Shoe for diabetic feet, insole, forefoot protection cap and method for producing a shoe

Abstract

The invention relates to a shoe (1, 1', 1''), in particular for supporting the treatment of, for example, diabetic foot ulceration, with a sole (2, 2', 2") and with a shaft (3, 3', 3'').

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a shoe, in particular for supporting the treatment of, for example, diabetic foot ulcers, especially for diabetic feet. The invention further relates to an insole. The invention further relates to a forefoot protective cap. The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing a shoe.

[0002] The diabetic foot, also known as diabetic foot syndrome and / or foot ulceration, is prone to various health problems, such as ulcers and / or injuries, due to its reduced pain sensitivity and increased susceptibility to pressure. Conventional footwear, even with modern technology, often does not provide sufficient support, which can increase the risk of foot injuries and, in turn, lead to the aforementioned health problems.

[0003] The invention is based on the objective of providing, starting from the aforementioned prior art, an improved shoe, an improved insole, an improved forefoot cap, and / or an improved method for manufacturing a shoe.

[0004] The invention solves this problem by means of the subject matter of the independent claims. Dependent claims describe preferred embodiments. By means of the subject matter of the independent claims, a shoe, an insole, a forefoot protective cap, and / or a method could be created which offers both better protection and greater wearing comfort for the user. In particular, the risk associated with walking for a user, especially for a diabetic, can be reduced compared to wearing a shoe according to the prior art.

[0005] A shoe, especially for supporting the treatment of, for example, diabetic foot ulceration, particularly for a diabetic foot, comprises a sole and an upper.

[0006] Advantageously, the sole includes a fiber insert. Advantageously, the sole is stiff. Advantageously, the sole is stiff due to the fiber insert, with fibers aligned approximately parallel to a longitudinal axis of the sole. Stiffness can be understood, for example, to mean that the sole does not bend, or only minimally bends, under normal usage loads, such as walking, running, or similar activities, especially compared to the sole of a low-cut shoe. Advantageously, the sole is rotatable around its longitudinal axis. This makes the sole torsionally flexible. Advantageously, the fibers of the fiber insert are aligned approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis of the sole, allowing the sole to twist. Advantageously, the torsion of the sole is limited, and in particular, limited in flexibility. This enables a natural and secure gait.

[0007] Preferably, the sole comprises a composite material. Preferably, the composite material comprises a polymer, particularly a high-strength polymer, and a fiber insert, particularly a glass fiber insert. Preferably, the structure of the shoe, especially the sole, is designed such that when the shoe is used, the user's foot is subjected to a load distributed approximately evenly across the foot. Preferably, the structure of the shoe, especially the sole, distributes the load on the user's foot approximately evenly when walking.

[0008] Advantageously, the sole is at least partially multi-layered. Advantageously, at least two of the layers have different hardnesses. Advantageously, the sole is constructed of three layers. Advantageously, one of the layers, in particular a first layer, comprises a polyether material, in particular a high-density polyether material, and in particular, the layer comprises a block of polyether. Advantageously, the polyether material and / or the block of polyether provides grip and / or durability. Advantageously, one of the layers, in particular a second layer, which is preferably arranged in an approximately central area of ​​the shoe's tread, comprises a plastic that is advantageously softer than the polyether material of the first layer. Advantageously, the second layer is approximately 3 mm thick.Advantageously, the second layer of the sole provides high grip and / or slip resistance, particularly compared to a prior art shoe. Advantageously, one of the layers, particularly a third layer, comprises a fiber insert, particularly a fiberglass insert. Advantageously, the third layer is arranged within the shoe, particularly within the sole. Advantageously, the layers, particularly the first, second, and third layers, are arranged such that the strength of the shoe and the user's support within the shoe are maximized without impairing walking comfort, particularly compared to a prior art shoe.

