Foot/toe (e.g., Corn, Bunion, Etc.) Patents (Class 128/893)
  • Patent number: 12144758
    Abstract: A therapeutic footwear device used to stretch the muscles of the foot to assist with correcting and rehabilitating deformities and pain conditions in the feet, legs, and back of the user. The device includes a rigid base which supports the user's foot, straps that spread the user's toes, and inserts and contours that elevate the user's toes to assist in stretch during rest, during exercise performance, and during medical treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2024
    Inventor: Meena McCullough
  • Patent number: 11617695
    Abstract: A footrest strap usable with a footrest of a wheelchair has a body portion having a first end portion, a second end portion, and a center portion. The footrest strap also has a male interlocking member formed at the first end portion, a female interlocking member formed at the second end portion, where the male interlocking member and the female interlocking member are adapted to form an interlocking means. Moreover, the footrest strap has a receptacle formed on the body portion at an offset position that is away from the center portion. The receptacle is formed with a first end and a second end that is opened and adapted for allowing a supporting screw of the footrest to be introduced into a space therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Inventor: Robert Xianhe Xia
  • Patent number: 11046554
    Abstract: The invention describes a footrest for a stairlift chair in which the safety mechanisms included in the footrest are enveloped in a flexible cover that allows the safety mechanisms to function in the intended manner yet prevents the intrusion of dirt and objects that might interfere with the operation of the safety mechanisms. Various further features are described to enhance the aesthetics of the chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: STANNAH STAIRLIFTS LIMITED
    Inventor: Alexander Henry Gage Wilson
  • Patent number: 10485351
    Abstract: An apparatus for holding a decorative cover. The apparatus includes a body having front and rear opposite sides, the front side of the body having a front surface having a perimeter, the rear side of the body having a rear surface, and the body having an outwardly facing lateral surface between the front and rear surfaces; and a first connector on the body, the first connector detachably connectable, continuously adjacent at least a portion of the perimeter of the front surface, to a second connector, complementary to the first connector, on the decorative cover. A furniture apparatus includes at least one substantially thermoplastic body and one or both of diatomaceous earth and a PA1b-related peptide incorporated in one or more of the at least one body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Inventor: Roderick William Phillips
  • Patent number: 10070684
    Abstract: Toe tethers for use with sandals and sandals with one or more integrated toe tethers are disclosed. A toe tether can include a toe retention region constructed to engage a toe of the human foot, an extension region integrated with the toe retention region, and a self anchoring region integrated with the extension region. In one embodiment, a toe tether may be secured to or integrated with a retention strap of a sandal. In another embodiment, a toe tether may be secured to a platform of a sandal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Inventor: Alexander Orcutt
  • Patent number: 10039329
    Abstract: A hosiery article to be worn on a foot. The hosiery article can include a plurality of pockets, each of the pockets being sized to receive at least one toe of the foot and to enclose the distal end of the toe, wherein at least one of the pockets is sized such that a portion of toe cleavage is exposed when the article is worn on the foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Inventor: Rose Anne Sherry
  • Patent number: 8597220
    Abstract: A pincer nail correction tool for remedying a pincer nail of a toe as the nail grows by bonding a necessary part separated from the body to the pincer nail. The tool includes a flat operating portion gripped before the necessary part is bonded and rotated in the direction in which the pincer nail is remedied, a thin-sheet abutting portion extending from the flat surface on one side of the operating portion and projecting straight toward the distal end, a thin-sheet engaging portion narrower than the abutting portion in the surface direction and extending from the surface on the other side of the operating portion substantially parallel with the abutting portion, and a bottom extending from one end face of the operating portion toward the distal end and connecting the abutting portion with the engaging portion to form a J-shaped cross-section. The projection length of the abutting portion is longer than that of the engaging portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Bigbang Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshiko Kojima
  • Patent number: 8586818
    Abstract: A wound shield may include a conformable frame to circumscribe a wound. Any suitable dressing may be secured over the conformable frame providing separation between the wound and the dressing. The wound frame may provide pressure relief around a wound or pressure sore to permit healing, allow compression for venous ulcers, retain moisture within the wound environment, absorb exudate, relieve pain and trauma associated with dressing removal, allow debridement and application of topical medications and or other compounds or chemicals, accelerate healing and facilitate monitoring of wounds. A conformable frame may be composed of one or more layers of any suitable material and may include adhesive on one or more surfaces to secure the frame to the wound site, to secure the frame to itself and or any suitable closure element and or to secure the dressing to the conformable frame. A wound shield may be used for humans or any suitable animal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: AALNEX, Inc.
