Foot support

Abstract

This foot support provides proper support for the big toe, taking into account the detailed structure of the muscles surrounding the ball of the foot. [Solution] A foot support is provided, comprising a band-shaped main body that is elastic and covers the arch and instep of the foot when worn, and a pad attached to the surface of the main body that comes into contact with the user's foot, wherein the pad has a valley facing the toe side of the foot, and the valley is configured to wrap around and press on the branching point of the flexor hallucis brevis muscle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a foot supporter.

Background Art

[0002] It is known that an arch structure is formed in the human foot. This arch structure consists of a medial longitudinal arch called the arch of the foot that connects the base of the big toe and the heel, a transverse arch that connects the bases of the five toes, and a lateral longitudinal arch that connects the base of the little toe and the heel.

[0003] Conventionally, foot supporters that support the arch structure are known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a foot supporter that pushes up the arch of the foot to form an arch.

[0004] However, no foot supporter that supports the hallux in consideration of the detailed structure of the muscles around the first metatarsal head has been known.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] The present disclosure provides a foot supporter that appropriately supports the hallux in consideration of the detailed structure of the muscles around the first metatarsal head of the human foot.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] A first aspect of the present disclosure is a foot supporter that has elasticity, includes a band-shaped main body portion that covers from the arch of the foot to the instep when worn, and a pad attached to the surface of the main body portion that comes into contact with the user's foot, wherein the pad includes a valley portion facing the tip side of the foot, and the valley portion is configured to wrap around and press the branched portion of the flexor hallucis brevis muscle.

[0008] In the first embodiment described above, when the foot support is worn, the groove of the pad wraps around and presses against the branching point of the flexor hallucis brevis muscle of the user's foot. When the branching point of the flexor hallucis brevis muscle is pressed, the insertion point of the flexor hallucis brevis muscle is stimulated, promoting flexion of the big toe. When the big toe is flexed, the formation of the medial longitudinal arch of the user's foot is promoted. Therefore, according to the first embodiment, a foot support is provided that appropriately supports the big toe, taking into account the detailed structure of the ball of the big toe muscle of the human foot.

[0009] A second aspect of the present disclosure is a foot support, in the first aspect described above, wherein the pad comprises a medial portion connected to the valley and extending toward the medial side of the foot, the medial portion configured to press against the distal tendinous portion of the abductor hallucis muscle.

[0010] In the second embodiment described above, when the foot support is worn, the medial portion of the pad presses against the distal tendinous portion of the abductor hallucis muscle. When the distal tendinous portion of the abductor hallucis muscle is pressed against, the medial longitudinal arch of the user's foot is further supported. In addition, by pressing and supporting the distal tendinous portion of the abductor hallucis muscle, the tendency for hallux valgus can be corrected. Therefore, according to the second embodiment, the medial longitudinal arch of the foot can be appropriately supported and contribute to the prevention of hallux valgus.

[0011] A third aspect of this disclosure is a foot support, in which, in the second aspect described above, the inner position portion is configured to move closer to the posterior end of the foot as it moves toward the inner side of the foot.

[0012] In the third embodiment described above, the inner portion of the pad in the foot support is configured to move closer to the posterior end of the foot as it moves toward the inner side of the foot. Therefore, according to the third embodiment, the shape of the pad is configured to conform to the structure of the arch of the foot.

[0013] A fourth aspect of this disclosure is that, in the first to third aspects described above, the pad is connected to the valley and extends outward toward the outside of the foot. Transverse arch compatible section The above Transverse arch compatible sectionThe apex of this foot support is designed to press against the lower part of the metatarsal head of the second toe.

[0014] In the fourth embodiment described above, when the foot support is attached, the pad Transverse arch compatible section The apex of the support presses against the lower part of the metatarsal head of the second toe. When the lower part of the metatarsal head of the second toe is pressed, flexion of the second toe is promoted, and the formation of the transverse arch of the user's foot is promoted. Therefore, according to the fourth embodiment, a foot support that supports the transverse arch of the foot can be provided.

[0015] A fifth aspect of this disclosure is, in the fourth aspect described above, Transverse arch compatible section This is a foot support designed to apply pressure to the lower part of the metatarsal heads of the third and fourth toes.

[0016] In the fifth embodiment described above, when the foot support is attached, the pad Transverse arch compatible section This applies pressure to the lower part of the metatarsal heads of the third and fourth toes. When the lower part of the metatarsal heads of the third and fourth toes is applied, flexion of the third and fourth toes is promoted, further promoting the formation of the transverse arch of the user's foot. Therefore, according to the fifth embodiment, the transverse arch of the foot can be properly supported.

