Stature Adjusting Device

Limb length discrepancy occurs when a person or animal has one leg or arm that is shorter than another. The significance of limb discrepancies can range from a fraction of an inch to several inches, causing a variety of difficulties and potentially severe pain or discomfort. Limb length discrepancies can be attributed to a variety of different causes, including congenital defects, bone fractures, bone infections, tumors, and certain surgeries. There are many risks associated with common procedures used to address limb discrepancies, such as the potential for nerve damage, the loosening of implants, joint or limb dislocation, infection, blood clots in the limbs, or the fracturing of healthy bones during corrective surgery.

One type of limb discrepancy that affects humans is leg length discrepancy, also known as anisomelia or short leg syndrome, which frequently results from a total hip arthroplasty (“THA”). THAs date back to 1891 in Germany when Themistocles Gluck utilized ivory to replace the hip joints of those who suffered from tuberculosis. However, it was not until the early 1960s that Sir John Charnley, an orthopedic surgeon, developed the first successful operation for THA, the low-friction arthroplasty. The device implemented via low-friction arthroplasty consists of three different parts: (1) a metal femoral stem; (2) a polyethylene acetabular component; and (3) acrylic bone cement. This design is nearly identical to the prostheses used in modern day treatments.

As the procedures and technology for THAs and similar surgical treatments have improved over time, the average age of the recipients of such treatments has decreased, and the number of THA surgeries has increased as the benefits continue to outweigh the risks. In the United States alone, over 450,000 THAs are performed each year. Despite the improvements made to these procedures, they are still very costly and are associated with a variety of inherent risks, due at least in part to the complexity and invasiveness involved. For example, during a typical hip replacement surgery, damaged portions of the hip are removed and replaced with artificial components. These parts are usually constructed of ceramic, hard plastic, or metal, and the resulting prostheses are designed to increase function and reduce pain at or near the hip. THA procedures are most often implemented to address arthritis damage, especially when it begins to impede the daily life and activities of an individual. Even though THAs are very effective at alleviating or eliminating the pain associated with arthritis, it is not uncommon for individuals to experience leg length discrepancy as a result of these procedures.

THAs are only one cause of limb discrepancy. Other medical procedures, like limb lengthening and bone tumor treatments can cause such issues. Due to the frequency with which these issues occur, various techniques have been implemented to minimize postoperative leg discrepancy. For example, surgeons often use X-ray images and other overlays of an individual's hip to determine the size of the required implant as well as how much bone to remove during the procedure. While these practices have resulted in lowering the potential for leg length discrepancies, the problem still persists for many individuals, many of whom experience severe side effects, such as muscle fatigue, moderate or severe pain, accelerated cartilage and bone wear, nerve damage, and more. Depending on the severity of the discrepancy, an individual may have to undergo additional surgery to fix the problematic leg imbalance. A more cost-effective and less invasive way to resolve leg length discrepancy issues would be highly desirable.

What is needed is a stature adjusting device that may address leg length discrepancy side effects without requiring surgery. This may provide a non-invasive and convenient way for compensating for leg length discrepancies. A stature adjusting device may allow a user to achieve a more balanced posture despite having one leg that is longer than the other, thereby increasing user comfort while engaging in various tasks and activities.

The present disclosure provides generally for a stature adjusting device. According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the stature adjusting device may comprise at least one support element, wherein the at least one support element may comprise a thickness, wherein the thickness may increase a distance between at least one portion of a user's foot and a surface being traversed by the user. In some implementations, the support element may comprise a top portion and a bottom portion, wherein the top portion of the support element may be shaped to receive at least one portion of the user's foot, such as the heel. In some embodiments, the stature adjusting device may comprise at least one securing mechanism, wherein the securing mechanism may be configured to maintain the position of the support element proximate to the heel of the user. In some embodiments, the stature adjusting device may comprise least one connection mechanism, wherein the connection mechanism may be configured to removably or permanently attach the support element to at least one article of clothing.

The FIGURES of the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, as their dimensions can be varied considerably without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

The present disclosure provides generally for devices for adjusting the stature or posture of a user. In some aspects, a stature adjusting device of the present disclosure may allow a user to increase the distance between at least one portion of the user's foot and a traversable surface. In some aspects, a stature adjusting device may provide a non-invasive and convenient way of compensating for a leg length discrepancy that may be caused by a surgery or similar medical procedure, injury, or genetic condition, as non-limiting examples.

