U.S. patent application number 09/770341 was filed with the patent office on 2001-10-18 for foot orthosis.
Invention is credited to Curley, Richard D. JR., Hare, Charles, Ingersoll, Mark T., Pior, James.
Application Number | 20010031936 09/770341 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46257461 |
Filed Date | 2001-10-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010031936 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Pior, James ; et
al. |
October 18, 2001 |
Foot orthosis
Abstract
An orthosis including a splint, a sole member detachably
connectable to a surface of the splint, a fastener extending from
the surface of the splint, an aperture extending through the sole
member for receiving the fastener, a projection extending from the
surface of the splint and spaced apart from the fastener, and a
receptacle defined on the sole member for receiving the projection
in a snap-fit relationship when the sole member is installed on the
splint.
Inventors: |
Pior, James; (Monument
Beach, MA) ; Ingersoll, Mark T.; (Atascadero, CA)
; Hare, Charles; (Arroyo Grande, CA) ; Curley,
Richard D. JR.; (Atascadero, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LUEDEKA NEELY & GRAHAM, P.C.
P O BOX 1871
KNOXVILLE
TN
37901-1871
US
|
Family ID: |
46257461 |
Appl. No.: |
09/770341 |
Filed: |
January 26, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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09770341 |
Jan 26, 2001 |
|
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09472706 |
Dec 23, 1999 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
602/27 ;
602/23 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 5/0111
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
602/27 ;
602/23 |
International
Class: |
A61F 005/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A foot orthosis, comprising: a splint including a foot
contacting portion having a generally upwardly facing foot
contacting surface opposite a generally downwardly facing lower
surface; a fastener extending away from the lower surface of the
splint; a projection extending away from the lower surface of the
splint and having a sloped front portion, a substantially flat
middle portion, and a rear portion projecting away from the middle
portion in an angular direction away from the lower surface of the
splint to define a notch between the rear portion and the lower
surface of the splint; a covering material positioned to surround a
portion of the foot contacting portion of the splint such that a
first covering surface is adjacent to and facing away from the foot
contacting surface of the splint and a second covering surface is
adjacent to and facing away from the lower surface of the splint,
the covering including an aperture there through for passage of the
fastener; a sole member having a lower floor contact surface
opposite an upwardly facing surface, the sole member including a
mounting aperture extending between the lower floor contact surface
and the upwardly facing surface for receiving at least a portion of
the fastener, and a receptacle portion adjacent the upwardly facing
surface of the sole member and configured for engaging the
projection extending from the splint in a snap-fit relationship,
the sole member being positionable adjacent to the second covering
surface, with the projection snap-fit into the receptacle portion
of the sole member and the fastener received within the mounting
aperture of the sole member to secure the sole member against
rotational movement relative to the splint and to releasably attach
the sole member to the splint in a manner sufficient to enable
ambulation by a patient wearing the foot orthosis.
2. The orthosis of claim 1, wherein the receptacle portion further
includes a ledge portion for engaging the notch of the
projection.
3. The orthosis of claim 1, wherein the fastener comprises an
elongate member secured to the splint and having an end member
fixedly secured thereto.
4. The orthosis of claim 1, wherein the sole member comprises a
core member having first and second opposite surfaces with a slot
including a circular portion and an elongate portion extending
between the first and second surfaces of the core member, and a
sole material molded onto the core member.
5. The orthosis of claim 4, wherein the sole material comprises a
polymeric material.
6. The orthosis of claim 4, wherein the core member includes a
plurality of apertures extending between the first and second
surfaces and substantially surrounded by the polymeric material to
inhibit separation of the polymeric material from the core
member.
7. The orthosis of claim 1, further comprising a pouch member
releasably securable to the covering material and configured for
receiving a thermal pack.
8. The orthosis of claim 7, wherein the pouch member comprises a
first portion of material and a second portion of material having
adjacent sides thereof secured together to define a pocket
configured to receive the thermal pack through an opening thereof
defined between unsecured edges of the first and second portions of
material, the first portion of material having a length greater
than the length of the second portion of material to define a lid
portion positionable over the opening, and a portion of a hook
material attached to the first portion of material.
9. An orthosis comprising a splint, a sole member detachably
connectable to a surface of the splint, a fastener extending from
the surface of the splint, an aperture extending through the sole
member for receiving the fastener, a projection extending from the
surface of the splint and spaced apart from the fastener and a
receptacle defined on the sole member for receiving the projection
in a snap-fit relationship when the sole member is installed on the
splint.
