Structural arrangement applied to a set of adjustable elements for proprioceptive insoles

Abstract

The present utility model application relates to a set of adjustable elements (1) for proprioceptive insoles (2), used in the field of orthopedic devices. The present utility model comprises elements such as a long flexor bar (3), a standard flexor bar (4), and a short flexor bar (5), a flexor button (8), an ancillary plantar flexor square (9), and a heel insert (14), all manufactured using 3D printing technology. The elements are designed for customized biomechanical adjustment and correction of the user's foot, facilitating the correction of postural deviations and the proper distribution of weight along the foot. The customized adjustment improves the user's stability, gait, and posture, reducing the risk of injuries and promoting improved joint mobility, which represents a substantial advancement over the prior art in the field of functional orthopedics.

Description

[0001] CONSTRUCTIVE ARRANGEMENT APPLIED IN A SET OF ADJUSTABLE ELEMENTS FOR PROPRIOCEPTIVE INSOLES

[0002] BRIEF PRESENTATION

[0003]

[0001] This utility model patent application consists of a set of adjustable elements for the composition of proprioceptive insoles, using 3D printing technology. The set includes elements such as flexor bars and flexor buttons, among others, specifically designed to adapt to the individual anatomy of the foot, providing precise and personalized biomechanical corrections. The use of 3D printing allows the manufacture of components with detail, optimizing therapeutic efficacy and user comfort. This model aims not only to correct postural and biomechanical deviations, but also to improve the user's stability, gait and overall posture, reducing the risk of injury, as well as increasing the functionality of proprioceptive insoles in daily use.

[0004] FIELD OF APPLICATION

[0005]

[0002] The present model described in this patent application is aimed at the orthopedic health sector, more specifically, in the subcategory of functional orthopedic devices, for posture correction and alignment of the lower skeleton. The present model applies to the manufacture of customized proprioceptive insoles, intended to provide specific support and correct biomechanical deviations in patients with varied orthopedic needs, including, but not limited to, conditions such as excessive pronation, supination, and compensation for lower limb asymmetries.

[0006]

[0003] Proprioceptive insoles are carefully crafted to correct each imbalance in the patient's body, delivering meticulously tested stimuli to alleviate specific pains experienced by each individual (the main difference from conventional orthopedic insoles). MODEL BACKGROUND

[0007]

[0004] Namely, proprioceptive insoles are orthopedic devices designed to be inserted into shoes with the aim of improving proprioception, that is, the body's ability to perceive the position, movement, and location of its parts without the need for vision. This perception is crucial for performing precise movements and maintaining balance. Unlike conventional orthopedic insoles, which generally aim to correct specific misalignments of the foot or ankle, proprioceptive insoles focus on improving sensory communication between the foot and the brain, achieved through tactile stimuli provided by the insoles, which can help with stability, posture, and movement functionality. They can be used by a wide range of people, including athletes who want to improve their athletic performance and individuals with certain medical conditions that affect balance and mobility.By stimulating foot sensitivity, proprioceptive insoles can help prevent injuries, improve coordination and balance, and optimize overall muscle function. It is important to note that, although insoles are orthopedic and proprioceptive devices designed to offer benefits to many, their effectiveness and suitability may vary from person to person. Therefore, it is advisable to seek guidance from a healthcare professional, such as a physiotherapist, osteopath, and / or orthopedist, to assess the need for and suitability of these devices in each individual's specific context.

[0008] PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED

[0009]

[0005] Currently, proprioceptive insoles available on the market are made from EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate), a material known for its flexibility and comfort, but which suffers from substantial limitations regarding durability and precision in customization to the individual needs of users. The predominant production process, until now, is artisanal, compromising the precision of the dimensions necessary for the ideal fit for each patient. STATE OF THE ART

[0010]