In some implementations, a stature adjusting device may comprise at least one support element, wherein the support element comprises a thickness that increases the distance between at least one portion of a user's foot, such as, for example and not limitation, a bottom portion of the user's heel, and a traversable surface. In some embodiments, the stature adjusting device may comprise at least one securing mechanism, wherein the securing mechanism may be configured to secure the support element at a preferred, desired, or required location, such as, for example and not limitation, a location proximate to the bottom portion of the user's heel, and maintain the support element in a such a position.

In the following sections, detailed descriptions of examples and methods of the disclosure will be given. The descriptions of both preferred and alternative examples, though thorough, are exemplary only, and it is understood to those skilled in the art that variations, modifications, and alterations may be apparent. It is therefore to be understood that the examples do not limit the broadness of the aspects of the underlying disclosure as defined by the claims.

Referring now to, an exemplary stature adjusting device, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, is illustrated. In some aspects, the stature adjusting devicemay comprise at least one support element, wherein the support elementmay comprise a thickness configured to increase a distance between at least one portion of a user's foot, such as, for example and not limitation, the heel, and a traversable surface. In some aspects, the thickness of the support elementmay be configured to adjust a stature of at least one lateral side of the user by providing a raised surface that accommodates a shorter first leg of the user relative to a longer second leg, such that the user may comprise a more even or aligned stature while standing, walking, or in an otherwise upright position with both feet on a traversable surface. As a non-limiting illustrative example, a user's left leg may be a quarter of an inch shorter than the user's right leg, and the user may require a support elementwith a thickness of a quarter of an inch to compensate for the leg length discrepancy.

In some implementations, the support elementmay comprise a top portion, wherein the top portion of the support elementmay comprise a shape configured to abut and/or receive at least one portion of a user's foot, such as, for example and not limitation, the heelof the user. In some implementations, the support elementmay comprise a wedge shape with a tapering thickness, a parallelepiped shape, or a frustoconical shape, as non-limiting examples. By way of example and not limitation, the thickness of the support elementmay taper in at least one direction, such as, for example and not limitation, in a direction towards the center of the user's heel. In some embodiments, the top portion of the support elementmay comprise at least one curved indentation shaped or molded to receive and fit snuggly against at least one portion of the user's foot, such as, for example and not limitation, a bottom portion of the user's heel.

In some aspects, the support elementmay at least partially comprise at least one pliable or malleable material, wherein the material may allow the top portion of the support elementto be shaped or molded to conform to the shape of the desired or required location of the stature adjusting device, such as, for example and not limitation, the bottom portion of the heel. In some aspects, the support elementmay be manufactured to conform to one or more shape or size requirements or preferences of a unique user. By way of example and not limitation, a user may use a pliable or malleable material to create a mold of the user's heel, and the support elementmay be manufactured to replicate the shape of the mold.

In some aspects, the support elementmay comprise a bottom portion, wherein the bottom portion of the support elementmay facilitate the ambulatory movements of a user when traversing a surface. In some embodiments, the bottom portion of the support elementmay be substantially flat, or, in some implementations, the bottom portion of the support elementmay be shaped to mimic or replicate the bottom portion of the user's footthat may be covered by the support element, such as, for example and not limitation, the bottom portion of the user's heel. In some aspects, the shape and design of the bottom portion of the support elementmay be configured to facilitate conformable movement of the user. In some non-limiting exemplary implementations, the bottom portion of the support element, may comprise one or more textures or structural variations, such as ridges, indentations, or grooves, as non-limiting examples. In some aspects, a textured bottom portion of the support elementmay increase the coefficient of friction between the bottom portion and a traversable surface, which may increase user safety by decreasing the possibility of slippage.

