Abstract:
A foot has a medial side, a lateral side, a sustentaculum tali, a lateral calcaneus, a fifth metatarsal ray and a forefoot. The support system for a foot comprises of a base. A first projection configured to support the sustentaculum tali on the medial side and, in use, to provide a force on the sustentaculum tali. A second projection configured to support the lateral calcaneus on the lateral side of the foot. A third projection configured to support the fifth metatarsal ray on the lateral side of the foot. The first, second and third projections extend, in use, upwardly from the base, and the first and second projections define an approximated U-shape with inwardly arching sidewalls.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority from and is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/066,256, filed Mar. 7, 2008, which is a U.S. National Phase application of International Patent Application Number PCT/US06/35311, filed Sep. 11, 2006, which itself claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application No. 60/715,620, filed Sep. 9, 2005. This application is additionally related to U.S. application Ser. No. ______ filed on Apr. 27, 2012 entitled “Support System for Footwear Providing Support at or Below the Sustentaculum Tali”; and U.S. application Ser. No. ______ filed on Apr. 27, 2012 entitled “Shoe Last and Shoe Made Therefrom”. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    The foot moves in three directions: (1) sagittally, in an up and down direction similar to the pitch of an airplane; (2) transversely, in a rotational direction similar to the roll of an airplane; and (3) along the coronal or frontal plane in a left-right direction, similar to the yaw of an airplane. The central component of this motion is the talus bone, located below the tibia-fibula, and above, and anterior to the calcaneous (heel bone). 
         [0003]    During physical activity, adverse movement or alignment of the foot translates through a person&#39;s entire kinetic chain, affecting the knee, hips, and lower back. For example, poor alignment with ground reaction during running can cause stress and induce pain in the knees, hips, and lower back. The optimal alignment during movement is for the calcaneus to remain in a neutral position and the talus to move in a midline position with the knee without excess internal or external rotation. The alignment of the talus and knee can be tested by having a person bend his or her knees. If the talus is optimally aligned with the knee, a plumb line applied to the center of the knee will fall directly over the second metatarsal ray of the foot when the person&#39;s knee is slightly bent. When most people bend their knees, however, their knees will fall medially or laterally away from the second metatarsal ray of the foot. 
         [0004]    If the talus rotates adversely, the rest of the foot must compensate accordingly. Inward (medial) rotation of the talus causes the hindfoot to compensate with an outward (valgus) movement of the calcaneus, depression of the midfoot, and abduction of the forefoot. As a simple explanation, a foot may pronate, though excessive internal rotation of the talus causes anatomical complications much worse than simple pronation. An outward (external) rotation of the talus also requires compensation by the rest of the foot in the reverse directions—the hindfoot moves inward (varus), the midfoot arches (elevates), and forefoot adducts—that can be simply described as the foot supinating. 
         [0005]    These compensatory movements induce strain in the entire kinetic chain of the body, and usually other parts of the kinetic chain compensate for such misalignments. For example, the knee can be pushed medially or laterally, or various parts of the hip can shift to compensate for the strain. Over time, this strain can cause medical conditions such as (but not limited to) plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, posterior tibialis tendonitis, knee pain with ligamentous and tracking problems, bunions, and hip pain. Positioning and stabilizing the tri-planar motion of the foot during movement can reduce the adverse compensatory movements of the foot and other parts of the kinetic chain, thus reducing (or even eliminating) the corresponding medical problems. 
         [0006]    Various prior art solutions for stabilizing the foot are already known. Many types of braces and bandages exist that can be wrapped around a foot, though these corrective devices are often bulky and interfere with the proper fit of a shoe. Gel pads and shoe inserts can be added to the insole of a shoe, but these inserts also can interfere with fit and performance of the shoe. Also, these solutions add weight and bulk to a person&#39;s foot. None of these approaches acts simultaneously to stabilize the foot at the three planes described above. 
         [0007]    Some shoe manufacturers have developed mechanisms or improved shoe designs for reducing the occurrence of injuries or medical conditions like those described above. For example, running or basketball shoes can include modified flex grooves in the sole, reinforcing laminate mid-sole designs, or pockets of air or gel to provide greater cushioning. However, none of these known solutions stabilizes motion of the foot along all three planes identified above. 
