HK1169798A - Arch support wrap - Google Patents

Description

Arch support wrap

Technical Field

The present invention relates to the field of orthopedic support devices, and in particular to arch supports for the foot.

Background

Many people suffer from the foot and associated leg and back pain due to the lack of proper support in the arch of the foot. So-called "flat foot" or "arch sag" can be caused by genetic predisposition, improper wearing of the footwear, or injury. When the arch of the foot is not in its proper position, the bones of the foot, ankle, leg, knee, hip, and even the spine may also lose alignment. This can cause stress on the supporting muscle, tendon and ligament structures, and can also cause bones to rub against each other, which can cause pain.

There are currently several over the counter arch supports and supportive insoles. However, one may have to try many different types of commercially available arch supports or insoles before finding a pair suitable and effective, which may be expensive and time consuming. Custom fit orthotics are also available and, while the fit and function of these orthotics are generally superior to those of over-the-counter devices, they are much more expensive.

While these devices may provide relief by properly supporting the arch, one must purchase multiple pairs of supports in order to place in more than one pair of shoes or continually switch the device between pairs of shoes. In the case of custom orthotics, purchasing multiple devices can be particularly expensive. Thus, in order to eliminate the need for moving a single pair of support members between pairs of shoes, one person must incur additional expense.

The wrap may work in conjunction with the footwear and socks to provide more support and cushioning to the foot. There are wraps used to support the ankle and arch by expanding the ligament and tendon structures. Most arch wraps work by providing compression to support the fascia and relieve excess tension thereon. However, it does not provide firm arch support (which itself may also help properly align the foot) or any cushioning exclusively under the arch of the foot.

Such supports and wraps are typically designed to relieve only one type of symptom, such as plantar fasciitis, longitudinal arch depression, metatarsal arch depression, or heel pain. Different symptoms require different configurations of wraps and supports. Thus, one must purchase a device specifically targeted for a particular condition that may not be used to relieve other types of foot pain.

There is a need for a wrap that can provide optionally replaceable arch support, additional cushioning for the foot, and can be used for a variety of conditions.

Disclosure of Invention

Drawings

Fig. 1 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of the present device.

Fig. 1a depicts a top view of an embodiment of the present device.

Fig. 1b depicts a side view of an embodiment of the present device.

Fig. 1c depicts a bottom view of an embodiment of the present device.

Fig. 2 depicts a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of the present device.

Fig. 2a depicts a detailed view of an embodiment of the support member of the present device.

Fig. 3 depicts a perspective view of another embodiment of the present device.

Fig. 4 depicts a perspective view of another embodiment of the present device.

Fig. 5 depicts a perspective view of another embodiment of the present device.

Fig. 6 depicts a cutaway perspective view of another embodiment of the present device.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of the present device. In some embodiments, the base member 102 may have a raised region 104 located approximately at its center. The at least one elongated member 106 may extend substantially perpendicularly or at any other known and/or convenient angle from at least one lateral edge of the base member 102.

As shown in fig. 1a, the base member 102 may have a generally oval geometry with one end being generally circular and the opposite end being tapered to a point. However, in other embodiments, the base member may have any known and/or convenient geometry. The base member 102 may be solid or, in other embodiments, perforated.

In some embodiments, the base member 102 may be constructed of a single piece of one material, but in other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1a, the base member 102 may be constructed of at least two layers of the same or different materials. The base member 102 may be constructed of an elastomeric material, a polymer, a textile, or any other known and/or convenient material. In embodiments having two layers, the top layer 108 and the bottom layer 110 can each be made of an elastic material, neoprene, rubber, polymer, or any other known and/or convenient material. In some embodiments, the base member 102 may further be constructed of wicking materials, insulating materials, antimicrobial materials, and/or quick-drying materials. In some embodiments, the base member may be constructed of a thermally stable material capable of maintaining a desired temperature for a given length of time to provide heat or cold to the affected zone.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1b, the top layer 108 may have a top surface covered with an additional layer 112 of textile, polymer, or any other known and/or convenient material. In some embodiments, this layer 112 may be a material with soft texture or wicking properties to enhance comfort. In some embodiments, the bottom layer 110 may have a non-slip texture on its bottom surface 114, such as, but not limited to, a non-slip texture of neoprene or other rubberized material.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1c, the raised region 104 may have a generally oval shape, but in other embodiments may have any other known and/or convenient geometry. In some embodiments, the raised regions 104 may be contoured by stitching 116, but in other embodiments may be contoured by heat welding, ultrasonic welding, or any other known and/or convenient method. As shown in fig. 1c, the raised region 104 may protrude from a top surface of the top layer 108, a bottom surface of the bottom layer 110, or both the top layer 108 and the bottom layer 110. The raised region 104 may enhance support and improve comfort by providing space between the base member 102 and the user's foot to promote air circulation.

In some embodiments, the raised region 104 may be comprised solely of the base member 102, but in other embodiments, as shown in fig. 2, the raised region 104 may be further comprised of the support member 202. In some embodiments, as shown in fig. 2a, the support member 202 may have a generally oval shape, but in other embodiments may have any other known and/or convenient geometry. The support member 202 may be constructed of an elastomeric material, rubber, polymer, cotton, gel, or any other known and/or convenient material. In other embodiments, the support member 202 may be a bladder that may be filled with air, water, gel, or any other known and/or convenient material in a fixed or variable amount. The material comprising the support member 202 may be selected to provide a desired degree of support firmness. The support member 202 may also be of a variety of sizes to accommodate different sized feet and different degrees of desired support. The support member 202 may also be constructed of a thermally stable material capable of remaining hot or cold for a given length of time to provide a hot or cold therapy to the affected area.

