Foot arch correction device

Abstract

The present invention describes a device for correcting the foot arch, which comprises a shoe with an insole containing an integrated capsule, which can be inflated and deflated using a valve installed on a support of the shoe and which is connected to the capsule, thereby allowing the user to adjust the height as required to correct the foot arch. The device also includes a base with a pneumatic pump for inflating and deflating the capsule. The foot arch correction device comprises a control panel for regulating the amount of air supplied to the capsule, and a power source for powering the control panel and the pneumatic pump for the correct operation thereof.

Description

[0001] DEVICE FOR CORRECTING THE PLANTAR ARCH

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to the technical field of medical devices, foot biomechanics, mechanics, electronics, mechatronics, orthopedics and more specifically pedology, since it provides a device for the correction of the plantar arch.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The plantar arch refers to the anatomical structure formed by the bones and soft tissues found on the sole of the foot. The plantar arch is not a flat structure; rather, it has a curved shape that helps distribute the body's weight efficiently.

[0006] The plantar arch plays a crucial role in the biomechanics of the foot and its ability to absorb shock during physical activity. Problems such as plantar fasciitis, flat feet, or cavus feet can affect the health and function of the plantar arch, and in some cases, may require specialized medical attention or treatment.

[0007] • Normal or neutral plantar arch. This is the most common type and is characterized by a moderate curvature in the sole of the foot.

[0008] • Flat (pronated) feet. The arch of the foot is lower than normal or may even collapse, causing the entire sole of the foot to touch the ground when standing.

[0009] • Supinated foot. The arch of the foot is higher than normal, resulting in an exaggerated curve in the sole of the foot. In this case, less of the sole of the foot comes into contact with the ground.

[0010] The plantar arch plays a crucial role in the biomechanics of the foot and its ability to absorb shock during physical activity. Problems such as plantar fasciitis, flat feet, or cavus feet can affect the health and function of the plantar arch, and in some cases, may require specialized medical attention or treatment.

[0011] Flat feet are those whose structure presents a flattening or narrowing of the plantar arch. This flattening is usually most noticeable when the patient is standing or walking, although in some cases it may be present even when the patient is standing without support. Furthermore, flat feet can present from childhood, lasting into adolescence or adulthood.

[0012] This is one of the most common reasons for consultation in pedology, as it often generates uncertainty and concern in the patient who suffers from it. However, flat feet are not considered a pathology in its own right, but rather a condition. However, it is important to know that it is a type of foot with a high predisposition to suffer biomechanical alterations during walking, which in turn can generate pathologies in the foot, ankle, knee, among other structures.

[0013] In most cases, the flattening of the arch is accompanied by a valgus deviation of the heel, that is, inwards, called valgus flatfoot. This deviation of the heel more frequently generates more serious gait alterations. These gait alterations are what can generate different painful pathologies at the level of the foot, ankle or knee over time. Depending on the type of flatfoot that the patient has, this will affect the biomechanics of the gait in one way or another.

[0014] It is advisable to perform a biomechanical study of the gait for diagnosis and to assess whether there are biomechanical alterations at this level, for appropriate treatment and to avoid possible problems in the future.

[0015] Flat feet are characterized by an absent or insufficient arch, which can lead to a variety of problems, including poor postural alignment, pain in various areas of the body, and a decreased quality of life. To date, the most common solutions include static orthotic insoles and physiotherapy exercises, which in many cases prove insufficient or inconvenient for the user.

[0016] A search was carried out for the state of the art of devices for correcting the plantar arch, where it was found that different devices have been developed for this purpose, as mentioned in Chinese patent document number CN111869989 (B ) , with publication date of August 26, 2022 , which has the title "FLAT FOOT CORRECTIVE INSOLE WITH RADIAN ADJUSTABLE HEIGHT" , which describes an insole body, wherein a heel support is arranged on the heel portion of the insole body through a first height adjustment mechanism, an insole is arranged on the sole portion of the insole body, an arch support is arranged on the insole body through a second height adjustment mechanism, an adjustable radian support pad is arranged on top of the arch support ,The adjustable radian support pad comprises a bottom pad which is arranged above the arch support and is made of flexible materials, and a plurality of spring rods having different lengths and arranged vertically, are arranged between the bottom pad and the arch support, so that a curved surface matching the arch of the foot is obtained, the foot area is formed on top of the bottom pad; the upper surface of the base fabric is provided with a soft fabric for cushioning through the disassembly connecting piece. The arch support can adjust the height and radians of the arch support.

