinsic muscles. The present invention produces benefits to address gait related and faulty gait biomechanics.Discussion of the State of the Art[0003]Currently available shoes and insoles place the wearer's foot in an undesired orientation. The reason for this can be generally attributable to footwear makers' focus on providing medial arch support. Generally, a large percentage ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a shoe with a deep heel cup and valgus tilt to stabilize the user's heel and reduce pronation. It also includes a medial arch support and lateral support mechanisms to correct pronation and prevent heel inversion. The shoe helps reduce pressure on the foot, ankle, knees, and lower back, which can prevent arthritis and foot damage. The midfoot lateral support member provides lateral support to the midfoot via a forefoot valgus tilt, and a two or four degree valgus tilt to the rear foot improves gait biomechanics. The shoe prevents pronation or supination of the foot and keeps it in a neutral position.

Problems solved by technology

Currently available shoes and insoles place the wearer's foot in an undesired orientation.

However, an unintended consequence of emphasizing medial arch support is that users or patients often suffer from heel inversion, which can occur when the heel is presented in a supinated state.

If the inversion is untreated, it may lead to knee, hip, and back disorders.

Moreover, arthritic changes caused by this inversion often requires knee and / or hip replacement surgery, as well as back fusions.

Indeed, medical procedures that are performed as a result of heel inversion, or as a result of presenting the heel in a supinated state, can have a significant negative impact on patient lives, and place a significant drain on healthcare systems.

As mentioned herein and elsewhere, currently available footwear and footwear accessories encourage heel inversion, which is problematic and undesirable.

Solutions that do not address heel inversion permit a user's foot to pronate, which is also undesirable and may lead to injuries as well.

Simply, currently available footbed and footwear solutions are grossly inadequate at addressing modern foot-related issues that afflict wearers.

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