[0009] Advantageously, the sole has a tread pattern, particularly on the side facing the ground when walking. Advantageously, the tread pattern is smooth in the front area of ​​the sole. Advantageously, the tread pattern is flat in the middle area of ​​the sole. Advantageously, the tread pattern is ribbed in the rear area of ​​the sole. "Ribbed" can be understood, for example, to mean that the sole has one or more ribs and / or ribbing. Preferably, the material in the area of ​​the ribs and / or ribbing is denser than the adjacent material, in particular twice as dense. The ribs and / or ribbing provide a high level of grip and slip resistance, thus improving user safety.

[0010] Preferably, the contact surfaces of the shoe that come into contact with the foot are seamless. Preferably, the shoe, in particular the upper, is at least partially, and especially completely, seamless on the side facing the foot. This helps to avoid pressure points that could potentially cause ulcers.

[0011] The upper should ideally include a heel counter, particularly in the heel area. Ideally, the heel counter should extend at least partially to approximately ankle height. Ideally, the heel counter should stabilize the foot and / or immobilize it.

[0012] Advantageously, the shoe, especially the upper, includes lacing, particularly strap lacing. Strap lacing advantageously stabilizes the foot and / or the shoe. Strap lacing is advantageously adjustable and / or supports the foot, advantageously without causing increased stress on the foot. A Velcro closure is advantageous for strap lacing.

[0013] Preferably, the shoe includes seamless contact surfaces and / or a sole, particularly a rigid one, for example with a fiber insole, and / or lacing straps. This provides stability and comfort, improves walking, and helps prevent ulcers and irritation.

[0014] The shoe advantageously includes an insole, especially a multi-layered one. The insole can also be personalized, which is a further advantage.

[0015] Preferably, the shoe includes a forefoot cap, which is particularly removable. Preferably, the forefoot cap is at least partially enclosed by the upper, especially by the lacing strap. Preferably, the forefoot cap rests at least partially on the sole. Preferably, the forefoot cap protects the foot from moisture and / or temperature fluctuations and / or impacts. Preferably, the forefoot cap distributes the load evenly across the foot, thus relieving pressure on specific areas of the foot.

[0016] The insole is intended for use with a shoe as described herein.

[0017] Advantageously, the insole comprises an upper zone facing the foot, a middle zone, and a lower zone facing away from the foot. Advantageously, the middle zone is positioned between the upper and lower zones. Advantageously, the middle zone features removable elements, particularly honeycomb-shaped sections. Individual honeycomb sections can be removed to personalize the insole. Removing individual honeycomb sections allows the pressure on the foot to be controlled and / or adjusted.

[0018] The lower zone conveniently includes fibers. These fibers provide stability to the insole. The lower zone also conveniently includes an adhesive film. The lower zone can be conveniently adhered to the middle zone. A user can conveniently remove individual honeycomb sections from the middle zone and then adhere the lower zone to the middle zone. This makes the insole both personalized and very stable. The shape of the insole is conveniently designed to follow the natural, and especially personalized, curvature of the foot and / or the sole, ensuring even weight distribution and / or minimizing pressure points.

[0019] The forefoot protective cap is intended for a shoe described herein.

[0020] The contact surfaces of the forefoot cap that come into contact with the foot are advantageously seamless. It is advantageous for the forefoot cap to be seamless, at least partially, and especially completely, on the side facing the foot.

[0021] The upper material of the shoe, in particular the upper, and / or the toecap, and / or the insole, is appropriately made of a synthetic material. The synthetic material appropriately offers durability and / or flexibility.

[0022] By solving the problem using the methods described herein, a significant improvement in safety and / or stability for the user, especially diabetics, can be achieved. For example, the risk of ulcers and irritations can be reduced, such as those caused by seamless contact surfaces with the foot, the adjustable lacing system, the stiffness and / or torsional flexibility of the sole, and / or other reasons. The shoe is also adaptable to different foot conditions, thus enabling, for example, individualized and continuous comfort.

[0023] In a process for manufacturing a shoe described herein, the sole is thermoformed. Advantageously, the composite material of the sole is thermoformed. Advantageously, the fiber reinforcement is integrated directly into the polymer during thermoforming. Advantageously, the polymer is a polyamide and / or a polyurethane. Advantageously, the fiber reinforcement, in particular the glass fiber reinforcement, is integrated directly into the polymer mass, in particular the polyamide mass, in particular the polyurethane mass, during casting. This allows, for example, good adhesion to be achieved. This allows, for example, good structural integration to be achieved.

