Patent Publication Number: US-7219450-B2

Title: Shoe support system

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   This invention relates in general to the field of supports for the human body and more particularly to supports for a foot. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   One of the most common types of sports-related injuries is a result of an undesired lateral movement in a foot/ankle (e.g., an inversion or eversion movement—that is, a turning in of the ankle—inversion—and a turning out of an ankle—eversion). According to studies, ankle injuries account for 20% to 40% of all sports—related injuries. With such a common occurrence of injuries in ankles, individuals have turned to various foot and/or ankle supports. 
   One such type of support is tape—commonly referred to as “athletic tape.” Athletic tape can be either wrapped around a bare ankle (sometimes a protective covering is put on the bare ankle) or around a shoe after placement of the shoe on the foot—a concept commonly referred to in athletics as a “spatting” of the shoe with tape. Various configurations of tape wrapping exist. For example, the athletic tape can be criss-crossed between the back of the foot and top and bottom parts of the foot. 
   Other types of supports include braces that are coupled to a foot. Many types of these braces include stirrup supports placed on the outside of the ankle or canvass-type materials, which are laced onto a foot. 
   Yet other types of supports include hard shells or boots that are designed to completely isolate movement of the foot. Such devices include ski boots and roller blades. 
   With a large majority of activities, certain movements of the foot are desirable, namely a dorsiflexion movement in the foot and a plantar flexion movement in the foot—that is, an upward movement of the foot (dorsiflexion) and a bending of the foot toward the plantar surface or sole of the foot (plantar flexion). However, the above supports do not necessarily facilitate such movements. For example, the hard shells are designed to prevent such movements; and, research studies suggest that braces and tape can inhibit such movements. 
   An additional concern of any support is the ability to maintain its support characteristics throughout an activity. Research studies suggest that the support created by athletic tape and braces decreases after commencement of the activity. As a result, these studies suggest that an individual should readjust the athletic tape and braces from time to time, during the activity, to maintain a desired support. 
   The most common of the above supports tapes is athletic tape. However, due to the inherent nature of athletic tape, time is required to wrap the tape around a foot/ankle before the activity and remove the tape after the activity. Additionally, care must be taken to ensure that the correct wrapping techniques is utilized, that the correct amount of support is placed on the foot/ankle, and that the tape is not too tight—thereby restricting blood flow in the foot/ankle and/or making the taping support uncomfortable. Furthermore, as a result of such care/time constraints, the number of athletes that can be wrapped within a certain time period before an event is limited—thereby making some athletes go without ankle/foot taping. Additionally, the removal of the athletic tape (e.g., on bare ankles) after a performance is generally an uncomfortable processes. Furthermore, athletic tape is generally not a reusable material—thereby making taping a costly and non-environmentally friendly option. 
   When tape is spat over the outermost part of the shoe, several other undesirable features can occur. Athletic tape on the bottom of the shoe can interfere with the naturally intended performance of the shoe. For example, when wrapped around football shoes, it can cover the cleats of the shoe, thereby potentially interfering with the traction of the shoe—hence, inhibiting the player&#39;s performance. Additionally, athletic tape on the side of the shoes can cover designs and logos—something highly undesirable by some shoe manufacturers. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   From the foregoing it may be appreciated that a need has arisen for a support system that supports an ankle of a foot. In accordance with the present invention, a support system is provided that substantially eliminates one or more of the disadvantages and problems outlined above. 
   According to one aspect of the invention, a support system has been provided that is arranged and designed to support an ankle of a foot. The support system comprises a sole inliner, a coupling, a back inliner, and an upper. The sole inliner is configured for a sole of the foot, while the back inliner is configured for a back of the foot. The coupling movably couples the sole inliner to the back inliner. The upper adjustably secures the sole inliner and back inliner to the foot. The upper, the sole inliner, the coupling, and the back inliner are operable to resist lateral movement of the ankle while permitting dorsiflexion and plantar flexion movement in the foot; and, the upper, the sole inliner, the coupling, and the back inliner are configured for integration within a shoe. 
