arch support stocking

Abstract

An arch support stocking comprising a woven material (22) comprising at least one midfoot section (24) and a rearfoot section (25) with at least one heel area (26), comprising at least one first elastic section (27) extending diagonally from an outside of the rearfoot section (25) along the sole of the foot to the inside of the midfoot section (24) or further to or over an instep (32) of the midfoot section (24), and comprising a second elastic section (31) extending from an inside of the rearfoot section (25) over the instep (32) to the outside of the midfoot section (24) and further along the sole of the foot, characterized in that the second elastic section (31) extends from the sole of the foot further to the inside of the rearfoot section (25).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an arch support stocking made of a woven material.

[0002] Most shoes currently available on the market do not adequately support the natural rolling motion of the foot during a gait cycle. During a gait cycle, the foot shortens and lengthens. The forefoot and heel rotate in opposite directions, resulting in a helical torsion and counter-torsion in the midfoot, which leads to changes in the length of the foot and the height of the arch. During the push-off phase, the arch rises and the foot shortens; in the preceding stance phase, it lowers and lengthens. A physiological balance exists between these opposing movements, which is shifted in favor of extension and flattening in the case of flat feet (pes planus). As a result, the foot becomes longer, wider, and flatter overall.Since the tendons and muscles often do not follow the expansion of the foot, toe deformities are favored, such as claw toes, hammer toes or hallux valgus.

[0003] From EP 2 648 659 B1, an arch support sock is known, consisting of a woven material comprising a forefoot section, a midfoot section, and a hindfoot section with at least one heel area. This arch support sock includes a first elastic band extending diagonally from the outside of the foot section along the sole of the foot to the inside of the midfoot or forefoot section, or further over the instep to the outside of the midfoot or forefoot section. Furthermore, a second elastic band is provided, extending from the outside of the midfoot or forefoot section along the sole of the foot to the inside of the midfoot or forefoot section, and then back over the instep to the outside of the midfoot or hindfoot section, forming a full wrap.

[0004] From DE 91 12 765 U1, a foot arch support stocking is known which has three straps that are jointly attached to a sole in the area of ​​the midfoot. From there, one of the straps extends to the outside above the ankle.

[0005] German patent DE 200 18 575 U1 discloses a textile orthosis for compensating spastic foot drop. This stocking comprises five straps, all of which are fixed to the sole of the foot in the midfoot region and extend from there. A third strap is fixed, for example, above the outer side of the ankle.

[0006] German patent DE 20 2013 105 928 U1 discloses a further support device for lifting a foot. This support device again provides for a first short and a second long cable to be attached to the sole of the foot in the midfoot area. After the short cable is wrapped around the long cable, it is secured to the upper side of the long cable.

[0007] The invention is therefore based on the objective of further improving the balance between torsion and counter-torsion, between raising and lowering of the arch of the foot, and between foot contraction and foot extension in favor of arch raising and foot contraction.

[0008] This problem is solved according to the invention by an arch support stocking consisting of a woven material comprising at least one midfoot section in the area of ​​an arch and a rearfoot section as well as at least one heel section that encompasses the heel, wherein a first elastic section is provided which extends diagonally from an outside of the rearfoot section along the sole of the foot to the inside of the midfoot section or extends further to or over an instep of the midfoot section and with a second elastic section which extends from an inside of the rearfoot section over the instep to the outside of the midfoot section and extends further along the sole of the foot, wherein the second elastic section extends from the sole of the foot further to the inside of the rearfoot section.This arrangement of the first and second elastic bands increases the arch-like tension of the foot, which counteracts the lowering and extension of the foot during a gait cycle and thus also the resulting toe deformities. This allows for helical rotation between the forefoot and the hindfoot. Therefore, this arch support sock promotes the restoration of the arch during a gait cycle through at least one elastic band and supports the contraction and torsion of the foot. This elastic band provides a so-called push-off support. In particular, the first elastic band, which extends along the sole of the foot, provides force support approximately along the course of the peroneus longus tendon.Furthermore, the first and second elastic pulls of the arch support stocking, with the aforementioned design, counteract the development of flat feet and / or fallen arches. This is primarily due to the improved support of the arch when weight is removed. It can also provide improved arch support when weight is applied.

[0009] Preferably, the loose end of the second strap extends between the ankle and heel towards the calf and is preferably detachably attached above the ankle. This has the advantage that a section of the second strap running below it is freely movable from the heel area. Alternatively, the loose end of the second strap can also be fixed to the section of the second strap running below it and additionally above it, particularly to a pad located in this area. In this case, a particularly stable fixation can be achieved.

[0010] Another preferred embodiment provides that one end of the first elastic band at the rearfoot and one end of the second elastic band at the rearfoot, particularly in the heel area, are adjacent to or connected to each other. This can provide optimal support for the restoration of the arch of the foot after it has been subjected to stress or extension.

[0011] The fabric material preferably incorporates at least one elastic tension, so that it is essentially integrated into the fabric. Alternatively, the at least one elastic tension can be applied or laminated to an inner or outer surface of the fabric material.

