Abstract:
An assembly includes a shoe and a device connected with the shoe to support the ankle, wherein the device includes a shaped piece which surrounds the ankle at least at the rear and is formed corresponding to the malleoli of the ankle. A shaped piece and a shoe suitable for use in the assembly and a set of the shaped piece and a fixing element for attachment to a shoe are also described.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
     The invention relates to an assembly comprising a shoe and a device connected with the shoe to support the ankle. 
     Description of the Related Art 
     Such an assembly is known from U.S. Pat. No. 5,792,087. The assembly described here is fitted with a shoe and an ankle support which is attached to the user&#39;s lower leg by means of a strap. From this strap a pair of support elements extends on either side of the ankle. The support elements are attached to the shoe with a bracket around the heel and sole of the shoe. Because the support elements are on both sides of the ankle, bending of the ankle towards the inside and outside is limited while dorsal flexion (movement of the foot towards the shin) and plantar flexion (movement of the foot away from the shin) remain possible. 
     One disadvantage of the assembly from the prior art is that the support elements are relatively cumbersome, whereby the freedom of movement of the foot is restricted unnecessarily and user comfort of this assembly is relatively low. 
     Another disadvantage is that the assembly from the prior art is relatively ineffective for countering dislocations other than those resulting from supination. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     One object of the invention is to provide an assembly which does not unnecessarily reduce the freedome of movement of the foot and gives a relatively higher user comfort. 
     A further objective of the invention is to provide an assembly which effectively counters damage to the ankle ligaments, namely the lateral ankle ligaments, in particular as a result of inversion. 
     For this purpose the assembly according to the invention is characterized in that the device comprises a shaped piece which surrounds the ankle at least at the back and which is formed corresponding to the ankle malleoli. 
     Because the shaped piece is formed to the malleoli of the ankle, on dislocation a more effective transfer of forces is achieved from the shoe to the leg of the user, in particular the malleoli, whereby damage resulting from dislocation is countered more effectively, particularly that resulting from inversion, and in addition for example eversion. Because the shaped piece is formed to the malleoli and at least partly surrounds the ankle at the back, the shaped piece takes up relatively less space in the area around the ankle, whereby the freedom of movement is not reduced unnecessarily and user comfort is increased. Also by forming the shaped piece to the anatomy of the malleoli of the user&#39;s ankle, an increase in user comfort is achieved, as the forces occurring during dislocation are distributed over a relatively larger area. 
     In one embodiment the shaped piece has an outer shaped region which is formed corresponding to the lateral malleolus. This outer shaped region can extend fully or partly over the lateral malleolus. 
     In a further embodiment the shaped piece has an inner shaped region which is formed corresponding to the medial malleolus. This inner shaped region, like the outer shaped region, can extend fully or partly over the medial malleolus. Both the inner and the outer shaped regions can advantageously be fitted with padding to transfer the forces occurring on dislocation to the malleoli in a more comfortable manner. 
     Another embodiment concerns an assembly wherein the shaped piece has a rear shaped region which is at a distance from the Achilles&#39; tendon. Preferably between the rear moulding region and the Achilles&#39; tendon, a cavity is formed to create movement space for the Achilles&#39; tendon or tendo calcaneus, which tendon runs from the heel bone to the calf muscle. Here the rear shaped region is located at a distance directly behind the Achilles&#39; tendon, forming a cavity between the rear shaped region and the Achilles&#39; tendon. One alternative is the formation of a recess in the rear shaped region at the site of the Achilles&#39; tendon, which recess extends in the rear shaped region from one side of the rear moulding region towards the heel so that the Achilles&#39; tendon can move freely. Here the support part of the lateral malleolus and the support part of the medial malleolus extend freely from the rear shaped region to the shoe. A combination of said embodiments is also possible. Because the rear shaped region is located at a distance from the Achilles&#39; tendon, the Achilles&#39; tendon can move freely, giving the user&#39;s foot a greater freedom of movement. 
     A further embodiment concerns an assembly in which the shaped piece has opposing cheeks which are located on either side of the ankle, which cheeks at the front determine an opening via which the ankle can be received in the shaped piece. The shaped piece is thus relatively easy to apply over the ankle via the opening at the front. 