   According to another aspect of the invention, a shoe has been provided that is arranged and designed to support an ankle of a foot. The shoe comprises a sole inliner, a coupling, a back inliner, and an upper. The sole inliner is configured for a sole of the foot, while the back inliner is configured for a back of the foot. The coupling movably couples the sole inliner to the back inliner. The upper adjustably secures the sole inliner and back inliner to the foot. The upper, the sole inliner, the coupling, and the back inliner are operable to resist lateral movement of the ankle while permitting dorsiflexion and plantar flexion movement in the foot. 
   In yet another aspect of the invention, a support system has been provided that is arranged and designed to support an ankle of a foot. The support system comprises a sole inliner, a coupling, a back inliner, an upper, and a cover. The sole inliner is configured for a sole of the foot, while the back inliner is configured for a back of the foot. The coupling movably couples the sole inliner to the back inliner and includes a biasing member to bias the sole inliner and back inliner towards an angle. The upper adjustably secures the sole inliner and back inliner to the foot. The cover is arranged and designed to surround the upper. The upper, the sole inliner, the coupling, and the back inliner are operable to resist lateral movement of the ankle while permitting dorsiflexion and plantar flexion movement in the foot; and, the upper, the sole inliner, the coupling, the back inliner, and the cover are configured for integration within a shoe. 
   In yet another aspect of the invention, a support system has been provided that is arranged and designed to support an ankle of a foot. The support system comprises a sole inliner, a back inliner, and an upper. The sole inliner is configured for a sole of the foot, while the back inliner is configured for a back of the foot. The upper is coupled to both the sole inliner and the back inliner and includes a cutout, which permits dorsiflexion and plantar flexion movement in the foot. The upper, the sole inliner, and the back inliner are operable to resist lateral movement of the ankle. 
   The present invention provides a profusion of technical advantages that include the capability to facilitate the support of an ankle of a foot. Another technical advantage of the present invention includes the capability to resist lateral movement of the ankle while permitting dorsiflexion and plantar flexion movement in the foot. 
   Another technical advantage of the present invention includes the capability to reduce the time and effort needed to obtain a support for an ankle. 
   Yet another technical advantage of the present invention includes the capability to increase the safety of an ankle, during athletic performance. 
   Yet another technical advantage of the present invention includes the capability to provide a bias of a foot into desired motions. 
   Yet another technical advantage of the present invention includes the capability to provide an adjustable bias, which biases a foot into desired motions. 
   Yet another technical advantage of the present invention includes the capability of providing a reusable support. 
   Yet another technical advantage of the present invention includes the capability of providing a support that maintains support throughout an activity. 
   Yet another technical advantage of the present invention includes the capability of providing a support that can be integrated into a show or serve as the shoe, itself. 
   Other technical advantages are readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the following figures, description, and claims. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     For a more complete understanding of the present invention and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following brief description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings and detailed description, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts, in which: 
       FIG. 1  is a side perspective view of an illustration of the support system, according to an aspect of the invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a side perspective view of the sole inliner, the back inliner, and the upper; 
       FIG. 3  is a side perspective view of the upper, in isolation; 
       FIGS. 4A  is a side view of a configuration of the sole inliner and back inliner with a coupling therebetween; 
       FIGS. 4B ,  4 C, and  4 D are views of torsion springs, which can be utilized in one aspect of the support system; 
       FIG. 5A  is a side perspective view of a configuration of the sole inliner, back inliner, and coupling with a cord member being used as a biasing member; 
       FIG. 5B  is a view of a cord winder and corresponding winder key, which can be used with a cord member; 
       FIG. 6A  is a side perspective view of a configuration of the sole inliner, back inliner, and coupling with a compression member being used as a biasing member; 
       FIGS. 6B &amp; 6C  are perspective views of a configuration, which can be used to couple a compression member to a back of a back inliner; 
       FIGS. 7A ,  7 B, AND  7 C show several configurations of couplings between the sole inliner and the back inliner, according to aspects of the invention; and 
       FIGS. 8A ,  8 B, and  8 C show illustrative uses of the support system. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   It should be understood at the outset that although an exemplary implementation of the present invention is illustrated below, the present invention may be implemented using any number of techniques, whether currently known or in existence. The present invention should in no way be limited to the exemplary implementations, drawings, and techniques illustrated below, including the exemplary design and implementation illustrated and described herein. 