[0006] In the context of proprioceptive insoles, the current state of the art document BR 202014011571-0, published on 12 / 15 / 2015, entitled "MULTIFUNCTIONAL ORTHOPEDIC INSOLES WITH ADJUSTABLE ACCESSORIES", is known, which deals with a pair of insoles (fig. 1a and 1b); Oblong Support and Accelerator of the Hallux (fig. 2); Piton Regulator of the Transverse Arch (fig. 3); Cushioning and Plantar Supplementation (fig. 4); Thicker 5mm Wedge - Tarsal Inverter for Pronated Foot - Type B (fig. 5); Thinner 3mm Wedge - Tarsal Inverter for Pronated Foot - Type B (fig. 6); Larger 5mm Thickness Wedge - Metatarsal Inverter for Pronated Foot - Type C (fig. 7); Smaller 3mm Thickness Wedge - Metatarsal Inverter for Pronated Foot - Type C (fig. 8); Larger 5mm Thickness Wedge - Metatarsal Evertor for Supinated Foot - Type D (fig. 9); Smaller 3mm Thickness Wedge - Metatarsal Evertor for Supinated Foot - Type D (fig.10); Larger Thickness 5mm Wedge - Tarsal Evertor for Supinated Foot Strike - Type E (fig. 11); Smaller Thickness 3mm Wedge - Tarsal Evertor for Supinated Foot Strike Type E (fig. 12). The insole and its eleven accessories are manufactured by injecting polyurethane compounds into the cavities of the molds, using a machine.

[0011]

[0007] Document W02006035469, published on 06 / 04 / 2006, entitled "DECOMPOSABLE INSOLE", which deals with an insole designed to offer a personalized fit, with a modular layered structure. The insole is composed of three main layers: the bottom layer, preferably made of an incompressible elastic material such as open-cell expanded polyurethane, which is antibacterial, breathable, cushioned, antistatic and lightweight; the middle layer, made of polyurethane; and the top layer, of microfiber. The bottom layer is subdivided into multiple elements that can be removed, replaced, or adjusted according to the user's specific needs. These elements are designed to correspond to specific areas of the foot, offering precise anatomical support.The modular parts allow for easy removal or replacement, enabling the creation of empty spaces to relieve pressure in specific areas or the insertion of parts with different materials, including those soaked in medicinal substances for localized treatment.

[0008] The insole maintains breathability through fixation points and glue zones, preferably using a water-based polyurethane glue, which supports the structure without compromising ventilation. Furthermore, the insole is suitable for various therapeutic applications and can be adjusted to reduce pressure on areas affected by pathologies. After recovery, the parts can be repositioned, allowing the insole to be used as a normal insole. The subdivision of the parts follows the anatomical map of the foot, ensuring a perfect fit and considering all relevant anatomical components.The flexibility in layer thickness allows them to be adjusted to create empty chambers of different heights, providing even greater customization.

[0012]

[0009] The difference between this model and prior art documents lies mainly in the use of 3D printing technology for the manufacture of proprioceptive insoles, which offers a personalized adaptation to the specific contours of each user's foot. While document BR 202014011571-0 describes orthopedic insoles with adjustable accessories made by polyurethane injection, this model uses 3D printing to create adjustable elements that provide not only a personalized fit but also superior biomechanical precision. Unlike document W02006035469, which proposes a decomposable insole with adjustments by removing elements, this model integrates components such as flexor bars and specific elements for stimulation and correction, which are designed to interact more effectively with the user's biomechanics.These features not only improve the functionality of the insoles in terms of comfort and orthopedic correction, but also promote the durability and sustainability of the product, essential aspects for superior performance and a better user experience in the long term. GENERAL MODEL DESCRIPTION.

[0013]

[0010] This utility model refers to a set of adjustable elements for the composition of proprioceptive insoles, using 3D printing technology for their manufacture. The set includes long, standard, and short flexor bars, each designed to act on specific planes of the foot and provide adequate muscle stimulation, such as in the case of the abductor hallucis and the abductor of the fifth metatarsal. Additionally, elements such as the flexor button and the accessory plantar flexor square are integrated to enhance plantar flexion and stimulation of the foot arches. Elements such as the infracuboid and heel counter are used for specific corrections of pelvic alignment and lower limb asymmetries, respectively. The use of advanced materials in 3D printing allows not only detailed customization of the insoles but also ensures greater durability and precision in the biomechanical corrections necessary for each patient.

[0014] ADVANTAGES OF THE MODEL

[0015]

[0011] The present model includes the following advantages:

[0016] It allows for complete customization of proprioceptive insoles, ensuring precise adaptation to the specific biomechanical contours and needs of each user; It is a set of adjustable elements manufactured by 3D printing, which offers superior precision in the dimensions and thicknesses of the insoles, overcoming the limitations of conventional molding techniques;

[0017] It facilitates orthopedic correction and proper weight distribution along the foot, promoting improved stability, gait, and posture.

