US2238366A - Foot balancing means - Google Patents

Description

C. P. LEYDECKER FOOT BALANCING MEANS Filed Dec. 12, 1958 April 15, 1941.

Patented Apr. 15, 1941 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICEA FOOT BALANCING MEANS Charles P. Leydecker, Webster Groves, Mo. Application December 12, 1938, lSerial No. 245,084 Y (c1. srs-71) l 11 Claims.

The present invention relates generally to shoes, and more particularly to means for achieving foot balance and correct position within a shoe, and a method for effecting such balance and position.

The present application comprises a continuation in part of my copending application Serial No. 194,021, filed March 5, 1938.

The present invention is predicated upon the theory that there is only one longitudinal bone arch in the foot construction when the heel bone or os calcis is raised above the plane of the forepart of the foot, the main columns or supports of which comprise the posterior portion of the plantar surface of the os calcis and the forward portion of the rst metatarsal. Many authorities aver that there are three or four arches in the longitudinal dimension of the foot; but a study of the bones in the feet shows that the many bones which comprise a foot when in the just stated relationship make up one complete arch, some -parts of which are concave and some parts of which are convex, vbut `all of which contribute to the one single arch.

Modern ,shoe construction has resulted in the dropping of certain bones of the foot, notably the os calcis, cuboid and the fifth metatarsal, so that `the rear portion of the fifth metatarsal contacts the shoe in walking at a point below aplane through the bottom of the posterior portion of the plantar surface of the os calcis and the forward portion of the first metatarsal. This,however, is not a natural position. This lowering of the enumerated bones of the feet has been caused by constructing shoes rwith heels, which, of course, raises the position of the os calcis relative to the forward portion of the lrst metatarsal.

Many devices have been devised in .an effort to compensate for the position of the bones in the foot in this man-made position relative to the ground, and .none of them has been singularly successful. Many have concentrated on supporting the `inner side of the foot at the center of the arch by means which are generally designated arch supports, which support soft tissue.

However, few have seriously yconsidered .the outer side of the longitudinal arch and the raising of the os calcis from the plantar surface which, `in the final analysis, is; the primary weight carrier of the foot. Experiment has shown that the weightof the body in walking is carried from the posterior portion of the os calcis, or heel bone, which is the largest and strongest of the tarsal bones because its office is to transmit the Weight of the body to the ground, as one main support CII along a substantially curved line through the cuboid and the fth metatarsal to the forward portion of the rst metatarsal as the other main support. In other words, in walking, rthe weight of the body is distributed along the outer edge of the foot substantially in an arc of a circle from the heel bone to the forward portion of the first metatarsal. The forward portions of the fifth, fourth, third, and second metatarsal lassist Vto only a minor degree this weight transfer from thev base of theiifth metatarsal yto the forward portion of the rst metatarsal when the posterior portion of the plantar surface of the os calcis and the forward portion of the first metatarsal areon the same plane, but when the former is raised relative to the 4latter by heels their weight-shifting function increases greatly. The foot has a tendency to roll, which is a balanced movement when the heel is not maintained raised relative to the metatarsals.

Before proceeding, it should be observed here that the lower portion of the os calcis is not flat, but is rounded and normally has one tuberosity on the outer side and another forwardly on 'the plantar surface. To prevent all wobbling and elongating of the foot in walking, a support is necessary beneath the head of the fifth metatarsal and forepart of the plantar surface of the os calcis, for the tuberosity on the plantar surface, which is about one inch in front of the bearing surface of the os calcis, helps carry weight when shoes with heels are worn, which changes the general relationship of the bones of the foot.

As the weight is shifted forwardly in walking from the an-terior portion of the os calcis to the base of the fth metatarsal, the fth metatarsal, which is, in effect, a marked protuberance, assists in the forward shifting thereof by contact with the walking surface. However, when the heel bone is elevated, the base of the fifth metatarsal is likewise relatively elevated and, to contact the walking surface, must drop a greater degree, which results instraining the main longitudinal arch, inasmuch as the bone structure must give to allow this unnatural ultimate position of the base of the fth metatarsal and the forepart of the os calcis. This `dropping .downwardly of the rear portion of the fifth metatarsal and anterior portion of the os calcis accentuates the rolling weight distribution through the foot and results in the outward turning over of the shoe, which is one of thevgreatest wear points in modern shoe `construction. 'Ihe majority of shoes,r after being worn .a short while, show this `overturning outwardly of the .upper over the edge of the sole.