   One aspect of the support system  100  is an ability to resist certain undesirable lateral movements in the foot or ankle—that is, an inversion/eversion movement—while facilitating desirable dorsiflexion and plantar flexion movements—that is an upward movement of the foot (dorsiflexion) and a bending of the foot toward the plantar surface or sole of the foot (plantar flexion). Several configurations of the invention, as will be described below, facilitate such a purpose. Additionally, in some aspects of the invention, dorsiflexion and/or plantar flexion movement is encouraged via the use of a biasing member. 
   The support system  100  can either be utilized as a component of a shoe or as a shoe, itself. Therefore, with general reference to the several aspects of the invention, described herein, it should be understood that other shoe components, now known or later developed, can be incorporated with the general designs of the support system  100 . Furthermore, the discussion of the support system  100  as described herein is intended as only setting forth illustrative concepts, which can be expounded upon by one of ordinary skill in the art. 
   While the support system  100  can be implemented in a virtual limitless number of applications, several activities are contemplated as reaping benefits from the design. Such activities include, but are not limited to, baseball, basketball, bowling, cheerleading, cycling, dancing, fencing, football, golf, hockey, horse racing, hunting, lacrosse, paintball, power lifting, racquetball, rodeo, skateboarding, soccer, softball, tennis, track and field, volleyball, and wrestling. Other contemplated uses of the support system  100  include uses by infants in corrective shoe designs and use by individuals—e.g, with weak ankles or ankles that are recovering from a recent injury—as everyday shoes. Additionally, some individuals may use the support system  100  as strengthening or conditioning shoes as will be described more below with reference to  FIGS. 4A-4C . Other uses of the support system  100  should become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. 
     FIG. 1  shows an illustrative aspect of the support system  100 . In this illustrative aspect of the invention, several components of the support system  100  are seen, namely a cover  130  and an upper  170 . The cover  130  provides an outer protective coating for the inner component parts of the support system  100  (described more in  FIG. 2 ). The cover  130 , additionally, provides a clean overlay finish and can be outfitted with several designs and other shoe components—e.g., cleats or spikes. While such a cover  130  is shown in this illustrative aspect of the invention, it is to be understood that other aspects of the invention may not incorporate a cover  130 , but rather utilize other component parts of the support system  100  or other component parts of a standard shoe. The cover  130 , as shown in this aspect, includes a zipper  137 . While such a zipper  137  is shown, one of ordinary skill in the art should recognize that other devices could additionally be used with a cover  130 —e.g., lacing (shown in  FIG. 7B ) or straps—including devices that are now known or that are later developed. 
   The upper  170  is seen extending just from beyond the unzipped portion of the cover  130 . The upper  170 , described more with reference to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , can include items such as a flexible member  190  and lace holes  175 . 
     FIG. 2  shows a configuration of the support system  100  with the cover  130  removed. As described above, some aspects of the invention may not include a cover  130  and can, for example, include only the component parts shown in  FIG. 2 . In such configurations, the component part of  FIG. 2  can either serve as component parts of a shoe or as the shoe, themselves—e.g., the upper  170  could serve as the outermost coating of the shoe. In  FIG. 2 , the upper  170  has been ghosted to show several component parts of this aspect of the support system  100 , namely a sole inliner  120 , a coupling  140 , a back inliner  160 . Generally, the upper  170 , the sole inliner  120 , the back inliner  160 , and the coupling  140  work together to facilitate a dorsiflexion and planter flexion movement in a foot, while resisting a lateral movement of a foot. In aspects incorporating the cover  130  ( FIG. 1 ), the cover  130  can additionally help to facilitate/resist these movements. With a description of resistance to lateral movement of a foot, it should be understood that this resistance is not necessarily an absolute resistance—that is, a resistance that allows no movement. Some lateral movement may occur in the foot—e.g., lateral movement that is part of natural movement of a foot in a particular activity. Thus, the resistance to lateral movement of a foot, as described herein, is a resistance to a lateral movement of a foot that is beyond that desired in a particular activity. For example, in some activities the undesired lateral movement may be lateral movement that causes injuries. In yet other activities, the undesirable lateral movement can be a lateral movement that detracts from a desired form that enhances performances. Ultimately, the degree to which lateral movement is minimized/resisted will depend on the dynamics of the activity in which the support system  100  is being utilized. 
