Abstract:
An orthopedic device to provide support and cushioning to the foot to alleviate plantar fasciitis, fallen arches, heel pain, bunions, and other conditions.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The present device relates to the field of orthopedic support devices, particularly arch supports for feet. 
         [0003]    2. Background 
         [0004]    Many people suffer from foot and related leg and back pain due to a lack of proper support in the arches of the feet. So-called “flat feet” or “fallen arches” can result from genetic predisposition, wearing improper footwear, or injuries. When the arches of the feet are not in their proper position, the bones of the feet, ankles, legs, knees, hips, and even the spine may also fall out of alignment. This can place strain on the supportive muscle, tendon, and ligament structures, as well as cause bones to rub against each other, which can result in pain. 
         [0005]    Several over-the-counter arch supports and supportive insoles presently exist. However, a person may have to try many different types of commercial arch supports or insoles before finding a pair that fits properly and works, which can be expensive and time-consuming. Custom-fit orthotics are also available, and although the fit and function of these are often superior to that of over-the-counter devices, they are much more expensive. 
         [0006]    Although these devices can provide relief by properly supporting the arches, a person either has to purchase multiple pairs of supports for placement in more than one pair of shoes, or continually switch the devices between pairs of shoes. With custom orthotics, purchasing multiple devices can be especially expensive. Therefore, a person must pay a premium for the convenience of not having to move a single pair of supports between shoes. 
         [0007]    Wraps can work in conjunction with shoes and socks to provide more support and cushioning to the foot. Wraps to support the ankle joint and the arch by augmenting the ligament and tendon structures exist. Most arch wraps work by providing compression to support the plantar fascia and alleviate excess tension on it. However, they do not provide specifically for a solid arch support underneath the arches of the feet, which can also help to properly align the foot itself, or for any cushioning. 
         [0008]    Such supports and wraps are typically designed to alleviate only one type of condition, such as plantar fasciitis, fallen longitudinal arches, fallen metatarsal arches, or heel pain. Different conditions require different configurations of wraps and supports. As a result a person must purchase a device specific to a particular condition, which may not be of use to alleviate other types of foot pain. 
         [0009]    What is needed is a wrap that can provide an optionally interchangeable arch support, additional cushioning to the foot, and can be used for multiple conditions. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]      FIG. 1  depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of the present device. 
           [0011]      FIG. 1   a  depicts a top view of an embodiment of the present device. 
           [0012]      FIG. 1   b  depicts a side view of an embodiment of the present device. 
           [0013]      FIG. 1   c  depicts a bottom view of an embodiment of the present device. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  depicts a cutaway side view of an embodiment of the present device. 
           [0015]      FIG. 2   a  depicts a detail view of an embodiment of a support member of the present device. 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  depicts a perspective view of another embodiment of the present device. 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  depicts a perspective view of another embodiment of the present device. 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  depicts a perspective view of another embodiment of the present device. 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  depicts a cutaway perspective view of another embodiment of the present device. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0020]      FIG. 1  depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of the present device. In some embodiments, a base member  102  can have a raised region  104  located substantially in its center. At least one elongated member  106  can extend substantially perpendicularly or any other known and/or convenient angle from at least one lateral edge of a base member  102 . 
         [0021]    As shown in  FIG. 1   a,  a base member  102  can have a substantially ovoid geometry, having one end substantially rounded and the opposite end tapered to a point. However, in other embodiments, a base member can have any known and/or convenient geometry. A base member  102  can be solid or, in other embodiments, perforated. 
         [0022]    In some embodiments, a base member  102  can be comprised of a single piece of one material, but in other embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 1   a,  can be comprised of at least two layers of the same or different materials. A base member  102  can be comprised of an elastomeric material, polymer, textile, or any other known and/or convenient material. In embodiments having two layers, a top layer  108  and a bottom layer  110  can each be made of an elastomeric material, neoprene, rubber, polymer, or any other known and/or convenient material. In some embodiments, a base member  102  can be further comprised of wicking, insulating, antimicrobial, and/or quick-drying materials. In some embodiments, a base member can be comprised of a thermally stable material capable of maintaining a desired temperature for a given length of time, in order to provide heat or cold to an affected area. 
         [0023]    In some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 1   b,  a top layer  108  can have its top surface covered with an additional layer  112  of a textile, polymer, or any other known and/or convenient material. In some embodiments, this layer  112  can be of a material having a soft texture or wicking properties to improve comfort. In some embodiments, a bottom layer  110  can have a no-slip texture on its bottom surface  114 , such as, but not limited to that of neoprene or other rubberized material. 
