Closed-toe shoe with modular insole-based toe spacer system for progressive foot shape remediation

Abstract

A modular shoe insole-based toe spacer system and a method for progressive foot shape remediation using the system. The system includes at least one shoe having a shoe sole, a shoe insole having an attachment region, and a shoe upper having a first portion that is attached to the shoe sole around a perimeter of the shoe insole and a second portion that is attached to the first portion by a fastener. The second portion is configured to be selectively fastened to and unfastened from the first portion of the shoe upper by the fastener. The system additionally includes a plurality of toe spacer inserts each having a base and at least one spacer protrusion extending from a frontside of the base. The plurality of toe spacer inserts are configured to be interchangeably attached at a backside of the base to the attachment region of the shoe insole.

Description

CLOSED-TOE SHOE WITH MODULAR INSOLE-BASED TOE SPACER SYSTEM FOR PROGRESSIVE FOOT SHAPE REMEDIATIONRELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial Number 63 / 686,868 filed 26 August 2024, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to toe spacers for foot shape remediation, and more particularly to a modular insole-based toe spacer system with user-exchangeable toe spacers securable within a closed toe shoe for progressive foot shape remediation.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] A significant portion of the population wears footwear that is too narrow, resulting in a compromised foot shape which can lead to foot deformities such as bunions or neuromas and contribute to further complications such as knee and back pain. Toe spacers, which are devices placed between the toes, serve to restore the foot’s natural alignment, as shown in FIGS. 1A and IB. Existing toe spacers typically do not fit within typical shoes given the narrow size of most shoes and the large size of typical toe spacers. Those toe spacers that do fit within typical shoes present challenges when worn inside closed-toe shoes, often leading to discomfort and slippage.

[0004] Thus, there exists a need for a system of modular, insole-based toe spacers within closed-toe footwear, allowing users to comfortably and effectively engage in toe-spacing therapy to progressively restore foot shape.SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0005] The present invention provides a modular shoe insole-based toe spacer system and a method for progressive foot shape remediation using the system. The system includes at least one shoe having a shoe sole, a shoe insole having an attachment region, and a shoe upper having a first portion that is attached to the shoe sole around a perimeter of the shoe insole and a second portion that is attached to the first portion by a fastener. The second portion is configured to be selectively fastened to and unfastened from the first portion of the shoe upper by the fastener. The system additionally includes a plurality of toe spacer inserts each having a base and at least one spacer protrusion extending from a frontside of the base. The plurality of toe spacer inserts are configured to be interchangeably attached at a backside of the base to the attachment region of the shoe insole.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] The present invention is further detailed with respect to the following figures that depict various aspects of the present invention.

[0007] FIG. 1A is a photograph showing a foot with foot deformities associated with wearing shows that are too narrow;

[0008] FIG. IB is a photograph of the foot of FIG. 1A wearing a typical toe spacer for foot shape remediation;

[0009] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a shoe of a modular shoe insole-based toe spacer system according to embodiments of the present invention in a closed configuration;

[0010] FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the shoe of FIG. 2A in a configuration between closed and opened configurations;

[0011] FIG. 2C is a perspective view of the shoe of FIGS. 2A and 2B in an open configuration;

[0012] FIG. 3 is a front view of a shoe insole according to embodiments of the present invention;

[0013] FIG. 4 is a front view of a shoe insole according to embodiments of the present invention;

[0014] FIG. 5 is a front view of a shoe insole according to embodiments of the present invention;

[0015] FIG. 6 is a front view of a shoe insole according to embodiments of the present invention;

[0016] FIGS. 7A-7C show a plurality of toe spacer inserts according to embodiments of the present invention having increasing sized toe spacer protrusions;

[0017] FIG. 8 is a front view of a shoe insole with a toe spacer insert attached thereto according to embodiments of the present invention;

[0018] FIGS. 9A-9C show the backside of a plurality of toe spacer inserts according to embodiments of the present invention; and

[0019] FIG. 10 shows a front side of a toe spacer insert according to embodiments of the present invention.DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] The present invention has utility as a modular shoe insole-based toe spacer system with user-exchangeable toe spacers securable within a closed toe shoe, allowing users to comfortably and effectively engage in toe-spacing therapy to progressively restore foot shape.