[0012] An alternative embodiment involves the at least one elastic band being permanently attached to the fabric material at one end, while the other end is detachable. This detachable connection can be achieved, for example, by a hook-and-loop fastener, a hook-and-loop fastener, or the like. This embodiment has the advantage of making the arch support stocking easier to put on, since the tension of the at least one elastic band is only applied after the fabric material has been pulled over the foot. Additionally, this embodiment allows for individual adjustment of the tension force or the force required to restore the arch of the foot.

[0013] Another preferred embodiment provides that at least one elastic strap is detachably attached to the fabric material at both ends. This allows for the provision of a flexible arch support stocking whose tension can be individually adjusted to suit different load cases.

[0014] The at least one traction element of the arch support stocking is designed as a force storage element, in particular made of rubber-elastic material or as a rubber-elastic band.

[0015] Furthermore, a pad is preferably provided on or in the fabric material laterally and behind the ankle on the inner and / or outer side of the arch support stocking. This protects the ankle and improves wearing comfort.

[0016] The invention, as well as further advantageous embodiments and developments thereof, are described and explained in more detail below with reference to the examples shown in the drawings. The features that can be derived from the description and the drawings can be applied individually or in any combination according to the invention. The drawings show: Fig. 1. A schematic top view of a bone structure of the foot, Fig. 2 a schematic side view of the bone structure of the foot, Fig. 3 a schematic view from below of the arch support stocking, Fig. 4 a schematic view from above of the arch support stocking according to Fig. 3, Fig. 5 a schematic side view from the outside of the arch support stocking according to Fig. 3, and Fig. 6 a schematic side view from the inside of the arch support stocking according to Fig. 3.

[0017] In the Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows a bony structure of the foot 9, the structure of which is generally known. For the description of the following invention, only the first to fifth rays 10, 11, 12, 16, 17 are described. The first, second, and third rays 10, 11, 12 of the foot relate to the metatarsal bones, which are each connected to a navicular bone 15 via a cuneiform bone 14. These first to third rays 10, 11, 12 move relative to the fourth and fifth rays 16, 17, meaning that the first to third rays 10, 11, 12 are involved in the flattening and raising of the arch of the foot as well as in the lengthening and shortening of the foot 9 immediately after the heel strikes the ground. The fourth and fifth rays 16, 17 form the axis of torsion during the roll-off of the forefoot. Since they are less mobile than the medial rays and yield less under stress, they direct the force and weight to the big toe at the end of the rolling phase.

[0018] The natural rolling motion of a foot can be divided into four phases: 1. When the heel strikes the ground, some of the impact energy is transferred via the talus head into the longitudinal arch by tensing it. 2. This tension is further intensified by the body weight acting on the arch. This causes the longitudinal and transverse arches to collapse. The arch of the foot flattens, which is accompanied by a lengthening of the foot. 3. The elastic tension reaches its maximum during push-off from the ground, 4. The tension energy then converts back into kinetic energy, allowing the body to generate forward momentum. The movement of the big toe ensures optimal traction and provides a final push before the leg is lifted. During this phase, the arch of the foot rises again, and the overall length of the foot shortens.

[0019] When the longitudinal arch of the foot rises and shortens, or falls and lengthens, this occurs primarily on the medial (inner) side of the foot, while the lateral (outer) side remains largely unaffected. This results in abduction and adduction movements in the midfoot-tarsal joint. The arch support sock according to the invention supports this movement and the natural rolling motion of the foot.

[0020] In Fig. Figure 3 is a schematic view from below of an arch support stocking 21, in Fig. 4 is a view from above and into the Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 are side views of the embodiment in Fig. Figure 3 shows this arch support stocking 21, which consists of a fabric material 22 comprising at least a midfoot section 24 and a rearfoot section 25 that encompasses at least a heel area 26. This fabric material 22 can be a fabric made of natural or artificial fibers, which, due to its structure, exhibits a certain degree of flexibility but exerts at least a slight supportive effect on the entire foot.

[0021] The arch support stocking 21 comprises a first elastic section 27, which is designed as a force storage element, such as an elastic band, and is, for example, incorporated into the fabric material or applied, laminated, covered, or the like to an inner or outer surface. The elastic section 27 can, as shown in the Fig. 3 and Fig. The elastic band 27, as shown in Figure 4, is designed as a band whose width is preferably adapted to the body size and / or body weight. The line shown within the band represents the direction of action and the direction of the force. The elastic band 27 can also be reduced to a thin, linear band instead of a band. The first elastic band 27 begins with an end 28 on the outside of the rearfoot section 25 or in the heel area 26. The end 28 of the band 27 can also attach to a seam in the fabric material 22, which extends vertically upwards from the heel area 26. The first elastic band 27 runs from the end 28 towards the sole of the foot, forming an arc-shaped path when viewed from the side, which avoids the heel. Subsequently, the first elastic band 27 extends under the sole of the foot to the inside of the midfoot section 24 and preferably ends on the top of the instep 32.