     In a further embodiment the shoe is fitted with an upper and a sole, wherein the assembly comprises a connecting means which extends at an angle of less than 90° in relation to the sole from the shaped piece of the device in the direction of the upper. The connecting means functions as an external ligament whereby the ligaments present in the foot are better protected on dislocation. 
     A further embodiment concerns an assembly wherein the connecting means is attached to at least one of an inner and outer side of the upper. By attaching the connecting means to an inside and outside of the upper, a relatively better protection is obtained against dislocation. Particularly the connection to the outside of the upper is advantageous for countering dislocation as a result of inversion movements. 
     It can be advantageous to attach the connecting means to an insole of the shoe. It is advantageous here that if the insole with integrated connecting means can be introduced into and removed from the shoe, the shaped piece can be used for several shoes separately. 
     In a further embodiment the connecting means comprises a first and a second end, wherein the first end is attached to the shaped piece and the second end is attached to the upper. Thus a relative optimum protection is obtained of the outside ligaments against dislocation, wherein the connecting means is also relatively easily accessible, for example for loosening or tightening by the user. 
     A further embodiment concerns an assembly wherein the connecting means comprises a first and a second connecting part, wherein the first part extends between the shaped piece near the lateral malleolus and a fixing means connected with the shoe, and the second part extends between the fixing means and the shaped piece near the medial malleolus. Thus on dislocation a relatively better transfer of forces is achieved from the upper to the shaped piece, wherein the forces occurring are also distributed better over the moulding and the malleoli. It is for example advantageous for the connecting means or connecting parts to comprise straps or cords. Preferably the fixing means is attached to the shoe at a transition between the instep and a side of the shoe, wherein the fixing means is located between the malleoli and the upper. 
     In yet a further embodiment the connecting means comprises a further connecting part with a first and a second part, wherein the first part extends between the sole of the shoe near the upper and the fixing means, and the second part extends between the fixing means and the sole of the shoe near the heel. The ends of the first and/or second part can hereby touch the sole or be integrated therein. At the site of the shoe between the first and second part, no extra reinforcement need then be applied because the further connecting part provides extra rigidity. A further advantage is that the part of the metatarsus protruding proximally is thus given extra freedom of movement. Other methods of reinforcement are of course also conceivable, namely those in which space is left at the said proximally protruding part of the metatarsus. The first and second parts can be mounted on one side of the shoe but can also be integrated in the side of the shoe. 
     It can be advantageous to attach the further connecting part to an insole of the shoe. The advantage here is that if the insole with integral further connecting part can subsequently be introduced into and removed from the shoe, the shaped piece can be used in several shoes separately. 
     In another embodiment the connecting means comprises a connection element with a first and a second part, wherein the first part extends from the fixing means in the direction of the sole of the shoe near the upper, and the second part extends from the fixing means in the direction of the sole of the shoe near the heel. The first and second part extend from the instep part over part of the outside or inside of the shoe but do not touch the sole. 
     Preferably the fixing element comprises a patch wherein the first and the second part of the patch comprise fixing means for attachment to the shoe. The patch can be attached to the outside of the shoe by stitching, for which recesses to be created in advance can be provided in the patch, but this can also possibly be achieved with an adhesive on the side of the patch facing the shoe. It is also possible to integrate the patch in the shoe. The patch can also be attached to or integrated in the inside of the shoe depending on the desired reinforcement of the ankle, such as inversion or eversion. 
     To connect the shaped piece to the fixing means so as to produce the assembly, the fixing means preferably comprises an engaging means for engaging the connecting means. The engaging means then engages the first and second connecting parts so that the shaped piece can be attached to the shoe. The engaging means can be hook-shaped but can also comprise an integral passage or ring. Preferably the engaging means and the fixing means form an integral unit. 
     The invention also concerns a shaped piece suitable for use in an assembly according to the invention. 
     In one embodiment the shaped piece is fitted with an outer shaped region which is formed corresponding to the lateral malleolus. This outer shaped region can as stated extend fully or partly over the lateral malleolus. 
     A further embodiment concerns a shaped piece fitted with an inner shaped region formed corresponding to the medial malleolus. 
     A further embodiment concerns a shaped piece fitted with a rear shaped region located at a distance from the Achilles&#39; tendon. Because the rear shaped region is located at a distance from the Achilles&#39; tendon, the Achilles&#39; tendon can move freely, giving the user&#39;s foot a greater freedom of movement. 
