Functional orthotic support structure for footwear

Abstract

An orthotic support structure or shell may be used with footwear intrinsically or as a removable and transferable device. The footwear may be a sandal assembly including a sole, a strap and an orthotic shell. The strap is attached to the sole and configured to secure the sole against the foot. The orthotic shell is positioned within the sole and formed from a semi-rigid material. The orthotic shell includes a heel portion configured to support a heel region of the foot, and a midfoot portion connected to the heel portion and configured to support an arch region of the foot, the midfoot portion comprising an arched shank having a curved convex shape. The arched shank is configured to deflect under a downward force applied thereon which reactively rotates the heel portion toward the heel region of the foot.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An orthotic device for footwear worn on a foot of a wearer, the orthotic device comprising:
 a heel portion configured to support a heel region of the foot, and   a midfoot portion connected to the heel portion and configured to support an arch region of the foot, the midfoot portion comprising an arched shank having a curved convex shape,   wherein the arched shank is configured to deflect under a downward force applied thereon which increases a chord length of the arched shank in a longitudinal direction, and   wherein the increase in the chord length causes reactive rotation of the heel portion toward the heel region of the foot.