    Inventor: Adel Aali
  • Publication number: 20130092180
    Abstract: By placing material made of foam or gel between the heel of the shoes and the heel of your foot, clipped onto the back by a thin metal strip and also held secure by adhesive. This creation is not only is comfortable, but adds style to your outfit or look. The thin metal attachment which is held in place by two equal pieces of material, center, then folded outward to allow the attachment of embellishments, adds not only comfort, but also opens up fashion ideas and options. Presently there is no item that cannot be found in the market today that is a solution to this problem, which cover the top rim of the shoe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Inventor: Josephine Borquez Garcia
  • Patent number: 8251940
    Abstract: A vibration dampening device is a patch with one or more step members that have distal ends extending from the patch. The patch is removably engaged or adhered to a wearer's skin. With the patch engaged, the distal ends of the step members have freedom of movement with respect to the patch. The patch optionally may further include one or more wing sections integrally formed therein that also have freedom of movement with respect to the portion of the patch engaged or adhered to skin. Step member and/or wing section movement counteracts longitudinal and/or radial vibrations traveling through soft tissue and musculature to dampen such vibrations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Inventors: Charles Harris, Jr., John Garnier
  • Patent number: 7922681
    Abstract: A device is provided which gives protection from frictional injury to the web space between toes due to the wearing of thong-type sandals or other similar footwear. The device is comprised of a flat, flexible, medically inert, and preferably transparent plastic material which is can be configured in a variety of shapes and which has a plantar base portion which fits under the toes and on the bottom of the foot, stabilizing the device from moving, a web spacer portion which fits between the toes and provides protection from frictional injury, and a dorsal flap portion which anchors the device to the top side of the foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Inventors: Sande Berger, Leonard Jaffe
  • Patent number: 7847143
    Abstract: A protective foot pad includes a sheet of protective material having a main body portion in the shape of the ball of a human foot and a locating tab extending from the main body portion for location between the first and second toes of the foot, an adhesive on one surface of the sheet for adhering the sheet to the foot, and a removable release liner covering the adhesive until the pad is to be adhered to the foot. The pad is especially suited for protecting the bare foot of a dancer, who will use the pad by removing the release liner to expose the adhesive, placing the exposed adhesive on the bottom of his or her foot to cover at least a portion of the ball of the foot, with the tab extending between the first and second toes, and bending the locating tab over the skin between the first and second toes. The main body portion can include one or more lateral extensions that adhere to the side of the foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Inventors: Katrina L. Moramarco, Joseph A. Avignone
  • Publication number: 20100168632
    Abstract: A bunion reliever apparatus utilizes a rigid, concave, and tapered brace to place counter-pressure directly on the bunion. Pain relief is immediate as the big toe is urged back into its natural alignment. A stabilizing strap secures the brace along the side of the foot and a correction strap encircles and is tightened around the big toe. The correction strap forces the outside of the big toe to contact the rigid brace. Since the force securing the stabilizing strap to the foot exceeds the force exerted on the big toe by the correction strap, a counter-force is transferred directly onto the most exaggerated extension of the bunion by the rigid brace. For use in conjunction with the bunion reliever apparatus a set of exercises for relaxation, re-direction, and new tissue memory is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventors: Soraya Ann Abbassian, Ted Robert Skipper
  • Patent number: 7727608
    Abstract: An adhesive pad kit for footwear has a schematic having an indication of footwear. The adhesive pad kit has at least two pairs of thin adhesive backed pads. Each pad in the first pair has a predetermined shape having a length and a width. The length is at least four times the width. The indication depicts an operative location for at least one of the pads on the footwear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: The Blister Sister, Inc.