[0017] A sixth aspect of this disclosure is, in the fifth aspect described above, Transverse arch compatible section This is a foot support that is designed to move towards the posterior end of the foot as it moves towards the outside of the foot.

[0018] In the sixth aspect described above, in the foot support, the pad Transverse arch compatible section It is configured to move towards the posterior end of the foot as it moves toward the outside of the foot. Therefore, according to the sixth embodiment, the shape of the pad is configured to conform to the structure of the arch of the foot.

[0019] A seventh aspect of this disclosure is, in the sixth aspect described above, the pad is the Transverse arch compatible section It connects to and extends from the front end to the rear end of the foot. Outer longitudinal arch corresponding section The above Outer longitudinal arch corresponding section This is a foot support designed to apply pressure to the lower part of the metatarsal head of the fifth toe.

[0020] In the seventh aspect described above, when the foot supporter is worn, the pad Outer longitudinal arch corresponding section presses the lower part of the metatarsal head of the fifth toe. When the lower part of the metatarsal head of the fifth toe is pressed, the formation of the lateral longitudinal arch of the user's foot is promoted. Therefore, according to the seventh aspect, a supporter that supports the lateral longitudinal arch of the foot can be provided.

[0021] An eighth aspect of the present disclosure is the foot supporter according to any one of the first to third aspects described above, wherein the valley portion is configured by a smooth curve.

[0022] In the eighth aspect described above, in the foot supporter, the valley portion of the pad is configured by a smooth curve. Therefore, according to the eighth aspect, the shape of the pad is configured to conform to the arch structure and the structures of various muscles and bones.

[0023] A ninth aspect of the present disclosure is the foot supporter according to the fourth aspect described above, wherein the vicinity of the apex of the Transverse arch compatible section is configured by a smooth curve.

[0024] In the ninth aspect described above, in the foot supporter, the pad Transverse arch compatible section has the vicinity of its apex configured by a smooth curve. Therefore, according to the ninth aspect, the shape of the pad is configured to conform to the arch structure and the structures of various muscles and bones.

[0025] A tenth aspect of the present disclosure is the foot supporter according to any one of the first to third aspects described above, further comprising a fastener portion provided at one end of the main body portion, the fastener portion being adhered to the other end of the surface of the main body portion opposite to the surface where the fastener portion is provided when the foot supporter is worn.

[0026] In the tenth embodiment described above, when the foot support is attached, the user's foot is secured in a tightened position in the width direction by the adhesive of the zipper. When the foot is tightened in the width direction, the collapse of the foot due to the load is prevented, and muscle strength can be used effectively. Therefore, according to the tenth embodiment, the gripping force of the toes can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0027] [Figure 1] This is a top view showing the entire foot support according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a top view of the foot support, showing the reverse side of the surface shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] This is a top view showing the details of the pad. [Figure 4] This diagram shows the ball of the big toe muscle on the sole of the left foot. [Figure 5] This diagram shows the key parts of the sole of the left foot. [Figure 6] This diagram shows the location of the area below the metatarsal head. [Figure 7] This diagram shows the correspondence between the pad and the back of the left foot. [Figure 8] This diagram shows the arch structure on the sole of the left foot. [Figure 9] This diagram shows the left foot with a foot support brace attached. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0028] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings described below, the same or corresponding components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0029] Figure 1 is a top view showing the entire foot support 40 according to this embodiment. Figure 2 is a top view showing the back surface of the foot support 40, as shown in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a top view showing details of the pad 20.

[0030] As shown in Figure 1, the foot support 40 comprises a band-shaped main body 30. The main body 30 is a member that covers the circumference of the foot from the arch to the instep along the left-right direction of the foot. The main body 30 has a length that is at least long enough to cover the circumference of the entire foot along the left-right direction of the foot. The length of the main body in the longitudinal direction can be appropriately changed according to the size of the user's foot. For example, multiple types of main body 30 may be provided according to the size of the foot. In this embodiment, for the sake of explanation, the foot support 40 for the left foot will be described.

[0031] The main body is stretchable along its longitudinal direction (the left-right direction of the foot). The main body 30 can be made of, for example, a strip of fabric in which elastic threads are woven. For example, as shown in Figure 1, the inner end of the main body 30 is configured to have two protrusions extending in an M shape. The configuration of the ends of the main body 30 is not limited to this, but having an asymmetrical shape between the inner and outer ends of the foot is advantageous for the user to easily recognize the correct orientation of the foot support 40.