[0018] It has integrated flexor bars that stimulate specific areas of the foot, improving lateral and medial stability and reducing the risk of injury;

[0019] It offers a faster and more economically advantageous production process due to the efficiency of 3D printing, contrasting with artisanal and less precise methods; It provides a more sustainable solution by extending the life cycle of the insoles due to the superior durability of the materials used;

[0020] It facilitates the correction of postural deviations, such as excessive pronation or supination, and helps in the balanced distribution of weight, increasing comfort during use;

[0021] It promotes better joint mobility and strengthens the foot muscles, proactively preventing future problems.

[0022] DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0023]

[0012] The following figures are presented to better explain the patent application in an illustrative and non-limiting manner:

[0024] Fig. 1: shows the view of the Long Flexor Bar;

[0025] Fig. 2: shows a view of the Abductor Hallucis (flexor bar);

[0026] Fig. 3: shows a view of the Abductor of the Fifth Metatarsal (short flexor bar);

[0027] Fig. 4: shows a view of the infrastyloid muscle (short flexor bar);

[0028] Fig. 5: shows the view of the Infracuboid element;

[0029] Fig. 6: shows a view of the infrastylocuboid element;

[0030] Fig. 7: shows a view of the Flexor Button;

[0031] Fig. 8: shows a view of the Plantar Square (accessory flexor);

[0032] Fig. 9: shows the view of the Medial Arch;

[0033] Fig. 10: shows the view of Barra Infracapital;

[0034] Fig. 11: shows the view of Barra Retrocapital;

[0035] Fig. 12: shows a view of the calcaneus element;

[0036] Fig. 13: shows the view of Taloneta;

[0037] Fig. 14: shows a view of the proprioceptive insole with distinct adjustable elements, demonstrating its use.

[0038] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE MODEL

[0039]

[0013] The CONSTRUCTIONAL ARRANGEMENT APPLIED IN A SET OF ADJUSTABLE ELEMENTS FOR PROPRIOCEPTIVE INSOLES consists of a set of adjustable elements (1) to compose proprioceptive insoles (2). The set of adjustable elements (1) has the advantage of being manufactured by means of 3D printing, which guarantees more precise thickness and dimension adjustments when compared to conventional elements made of EVA. In other words, the proprioceptive insoles (2) manufactured using 3D printing technologies transcend these technical limitations. 3D technology not only allows the creation of fully customized insoles, adjusted to the specific millimeter differences of each foot, something unattainable by EVA-based manufacturing and artisanal processes, but also promotes a more industrialized and precise production process.Furthermore, the use of materials in 3D printing enhances the durability of proprioceptive insoles (2), surpassing the performance of EVA, offering the necessary resistance and density to meet the specific demands of users. The set of adjustable elements (1), now claimed, not only improves the precision in adapting to the biomechanical needs of each individual, but also extends the product's life cycle, providing a more sustainable and economically advantageous solution for the end user.

[0040]

[0014] In more detail, the set of adjustable elements (1) for composing proprioceptive insoles (2) is configured by a long flexor bar (3), which, when used for the same side (right or left), acts in the transverse and sagittal planes. When applied to opposite sides (element for the left foot to the left and element for the right foot to the right), the action is restricted to the sagittal plane. A standard flexor bar (4) for the Abductor Hallucis, positioned at the base of the head of the first metatarsal, in addition to facilitating tibial and / or hip rotation, has the function of stimulating the abductor hallucis muscle, especially useful in cases of bunions.

[0015] A short flexor bar (5) for the Abductor Fifth Metatarsal, located below the head of the fifth metatarsal, is intended for stimulation of the muscle belly.

[0016] The standard flexor bar (4) for the Abductor Hallucis and the short flexor bar (5) for the Abductor of the Fifth Metatarsal are used concurrently, one on each foot, for the correction of the transverse plane. For example, if there is a clockwise rotation, the standard flexor bar (4) for the Abductor Hallucis is applied to the left foot and the short flexor bar (5) for the Abductor of the Fifth Metatarsal on the right foot; in counterclockwise rotations, the configuration is reversed.

[0041]

[0017] The short infrastyloid flexor bar (6) is used to promote stimulation of the fibular tendon path, acting directly on the fibular muscle.

[0018] The infracuboid element (7) is a component aimed at internal or external rotation of the cuboid, which assists in pelvic alignment by correcting lateral deviations, thus adjusting the lateral-lateral axis.