It should be observed that the position of the os calcis in a normal foot without a raise under it lies obliquely or at an angle that varies according to the height of the longitudinal arch, pointing upward at an angle of about 18 on an average. The more this angle is decreased, which decrease varies directly in proportion to heel heights, the more weight is thrown on the transverse arch, causing an undue strain on the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. In other words, the forward portion of the os calcis should be some distance from the bearing surface of the floor or ground under weight bearing. When heels are worn, the forward portion of the os calcisis lowered and there is considerable strain on the muscles, tendons, and ligaments to hold this forward portion up in relation to the shoe. When the os calcis is not supported .properly in the shoe, there is a gradual weakening of all the supporting tissues, which allows the os calcis to drop.

This dropping downwardly of the forepart of the os calcis accentuates the rolling weight distribution throughout the foot and allows the arch to elongate from one-eighth to three-,fourths inches according to the height of the arch at rest.

When the arch is held in its normal position, the foot becomes shorter. Unless the anterior portion of the os calcis is properly supported when the os calcis is raised, the arch cannot be held in its normal position under weight bearing, and it must be continued to be supported in order to keep the foot in its correct position.

The present invention contemplates correcting the distorted action of bone structure, when shoes with heels are worn, by providing a support for the front or anterior portion of the os calcis, which will not allow it to drop under weight bearing, The holding up of the anterior portion of the os calcis will assist nature to keep the foot normal and nature will be able to strengthen the muscles, tendons and ligaments when .the foot -is weak. To compensate for the position of the bones in this man-made position relative to the ground, the anterior portion of the os calcis must be supported on a plane much higher than the posterior portion. As the foot distributes the weight forward as in walking, the anterior portion must be supported so that the weight will be shifted to the cuboid and the base of the fifth metatarsal very evenly without too much roll. The conventional arch supports and different kinds of balances to date have tried to support the inner side of the `os calcis and, in doing this, they fail to give the foot its normal balance because the plantar surface must be supported to prevent the anterior por l'on of the os calcis from displacing itself downwardly. l

It can be noted that nature has provided a space where the os calcis has been hollowed out on the inner side so that the nerves, arteries, and veins can pass from the plantar surface without any impingement that can interfere with their norma-l functions. This provision by nature allows the os calcis to be raised to the proper height, after it has been dropped, without interi fering with circulation or with .the nerves.

The present invention contemplates correcting this distorted action of the bone structure by providing a support for the forward portion of the os calcis and for the front and rear portions of the fifth metatarsal and the front portions of the fourth, third, and second metatarsals which will alleviate strain in the foot and save this undue overturning of theshoes outwardly,

The undue lowering of the anterior portion of the os calcis and the outside bone structure of the Cil foot, resultant of raising the heel relative to the forward portion of the first metatarsal, strains the whole foot structure and causes tiring of an individual prematurely, Only when the foot is properly balanced is the circulation of the blood normal and can the blood enter and leave the pedal extremities without straining the heart. There are nerves passing through the foot which transmit the `proper amount of nerve impulses when the circulation is normal, and quite obviously impoverished circulation will lead to subnormal nerve impulses and resultant impaired activity of the feet. Lengthy experiments have proved that a foot housed in a shoe constructed in line with the present invention has normal blood circulation. Wearers of such shoes have been able to withstand very substantially greater strains in usage of the feet than when wearing shoes of conventional design and construction.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide means for balancing a foot within a shoe to reduce bone, muscle and nerve strain, and to prevent the outward overturning of the shoe upper over the edge of the sole.

Another object is to provide a method of balancing a foot within a shoe to secure proper foot balance and proper foot position.

Another object is to provide a device for insertion within a shoe adapted to support the forward portions of the i'lfth, fourth, third, and second metatarsals and the base of the fifth metatarsal at predetermined levels labove the sole of the shoe.

