Assistive device for stabilizing posture in tiptoe stance

Abstract

Provided is an assistive device for stabilizing posture in a tiptoe stance, said device being capable of improving athletic ability, reducing or eliminating foot pain, and improving effects by stabilizing posture in track and field sports involving performance or competition requiring a tiptoe stance with the toes bent toward the instep side of the foot. A sock-shaped body 2 is provided with a lower cloth 2a as a sheet-shaped bottom part that overlaps the distal ends of first to third metatarsal bones on the plantar surface of the foot to be assisted. A pad 1 for compensating the difference in distance between the ground contact surface and the distal ends of at least two metatarsal bones from among the first to third metatarsal bones is provided on the upper surface side of the lower cloth 2a in at least one position where the distal ends of the first to third metatarsal bones are close to each other when a tiptoe stance posture in which the toes are bent toward the instep side of the foot is assumed when the body 2 is worn. The pad 1 comprises a contour having an acute angular portion with a rounded tip, and a flat surface part having a constant thickness or at least two flat surface parts having different thicknesses.

Description

Auxiliary tool for stabilizing the tiptoe stance

[0001] The present invention relates to an auxiliary tool for stabilizing the tiptoe stance, which can improve the athletic ability by stabilizing the posture in all track and field sports that require a tiptoe stance in which the fingertips are bent toward the instep side of the foot, and can also reduce or eliminate foot pain and achieve an improvement effect.

[0002] Conventionally, in a tiptoe stance (rourbe) where the toes of the foot are bent toward the instep side, such as in ballet, dance, floor exercises in gymnastics, and jumping events in track and field, even when the distance between the tip of the middle metatarsal bone (including not only the tip of the bone itself but also the skin part covering it, the same applies hereinafter) and the ground surface is uneven, an auxiliary tool for stabilizing the tiptoe stance has been provided by the present inventor, which can suppress the occurrence of uneven load caused by this and prevent damage due to the concentration of load on a specific middle metatarsal bone and ensure the stability of the posture.

[0003] That is, the present inventor has proposed an auxiliary tool for stabilizing the tiptoe stance, which has a sheet-like bottom that overlaps the tips of the first to third middle metatarsal bones on the back surface of the foot to be assisted, a main body part that is integrally attached to the foot to be assisted, and when a tiptoe stance is taken with the fingertips bent toward the instep side in the state of wearing the main body part, at least one pad is provided on the upper surface side of the sheet-like bottom of the main body part at a position where the tips of the first to third middle metatarsal bones are close, and the difference in the distance from the tips of at least two middle metatarsal bones including the middle metatarsal bone with the tip closest to the ground surface to the ground surface is filled (Patent Document 1).

[0004] However, although the conventional auxiliary tool for stabilizing the tiptoe stance has a certain effect on improving the stability of the posture and preventing damage caused by the concentration of load on a specific middle metatarsal bone, some users who are the assisted subjects may not be able to obtain the effect because of the incompatibility with the shape of the middle metatarsal bone. In addition to using it in specific sports that require a tiptoe stance, there has been a demand to enhance athletic ability by stabilizing the posture and improve foot pain.

[0005] Utility Model Registration No. 3214199 Gazette

[0006] This invention was made in consideration of the above points, and aims to propose an assistive device for stabilizing a tiptoeing posture that can improve athletic ability by stabilizing posture in all track and field sports that require a tiptoeing posture with the toes bent towards the top of the foot, as well as reduce, eliminate, or improve foot pain.

[0007] To solve the above problems, the present invention provides a toe-standing posture stabilization aid comprising: a main body that is integrally attached to the foot to be assisted, having a sheet-like bottom that overlaps the tips of the first to third metatarsals on the sole of the foot to be assisted; and a pad provided on the upper surface of the sheet-like bottom of the main body at at least one of the positions where the tips of the first to third metatarsals are close together when the toes are bent toward the top of the foot while the main body is attached, the pad filling the difference in distance between the tips of at least two metatarsals, including the metatarsal whose tip is closest to the ground, and the ground, wherein the pad has a contour with a sharp corner at one end that is rounded, and a flat part of a certain thickness or at least two flat parts of different thicknesses.

[0008] Furthermore, preferably in the present invention, the pad is used in one or more types selected from a plurality of different types of pads with different contours and / or flat surfaces, depending on the differences in the foot skeletal structure of the person being assisted.

[0009] In addition, in the present invention, the pad is preferably a silicone pad formed by a mold.

[0010] According to the present invention, when performing acts or competitions that require a tiptoeing posture with the toes bent towards the top of the foot, such as ballet, dance, floor exercises in gymnastics, and jumping events in track and field, it is possible to prevent instability in posture and injuries caused by uneven weight concentration on the tips of the metatarsals. Furthermore, it is possible to improve athletic performance by stabilizing posture in all track and field sports, as well as to reduce, eliminate, or improve foot pain.