[0024] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or on their own, without leaving the scope of the present invention.

[0025] Further details, features, combinations of features, and effects based on the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred, exemplary embodiments of the invention and from the drawings. These show Fig. 1 a perspective view of a shoe, in particular for a right foot, Fig. 2 a perspective view of the shoe, in particular for a left foot, Fig. 3 a side view of the shoe, Fig. 4 a schematic side view of a part of the shoe, in particular the sole of the shoe, Fig. 5 a bottom view of the shoe, Fig. 6 a side view of a part of the shoe, Fig. 7 a perspective view of the shoe in an open state, Fig. 8 a perspective view of the shoe and an enlarged perspective detail view of a part of the shoe, Fig. 9 a perspective view of an insole, Fig. 10 a side view of a part of the insole, Fig. 11 a bottom view of the insole and a part of the insole, Fig. 12 a schematic bottom view of the insole and a foot, Fig. 13 a perspective view of a pair of shoes, each with a toecap Shoe, Fig.Fig. 14 a perspective view of part of the shoe with part of the forefoot cap, in particular for the right foot, Fig. 15 a perspective view of part of the shoe with part of the forefoot cap, in particular for the left foot, Fig. 16 a schematic representation of a pedographic measurement, Fig. 17 a further embodiment of a shoe with highlighted detail views of the shoe, Fig. 18 a further embodiment of a shoe with highlighted detail views of the shoe, and Fig. 19 a schematic sequence of a procedure.

[0026] In a first embodiment, the Figs. 1 to 3 Shoe 1. Shoe 1 can be worn, for example, to assist in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers. Fig. 1 shows shoe number 1 for your right foot, Fig. 2Show shoe 1 for the left foot. For the sake of simplicity, no distinction will be made in the following explanations between shoes 1 for the left and right foot. Corresponding statements apply to both shoes 1.

[0027] The shoe 1 comprises a sole 2 and an upper 3. The in Fig. 4 The sole shown, number 2, includes in Figure 4 A fiber insert 4 is schematically indicated. The fiber insert 4 is, in particular, integrated into the sole 2, substantially completely integrated and / or completely enclosed by a plastic. Preferably, the material of the sole 2 is a composite material; more preferably, the composite material comprises a, in particular, high-strength polymer and the fiber insert 4, in particular a glass fiber insert. The fibers of the fiber insert 4 preferably run substantially approximately parallel to a Figs. 4 and 5The longitudinal axis 5 of the sole 2 is shown. This results in high rigidity of the sole 2. At the same time, it allows the sole 2 to remain rotatable about the longitudinal axis 5. This ensures that the sole 2, and therefore the shoe 1, is stable and at the same time comfortably natural to wear.

[0028] As in Fig. 4 As schematically indicated, the sole 2 is preferably multi-layered. Preferably, two of the layers have different hardnesses.

[0029] Preferably, the sole 2, in particular the side of the sole 2 facing the ground when the shoe 1 is in use, comprises thermoplastic rubber. This provides slip resistance, wear resistance, and / or waterproofing.

[0030] As in Fig. 5As shown, the sole 2 preferably comprises various areas, particularly on the side of the sole 2 facing the ground when walking. In a forward area 6, viewed in the longitudinal direction 5, the surface of the sole 2 is smooth. This reduces the risk of slipping. In a middle area 7, viewed in the longitudinal direction 5, the surface of the sole 2 is flat. The flat area of ​​the surface of the sole 2 comprises more than approximately 70%, particularly approximately 80%, preferably approximately 81%, and / or at most approximately 90% of the total surface of the sole 2. In particular, the sole 2 has a contact area of ​​approximately 81%. This ensures very high stability. This allows the shoe 1 to rest flat on the ground.

