US20110296715A1

US20110296715A1 - Augmented Footwear for Gripping and Holding in Micro-gravity Environments

Info

Publication number: US20110296715A1
Application number: US13/028,220
Authority: US
Inventors: Edward Lamar Howell
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-02-16
Filing date: 2011-02-16
Publication date: 2011-12-08

Abstract

This invention relates generally to human space flights to Earth orbit and beyond. It is designed for use in micro-gravity environments, to allow the wearer to make use of one or both feet as prehensile appendages. The invention enables the operator to use their feet for gripping, holding and manipulating. It achieves this by means of flexible footwear with molded extensions that protrude from under the toes and ball of the foot, creating additional leverage for the flexion and extension of the toes. The basic embodiment of the invention consists of six (6) main components. 1. A solid extrusion, positioned under the metatarsal bones of the foot, extending downward from the plantar surface. 2. A second solid extrusion, positioned under the first phalange of the foot, extending downward from the plantar surface. 3. A third solid extrusion, positioned under the second, third, fourth and fifth phalanges collectively, extending downward from their plantar surfaces. 4. A foot covering, encompassing the phalanges and metatarsus of the foot, and integrating the three extrusions. 5. A means for anchoring or securing the foot covering to the user's foot. 6. A means for allowing full flexion and hyperextension of the phalanges, and by extension, the extrusions positioned under the phalanges.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISK APPENDIX

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In modern space travel, humans in micro-gravity environments are becoming more commonplace, and this trend is forecasted to continue. As of this writing, the International Space Station represents the pinnacle of space construction projects and has the largest interior living and working space of any current spacecraft. The problems of living and working in space, now and in the future, are the topics of books, research, government contracts and boardroom meetings.
Holding one's self in place while in micro-gravity, or “weightless,” is one such problem. A person cannot stand normally in the absence of normal gravity. On earlier space habitats, such as Mir and Skylab, astronauts and cosmonauts have used handrails to maneuver themselves around, and to anchor themselves in place. These rails are usually a simple metal bar attached to a wall. Handrails like this now line the interior and exterior of the International Space Station (ISS).
The typical use of these rails is to grasp them with either hand, then push or pull with the arm to provide a means of locomotion. To remain stationary and make use of the hands, the astronauts commonly insert one or both feet under a rail or strap. Using these rails or straps with the feet, however, causes problems. Mark Shuttleworth, a wealthy South African who spent some time on the ISS, wrote that the tops of his feet became bruised after repeatedly hooking them under straps and metal rungs. He also wrote that his solution would be to have special socks that are thicker on top. Currently, photos indicate that some of the rungs on the interior of the ISS are covered in thin foam padding, which is secured in place with plastic cable ties as an attempt to reduce or remove stress and injury to the foot.
Another problem that is common to micro-gravity environments is the physical behavior of objects when weightless. Unsecured objects will float away, and must be attached to something, or held in the hands. NASA ISS Science Officer Don Pettit proposed in a video blog that a three-axis gyroscopic spin stabilization device might be used to act as a “third hand,” to position a flashlight while the astronaut used both hands to work, or to hold an object stationary and nearby while otherwise using the hands.

BACKGROUND—DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

There currently exist many types of specialized footwear for use in specific activities, such as running or yoga. For running or jogging shoes, the plantar surface of the foot is covered by a flexible protective material that increases traction. In yoga, special socks can be worn which include separate compartments for each toe as well as a non-slip surface on the bottom. The tabi sock design includes one separate compartment for the big toe, or hallux, enabling its freedom of motion.
In addition, previous patents have addressed the problem of holding a person in place in micro-gravity. U.S. Pat. No. 5,042,173 discloses a foot restraint using specialized rails attached to the vehicle and shoes with cleats to fit into the rails. U.S. Pat. No. 5,070,964 describes a foot restraint platform that is mounted to the end of a manipulator arm. U.S. Pat. No. 5,779,002 describes an astronaut's workstation, which includes a base with a foot rail designed to be used with a sliding foot restraint. All of these inventions are predicated on restraint of the foot, and rigidly holding the person in place.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention is ergonomic footwear designed to be worn by a human in a micro-gravity environment, which will extend and augment the foot to allow active prehensile grasping, holding, and manipulating actions with the toes, consisting principally of a foot covering, made of a flexible material, designed to allow freedom of movement and full range of motion of all of the bones of the foot, and including as integrated components a separate compartment for the hallux phalange, solid extrusions attached to the bottom of said foot covering, extending downward from the plantar surface of the foot, with one extrusion proximal to the hallux, such that the action of said toe is directly transferred to it, and a further extrusion proximal to the second, third, fourth and fifth phalanges, such that the action of said toes is directly transferred to it, and a further extrusion extending downward from the plantar surface of the foot, proximal to the metatarsals, or ball of the foot.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a medial aspect side view of the right foot and its component bones.