         [0024]    In some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 1   c,  a raised region  104  can have a substantially ovoid shape, but in other embodiments can have any other known and/or convenient geometry. In some embodiments, a raised region  104  can be delineated by stitching  116 , but in other embodiments can be delineated by a heat weld, ultrasonic weld, or any other known and/or convenient method. As shown in  FIG. 1   c,  a raised region  104  can protrude from the top surface of a top layer  108 , the bottom surface of a bottom layer  110 , or both a top layer  108  and a bottom layer  110 . A raised region  104  can enhance support and improve comfort by providing a space between a base member  102  and a user&#39;s foot to promote air circulation. 
         [0025]    In some embodiments, a raised region  104  can be comprised of only a base member  102 , but in other embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 2 , can be further comprised of a support member  202 . In some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 2   a,  a support member  202  can have a substantially ovoid shape, but in other embodiments can have any other known and/or convenient geometry. A support member  202  can be comprised of an elastomeric material, rubber, polymer, cotton, gel, or any other known and/or convenient material. In other embodiments, a support member  202  can be a bladder that can be filled with air, water, gel, or any other known and/or convenient material in either a fixed or a variable quantity. Material comprising a support member  202  can be selected to provide desired levels of firmness for support. A support member  202  can also come in a variety of sizes to accommodate different size feet and different levels of desired support. A support member  202  can also be comprised a thermally stable material capable of retaining heat or cold for a given length of time in order to provide hot or cold therapy to an affected area. 
         [0026]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , in some embodiments, a raised region  104  can further comprise a pocket  302  in either the top layer  108  or bottom layer  110 , or between these layers, of a base member  102 . In such embodiments, a support member  202  can be removable and interchangeable with an alternative support member  202  of a different size or firmness. 
         [0027]    In some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 1 , at least one flexible, elongated member  106  can extend substantially perpendicularly from at least one lateral edge of a base member  102 , or in any other known and/or convenient orientation. As shown in  FIG. 1 , in some embodiments, a single flexible, elongated member  106  can have one end attached to one lateral edge of a base member  102  and the other end attached to the opposite lateral edge of a base member  102 . In some embodiments, the ends of a flexible, elongated member  106  can be joined to a base member  102  by stitching, adhesive, heat weld, or any other known and/or convenient method. 
         [0028]    In some embodiments, a flexible, elongated member  106  can be comprised of an elastomeric material, but in other embodiments can be made from any other known and/or convenient material. Further, a flexible, elongated member  106  can be comprised of an elastomeric material having a unidirectional stretch that can be oriented along the longitudinal axis of a flexible, elongated member. 
         [0029]    In embodiments having a pair of flexible elongated members  106 , as shown in  FIG. 4 , the distal ends of flexible, elongated members  106  can further comprise complementary parts of hook-and-loop material, snaps, hooks, or any other known and/or convenient closure device. In other embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 5 , a single flexible, elongated member  106  can extend from either lateral edge of a base member  102  and connect to another region on the surface of a 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, elongated member  106  can extend from one edge of a base member  102  and be affixed to either an opposite edge or any other known and/or convenient location on a base member  102 . In some embodiments, flexible, elongated member or members  106  can be of length sufficient to wrap around the arch or instep portion of a foot. In other embodiments, flexible, elongated member or members  106  can be longer and positioned in any known and/or convenient place on a base member  102  such that flexible, elongated member or members  106  can wrap around an ankle or other part of a foot to provide further support. 
         [0030]      FIG. 5  depicts another embodiment of the present device in which a base member can have a plurality of perforations  502 . These perforations can promote air circulation and improve comfort. 
         [0031]      FIG. 6  depicts another embodiment of the present device in which an oscillating device  602  can be located in a base member  102 . In some embodiments, an oscillating device  602  can be removable or interchangeable, but in other embodiments can be permanently fixed within a base member  102 . 
         [0032]    In use, a person places the present device underneath the sole of a foot, positioning a base member  102  and a raised region  104  substantially under an area of a foot needing support or cushioning. A user can position the present device under the longitudinal arch, metatarsal arch, heel, or in any other desired position to alleviate discomfort or provide support. At least one flexible, elongated member  106  can wrap around a foot to secure the present device in place on a foot, as well as provide additional compression and support. If a user changes shoes, he can do so without having to change a support device between pairs of shoes. 
         [0033]    In embodiments having a removable support member  202 , a person can select a support member  202  based on the desired level of support, and then insert a support member  202  into a pocket  302 . A user can position the present device under the longitudinal arch, metatarsal arch, heel, or in any other desired position to alleviate discomfort or provide support. 
         [0034]    Although 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 hereinafter claimed is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.