Abstract:
A device for the realignment of hammer toe deformities comprising a dorsal piece and a plantar piece parallel thereto. The dorsal piece and the plantar piece are held together by a first and a second connecting arm. The device being of a resilient material and of a unitary construction is suitably sized and shaped to fit around the wearer&#39;s foot, within the wearer&#39;s shoe in a position wherein the dorsal piece rests across the bases of at least two of the central three toes of the wearer&#39;s foot and the plantar piece is tapered laterally and is comma shaped to fit in the sulci formed by the central three toes of the wearer&#39;s foot. The first connecting arm extends through the interspace between the hallux and the second toe and the second connecting arm extends through the interspace between the third toe and the fourth toe.

Description:
[0001]    This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application of John Michael Aquino, Ser. No. 61/537,937 for A DEVICE USED TO REALIGN HAMMERTOE DEFORMITIES, filed on Sep. 22, 2011. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This patent application pertains to a device used to realign hammertoe deformities. More specifically, this patent application pertains to a device used to realign hammertoe deformities by provision of a device designed to be worn between the central toes of the wearer. 
         [0003]    A device to alleviate and/or realign hammertoe deformities, and/or treat hallux valgus, has been the focus of numerous patents. For instance, U.S. patent application 2010/0249687 to Goswami et al. presents a number of braces for treatment of toe ailments. The braces are used to support the metatarsophalangeal joint, reducing or maintaining the intermetatarsal angle, and/or enhancing or maintaining alignment of the hallux, or big toe. The braces are intended to treat individuals suffering from hallux valgus. However, the braces suffer significant drawbacks. First, the braces wrap the entire midfoot of the wearer leading to restricted movement and user discomfort. This discomfort will cause sufferers to stop using the device. Further, the braces are limited to the treatment of hallux vulgas and cannot be used to treat hammertoe. 
         [0004]    In U.S. Pat. No. 7,396,338 to Huber et al. provides an orthopedic device for correction of hallux valgus. The device consists of a support which wraps the midfoot of the wearer with the support having a fastening portion which encircles the hallux. A flexible splint extends from the fastening portion to the support along the inner side of the foot. The splint applies force to the outer edge of the hallux thereby assisting in realigning the hallux in alleviation of hallux valgus. While purporting to aid in relieving hallux valgus, the device is limited as it cannot treat hammertoe deformities. 
         [0005]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,318,373 to Kasahara discloses a corrective support to correct for hallux valgus and digitus varus minimi thereby allowing for the maintenance of outer and inner arches of the plantar sole. The device is constructed of a sleeve which wraps around the midfoot of the wearer. A pushing band pushes against the inward or outward prominent metatarsophalangeal. A pair of reinforcements protrudes outwardly from the sleeve with one reinforcement located between the first and second toes with the second reinforcement located between the fourth and fifth toes. The reinforcements apply an outward push force to assist in maintaining the vertical and lateral arches of the wearer. Although providing a pushing force to the first and fifth toe, the device presented by Kashara does not alleviate hammertoe deformities. 
         [0006]    Therefore, it can be seen that there is a need for a device that can be worn in the shoe that splints the toes and eliminates pressure on the tops and tips of the toes. There is a need for a device that provides relief of lesser hammertoe deformities and associated corns on the tops of the tips of the toes. In alternative embodiments, the device further incorporates a buttress modification to help straighten hallux valgus or bunion deformities. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    It is the object of the invention to provide a toe realignment and toe protecting device which includes a dorsal and plantar piece and connecting arms between the toes. 
         [0008]    It is another object of the invention to provide a one-piece construction toe realignment and toe protecting device which includes a dorsal and plantar piece and connecting arms between the toes, the device being made of a resilient material, preferably silicone, viscoelastic gel or moldable rubber. 
         [0009]    Still another object of the invention is to provide a toe realignment and toe protecting device which includes a dorsal and plantar piece and connecting arms between the toes where the dorsal piece is cylindrical in shape and rests at the bases of the central three toes. 
         [0010]    Yet another object of the invention is to provide a toe realignment and toe protecting device which includes a dorsal and plantar piece and connecting arms between the toes where the dorsal piece is cylindrical in shape and rests at the bases of two of the central three toes. 
