Bi-layer orthotic

Abstract

A bi-layer orthotic having an orthotic portion and a base layer is provided. The orthotic portion is operably coupled at a heel thereof to the base layer by a coupling. The coupling may comprise an off axis rotator axel or an arcuate rotator follower. The bi-layer orthotic is configured to provide therapeutic correction to a pronated or supinated foot.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A bi-layer orthotic comprising:
 an orthotic having a heel portion and a front portion;   a coupling;   a base layer coupled to said orthotic at the heel portion by said coupling,   wherein said coupling is structured to allow said heel portion to pivot relative to the base.   
     
     
         2 . The bi-layer orthotic of  claim 1  wherein said pivotal coupling comprises an off axis rotator axel. 
     
     
         3 . The bi-layer orthotic of  claim 1  further comprising a cushioning layer positioned between said base layer and said orthotic. 
     
     
         4 . The bi-layer orthotic of  claim 1  wherein said heel portion is configured to receive a heel of a pronated or supinated foot requiring therapeutic correction. 
     
     
         5 . The bi-layer orthotic of  claim 1  wherein said pivotal coupling comprises an arcuate rotator follower. 
     
     
         6 . The bi-layer orthotic of  claim 5  wherein said base layer includes a channel for receiving said arcuate rotator follower. 
     
     
         7 . The bi-layer orthotic of  claim 6  wherein said channel for receiving said arcuate rotator follower curves to the left and is configured to provide a therapeutic correction to a supinated foot. 
     
     
         8 . The bi-layer orthotic of  claim 6  wherein said channel for receiving said arcuate rotator follower curves to the right and is configured to provide a therapeutic correction to a pronated foot. 
     
     
         9 . The bi-layer orthotic of  claim 5  wherein said base layer includes a plurality of channels for receiving said arcuate rotator follower. 
     
     
         10 . The bi-layer orthotic of  claim 9  wherein said plurality of channels for receiving said arcuate rotator follower curve to the left and are configured to provide a therapeutic correction to a supinated foot. 
     
     
         11 . The bi-layer orthotic of  claim 9  wherein said plurality of channels for receiving said arcuate rotator follower curve to the right and are configured to provide a therapeutic correction to a pronated foot. 
     
     
         12 . The bi-layer orthotic of  claim 1  wherein said orthotic is incorporated into a shoe. 
     
     
         13 . The bi-layer orthotic of  claim 1  wherein said base layer comprises a resilient material. 
     
     
         14 . The bi-layer orthotic of  claim 1  further comprising a boot, said boot coupled to said orthotic and said base layer by said coupling. 
     
     
         15 . The bi-layer orthotic of  claim 14  further comprising at least one upright support having first and second ends, said first end operably coupled to said base layer, said upright support including a cut out structured for accommodating a malleoli. 
     
     
         16 . The bi-layer orthotic of  claim 15  further comprising at least one hinge pin for operably coupling said upright support to said boot. 
     
     
         17 . The bi-layer orthotic of  claim 15  wherein said at least one upright support includes a pull tab fixedly coupled to said boot. 
     
     
         18 . The bi-layer orthotic of  claim 17  wherein said pull tab includes a finger portion configured to accommodate a user's finger to facilitate donning of said boot. 
     
     
         19 . The bi-layer orthotic of  claim 14  wherein said boot further includes one or more straps structure to limit anterior and/or posterior displacement of a user's foot relative to said upright support. 
     
     
         20 . The bi-layer orthotic of  claim 19  wherein said boot straps are structured to limit constriction of a user's ankle or lower leg. 
     
     
         21 . The bi-layer orthotic of  claim 18  further comprising a second pull tab positioned within an upper edge of said boot. 
     
     
         22 . The bi-layer orthotic of  claim 21  wherein said second pull tab a padded collar. 
     
     
         23 . The bi-layer orthotic of  claim 22  wherein said padded collar comprises neoprene.