   The sole inliner  120 , generally conforms to a sole of a foot, while the back inliner  160  generally conforms to a back of a foot, namely the Achilles tendon. In one aspect of the invention, the back inliner  160  will extend at least one inch up the back of the foot (measured from the sole inliner  120 ) and preferably at least four inches up the back of the foot. While these preferences have been given, it should be expressly understood that the extension of the back inliner  160  up the back of foot can take on different sizes and configurations. To a certain degree, the extension of the back inliner  160  will depended on the activity of the foot and/or shoe in which the support system  100  will be utilized. While not shown, both the sole inliner  120  and the back inliner  160  can generally be conformed for the particular dynamics of the activity in which the support system  100  is being utilized. For example, the sole inliner  120  can include an arched design with arch supports. Other similar design and configurations will be come apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. 
   The coupling  140  is positioned between the sole inliner  120  and back inliner  160  to allow a relative movement between the sole inliner  120  and back inliner  160 . Such a relative movement can be seen in some respects as similar to a hinged door; however, the “hinged door” is modified to permit some lateral (eversion/inversion) movements (if so desired) and resist the undesired lateral (eversion/inversion) movements. The relative movement between the sole inliner  120  and back inliner  160  is to a large degree the movement that permits a dorsiflexion and plantar flexion movement in the foot. However, some dorsiflexion/plantar flexion movement is allowed by other component parts of the support system  100 , namely flexibility provided in the sole inliner  120 , and a back inliner  160 . While this coupling  140  is shown, it should be expressly understood that other couplings can additionally be used, as should be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art. Additionally, while a coupling is described in this aspect of the invention as a “hinged door”, it should be expressly understood that in others aspects of the invention, the coupling can be a solid piece coupling that couples the sole inliner  120  to the back inliner  160  such that the sole inliner  120  and the back inliner  160  are seen as an integral piece. More details of such an aspect of the invention are described below with reference to  FIG. 7A . 
   The upper  170  couples to both the back inliner  160  and sole inliner  120 , allowing adjustable positioning of a foot to the sole inliner  120  and back inliner  160 . The upper  170  in this aspect includes a flexible member  190 , which couples to an opening of the upper  170  and partially circumscribes a foot positioned in the upper  170 . The flexible member  190  serves as an initial engaging mechanism of the upper  170  to the foot; however, in other aspects the flexible member  190  can serve as the sole connection member of the upper  170  to a foot. Other variations will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. 
   The upper  170  in this aspect includes a cutout  176  that divides the upper  170  into a top upper member  178  and a bottom upper member  172 . The top upper member  178  and bottom upper member  172  both include lace holes  175 , which allow laces to be threaded therethrough. Such a configuration allows independent adjustable engagement of the top upper member  178  and bottom upper member  172  to a foot, and facilitates the dorsiflexion/plantar flexion movement of a foot. Other configurations, which allow an engagement of the upper  170  onto a foot (as parts or as whole) should become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, in other aspects, the upper  170  can include Velcro strips or adjustable straps that aid in adjustably securing the upper  170  to a foot. In this aspect, a flap  135  lies over the flexible member  190  to facilitate the lacing through the lace holes  175  of the top upper member  178  and bottom upper member  172 . 
   As described above, the upper  170 , the coupling  140 , the sole inliner  120 , and the back inliner  160  are generally designed to resist a lateral movement in the foot or ankle, while facilitating desired dorsiflexion and plantar flexion movements. Therefore, the construction/choice of materials for these component parts (the upper  170 , the coupling  140 , the sole inliner  120 , and the back inliner  160 ) must be chosen accordingly. As an example, intended for illustrative purposes only, an attempted undesired lateral movement of a foot could be transferred to the upper  170  and through the sole inliner  120  to the coupling  140 . With such a transfer of forces, each of the component parts must withstand the force, being imparted thereon. In such an example, suitable materials for the upper  170  include a variety of leathers or synthetic materials, including high strength woven fabrics. Suitable materials for the sole inliner  120  include, but are not limited to, a variety of thermoplastics and thermoformed materials, providing the desired rigidity in the sole inliner  120  and resistance to undesired torsion forces. Similarly, suitable materials for the coupling  140  can include, but are not limited to, a variety of thermoplastics and thermoformed materials as well as metallic coupling pieces. At the same time these component parts (the upper  170 , coupling  140 , sole inliner  120 , and back inliner  160 ) are working to resist the above undesired lateral movement, they are additionally working to permit the desired dorsiflexion/plantar flexion movements in the foot. Therefore, as briefly referenced above, the sole inliner  120  (made e.g., of a thermoplastic, thermoformed material, or the like) can have some flexibility—e.g, a flexibility across the arch. Several variations of design configurations and material choices to accomplish these purposes will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. 