         [0008]    The inventor of the inventive subject matter described has attempted to address the aforementioned problems on an individualized basis by creating custom orthotics that make a tri-planar correction. The customized orthotics are inserted into conventional shoes. Unfortunately the orthotics approach while helpful does not provide an optimized solution because of the inherent incompatibilities of combining a custom orthotic with a conventional shoe. For example, the orthotic adds extra height and bulk to a shoe, which can cause instability for the wearer and decreased efficiency in athletic and sports activities. The orthotic may also decrease the volume of the foot compartment of a shoe causing a poor, uncomfortable fit. Pressure points may also occur from the stitching and design of the shoe. Further conventional shoes may have conformations for their uppers and/or sole units that counteract the corrections that an orthotic are intended to make. However, because of the individualized nature of orthotics, there still remains a need for off-the-shelf shoes, as well as custom shoes, that provide an integrated system for tri-planar corrections. 
         [0009]    Accordingly there is a substantial need for footwear systems that adjust or stabilize the tri-planar motion of a foot. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0010]    The inventive subject matter disclosed herein addresses the aforementioned need by providing a footwear system that helps align and orient the kinetic chain (feet, legs, knees, hips, and lower back) by stabilizing the tri-planar movement of the foot. The system is adapted to affect three areas of the foot anatomy simultaneously, in what is referred to herein as a tri-planar adjustment or stabilization: (1) the lateral calcaneus; (2) the sustentaculum tali (abbreviated “ST”); and (3) the fifth metatarsal ray of the foot (along the small toe). For example, adverse internal rotation of the talus can be corrected by: (1) varus movement of the calcaneus; (2) vertical lift on the ST; and (3) fifth ray pressure to adduct the forefoot.  FIGS. 12A and 12B  illustrate with directional arrows the areas for simultaneous applying supporting pressure to three areas. 
         [0011]    The tri-planar adjustment or stabilization may be achieved by a shoe structure formed of one or more components that are configured to effect the tri-planar alignments, as described above, of the three relevant anatomical areas, namely the lateral calcaneus, the ST, and the fifth metatarsal region. 
         [0012]    These and other embodiments are described in more detail in the following detailed descriptions and the figures. 
         [0013]    The foregoing is not intended to be an exhaustive list of embodiments and features. Persons skilled in the art are capable of appreciating other embodiments and features from the following detailed description in conjunction with the drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0014]    In accordance with the inventive subject matter: 
           [0015]      FIGS. 1A-1C  show views of one embodiment of an inventive last with about a seven degree offset of the last cone and flatter underside, with a comparison to prior art lasts. 
           [0016]      FIGS. 2A-2D  show views of an embodiment of a sock liner for use in one possible embodiment according to the inventive subject matter; the circle on the shark fin projection indicates an attachment portion, device, or mechanism, such as a Velcro(R) tab. 
           [0017]      FIGS. 3A-3F  show different views of one embodiment of the tri-planar plate for use in one possible embodiment according to the inventive subject matter; the circle indicates an attachment portion, device, or mechanism, such as a Velcro(R) tab, corresponding to the similar circle on the sock liner. 
           [0018]      FIGS. 4A-4C  show views of an arrangement of the sock liner and tri-planar plate. 
           [0019]      FIGS. 5A-5B  show views of one possible embodiment of the shoe upper for use in one possible embodiment according to the inventive subject matter. The opening that allows the tri-planar plate and sock liner to attach to each other is shown. 
           [0020]      FIG. 6A-6C  show views of the arrangement of the sock liner inside the upper before and after the tri-planar plate is attached. An adjustment strap connects to the tri-planar plate. 
           [0021]      FIGS. 7A-7D  show a few different views of the arrangement of the sock liner, tri-planar plate, and upper. A fully assembled shoe with a sole is also shown. 
           [0022]      FIGS. 8A-8B  show views of the different parts of the shoe and tri-planar system. 
           [0023]      FIG. 9.1  is a general key to the sectional contours illustrated in  FIGS. 10.1  through  11 . 58 . 