[0031] In the exemplary embodiment, the central area 7 of the sole 2 comprises an inner surface 8 with a flat studded profile 8. In the exemplary embodiment, the central area 7 of the sole 2 comprises a surface with grooves, particularly coarse grooves, on the outer surface 9. This provides good support, especially good grip, and / or facilitates easy cleaning of the sole 2. "Inner 8" and "Outer 9" refer to an extension of the sole 2 in the direction of a transverse axis 10, which is particularly perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 5, with the area around the longitudinal axis 5 being referred to as the "Inner 8" and the area further away from the longitudinal axis 5 in the direction of the transverse axis 10 being referred to as the "Outer 9".

[0032] In the exemplary embodiment, the rear area 11 of the sole 2 is laminated. The rear area 11 comprises lamellae and / or grooves. This ensures good grip.

[0033] The in Fig. 6The upper 3 of the shoe 1 shown includes a heel counter 12. The heel counter 12 begins approximately at the sole 2 and extends at least partially to about ankle height. The heel counter 12 ensures, in particular, good and stable support of the foot, especially the heel area, within the shoe 1.

[0034] Preferably, the design of the upper 3 is adaptable. For example, the upper 3 can be individually adjusted to the ankle, instep, and / or forefoot. Preferably, the internal volume of the shoe 1 is comparatively large, so that, for example, a foot with a bandage fits comfortably in the shoe 1. Preferably, the sole 2 accommodates up to a front edge of the upper 22 mm. Preferably, additional opening options for a forefoot flap are provided, especially for increased volume.

[0035] The in Fig. 7 The shoe 1 shown, in particular the upper 3, comprises contact surfaces 13 with which the shoe 1 comes into contact with the foot. An example is shown in Fig. 7 Only one contact surface 13 is shown. The contact surface 13 is preferably seamless. Particularly preferably, the shoe 1, especially on the side facing the foot, and especially the upper 3, especially on the side facing the foot, are at least partially, and especially completely, seamless. This reduces and / or avoids pressure points on the foot, especially those caused by a seam.

[0036] The one in the Figs. 7 and 8The shoe 1 shown, in particular the upper 3, includes a lacing system 14. Preferably, the lacing system 14 is designed as a hook-and-loop fastener. In the exemplary embodiment, a front lacing system is provided for the front part of the foot and a rear lacing system for the back part of the foot. In the exemplary embodiment, the rear lacing system is designed in the form of a guide loop 15. Advantageously, the guide loop 15 can be adjusted with one hand, in particular by the user. This allows for a good ankle closure. Preferably, the straps are adjustable, in particular cuttable. Preferably, the upper 3 is at least partially, and in particular completely, padded.

[0037] Figs. 9 to 12Figure 1 shows an insole 16 for shoe 1. The insole 16 is multi-layered, in the exemplary embodiment three-layered. The insole 16 comprises an upper zone 17 facing the foot. The insole 16 comprises a middle zone 18. The insole 16 comprises a lower zone 19 facing away from the foot. The middle zone 18 is preferably arranged between the upper zone 17 and the lower zone 19.

[0038] The upper zone 17 is preferably made of a breathable, antibacterial, antimicrobial, odor-inhibiting, and / or hypoallergenic material. In the exemplary embodiment, the upper zone 17 is approximately 3 mm thick. In the exemplary embodiment, the upper zone 17 comprises at least partially, and in particular completely, a soft foam, especially memory foam.

[0039] The middle zone 18 is approximately 6 mm thick. The middle zone 18 comprises at least partially, and in particular completely, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA). In the exemplary embodiment, the middle zone comprises removable elements 20. In particular, the elements 20 are honeycomb-shaped. The elements 20 can be removed individually, so that a Fig. 12 The schematically depicted recess 21 in the insole 16 is made possible. Fig. 12 Three recesses 21 are shown as examples. Fig. 12 The diagram also schematically shows areas and / or locations on a foot that are subject to increased pressure. It is precisely at these points that elements 20 can be preferably removed, creating a personalized insole 16.

