Abstract:
A device for improving the balance and function of a human being wearing the device, said device comprising a pressure band adapted to apply force against the weight-bearing pressure of the foot in an outward direction against this device. The sensory response received through the neurological pathways to the brain and the improved neurological signals sent back to the foot could be mechanically and sensory measured for improved balance and bodily improvements.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]    The present invention relates to a system which is useful for improving a person&#39;s balance function and to a method of using the system. More specifically, the present invention relates to a system comprising a sensory foot band particularly positioned about a person&#39;s forefoot. The sensory foot band provides a mechanical element that applies pressure to a particular portion of a person&#39;s forefoot in response to weight being supported by the forefoot to thereby provide a sensory communication that improves one&#39;s sense of balance and function. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Human beings are bipedal and, hence, can stand, walk and run on two legs. Of course, whether standing, walking or running the person must balance on one or both feet. The ability to balance oneself varies from individual to individual. Balance is always important and in some cases is very important. 
         [0003]    Generally speaking balance involves one&#39;s brain repeatedly accessing and properly utilizing neurological information communicated through spinal pathways to and from the feet. The brain&#39;s interpretation of the neurological information produces the sense of balance. 
         [0004]    It will be appreciated that there is both a mechanical component and a nerve or sensory component involved in balancing oneself. The bones in each foot and their associated ligaments provide mechanical structure to support the rest of the body on the feet. The sensory component uses joint receptors which communicate through various pathways with the brain. There are various joint receptors and neurological pathways used to communicate sensory information between one&#39;s brain and feet in order for one to balance oneself. 
         [0005]    It will also be appreciated that some people are able to balance better than others. In some cases, the difference in balance may be due to inherited traits or learned abilities. In other cases, a person&#39;s balance may have deteriorated because of injury to the feet. spinal degeneration, defects and or degeneration, poor brain interpretive function, or for other physiological reasons. However, regardless of the quality of a person&#39;s balance, it is believed that the person&#39;s balance can be improved by use of the present invention. 
         [0006]    The present invention relates to a system which uses a pressure band or sensory support element which extends in a particular manner about a predetermined location about the foot. In accordance with the method of the present invention, the system is used to alter the sensory information transmitted to a person&#39;s brain from each of the person&#39;s feet. The pressure band effectively alters the sensory information sent to the brain and the brain pattern response. Thus, the sensory information communicated between the feet and the brain and the neurological signals being sent from the brain back to the feet in response to the sensory information are altered in a way to improve one&#39;s balance and foot function. 
         [0007]    Further understanding of the present invention will be had from the following specification taken in conjunction with the attached drawings and appended claims. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    In accordance with the present invention, a system comprises a sensory foot band which is a pressure and sensory support element for improving the balance and function of a human being wearing the band about the person&#39;s foot. The sensory foot band is positioned about the anterior transverse arch of the person&#39;s foot. The band is placed about the foot in a manner such that no substantial pressure is applied by the band to the foot when the foot is at rest, i.e., it is not supporting weight. However, the band is placed closely about the foot and is of a substantially inelastic nature so that it effectively opposes flattening of the anterior transverse arch, i.e., transverse outward movement of the anterior ends of the first and fifth metatarsal bones, when the foot supports weight. Thus, weight-bearing pressure of the foot urges the foot outwardly against the pressure band. The band mechanically opposes outward movement of the aforementioned ends of the first and fifth metatarsal bones and further provides a sensory indication which sensory response is received through neurological pathways by the brain. The improved neurological signals sent back to the foot can be mechanically and sensory measured for improved balance, support and body movement. 
         [0009]    The system of the present invention can comprise a pressure band alone positioned about the foot. The system can also comprise a pressure band incorporated into a sock or shoe or the like adapted to properly position the band about the foot when in use. 