           [0024]      FIG. 9.2  is a heel view of the sectional contours illustrated in  FIGS. 10.1  through  11 . 58 . 
           [0025]      FIG. 9.3  is a side view of the sectional contours illustrated in  FIGS. 10.1  through  11 . 58 . 
           [0026]    FIGS.  10 . 1 - 11 . 58  are cross-sectional contours of a last that can be used to construct an embodiment of a shoe or shoe upper described herein. The contours correspond to the parallel lines illustrated in FIGS.  9 . 1 - 9 . 3 , with the contour of  FIG. 10.1  corresponding to the heel of the last and the contour of  FIG. 10.58  corresponding to the toe of the last. The measurements in FIGS.  9 . 1 - 9 . 3  are shown in millimeters. 
           [0027]    FIGS.  11 . 1 - 11 . 58  are cross-sectional contours of a last that can be used to construct an embodiment of a shoe or shoe upper described herein. The contours correspond to the parallel lines illustrated in FIGS.  9 . 1 - 9 . 3 , as in the case of FIGS.  10 . 1 - 11 . 58 . 
           [0028]      FIGS. 12A-12B  show anatomical views of a foot without triplanar adjustment or stabilization. 
           [0029]      FIGS. 13A-13B  show views of a foot under simultaneous correction of two tri-planar areas ( FIG. 13A ) and three tri-planar areas ( FIG. 13B ). 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0030]    The inventive subject matter disclosed herein is directed to a footwear system that helps align and orient the kinetic chain (feet, legs, knees, hips, and lower back) by adjusting or stabilizing the tri-planar movement of the foot. The system is adapted to affect three areas of the foot anatomy simultaneously, in what is referred to herein as a tri-planar adjustment or stabilization: (1) the lateral calcaneus; (2) the sustentaculum tali (abbreviated “ST”); and (3) the fifth metatarsal ray of the foot (along the small toe). For example, adverse internal rotation of the talus can be corrected by: (1) varus movement of the calcaneus; (2) vertical lift on the ST; and (3) fifth ray pressure to adduct the forefoot. 
         [0031]    The tri-planar adjustment or stabilization may be achieved by a shoe structure formed of one or more components that are configured to effect the tri-planar alignments, as described above, of the three relevant anatomical areas, namely the lateral calcaneous, the sustentaculum tali, and the fifth ray. These adjustments or stabilizations are relative to a wearer&#39;s unshod foot standing in a natural pronated position, which reflects the natural standing position of a significant percentage of the population.  FIGS. 12A and 12B  show an uncorrected or condition of such a pronated foot.  FIGS. 13A and 13B  show a tri-planar correction of the condition. As used herein the term adjustment means changing the alignment of the foot from a natural position or kinetic. Stabilization means helping maintain a foot that already has an objective tri-planar alignment (such a foot would not be considered the norm and would naturally correspond approximately to the foot conformation represented by FIGS.  11 . 1 - 11 . 58 , for example, which is described in more detail below). Support means to stabilize and/or adjust. Hereinafter, such a single or composite structure that is integrated into a shoe and provides an objective tri-planar alignment, as described above, is referred to as a “tri-planar system”. 
         [0032]    In certain embodiments, the inventive subject matter contemplates a shoe comprising: an assembly of a shoe upper and sole unit for supporting a foot, the assembly defining a foot compartment that orients a foot in an objective (desired) tri-planar alignment to affect three areas of the foot anatomy simultaneously: (1) the lateral calcaneus; (2) the sustentaculum tali; and (3) the fifth metatarsal ray of the foot. In certain embodiments the shoe compartment is configured to correct an adverse internal rotation of the talus by: (1) varus movement of the calcaneus; (2) vertical lift on the ST; and (3) fifth ray pressure to adduct the forefoot. The shoe upper may be any known upper construction that extends upwardly from the sole unit and (typically) over the top of a foot. An upper may be structure that completely covers the top of the foot, as well as uppers that partially cover the top of the foot, such as may be constructed from straps or bands for sandal shoes and similar shoes. As persons skilled in the art will appreciate, a sole unit may be any combination of outsole structure, midsole structure and insole, sock liner, or other shoe insert structure. 