As shown in fig. 3, in some embodiments, the raised area 104 may further include dimples 302 in or between the top layer 108 or the bottom layer 110 of the base member 102. In such embodiments, the support member 202 may be detachable and replaceable with a replacement support member 202 having a different size or stability.

In some embodiments, as shown in fig. 1, the at least one flexible elongate member 106 may extend substantially perpendicularly or in any other known and/or convenient orientation from at least one lateral edge of the base member 102. As shown in fig. 1, in some embodiments, a single flexible elongate member 106 may be attached at one end to one lateral edge of the base member 102 and at the other end to the opposite lateral edge of the base member 102. In some embodiments, the ends of the flexible elongate member 106 may be joined to the base member 102 by stitching, adhesive, thermal welding, or any other known and/or convenient method.

In some embodiments, the flexible elongate member 106 may be constructed of an elastic material, but in other embodiments may be made of any other known and/or convenient material. Further, the flexible elongate member 106 can be constructed of an elastic material having a unidirectional stretch that can be oriented along a longitudinal axis of the flexible elongate member.

In embodiments having a pair of flexible elongate members 106, as shown in fig. 4, the distal end of the flexible elongate members 106 may further comprise hook and loop material, snaps, hooks, or complementary portions of any other known and/or convenient closure device. In other embodiments, as shown in fig. 5, a single flexible elongate member 106 may extend from either lateral edge of the base member 102 and connect to another region on the surface of the base member 102 by hook and loop material, snaps, hooks, or any other known and/or convenient closure device. In other embodiments, a single flexible elongate member 106 may extend from one edge of the base member 102 and be affixed to an opposing edge on the base member 102 or any other known and/or convenient location. In some embodiments, the one or more flexible elongate members 106 may be of a length sufficient to wrap around the arch or instep portion of the foot. In other embodiments, the one or more flexible elongate members 106 may be longer and positioned in any known and/or convenient place on the base member 102 such that the one or more flexible elongate members 106 may wrap around the ankle or other portion of the foot to provide further support.

Fig. 5 depicts another embodiment of the present device, wherein the base member may have a plurality of perforations 502. These perforations may promote air circulation and improve comfort.

Fig. 6 depicts another embodiment of the present device, wherein the oscillation device 602 may be located in the base member 102. In some embodiments, the oscillation device 602 may be removable or replaceable, but in other embodiments may be permanently fixed within the base member 102.

In use, an individual places the present device under the sole of the foot, thereby positioning the base member 102 and raised area 104 generally under the area of the foot where support or cushioning is desired. The user may position the present device in the longitudinal arch, metatarsal arch, under the heel, or any other desired location to alleviate discomfort or provide support. At least one flexible elongate member 106 may be wrapped around the foot to secure the present device in place on the foot and provide additional compression and support. If the user changes shoes, he can do so without having to change the support device between pairs of shoes.

In embodiments having a removable support member 202, one may select the support member 202 based on the desired degree of support, and then insert the support member 202 into the recess 302. The user may position the present device in the longitudinal arch, metatarsal arch, under the heel, or any other desired location to alleviate discomfort or provide support.

While the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the invention as described and claimed above is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations as fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.

Claims (16)

1. An orthopedic support device, comprising:

a base member having a modified generally oval geometry having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the base member is generally circular and the second end is generally tapered to a point;

a raised region located substantially in the center of the base member;

a support member positioned within the raised region;

at least one flexible elongate member having a first end attached to and extending substantially perpendicularly from one lateral edge of the base member and a second end attached to and extending substantially perpendicularly from an opposite lateral edge of the base member.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the elongated member is comprised of an elastic material.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the base component further comprises:

a bottom layer having an upper surface and a lower surface;

a top layer having an upper surface and a lower surface;

wherein the bottom layer is mated to the top layer such that the support members are positioned between the layers within the raised regions; and is

The end of the flexible elongate member is interposed between the layers.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein the top layer and the bottom layer of the base member are comprised of a material selected from the group consisting of: neoprene, rubber, polymers, elastomers, cotton, synthetic fibers.

5. The device of claim 3, further comprising a textile covering on the upper surface of the top layer and a non-slip texture on the lower surface of the bottom layer.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein the textile covering is comprised of a material selected from the group consisting of: cotton, synthetic fibers, polypropylene.

7. The device of claim 6, wherein the support member is comprised of a material selected from the group consisting of: elastomers, rubbers, neoprene, polymers, cotton, synthetic fibers, gels.

8. The device of claim 7, wherein the support member is removable and replaceable.

9. The device of claim 6, wherein the support member is a bladder filled with a material selected from the group consisting of: air, fluid, gel.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the amount of material filling the support member is fixed.

11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the amount of material filling the support member is variable.

12. The device of claim 9, wherein the support member is removable and replaceable.

13. The device of claim 7, further comprising an oscillating device located within the base member.

14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the base member is perforated.

15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the base member is comprised of a thermally stable material.

16. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the support member is comprised of a thermally stable material.