In some embodiments, the stature adjusting devicemay comprise at least one securing mechanism, wherein the securing mechanismmay be configured to secure the support elementat a desired, preferred, or required location proximate to at least one portion of a user's foot. By way of example and not limitation, the securing mechanismmay be configured to maintain the position of the support elementproximate to the bottom portion of the heelof the user. In some implementations, the securing mechanismmay be configured to apply one or more retaining forces that maintain physical contact between the top portion of the support elementand the user's foot. In some aspects, the securing mechanismmay be configured to wrap around or otherwise encompass at least one portion of the support elementand at least one portion of the user's foot, such as, for example and not limitation, one or more portions of the heeland/or ankle, wherein the securing mechanismmay be configured to apply one or more compression forces that maintain the position of the support elementproximate to at least one portion of the user's foot, such as, for example and not limitation, the heel.

In some non-limiting exemplary embodiments, the securing mechanismmay be configured to apply such compression force(s) by at least partially comprising at least one at least partially elastic material, such as elastane, rubber, or nylon, as non-limiting examples. In some aspects, the securing mechanismmay comprise one or more flexible or pliable materials to facilitate donning and removal of the stature adjusting device. By way of example and not limitation, the securing mechanismmay comprise one or more of: cotton, cloth, fabric, textiles, linen, or polyester, as non-limiting examples.

In some implementations, the support elementmay be permanently or removably secured to the securing mechanism. In some aspects, the support elementmay be at least temporarily secured to the securing mechanismvia at least one attachment mechanism, such as one or more of: a hook-and-loop fastener, a snapping mechanism, an adhesive, a button, one or more stitches, as non-limiting examples. In some aspects, securing the support elementto the securing mechanismmay minimize or reduce unintentional or unwanted movement of the support element. In some embodiments, this may allow a user to be mobile while minimizing the potential for the support elementto slide out of position.

In some implementations, the securing mechanismmay comprise an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein at least a portion of the inner surface may physically contact the user during use of the stature adjusting deviceand the outer surface projects away from the user. In some aspects, the securing mechanismmay be configured to receive the support elementon the inner surface or the outer surface. In some embodiments, the support elementmay comprise one or more materials that correspond to the position of the support element. By way of example and not limitation, the support elementmay at least partially comprise one or more of: leather, foam, rubber, plastic, latex, gel, silicone, or cellular polymers when the support elementis received by the inner surface of the securing mechanismto facilitate user comfort, while the support elementmay at least partially comprise one or more of: foam, rubber, plastic, or other polymers when received by the outer surface of the securing mechanismto comprise a durable configuration, as non-limiting examples.

In some aspects, the securing mechanismmay comprise a bottom surface that contacts a traversable surface when the stature adjusting deviceis worn by a user. In some non-limiting exemplary implementations, at least a portion of the bottom surface of the securing mechanismmay comprise at least one friction inducing material and/or texture, such as, for example and not limitation, rubber, bumps, ridges, or grooves. In some embodiments, increasing the amount of friction between the bottom surface of the stature adjusting deviceand a traversable surface may minimize or reduce the potential of slippage when the stature adjusting deviceis worn by a user. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the inner surface of the securing mechanismmay comprise at least one friction inducing material to minimize unwanted or unintentional movement of the stature adjusting devicefrom its location on the user's foot.

Referring now to, an exemplary stature adjusting device, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, is illustrated. In some aspects, the stature adjusting devicemay comprise at least one support element, wherein the support elementmay comprise a thickness configured to increase a distance between at least one portion of a user's foot, such as, for example and not limitation, the heel, and a traversable surface. In some aspects, the thickness of the support elementmay be configured to adjust a stature of at least one lateral side of the user by providing a raised surface that accommodates a shorter first leg of the user relative to a longer second leg, such that the user may comprise a more even or aligned stature while standing, walking, or in an otherwise upright position with both feet on a traversable surface.

