Reinforced orthotic insert

Claim 1

A substantially unitary orthotic insert adapted to be placed in an article of footwear, said insert having a longitudinal axis parallel to a lengthwise axis of a foot for which the insert is used, and a transverse axis, said insert comprising: a. a rear portion adapted to underlie and engage a plantar surface of a calcaneal area of the foot; b. a forward portion adapted to underlie and engage a plantar surface of a metatarsal head area of the foot; c. an intermediate portion connecting to and extending between said rear and forward portions to engage a plantar surface of a mid-foot area of the foot; d. said insert having outside and inside edge portions adapted to be positioned adjacent an outside edge and an inside edge of the foot, respectively; e. an elongate reinforcing member having a reinforcing axis along a lengthwise dimension of said reinforcing member, said reinforcing member being rigidly mounted to said insert so as to resist bending moments along, and transmit applied forces along, said reinforcing axis, said reinforcing member comprising: 1. a central elongate core portion extending along said reinforcing axis; 2. a plurality of elongate fibers having a substantial alignment component parallel to said reinforcing axis, with said fibers being positioned around said core portion in a generally tubular configuration; f. said reinforcing member being positioned at a localized area of said insert.