    Inventor: Kathleen Cunningham
  • Patent number: 7695444
    Abstract: A flexible protective cover for preventing fluid from entering an open epidermal site on a user, comprising: a central portion having at least one rib, an edge connected to the central portion at an angle, a lip disposed around the edge, a sealing member disposed over the lip for providing a sealing engagement between the lip and the open epidermal site, and at least one adjustable strap removably connected to the central portion. Also disclosed is a flexible protective cover having a central portion, an edge connected to the central portion at an angle, an inflatable sealing member integral with the edge for providing the sealing engagement, and at least one adjustable strap removably connected to the central portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Inventors: Kathy A. Simmons, Mary E. Simmons
  • Patent number: 7658195
    Abstract: A male urinary incontinence control device comprising dorsal and ventral arms is presented. The dorsal clamping portion is configured for engaging a dorsal surface of a user's penis. The ventral clamping portion is configured for engaging a ventral surface of a user's penis. The device also comprises an adjustable hinge connecting the hinge end of the dorsal arm clamping portion to the hinge end of the ventral arm clamping portion. The adjustable hinge comprises a pivot fixed to one of the ventral and dorsal arms and about which the other of the ventral and dorsal arms can be selectively rotated between a closed position wherein the dorsal arm clamping portion is in opposition with the ventral arm clamping portion and an open position. The location of the pivot relative to the other of the ventral and dorsal arms is selectively adjustable to establish a desired spacing between the ventral and dorsal arms when in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Gyrx, Inc.
    Inventor: William G. Dennis
  • Patent number: 7632978
    Abstract: Disclosed is an absorbent article including a temperature change member for providing a cooling effect. The temperature change member includes a matrix of fibers and temperature change material intermixed within the matrix of fibers. The temperature change material includes erythritol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher P. Olson, Shirlee A. Weber, Andrew M. Long, Davis Dang H. Nhan, Kent W. Abel
  • Patent number: 7628767
    Abstract: A method for preventing infection and maintaining aseptic epidermal areas by preventing contaminated fluid from entering an open epidermal site on a user, comprising the steps of: removably attaching at least one adjustable strap to a reusable non-deforming flexible protective cover comprising a sealing member, covering the open epidermal site with the reusable non-deforming flexible protective cover while maintaining a space between the reusable non-deforming flexible protective cover and the open epidermal site, and tightening the at least one adjustable strap to secure the reusable non-deforming flexible protective cove over the open epidermal site to create a fluid-tight seal between the sealing member and the open epidermal site, thereby preventing contaminated fluid from entering the open epidermal site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Inventors: Kathy A. Simmons, Mary E. Simmons
  • Publication number: 20090044815
    Abstract: A foot and heel skin shield system for preventing and treating pressure sores on a person's foot and calf and for managing discharged body fluids from the person's foot and calf is disclosed. The system has two main components, a heel lift and a lubricated disposable calf liner pad. An optional foot stabilizer pad may also be used as part of the system. The system may also include a heel bootie. The lubricated disposable calf liner pad, foot stabilizer pad, and heel boot can have a first lubricant having silicone and a second lubricant having a lubricating, skin protecting, and moisturizing emollient applied to the first lubricant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2007
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventors: Arnold Bruckner, Holly M. Lidowski, Leslie Strauss, Karl K. Eilender
  • Publication number: 20080301977
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a protector for a toe strap of a footwear such, in particular in the form of a shoe, a sandal or a flip-flop, comprising a tube or a tube-like body with a first end and an opposite second end along its longitudinal axis, in particular in the form of a circumferential sleeve, which at least partially encloses a space, with a first opening at the first end and an opposite second opening at the second end for the at least partial inclusion of a toe strap, wherein an inner wall of the tube or tube-like body extends from the first to the second end and wherein an outer wall extends from the first to the second end, wherein the tube or tube-like body, in particular the circumferential sleeve, comprises a slit extending from the first end to the second end and from the outer to the inner wall so that the tube or tube-like body, in particular the circumferential sleeve, comprises adjacent longitudinal first and second areas, in particular contact areas which are facing each other and
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventors: Andrew Roberts, Encarna Perez
  • Publication number: 20080208097
    Abstract: A device is provided which gives protection from frictional injury to the web space between toes due to the wearing of thong-type sandals or other similar footwear. The device is comprised of a flat, flexible, medically inert, and preferably transparent plastic material which is can be configured in a variety of shapes and which has a plantar base portion which fits under the toes and on the bottom of the foot, stabilizing the device from moving, a web spacer portion which fits between the toes and provides protection from frictional injury, and a dorsal flap portion which anchors the device to the top side of the foot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventors: Sande Berger, Leonard Jaffe