In some implementations, the support elementmay comprise a top portion, wherein the top portion of the support elementmay comprise a shape configured to abut and/or receive at least one portion of a user's foot, such as, for example and not limitation, the heel of the user. In some implementations, the support elementmay comprise a wedge shape with a tapering thickness, a parallelepiped shape, or a frustoconical shape, as non-limiting examples. In some embodiments, the top portion of the support elementmay comprise at least one curved indentation shaped or molded to fit snuggly against at least one portion of the user's foot, such as, for example and not limitation, the user's heel. In some aspects, the support elementmay at least partially comprise at least one pliable or malleable material, wherein the material may allow the top portion of the support elementto be shaped or molded to conform to the shape of the desired or required location of the support element, such as, for example and not limitation, the bottom portion of the heel. In some aspects, the support elementmay be manufactured to conform to one or more shape or size requirements or preferences of a unique user. By way of example and not limitation, a user may use a pliable or malleable material to create a mold of the user's heel, and the support elementmay be manufactured to replicate the shape of the mold. In some aspects, the support elementmay comprise a bottom portion, wherein the bottom portion of the support elementmay facilitate the ambulatory movements of a user when traversing a surface. In some embodiments, the bottom portion of the support elementmay be substantially flat, or, in some implementations, the bottom portion of the support elementmay be shaped to mimic or replicate the bottom portion of the user's foot that may be covered by the support element, such as, for example and not limitation, the bottom portion of the user's heel. In some aspects, the shape and design of the bottom portion of the support elementmay be configured to facilitate conformable movement of the user.

In some embodiments, the stature adjusting devicemay comprise at least one securing mechanism, wherein the securing mechanismmay be configured to secure the support elementat a desired, preferred, or required location proximate to at least one portion of a user's foot. By way of example and not limitation, the securing mechanismmay be configured to maintain the position of the support elementproximate to the bottom portion of the heel of the user. In some implementations, the securing mechanismmay be configured to apply one or more retaining forces that maintain physical contact between the top portion of the support elementand the user's foot. In some aspects, the securing mechanismmay be configured to encompass at least one portion of the support elementand at least one portion of the user's foot, such as, for example and not limitation, one or more portions of the user's heel and/or ankle, wherein the securing mechanismmay be configured to apply one or more compression forces that maintain the position of the support elementproximate to at least one portion of the user's foot, such as, for example and not limitation, the heel.

In some non-limiting exemplary embodiments, the securing mechanismmay be configured to apply such compression force(s) by at least partially comprising at least one at least partially elastic material, such as elastane, rubber, or nylon, as non-limiting examples. In some aspects, the securing mechanismmay comprise one or more flexible or pliable materials to facilitate donning and removal of the stature adjusting device. By way of example and not limitation, the securing mechanismmay comprise one or more of: cotton, cloth, fabric, textiles, linen, or polyester, as non-limiting examples. In some non-limiting exemplary implementations, the securing mechanismmay comprise a substantially continuous amount of material with two openings, such as, for example and not limitation, a sleeve, wherein a user's foot may be slidably received by the openings to be removable insertable into the securing mechanism.

In some aspects, the support elementmay be at least temporarily integrated with the securing mechanism. In some embodiments, the support elementmay be permanently integrated with the securing mechanism. In some implementations, the support elementmay comprise substantially the same material(s) as the securing mechanism, wherein the support elementmay comprise a bottom portion of the securing mechanismwith an increased thickness. As a non-limiting illustrative example, the securing mechanismmay comprise nylon, and the support elementmay comprise a bottom portion of the securing mechanismwith a layered amount of nylon. In some embodiments, the support elementmay be stitched, sown, or otherwise secured to or integrated with the securing mechanism. In some implementations, the top portion of the support elementmay be configured to physically contact a bottom portion of the user's foot, or the support elementmay be configured within a pocket-like structure, pouch, or similar receptacle within the securing mechanismsuch that the material of the securing mechanismmay block the support elementfrom contacting the user's foot directly. In some aspects, by way of example and not limitation, the support elementmay at least partially comprise one or more of: leather, foam, rubber, plastic, latex, gel, silicone, a cellular polymer, or one or more other polymers.

In some aspects, the securing mechanismmay comprise bottom surface that contacts a traversable surface when the stature adjusting deviceis worn by a user. In some non-limiting exemplary implementations, at least a portion of the bottom surface of the securing mechanismmay comprise at least one friction inducing material and/or texture, such as, for example and not limitation, rubber, bumps, ridges, or grooves. In some embodiments, increasing the amount of friction between the bottom surface of the stature adjusting deviceand a traversable surface may minimize or reduce the potential of slippage when the stature adjusting deviceis worn by a user.

Referring now to, an exemplary stature adjusting device, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, is illustrated. In some aspects, the stature adjusting devicemay comprise at least one support element, wherein the support elementmay comprise a thickness configured to increase a distance between at least one portion of a user's foot, such as, for example and not limitation, the heel, and a traversable surface. In some aspects, the thickness of the support elementmay be configured to adjust a stature of at least one lateral side of the user by providing a raised surface that accommodates a shorter first leg of the user relative to a longer second leg, such that the user may comprise a more even or aligned stature while standing, walking, or in an otherwise upright position with both feet on a traversable surface.