         [0010]    In accordance with the method of the present invention, the system is used to modify sensory and neurological information communicated between a user&#39;s foot and brain to improve the user&#39;s balance. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view showing a preferred embodiment of the present invention in operative association with a person&#39;s foot; 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is a top plan view showing the bones of a person&#39;s foot and the preferred positioning of the embodiment of Figure with respect thereto; 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  is perspective view of an alternative preferred embodiment of a sensory band of the present invention having a predetermined limited elastic feature; 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention in the form of a sock comprising a sensory foot band; 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of another alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention in the form of a sock having a sensory foot band attached thereto; 
           [0017]      FIG. 7  is a side elevation view showing another alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention in the form of a shoe having a sensory foot band incorporated therein; 
           [0018]      FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  8 - 8  in  FIG. 7  showing the sensory foot band incorporated in the shoe of  FIG. 7 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of still another preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in conjunction with a human foot, broken away, and in the form of a flip flop type of sandal having a sensory foot band incorporated therewith; 
           [0020]      FIG. 10  is a top plan view of the embodiment of  FIG. 9 ; and 
           [0021]      FIG. 11  is a top plan view of yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention in the form of a five toe shoe incorporating a sensory foot band. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0022]    In accordance with the present invention, a system comprising a sensory foot band has been developed. The sensory foot band can be placed in operative association with a human foot and used to improve the balance of the human being. In use, the band functions to apply pressure against the foot when weight is placed on the foot. The pressure generates sensory neurological fiber stimulation within the foot. Neurological information is sent from the foot to the brain using pathways to the brain. The brain then sends improved neurological sensory signals back to the foot to improve the person&#39;s balance and function of the feet, even the entire body. Based on this theory of operation, it can he noted that a person&#39;s posture, overall individual knee, hip, shoulder, and even neck function can be improved based on the sensory responses from the body from the improved signals from the brain due to use of the sensory foot band of this invention. 
         [0023]    Sensory and mechanical tests could be used to measure a person&#39;s balance and/or performance before the person has utilized the system and after the person has utilizing the system. There are improved efficiencies of the person&#39;s functional outputs. The person&#39;s level of exertion can be improved along with an increase in endurance, strength, and range of motion throughout the body due to the improved neurological pathways of communication due to the use of the system. There are improved efficiencies of the wearer&#39;s level of exertion in order to perform activities. There is improved balance along with increased endurance, strength, and range of motion due to the improved neurological communication during use of, and in accordance with the method of, the present invention. 
         [0024]    Now referring to the Figures, a preferred embodiment of a system of the present invention is shown in  FIG. 1  and indicated generally by the numeral  10 . System  10  comprises sensory foot band  12  properly positioned on human foot  14 . 
         [0025]    As best shown in  FIG. 2 , the bones of human foot  12  comprise phalanxes  16 ,  18 ,  20 ,  22  and  24  which are respectively proximate to and articulate with, corresponding metatarsal bones  26 ,  28 ,  30 ,  32  and  34 , each of which have respective anterior ends  36 ,  38 ,  40 ,  42  and  44 . Metatarsal anterior ends  36 ,  38 ,  40 ,  42  and  44  form anterior transverse arch  46 . Anterior arch  46  has the form of an “arch” in a generally vertical plane as viewed from the forward end of foot  14 . Foot band  12  is shown in  FIG. 2  properly positioned around anterior arch  46 . Foot band  12  is positioned closely about foot  12  but is sized so as not to apply any substantial pressure against foot  12  until foot  12  bears weight as set forth in more detail below. 
         [0026]    Sensory foot band  12  can be made of any suitable material which is substantially inelastic. Suitable materials include textiles, polymeric sheets, and athletic tape. Sensory foot band  12  is secured on foot  14  in a manner that no pressure is applied thereby to foot  14  when foot  14  is at rest, i.e., is not bearing weight. However, it is intended that sensory foot band  12  will oppose lateral movement of metatarsal anterior ends  36  and  44  when weight is applied to foot  14 . When foot  14  supports a person&#39;s weight, anterior arch  46  tends to flatten and sensory foot band  12  acts to oppose such motion. Thus, foot band  12  can be a continuous loop or can be a length or strip of material with ends  15  and  17  secured together by adhesive, hook and loop fasteners or other suitable means. 
         [0027]    During the use operation of sensory foot hand  12  the person wearing the band  12  has improved balance. As the wearer puts weight or “bears down” on foot  14 , the weight causes outward expansion of the wearer&#39;s foot against the device. This in turn results in the sensory stimulation up the neurological pathways, from each foot, to the brain. As previously explained, sensory and motor neurological response signals from the brain are in turn sent back to each foot. The sensory input to pressure of this band against the wearer&#39;s feet causes the neurological responses and affects an improvement in the wearer&#39;s balance and foot functions. Also noted before, there is overall additional improvements to form and function of the entire body due to improved proper biomechanical function of the feet. 
         [0028]      FIG. 4  illustrates an alternative preferred embodiment of a sensory foot band of this invention, indicated generally by the numeral  100 . Sensory foot band  100  incorporates an elastic section  102  which is comprised of a material characterized by being elastic to a predetermined length only in order to facilitate use of a continuous loop sensory foot band in accordance with the present invention. It is intended that band  100  comprises a section  102  which is elastic to a predetermined length and then inelastic and an section  104  which inelastic. Alternatively, both sections may be the same or different and may be characterized by limited elasticity so long as the band is inelastic at a predetermined length or diameter so as to function in accordance with the present invention wherein no significant pressure is applied to the foot thereby until the foot bears weight. Provision of limited elasticity may facilitate positioning of the band about the users foot. Band  100  thus operates in a manner analogous to the operation of band  10 . 