  • Patent number: 7396338
    Abstract: The invention concerns an orthopaedic device for the correction of incorrectly positioned toes, having a fastening provision (8a) in the region of the big toe, a fastening provision (8b) in the region of the central foot and a flexible splint (9), extends between the fastening provisions (8a, 8b) along the inner side of the foot, and in which the flexible splint (9) is formed as a hinged splint, articulated in the direction of flexion and extension of the toe or toes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Hallufix AG
    Inventors: Vitus Maria Huber, Axel Krauss
  • Publication number: 20080142024
    Abstract: A cure-aid for treating athlete's foot is provided. The cure-aid including: a bottom portion disposed on a bottom of at least one toe and one or more spacers connected to the bottom portion and disposed between at least two adjacent toes. The bottom portion and one or more spacers are formed of an absorbent material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2007
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventors: Jahangir S. Rastegar, Thomas Spinelli
  • Patent number: 7335178
    Abstract: A device is provided which gives protection from frictional injury to the web space between toes due to the wearing of thong-type sandals or other similar footwear. The device is comprised of a flat, flexible, medically inert, and preferably transparent plastic material which is configured in a shape which has a plantar base portion which fits under the toes and on the bottom of the foot, stabilizing the device from moving, a web spacer portion which fits between the toes and provides protection from frictional injury, and a dorsal flap portion which anchors the device to the top side of the foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventors: Sande Berger, Leonard Jaffe
  • Patent number: 7329448
    Abstract: An adhesive pad kit for footwear has at least two pairs of thin adhesive backed pads in which the pads in one pair have one predetermined shape wherein the length is at least twice as long as the width, and the pads in the second pair have a different predetermined shape. The kit can have pads that are generally rectangular. The kit can also have one pair of pads that are generally rectangular and the other pair of pads that are curved segments. The adhesive pads can be made of moleskin material. An adhesive pad kit for footwear may have at least two pairs of thin adhesive backed pads in which the pads in one pair have one predetermined color and the pads in the second pair have a different color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Inventor: Kathleen Cunningham
  • Patent number: 7249385
    Abstract: A finger/toe tip protective apparatus including a semispherically shaped flexible member of perforated material with inner and outer surfaces, and a circumferential edge. The flexible member has at least one elongated tab extending tangentially and radially about the circumferential edge of the member and which. when wrapped about the digit is partially secured to both the circumferential edge of the member and the skin of the digit to which the apparatus is to be secured whereby allowing the protective apparatus to be releasably secured in position on the finger/toe tip of a person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Inventor: Richard Schukraft
  • Patent number: 7056299
    Abstract: An orthotic device for absorption of heel shock, treating edema and swelling and for lessening pain. It is comprised of an elastic sleeve adapted to fit over the foot and heel of a person. The sleeve includes a shock absorbing heel pad inside of the sleeve in a position to be disposed under the heel when the sleeve is worn around the heel. The sleeve is of elastomeric material providing compression to treat edema and swelling. The pad may be a polymeric plastisol material which can be cooled to provide cold therapy and positioned under the heel to provide cushioning and shock absorption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Brown Medical Industries
    Inventors: Ivan E. Brown, Ronald S. Krivosha
  • Patent number: 7049478
    Abstract: A planar wound dressing for the heel of the foot, having an adhesive layer with a backing layer, and three slits which can be reversibly closed and joined to form a non-planar wound dressing that conforms to and adheres to the heel of the foot. The wound dressing is constructed so that one slit is placed over the Achilles tendon, the second slit is placed over the inner ankle, and the third slit is placed over the outer ankle. With this orientation after closure of the slits the wound dressing covers the heel uniformly without wrinkles, gaps, leakage, contamination, or infection. The wound dressing is particularly useful in protecting and preventing blisters on the heel that occur in sports such as soccer, track, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Inventor: Patricia Ann Smith
  • Patent number: 6881196
    Abstract: A system, method and device for the symptomatic relief for soft corns by injecting a medical grade molding substance between the toes between which a corn is located, forming a molded-in-place, custom-shaped high definition mold, unique to the individual's physical conformation and which reduces friction and eliminates pressure points on the corn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Inventor: James A. Crunkleton
  • Patent number: 6848200