[0032] As shown in Figure 1, the main body 30 of the foot support 40 is provided with a hook-and-loop fastener hook surface 32 and a pad 20.

[0033] The hook side 32 of the hook-and-loop fastener is located on the M-shaped portion at the inner end of the main body 30 described above. When the foot support 40 is attached, the hook side 32 adheres to the loop side 34 of the hook-and-loop fastener, which will be described later, and engages with each other, so that the foot support 40 becomes a closed loop that covers the circumference of the foot and properly tightens the user's foot. The hook side 32 and loop side 34 of the hook-and-loop fastener are examples of fastener parts in this disclosure.

[0034] Figure 2 shows the reverse side of the foot support 40 from Figure 1, rotated around its longitudinal axis. A hook-and-loop fastener loop surface 34 is formed on the outer end of this reverse side of the main body 30.

[0035] Next, the details of the pad 20 will be described. The pad 20 has a unique shape that takes into account the structure of the muscles and bones of the foot. As shown in Figure 3, the toe end of the pad 20 has a valley portion 22 and an inner position portion 24, Transverse arch compatible section It is equipped with 26.

[0036] Firstly, in the pad 20, the valley 22 is formed so as to face the toe side of the foot. The valley 22 is partitioned by being sandwiched between a first vertex 24A located on the inside of the foot and a second vertex 26A located on the outside of the foot. For example, the valley is composed of a smooth curve.

[0037] In the pad 20, the portion extending from the first vertex 24A toward the inside of the foot is the inner position portion 24. The inner position portion 24 is inclined to approach the posterior end of the foot as it moves toward the inside of the foot. For example, the vicinity of the first vertex 24A is composed of a smooth curve.

[0038] On the other hand, in the pad 20, the portion extending from the second vertex 26A toward the outside of the foot Transverse arch compatible section The number is 26. Transverse arch compatible section Vertex 26 is sloped so that it approaches the posterior end of the foot as it moves toward the outside of the foot. For example, the neighborhood of the second vertex 26A is composed of a smooth curve. The second vertex 26A is the Transverse arch compatible section This is an example of a vertex.

[0039] Furthermore, pad 20 is, Transverse arch compatible section It connects to 26 and extends from the front end to the rear end of the foot. Outer longitudinal arch corresponding section It has 28.

[0040] Next, we will describe the key parts of a person's left foot. Figure 4 shows the ball of the big toe muscle on the posterior side of the left foot 80. Figure 5 shows the key parts on the posterior side of the left foot 80. Figure 6 shows the position below the metatarsal head. Figure 7 shows the correspondence between pad 20 and the posterior side of the left foot 80. Figure 8 shows the arch structure on the posterior side of the left foot 80.

[0041] Figure 4 shows the underside of a person's left foot 80 in a predetermined cross-section. As shown in Figure 4, the left foot 80 has a big toe (first toe) 52, a second toe 54, a third toe 56, a fourth toe 58, and a fifth toe (little toe) 60. The big toe 52 has a group of muscles called the bulbus hallucis, which consists of the abductor hallucis muscle 82, the flexor hallucis brevis muscle 84, and the adductor hallucis muscle 86.

[0042] Figure 5 shows the same cross-section as Figure 4, indicating the key areas to be pressed by the foot support 40. The flexor hallucis brevis muscle 84 has a bifurcation 62 where the muscle branches into two. The abductor hallucis muscle 82 also has a distal tendinous portion 64. Furthermore, the second toe 54, third toe 56, fourth toe 58, and fifth toe 60 each have a lower metatarsal head. Specifically, this is the lower metatarsal head 66 of the second toe 54, the lower metatarsal head 68 of the third toe 56, the lower metatarsal head 70 of the fourth toe 58, and the lower metatarsal head 72 of the fifth toe 60.

[0043] Figure 6 shows the metatarsals. The metatarsals are bones located between the toes (phalanges) and the heel. As shown in Figure 6, the metatarsals have a head, diaphysis, and epiphysis, running from the front of the foot to the back. The lower part of the metatarsal head is the part of the metatarsal bone located between the head and the diaphysis.

[0044] Figure 7 shows the pad 20 of the foot support 40 superimposed on the cross-sections of Figures 4 and 5. Figure 7 shows the arrangement of the pad 20 when the foot support 40 is worn on the user's left foot 80. In this case, as shown in Figure 7, the valley portion 22 of the pad 20 wraps around and presses against the branch portion 62 of the flexor hallucis brevis muscle 84.

[0045] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, the medial portion 24 of the pad 20 presses against the distal tendinous portion 64 of the abductor hallucis muscle 82.