         [0029]    Referring to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , two alternative preferred forms of a system of the present invention are illustrated in the form of socks and indicated generally by the respective numerals  200  and  300 . System or sock  200  comprises a sensory foot band  202  incorporated into its sock-shaped generally tubular sheath  204 . The wearer of sock shaped tubular sheath  204  positions band  202  around the associated foot&#39;s anterior transverse arch in a manner analagous to the use of system  10 . Thus, band  202  is positioned around the foot proximate to the proximal joint of the great toe and proximal joint of the fifth toe. Sock  200  can encompass the entire foot, dorsal and pedal, crossing the distal tarsal bones proximal to the second third and fourth proximal joints. Sock  200  would appear similar to any common sock but carries embedded within it a sensory foot band. Band  202  can be provided by weaving inelastic threads, or selectively inelastic threads analogous to section  102  of band  100 , into sock  200  at the location of band  202 . Sock  200  may optionally have other features such as an increased fiber count at band  202  to provide the desired elastic limit. Sock  200  can be worn in conjunction with a sneaker, sandel or other type of shoe or worn without a shoe covering. It is band  202  which produces the therapeutic benefit for the person. Sock  200  can also be constructed of a tougher material which could be worn as a shoe or protective foot covering by itself. It would have band  202  built into it so the wearer would receive the benefits of the present invention without use of another accessory. 
         [0030]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , another sock preferred embodiment of this invention is shown and indicated generally by the numeral  300 . Sock  300  has a sensory foot band  302  secured outside of a sock-shaped generally tubular sheath  304 . Alternatively, band  302  can be secured to the inside surface of sheath  304 . It is contemplated that band  302  will be generally analogous to band  10 , band  100  or band  202 . 
         [0031]    Now referring to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , an alternative preferred embodiment of a device of the present invention is shown in the form of a shoe generally by the numeral  400 . 
         [0032]    System  400  has a sensory foot band  402  incorporated into shoe  404 . Sensory foot band  402  can be incorporated through the outside of the top, (dorsal), medial and lateral aspects of the shoe and then inserted underneath the foot and between the insole of the base of the shoe. Means could be provided so that the position of sensory foot band  402  could be adjusted to proper position with respect to the foot and/or tightened or loosened, to the predetermined tension necessary to elicit the proper neurological response in accordance with the present invention. 
         [0033]    If the shoe is more of a soft sole shoe, similar to the shoes that have individual toes and is constructed of more of a silicon or like material, then the device would be one band constructed around the outside of the entire shoe, yet part of the shoe itself. As previously mentioned, when describing the band&#39;s anatomical position within the sock, it would be located on the wearer&#39;s foot in a similar anatomical position based on the size of the shoe. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that band  402  is intended to be analogous to bands  10 ,  100 ,  202  and  302  previously disclosed. 
         [0034]    Still further preferred embodiments of the present invention are illustrated in  FIGS. 9-11  which illustrate systems incorporating a sensory foot band of this invention into a flip flop type sandal, indicated generally by numeral  500 , and into a five toe shoe, indicated generally by the numeral  600 . It will be appreciated that sandal  500  has a sensory foot band  502  which is analogous to the foot band previously disclosed and five toe shoe  600  has foot band  602  which is also analogous to the previously disclosed sensory foot bands. 
         [0035]    It will be appreciated that this present invention has been described in terms of preferred embodiments and that the invention is subject to variation and modification. For example, the sensory foot band of the present invention could be made of a soft piece of material able to be slightly altered for tension and position to create the ideal neurological response. The actual tension of the band required for the brain to respond to its presence is so light that it is hardly noticeable whether the device is directly on the wearer&#39;s foot, built into a sock, or integrated into the structure of a shoe. It could be made of a thin Teflon type of material, similarly applied as a specific type of tape. It could be made of a woven fabric adjustable by the use of Velcro at the top, dorsal, aspect of the foot. It would be constructed of various materials that would be strong enough to endure various levels of activity. Light activity such as supporting proper activities of daily living walking around a person&#39;s home indoors and outdoors, driving a car to do errands and the type of ground surfaces encountered, or even for jogging 5 miles worn inside of a shoe, under a sock, or for the extreme barefoot runners, without any outside protection other than this band. It would therefore function as a protective device to the wearer&#39;s foot from debris encountered along roadsides, sidewalks and even running on the beach or wooded paths. It will be further appreciated that the broad scope of this invention is intended to include variations and modifications and it is intended that the present invention will be limited only by the appended claims.