[0021] The present invention will now be described with reference to the following embodiments. As is apparent by these descriptions, this invention can be embodied in differentforms and should not be constmed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. For example, features illustrated with respect to one embodiment can be incorporated into other embodiments, and features illustrated with respect to a particular embodiment may be deleted from the embodiment. In addition, numerous variations and additions to the embodiments suggested herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the instant disclosure, which do not depart from the instant invention. Hence, the following specification is intended to illustrate some particular embodiments of the invention, and not to exhaustively specify all permutations, combinations, and variations thereof.

[0022] It is to be understood that in instances where a range of values are provided that the range is intended to encompass not only the end point values of the range but also intermediate values of the range as explicitly being included within the range and varying by the last significant figure of the range. By way of example, a recited range of from 1 to 4 is intended to include 1-2, 1-3, 2-4, 3-4, and 1-4.

[0023] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The terminology used in the description of the invention herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention.

[0024] Unless indicated otherwise, explicitly or by context, the following terms are used herein as set forth below.

[0025] As used in the description of the invention and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0026] Also as used herein, “and / or” refers to and encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items, as well as the lack of combinations when interpreted in the alternative (“or”).

[0027] According to embodiments, such as shown in FIGS. 2A-2C, a modular’ shoe insolebased toe spacer system 100 includes at least one shoe 20 and a plurality of increasing sized toe spacer inserts 60 that are configured to be placed inside the shoe 20 and worn to comfortably and effectively engage in toe-spacing therapy to progressively restore foot shape. According to embodiments, the at least one shoe 20 is a left shoe or a right shoe. According to embodiment, the system 100 includes both a left shoe and a right shoe. According to embodiments, each shoe 20 has a shoe sole 30, a shoe insole 40 having an attachment region 42, and a shoe upper 50 having a first portion 52 that is attached to the shoe sole 30 around a perimeter of the shoe insole 40 and a second portion 54 that is attached to the first portion 52 by a fastener 56. The second portion 54 of the shoe upper 50 is configured to be selectively fastened to and unfastened from the first portion 52 of the shoe upper by the fastener 56 in order to allow open access to the internal volume of the shoe 20 when unfastened, as in FIG. 2C, and close the shoe 20 like a typical closed toe shoe when fastened, as in FIG. 2A. According to embodiments, the fastener 56 is one of a zipper 57, as shown in FIGS. 2A-2C, a hook and loop fastener, a tie, a toggle, a bungy, or a snap. According to embodiments, the second portion 54 of the shoe upper 50 includes laces 58 for securing the shoe 20 to a foot of a wearer of the shoe. This system ensures that toe spacers remain securely aligned with the user’s toes, preventing slippage, while allowing progressive foot shape remediation through adjustable spacer sizes, all within a properly fitted closed-toe shoe.