[0011] (a) is a schematic bottom view showing a toe-standing posture stabilization aid (with pad attached) (right rear) according to one embodiment of the present invention. (b) is a schematic bottom view showing a toe-standing posture stabilization aid (left rear) symmetric to Figure 1(a). (c) is a schematic diagram showing two examples of pads to be attached to Figures 1(a) and (b), respectively. This is a schematic diagram showing a list of the shapes of pads to be attached to the aid in Figure 1. (a) is a schematic diagram showing an example of the state of the right foot when standing on tiptoes with the aid in Figure 1(a) attached. (b) is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the state of the tip of the metatarsal bone when standing on tiptoes as in Figure 3(a), viewed from the rear. (a) to (c) are schematic explanatory diagrams showing the first pad attachment flow. (a) to (c) are schematic explanatory diagrams showing the second pad attachment flow. This is a schematic explanatory diagram showing an example of a pad that is finely adjusted according to differences in the skeletal structure of the foot of the person being assisted. These are schematic diagrams illustrating methods for fine-tuning different pad placements. (a) and (b) are schematic diagrams illustrating examples of fine-tuning the pads in the assistive device. This is a schematic cross-sectional diagram illustrating an example of using the assistive device, with the main body omitted and the pad portion enlarged.

[0012] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. One embodiment of the present invention is a toe-standing posture stabilization aid 10, as shown in Figures 1 and 3, which has a lower cloth 2a as a sheet-like bottom that overlaps the tips of the first to third metatarsals on the sole of the foot to be assisted and an upper cloth 2b on the top of the foot, and is integrally attached to the foot to be assisted (right foot in Figures 1(a) and 3, left foot in Figure 1(b)), and a pad 1 provided on the upper surface of the sheet-like bottom (lower cloth) 2a of the main body 2 at at least one position where the tips of the first to third metatarsals are close together, when a toe-standing posture is taken with the toes bent towards the top of the foot while the main body 2 is attached, and which fills the difference in distance between the tips of at least two metatarsals, including the metatarsal bone whose tip is closest to the ground, and the ground. In this embodiment, each of the assistive device 10 for the right foot shown in Figure 1(a) and the assistive device 10 for the left foot shown in Figure 1(b) is equipped with two pads 1 as shown in Figure 1(c). In the examples of Figures 1(a) and (b), the respective pads 1, 1 are provided in two pad insertion pockets 2P located in close proximity to the first metatarsal bone and close proximity to the tip of the third metatarsal bone.

[0013] The pad 1 is characterized by having a contour with a rounded, acute-angled corner at one end, and a flat portion of a constant thickness or at least two flat portions of different thicknesses. For example, as shown in Figure 1(c), the pad 1 has a contour with a rounded, acute-angled corner 1C of about 60° at one end, and flat portions having parts with thicknesses of 1 mm and 2 mm. The pad 1 is attached to the same right foot support device 10 (Figure 1(a)) as the pad 1, and is formed symmetrically to the pad 1.

[0014] The assistive device 10, equipped with such a pad 1, allows the user, who is the recipient of assistance, to select an appropriate pad 1 to match the skeletal structure of their own foot and insert it into the pad insertion pocket 2P located on the inside (foot side, not floor side) of the lower cloth 2a, which serves as the sheet-like bottom of the main body 2. As shown in Figure 1(c), the pad 1 has a contour with sharp corners 1C, making it easy to attach to the pad insertion pocket 2P of the assistive device 10. Furthermore, by having at least two flat surfaces of different thicknesses, the pad 1 can be adjusted according to the skeletal structure of the person receiving assistance, allowing for a more stable posture.

[0015] In this embodiment, for example, in addition to the pad shown in Figure 1(c), one or more types of pads with different contours and / or planes are selected from among several types as shown in Figures 2(a) to (f). The pad shown in Figure 1(c) is a pad with a flat portion having a thickness of 1 mm for about a quarter of the surface and 2 mm for the rest. Figure 2(a) is a pad with a flat portion having a constant thickness of 1 mm. Figure 2(b) is a pad with a flat portion having a thickness of 1 mm for a very small part and 2 mm for the majority of the rest. Figure 2(c) is a pad with a flat portion having a thickness of about half 1 mm and half 2 mm, and has an acute-angled corner 1C as well as other acute-angled corners that are key-shaped with rounded ends. Figure 2(d) is a pad with a thickness of 1 to 3 mm, and has an acute-angled corner 1C as well as other acute-angled corners that are key-shaped with rounded ends. Figure 2(e) is a pad with a thickness of 1 to 3 mm. Figure 2(f) shows a pad with a thickness of 4 mm.