In some implementations, the support elementmay comprise a top portion, wherein the top portion of the support elementmay comprise a shape configured to abut and/or receive at least one portion of a user's foot, such as, for example and not limitation, the heelof the user. In some implementations, the support elementmay comprise a wedge shape with a tapering thickness, a parallelepiped shape, or a frustoconical shape, as non-limiting examples. In some embodiments, the top portion of the support elementmay comprise at least one curved indentation shaped or molded to fit snuggly against at least one portion of the user's foot, such as, for example and not limitation, the user's heel. In some aspects, the support elementmay at least partially comprise at least one pliable or malleable material, wherein the material may allow the top portion of the support elementto be shaped or molded to conform to the shape of the desired or required location of the support element, such as, for example and not limitation, the bottom portion of the heel. In some aspects, the support elementmay be manufactured to conform to one or more shape or size requirements or preferences of a unique user.

By way of example and not limitation, a user may use a pliable or malleable material to create a mold of the user's heel, and the support elementmay be manufactured to replicate the shape of the mold. In some aspects, the support elementmay comprise a bottom portion, wherein the bottom portion of the support elementmay facilitate the ambulatory movements of a user when traversing a surface. In some embodiments, the bottom portion of the support elementmay be substantially flat, or, in some implementations, the bottom portion of the support elementmay be shaped to mimic or replicate the bottom portion of the user's footthat may be covered by the support element, such as, for example and not limitation, the bottom portion of the user's heel. In some aspects, the shape and design of the bottom portion of the support elementmay be configured to facilitate conformable movement of the user.

In some embodiments, the stature adjusting devicemay comprise at least one securing mechanism, wherein the securing mechanismmay be configured to secure the support elementat a desired, preferred, or required location proximate to at least one portion of a user's foot. By way of example and not limitation, the securing mechanismmay be configured to maintain the position of the support elementproximate to the bottom portion of the heelof the user. In some implementations, the securing mechanismmay be configured to apply one or more retaining forces that maintain physical contact between the top portion of the support elementand the user's foot. In some aspects, the securing mechanismmay be configured to encompass at least one portion of the support elementand at least one portion of the user's foot, such as, for example and not limitation, one or more portions of the user's heeland/or ankle, wherein the securing mechanismmay be configured to apply one or more compression forces that maintain the position of the support elementproximate to at least one portion of the user's foot, such as, for example and not limitation, the heel.

In some non-limiting exemplary embodiments, the securing mechanismmay be configured to apply such compression force(s) by at least partially comprising at least one at least partially elastic material, such as elastane, rubber, or nylon, as non-limiting examples. In some aspects, the securing mechanismmay comprise one or more flexible or pliable materials to facilitate donning and removal of the stature adjusting device. By way of example and not limitation, the securing mechanismmay comprise one or more of: cotton, cloth, fabric, textiles, linen, or polyester, as non-limiting examples. In some implementations, by way of example and not limitation, the support elementmay at least partially comprise one or more of: leather, foam, rubber, plastic, latex, gel, silicone, cellular polymers, or other polymers.

In some implementations, the support elementmay be at least temporarily integrated or secured within the securing mechanism. In some embodiments, the support elementmay be configured to be removably inserted into a bottom portion of the securing mechanism, such as, for example and not limitation, within a pocket-like structure, pouch, or similar receptacle. In some aspects, the securing mechanismmay comprise at least one opening through which the support elementmay be inserted or removed. By way of example and not limitation, the a bottom portion of the securing mechanismmay comprise an opening at a front or rear portion of the stature adjusting device, wherein the front portion may be oriented towards the direction of the user's toes and the rear portion may be oriented away from the back portion of the user's heel when the stature adjusting deviceis worn by the user. In some implementations, the securing mechanismmay comprise at least one closing mechanism configured to at least temporarily close or seal at least a portion of the opening when the opening is not being used, such as to help keep the support elementwithin the securing mechanismor to help prevent dirt, sand, or debris from getting inside the securing mechanism, as non-limiting examples. In some aspects, by way of example and not limitation, the closing mechanism may comprise one or more of: a zipper, a hook-and-loop fastener, a button, or a snapping mechanism. In some implementations, by way of example and not limitation, the closing mechanism may include two corresponding elongated, interlocking portions that may be pressed together to form a seal. In some aspects, the two corresponding elongated, interlocking portions may be flexible and sealing, wherein the material may be pliable and malleable to adjust with the stature adjusting device.