10. The orthosis of claim 9, wherein the projection includes a
sloped portion, a substantially flat portion adjacent the sloped
portion, and a contoured portion projecting away from the flat
portion in an angular direction away from the surface of the splint
to define a notch between the contoured portion and the surface of
the splint.
11. The orthosis of claim 9, wherein the receptacle includes a
ledge portion for engaging the notch of the projection.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This is a continuation-in-part of pending U.S. application
Ser. No. 09/472,706, filed Dec. 23, 1999, and entitled FOOT
ORTHOSIS.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to orthotic devices. More
particularly, this invention relates to foot orthosis having
detachable floor-contact devices.
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Prior art foot orthosis generally include an L-shaped
plastic splint for supporting a patient's foot in a certain
orientation, and a soft bootie that fits around the patient's foot,
ankle and lower leg, and attaches to the splint to secure the foot,
ankle and leg of the patient to the splint. Foot orthosis are used
primarily on patients in hospitals and long-term care
facilities.
[0004] Infection control regulations in place for a number of years
have required that the bottom of orthosis be covered while the
patient is walking to and from the bed, and that the covering be
removed before reentering the bed. The purpose of this has been to
limit contamination of the bed environment by floor-borne bacteria,
etc. which might otherwise be picked up on the bottom surface of
the orthosis. Attempts have been made to provide a sole member that
can be installed on the bottom of the orthosis for floor contact
and then removed before the patient reenters the bed. However,
these soles members are generally difficult to install and remove,
especially for a person not of good health. Also, such sole members
have a tendency to detach from the orthosis during ambulation.
[0005] Accordingly, the invention relates to an improved foot
orthosis having a removable sole member.
[0006] In a preferred embodiment, the foot orthosis includes a sole
member detachably connectable to a surface of the splint, a
fastener extending from the surface of the splint, an aperture
extending through the sole member for receiving the fastener, a
projection extending from the surface of the splint and spaced
apart from the fastener, and a receptacle defined on the sole
member for receiving the projection in a snap-fit relationship when
the sole member is installed on the splint.
[0007] In another aspect, the invention relates to a pouch
removably attachable to the splint for receiving a thermal (e.g.,
hot or cold) pack.
[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the pouch includes a first
portion of material and a second portion of material having
adjacent sides thereof secured together to define a pocket
configured to receive the thermal pack through an opening thereof
defined between unsecured edges of the first and second portions of
material. The first portion of material has a length greater than
the length of the second portion of material to define a lid
portion positionable over the opening. A portion of hook material
is attached to the first portion of material so that the pouch can
be releasably attached to the splint covering material.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] Further advantages of the invention will become apparent by
reference to the detailed description of preferred embodiments when
considered in conjunction with the figures, which are not to scale,
wherein like reference numbers, indicate like elements through the
several views, and wherein,
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a foot orthosis in
accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention;
[0011] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the orthosis of
FIG. 1;
[0012] FIG. 3 is an exploded side plan view showing a splint
suitable for use in the orthosis of the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of the splint of FIG. 3;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a rear plan view of the splint of FIG. 3;
[0015] FIG. 6 is an exploded close-up view of a portion of the
splint of FIG. 3;
[0016] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a soft bootie suitable for
use in the orthosis of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 8 is an interior plan view of a foot portion of the
bootie of FIG. 7;
[0018] FIG. 9 is an exterior plan view of a foot portion of the
bootie of FIG. 7;
[0019] FIG. 10 is an interior plan view of a leg portion of the
bootie of FIG. 7;
[0020] FIG. 11 is an exterior plan view of a leg portion of the
bootie of FIG. 7;
[0021] FIG. 12 is a bottom plan view of a toe support suitable for
use in the orthosis of the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 13 is a top plan view of the toe support of FIG.
12;
[0023] FIG. 14 is a side plan view of the toe support of FIG.
13;
[0024] FIG. 15 is a top plan view of a sole member suitable for use
in the orthosis of the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 16 is a bottom plan view of the sole member of FIG.
15;
[0026] FIG. 17 is a side plan view of the sole member of FIG.