[0016] These various types of pads are used to fine-tune the pads in the assistive device 10, and are inserted into the pad insertion pocket 2P either individually or in combination of two or more types. This embodiment provides flexibility in combining multiple shapes of pads according to variations in the skeletal structure of the person receiving assistance.

[0017] Along with the right foot support device 10 shown in Figure 1(a), the left foot support device 10 shown in Figure 1(b), which has a main body 2 that is symmetrical to the right foot support device 10, can also be used. These devices have the same configuration except for being symmetrical. If there are differences in the skeletal structure of the left and right feet of the person receiving assistance, the pads 1 used can be appropriately selected from the pads shown in Figures 1(c) and 2(a) to (f) to make fine adjustments to the postural stabilization of both feet.

[0018] As pad 1, for example, a pad having a predetermined contour and flat portion formed by molding using a material such as silicone rubber, specifically, silicone pads of various shapes as shown in Figures 1(c) and 2(a) to (f) above, are preferably used to further enhance the effects of the present invention.

[0019] Next, an example of using the toe-standing posture stabilization aid 10 according to this embodiment will be described in detail. The aid 10 may be in a state where the pad 1 is pre-inserted into the pad insertion pocket 2P of the main body 2. For example, using the aid 10 with the pad 1 shown in Figure 1(c) pre-inserted as the standard pad, the person receiving assistance puts on the aid in this state and raises their heels to assume a toe-standing posture (maintaining a relevé position). To obtain the effects of the present invention, it is desirable to set the heel height to the height of movements actually used in sports, etc.

[0020] An example of the state of the assistive device 10 used on the right foot of the person receiving assistance at this time is shown in Figures 3(a) and (b). The weight of the person receiving assistance is supported over a wide area, with the weight extending from the big toe (first metatarsal bone) of the right foot, the index toe (second metatarsal bone) of the right foot, and the middle toe (third metatarsal bone) of the right foot (see the image of the arrow in Figure 3(b)). As a result, it becomes easier to maintain balance in a tiptoeing posture, and the burden on specific areas is reduced. In this state, the person receiving assistance can use the assistive device 10 equipped with the pad 1 shown in Figure 1(c) without any discomfort.

[0021] Furthermore, when using the assistive device 10 with the pad 1 shown in Figure 1(c) pre-inserted, the person receiving assistance may experience discomfort when raising their heel and standing on their toes, feeling as if they are riding on the pad. In this case, the appropriate pad for use in the assistive device 10 can be adjusted according to the first pad attachment flow shown in Figures 4(a) to (c). For example, as shown in Figure 4(a), the pad on the big toe (first metatarsal) side of the right foot may be considered too thick. In such cases, the person receiving assistance can alleviate the discomfort by replacing the big toe pad with a thinner one. Note that Figure 4(a) corresponds to Figure 3(a) and is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the state of the tip of the metatarsal bones when standing on one's toes, viewed from the rear.

[0022] In other words, as shown in Figure 4(b), by replacing the pad on the big toe (first metatarsal) side of the right foot with a thinner pad, it is possible to maintain a proper toe-standing posture without putting strain on a specific area. Examples of replacing with a thinner pad include changing from a 2 mm thick pad to a pad that includes a 1 mm flat section, as shown in Figure 4(c). Figure 4(c) shows cross-sections of the pads before and after replacement. Also, if there is a feeling of weight being lifted on the middle toe (third metatarsal) side of the right foot, the pad on that side is too thick, and it can be adjusted on the middle toe side in the same way as the big toe side.

[0023] Furthermore, when using the assistive device 10 with the pad 1 shown in Figure 1(c) pre-inserted, the person receiving assistance may experience discomfort when raising their heels and standing on their toes, and may feel that the pad's support is insufficient. In this case, the appropriate pad for use in the assistive device 10 can be adjusted according to the second pad attachment flow shown in Figures 5(a) to (c). For example, as shown in Figure 5(a), the pad on the middle toe (third metatarsal bone) side of the right foot may be considered too thin. In such cases, the person receiving assistance can alleviate the discomfort by replacing the middle toe side pad with a thicker one. Note that Figure 5(a) corresponds to Figure 3(a) and is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the state of the tip of the metatarsal bone when standing on one's toes, viewed from the rear.

[0024] In other words, as shown in Figure 5(b), by replacing the pad on the middle toe (third metatarsal) side of the right foot with a thicker pad, it is possible to maintain a proper toe-standing posture without putting strain on a specific area. Examples of replacing with a thicker pad include changing from a 2 mm thick pad to a 3 mm thick pad that includes a flat section, as shown in Figure 5(c). Figure 5(c) shows cross-sections of the pads before and after replacement. If the thickness is insufficient, the thickness can be increased by adding and stacking a pad with a thickness of, for example, 1 mm. Furthermore, if weight still shifts to the little toe side, the 4 mm thick pad shown in Figure 2(f) can be inserted into the pad insertion pocket (not shown) under the little toe of the main body 2 of the assistive device 10 to adjust the fit. Also, if there is insufficient support on the big toe (first metatarsal) side of the right foot (it feels like it is tilting towards the big toe), the pad on that side is too thin, and it can be adjusted on the big toe side in the same way as the middle toe side.