FIG. 2 is a medial aspect side view of the right foot and its component bones, displaying the normal range of motion for the phalanges (toes).

FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of the invention, showing the prehensile gripping action effected by the movement of the toes.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view from in front of and above the invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view from in back of and below the invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view from below and in front of the invention, showing the operation of the invention using both feet, with respect to a cylindrical object.

FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of an alternate embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9 is a side elevation view of a second alternate embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view from below and in front of a third alternate embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view from above and in front of the invention, including as reference a human in micro-gravity conditions, showing the operation of the invention using one foot, with respect to a cylindrical object.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

Human, Foot and Foot Bones:

10 x Human Foot
25 x Talus
30 x Calcaneus
35 x Navicular
40 x Cuboid
45 x Cuneiforms
50 x Metatarsal
55 x Proximal Phalange of Hallux Toe
60 x Distal Phalange of Hallux Toe
55 y Proximal Phalange of Hallux Toe, Extended Position
60 y Distal Phalange of Hallux Toe, Extended Position
80 x Flexion Position of the Phalanges of the Foot
80 y Extension Position of the Phalanges of the Foot
100 x Human

Prior Art:

200 x Hand Grip Bar
220 x Tabi Socks

Basic Configuration:

300 Soft Foot Cover
320 Means for attaching Strap 340 to Soft Foot Cover 300
340 Strap for securing Soft Foot Cover 300 to Human Foot 10 x
360 Extruded Augmentation corresponding to the metatarsals
370 Extruded Augmentation corresponding to the first phalange
370 x Flexed positioning of Soft Foot Cover 300, and Extruded Augmentations 360, 370 and 380
370 y Extended positioning of Soft Foot Cover 300, and Extruded Augmentations 360, 370 and 380
380 Extruded Augmentation corresponding to the second, third, fourth and fifth phalanges

Alternative Embodiments

300 d Soft Foot Cover with integrated means for securing to 10 x Human Foot
360 d Alternative Extruded Augmentation for the metatarsals
370 d Alternative Extruded Augmentation for the first phalange
380 d Alternative Extruded Augmentation for the first phalange
360 e Alternative Extruded Augmentation for the metatarsals
370 e Alternative Extruded Augmentation for the first phalange
360 f Alternate Position for 360 e Alternative Extruded Augmentation
370 f Alternate Position for 370 e Alternative Extruded Augmentation
360 g Alternative Extruded Augmentation for the First Metatarsal