15;
[0027] FIGS. 18a and 18b are detailed end and side views showing
structure for inhibiting relative movement as between the sole
member and the splint of the orthosis
[0028] FIG. 19 is a side plan view of the foot orthosis of FIG.
1;
[0029] FIG. 20 is a bottom plan view of the orthosis of FIG. 18,
partially assembled to show the bootie positioned over the splint
thereof;
[0030] FIG. 21 is a bottom plan view of the orthosis of FIG. 18,
showing the sole member installed thereon;
[0031] FIG. 22 is a bottom view of an alternate embodiment of a
splint for use in the orthosis of the present invention;
[0032] FIG. 23 is a side view of a portion of the splint of FIG.
22;
[0033] FIG. 24 is a bottom plan view of another embodiment of a
sole member suitable for use with the splint of FIG. 22;
[0034] FIG. 25 is a top plan view of the sole member of FIG.
24;
[0035] FIGS. 26 and 27 are close-up views showing connection of the
sole member of FIG. 24 to the splint of FIG. 22;
[0036] FIG. 28 is a bottom plan view of a plate component of the
sole member of FIG. 24;
[0037] FIG. 29 is a top plan view of the plate component of FIG.
28, and FIG. 29a is a perspective view showing a top heel end of
the plate component;
[0038] FIG. 30 is a bottom perspective view showing the
relationship between a polymeric sole material and the plate
component;
[0039] FIG. 31 is a top perspective view showing the relationship
between a polymeric sole material and the plate component;
[0040] FIG. 32 is an exploded perspective view showing a thermal
pouch for use with the orthosis of the present invention;
[0041] FIG. 33 is a front perspective view of an assembled thermal
pouch;
[0042] FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional side view of the pouch of FIG.
29.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0043] With initial reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the invention
relates to a foot orthosis 10 having an L-shaped splint 12, a soft
bootie 14, a toe support 16 and a sole member 18. The splint 12
supports a patient's foot in a certain orientation. The bootie 14
fits around the patient's foot, ankle and lower leg, and attaches
to the splint 12 to secure the foot, ankle and leg of the patient
to the splint 12. The toe support 16 attaches to the splint 12 to
support the toes of the patient so that the front portion of the
patient's foot does not hang down over the front of the orthosis.
The sole member 18 can be readily installed on the bottom of the
splint 10 for floor contact and then removed before the patient
reenters the bed
[0044] Splint 12
[0045] With additional reference to FIGS. 3-6, the splint 12 is
preferably of one-piece molded plastic construction and generally
L-shaped in configuration. Preferred plastic materials are
substantially rigid yet enable some flexure for patient comfort,
particularly during ambulation. Preferred plastic materials include
ABS plastic and polypropylene. The splint 12 is preferably of
substantially uniform thickness, ranging from about 1/8 to about
1/4 inches, most preferably about {fraction (3/16)} inches.
[0046] To provide the desired rigidity/flexure characteristics, the
splint 12 preferably includes a foot contacting portion 20 and a
leg contacting portion 22 oriented generally perpendicular to one
another and connected by a bend 24. The foot contacting portion 20
and the leg contacting portion 22 are substantially rigid across
their length and width, with the bend 24 configured to enable the
portions 20 and 22 to be flexed toward and away from one another in
the direction of the arrow A (FIG. 3). In this regard, the bend 24
preferably includes an elongate aperture 26 centrally located
thereon to enhance flexibility and a plurality of raised ribs 28
integrally molded on exterior surfaces of the splint (relative to
the patient's foot and leg) on opposite sides of the aperture 26 to
reinforce the bend against breakage. The aperture 26 also provides
a path to enable air to flow to the patient's foot.
[0047] The foot contacting portion 20 has a foot contact surface 30
that, while substantially flat, includes a small degree of
convexity to conform generally to the arch of the patient's foot.
Likewise, the leg contacting portion 22 includes a leg contact
surface 32 that is somewhat concave to conform to the relatively
semi-circular topography of the back of the patient's lower leg,
mainly the calf muscle.
[0048] It has been experienced that patients tend to relax their
leg muscles, particularly when sleeping, and roll their legs so
that the side of their foot contacts the bed. To inhibit this, the
splint 12 preferably includes a leg support 34 that can be
positioned in an orientation substantially perpendicular to the
patient's leg to inhibit the foot from rolling toward the bed.