         [0033]    Representative embodiments of shoes, shoe components and lasts for configuring a shoe for tri-planar adjustment or stabilization are shown in FIGS.  1 - 11 . 58 . In a basic form, a tri-planar system is composed of a shoe configured to adjust or stabilize a foot into a corrected, better supported, and more stable position according to more optimal tri-planar axes of the foot, as described above. These adjustments or stabilizations are typically performed by a combination of a sole unit with an upper that conforms the foot to the objective alignment. 
         [0034]    A tri-planar system may be implemented as an assembly of one or more components that form (1) a sole unit that is disposed between a wearer&#39;s foot and the ground and (2) an upper for at least securing the sole unit to the foot. Referring to  FIGS. 2-8 , the inventive subject matter will be discussed in terms of a modular shoe  10  assembly formed of an upper  12 , a three dimensional semi-rigid plate  14  that helps the foot conform to an objective tri-planar alignment, and an optional shoe insert  16  that may also help facilitate the foot into the objective tri-planar alignment, a sole unit  14 , such as a midsole and/or outsole unit  24 . This presentation of this embodiment is intended to be illustrative and not limiting, and persons skilled in the art will appreciate from the teachings herein how other embodiments of one or more components may be assembled into a shoe that defines an objective tri-planar alignment for a foot. For example, instead of a modular assembly, the functions and features of the modular components may be implemented into a single unit, by, for example co-molding processes. 
         [0035]    Typically, a last  100  ( FIG. 1  and FIGS.  9 . 1 - 9 . 3 ) is created that represents the objective or desired foot alignment and the upper and sole unit components are assembled around the last, creating a foot compartment for receiving a foot that corresponds to the shape of the last. However, while the inventive subject matter is illustrated in terms of a lasted construction, any other known or developed technique for creating a three-dimensional space that represents a foot compartment may be used. 
         [0036]    The inventive lasts represent a form of a tri-planar alignment of the foot and alternatively may be considered a representation of a typical foot itself, as adjusted or stabilized. The lasts according to the inventive subject matter may contemplate one or more of the following features to help achieve tri-planar support in a shoe: a last cone with an offset in the lateral direction measured from the anatomical midline of the corresponding foot; a last cone, as above, where the offset is preferably about seven degrees; a forefoot adduction in the medial direction measured from the horizontal plane of the last heel centerline; a forefoot adduction, as above, where the offset is preferably about seven degrees; a neutrality or pronation in the forefoot area; and/or about seven degrees calcaneal varus. 
         [0037]    In the embodiments of  FIGS. 1 ,  10 . 1 - 10 . 58  and  11 . 1 - 11 . 58 , the last cone,  110  is configured in a more lateral direction (i.e., to a corrected position). In selected embodiments of the last, the cone  110  of the last has about a seven degree lateral offset from the midline and the area of the last; correspondingly the forefoot has about a seven degree planar rotation (forefoot adduction) toward the medial side (rather than the industry standard three degree rotation), though these offsets can be greater or lesser in other embodiments. For example, in some alternative embodiments, the last has a lateral offset of from about one degree to about twelve degrees from the midline, while the area of the last corresponding to the forefoot has rotation toward the medial side of from about one degree to about twelve degrees. The lateral offset of the cone from the midline and the rotation of the forefoot toward the medial side can be an equivalent number of degrees, such as both being from about one to about twelve degrees, or from about three to about ten degrees, or about seven degrees. However, the lateral offset of the cone from the midline and the rotation of the forefoot toward the medial side also can be a different number of degrees. As just one, non-limiting example, a tri-planar system last can have a seven degree angle lateral offset from the midline and the area of the last corresponding to the forefoot can have about a nine degree rotation toward the medial side. 
         [0038]    In some embodiments, the front underside of the last may be substantially flatter than the industry standard, but the overall dimensions of the last remain almost the same. For example, in one such embodiment of a last  200  shown in FIGS.  10 . 1 - 10 . 58 : ( 1 ) about 4 mm of material was added to the underside medial metatarsal area of the last; and (2) a compensatory amount of material was shaved off the medial ball area of the topside of the last. Thus, though the last was substantially modified, it retained the same overall dimensions for around the ball of the foot for the resulting upper formed from the last. This embodiment is intended to correct a significant supination or external rotational deviation. 