[0028] According to embodiments, such as shown in FIGS. 7A-7C, 9A-9C, and 10, the plurality of toe spacer inserts 60 each have a base 62 and at least one spacer protrusion 64 extending froma frontside 66 of the base 62. The plurality of toe spacer inserts 60 are configured to be interchangeably attached at a backside 68 of the base 62 to the attachment region 42 of the shoe insole 40. According to embodiments, the at least one spacer protrusion 64 of each of the plurality of toe spacer inserts 60 includes one to four spacer protrusions 64 extending from the frontside 66 of the base 62, with each of the one to four spacer protrusions 64 configured to be placed between toes of a wearer of the shoe 20. According to embodiments, such as in FIGS. 7A-7C, the plurality of toe spacer inserts 60 each provide a plurality of toe spacers protrusions 64 of increasing size. That is, each of the toe spacer protrusions has a width of 1 to 10 mm. According to some embodiments, the plurality of toe spacer inserts 60 includes two to ten toe spacer inserts each having a plurality of spacer protrusions 64 of increasing width, thus providing a modular’ system where a user can easily replace or remove spacer inserts to adjust the spacing levels or the number of toes being spaced. As shown in FIGS. 7A-7C, the plurality of toe spacer inserts includes three toe spacers inserts. For a system 100 that includes two shoes 20, the plurality of toe spacer inserts of FIGS. 7A-7C can be doubled to include six toe spacer inserts. As shown in FIG. 7A, a small toe spacer insert 60 includes four toe spacer protrusions 64 that are 5 mm. As shown in FIG. 7B, a medium toe spacer insert 60 includes four toe spacer protrusions 64 that are 6 mm. As shown in FIG. 7C, a large toe spacer insert 60 includes four toe spacer protrusions 64 that are 7 mm. According to embodiments, the plurality of toe spacer inserts are formed of a plastic or silicone material. According to some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 7A-7C, the base 62 of each toe spacer insert is continuous, providing a more riding toe spacer insert. In contrast, according to some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 9A-9C and 10, the base 62 of each toe spacer insert is contoured and tapered to have narrow sections between each protrusion 64, providing increased flexibility between the toe spacer protrusions 64, thereby enhancing wearability and comfort.Given that the plurality of toe spacer inserts 60 are selectively removable from the shoe 20, the toe spacer inserts 60 are easily washed and cleaned for hygiene benefits. According to embodiments, each of the toe spacer inserts 60 includes a built-in step counter to enable a user to track how many steps the user has taken while wearing the toe spacer. This can be a useful tool for improving adherence to using the system 100. Notably, a user will see benefits from a method for progressive foot shape remediation using the system 100 after walking at least 100,000 steps.

[0029] According to embodiments, the shoe insole 40 of each shoe 20 is removable from the shoe 20. As such, the shoe insole 40 can also be washed and cleaned to enhance the hygiene benefits of the system 100. According to embodiments, the shoe insole 40 can be tailored to the preferences of a wearer. For example, an insole with cushion or arch support can be selected based on user preferences. According to embodiments, the attachment region 42 of the shoe insole 40 is provided in an area of the shoe insole 40 that is configured to underlie a plurality of toes of a wearer of the at least one shoe 20, as shown in FIGS. 3-6. FIGS. 3-6 show a left shoe insole 40; however, it will be understood that a right shoe insole is the mirror image of the insole 40 shown in FIGS. 3-6.

[0030] According to embodiments as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 the attachment region 42 of the shoe insole 40 has a hook and loop fastener surface 44. According to some embodiments, as in FIG. 3, the hook and loop fastener surface 44 is only a subset of the entire attachment region 42, with the subset hook and loop fastener surface 44 being sized to accommodate the base 62 of a toe spacer insert 60. Such embodiments are useful for specific and precise placement of the toe spacer insert 60. FIG. 8 shows such a toe spacer insert 60 positioned on the hook and loop fastener surface 44. According to some embodiments, as in FIG. 4, the hook and loop fastener surface 44 covers the entire attachment region 42, allowing for a toe spacer insert 60 to be placed in a greater varietyof locations within the attachment region 42, thereby providing personalized placement where a user can adjust the spacer insert 60 along the x, y, and z axes to align with their unique foot anatomy. According to embodiments where the attachment region 42 of the shoe insole 40 has a hook and loop fastener surface 44, the backside 68 of each of the plurality of toe spacer inserts 60 includes at least one hook and loop fastener 70 that is configured to selectively attach to the hook and loop fastener surface 44 of the attachment region 42 of the shoe insole 40. According to embodiments, the at least one hook and loop fastener 70 of the backside of each of the plurality of toe spacer inserts includes a plurality of hook and loop fastener regions that underlie the at least one spacer protrusion 64 with a gap region 72 that is free of hook and loop fastener between each of the plurality of hook and loop fastener regions 70.