[0017] The aforementioned document refers to a flat foot corrective insole, but does not describe a shoe that has an integrated insole, which in turn has an air capsule installed that can be inflated and deflated according to the user's requirements, nor does it show that it has a base where the shoe is placed to inflate or deflate said air capsule by means of an air pump that is controlled by means of a control panel, which allows the quantity of air supplied to be regulated.

[0018] The above document also shows no evidence of having a power supply installed to power the control panel and air pump.

[0019] Also found was the German patent application document number DE3835008 (Al), with publication date of April 19, 1990, which has the title "METHOD FOR

[0020] PRODUCE INSOLES" , which uses the electronically recordable pressure distribution of a sole of the foot by means of a flexible measuring fabric . The actual values ​​found during the foot measurement are entered into a computer, where they are processed and stored . The actual values ​​are displayed using a printer or a screen . A mechanical unit connected to the computer uses the pressure distributions or pressure loads of the sole of the foot to generate an individually adjusted foot bed in each case in the cutting process or without cutting .

[0021] The last cited document describes a method for the production of insoles, where said method does not make reference to being able to manufacture a shoe with insoles that have an air capsule that can be inflated or deflated to adjust the height required for the correction of the arch of the foot, nor does it show evidence of including a base that has a control panel and an air pump installed that are powered by a power source, which allow the regulation of the air that is introduced into said capsule.

[0022] OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0023] The present invention has the object of providing a device for correcting the plantar arch, which is integrated by a shoe having an insole.

[0024] Another object of the present invention is to provide a device for correcting the plantar arch, which has a capsule installed in the insole, which can be inflated or deflated to adjust the height required by the user for correcting the plantar arch. A further object of the present invention is to provide a device for correcting the plantar arch, which includes a base with a pneumatic pump for inflating or deflating the capsule.

[0025] Another object of the present invention is to provide a device for correcting the plantar arch, which has a control panel for regulating the amount of air supplied to the capsule.

[0026] An additional object of the present invention is to provide a device for correcting the plantar arch, which has a power source to energize the control panel and the pneumatic pump for its correct operation.

[0027] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0028] The characteristic details of this novel device for correcting the plantar arch are clearly shown in the following description and in the accompanying figures, as well as an illustration of the former, and following the same reference signs to indicate the parts shown. However, said figures are shown as an example and should not be considered as limiting the present invention.

[0029] Figure 1 shows a top perspective view of the device for correcting the plantar arch, with the shoes placed on the base.

[0030] Figure 2 shows a top view of the device for correcting the plantar arch, with the shoes connected to the hoses of the pneumatic pump located inside the housing. Figure 3 shows an exploded view of the shoes of the device for correcting the plantar arch.

[0031] Figure 4 shows a view of the insoles with the capsule of the device for correcting the plantar arch.

[0032] Figure 5 shows a bottom perspective view of the device for correcting the plantar arch, with the shoes connected to the pneumatic pump hoses, without the base.

[0033] Figure 6 shows a side perspective view of the device for correcting the plantar arch, with a shoe at the base.

[0034] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0035] For a better understanding of the present invention, the parts that make up the device for correcting the plantar arch are listed below:

[0036] 1. Template

[0037] 2. Shoe

[0038] 3. Capsule

[0039] 4. Sole

[0040] 5. Support

[0041] 6. Lining

[0042] 7. Valve

[0043] 8. Base

[0044] 9. Cavity

[0045] 10. Housing

[0046] 11. Drilling

[0047] 12. Pneumatic pump

[0048] 13. Hoses

[0049] 14. Power supply

[0050] 15. Control Panel

[0051] 16 . Mouthpiece With reference to the figures, the device for correcting the plantar arch is formed by an insole (1) which is configured to be installed inside a shoe (2); a capsule (3) is installed in the insole (1), preferably at the height at which the plantar arch of a person is positioned; the capsule (3) is configured to store air.