         [0039]    FIGS.  9 . 1 - 9 . 3  generally represent a last  200  or  300 , with parallel contour lines defining cross-sections through the last. Each of these cross-sectional contours is then shown in FIGS.  10 . 1 - 10 . 58  for last  200  and in FIGS.  11 . 1 - 11 . 58  for last  300 . A person of ordinary skill in the art can duplicate the last, for example, through the use of conventional computer-assisted design software capable of scanning FIGS.  10 . 1 - 11 . 58  and constructing a three-dimensional model from those scans. The embodiment shown in FIGS.  10 . 1 - 10 . 58  represents an objective tri-planar foot alignment for supporting a foot that is naturally prone to marked or significant supination, or for a significant rotational deviation. The embodiment shown in FIGS.  11 . 1 - 11 . 58  represents an objective tri-planar foot alignment for supporting a foot that is naturally prone to mild supination, neutrality, or pronation. The two embodiments are the same in the hindfoot but one forefoot has a 4 mm drop of the first ray to stabilize a strong suprinator. The other has a flat neutral first ray to ensure neutral roll-off at mid stance. This works for all feet but a strong suprinator. 
         [0040]    Industry-standard lasts are typically made from a plastic for manufacturing purposes. Some smaller specialty shops cater to individual clients that utilize wooden handmade lasts specific to each customer. The lasts described herein can be constructed from any commonly-used material in the shoe industry, or any specialty material. 
         [0041]    A three-dimensional tri-planar plate  14  (see  FIGS. 3A and 3B ) is configured and constructed of materials to help adjust, stabilize and/or direct objective tri-planar motion of the foot at one or more of the tri-planar points. Typically, the plate will be constructed of semi-rigid material that provides support but which does not unduly restrict required foot movement or causes discomfort. 
         [0042]    In some embodiments, the tri-planar plate wraps under the rear portion of the arch of the foot, from the lateral calcaneus to the ST, and continues to support the lateral side of the foot by wrapping from the lateral calcaneus to just behind the fifth metatarsal on the lateral forefoot. Projection  15  upwardly extends from the support plate area of the lateral calcaneous. Projection  17  upwardly extends from the plate for support at the area of the fifth metatarsal ray. Unlike traditional orthotic modifications, the tri-planar plate does not always sit on top of the midsole of a shoe. Instead, it is intended to be placed into the midsole of footwear or formed as part of the midsole or other sole unit structure. For example, the tri-planar plate can be attached to the outside of the shoe upper via bonding, gluing, or some other process, such as co-molding with the shoe&#39;s midsole. The tri-planar plate may include optional engineered convex grooves or ridges on the exterior surface that provide additional directional and functional stiffness and reinforcement. These engineered grooves or ridges also can directionalize the adjusting or stabilizing forces imparted by the tri-planar plate, which counteract or otherwise modify the motion forces of the wearer&#39;s foot. The plate can be constructed from any suitable material. Specific embodiments may employ a plastic or composite material providing a durometer in the range of about 10 to 60 (Shore A). Any number of modern nylons, urethanes, fiberglass products, or even carbon fibers can be crafted, manufactured, or injected to these specific durometers. 
         [0043]    In some embodiments, the tri-planar system may include a shoe insert  16  in the nature of a sock liner. One particular inventive sock liner (see  FIG. 2 ) is similar to prior art, with an anatomical heel cup and corresponding flex groove. However, this new sock liner includes an optional projection  20  that engages the ST on the medial side of the calcaneous bone when the shoe is worn. This projection pushes up under the ST and into the medial side of the foot, causing the arch of the foot to elevate upward and in a lateral direction. This projection  20  and/or a corresponding projection  18  on the triplanar plate  14  may be in the form of a “shark fin” conformation, but other conformations in various size may be constructed to engage to some desired degree the ST on the medial side of the calcaneous bone when the shoe is worn. 