[0031] According to embodiments as shown in FIG. 5, the attachment region 42 of the shoe insole 40 has magnetic fastener surface 46. According to some embodiments, as in FIG. 5, the magnetic fastener surface 46 covers the entire attachment region 42, allowing for a toe spacer insert 60 to be placed in a greater variety of locations within the attachment region 42, thereby providing personalized placement where a user can adjust the spacer insert 60 along the x, y, and z axes to align with their unique foot anatomy. According to embodiments where the attachment region 42 of the shoe insole 40 has a magnetic fastener surface 44, the backside 68 of each of the plurality of toe spacer inserts 60 includes at least one magnet 74 that is configured to selectively attach to the magnetic fastener surface 46 of the attachment region 42 of the shoe insole 40. According to embodiments, the at least one magnet 74 of the backside 68 of each of the plurality of toe spacer inserts 60 includes a plurality of magnet regions that underlie the at least one spacer protrusion 64 with a gap region 72 that is free of any magnet between each of the plurality of magnet regions.

[0032] According to embodiments as shown in FIG. 6, the attachment region 42 of the shoe insole 40 defines a plurality of attachment holes 48. According to some embodiments, as in FIG. 6, the attachment holes 48 cover the entire attachment region 42, allowing for a toe spacer insert 60 to be placed in a greater variety of locations within the attachment region 42, thereby providing personalized placement where a user can adjust the spacer insert 60 along the x, y, and z axes to align with their unique foot anatomy. According to embodiments where the attachment region 42 of the shoe insole 40 has attachment holes 48, the backside 68 of each of the plurality of toe spacer inserts 60 includes at least one post 78 that is configured to selectively attach to any of the plurality of attachment holes 68 of the attachment region 42 of the shoe insole 40. According to embodiments, the at least one post 78 of the backside 68 of each of the plurality of toe spacer inserts 60 includes a plurality of posts 78 that underlie the at least one spacer protrusion 64.

[0033] According to embodiments, the present invention additionally provides a method for progressive foot shape remediation using the system 100 described above. According to embodiments, the method includes selecting a first toe spacer insert of the plurality of toe spacer inserts 60 and attaching the first toe spacer insert at a backside 68 of the base 62 to the attachment region 42 of the shoe insole 40. Next, the wearer’s toes are positioned within the selected first toe spacer insert 60 attached to the attachment region 42 of the shoe insole 40. The wearer then is able to comfortable wear the shoes 20 with the toe spacers 60 positioned therein for progressive foot shape remediation. The toe spacer inserts 60 can be removed for washing when needed. Over time, a user is able to interchange the first toe spacer 60 insert for a progressively larger toe spacer insert 60 of the plurality of toe spacer inserts. According to embodiments, attaching the selected toe spacer insert 60 to the attachment region 42 of the shoe insole 40 is done when the insole 40 is out of the at least one shoe 20 and is then placed in the at least one shoe 20. As shown in FIGS. 2A-2C, according to embodiments, the method includes at least partially removing the second portion 54 of the shoe upper 50 from the first portion 52 of the shoe upper 50 in order to attach the selected toe spacer insert 50 to the shoe insole 40 or to place the shoe insole 40 and attached selected toe spacer insert 60 in the at least one shoe 20.

[0034] Patent documents and publications mentioned in the specification are indicative of the levels of those skilled in the ait to which the invention pertains. These documents and publications are incorporated herein by reference to the same extent as if each individual document or publication was specifically and individually incorporated herein by reference.

[0035] The foregoing description is illustrative of particular embodiments of the invention but is not meant to be a limitation upon the practice thereof. The following claims, including all equivalents thereof, are intended to define the scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A modular shoe insole-based toe spacer system comprising: at least one shoe having a shoe sole, a shoe insole having an attachment region, and a shoe upper having a first portion that is attached to the shoe sole around a perimeter of the shoe insole and a second portion that is attached to the first portion by a fastener, the second portion configured to be selectively fastened to and unfastened from the first portion of the shoe upper by the fastener; and a plurality of toe spacer inserts each having a base and at least one spacer protrusion extending from a frontside of the base, wherein the plurality of toe spacer inserts are configured to be interchangeably attached at a backside of the base to the attachment region of the shoe insole.

2. The modular shoe insole-based toe spacer system of claim 1 wherein the shoe insole is removable from the at least one shoe.