[0022] This first elastic band 27 can, for example, be firmly attached to the fabric material 22 in the rearfoot section 25 and detachably connected to the fabric material 22 at the opposite end 29, for example with a hook-and-loop fastener, so that the pretension of the first elastic band 27 can be adjusted accordingly. Likewise, the fixed and detachable ends 28, 29 can also be arranged in reverse. Alternatively, both ends 28, 29 of the first elastic band 27 can be detachable, so that the first elastic band 27 can be fastened after the arch support stocking has been pulled on. To improve the positioning of the first elastic band 27, a rubber coating can be applied along its intended path on the fabric material, thus providing better adhesion and fixation after the first elastic band 27 has been put on. Preferably, the first band 27 is completely laminated as a tape, in particular a rubber-elastic tape.Alternatively, the first elastic section 27 can also be incorporated into the fabric material 22, which has a higher compression effect than the adjacent areas.

[0023] The arch support stocking 21 further comprises a second elastic band 31. This second elastic band 31 also engages the rearfoot section 25, particularly opposite the end 28 of the first elastic band 27. From there, the second elastic band 31 extends along the inner side of the foot, preferably below or at least partially over the ankle to the instep 32 and the outer region of the midfoot section 24. In particular, this second elastic band 31 extends to the region of the fifth metatarsal bone. Advantageously, the second elastic band 31 can extend from the region of the fifth metatarsal bone further along the sole of the foot to the rearfoot section 25. A second or free end 33 of the second band 31 can engage a section of the second elastic band 31 that extends from the rearfoot section 25 to the instep 32.Preferably, the second end 33 of the second elastic band 31 extends laterally behind the ankle or partially over the ankle further upwards and is then detachably connected to the tissue material 22. This allows the tibialis posterior muscle to be supported. The tension can thus be adjusted via the second elastic band 31.

[0024] A pad 37 is provided in or on the fabric material 22 adjacent to the ankle, laterally behind the ankle, or between the ankle and the heel area 26. This improves wearing comfort. Furthermore, a hook-and-loop fastener is preferably provided on the outer side of the pad 37, at least from the second end 33 of the second elastic band 31, in a detachable arrangement. This prevents pressure points.

[0025] By combining the first and second moves 27, 31, as shown in the Fig.As shown in figures 3 to 6, their course and arrangement can achieve a strengthened arch of the foot and simultaneously a helical rotation between the midfoot and forefoot towards the rearfoot, thereby supporting the natural rolling motion and subsequently restoring the arch of the foot without hindering or restricting the mobility of the foot.

[0026] This arch support sock (size 21) is worn like a regular sock, so that its use is not visible. Alternatively, this arch support sock (size 21) can have a reinforced sole, making it suitable for use as slippers, sneakers, or similar footwear.

Claims

[1] Foot arch support stocking consisting of a fabric material (22) which has at least one metatarsal section (24) and a rearfoot section (25) with at least one heel region (26), with at least one first elastic band (27) which extends diagonally from an outer side of the rearfoot section (25) along a sole of the foot to the inner side of the metatarsal section (24) or further to or over an instep (32) of the metatarsal section (24), and with a second elastic band (31) which extends from an inner side of the rearfoot section (25) over the instep (32) to the outer side of the metatarsal section (24) and further along the sole of the foot, characterized by that the second elastic pull (31) extends from the sole of the foot further to the inside of the rear foot section (25). [2] Arch support stocking according to claim 1, characterized bythat the loose end (33) of the second pull (31) extends between the ankle and the heel region (26) and is preferably detachably connected or fixed above the ankle. [3] Arch support stocking according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that one end (28) of the first pull (27) at the rear foot section (25) and one end (30) of the second pull (31) at the rear foot section (25) are adjacent to one another or are connected to one another or are adjacent to one another or are connected to one another in the heel region (26). [4] Arch support stocking according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that at least one elastic pull (27, 31) is incorporated into the fabric material (22) or is firmly arranged, laminated or bonded to an outer or inner side of the fabric material (22). [5] Arch support stocking according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized bythat at least one end (28, 29, 30) of the at least one elastic band (27, 31) is firmly connected to the fabric material (22) and the other end (29, 33) of the at least one elastic band (27, 31) is detachably fastened to the fabric material (22), in particular by means of a hook-and-loop fastener. [6] Arch support stocking according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by that both ends (28, 29, 30, 33) of the at least one elastic band (27, 31) are detachably connected to the fabric material (22), in particular by a hook and loop fastener. [7] Arch support stocking according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that at least one detachable end (28, 29, 30, 33) of the at least one pull (27, 31) is detachably fastened to the fabric material (22) for adjusting a pretensioning force. [8] Arch support stocking according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the at least one pull (27, 31) is designed as a force storage element, in particular as a rubber-elastic band. [9] Arch support stocking according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a pad (37) is provided on or in the fabric material (22) laterally and behind the ankle on the inside and / or outside.

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