    Abstract: A custom conformable device that supports and cushions a user's anatomical part, such the foot. The device is self-inflating, conforms to the shape of the user's foot, utilizes an inflatable bladder with a valve, and contains an expandable material such as an open cell foam. When the valve is open the expandable material expands, causing the bladder to inflate and to conform to the shape of the user's anatomical part. Once the desired shape is achieved, the valve is closed, sealing the bladder. Once the bladder is sealed, the expandable material retains the shape of the user's anatomical part. The user may open the valve to adjust the level of support provided by the device by allowing more fluid to enter the bladder, or by forcing fluid to exit the bladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Inventor: Craig D. Westin
  • Patent number: 6814711
    Abstract: An ingrown toenail curing kit includes a resiliently compressible material. A liquid adhesive is positioned in a container. An elongated implement has a first end and a second end. The material may be positioned under a toenail with the elongated implement. The material may be secured under the toenail with the adhesive until the toenail has properly grown out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Inventors: Susan J. C. Voss, David J. Sauer
  • Patent number: 6800063
    Abstract: The space for putting round the toes 5 surrounded by the opposed edges 11 of the horizontal band pieces 1 and 2 and the cord for putting round the toes having contraction and expansion properties 4 is formed by linking between the upper ends of the opposed edges 11 of the pair of horizontal band pieces 1, 2 for right and left sides using the cord for putting round the toes having contraction and expansion properties 4 and by linking the lower ends of the horizontal band pieces 1 and 2 for right and left sides by the fasteners 3 or the like. Moreover, the section for putting round an ankle 12 is formed by linking the idler ends 10 and 10 of both the horizontal band pieces 1 and 2 each other by given means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Inventor: Kazuo Iwata
  • Patent number: 6719714
    Abstract: A pair of rigid clamping blocks, each with a length approximating the width of a human foot across the toes is applied wherein one side of each of the blocks engages a compressible pad, and the other side of the blocks provides a longitudinal groove in an outfacing surface. A clamping wrap engages the longitudinal grooves in the pair of blocks when the blocks are placed on opposing sides of the toes and the clamping wrap encircles them, for applying a compressive force to the blocks and the toes sandwiched therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Inventor: Charles E. Sossong
  • Patent number: 6720470
    Abstract: The present invention is a wound healing system and method of use to address the healing of wounds found on a foot of a patient. The wound healing system provides an apparatus and method of protecting and healing foot wounds, especially foot ulcers of diabetic patients. The wound healing system can be used on a wound found on almost any area of the bottom of a foot. The wound healing system includes a method of reducing the mechanical load on a wound, allowing the patient to walk while the system is in use, allowing the patient to access and attend to the foot, allowing different methods of treating a foot wound, and providing a kit with which medical personnel can easily fit the patient with the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Inventors: Peter R. Cavanagh, Jan S. Ulbrecht
  • Publication number: 20030230312
    Abstract: An article of skin protection for the foot comprising a sheet of colored or transparent, thin, flexible material having sufficient size to wrap around a portion of the skin area of the metatarsal of the foot and toes leaving the toenails exposed. The underside of article has means of adhering to skin. Article cut out in a shape whereby, when applied, each toe is partially covered by extension of said sheet. The article also covers the area where typically part of open-toed footwear touches the skin of the dorsum. When applied, said article protects skin for damage, while being nearly invisible. Acting as a barrier between footwear and other elements and skin, said article will increase foot health and protect foot appearance. Said article can be manufactured from materials available on the market. Its outline can be achieved through a simple cutting procedure on a sheet of material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Inventor: Renata Irina Dumitrascu
  • Patent number: 6610897
    Abstract: The present invention is a wound healing system and method of use to address the healing of wounds found on a foot of a patient. The wound healing system provides an apparatus and method of protecting and healing foot wounds, especially foot ulcers of diabetic patients. The wound healing system can be used on a wound found on almost any area of the bottom of a foot. The wound healing system includes a method of reducing the mechanical load on a wound, allowing the patient to walk while the system is in use, allowing the patient to access and attend to the foot, allowing different methods of treating a foot wound, and providing a kit with which medical personnel can easily fit the patient with the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Inventors: Peter R. Cavanagh, Jan S. Ulbrecht
  • Patent number: 5957875
    Abstract: The invention relates to a toe splint for an outer toe, having a rear holding part, which is to be placed against the metatarsus, and a supporting part, which is integrally connected thereto and is to be placed upon the toe to be supported. The holding part and the supporting part each have a side portion to be placed against the outer edge of the foot or toe. The improvement according to the invention consists in the fact that the side portions are continuously joined in the manner of a splint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: Waldemar Link (GmbH & Co.)