[0049] The support 34 preferably includes an extension 36 having a
substantially rectangular configuration with a length of from about
4 to about 8 inches, most preferably about 6 inches, and a width of
from about 1/2 to about 11/2 inches, most preferably about 1 inch.
A plurality of apertures 37 may be provided along the extension 36
for connection to other devices. For example, in some
circumstances, a patient may wear a splint on each foot. If it is
desired that the patient's hips or legs be substantially
immobilized, the splints may be locked together as by an
anti-rotation bar extending between the splints and connected to
each splint via the apertures 37.
[0050] A mount 38 is provided for rotatably mounting one end of the
extension 36 to the leg contacting portion 22 of the splint 12
opposite the leg of the patient. In this regard, a raised mounting
surface 40 is provided on outer surface 42 of the leg contacting
portion 22 just above the bend 24. The mount 38 and the surface 40
preferably have mating flat surfaces 44 and 46, respectively, that
are maintained closely adjacent one another by a fastener, such as
screw 48. The screw 48 passes through an aperture 50 that extends
between the surfaces 32 and 46 and is threadably received by a
threaded bore 52 in the mount 38. The mount 38 and the surface 40
preferably have rounded exposed surfaces so as to avoid hanging on
the patient's clothing, sheeting and the like. A padded covering 55
preferably slips over the extension 36.
[0051] To facilitate releasable attachment of the sole member 18 to
the splint 12, lower surface 54 of the foot contacting portion 20
preferably includes a raised element, such as a square raised
projection or nib 56 for engaging a conforming receptacle on the
sole member 18, discussed in more detail below in connection with
FIGS. 18a and 18b. Also, an aperture 58 extends between surfaces 30
and 54 of the foot contacting portion 20 for receiving a mounting
bolt 60 onto which is threaded an end nut 62 having a plastic
material or covering 64 molded thereon to provide a non-skid,
padded covering. A locking nut 66 secures the bolt 60 within the
aperture 58 (FIG. 6).
[0052] Soft Bootie 14
[0053] Turning to FIGS. 7-10, the bootie 14 is configured to fit
around the patient's foot, ankle and lower leg, and attaches to the
splint 12 to secure the foot, ankle and leg of the patient to the
splint 12. The bootie 14 is preferably made of a soft fabric
material such as fleece or a so-called "vel-foam" material
available from Velcro USA of Manchester, N.H. If desired, exterior
portions of the bootie may be reinforced with a nylon material, as
discussed below. A preferred nylon material is a 430 denier pack
cloth available from Rain Shed Outdoor Fabrics of Corvallis,
Oreg.
[0054] The bootie 14 includes a foot portion 70 and a leg portion
72 that are preferably attached to one another. FIGS. 8 and 9 are
interior and exterior plan views, respectively, of the foot portion
70 laid out in flat or planar orientation. FIGS. 10 and 11 are
interior and exterior plan views, respectively, of the leg portion
72 laid out in flat or planar orientation.
[0055] The foot portion 70 includes a substantially rectangular
main body portion 74 having side edges 76 and 78 and end edges 80
and 82. A pair of strap portions 84 and 86 extend substantially
perpendicularly away from the side edge 78 of the body portion 74.
Turning to FIG. 8, interior surface 88 of the foot portion 70
preferably includes a section of loop material 90 secured thereto,
as by stitching, for releasable securement of the foot portion
about the splint 12 and the foot of the user, as will be explained
more fully below. The interior surface of the strap 84 also
preferably a section of loop material 92 secured thereto, as by
stitching, for releasable securement of the strap 84 to the strap
86, as will be explained below.
[0056] With reference to FIG. 9, exterior surface 94 of the body
portion 74 includes a section of hook material 96 secured thereto,
as by stitching, for mating with the loop material 90 when the
orthosis 10 is installed on a patient. Likewise, the exterior
surface of the strap 86 includes a section of hook material 98
secured thereto, as by stitching, for mating with the loop material
92 of the strap 84. A section of nylon material 100 is preferably
secured as by stitching 101 to a portion of the exterior surface 94
as shown in FIG. 9 for providing a durable and stain resistant
exterior surface. A portion of the nylon material, particularly
edge 102 extending between points 102a and 102b is not secured to
the surface 94 so as to define a pocket 104 for slidably
positioning over the foot contacting portion 20 of the splint 12.
An aperture 106 extends through the pocket 104 for receiving the
end nut 62 described above.