[0052] The shoe (2) is formed by a sole (4) which has a support (5) installed on the periphery of the upper part, this configuration allows to fix the sole (4) and avoid the detachment; a lining (6) is installed in the upper part of the support (5), covering the entire sole (4) and forming an opening (16) in the upper part, through which the foot of the user of the device for the correction of the plantar arch that is the subject of the present invention is introduced; the lining (6) is preferably made of a soft material and has the shape of a person's foot, this configuration allows to give comfort to the person who uses the shoe (2); the sole (4) and the support (5) are preferably made of a resistant and flexible material, this configuration allows the user to walk comfortably on different types of surfaces.

[0053] A valve (7) is installed on one side of the capsule (3), which passes through a hole (not shown) located on the side of the support (5), this configuration allows the supply of air to said capsule (3) to inflate it, as well as draining the air to deflate said capsule (3); the valve (7) is preferably a check valve.

[0054] The capsule (3) is configured to help correct a person's plantar arch, as it can be inflated to different sizes according to the user's needs, allowing a gradual adaptation of the plantar arch by filling the capsule (3) with air at time intervals and being able to increase the size of said plantar arch to that indicated by the specialist.

[0055] A base (8) which is flat, prismatic in shape, preferably square and which has at least one cavity (9) in the upper part, which preferably has the shape of the shoe (2), this configuration allows said shoe (2) to be placed on the upper part of the base (8). A housing (10) that is hollow inside, is preferably installed in a central manner in the upper part of the base (8); the sides of the housing (10) preferably have the shape of the side of the shoe (2) in which the valve (7) is located, this configuration allows to ensure the correct position of said shoe (2) on the base (8); a perforation (11) is located on each of the sides of the housing (10), this configuration allows the perforations (11) to be aligned with the valves (7).

[0056] A pneumatic pump (12) is installed inside the housing (10); at least one hose (13) is installed at one of its ends in the pneumatic pump (12), and the opposite end is installed in each of the perforations (11), this configuration allows the hose (13) to be connected to the valve (7) of the shoe (2) located in the base (8); the pneumatic pump (12) is configured to supply air by means of the hoses (13) and fill the capsule (3) by means of the valve (7).

[0057] A control module (not shown) is installed inside the housing (10), connected to the pneumatic pump (12); a power supply (14) is housed inside the housing (10) and is connected to the control module (not shown); the power supply (14) is configured to energize the control module (not shown) and thereby activate the pneumatic pump (12) to generate the air supply.

[0058] A control panel (15) is installed on the top of the base (8), preferably on the front of the casing (10); the control panel (15) is connected to the control module (not illustrated), this configuration allows controlling the amount of air that the pneumatic pump (12) will supply in the capsule (3) of the shoe (2) to regulate the plantar curvature according to the needs of the user; the control panel (15) preferably has a touch screen (not illustrated).

[0059] A charging port (not illustrated) is installed on the outside of the housing (10), which is connected to the power supply (14), this configuration allows the end of a cable to be connected to the charging port (not illustrated), and the opposite end to be connected to an electrical power outlet to recharge the power supply (14), the power supply (14) is preferably a rechargeable battery.

[0060] A wireless communication unit (not illustrated) is installed in the control module (not illustrated), this configuration allows to control remotely and in real time by means of an intelligent device the programming of the operating parameters of the device for the correction of the plantar arch and in this way determine the quantity of air that is required to supply in the capsule (3) or deflate said capsule (3); the wireless communication unit (not illustrated) can be by means of Bluetooth, WiFi (Wireless Fidelity) or UWB (Ultra Wide Band).