         [0011]    Yet still another object of the invention is to provide a toe realignment and toe protecting device which includes a dorsal and plantar piece and connecting arms between the toes further comprising a buttress modification to straighten hallux valgus or bunion deformities. 
         [0012]    The objects of the invention are achieved by provision of a device for the realignment of hammer toe deformities comprising a dorsal piece and a plantar piece parallel thereto. The dorsal piece and the plantar piece are held together by a first and a second connecting arm. The device being of a resilient material and of a unitary construction is suitably sized and shaped to fit around the wearer&#39;s foot, within the wearer&#39;s shoe in a position wherein the dorsal piece rests across the bases of at least two of the central three toes of the wearer&#39;s foot and the plantar piece is tapered laterally and is comma shaped to fit in the sulci formed by the central three toes of the wearer&#39;s foot. The first connecting arm extends through the interspace between the hallux and the second toe and the second connecting arm extends through the interspace between the third toe and the fourth toe. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]    The present invention and the manner in which it may be practiced is further illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein: 
           [0014]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a device to alleviate hammertoe deformities of the present disclosure shown in use. 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view a first embodiment of a device to alleviate hammertoe deformities of the present disclosure. 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  is a front view of a first embodiment of a device to alleviate hammertoe deformities of the present disclosure. 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  is a bottom view of a first embodiment of a device to alleviate hammertoe deformities of the present disclosure shown in use. 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  is a top view of a first embodiment of a device to alleviate hammertoe deformities of the present disclosure shown in use. 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  is a front section detail view of a first embodiment of a device to alleviate hammertoe deformities of the present disclosure shown in use. 
           [0020]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a device to alleviate hammertoe deformities of the present disclosure. 
           [0021]      FIG. 8  is a front view of second embodiment of a device to alleviate hammertoe deformities of the present disclosure shown in use. 
           [0022]      FIG. 9  is a top view of second embodiment of a device to alleviate hammertoe deformities of the present disclosure shown in use. 
           [0023]      FIG. 10  is a front section detail view of second embodiment of a device to alleviate hammertoe deformities of the present disclosure shown in use. 
           [0024]      FIG. 11  is a top view of a third embodiment of a device to alleviate hammertoe deformities of the present disclosure. 
           [0025]      FIG. 12  is a front section detail view of a third embodiment of a device to alleviate hammertoe deformities of the present disclosure shown in use. 
           [0026]      FIG. 13  is a front view of a third embodiment of a device to alleviate hammertoe deformities of the present disclosure. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0027]    At the outset, it should be clearly understood that like reference numerals are intended to identify the same structural elements, portions, or surfaces consistently throughout the several drawing Figures, as may be further described or explained by the entire written specification of which this detailed description is an integral part. The drawings are intended to be read together with the specification and are to be construed as a portion of the entire “written description” of this invention as required by 35 U.S.C. § 112. 
         [0028]    Hammertoes are a contracture of the toes such that the proximal aspect of the toe sticks up and the distal aspects of the toe points down and curls. These deformities start out flexible and are reduced when the foot is loaded. Over time they become rigid leading to corn formation and, in some cases, ulceration. In many instances the deforming force contributing to formation of hammertoes is a hallux valgus or bunion deformity. The valgus position of the hallux forces the toes to pop up and form hammertoes, various devices have been used to relieve symptoms including crest pads, toe pads, toe caps, toe separators and bunion splints. 
         [0029]    The present disclosure provides a digital splinting and toe protecting device that is designed to be worn in the shoe. The device of the present disclosure eliminates pressure on the tops and bottoms of the toes. Further, when worn in shoes, the device applies forces to the top and bottom of the toes which straightens the toes and minimizes, or even eliminates, any pressure on the dorsal joints or the tips of the toes. Straightening the toes prevents the hammertoes from becoming rigid thereby preventing formation of corns or ulcerations. In patients with existing corns or ulcerations due to rigid hammertoe deformities the device eliminates the pressure on those areas allowing the toes to heal. In an alternative embodiment, a buttress modification  132  of the device further applies a force to the hallux, or great toe, to help straighten a bunion deformity. 