     Yet a further embodiment concerns a shaped piece fitted with opposing cheeks located on either side of the ankle, which cheeks at the front determine an opening via which the ankle can be received in the shaped piece. In this manner as stated, the moulding is relatively easy to apply over the ankle by means of the opening at the front. 
     In yet a further embodiment of the shaped piece, reinforcements are attached to the rear shaped region. The reinforcements give the shaped piece a relatively higher degree of form stability. 
     It is furthermore conceivable that a universal set of shaped pieces of different sizes is produced or that a shaped piece is custom-made. A combination of a shaped piece from a universal set and a custom-made part, such as a shaped piece made of at least two parts, is also a possibility. The shaped piece or the custom-made part can thus advantageously be made for example of plastically deformable materials such as a thermoplastic, or hardening materials such as a thermosetting plastic, wherein the shaped piece or custom-made part is adapted to the anatomy of the user&#39;s ankle. Also combinations of the above materials are possible. Also another rigid material such as a composite material can be used. 
     The shaped piece can furthermore be fitted with engaging means such as a clip or clamp for engaging the first and/or second part of the connecting means. It is also possible to provide accommodation means for ends (of the parts) of the connecting means in the shaped piece so that these ends can be concealed. 
     The invention furthermore comprises a shoe suitable for use in an assembly according to the invention. 
     One embodiment concerns a shoe fitted with a fixing means for attaching the connecting means to the upper. It is possible to attach these connecting means to finished shoes by means of stitching or another attachment means. It is also possible to fit a fixing means to the upper in advance, on production of the shoe, so as to prevent reduction in the rigidity of the shoe, for example by cutting or chopping into the shoe. 
     Yet a further embodiment concerns a shoe wherein the fixing means is attached to an outside i.e. the lateral side of the upper. By attaching the fixing means to the outside of the upper, a relatively optimum force transfer from the shoe to the shaped piece is obtained. The fixing means can also be attached to the inside of the shoe to counter dislocation other than that resulting from an inversion movement. Preferably the fixing means is attached to the shoe at a transition between the instep and a side of the shoe, wherein the fixing means is located between the malleoli and the upper. 
     Yet a further embodiment concerns a shoe in which the fixing means comprises a fixing ring. A ring is ideal for use for example in combination with a strap. It is also conceivable that other methods of fixing are used, such as fixing by means of hook-and-loop tape, buckles, cord or similar, or other special fixing means developed for the assembly. 
     The invention furthermore relates to a set of the shaped piece as described above and a fixing element for attachment to a shoe, which fixing element comprises a first and a second part, wherein the first part and the second part extend from each other at an angle of between greater than or equal to 0° and 180°. The moulding and the fixing element as described above can be produced with a shoe as an assembly. However it is also possible to produce the shaped piece as described above and a fixing element for attachment to a shoe. The fixing element is then suitable for fixing to an arbitrary shoe so that the moulding can be used with any desired shoe. It is also possible to produce the fixing element separately for attachment to an arbitrary shoe for use with the shaped piece. 
     Preferably the first part and the second part enclose a capital lambda (Λ) shape or inverted V shape or boomerang shape, wherein the angle enclosed is between 70° and 120°. Preferably the fixing element comprises a first and a second part which enclose an angle of greater than 90°. This angle makes it possible that the force transfer to the shoe on inversion is relatively optimum by distribution over the upper and the heel of the shoe. 
     In one embodiment the fixing element comprises a patch wherein the first and second part of the patch comprise fixing means for attachment to the shoe. The patch can for example be prepared for stitching the fixing element onto the shoe. It is however also possible for a layer of adhesive such as a glue to be applied to a side of the patch to be facing the shoe. 