3. The modular shoe insole-based toe spacer system of claim 1 wherein the attachment region of the shoe insole is provided in an area of the shoe insole that is configured to underlie a plurality of toes of a wearer of the at least one shoe.

4. The modular shoe insole-based toe spacer system of claim 1 wherein the attachment region of the shoe insole has a hook and loop fastener surface.

5. The modular shoe insole-based toe spacer system of claim 4 wherein the backside of each of the plurality of toe spacer inserts includes at least one hook and loop fastener that isconfigured to selectively attach to the hook and loop fastener surface of the attachment region of the shoe insole.

6. The modular shoe insole-based toe spacer system of claim 5 wherein the at least one hook and loop fastener of the backside of each of the plurality of toe spacer inserts includes a plurality of hook and loop fastener regions that underlie the at least one spacer protrusion with a gap region that is free of hook and loop fastener between each of the plurality of hook and loop fastener regions.

7. The modular’ shoe insole-based toe spacer system of claim 1 wherein the attachment region of the shoe insole has a magnetic fastener surface.

8. The modular- shoe insole-based toe spacer system of claim 7 wherein the backside of each of the plurality of toe spacer inserts includes at least one magnet that is configured to selectively attach to the magnetic fastener surface of the attachment region of the shoe insole.

9. The modular shoe insole-based toe spacer system of claim 8 wherein the at least one magnet of the backside of each of the plurality of toe spacer inserts includes a plurality of magnet regions that underlie the at least one spacer protrusion with a gap region that is free of any magnet between each of the plurality of magnet regions.

10. The modular shoe insole -based toe spacer system of any one of claims 1 wherein the attachment region of the shoe insole defines a plurality of attachment holes.

11. The modular shoe insole-based toe spacer system of claim 10 wherein the backside of each of the plurality of toe spacer inserts includes at least one post that is configured to selectively attach to any of the plurality of attachment holes of the attachment region of the shoe insole.

12. The modular shoe insole -based toe spacer system of claim 11 wherein the at least one post of the backside of each of the plurality of toe spacer inserts includes a plurality of posts that underlie the at least one spacer protrusion.

13. The modular shoe insole-based toe spacer system of any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein fastener of the at least one shoe that is configured to fasten and unfasten the first portion of the shoe upper and the second portion of the shoe upper is one of a zipper, a hook and loop fastener, a tie, a toggle, a bungy, or a snap.

14. The modular shoe insole-based toe spacer system of any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein the second portion of the shoe upper includes laces for securing the shoe to a foot of a wearer of the at least one shoe.

15. The modular shoe insole-based toe spacer system of claim 1 wherein the at least one spacer protrusion of each of the plurality of toe spacer inserts includes one to four spacer protrusions extending from the frontside of the base, with each of the one to four spacer protrusions configured to be placed between toes of a wearer of the at least one shoe.

16. The modular shoe insole-hased toe spacer system of claim 15 wherein the one to four spacer protrusions of each of the plurality of toe spacer inserts has a width of 1 to 10 mm.

17. The modular shoe insole-based toe spacer system of any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein the plurality of toe spacer inserts includes two to ten toe spacer inserts each having a plurality of spacer protrusions of increasing width.

18. A method for progressive foot shape remediation using the system of claim 1, the method comprising: selecting a first toe spacer insert of the plurality of toe spacer inserts; attaching the first toe spacer insert at a backside of the base to the attachment region of the shoe insole; positioning a wearer’s toes within the selected first toe spacer insert attached to the attachment region of the shoe insole; and over time, interchanging the first toe spacer insert for a progressively larger toe spacer insert of the plurality of toe spacer inserts.

19. The method of claim 18 further comprising attaching the selected toe spacer insert to the attachment region of the shoe insole when the insole is out of the at least one shoe and subsequently placing the shoe insole and attached selected toe spacer insert in the at least one shoe.

20. The method of any one of claims 18 or 19 further comprising at least partially removing the second portion of the shoe upper from the first portion of the shoe upper in order to attach theselected toe spacer insert to the shoe insole or to place the shoe insole and attached selected toe spacer insert in the at least one shoe.

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