[0057] A non-skid material 108 is provided on the exterior of the
pocket 104 for providing a surface having a relatively high
coefficient of friction for contacting the toe support 16 when it
is installed on the splint 12 to inhibit rotation of the toe
support 16 relative to the splint 12. A preferred non-skid material
108 is synthetic rubber secured as by stitches onto the exterior of
the pocket 104.
[0058] Turning to FIGS. 10 and 11, the leg portion 72 includes a
substantially rectangular body portion 110 having side edges 112,
114 and end edges 116, 118. A tongue 120 extends substantially
outwardly from a central portion of edge 112. The tongue 120
preferably incorporates padding 121 (FIG. 7) therein or thereon for
additional patient comfort. Interior surface 122 of the leg portion
72 preferably includes a section of loop material 124 secured
thereto adjacent the edge 118, as by stitching, for releasable
securement of the leg portion about the splint 12 and the leg of
the user, as will be explained more fully below. Exterior surface
126 of the leg portion 72 includes a section of hook material 128
secured thereto, as by stitching, for mating with the loop material
124 when the splint is installed on a patient. A pocket 129 is
provided on the exterior surface 126 for receiving the leg portion
22 of the splint 12. The pocket is formed by stitched edges 129a
and open edge 129b. A portion of material sufficient to provide the
pocket 129 preferably extends from the body potion 110 and is
folded over a fold line 129c and secured along the edges 129a.
[0059] The foot portion 70 and the leg portion 72 are secured
together with the interior surfaces thereof facing in generally the
same manner by securing (as by stitching) point C on the strap 84
of the foot portion 70 to point D of tongue 120 of the leg portion
72 and by securing point E on the strap 86 of the foot portion 70
to point F of tongue 120 of the leg portion 72.
[0060] Toe Support 16
[0061] Turning to FIGS. 12-14, the toe support 16 is preferably of
one-piece molded plastic construction and includes a head 130
connected by a neck 132 to legs 134 and 136. A preferred plastic
material is polypropylene. The toe support 16 supports the toes of
the patient in a desired orientation relative to the foot of the
patient.
[0062] The head 130 preferably extends upwardly at an angle .theta.
of from about 10.degree. to about 30.degree. away from the plane of
the neck 132 and legs 134, 136. Interior edges 138 and 140 of the
legs 134 and 136, respectively, are spaced apart a distance to
enable them to snugly grip the mounting bolt 60 when the toe
support 16 is mounted on the splint 12. For a bolt 60 having a
diameter of about {fraction (3/16)} inch, the legs 134 and 136 are
preferably spaced about 1/4 inch apart.
[0063] To inhibit the toe support 16 from sliding past the mounting
bolt 60, the ends of the legs 134 and 136 preferably include points
142 and 144 which extend toward one another to reduce the space
between the legs 134 and 136 so that the bolt 60 cannot slide past
the points 142 and 144. For a {fraction (3/16)} inch bolt, the
points are preferably spaced about {fraction (1/16)} apart. When
removing the toe support 16 from the splint 16, sufficient pressure
may be exerted by the patient to bear the points 142 and 144
against the bolt 60 so as to cause the legs 134 and 136 to flex and
spread apart and pulled past the mounting bolt 60, thereby
permitting the toe support 16 to be removed from the splint.
[0064] A lower surface 146 of the head 130 preferably includes a
section of loop material 148 attached thereto, as by adhesive, for
mating with hook material provided on a corresponding interior
portion of a fabric cover 150 (FIG. 2) configured to be slipped
over the head 130 to serve as padding to improve patient
comfort.
[0065] Sole Member 18
[0066] With reference to FIGS. 15-17, the sole member 18 has a
substantially rectangular body 160 having an upper surface 162
opposite a lower, floor contacting, surface 164. The body 160 is
preferably of molded rubber construction and has a thickness of
from about 1/4 inch to about 3/4 inch, most preferably about 1/2
inch. The surface 164 is preferably rugose or otherwise textured to
provide a surface that resists slipping when a patient is standing
or ambulating.
[0067] A key-shaped slot 166 including a circular portion 168 and
an elongate portion 170 extends between the surfaces 162 and 164 to
provide clearance for the bolt 60 and end nut 62 during
installation or removal of the sole member 18 from the splint 12.