    Inventor: Robert D. Lockhart
  • Patent number: 5899207
    Abstract: A skin-protective device and a method for protecting skin against abrasion by attaching a pair of mutually overlying membranous layers to an area of a person's skin with only the peripheries of the layers interconnected with each other, so that the layers can slip along each other. An absorbent pad may be placed between one of the layers and the skin, and a quantity of a lubricant can be contained between the layers. The device is thin, to avoid causing pressure when it is used in restricted spaces, as within one's shoe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Assignee: The Seaberg Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Samuel Scheinberg
  • Patent number: 5855620
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process for treating body tissues such as vascular structures to remove barriers to recellularization before and after implantation in a human host. The body tissue, for example a heart valve, is subjected to a hypotonic/hypertonic treatment, then treated with enzymes to provide a collagen- and elastin-containing matrix suitable for recellularization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Nanette H. Bishopric, Linda Dousman, Yung-mae M. Yao
  • Patent number: 5850837
    Abstract: A device which is installed onto an ingrown nail of a human toe to correct the ingrown nail, includes a support member affixed to the ingrown nail, and a correcting member supported by the support member and effecting force on the ingrown nail toward the correcting direction for the ingrown portion of the nail. The correcting member may be formed of a superelastic material which is shape-memory-treated to memorize a first shape, and which is deformed to a second shape different from the first shape so as to be installed onto a surface of the ingrown nail of the human toe in the second shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Assignees: Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd., Furukawa Techno Material Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kaisuke Shiroyama, Tatsuhiko Ueki, George Murota
  • Patent number: 5823195
    Abstract: A medial ankle pad is provided for the medial side of the leg, ankle and foot. A lateral ankle pad is provided for the lateral side of the leg, ankle and foot. The pads are worn individually and/or together as a method of treatment for venous diseases. The pads are held in place by a constant pressure stocking, a gradient pressure stocking and/or by means of tape. The pads, placed under a pressure gradient stocking, apply even pressure to the skin around the ankle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Inventors: C. David Shook, David J. Hoy
  • Patent number: 5683354
    Abstract: An adhesive bandage having a flexible backing element with a generally circular central region and a plurality of salient points radially extending from the central region giving the bandage a generally star-shaped or asterisk-shaped appearance. Wherein, the shape of the bandage helps the bandage protect and cover cuts on flexible parts of the body, such as the fingers and toes, without buckling and exposing the cut to the surrounding environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Inventor: Raymond H. Levy
  • Patent number: 5665060
    Abstract: A bunion treatment apparatus for minimizing forces applied to a bunion on a foot surface of a patient includes a generally planar main portion and at least a first generally planar build-up portion. Both portions are constructed of flexible padding material and have predetermined thicknesses. The build-up portion has a smaller planform area than the main portion. The main portion is provided with a bunion-receiving aperture, which preferably extends therethrough, and the build-up portion is sized and shaped to fit around the bunion-receiving aperture. By providing one or more build-up portions with the main portion, the podiatric patient can custom-adjust the thickness and configuration of the bunion treatment apparatus to fit his own individual bunion. The main portion is also provided with a toe loop, which is formed with strain relief cutouts where its generally opposed edges intersect, to eliminate tearing of the main portion when the toe loop is placed over the toe of a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Assignee: Dr. Fabricant's Foot Health Products, Inc.