Another object is to provide a device for obtaining correct foot balance comprising a shoe insert constructed of a thickness in ratio to the heel height of the shoe 4in which it is to be employed.

Another object is to provide a device for insertion within a shoe which is adapted to elevate the -anterior portion of the os calcis of a foot disposed within the shoe Another object is to provide a device for insertion within a shoe which is adapted to elevate the anterior portion of the os calcis, the base of the fifth metatarsal, and fthe forward portions of the fifth, fourth, third, and second metatarsals of a foot disposed within the shoe.

Another object is to provide an insert for a shoe which is adapted to strengthen the longitudinal arch of a foot disposed within the shoe, and to prevent undue outward rolling of such foot.

Another object is to provide an insert for a.

y shoe which is adapted to support the anterior portion of the os calcis and to prevent the forward sliding of a foot disposed within the shoe.

Other objects and advantages will be apparent from the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, in which:

Fig. 1 is a longitudinal section through a shoe equipped with a device constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, the bones of a foot being dotted in in contacting relation with the device;

Fig. 2 is a section on the line 2-2 of Fig. l, the footskeleton relationship being shown;

Fig. 3 is a side view of a shoe taken opposite to Fig. 1, the present invention being installed in operative relation therewith, the upper of the shoe being in section for clarity of illustration, and the bones of a foot being shown in contacting relation with the present novel device;

Fig. 4 is a section on the line 4--4 of Fig. 2; Fig. 5 is a section on the line 5-5of Fig. 2; and

Fig. 6 is a section on .the line ali-,6 of Fig. `.2.

Referring to the V,drawing more particularly by reference numerals, there is shown a shoe I including an outer sole `II, an linsole I2, a heel I3, and an upper I4. vlWithin theshoe If! there are cooperatively disposed twoinserts I6 and vI1 which are constructed in accordance with vthe concepts of the present invention. The insert I-1 is of elongated configuration and is of `substantially the same construction as the insert .forming the subject matter of my copending application Serial No. 194,021, filed March 5, 1938. The insert -I'I differs from that V,of my copending application only in the termination thereof along the line I8 (Fig. 2). The yinsert I1 includes a `plural-ity of layers I9, 2-0, 2l, and 22 which are of `varying lengths, as can be readily appreciated from an inspection of Fig. 3. The long top layer I9 is of a width to rest beneath the forward portions of the fifth, fourth, third,

andlsecond metatarsals of a foot within the shoe I0. The underlying layers 20, 2l, and 22 areof lesser widths in order to ease the maximum height of the insert I1 to the level of the insoleI2.

The insert I6, as shown, includes a plurality of layers 25, 26, 21, 28, 29 30, 3l and 32 (Fig. 4), although the specific number of layers may vary. The layers 25-32 are of varying lengths and are ydisposed so that the insert t5 longitudinally includes an intermediately disposed peak (Fig. l). The base layer 32 is disposed well back-overthe heel I 3, whereas the superposed layers arestepped forwardly to provide a smoothinclined surface 33. The rear edges of the layers 2f5-32 are beveled to effect the smooth inclined surface 33. The top layer 25 is a rela-tively short piece and is located to receive in sustaining relation the protuberance 35 on the plantar surface of the anterior portion of the heel bone of an os calcis 3'6. Layers 30, .31, and 3.2 terminate at the rear line I8 of the insert I1, but Ythe layers 26, 21, 28, and 29 extend forwardly over a portion of Vthe insert I 1 (Fig. 2), being cut away along the outer sides from the edge IB vof the insert I'I 1:

forwardly to permit the insert I1 to receive in supporting relation the rearrportion of a fth metatarsal (40 (Fig. 3). The layers 2.5, 21, 28, and `29 shelve off forwardly vto provide an easement for the tissues of the foot disposed thereover. The foot skeleton .38 is dotted in so that the bones thereof are in' contacting relation with the inserts I6 and I1 and the insole I2 in order to more clearly illustrate the presentinvention. It

is, of course, appreciated that flesh and skin separate the bones from the surface of such bearing surfaces. Figs. 1 and 3 clearly show the dis position of the os calcis 36 relative to the insert I5. The cuboid 39 finds some support on the insert I 6 also. The rear portion of the fifth metatarsal d0 is supported Ihy the insert lI'I (Fig. 3). The forward portions of the fifth, fourth, third, and second metatarsals d0, 4h42, and 43,- respectively, are likewise supported by the insert I1, the insert I1 easing the aforesaid portions of the fifth, fourth, third, and second metatarsals from the highest point of the insert I1 to the level of the insole I2 (Fig. 2).