[0040] The lower zone 19 comprises fibers. The lower zone 19 includes an adhesive film. Using the adhesive film, the lower zone 19 can be glued to the middle zone 18, for example, after the recesses 21 have been created in the middle zone 18. Through this bonding, and especially through the fibers in the lower zone 19, a stable and personalized insole 16 is created.

[0041] Figs. 13 to 15 Show a forefoot protection cap 22 for shoe 1. The forefoot protection cap 22 is removable from shoe 1 and can be inserted into shoe 1. How well it fits in the Figures 13 to 15As can be seen, the forefoot protective cap 22 inserted into the shoe 1 is at least partially enclosed by the upper 3, in particular by the lacing strap 14. The forefoot protective cap 22 preferably rests on the sole 2. The forefoot protective cap 22 is preferably attachable to the shoe 1, in particular to the upper 3, by means of hook-and-loop fasteners. The forefoot protective cap 22 preferably protects the foot from cold and wet conditions, for example from splashing water, or the like.

[0042] Preferably, the forefoot protective cap 22 is seamless at the contact surfaces of the forefoot protective cap 22 that come into contact with the foot. Preferably, the forefoot protective cap 22 is at least partially, and in particular completely, seamless on the side facing the foot.

[0043] Fig. 16Figure 23 shows pedographic measurements of shoe 1. The shoe 1 described herein, in particular the sole 2 and / or the insole 16 described herein, resulted in a redistribution of pressure and / or a reduction of pressure loads. Fig. 16 The pressure loads of a conventional shoe, representing the state of the art, are shown in the upper left, with red indicating high pressure loads. In a black and white representation of the Fig. 16 Elevated areas experience higher pressure loads than depressions. In particular, the plain contains no and / or very low pressure loads. The previously mentioned red zones are located approximately at the elevated points in the black and white representation, especially at the elevated plateaus. Fig. 16The pressure loads of a shoe 1 described herein are shown in the upper right, with the color yellow indicating reduced pressure loads, particularly reduced compared to the color red. The previously mentioned yellow zones are located approximately at the raised areas, especially at the raised plateaus, in the black and white illustration. The yellow zones are shown in grayish tones in the black and white illustration.

[0044] Fig. 17 shows a shoe 1' in a further embodiment. One difference of the in Fig. 17 The difference between the shoe 1' shown and the previously described shoe 1 is that the shaft 3' is slightly shorter in height than the shaft 3 of, for example, the shoe 1 described above. Fig. 1 The shoe shown (1) preferably has a slightly shorter shaft (3') that reaches to or above the user's ankles.

[0045] Fig. 18 shows a shoe 1" in another embodiment. One difference of the in Fig. 18shown shoe 1 ' to the previous one, for example in Fig. 1 The described shoe 1 consists in the fact that the shaft 3" is slightly shorter in height than the shaft 3 of, for example, the shoe described in Fig. 1 The shoe shown (1) preferably has a slightly shorter shaft (3') that reaches to or above the user's ankles. Another difference is that... Fig. 18 shown shoe 1" compared to the previous example in Fig. 1 and / or Fig. 17 The described shoe 1, 1' consists in the fact that the shoe 1" comprises a strap lacing 14" wherein the strap lacing 14" comprises three straps.

[0046] Advantageously, the shoe 1, 1', 1" comprises a sole 2, 2', 2", which is stiffened and / or includes a rocker. The rocker restricts the flexion of the metatarsophalangeal joints and helps the foot move quickly over the point of pressure during forward movement. Preferably, the sole 2, 2', 2" is made of foam.