     FIG. 3  shows an isolated view of the upper  170  with the flap  135  and flexible member  190  removed. As described above, the flexible member  190  can extend the distance of an opening in the upper  170 —serving as an initial engagement of the upper  170  with the foot. The cutout  176  allows the top upper member  178  and the bottom upper member  172  to independently engage a foot—e.g., via lacing. With this independent engagement, the cutout  176  facilitates the dorsiflexion/plantar flexion movements in the foot—separating the top upper member  178  from the bottom upper member  172 . While the cutout  176  in this aspect of the invention has been shown as a small cutout, it should be expressly understood that in other aspects of the invention, the cutout can be much larger with different configurations. The coupling of the sole inliner  120  (not seen in this figure) and back inliner  160  (not seen in this figure) to the upper  170  can take on an numerous techniques, now known or later developed—e.g., through insertion of the sole inliner  120  and back inliner  160  through insertion groove  171 . 
     FIG. 4A  shows a configuration of the sole inliner  120  and back inliner  160  with the coupling  140 , mounted therebetween. The back inliner  160  has been shown ghosted in several different positions to illustrate the moveable relationship between the sole inliner  120  and back inliner  160 . 
     FIG. 4B  shows a plurality of torsion springs  142  that can be used in the coupling  140 . Each of the torsion springs  142  has a back inliner extension  143 , which couples with the back inliner  160 , and a sole inliner extension  144 , which couples with the sole inliner  120 . Such torsion springs  142 , as should become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, can be used as a biasing member to provide a bias in a predefined direction—e.g., in the illustration of  FIG. 4B , biasing an angle between the back inliner  160  and sole inliner  120  towards a predefined angle. 
     FIGS. 4C AND 4D  show two types of torsions springs  142 , which can be incorporated into the coupling  140  of  FIG. 4A .  FIG. 4C  shoes an acute angle torsion spring  142 A, which generally biases towards an angle in the direction of the arrow  70 .  FIG. 4D  shoes an obtuse angle torsion spring  142 B, which generally biases towards an angle in the direction of the arrow  75 . Biasing towards an acute angle with the acute angle torsion spring  142 A would force a foot positioned within the support system  100  into dorsiflexion—alternatively viewed as an individual being encouraged/forced onto the balls of his feet. Benefits of such an encouraged action should become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art—e.g., applications in football, wrestling, and the like. Additionally, the use of higher strength biasing member, which forces dorsiflexion, can be used as a conditioning mechanism for lower leg muscles. As an example, the normal motion of a foot in walking, running, or jumping motion is for the foot to extend beyond an acute angle. Therefore, for the foot to extend to these positions, the lower muscles of the legs (for example, calf muscles) must overcome the bias towards an acute angle. The use of the support system  100  having such a biasing member (e.g., the acute angle torsion spring  142 A) could therefore exercise the calf muscles as an individual jumps, runs, sprints, or walks. 
   The biasing towards an obtuse angle with the obtuse angle torsion spring  142 B would force a foot positioned within the support system  100  into plantar flexion—alternatively viewed as an individual being encouraged/forced to extend his or her foot. The benefits of such an encouraged action should, additionally, be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, field goal kickers could be encouraged to point their foot when kicking a football; ballets dancers could be encouraged to point their feet in one of the many plurality of pointed toe movements associated with ballet; and high jumpers and long jumpers could be encouraged to jump—a natural pointed foot activity. A higher-powered acute angle torsion spring  142 B, in a manner similar to that described above, can exercise the lower muscles of the legs; and, in some aspects may even enhance performance—e.g., vertical jumping ability. 