[0042]

[0019] Furthermore, there is the combination of the short infrastyloid flexor bar (6) and the infracuboid element (7), which is used for correction of the lateral axis and for joint stimulation of the fibular muscle tendon.

[0043]

[0020] The set of adjustable elements (1) also includes an infrastylocuboid element (7A), which is the result of joining the short infrastyloid flexor bar (6) with two more infrastylocuboid elements (7A), used to correct the lateral axis and to stimulate the fibular muscle tendon simultaneously.

[0044]

[0021] It also has a flexor button (8) implemented for stimulation of the flexors and plantar vault of the three arches of the foot, also providing comfort and correction of the sagittal plane in patients with antepulsion.

[0045]

[0022] A plantar square (accessory flexor) (9) is applied to horizontal calcanei, it is placed at the insertion of the calcaneal tendon. Its main function is plantar flexion, reaching the flexor tendon of the first and fifth metatarsals. Its use can be combined with the flexor button (8) to intensify the work on the posterior chain.

[0046]

[0023] A medial arch (10) is applied as a stimulating element for the abductor hallucis muscle and can be used to provide comfort to the patient, improving the stability of ankles, knees and hips.

[0047]

[0024] An infracapital bar (11) acts mechanically on the metatarsal heads to correct antepulsion, also impacting the sagittal plane.

[0025] A retrocapital bar (12) positioned behind the metatarsal heads and over the flexor tendons and muscle belly, aims to elevate the metatarsal heads, acting primarily in the sagittal plane.

[0048]

[0026] A calcaneal element (13), which can be used bilaterally for correction of calcaneal valgus or varus, as needed by the patient, being directly associated with asymmetries of the lower limbs.

[0049]

[0027] Finally, a heel counter (14) is applied in cases of asymmetries greater than 4 millimeters of the lower limbs.

[0050] MODEL DIFFERENTIAL

[0051]

[0028] The difference in this model lies in the functional improvement it offers the user, given that the set of adjustable elements (1) is manufactured using 3D printing technology, resulting in proprioceptive insoles (2) that guarantee a personalized adaptation to the unique contours of each foot, providing precise alignment that maximizes biomechanical efficiency. The personalization facilitates the correction of postural deviations, such as excessive pronation or supination, and helps to distribute weight more evenly across the foot. In addition, the integrated flexor bars (3), (4), (5) and (6) are designed to stimulate specific areas of the foot, such as the abductor hallucis and the abductor of the fifth metatarsal, essential for lateral and medial stability, which not only improves the user's gait and posture, but also reduces the risk of injury by strengthening the foot muscles and promoting better joint mobility.The inclusion of elements such as the flexor button (8) and the plantar square (accessory flexor) (9) also contributes to better plantar flexion and arch stimulation, fundamental for shock absorption and support during movement. Therefore, the set of adjustable elements (1), now claimed, not only offers personalized orthopedic correction, but also acts proactively in preventing future problems, resulting in increased functionality and comfort in the daily use of proprioceptive insoles (2).

Claims

CLAIM 1) CONSTRUCTIONAL ARRANGEMENT APPLIED IN A SET OF ADJUSTABLE ELEMENTS FOR PROPRIOCEPTIVE INSOLES, consists of a set of adjustable elements (1) to compose proprioceptive insoles (2), characterized by being manufactured using 3D printing technology, configured by a long flexor bar (3) for the transverse and sagittal planes; a standard flexor bar (4) for the Abductor Hallux; a short flexor bar (5) for the Abductor of the Fifth Metatarsal, located below the head of the fifth metatarsal; by having a short infrastyloid flexor bar (6) applied to the fibular muscle; by comprising an infracuboid element (7) for the lateral-lateral axis; an infrastylocuboid element (7A), which is the result of joining the short infrastyloid flexor bar (6) with two more infrastylocuboid elements (7A), used for correction of the lateral-lateral axis; a flexor button (8) for the flexors and the plantar arch;a plantar square (accessory flexor) (9) for plantar flexion and treatment of the posterior chain; a medial arch (10) indicated for flat feet, where collapse of the physiological plantar arch occurs, to provide stability for knees and hips, also to stimulate the abductor hallucis muscle; an infracapital bar (11) for antepulsion; a retrocapital bar (12) for elevation of the metatarsal heads; a calcaneal element (13) used unilaterally or bilaterally for correction of calcaneal valgus or varus, and; a heel counter (14) for asymmetries of the lower and / or upper limbs of 5 millimeters.

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