     Preferably the fixing means comprises an engaging means for engaging the connecting means. This engaging means can be hook-shaped but an integrated ring or passage on the patch is also possible. Preferably the engaging means and the fixing means form an integral whole. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention will be explained below in more detail with reference to embodiments shown in  FIGS. 1 to 5  of an assembly according to the invention: 
         FIG. 1  shows an embodiment of an assembly according to the invention fitted with a shoe with a device according to the invention, wherein the shaped piece has the form of a semi-open rigid clip, 
         FIG. 2 a    shows the shoe with the clip in  FIG. 1 , wherein the foot is standing flat on the ground, 
         FIG. 2 b    shows the embodiment of the shoe with clip in  FIGS. 1 and 2   a , but on the inside of the foot, 
         FIG. 3 a    shows a side view of the outside of a foot with the embodiment of the clip in  FIGS. 1, 2   a ,  2   b  and  5 , wherein the forces occurring on inversion are shown, and 
         FIG. 3 b    shows a top view of the foot from  FIG. 3 a    with an embodiment of the clip from  FIGS. 1, 2   a ,  2   b  and  5 , wherein again the forces occurring on inversion are shown, 
         FIG. 4  shows an embodiment of the connecting means for assembling the assembly in  FIG. 2   a,    
         FIG. 5  shows an embodiment of the assembly of the shoe with the clip in  FIG. 2 , wherein the foot is standing flat on the ground. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       FIG. 1  shows an embodiment of an assembly  30  according to the invention fitted with a shoe  1  with a device  2 , wherein the shaped piece  3  has the form of a semi-open, rigid clip. The foot is shown in a state inverted in relation to the lower leg  8 , a state which is a combination of plantar flexion, supination and adduction. This state is one of the most common dislocation states. 
     The open side of the clip  3  is located at the front of the lower leg  8  above the instep part of the shoe  19 . The clip  3  rests with support parts  24 ,  25  on the rear of the lateral malleolus  17  and medial malleolus  18  respectively. It is also possible that the support parts  24 ,  25  clasp around the malleoli  17 ,  18 . On the back of the clip  3  is a cavity  23  to provide freedom of movement for the Achilles&#39; tendon or tendo calcaneus. Near the instep part of the shoe  19  on the outside  15  of the shoe is mounted a fixing ring  20 . Through the fixing ring  20  runs a connecting means  12  in the form of a strap  21  which connects the support parts  24 ,  25  together and to the shoe. An instep part  21   b  of the strap  21  then lies between the fixing ring  20  and support part  25 , an outer part  21   a  of the strap  21  lies between the fixing ring  20  and support part  24 . The fixing ring  20  can also be produced with the shoe  1  as an integral component, for example an injection moulding. 
     The inversion movement is countered because the outside  15  of the shoe  1  moves with the fixing ring  20  away from the support parts  24  and  25 , exerting a tensile force on the strap  21 . The strap  21  acts as a type of external ligament and offers resistance to the tensile force exerted. This prevents injury to the ankle ligaments or other parts of the foot. It is important that the part of the outside  15  of the shoe  1  which lies in the extension of the strap parts  21   a ,  21   b  is formed sufficiently rigid. The resistance offered by the strap  21  can be made adjustable, for example by means of a rotation wheel or by pulling the strap  21  with a fastening on the clip  3  or shoe  1  so that the ratio between firstly the freedom of movement and secondly protection against dislocation is controllable. 
     Because the clip  3  is preferably reinforced at the back of the cavity  23 , it is also prevented that on an inversion movement, the clip  3  is drawn over the malleoli  17 ,  18  by the band  21 , whereby the assembly remains stable. 
       FIG. 2 a    shows the shoe  1  with the clip  3  from  FIG. 2  wherein the foot is standing flat on the ground. It is also shown that on the outside  15  of the shoe  1  is attached a further strap  21 ′ between the fixing ring  20  and the sole  5  below the strap  21 . The strap  21 ′ serves as extra reinforcement for the exterior of the shoe  1 . The strap  21 ′ has a hook part  21 ′ b  which extends between the fixing ring  20  and the sole  5 /heel  7 , and an upper part  21 ′ a  which extends between the fixing ring  20  and the sole  5  of the upper  6 . On an extreme inversion movement, the strap  21 ′ provides extra resistance to tensile forces. Because no extra reinforcement is necessary in the shoe  1  at the site of the strap  21 ′, particularly between strap parts  21 ′ a  and  21 ′ b , the freedom of movement of the bone parts and/or joints present on the outside of the foot is increased, in particular the proximally protruding part of the metatarsus, whereby the user will experience a higher comfort. It is possible that the strap  21 ′ continues into the sole and is attached hereon. It is furthermore possible that the strap  21 ′ is located fully inside the shoe and is attached to the insole. 