[0047] Fig. 19Figure 24 schematically shows a process 24 for manufacturing the shoe 1, 1', 1". In process step 25, fiber insert 4 is placed in a mold (not shown). In a subsequent process step 25, the sole is thermoformed, in particular, the fiber insert 4 is integrated into the polymer, especially directly. This thermoforms the composite material of the sole 2, 2', 2". Reference symbol list:

[0048] 1 Shoe 1', 1" Shoe 2 Sole 2', 2" Sole 3 Upper 3', 3" Sole 4 Fiber insole 5 Longitudinal axis 6 Anterior area 7 Middle area 8 Inner 9 Outer 10 Transverse axis 11 Rear area 12 Heel counter 13 Contact surface 14 Lacing 14" Lacing 15 Guide loop 16 Insole 17 Upper zone 18 Middle zone 19 Lower zone 20 Element 21 Recess 22 Forefoot toe cap 23 Pedographic measurement 24 Procedure 25 Insertion 26 Thermoforming

Claims

1. Shoe, especially for aiding in the treatment of, for example, diabetic foot ulceration, with a sole (2, 2', 2") and with a shaft (3, 3', 3").

2. Shoe according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the sole (2, 2', 2") comprises a fiber insert (4), and in particular that the sole (2, 2', 2") is stiff, for example due to the fiber insert (4) with fibers aligned approximately parallel to a longitudinal axis (5) of the sole (2, 2', 2"), and in particular that the sole (2, 2', 2") is rotatable about the longitudinal axis (5) of the sole (2, 2', 2").

3. Shoe according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the fact that the sole (2, 2', 2") comprises a composite material, and the composite material comprises a polymer, in particular a high-strength polymer, and a fiber insert (4), in particular a glass fiber insert.

4. Shoe according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by the fact thatthe sole (2, 2', 2") is at least partially multi-layered, and that at least two of the layers have different hardness.

5. Shoe according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by the fact that the sole (2, 2', 2"), in particular on the side of the sole (2, 2', 2") facing the ground when walking, has a sole profile, such that the sole profile is smooth in a front area (6) of the sole (2, 2', 2"), and / or that the sole profile is flat in a middle area (7) of the sole (2, 2', 2"), and / or that the sole profile is laminated in a rear area (11) of the sole (2, 2', 2").

6. Shoe according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by the fact that the contact surfaces (13) of the shoe (1, 1', 1") that come into contact with the foot are seamless, and in particular that the shoe (1, 1', 1"), especially the upper (3, 3', 3"), is at least partially, in particular completely, seamless on the side facing the foot.

7. Shoe according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by the fact that the shaft (3, 3', 3"), particularly in the area of ​​the heel, comprises a back cap (12), and that the back cap (12) is at least partially approximately ankle-high.

8. Shoe according to one of claims 1 to 7 with an insole (16), in particular a multi-layered insole, in particular wherein the insole (16) is customizable.

9. Shoe according to one of claims 1 to 8 with a forefoot protective cap (22), in particular a removable one, in particular wherein the forefoot protective cap (22) is at least partially enclosed by the upper (3, 3', 3"), and / or wherein the forefoot protective cap (22) rests at least partially on the sole (2, 2', 2").

10. Insole for a shoe (1, 1', 1") according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. Insole for a shoe (1, 1', 1") according to claim 10, characterized by the fact thatthe insole (16) comprises an upper zone (17) facing the foot, a middle zone (18) and a lower zone (19) facing away from the foot, wherein the middle zone (18) is arranged between the upper zone (17) and the lower zone (19), and that the middle zone (18) has removable elements (20), in particular honeycombs, so that the insole (16) can be personalized.

12. Insole for a shoe (1, 1', 1") according to claim 11, characterized by the fact that the lower zone (19) comprises fibers, and that the lower zone (19) comprises an adhesive film, making the lower zone (19) adhesive to the middle zone (18).

13. Forefoot protective cap for a shoe (1, 1', 1") according to one of claims 1 to 9.

14. Forefoot protective cap according to claim 13, characterized by the fact thatthe contact surfaces of the forefoot protective cap (22) that come into contact with the foot are seamless, and in particular that the forefoot protective cap (22) is at least partially, in particular completely, seamless on the side facing the foot.

15. Method for manufacturing a shoe (1, 1', 1"), in particular according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by the fact that the sole (2, 2', 2'') is thermoformed (26), in particular that the composite material according to claim 3 is thermoformed (26), in particular that during thermoforming (26) the fiber insert (4) is directly integrated into the polymer.

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