    Inventor: B. Robert Fabricant
  • Patent number: 5613503
    Abstract: A device for reducing the curvature of a toe nail so as to deter ingrowing of the toe nail comprises an upper member and a lower member interconnected by an interconnecting portion interconnecting the members only at the center. The upper member includes an elongate tab which extends rearwardly from a front portion. The front portion of the upper member and the whole of the lower member includes a center section attached to the interconnecting member and a pair of wings which are curved rearwardly and downwardly for engaging the upper and lower surfaces respectively of the nail. The device is held in place by engagement of the wings with the upper and lower surfaces and by the binding of the tab into place on the top of the toe nail with an adhesive bandage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Inventor: Abe Penner
  • Patent number: 5539020
    Abstract: A soft, tacky polysiloxane elastomer characterized as having: a tackiness of 10-450 grams as determined by a polyken probe tack tester or 0-10 cm (0-4 inches) as determined by a rolling ball tack tester and a tensile strength of 0.14-5.52 mega Pascals (20-800 pounds/square inch), a minimum elongation of 250-1100 percent and a tear strength of 0.88-35.2 kN/m (5-200 pound/square inch) The soft, tacky elastomer can be made into various cushioning devices, with or without a topcover. Representative cushioning devices include an arch support pad, a metatarsal pad, a heel cushion, sheet padding, a full-length insole, a three quarter length insole, a half insole, a toe-crest pad, a heel liner, an elbow pad, a corn pad, a callus pad, a blister pad, a bunion pad or a toe pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Assignee: Schering-Plough HealthCare Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald L. Bracken, Ralph A. Winn, Norman L. Riley
  • Patent number: 5497789
    Abstract: A padding and medicating device for corns, hammertoes, bunions, blisters, and the like comprising a noncompressible, thermoplastic, oleaginous, viscoelastic gel directly impregnated onto a carrier structure of elastic fabric. The ultrasoft gel is retained on and compressed against the body part being treated by the elastic tension of the fabric which causes the noncompressible gel to expand radially outward, flow over the lesion, and conform to the shape of the lesion in a manner which dissipates externally-applied pressure equally throughout the fabric-gel-tissue system. The invention also internally absorbs frictional or horizontal shearing forces, delivers a therapeutically significant dose of a lubricating, soothing, and emolifying oil such as Mineral Oil U.S.P., and is further capable of delivering a pharmacologically active substance to the foot lesion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Inventor: Gerald P. Zook
  • Patent number: 5462519
    Abstract: A stratiform pad for surrounding and protecting a bed sore from pressure while the patient is in bed. The pad comprises a median layer containing a closed cell air bubble film, a body-contacting layer bonded to one surface of the median layer to adhere the pad to the patient's body, and a bed-contacting layer bonded to the other surface of the median layer to adhere the pad to the bed surface. The pad contains an interior bed sore receiving aperture and provides sustained lift of the body away from the bed in the area of the sore, thus relieving the pain of pressure and providing space for the flow of healing air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Inventor: Juanita Carver
  • Patent number: 5462069
    Abstract: A device to be used with a post-surgical boot for protecting the toes from injury and uncleanliness, which includes a base section, a toe-covering section, and an integral tongue section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Inventor: Jack Cohen
  • Patent number: 5394890
    Abstract: A device for reversing growth direction of ingrown toenails is provided with a first flat portion which is adhesively secured to a top surface of a toenail, such that the front outer corners of the first portion are positioned above and immediately adjacent to ingrown toenail corners, and a second, wedge-shaped portion which is integrally attached to the first portion. The inner surfaces of the first and second portions are provided with a plurality of parallel rows of teeth which are angled, so as to allow meshing of the teeth of the first portion and the second portion, while preventing withdrawal of the wedged portion from its engagement with the first portion, when in place. The wedge is gradually pushed between the top surface of the toenail and the bottom surface of the first portion, causing uplifting of the ingrown toenail corners and relief of pressure on surrounding tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1995
    Inventor: William S. Lambert
  • Patent number: 5306490
    Abstract: A cyanoacrylate adhesive is applied to the skin areas prone to blistering prior to blister formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1994
    Assignee: Medlogic, Inc.
    Inventor: Leonard V. Barley, Jr.