In some embodiments, the removable nature of the support elementmay allow the user to use a plurality of different support elementswith the stature adjusting device, wherein support elementsof different materials, shapes, thicknesses, or other configurations may be preferable in different circumstances. By way of example and not limitation, a user may desire different support elementswhen wearing different types of shoes or when engaging in different physical activities.

Referring now to, an exemplary stature adjusting device, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, is illustrated. In some aspects, the stature adjusting devicemay comprise at least one support element, wherein the support elementmay comprise a thickness configured to increase a distance between at least one portion of a user's foot, such as, for example and not limitation, the heel, and a traversable surface. In some aspects, the thickness of the support elementmay be configured to adjust a stature of at least one lateral side of the user by providing a raised surface that accommodates a shorter first leg of the user relative to a longer second leg, such that the user may comprise a more even or aligned stature while standing, walking, or in an otherwise upright position with both feet on a traversable surface.

In some implementations, the support elementmay comprise a top portion, wherein the top portion of the support elementmay comprise a shape configured to abut and/or receive at least one portion of a user's foot, such as, for example and not limitation, the heel of the user. In some implementations, the support elementmay comprise a wedge shape with a tapering thickness, a parallelepiped shape, or a frustoconical shape, as non-limiting examples. In some embodiments, the top portion of the support elementmay comprise at least one curved indentation shaped or molded to fit snuggly against at least one portion of the user's foot, such as, for example and not limitation, the user's heel. In some aspects, the support elementmay at least partially comprise at least one pliable or malleable material, wherein the material may allow the top portion of the support elementto be shaped or molded to conform to the shape of the desired or required location of the support element, such as, for example and not limitation, the bottom portion of the heel. In some aspects, the support elementmay be manufactured to conform to one or more shape or size requirements or preferences of a unique user.

By way of example and not limitation, a user may use a pliable or malleable material to create a mold of the user's heel, and the support elementmay be manufactured to replicate the shape of the mold. In some aspects, the support elementmay comprise a bottom portion, wherein the bottom portion of the support elementmay facilitate the ambulatory movements of a user when traversing a surface. In some embodiments, the bottom portion of the support elementmay be substantially flat, or, in some implementations, the bottom portion of the support elementmay be shaped to mimic or replicate the bottom portion of the user's foot that may be covered by the support element, such as, for example and not limitation, the bottom portion of the user's heel. In some aspects, the shape and design of the bottom portion of the support elementmay be configured to facilitate conformable movement of the user.

In some embodiments, the stature adjusting devicemay comprise at least one securing mechanism, wherein the securing mechanismmay be configured to secure the support elementat a desired, preferred, or required location proximate to at least one portion of a user's foot. By way of example and not limitation, the securing mechanismmay be configured to maintain the position of the support elementproximate to the bottom portion of the heel of the user. In some implementations, the securing mechanismmay be configured to apply one or more retaining forces that maintain physical contact between the top portion of the support elementand the user's foot. In some aspects, the securing mechanismmay be configured as footwear designed to encompass at least one portion of the support elementand at least one portion of the user's foot, such as, for example and not limitation, one or more portions of the user's heel and/or ankle, wherein the securing mechanismmay be configured to maintain the position of the support elementproximate to at least one portion of the user's foot, such as, for example and not limitation, the heel. In some non-limiting exemplary embodiments, the securing mechanismmay comprise a shoe, sock, sandal, slipper, or any type of footwear, wherein the footwear may comprise, rubber, nylon, leather, plastic, cotton, cloth, fabric, textiles, linen, or polyester, as non-limiting examples.