         [0030]    The device of the present disclosure is designed to be worn in a shoe. The upper and sole of the shoe applies pressure to the dorsal and plantar pieces of the device thereby providing toe realignment in flexible hammertoe deformities. In rigid hammertoe deformities the device keeps pressure off the affected joints preventing corns and ulcers from forming. 
         [0031]    Adverting now to the drawings, with reference to  FIGS. 1 through 6 , a first embodiment of a device to alleviate hammertoe deformities of the present invention is indicated generally by numeral  10 . In the first embodiment, device  10  includes dorsal bar  24  and plantar platform  30 . Dorsal bar  24  and plantar platform  30  are connected by hallux arm  26  and toe arm  28 . Preferably, dorsal bar  24  is cylindrical in shape and rests at the bases of the central three toes  16 ,  18  and  20 . Dorsal bar  24  is two to three inches in width and one half to one inch in diameter. Plantar platform  30  is tapered laterally and comma shaped so as to fit securely and comfortably in the toe sulci formed by toes  16 ,  18  and  20 . When worn on foot  12  (as seen in  FIG. 6 ), hallux arm  26  is situated between hallux  14  and second toe  16  while toe arm  28  is situated within the third interspace (i.e. between third toe  18  and fourth toe  20 ). Preferably hallux arm  26  and toe arm  28  are one half to three quarter inches in height and one eighth to one quarter inch in diameter. 
         [0032]    Device  10  is constructed of any suitable material, but preferably is constructed as a solitary unit made of silicone, viscoelastic gel or moldable rubber. Device  10  can be created by traditional form-molding techniques. For instance, a manufacturer creates a two-piece, three-dimensional mold of the device. The selected material (silicone, viscoelastic gel, moldable rubber) is heated until it becomes liquid. The liquid is then poured into mold and allowed to cool to create the final product. It is further envisioned that the device can be made in three pieces where moldable rubber or foam encased in a cloth, leather or suede cover is used for the dorsal bar and plantar platform and the arms of the device are made of elastic. The three piece construction would lower the cost of the device but the device would not be as well-secured on the foot. 
         [0033]    As can be seen in  FIG. 1 , dorsal bar  24  sits over the bases of the central three toes  16 ,  18 , and  20 . As seen in  FIG. 5 , the hallux arm  26  and toe arm  28  of the device extend down in the first and third interspaces of the toes, respectively, to accommodate the second and third toes,  16  and  18  respectively, and to help secure the device to the toes. The arms are connected to the comma shaped plantar platform, and as shown in  FIG. 4 , plantar platform  30  follows the toe sulci and helps to secure the device to the foot. 
         [0034]    In the embodiment presented in  FIGS. 1 through 6 , dorsal bar  24  and plantar platform  30  in conjunction the two arms  26  and  28  are necessary to alleviate hammertoe conditions on the central three toes  16 ,  18 , and  20 . The arms of the device can be quickly and easily slipped over the second and third toes. As shown in  FIG. 6 , when worn in shoe  38 , the device straightens the toes and eliminates pressure on the tops and tips of the toes thereby providing relief for corns, calluses or ulcerations. Dorsal bar  24  is fashioned to fit at the bases of the toes to provide a plantar flexor force on the metatarsophalangeal joints. The cylindrical shape of dorsal bar  24 , in conjunction with toe box  36  of shoe  38 , provides a better plantar flexory force to the metatarsophalangeal joints of central toes  16 ,  18 , and  20  than a flat design. The plantar flexory force keeps the extensor tendons and the dorsal capsular ligaments stretched to prevent rigid contracture. The comma or crescent shaped plantar platform  30  fits securely in the sulci of the toes and prevents movement of the device when walking. Sole  40  exerts an upward force on plantar platform  30  which in turn creates a dorsiflexory force on the middle joint of the toes. This dorsiflexory force straightens the toe and takes pressure off of the tip of the toe. Plantar platform  30  is tapered and fits the contour of the sulci and provides an extension force on the distal joints to prevent further curling of the toes. 