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the background information relating to the invention, FIGS. 1 and 2 disclose relevant human anatomical information, namely, the general shape and position of 10 x Human Foot and its component foot bones as viewed from the medial aspect. The range of motion disclosed in FIG. 2 represents normal full flexion and extension of the five phalanges. Not shown in these two views are the other four sets of metatarsals and phalangeal bones, since they lie principally behind the bones along the median edge.
Referring now to the detailed description of the invention, in FIGS. 3-7 there is shown Soft Foot Cover 300, a foot covering; Strap 340 for securing Soft Foot Cover 300 to Human Foot 10 x; Means 320 for attaching Strap 340 to Soft Foot Cover 300; Extruded Augmentation 360 corresponding to the metatarsals; Extruded Augmentation 370 corresponding to the first phalange; and Extruded Augmentation 380 corresponding to the second, third, fourth and fifth phalanges.
FIG. 3 is a side view of the invention worn on the foot as viewed from the medial aspect, showing Extruded Augmentation 360 positioned below the ball of the foot and Extruded Augmentation 370 positioned below the big toe. The extrusions are directly attached to Soft Foot Cover 300. Not shown in this Fig. is Extruded Augmentation 380, since it lies principally behind Extruded Augmentation 370 in this view. The Soft Foot Cover 300 is optimally made of fabric, foam or molded silicon, or any material that allows full range of motion for the toes and ankle.
FIG. 4 is a side view of the invention's flexible range of motion as viewed from the medial aspect, showing 360 Extruded Augmentation positioned below the ball of the foot and 370 Extruded Augmentation positioned below the big toe. Extension and flexion of the toes results in the gripping action of the extrusions, where Extruded Augmentation 360 acts like an opposing thumb, providing the surface against which the pressure of Extruded Augmentation 370 and Extruded Augmentation 380 can be applied.
FIGS. 5 and 6 are perspective views of the invention, showing Extruded Augmentation 360 positioned below the ball of the foot, Extruded Augmentation 370 positioned below the big toe, and Extruded Augmentation 380 positioned below the second, third, fourth and fifth toes collectively.
Continuing to reference FIGS. 3, 4, 5, and 6, the Soft Foot Cover 300 is attached to Human Foot 10 x with Strap 340 across the Achilles' tendon, which is adjustably attached to Soft Foot Cover 300 using a means for attachment 320, such as a snap, button or clasp. The Soft Foot Cover 300 includes a separate compartment for the big toe, allowing it to move separately from the other toes. The three Extruded Augmentations 360, 370 and 380 are comprised of a material which is firmer that the Foot Cover 300, allowing pressure to be applied to them without collapsing them, such as rigid plastic or vinyl.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view from the bottom left of the invention, showing the operation of the invention with both feet being used to grasp a cylindrical hand rail. To hold an object, the user first extends the toes, opening the grip of the footwear. The user then places his or her feet so that the extrusions are on either side of the object, and then flexes the toes to close the grip. The user can vary the pressure as needed and can let go simply by extending the toes again.
FIG. 8 is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the invention worn on the foot as viewed from the medial aspect, showing Alternate Extruded Augmentation 360 d positioned below the ball of the foot, Alternate Extruded Augmentation 370 d positioned below the big toe, and Alternate Extruded Augmentation 380 d positioned below the second, third, fourth and fifth toes collectively. The extrusions are directly attached to Alternate Soft Foot Covering 300 d, which encompasses the heel and ankle of the wearer's foot as a means for securing and wearing it. The extrusions in this embodiment are angled forward, differently shaped and enlarged, compared to the standard embodiment, allowing the user to position their ankle in a more extended and relaxed pose during use.
FIG. 9 is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the invention worn on the foot as viewed from the medial aspect, showing Alternate Extruded Augmentation 360 e positioned below the ball of the foot, and Alternate Extruded Augmentation 370 e positioned below the big toe. Not shown in this Fig. is Extruded Augmentation 380 e, since it lies principally behind Extruded Augmentation 370 e in this view. The extrusions are removable and attached to Soft Foot Cover 300. Alternate Extruded Augmentation 360 f is the alternate position of Alternate Extruded Augmentation 360 e, attached above the ball of the foot, while Alternate Extruded Augmentation 370 f is the alternate position of Alternate Extruded Augmentation 370 e, repositioned above the big toe. The prehensile operation of the device is the same, except that flexing the toes will expand the grip of the extrusions, while extension of the toes will contract the extrusions. Parts 300, 320 and 340 remain essentially unchanged in this variant.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view from the bottom left of an alternate embodiment of the invention, showing Alternate Extruded Augmentation 360 g positioned principally below the first metatarsal, and Extruded Augmentation 370 positioned below the big toe. This embodiment eschews the separate compartment for the big toe and the small toes' augmentation, leaving the big toe as the only grip effector.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view from the top right of the invention, showing the operation of the invention with the right foot being used to grasp a hand rail, including as reference Human 100 x in micro-gravity conditions.

Description and Operation of Alternative Embodiments

An alternate embodiment of the invention is described as follows; the extruded augmentation, as described, is integrated into the structure of a complete foot covering, including the heel, and/or ankle, and/or lower leg, such as a crew-length sock or a shoe.
An alternate embodiment of the invention is described as follows; the extruded augmentation includes a means for repositioning, so that it can be repositioned above the foot.
An alternate embodiment of the invention is described as follows; the extruded phalangeal augmentation and foot covering include a means for removing and re-attaching the extrusions, so that they can be repositioned above the foot.
A further alternative embodiment would be to have the extrusions, as described, textured to improve grip friction.
A further alternative embodiment would be to have the extrusions detach and be replaced by alternative extrusions designed for a specific object, class of objects, or function.
A further alternative embodiment would be to have the augmentation, as described, integrated into the structure of a foot covering in an Extra-Vehicular Activity (EVA) suit.
A further alternative embodiment would be to have the augmentation, as described, used in a naturally buoyant environment, such as underwater.

Objects and Advantages

The main object and advantage of this invention is to enable prehensile grasping, holding, and manipulating actions with the feet in micro-gravity.
A further objective and advantage of this invention is that, by bringing the feet and legs into greater use during space flights, they are exercised and kept active, and this will result in improved fitness.
A further objective and advantage of this invention is freeing the hands to carry and manipulate objects while the feet are used for locomotion.
A further objective and advantage of this invention is enabling the feet to carry and manipulate objects while the hands are used for locomotion.
A further objective and advantage of this invention is to increase comfort and efficiency for space travelers and workers in Earth orbit and beyond.