       FIG. 2 b    shows the embodiment of the shoe  1  with clip  3  of  FIGS. 1 and 2   a  but on the inside of the foot.  FIG. 2 b    also shows how the strap  21  is connected with the support part  25 . It can also be seen that the support part  25  has a rounded form to increase the wearing comfort in the region around the medial malleolus  18 , in particular when relatively great forces are exerted. The addition of padding increases the comfort further and improves the distribution of forces. 
       FIG. 3 a    shows a side view from the outside of a foot with the embodiment of the clip  3  of  FIGS. 1, 2   a  and  2   b , wherein the forces occurring on inversion are shown.  FIG. 3 a    shows the three force vectors F 21b , F 21′  and F lm , wherein F 21b  is the force on the fixing ring  20  which is exerted on inversion by strap part  21   b , F 21′  is the force exerted on the fixing ring  20  by strap  21 ′ or the shoe  1 , and F lm  is the reaction force exerted by the lateral malleolus  17  on the clip  3 . 
       FIG. 3 b    shows a top view of the foot in  FIG. 3 a    with an embodiment of the clip  3  of  FIGS. 1, 2   a  and  2   b , wherein again the forces occurring on inversion are shown. On inversion, strap  21 ′ exerts a force F 21′  on the fixing ring  20  which transmits this force via strap parts  21   a  and  21   b  to the clip  3 . Because the clip  3  rests via support parts  24 ,  25  on malleoli  17 ,  18 , this force is transferred to these malleoli  17 ,  18 . Thus reaction forces F lm  and F mm  occur from the malleoli  17 ,  18 . 
     Furthermore  FIG. 3 b    shows how the clip  3  surrounds the malleoli  17 ,  18 . It is also shown how the cavity  23  leaves room for the Achilles&#39; tendon such that the freedom of movement of this tendon and thus the foot is increased. 
       FIG. 4  shows an embodiment of the connecting means  12  for mutual connection of the clip and the shoe, or assembling the assembly from  FIG. 2 a   . The connecting means  12  comprises a patch  22  with first and second parts  22   a ,  22   b . The first part  22   a  and the second part  22   b  extend from each other at an angle of between greater than or equal to 0° and 180° so as to form a capital lambda (Λ) shape, a boomerang shape or an inverted V shape, wherein the enclosed angle is preferably between 90° and 120°. The patch  22  furthermore comprises a fixing means  13 , in  FIGS. 4 and 5  in the form of engaging means for engaging the strap  21  of the clip  3 . The engaging means can be designed in the form of a hook. It is also possible that the fixing means is designed as an integral passage or ring for the strap  21  in the patch  22 . 
       FIG. 5  shows the patch  22  in the shape of a capital lambda (Λ) which is attached to a shoe. The patch  22  has a first leg  22   a  which extends from the fixing means  13  in the direction of the sole  5  near the upper  6 , and a second leg  22   b  which extends from the fixing means  13  in the direction of the sole  5  near the heel  7 . The first and second legs  22   a ,  22   b  extend over part of the outside  15  of the shoe but do not touch the sole  5 . The patch  22  is attached to the outside of the shoe with stitching but can also be attached by an adhesive. It is also possible to integrate the patch in the shoe. The patch can also be attached to or integrated into the inside  14  of the shoe depending on the desired reinforcement of the ankle. 
     LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS 
       1  Shoe 
       2  Device 
       3  Clip 
       4  - 
       5  Sole 
       6  Upper 
       7  Heel 
       8  Lower leg 
       9  Ankle 
       10  First end 
       11  Second end 
       12  Connecting means 
       13  Fixing means 
       14  Inside of shoe 
       15  Outside of shoe 
       16  Second fixing means 
       17  Lateral malleolus 
       18  Medial malleolus 
       19  Instep part of shoe 
       19 ′ Foot instep 
       20  Fixing ring 
       21  Strap 
       21   a  Outer part of strap 
       21   b  Instep part of strap 
       21 ′ Strap 
       21 ′ a  Upper part of strap 
       21 ′ b  Heel part of strap 
       22  Fixing element/patch 
       22   a  Instep part of patch 
       22   b  Outside part of patch 
       23  Cavity for Achilles&#39; tendon 
       24  Support part of lateral malleolus 
       25  Support part of medial malleolus 
       26  Outside of foot 
       27  Fixing means 
     
       28 
     
     
       29 
     
       30  Assembly according to the invention