[0061] A horn (not illustrated) is installed inside the housing (10) and is connected to the control module (not illustrated), this configuration allows audible alerts to be issued when the capsule (3) inflation process has concluded.

[0062] PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0063] Examples

[0064] The following examples illustrate a preferred way of carrying out the present invention, and should not be considered as limiting it.

[0065] Example 1. Operation and functioning of the device for correcting the plantar arch.

[0066] With reference to the aforementioned figures, the shoes (2) are placed on the cavities (9) of the base (8), in such a way that the valves (7) are positioned in the perforations (11) and in this way connect the ends of the hoses (13) to said valves (7).

[0067] Subsequently, the amount of air to be supplied by means of the pneumatic pump (12) in each of the capsules (3) found in the insoles (1) is programmed on the control panel (15). Once the pneumatic pump (12) is activated, the user waits for the control panel (15) to give notice that the air filling process has finished. The shoes (2) are removed from the base (8) so that the user can subsequently place them on their feet and begin the plantar arch correction therapy with daily use.

[0068] The capsule ( 3 ) helps correct a person's plantar arch, as it can be inflated in different sizes according to the user's needs, allowing a gradual adaptation of the plantar arch by filling the capsule ( 3 ) with air.

[0069] In view of the foregoing in this descriptive chapter, it is reiterated that the scope of the present invention should not be limited by the particularly described modalities, so it will be understood that variations in various senses may be made. Such variations should not be considered as a deviation from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications may be obvious to one skilled in the art and must be included within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A device for correcting the plantar arch, characterized in that it comprises: an insole (1) which is installed inside a shoe (2); a capsule (3) is installed in the insole (1); the shoe (2) is formed by a sole (4) which has a support (5) installed on the periphery of the upper part; a lining (6) is installed in the upper part of the support (5), covering the entire sole (4) and forming an opening (16) in the upper part; a valve (7) is installed on one side of the capsule (3), which passes through a hole in the side of the support (5); a base (8) has at least one cavity (9) in the upper part configured to place the shoe (2) on the upper part of the base (8); a housing (10) is installed in the upper part of the base (8); a perforation (11) is located on each side of the housing (10);a pneumatic pump (12) is installed inside the housing (10); at least one hose (13) is installed at one end in the pneumatic pump (12), and the opposite end is installed in each of the perforations (11); a control module is installed inside the housing (10), connected to the pneumatic pump (12); a power supply (14) is housed inside the housing (10), connected to the control module; a control panel (15) is installed on top of the base (8) and is connected to the control module; and, a charging port is installed on the outside of the housing (10), which is connected to the power supply (14).

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the capsule (3) is located at the height of the plantar arch of a person.

3. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the capsule (3) stores air.

4. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the lining (6) is made of a soft material and has the shape of a person's foot.

5. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the sole (4) and the support (5) are made of a resistant and flexible material.

6. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the valve (7) is a check valve.

7. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the base (8) is flat, with a square prismatic shape.

8. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the cavity (9) has the shape of the shoe (2).

9. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing (10) is hollow inside.

10. The device of claim 1 characterized in that the housing (10) is installed centrally on the upper part of the base (8).

11. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the sides of the housing (10) preferably have the shape of the side of the shoe (2) in which the valve (7) is located.

12. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the perforations (11) are aligned with the valves (7).

13. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the hose (13) that is in the perforation (11) is connected to the valve (7).

14. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the pneumatic pump (12) supplies air by means of the hoses (13) and fills the capsule (3) by means of the valve (7).

15. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the power supply (14) energizes the control module and activates the pneumatic pump (12).

16. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the power supply (14) is a rechargeable battery.

17. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the control panel (15) is installed on the front part of the housing (10).

18. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the control panel (15) controls the amount of air supplied by the pneumatic pump (12) into the capsule (3).

19. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the control panel (15) has a display.

20. The device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the screen is touch-sensitive.

21. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that a wireless communication unit is installed in the control module.

22. The device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the wireless communication unit is via Bluetooth, WiFi or UWB.

23. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that a horn is installed inside the housing (10) and is connected to the control module.

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