In use, the inserts I6 and I1 are disposed in l a shoe against the insole I2 and beneath the sock lining (not shown). The number oflayers employed for the insert I 6 and the number of layers employed for the insert I1 will necessarily vary with a particular foot, but the princi-ple -involved remains ,the same. The anterior portion rof the vos vcalcis 36 is positively supported by the .insert ITG in a manner to assist in sustaining Ithe integrity of the 'longitudinal arch. Some support is likewise Alent to the cuboid 39, but the essential function of the insert I6 is the support of the forward portion of the os calcis 36. It must be emphasized here that the insert I 6 is not an arch support in the present meaning of the term, as is `evident from the present disclosure. The insert I1 gives positive support to the vrear portion -of the fifth metatarsal 40, -thereby assisting toV prevent breakdown of the longitudinal arch. The support of the rear portion of the fifth metatarsal 40 likewise prevents outward overturning` of the shoe. The insert I1 alsoraises from the level of the insole I2 the forward portions of the fifth, fourth, third, and second lmetatarsals dil-43, respectively, which assists the'weight-shiftin-g function of vthese bones.

It is clear from the foregoing that the inserts I6 and If'l, in supporting the several particularly mentioned bones, relieve strain on the tendons, muscles, ligaments andnerves which so often upset the complete human system. Both the longitudinal and the transverse arches are supported and allowed to function normally. The insert It Vsecon-darily serves as a stop to prevent a foo-t from sliding forwardly in the shoe. The heel is, in effect, blocked up by the insert I S, which -acts as a fulc-rum for the plantar `facis ligaments, allowing them to contract to assist in holding up the longitudinal arch. As has been previously pointed out, undue rolling of the foot outwardly to overturn the upper of the shoe is prevented.

The inserts I6 and I1 have vbeen described individually and as comprising a plurality o-f layers of material. It is contemplated as within the scope of the present invention that the inserts be of individual one-piece construction. It is further contemplated that they be vconsolidated into a single solid unit or that they may comprise one laminated unit, for they function as a unit. Experience has shown that the use of several elemen-lisas shown, facilitates the securing of the proper relative thickness atl critical points, but the foregoing `other constructions may be expeditiously employed for certain installations. Any suitable material may be used for the con-y struction of the inserts I6 and I1 such as leather, resilient materials, and the like. The material employed for the insert will necessarily vary with the condition of a particular foot.

It is to be `understood that the foregoingT description and accompanying drawing have been given by way of illustration and example, and not for -purposes of limitation, the invention being limited by the `claims which follow.

What is claimed is:

l. A device for supporting portions of a foot comprising means for supporting the anterior portion of the os calcis of a foot, means for supporting the base of the fifth metatarsal, and means for supporting the forward portionsI of the fifth., fourth, third and second metatarsals, said supporting device being of restricted extent to permit the head of the first metatarsal and the posterior portion of the os calcis to be supported by the insole of a shoe with which said device is associated.

2. A device for supporting portions of a foot comprising means for supporting the anterior portion of the os calcis, means for supporting the cuboid, said means being adapted to support the oscalcis and the cuboid in their normal arch positions, means for supporting the base of the fifth metatarsal, and means for supporting the forward portions of the fifth, fourth, third and second metatarsals, said supporting device being of restricted extent topermit the head of the first metatarsal and the posterior portion of the os calsis to be supported by the insole of a shoe with which said device is associated.

3. A device for supporting portions of a foot comprising means for supporting the anterior portion of the os calcis, said os calcis supporting means being of a thickness to maintain the anterior plantar surface of the os calcis in its normal longitudinal arch relationship, means for supporting the base of the fifth metatarsal, and means for supporting the forward portions of the fifth, fourth, third and second metatarsals, said supporting device being of restricted extent to permit the head of thel first metatarsal and the posterior portion of the os calcis to be supported by the insole of a shoe with which said device is associated.