In this regard, a plate 172 preferably made of a substantially
rigid material such as molded plastic, preferably ABS plastic
having a thickness of from about 1/16 to about {fraction (3/16)}
inch, most preferably about 1/8 inch. The plate may be secured, as
by adhesive, to the surface 162. The plate 172 includes a key
shaped slot 174 having a circular portion 176 and an elongate
portion 178 extending there through. The slot 174 is smaller than
the slot 166 and is positioned so that it is substantially aligned
with the slot 166. As will be noted, the slots 166 and 174 are
reversed from one another, with the elongate portions 170 and 178
extending in opposite directions from one another. The circular
portion 176 is sized slightly larger than the nut 62 for permitting
its passage there through and the elongate portion 178 is sized
just slightly larger than the bolt 60 so that it may be slidably,
yet snugly, received therein.
[0068] A cutout 180 is defined on rear edge 182 of the plate 172
for snugly receiving the correspondingly shaped projection 56
located on the lower surface 54 of the splint 12. The cutout 180
and the projection 56 cooperate to enable the projection 56 to be
slidably inserted into the cutout during installation of the sole
member 18 onto the splint 12 to inhibit rotational and axial
movement of the sole member 18 relative to the splint 12.
[0069] In this regard, and with reference to FIGS. 18a and 18b, the
projection 56 includes a body portion 184 extending from the
surface 54 of the splint 12 and slidingly receivable between walls
186 and 188 of the cutout 180. Lowermost portion 190 of the body
portion 184 defines a pair of shoulders 192 and 194. The shoulders
192 and 194 are matingly receivable between sidewalls 196 and 198
of the cutout 180.
[0070] The body portion 184 preferably has a height h of from about
{fraction (1/16)} to about 1/4 inch, most preferably about 1/8
inch, a length l of from about 1/4 to about 3/4 inch, most
preferably about 1/2 inch, and a width w of from about 1/4 to about
3/4 inch, most preferable about 1/2 inch. The span between the
walls 186 and 188 is preferably from about {fraction (3/16)} to
about {fraction (5/16)} inches, most preferably about 1/4
inches.
[0071] Assembly and Use
[0072] Returning now to FIG. 2 and with additional reference to
FIGS. 19-21, the orthosis 10 may be assembled by first installing
the bootie 14 on the splint 12 and then installing the toe support
16 on the bootie/splint assembly. The bootie 14 may be installed on
the splint 12 by slipping the pocket 129 over the leg portion 22,
bending the leg portion 22 toward the foot portion 20 and slipping
the pocket 104 over the foot portion 20 and passing the end nut 62
(installed on the bolt 60) and cover 64 through the aperture 106 of
the pocket 104. The end nut 62 is loosened, if necessary, to permit
installation of the toe support 16 by sliding the toe support 16 so
that the bolt 60 is captured between the legs 34 and 36 of the toe
support 16 (FIG. 20). The end nut 62 is then tightened until it is
snugly against the toe support 16.
[0073] The thus assembled orthosis may then be installed on the
foot/leg of a patient in bed. If desired, the sole member 18 may
thereafter be installed for floor contact, such as for ambulation
by the patient (FIG. 20). This may be accomplished by loosening the
nut 62 an amount to slightly greater than the thickness of the
plate 172 of the sole member 18. The sole member 18 is then
positioned with the surface 162 thereof adjacent the legs 34 and 36
of the toe support 16 and the nut 62 and cover 64 within the
circular portion 176. Optionally, the toe support 16 may be removed
prior to installing the sole member 18. Pressure is then exerted to
slide the sole member 18 toward the bend 24 of the splint 12 so
that the projection 56 engages the aperture 180 and bolt 60 is
captured within the slot 178 of the plate 172. The nut 62 is then
tightened until snug.
[0074] The assembled foot orthosis is thus configured for
ambulation, wherein the sole member 18 contacts the floor. The sole
member 18 is thereafter removed prior to the patient's return to
bed. The installation and removal of the sole member 18 may be
accomplished by the patient, depending on his general physical
ability, or by an attendant. It is preferred that the sole member
18 be installed and removed by an attendant, with the patient
sitting up on the bed with the patient's leg hanging over the side
of the bed.