In some implementations, the support elementmay be permanently or removably secured to the securing mechanism. In some aspects, the support elementmay be at least temporarily secured to the securing mechanismvia at least one attachment mechanism, such as one or more of: a hook-and-loop fastener, a snapping mechanism, an adhesive, a button, one or more stitches, as non-limiting examples. In some aspects, securing the support elementto the securing mechanismmay minimize or reduce unintentional or unwanted movement of the support element. In some embodiments, this may allow a user to be mobile while minimizing the potential for the support elementto slide out of position.

In some embodiments, the support elementmay be permanently integrated with the securing mechanism. In some implementations, the support elementmay comprise substantially the same material(s) as the securing mechanism, wherein the support elementmay comprise a bottom portion of the securing mechanismwith an increased thickness. As a non-limiting illustrative example, the securing mechanismmay comprise a cotton sock, and the support elementmay comprise a bottom portion of the sock with a layered amount of cotton for increased thickness. In some embodiments, the support elementmay be stitched, sown, or otherwise secured to or integrated with the securing mechanism. In some implementations, the top portion of the support elementmay be configured to physically contact a bottom portion of the user's foot, or the support elementmay be configured within a pocket-like structure, pouch, or similar receptacle within the securing mechanismsuch that the material of the securing mechanismmay block the support elementfrom contacting the user's foot directly. In some aspects, by way of example and not limitation, the support elementmay at least partially comprise one or more of: leather, foam, rubber, plastic, latex, gel, silicone, cellular polymers, or other polymers.

In some embodiments, the support elementmay be configured to be removably inserted into a bottom portion of the securing mechanism, such as, for example and not limitation, within a pocket-like structure, pouch, or similar receptacle. In some aspects, the securing mechanismmay comprise at least one opening through which the support elementmay be inserted or removed. By way of example and not limitation, the bottom portion of the securing mechanismmay comprise an opening at a front or rear portion of the stature adjusting device, wherein the front portion may be oriented in the direction away from the user's toes and the rear portion may be oriented away from the back portion of the user's heel when the stature adjusting deviceis worn by the user.

In some implementations, the securing mechanismmay comprise at least one closing mechanism configured to at least temporarily close or seal at least a portion of the opening when the opening is not being used, such as to help keep the support elementwithin the securing mechanismor to help prevent dirt, sand, or debris from getting inside the securing mechanism, as non-limiting examples. In some aspects, by way of example and not limitation, the closing mechanism may comprise one or more of: a zipper, a hook-and-loop fastener, a button, or a snapping mechanism. In some implementations, by way of example and not limitation, the closing mechanism may include two corresponding elongated, interlocking portions that may be pressed together to form a seal. In some aspects, the two corresponding elongated, interlocking portions may be flexible and sealing, wherein the material may be pliable and malleable to adjust with the stature adjusting device.

In some embodiments, the removable nature of the support elementmay allow the user to use a plurality of different support elementswith a single stature adjusting device, wherein support elementsof different materials, shapes, thicknesses, or other configurations may be preferable in different circumstances. By way of example and not limitation, a user may desire different support elementsconfigured within a sock when wearing different types of shoes or when engaging in different physical activities.

In some implementations, the securing mechanismmay comprise an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein at least a portion of the inner surface may physically contact the user when wearing the stature adjusting deviceand the outer surface projects away from the user. In some aspects, the securing mechanismmay be configured to receive the support elementon the inner surface or the outer surface. In some embodiments, the support elementmay comprise one or more materials that correspond to the in-use position of the support element. By way of example and not limitation, the support elementmay at least partially comprise one or more of: leather, foam, rubber, plastic, latex, gel, silicone, or cellular polymers when the support elementis received by the inner surface of the securing mechanismto facilitate user comfort, while the support elementmay at least partially comprise one or more of: foam, rubber, plastic, or other polymers when received by the outer surface of the securing mechanismto comprise a durable configuration, as non-limiting examples.

In some aspects, the securing mechanismmay comprise a bottom surface that contacts a traversable surface when the stature adjusting deviceis worn by a user. In some non-limiting exemplary implementations, at least a portion of the bottom surface of the securing mechanismmay comprise at least one friction inducing material and/or texture, such as, for example and not limitation, rubber, bumps, ridges, or grooves. In some embodiments, increasing the amount of friction between the bottom surface of the stature adjusting deviceand a traversable surface may minimize or reduce the potential of slippage when the stature adjusting deviceis worn by a user.