4. A device for supporting portions of a foot comprising means for supporting the anterior portion of the os calcis, means for supporting the base of the fifth metatarsal, and means for supporting the forward portions of the fifth, fourth, third and second metatarsals, said last means being of greater thickness tion of the fifth metatarsal than the supporting means beneath the rear portion of the fifth metatarsal, said supporting device being of restricted extent to permit the head of the first metatarsal and the posterior portion of the os calcis to be supported by the insole of a shoe with which said device is associated.

5. A device for supporting portions of a foot comprising means for supporting the anterior portion of the os calcis, means for supporting the base of the fifth metatarsal, and means for supporting the forward portions of the fifth, fourth, third and second metatarsals, said last means being of less thickness beneath the forward portion of the second forward portion of the fth metatarsal, said supporting device being of restricted extent to permit the head of the first metatarsal and the posterior portion of the os calcis to be supported by the insole of a shoe with which said device is i associated.

6. A device for insertion in a shoe comprising an .elongated insert adapted to be disposed on the inner sole along the outer edge thereof, said insert having a portion to be disposed beneath the base of the fifth metatarsal and a portion to be vdisposed beneath the forward portion of the fifth metatarsal, said latter portion being of greater thickness than the former, said insert being o-f restricted extent to permit the head of the first metatarsal and the posterior portion of the os calcis of a foot to be supported by the insole of the shoe.

7. A device for insertion in a shoe comprising an elongated insert adapted to be disposed on the inner sole along the outer edge thereof, said insert having a portion to be disposed beneath the beneath the forward pormetatarsal than beneath the v os calcis being of greater base of the fifth metatarsal and a portion to be disposed beneath the forward portion of the fth metatarsal, said latter portion being of greater thickness than the former, said latter portion being of a width to extend beneath the-forward portions of the fourth, third, and second metatarsals and of decreasing thickness beneath the forward portions ofthe third and second meta tarsals to ease weight transfer to the forward portion of the first metatarsal, said insert being of restricted extent to permit the head of the first metatarsal and the posterior portion of the os calcis of a foot to be supported by the insole of the shoe.

8. A device for supporting portions of a foot comprising means for supporting the anterior portion of the os calcis, means for supporting the cuboid, said os calcis and cuboid supporting means being adapted to positively maintain the os calcis and cuboid in normal longitudinal arch relationship, means for supporting the base of the fifth metatarsal, and means for supporting the head of the fifth metatarsal, said supporting device being of restricted extent to permit the head of the first metatarsal and the posterior portion of the os calcis to be supported by the insole of a shoe with which said device is associated.

9. In a device of the kind described, an insert adapted to be disposed in a conventional shoe comprising a portion for supporting the anterior portion of the os calcis of a foot above the plane of the insole of the shoe, said anterior portion supporting portion terminating short of the posterior portion of the os calcis so that the posterior portion of the os calcis is supportedron the insole, a portion for supporting the base of the fifth metatarsal above the plane of the insole, and a portion for supporting the forward portions of the fifth, fourth, third and second metatarsals above the plane of the insole, said portion supporting the anterior portion of the thickness than the other said supporting portions.

10. An insert for disposition within a conventional shoe, said insert being of a configuration to lie beneath the anterior portion of the os calcis, the cuboid, and the fifth, fourth, third and second metatarsals of a foot, said insert providing a positive support for the anterior portion of the os calcis, the cuboid, the base of the fifth metatarsal and the forward portions of the fifth, fourth, third and second metatarsals, but being of restricted extent to permit the posterior portion of the os calcis and the head of the first metatarsal to be supported directly by the insole..

11. A device for supporting portions of a foot comprising means for supporting the anterior portion of the os calcis, means for supporting the base of the fifth metatarsal, and means for supporting the head of the fifth metatarsal, said supporting device being of restricted extent to permit the head of the first metatarsal and the posterior portion of the os calcis to be supported by the insole of a shoe with which said device is associated.

CHARLES P. LEYDECKER.

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