[0025] Furthermore, in this embodiment, by appropriately selecting the pad 1 according to the fitting flow described above and adjusting the fitting of the assistive device 10, and then making further fine adjustments to suit various types of foot skeletal structures of the person being assisted, the tiptoeing posture becomes even more stable.

[0026] Methods for fine-tuning include adjusting the orientation of the pad inserted into the main body 2 so that the metatarsal bone does not rest on the pad, increasing or decreasing the thickness of the pad, and cutting the outline of the pad as needed.

[0027] For example, by inserting the pads in the orientation shown in Figures 6(1) to (4), fine adjustments can be made to stabilize the toe-standing posture. In particular, it is desirable to prevent the metatarsal bones from resting on the upper central part of the two pads in Figures 6(2) to (4) (the areas marked with circles in the figures).

[0028] Furthermore, by increasing or decreasing the thickness of the pads 1 inserted in different configurations as shown in Figure 7 (1) to (5), fine adjustments can be made to the stabilization of the tip-standing posture. This makes it possible to achieve the same effect as the state shown in Figure 7 (6), where the distance between the tips of the first to third metatarsals and the floor is uniform (high performer).

[0029] As shown in Figure 8(a), two or more pads 1 can be stacked to create different thickness combinations, and their orientation (up / down, front / back) can be changed to adjust the stability of the toe-standing posture. If the feeling of the pad resting on something is bothersome, that part can be cut (indicated by the arrow C in the figure) to make adjustments.

[0030] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8(b), in order to prevent the pad 1 from falling out of the pocket 2P of the main body 2, it is preferable to sew the opening of the pocket 2P (the location indicated by arrow A in the figure) after inserting the pad 1. In addition, if the pad 1 shifts to the side, it is preferable to sew the side (the location indicated by arrow B in the figure) as well.

[0031] As shown in Figures 1(a) and (b), the auxiliary device 10 according to this embodiment can be provided with the pad 1 already inserted. The pad 1 pre-included in the main body 2 of the auxiliary device 10 is the pad shown in Figure 1(c). When inserting the pad 1 from the pad insertion pocket 2P, it is preferable to insert it from the rounded, sharp corners of the pad 1, as shown in Figures 1(a) and (b), as this makes insertion easier.

[0032] Furthermore, when inserting the pad 1, which has two or more flat surfaces of different thicknesses, it is necessary to insert it so that the cut edge of the pad 1 faces the floor, as shown in Figure 9.

[0033] The toe-standing posture stabilization aid of the present invention is extremely effective in improving athletic performance through posture stabilization in ballet and all track and field sports, as well as in reducing or eliminating foot pain. In addition, the toe-standing posture stabilization aid of the present invention can be used for various purposes, including ballet, baseball, golf, high heels, and as an aid for women's foot pain such as bunions.

[0034] The toe-standing posture stabilization aid according to the present invention has been shown to have various effects, such as enabling users to jump higher with ease, walking more than 10,000 steps comfortably in high heels, improving athletic ability in any sport, relieving pain in approximately 80% of 100 people who suffered from foot pain, and allowing elderly people who required walking assistance to walk easily.

[0035] This invention can be used as a toe-standing posture stabilization aid to improve athletic performance by stabilizing posture in all track and field sports that require a toe-standing posture with the toes bent towards the top of the foot, as well as to reduce, eliminate, or improve foot pain.

[0036] 10... Toe-standing posture stabilization aid 1... Pad, 1C... Corner 2... Main body, 2a... Lower fabric, 2b... Upper fabric

Claims

1. A toe-standing posture stabilization aid comprising: a main body having a sheet-like base that overlaps the tips of the first to third metatarsals on the sole of the foot to be assisted, and which is integrally attached to the foot to be assisted; and a pad provided on the upper surface of the sheet-like base of the main body at at least one position where the tips of the first to third metatarsals are close together when the toes are bent towards the top of the foot while the main body is attached, the pad having a contour with a rounded, sharp corner at one end, and a flat portion of a certain thickness or at least two flat portions of different thicknesses.

2. The toe-standing posture stabilization aid according to claim 1, wherein the pad is used in one or more types selected from a plurality of types of pads with different contours and / or planes, depending on the differences in the foot skeletal structure of the person being assisted.

3. The toe-standing posture stabilization aid according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pad is a silicone pad formed by a mold.

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