[0075] As will be appreciated, a significant aspect of the
invention relates to the provision of a foot orthosis having a sole
member that can be quickly and conveniently installed or removed
and that is attached in a manner suitable for ambulation by the
patient. The capture of the bolt 60 within the slot 178 and the
capture of the projection 56 within the cutout 180 enable the sole
member to be reliably and easily attached to the splint 12 in a
manner sufficient to enable the patient to ambulate without the
sole member 18 detaching from the splint 12 or rotating or
otherwise moving relative to the splint 12 during ambulation.
Following ambulation, the structure enables quick and convenient
removal of the sole member 18 for return of the patient to bed.
[0076] FIGS. 22-31
[0077] With reference now to FIGS. 22-31, there is shown another
embodiment of a splint 200 and a sole member 202 removably
attachable to the splint 200. The splint 200 and the sole member
202 are compatible with the previously described bootie 14 and toe
support 16 and can be substituted for the splint 12 and the sole
member 18 to provide the orthosis 10.
[0078] The splint 200 is substantially identical to the splint 12,
except that it includes a projection 204 in place of the nib 56 of
the splint 12 and an end member 206 that replaces the nut 62. In
this regard, reference numerals associated with the splint 12 have
been ascribed to the splint 200 for the parts common between the
splint 12 and the splint 202.
[0079] The end member 206 is preferably fixedly attached to
mounting bolt 60 as by a fastener 60' so that the locking nut 66 is
not needed. The projection 204, like the nib 56, is positioned to
engage a corresponding receptacle 208 on the sole member 202, as
shown in FIGS. 26 and 27.
[0080] The projection 204 has a sloped front portion 210, a
substantially flat middle portion 212, and a projecting rear
portion 214. Surface 216 of the front portion 210 slopes away from
the surface 54 of the splint 212 and surface 218 of the middle
portion 212 is substantially parallel to the surface 54. The rear
portion 214 projects from the middle portion 212 in an angular
direction away from the surface 54 to define a notch 220 between
the rear portion 214 and the surface 54 of the splint. The notch
220 engages a ledge 222 extending from the sole member 202 adjacent
the receptacle 208, as will be explained more filly below.
[0081] With further reference now to FIGS. 28-31, the sole member
202 has an inner plate or core member 224 (See, FIGS. 28-29) onto
which is applied a sole material 226 (See, FIGS. 30-31). The
material 226 is preferably a rubber or rubber-like sole material of
the type used in the manufacture of shoe soles (e.g, natural or
synthetic rubber, nylon and like polymeric materials) molded onto
the member 224.
[0082] Turning now to FIGS. 28 and 29, the core member 224 is
preferably made of a substantially rigid material such as molded
plastic, preferably ABS plastic having an overall thickness of from
about 1/8 to about 1/4 inch, most preferably about {fraction
(3/16)} inch. The member 224 has opposite substantially planar
surfaces 228 and 230, with a key shaped slot 232 having a circular
portion 234 and an elongate portion 236 extending between the
surfaces 228 and 230 for cooperating with the nut 60 and end member
206 for installing the sole member 202 onto the splint 200.
[0083] A plurality of apertures, preferably circular apertures 238,
extend between the surfaces 228, 230 of the member 224.
Cross-members 240 located adjacent surface 228 extend across each
of the apertures 238, leaving open portions 238' of the apertures
238. Elongate, preferably rectangular aperture 242 extends between
the surfaces 228,230 adjacent heel end 244 of the member 224 and
provides access to the receptacle 208 in the assembled sole member
202.
[0084] A ledge 246 having opposite surfaces 248 and 250 is
preferably provided around the perimeter of the member 224. The
ledge 246 is preferably vertically offset from the member 224 such
that the surface 250 of the ledge 246 is substantially coplanar
with the surface 228 of the core member 224 and the plane of the
surface 248 of the ledge 246 is offset from the surface 228 of the
core member 224 by an amount corresponding to the thickness of
cross members 240, such as about {fraction (1/16)} inch.
[0085] A plurality of apertures 252 extend through the thickness of
the ledge 246 and are preferably uniformly spaced apart from one
another. The surface 250 of the ledge 246 is preferably smooth.
Rims 254, 256 rise from the surface 248 and extend around the ledge
246 on opposite sides of the apertures 252. Raised ribs 258 extend
between the rims 254, 256 to frame each of the apertures 252.
[0086] A plurality of sloped ribs 260 extend from the surface 230
of the surface 230 toward the back of the member 224 adjacent the
heel end 244. Each of the ribs 260 has a sloped surface 262 that
terminates at a flat surface 264, as best seen in FIG. 29a. A
ribless space 266 is provided between the ribs 260 adjacent the
aperture 242.