Referring now to, an exemplary stature adjusting device, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, is illustrated. In some aspects, the stature adjusting devicemay comprise at least one support element, wherein the support elementmay comprise a thickness configured to increase a distance between at least one portion of a user's foot, such as, for example and not limitation, the heel, and a traversable surface. In some aspects, the thickness of the support elementmay be configured to adjust a stature of at least one lateral side of the user by providing a raised surface that accommodates a shorter first leg of the user relative to a longer second leg, such that the user may comprise a more even or aligned stature while standing, walking, or in an otherwise upright position with both feet on a traversable surface.

In some implementations, the support elementmay comprise a top portion, wherein the top portion of the support elementmay comprise a shape configured to abut and/or receive at least one portion of a user's foot, such as, for example and not limitation, the heelof the user. In some implementations, the support elementmay comprise a wedge shape with a tapering thickness, a parallelepiped shape, or a frustoconical shape, as non-limiting examples. In some embodiments, the top portion of the support elementmay comprise at least one curved indentation shaped or molded to fit snuggly against at least one portion of the user's foot, such as, for example and not limitation, the user's heel. In some aspects, the support elementmay at least partially comprise at least one pliable or malleable material, wherein the material may allow the top portion of the support elementto be shaped or molded to conform to the shape of the desired or required location of the support element, such as, for example and not limitation, the bottom portion of the heel. In some aspects, the support elementmay be manufactured to conform to one or more shape or size requirements or preferences of a unique user.

By way of example and not limitation, a user may use a pliable or malleable material to create a mold of the user's heel, and the support elementmay be manufactured to replicate the shape of the mold. In some aspects, the support elementmay comprise a bottom portion, wherein the bottom portion of the support elementmay facilitate the ambulatory movements of a user when traversing a surface. In some embodiments, the bottom portion of the support elementmay be substantially flat, or, in some implementations, the bottom portion of the support elementmay be shaped to mimic or replicate the bottom portion of the user's footthat may be covered by the support element, such as, for example and not limitation, the bottom portion of the user's heel. In some aspects, the shape and design of the bottom portion of the support elementmay be configured to facilitate conformable movement of the user.

In some embodiments, the stature adjusting devicemay comprise at least one securing mechanism, wherein the securing mechanismmay be configured to secure the support elementat a desired, preferred, or required location proximate to at least one portion of a user's foot. By way of example and not limitation, the securing mechanismmay be configured to maintain the position of the support elementproximate to the bottom portion of the heelof the user. In some implementations, the securing mechanismmay be configured to apply one or more retaining forces that maintain physical contact between the top portion of the support elementand the user's foot. In some aspects, the securing mechanismmay be configured to wrap around or otherwise encompass at least one portion of the support elementand at least one portion of the user's foot, such as, for example and not limitation, one or more portions of the user's heeland/or ankle, wherein the securing mechanismmay be configured to apply one or more compression forces that maintain the position of the support elementproximate to at least one portion of the user's foot, such as, for example and not limitation, the heel.

In some non-limiting exemplary embodiments, the securing mechanismmay be configured to apply such compression force(s) by at least partially comprising at least one at least partially elastic material, such as elastane, rubber, or nylon, as non-limiting examples. In some aspects, the securing mechanismmay comprise one or more flexible or pliable materials to facilitate donning and removal of the stature adjusting device. By way of example and not limitation, the securing mechanismmay comprise one or more of: cotton, cloth, fabric, at least one textile, linen, or polyester, as non-limiting examples.

In some non-limiting exemplary implementations, the securing mechanismmay comprise one or more straps, bands, or similar structures. In some embodiments, the securing mechanismmay comprise a plurality of straps or bands. In some aspects, each strap or band of the securing mechanismmay be independently secured to the footof a user, wherein two or more portions of each strap or band may be secured to each other via at least one attachment mechanism, such as a hook-and-loop fastener, a snapping mechanism, a buckle, or a button, as non-limiting examples. In some implementations, different straps or bands may be secured to each other using the attachment mechanism(s). In some embodiments, the securing mechanismmay comprise a plurality of straps or bands interconnected in a continuous fashion. In some aspects, the straps or bands of the securing mechanismmay facilitate an adjustable configuration of the securing mechanismthat allows a user to customize the size or placement of the stature adjusting device.