[0046] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, the second vertex 26A of the pad 20 presses against the lower part 66 of the metatarsal head of the second toe 54.

[0047] Also, as shown in Figure 7, the pad 20 Transverse arch compatible section26 applies pressure to the lower part of the metatarsal head 68 of the third toe 56 and the lower part of the metatarsal head 70 of the fourth toe 58.

[0048] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, the pad 20 Outer longitudinal arch corresponding section Point 28 presses on the lower part of the metatarsal head 72 of the fifth toe 60.

[0049] As explained above, the main part of the left foot 80 shown in Figure 5 is properly pressed and supported by the pad 20.

[0050] Figure 8 shows the arch structure of the left foot 80. As shown in Figure 8, the left foot 80 has a medial longitudinal arch 92, a transverse arch 94, and a lateral longitudinal arch 96.

[0051] As shown in Figure 8, the medial longitudinal arch 92 overlaps with the bifurcation 62 of the flexor hallucis brevis muscle 84. The transverse arch 94 overlaps with the lower part 66 of the metatarsal head of the second toe 54. Furthermore, the lateral longitudinal arch 96 overlaps with the lower part 72 of the metatarsal head of the fifth toe 60.

[0052] As described above, these three points are pressed by the respective parts of the pad 20 of the foot support 40, thus promoting the formation of the arch structure. Specifically, the valley portion 22 of the pad 20 assists the medial longitudinal arch 92 by enveloping and pressing the bifurcation portion 62 of the flexor hallucis brevis muscle 84. In addition, the second vertex 26A of the pad 20 assists the transverse arch 94 by pressing the lower part 66 of the metatarsal head 54 of the second toe 54. Furthermore, the pad 20 Outer longitudinal arch corresponding section 28 supports the lateral longitudinal arch 96 by pressing on the lower part 72 of the metatarsal head 60 of the fifth toe.

[0053] Next, we will explain how to attach the foot support 40 to the left foot. Figure 9 shows the left foot 80 with the foot support 40 attached.

[0054] As shown in Figure 9, when the foot support 40 is attached to the left foot 80, the hook side 32 of the hook-and-loop fastener (see Figure 1) adheres to the loop side 34 (see Figure 2) and engages with each other, so that the foot support 40 becomes a closed loop that covers the foot and properly tightens the user's foot. Note that Figure 9 shows the back side of the hook side 32.

[0055] (Operation of this embodiment) In this embodiment, when the foot support 40 is worn, the valley portion 22 of the pad 20 wraps around and presses against the branch portion 62 of the flexor hallucis brevis muscle 84 of the user's left foot 80. When the branch portion 62 of the flexor hallucis brevis muscle 84 is pressed, the insertion point of the flexor hallucis brevis muscle 84 is stimulated, promoting flexion of the big toe 52. When the big toe 52 is flexed, the formation of the medial longitudinal arch 92 of the user's left foot 80 is promoted. Thus, according to this embodiment, a foot support 40 is provided that appropriately supports the big toe 52, taking into account the detailed structure of the big toe muscle of the human foot.

[0056] In this embodiment, when the foot support 40 is worn, the medial portion 24 of the pad 20 presses against the distal tendinous portion 64 of the abductor hallucis muscle 82. When the distal tendinous portion 64 of the abductor hallucis muscle 82 is pressed, the medial longitudinal arch 92 of the user's left foot 80 is further supported. Furthermore, by pressing and supporting the distal tendinous portion 64 of the abductor hallucis muscle 82, the tendency for hallux valgus can be corrected. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the medial longitudinal arch 92 of the foot can be appropriately supported and contribute to the prevention of hallux valgus.

[0057] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the inner portion 24 of the pad 20 of the foot support 40 is configured to move closer to the posterior end of the foot as it moves toward the inner side of the foot. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the shape of the pad 20 is configured to conform to the structure of the arch of the foot.

[0058] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the foot support 40 is worn, the second vertex 26A of the pad 20 presses against the lower part 66 of the metatarsal head of the second toe 54. When the lower part 66 of the metatarsal head of the second toe 54 is pressed, flexion of the second toe 54 is promoted, and the formation of the transverse arch 94 of the user's left foot 80 is promoted. Thus, according to this embodiment, a foot support 40 that supports the transverse arch 94 of the foot can be provided.

[0059] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the foot supporter 40 is attached, the pad 20 Transverse arch compatible section The 26 presses against the lower part 68 of the metatarsal head of the third toe 56 and the lower part 70 of the metatarsal head of the fourth toe 58. When the lower part 68 of the metatarsal head of the third toe 56 and the lower part 70 of the metatarsal head of the fourth toe 58 are pressed, flexion of the third toe 56 and the fourth toe 58 is promoted, further promoting the formation of the transverse arch 94 of the user's foot. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the transverse arch 94 of the foot can be properly supported.