CONCLUSIONS, RAMIFICATIONS AND SCOPE OF INVENTION

The benefits of the disclosed invention, which began with consideration of an existing ergonomic and health problem in space travelers, include, without limitation, reduced foot discomfort and injury, the ability to use one or both feet as substitute hands, and improved health, safety and efficiency. This disclosure represents an example of the footwear augmentation, and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Variations in extrusion shape, texture, materials, decoration, or the means for wearing the invention may be made to the design or its alternative embodiments without altering its basic prehensile function. While the preceding written description of the invention does enable a person of ordinary skill to make and use any of the embodiments disclosed, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. Augmented footwear enabling improved prehensile grasping and manipulation of objects with the feet, comprising in combination:

a foot covering, encompassing at least the phalanges and metatarsus of the human foot, and including as integrated and connected elements;

a separate individual compartment for the first phalange of the foot, allowing full abduction, adduction, flexion and hyperextension of the phalange;

a separate individual compartment for the four small phalanges of the foot, allowing full abduction, adduction, flexion and hyperextension of the phalanges;

a means for anchoring or securing the footwear to the user's foot;

a solid extrusion, positioned under the metatarsal bones of the foot, extending downward from the plantar surface of the foot;

a second solid extrusion, positioned under the first phalange of the foot, extending downward from the plantar surface of the foot, attached so that the range of motion of the first phalange is directly transferred to it; and,

a third solid extrusion, positioned under the four small phalanges collectively, extending downward from the plantar surface of the foot, attached so that the range of motion of the phalanges is directly transferred to it.

2. The augmented footwear of claim 1, wherein the material covering encompasses the heel, ankles and/or lower leg, either as a replacement for, or not interfering with, the means for anchoring or securing the footwear to the user's foot.

3. The augmented footwear of claim 1, wherein the phalangeal and metatarsal extrusions can be repositioned to the dorsal side of the foot.

4. The augmented footwear of claim 1, wherein the metatarsal extrusion is principally positioned under the first metatarsal bone of the foot.

5. The augmented footwear of claim 1, wherein the phalangeal and metatarsal extrusions can be detached and replaced with a different extrusion.

6. The augmented footwear of claim 1, wherein the extrusion(s) are shaped to grasp or hold a specific object, or class of objects.

7. The augmented footwear of claim 1, wherein the extrusion(s) are surfaced with a texture or material to augment their gripping function.

8. The augmented footwear of claim 1, wherein the footwear is surfaced with a decorative texture or material.

9. The augmented footwear of claim 1, wherein the foot covering does not cover the toes.

10. The augmented footwear of claim 1, wherein:

there is no extrusion(s) corresponding to the metatarsus and no extrusion(s) corresponding to the four smaller toes, leaving only the extrusion(s) corresponding to the hallux as the means for enabling prehensile manipulation; OR,

wherein there is no extrusion corresponding to the metatarsus and no extrusion corresponding to the hallux, leaving only the extrusion(s) corresponding to the four smaller toes as the means for enabling prehensile manipulation; OR,

wherein there is no extrusion(s) corresponding to the hallux and no extrusion(s) corresponding to the four smaller toes, leaving only the extrusion(s) corresponding to the metatarsus as the means for enabling prehensile manipulation.

11. The augmented footwear of claim 1, wherein:

there is no extrusion(s) corresponding to the metatarsus, leaving only the extrusion(s) corresponding to the four smaller toes and the extrusion(s) corresponding to the hallux as the means for enabling prehensile manipulation; OR,

wherein there is no extrusion(s) corresponding to the hallux, leaving only the extrusion(s) corresponding to the metatarsus and the extrusion corresponding to the four smaller toes as the means for enabling prehensile manipulation; OR,

wherein there is no extrusion(s) corresponding to the four smaller toes, leaving only the extrusion(s) corresponding to the metatarsus and the extrusion(s) corresponding to the hallux as the means for enabling prehensile manipulation.

12. The augmented footwear of claim 1, wherein there are said prehensile augmentation extrusions corresponding to one or more toes individually, or in group(s) of two, three, four, or five.

13. The augmented footwear of claim 1, wherein there are extrusions positioned on the anterior and/or posterior side of the foot as a means of said prehensile function.

14. The augmented footwear of claim 1, wherein there is an alternate means of attaching the foot covering to the foot.

15. The augmented footwear of claim 1, wherein the invention is integrated into the design of an Extra-Vehicular Activity (EVA) suit.