[0087] With reference to FIGS. 24, 25, 30 and 31, the material 226
is preferably molded onto the core member 224 using known molding
techniques. The material 226 is applied so that on the side of the
surface 228 it covers the surfaces 228 and 248, except for an open
area 268 surrounding the slot 232 (FIG. 24). On the side 230 of the
core member 226, the material 226 fills the apertures 238 and
covers the surface 250 of the ledge 246 such that the material 226
is flush with the surface 230. The material 226 also covers the
ribs 260, except adjacent the area 266 of the core member 224 so as
to define channel 266'.
[0088] As will be appreciated, the apertures 238' and 252 and the
ribs 260 provide topography for the material 226 to surround so
that the sole member 202 is a composite or unitary part to inhibit
separation of the material 226 from the member 224. In addition,
the exposed surface 270 of the resulting molded part is preferably
contoured in the manner of a shoe sole, preferably having a
traction enhancing topography. Material is either subsequently
removed from adjacent the aperture 242 or is stopped from occupying
an area corresponding to the receptacle 208 so as to result in an
open area that defines the receptacle 208. In this regard, and with
additional reference now to FIGS. 27 and 28, the receptacle 208
includes sloped front-end wall 272, bottom 274, rear-end wall 276,
and opposite sidewalls 278.
[0089] The orthosis may be assembled by first installing the bootie
14 on the splint 200 and then installing the toe support 16 on the
bootie/splint assembly in substantially the same manner as
previously described for the orthosis 10 having splint 12, except
there is no need for loosening the end nut 62, as it is replaced
with the end member 206. The sole member 202 may thereafter be
installed for floor contact, such as for ambulation by the patient.
This may be accomplished by placing the surface 230 adjacent the
surface 54 of the splint 200 and aligning the slot 232 with the end
member 206 so that it extends therethrough. The projection 204 is
preferably within the channel 266'. With the user's thumbs on
either side of the member 206 and bearing against the opposite
exposed surface 270, pressure is applied to urge the sole toward
the heel end of the splint so that the elongate portion 236 of the
slot 232 is proximate the mounting bolt 60 and the projection 204
is adjacent the receptacle 208. Pressure is then applied in the
region of the heel end of the sole member 202 to snap fit the
projection 204 into the receptacle. Removal may be accomplished by
reversing the steps, wherein the heel end of the sole member is
pulled oppositely from the splint to unsnap the projection 204 from
the receptacle and then sliding the sole member so that the end
member 206 will pass back through the slot 232.
[0090] FIGS. 32-34
[0091] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is
provided a pouch 300 releasably attachable to the bootie 14. The
pouch 300 is configured to receive a thermal pack 302, e.g., a cold
or heat pack. The pouch 300 is preferably made by securing
together, as by sewing, adjacent edges of material 304 and 306, and
securing a portion of hook material 308 to an outer surface 310 of
the material 306.
[0092] The material 304 is preferably slightly longer than the
material 306 so that a lid portion 312 extends above the material
306 and is available to be folded over toward the material 306 in
the direction of the arrows 314 and stuffed into the pouch 300 and
against the pack 302 so as to provide some resistance to help
maintain the pack 302 within the pouch. For example, if the patient
were to lie down such that opening 316 to the interior of the pouch
becomes downwardly inclined, gravity would tend to urge the pack
302 out of the pouch. The lid portion 312 can be stuffed into the
opening 316 to provide resistance to maintain the pack 302 within
the pouch.
[0093] The material 304 is preferably a mesh material for
contacting against the skin of a patient. Examples of suitable mesh
materials include polyester, nylon and the like which tend to wick
away moisture. The mesh also is relatively thin and does not
significantly insulate against heat transfer from the thermal pack
302 within the pouch 300 to the skin of the patient. The material
306 is preferably similar to that used for the bootie 14 and is
readily engaged by the hook material 308 for releasably securing
the pouch 300 to a portion of the bootie 14 adjacent to the area of
the patient where thermal treatment is desired.
[0094] The foregoing description of certain exemplary embodiments
of the present invention has been provided for purposes of
illustration only, and it is understood that numerous modifications
or alterations may be made in and to the illustrated embodiments
without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as
defined in the following claims.
* * * * *