[0060] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in the foot support 40, the pad 20 Transverse arch compatible section 26 is configured to move towards the posterior end of the foot as it moves toward the outside of the foot. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the shape of the pad 20 is configured to conform to the structure of the arch of the foot.

[0061] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the foot supporter 40 is attached, the pad 20 Outer longitudinal arch corresponding section 28 presses on the lower part 72 of the metatarsal head of the fifth toe 60. When the lower part 72 of the metatarsal head of the fifth toe 60 is pressed, the formation of the lateral longitudinal arch 96 of the user's foot is promoted. Therefore, according to this embodiment, a foot support 40 that supports the lateral longitudinal arch 96 of the foot can be provided.

[0062] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the valley portion 22 of the pad 20 of the foot support 40 is formed with a smooth curve. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the shape of the pad 20 is configured to conform to the arch structure and the structure of various muscles and bones.

[0063] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the foot support 40 has a smooth curve in the vicinity of the second vertex 26A of the pad 20. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the shape of the pad 20 is configured to conform to the arch structure and the structure of various muscles and bones.

[0064] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the foot support 40 is attached, the user's left foot 80 is fixed in a state of being tightened in the width direction by adhesion between the hook side 32 and the loop side 34 of the hook-and-loop fastener. When the foot is tightened in the width direction, crushing of the left foot 80 due to load is prevented, and muscle strength can be used effectively. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the gripping force of the toes can be improved.

[0065] In this embodiment, for the sake of explanation, the foot support 40 for the left foot 80 has been described. The foot support for the right foot can be constructed by forming the left foot support in a substantially symmetrical manner.

[0066] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims and the technical ideas described in the specification and drawings. Furthermore, any shape or material not directly described in the specification and drawings is within the scope of the technical ideas of this disclosure as long as it achieves the function of this disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0067] 20... pad 22... Tanibe 24…Inner position part 24A…First vertex 26A…Second vertex 26… Transverse arch compatible section 28… Outer longitudinal arch corresponding section 30...Main body 32... Hook side 34... Loop surface 40... Foot support 52…Big toe 54…Second toe 56…Third toe 58…4th toe 60...5th toe 62... Branching point 64…Distal tendinous portion 66... ​​Sub-metatarsal head 68…Inferior part of the metatarsal head 70... Sub-metatarsal head 72... Sub-metatarsal head 80... Left foot 82... Abductor hallucis muscle 84... Flexor hallucis brevis 86…Adductor hallucis muscle 92…Medial longitudinal arch 94…Transverse arch 96...Outer longitudinal arch

Claims

1. The main body is elastic and has a band-like structure that covers the arch of the foot to the instep when worn, In the main body, a pad is attached to the surface that comes into contact with the user's feet. Equipped with, The aforementioned pad has a valley facing the tip of the foot, The aforementioned valley portion is configured to enclose and press on the branching point of the flexor hallucis brevis muscle. Foot support.

2. The pad is connected to the valley and has an inner portion that extends toward the inside of the foot, The medial portion is configured to press against the distal tendinous portion of the abductor hallucis muscle. The foot support according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned inner portion is configured to move closer to the posterior end of the foot as it moves toward the inner side of the foot. The foot support according to claim 2.

4. The pad is connected to the valley and includes a transverse arch support portion that extends toward the outside of the foot. The apex of the transverse arch support portion is configured to press against the lower part of the metatarsal head of the second toe. A foot support according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The transverse arch support portion is configured to press against the lower part of the metatarsal heads of the third and fourth toes. The foot support according to claim 4.

6. The transverse arch support portion is configured to move closer to the posterior end of the foot as it moves toward the outside of the foot. The foot support according to claim 5.

7. The pad is connected to the transverse arch support portion and includes an lateral longitudinal arch support portion that extends from the front end to the rear end of the foot. The aforementioned lateral longitudinal arch support portion is configured to press against the lower part of the metatarsal head of the fifth toe. The foot support according to claim 6.

8. The valley portion is composed of a smooth curve. A foot support according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

9. The vicinity of the vertex of the corresponding transverse arch is composed of a smooth curve. The foot support according to claim 4.

10. The foot support further comprises a zipper portion provided at one end of the main body, which is attached to the other end of the side of the main body opposite to the side on which the zipper portion is provided when the foot support is attached. A foot support according to claims 1 to 3.

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