     FIG. 5A  shows another configuration of the sole inliner  120  and back inliner  160  with the coupling  140 , mounted therebetween and including a biasing member. The biasing member in this configuration is a compression cord  200 , extended between the sole inliner  120  and back inliner  160 . The compression cord  200  preferably is made of a material that prefers a compressed state, but is additionally capable of expansion—the expansion causing a higher compressive force in the material. Such properties of a material should become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art—e.g., something having characteristics similar to that of a rubber band. 
   The compression cord  200  is threaded through support holes  126  in side supports  122  of the sole inliner  120 . The compression cord  200  can then be positioned through a cord housing  210  strung between the sole inliner  120  and back inliner  160 . 
   With reference to  FIG. 5B , a backside of the back inliner  160  is shown. The compression cords  200  on each side of the back inliner  160  are shown, extending from the cord housing  210 . Each of the compression cords  200  extends and wraps around a cord winder  220 . While not shown in detail, the cord winder  220  can be a rotatably mounted assembly, which is spring loaded with springs  225 —the springs  225  forcing an object into engagement with the cord winder and preventing rotation of the cord winder  220 . When the springs  225  are compressed, the cord winder  220  is allowed to rotate. The winder key  230  serves the function of compressing the springs  225  and allowing the cord winder  220  to rotate. The winder key  230  additionally engages the cord winder  220 , whereby the winder key arms  234  can be rotated to provide a torque in rotating the cord winder  220 . The construction of such a mechanical design (cord winder  220 , springs  225 , winder key  230 ) should be within the skill of one of ordinary skill in the art; and, other similar designs serving a similar purpose should become apparent. With rotation of the cord winder  220 —e.g., in the clockwise direction with reference to FIG.  5 B—the compression cords  200  are wound in and expanded—thus, causing more of a compressive force. Likewise, a counter clockwise rotation causes the compression cords  200  to be released, reducing the compressive force. As such, the compressive force is thereby adjustable. 
   With reference to  FIG. 5A , once again, the configuration shows a biasing of an angle between the sole inliner  120  and back inliner  160  towards an acute angle via use of the compression in the compression cord  200 . Alternatively, the compression cord  200  can be wrapped around a redirection member  240  (shown in phantom view), allowing the biasing of an angle between the sole inliner  120  and back inliner  160  towards an acute angle—the shortest compressive distance. With these positions, it is additionally contemplated that a track can be incorporated between the position, generally indicated by the support hole  126  and the position generally indicated by the redirection member  240  to allow a change between the acute/obtuse angle biasing. Other similar configurations and variations should become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. 
     FIG. 6A  shows another configuration of the sole inliner  120  and back inliner  160  with the coupling  140 , mounted therebetween and including a biasing member and a wedge  128 . The biasing member in this configuration is a compression member  300 . The compression member  300  is a removable assembly that can be positioned between the sole inliner  120  and the back inliner  160 . In the configuration shown in  FIG. 6A , locking pieces  310  on the end of the compression member  300  are initially positioned through a groove  125  in a side support  122  of the sole inliner  120 . After such positioning, the compression member  300  is rotated, preventing the locking pieces  310  from pulling back through the grooves  125 . Alternatively, the compression member  300  can be locked down to the sole inliner  120  with a screw  123 , described in more detail with reference to  FIG. 7A . The compression member  300  can be coupled to the back inliner  160 , e.g., using a longitudinal snap member  325  on the back inliner  160  or the knobs  330 , described below. 
   The wedge  128  in this aspect is shown positioned on top of the sole inliner  120 . The wedge  128 , as will be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art, elevates the heel of the foot above the sole inliner  120 —thereby placing an athlete on the ball of his foot. The wedge  128  can be outfitted with cushions/and or springs to protect the heel of the foot in certain activities. The illustration of the wedge  128  in this aspect is intended as showing one of the many features, which can be incorporated within the support system  100  and should not be construed as being required in every aspect of the invention. 
   With reference to  FIGS. 6B AND 6C , an alternative coupling of the compression member  300  to the back of the back inliner  160  can be seen. One or more knobs  330  on the compression member  300  are inserted through a hole  162  in the back inliner  160 . Other coupling techniques should become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. 