         [0035]    With reference to  FIGS. 7 through 10  a second embodiment of a device to alleviate hammertoe deformities of the present disclosure is indicated generally by numeral  100 . Hammertoe/bunion device  100  is constructed similarly to device  10  discussed above but is further equipped with buttress modification  132  to dorsal bar  124 . With buttress modification  132 , hallux arm  26 , which rests within the first interspace between hallux  14  and second toe  16 , is one half to one inch thick and is curved to exert an adductory force on the hallux  14 . Buttress modification  132  helps to straighten hallux valgus or bunion deformities while dorsal bar  124 , plantar platform  130 , and arms  126  and  128  simultaneously alleviate hammertoe conditions. 
         [0036]    Device  100  has toe buttress modification  132  above the first and second toes. As shown in  FIG. 10 , because hallux  14  is abducted, when shoe  38  exerts a plantar flexory force on the cylindrical dorsal bar  124 , lesser toes  16 ,  18 , and  20  are plantar flexed. The plantar flexion of the lesser toes creates an adductory force on hallux  14  due to the presence of buttress modification  132 . Buttress modification  132  has a dorsal concave design which further adducts hallux  14  when the plantar flexory force is applied. Thus, when worn in the shoe, device  100  alleviates hammertoe conditions of toes  16 ,  18 , and  20  while also correcting hallux valgus of hallux  14 . 
         [0037]    With reference to  FIGS. 11 through 13 , a third embodiment of the present disclosure is indicated generally by numeral  200  (as seen in  FIG. 13 ). In the third embodiment, device  200  includes dorsal bar  224  and plantar platform  230 . Dorsal bar  224  and plantar platform  230  are connected by hallux arm  226  and toe arm  228 . Preferably, dorsal bar  224  is cylindrical in shape and rests at the bases of the central three toes. Dorsal bar  224  is two to three inches in width and one half to one inch in diameter. Plantar platform  230  is tapered laterally and comma shaped so as to fit securely and comfortably in the toe sulci. When worn on foot  12 , hallux arm  226  is situated between hallux  14  and second toe  16  while toe arm  228  is situated within the fourth interspace (i.e. between fourth toe  20  and pinky toe  22 ). Preferably hallux arm  226  and toe arm  228  are one half to three quarter inches in height and one eighth to one quarter inch in diameter. 
         [0038]    As can be seen in  FIG. 11 , dorsal bar  224  sits over the bases of the central three toes  16 ,  18 , and  20 . As seen in  FIG. 12 , the hallux arm  226  and toe arm  228  of the device extend down in the first and fourth interspaces of the toes, respectively, to accommodate the second, third and fourth toes,  16 ,  18  and  20  respectively, and to help secure the device to the toes. The arms are connected to the comma shaped plantar platform  230  and plantar platform  230  follows the toe sulci and helps to secure the device to the foot. 
         [0039]    In the embodiment presented in  FIGS. 11 through 13 , dorsal bar  224  and plantar platform  230  in conjunction the two arms  226  and  228  are necessary to alleviate hammertoe conditions on the central three toes  16 ,  18 , and  20 . The arms of the device can be quickly and easily slipped over the second, third and fourth toes. As shown in  FIG. 12 , when worn in shoe  38 , the device straightens the toes and eliminates pressure on the tops and tips of the toes thereby providing relief for corns, calluses or ulcerations. Dorsal bar  224  is fashioned to fit at the bases of the toes to provide a plantar flexor force on the metatarsophalangeal joints. The cylindrical shape of dorsal bar  224 , in conjunction with toe box  36  of shoe  38 , provides a better plantar flexory force to the metatarsophalangeal joints of central toes  16 ,  18 , and  20  than a flat design. The plantar flexory force keeps the extensor tendons and the dorsal capsular ligaments stretched to prevent rigid contracture. The comma or crescent shaped plantar platform  230  fits securely in the sulci of the toes and prevents movement of the device when walking. Sole  40  exerts an upward force on plantar platform  230  which in turn creates a dorsiflexory force on the middle joint of the toes. This dorsiflexory force straightens the toe and takes pressure off of the tip of the toe. Plantar platform  230  is tapered and fits the contour of the sulci and provides an extension force on the distal joints to prevent further curling of the toes 
         [0040]    Although the invention has been described with reference to certain preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that modifications and variations may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It should be understood that applicant does not intend to be limited to the particular details described above and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.