         [0044]    The sock liner projection  20  also may include some type of device or mechanism for creating a zone of pressure at the ST. The sock liner may do this in combination with the tri-planar plate or instead of the tri-planar plate. For example, the sock liner may include a portion that engages the tri-planar plate in the area of the ST to create a pressure zone. The sock liner may be fixedly or removably coupled to the tri-planar plate or simply be adjacent the tri-planar plate. For example, to create a removable coupling, a Velcro(R) tab can be mounted on the outside (exterior, medial side) of the projection and partially inserted through a corresponding port of the shoe upper to engage or attach to a corresponding Velcro(R) tab on the interior or medial side of the tri-planar plate. Of course, alternative coupling mechanisms could be used in place of the Velcro(R), such as (but not limited to) a snap, clip, tab and slot conformation, or other mechanical fastener; glue, adhesive, or other temporary or permanent chemical bonding agent; or some type of electromechanical attachment, such as a magnetic fastener. Traditional sock liners use ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA) as a construction material, but any suitable material can be used. For example, in specific embodiments, the sock liner is constructed using polyurethane (PU) to provide longer wear. 
         [0045]    The tri-planar system of the illustrated embodiment may employ a conventional or modified upper  12  based on known, traditional shoe uppers. In some embodiments, an upper  12  is modified to couple with the triplanar plate  14  and/or sockliner  16 . The sockliner may contain a hole or port  21  on its medial side near the ankle that allows passage of the attachment device on the sock liner through the upper to engage the tri-planar plate (or a corresponding device on the tri-planar plate). For example, if the sock liner and tri-planar plate can be attached to each other via Velcro(R), then the opening would allow the two sides of the Velcro(R) to contact each other. In other embodiments, such an opening or port is not necessary for the sock liner to engage the tri-planar plate through the upper, such as with a magnetic attachment used to engage the sock liner and tri-planar plate. 
         [0046]    In some embodiments, the upper  12  also may include an adjustable strap  23  along its medial side allowing it to be connected to the tri-planar plate and anchored elsewhere on the upper. The wearer can adjust the fit of the entire tri-planar system using this strap, particularly the fit of the medial side of the tri-planar system. Other embodiments may include a similar strap allowing adjustment of the tri-planar plate just behind the fifth metatarsal head. 
         [0047]    Additionally, the upper  12  may include optional receptive areas for engaging the tri-planar plate  14 . These receptive areas can be constructed from particular materials, or with particular recesses or other conformations, that facilitate engagement between the tri-planar plate  14  and the upper  12 . 
         [0048]    The upper  12  can be constructed from traditional materials, including (but not limited to) natural or synthetic leather; nylon, polyester, Lycra, and other fabrics; plastics and other polymers; natural or synthetic rubbers; or various combinations of these materials. Additionally specially-constructed molded parts can be employed to provide a unique function or design, as well as increased consumer benefit. 
         [0049]    Footwear  10  with one embodiment of a complete tri-planar system including a sole unit  24 , tri-planar plate  14 , sock liner  16 , and upper  12 , as described above, is shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 . 
         [0050]    The tri-planar system can be used or constructed in virtually any type of shoe for almost any type of activity. In particular embodiments, the tri-planar system is used as part of athletic footwear, such as (but not limited to) shoes for running, basketball, tennis, hiking, American football, soccer, baseball, and other sports involving repetitive motion of the foot and leg. The tri-planar system can be resized accordingly to different footwear sizes, but a manufacturer would need to slightly modify the structure of the tri-planar plate in relationship to the type of corrected last that would be used for athletic, casual, work, or medical applications. The tri-planar system can simply be scaled or graded to different sizes for a wide range of footwear relating to particular activities. The tri-planar system also can be adapted for applications other than athletic, orthotic, or medical footwear, such as (but not limited to) shoes for particular business, trade, military, or professional uniforms or dress-such as police or nursing uniforms, shoes for chefs and restaurant workers, military boots and shoes, or boots for skiing, motocross, or horseback riding. 
         [0051]    Persons skilled in the art will recognize that many modifications and variations are possible in the details, materials, and arrangements of the parts and actions which have been described and illustrated in order to explain the nature of this invention and that such modifications and variations do not depart from the spirit and scope of the teachings and claims contained therein.