Devices and systems for dynamic foot support

Abstract

Devices and systems for providing dynamic foot support to a user are described. A device includes a heel support shelf, a foot support shelf, and a dampening device that allows relative motion of the heel support shelf with respect to the foot support shelf. When a wearer has on footwear that includes such a device, his or her foot is bent and flexed within the footwear during natural walking motion, thereby promoting blood flow, preventing stress, increasing comfort and reducing pain.

1 . A dynamic foot support device comprising: 
 a heel support shelf for supporting a heel portion of a foot;    a foot support shelf for supporting a distal portion of a foot; and    a dampening device in communication with the heel support shelf and the foot support shelf; wherein the dampening device allows a relative motion of the heel support shelf with respect to the foot support shelf when a force is applied to the heel support shelf.    
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 a pivoting joint connecting the heel support shelf and the foot support shelf, wherein the relative motion of the heel support shelf with respect to the foot support shelf occurs in an arc about the pivoting joint.    
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 2 , further comprising: 
 a layer of protective material positioned on the pivoting joint, wherein the layer of protective materials protects a foot from motion of the pivoting joint.    
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 an internal support layer located inside the heel support shelf, wherein the internal support layer provides structural support to the heel support shelf.    
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the relative motion of the heel support shelf may be adjusted with respect to the foot support shelf.  
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the relative position of the heel support shelf may be reversibly secured with respect to the foot support shelf.  
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 connectors at two ends of the dampening device that connect the dampening device to the heel support shelf and the foot support shelf, wherein the connectors allow the dampening device to be replaced by a wearer.    
     
     
         8 . A device for dynamic foot support, the device comprising: 
 a heel support shelf for supporting a heel portion of a foot;    a foot support shelf for supporting a foot; and    means for allowing motion of the heel support shelf with respect to the foot support shelf when a force is applied to the heel support shelf.    
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 8 , wherein the means for allowing motion comprises a pivoting joint connecting the heel support shelf and the foot support shelf, wherein the pivoting joint allows relative motion of the heel support shelf with respect to the foot support shelf in an arc about the pivoting joint.  
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 9 , further comprising a layer of protective material positioned on the pivoting joint; wherein the layer of protective materials protects a foot from motion of the pivoting joint.  
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 8 , further comprising, an internal support layer located inside the heel support shelf, wherein the internal support layer provides structural support to the heel support shelf.  
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 8 , wherein the relative motion of the heel support shelf may be adjusted with respect to the foot support shelf.  
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the relative position of the heel support shelf may be reversibly secured with respect to the foot support shelf.  
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the means for allowing motion is replaceable by a wearer.  
     
     
         15 . A system for dynamic foot support, the system comprising: 
 a footwear for accommodating a foot; and    a dynamic foot support platform incorporated within the footwear, wherein the dynamic foot support platform includes a heel support shelf for supporting a heel portion of a foot; a foot support shelf for supporting a foot; and a dampening device in communication with the heel support shelf and the foot support shelf, wherein the dampening device allows relative motion of the heel support shelf to the foot support shelf when a force is applied to the heel support shelf.    
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 15 , further comprising a pivoting joint connecting the heel support shelf and the foot support shelf, wherein the pivoting joint allows relative motion of the heel support shelf with respect to the foot support shelf in an arc about the pivoting joint.  
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 16 , further comprising a layer of protective material positioned on the pivoting joint, wherein the layer of protective materials protects a foot from motion of the pivoting joint.  
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 15 , further comprising an internal support layer located inside the heel support shelf, wherein the internal support layer provides structural support to the heel support shelf.  
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein the relative motion of the heel support shelf may be adjusted with respect to the foot support shelf.  
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein the relative position of the heel support shelf may be reversibly secured with respect to the foot support shelf.