   With reference, once again, to  FIG. 6A , several grooves  125  are provided—thus, allowing an adjustment of the compression force, for example, with placement in different grooves  125 . Additionally, compression members  300  of different compressive qualities can be utilized to further enhancing an adjustment of compression. Furthermore, a redirection member  240  (seen in  FIG. 5A ), can be incorporated to change the direction of biasing between the obtuse/acute angle. While the compression member  300  is shown bent between the sole inliner  120  and back inliner  160 , it is contemplated that the compression member  300  can additionally be linearly positioned between the sole inliner  120  and back inliner  160 —that is, positioned in a straight line. 
   While such biasing members have been shown with reference to  FIGS. 4B ,  4 C,  4 D,  5 A,  5 B,  6 A,  6 B, and  6 C, it is to be expressly understood that such biasing members are only illustrative of some configurations of biasing, which can be utilized. Other biasing mechanisms will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. Additionally, component parts of a biasing member disclosed in one configuration, described herein, can be used in another configuration, described herein. 
     FIGS. 7A ,  7 B, AND  7 C show several configurations of the coupling  140  between the sole inliner  120  and the back inliner  160 , from a view of the underside of the sole inliner  120 .  FIG. 7A  shows a coupling  140 A that makes the sole inliner  120  and back inliner  160  appear as an integrated piece. The coupling  140 A can be made of the same material as the sole inliner  120  and back inliner  160 ; or, the coupling  140 A can be made of a different material—e.g., a more flexible material. 
     FIG. 7B  shows another coupling  140 B that can be utilized, according to an aspect of the invention. The coupling  140 B includes a coupling piece  147  and hinge members  148 B,  148 C. Hinge members  148 C are on the ends of the sole inliner  120  and back inliner  160 , while hinge members  148 B are on the coupling piece  147 . Coupling piece  147  includes a portion that can be mounted to the sole inliner  120  using screws  123  and a portion that can be mounted to the back inliner  160  using a strap  149 . 
     FIG. 7C  shows another coupling  140 C that can be utilized, according to an aspect of the invention. Coupling  140 C is a hinged coupling, having hinge members  148 C. The hinge members  148 C are on the ends of the sole inliner  120  and back inliner  160 B, allowing a movable coupling between the sole inliner and back inliner  160 B. 
   Additionally shown in  FIG. 7C  is a compression member  300 , which can be coupled to the sole inliner  120  with a screw  123 . The compression member  130 C in this aspect is strewn around the back of the back inliner  160 C and hooked, thereto. 
   With reference to  FIGS. 7B and 7C , it can bee seen that the sole inliners  120  are the same while the back inliners  160 B,  160 C have slight variations. Such an illustration is intended as showing an interchangeability of several aspects of the invention. 
   While the couplings  140 A,  140 B, and  140 C have been described herein, it should be expressly understood that other configurations of the support system  100  can utilize other couplings  140 . 
     FIGS. 8A ,  8 B, AND  8 C show several configurations of the support system  100  in an exemplary use, namely football. While such an exemplary use is shown, it should be expressly understood that other uses are contemplated. In  FIGS. 8A ,  8 B, and  8 C, the support system  100  serves as a shoe, using a cover  130  outfitted with football cleats. The support system  100  can utilize any of the configurations described herein.  FIG. 8A  shows a cover  130 A, being configured with a zipper design;  FIG. 8B  shows a cover  130 B with a single lace design; and  FIG. 8C  shows a cover  130 C with a double lace design. 
   Thus, it is apparent that there has been provided, in accordance with the present invention, a support system that satisfies one or more of the advantages set forth above. Although the preferred aspect has been described, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations can be made herein without departing from the scope of the present invention, even if all, one, or some of the advantages identified above are not present. For example, the upper  170  can be used as an outermost portion of a shoe. Additionally, any of a variety of shoe technologies and material, now known or later developed, may be incorporated to facilitate the support system  100 . These are only a few of the examples of other arrangements or configurations of the system that is contemplated and covered by the present invention. 
   The various components, configurations, and materials described and illustrated in the preferred aspects as discrete or separate may be combined or integrated with other components, configurations, and materials of other aspects or other shoe designs without departing from the scope of the present invention. Other examples of changes, substitutions, and alterations are readily ascertainable by one skilled in the art and could be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.