US3556091A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Foot corrective device for replacing the function of weakened intrinsic musculature
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1967-09-07
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Granted: 1971-01-19
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Expires: 1987-09-07
Abstract
Abstract A foot-corrective device for augmenting weakened intrinsic musculature of the toes. The device employs one or more flexible loops positioned around a corresponding number of toes, the loops being connected to a supporting portion which is anchored either to a rearwardly disposed part of the foot or to the shoe, whereby a downward and rearward pull is applied to the proximal phalanx of the engaged toe or toes to produce the actions and effects normally accomplished by the short intrinsic muscles, to wit, the flattening of the toes, the elevation of the metatarsal heads and the relatively even distribution of weight-bearing stresses to the toes and the metatarsal heads.
Inventors
- 👤 Armen Charles Haig
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 17:36
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61F; A61F5/00; A61F5/01; A61F5/019
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
195 words
An orthopedic device for correcting deformities of the toes and forefoot due to weakened intrinsic musculature, comprising a plurality of adjacent toe loops proportioned for embracing engagement with the respective proximal phalanges of corresponding toes, anchoring means disposed rearwardly of said loops, and connecting means attached to said respective loops and positioned and proportioned to underlie the foot, whereby downwardly and rearwardly directed pulls will be exerted on said loops and the engaged toes towards the common flexor at a predetermined operative position of said anchoring means, said plurality of toe loops comprising two loops, said anchoring and connecting means being formed from a band of material bent into the form of a rear loop with intermediate sections in intersecting relation and two branches extending forwardly from said intersecting intermediate sections, said intersecting sections being secured together, said two toe loops being attached to the forward portions of said respective branches, said two branches being proportioned and positioned for underlying engagement with the foot at laterally opposite portions, whereby a transverse walking platform is established upon a raising of the heeL, said rear loop being proportioned for enveloping engagement with the heel of the wearer.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
195 words
An orthopedic device for correcting deformities of the toes and forefoot due to weakened intrinsic musculature, comprising a plurality of adjacent toe loops proportioned for embracing engagement with the respective proximal phalanges of corresponding toes, anchoring means disposed rearwardly of said loops, and connecting means attached to said respective loops and positioned and proportioned to underlie the foot, whereby downwardly and rearwardly directed pulls will be exerted on said loops and the engaged toes towards the common flexor at a predetermined operative position of said anchoring means, said plurality of toe loops comprising two loops, said anchoring and connecting means being formed from a band of material bent into the form of a rear loop with intermediate sections in intersecting relation and two branches extending forwardly from said intersecting intermediate sections, said intersecting sections being secured together, said two toe loops being attached to the forward portions of said respective branches, said two branches being proportioned and positioned for underlying engagement with the foot at laterally opposite portions, whereby a transverse walking platform is established upon a raising of the heeL, said rear loop being proportioned for enveloping engagement with the heel of the wearer.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
178 words
An orthopedic device for correcting deformities of the toes and forefoot due to weakened intrinsic musculature, comprising a plurality of adjacent toe loops, each loop being of substantial width for embracing engagement with a respective proximal phalange of corresponding toe, anchoring means in the shape of a loop disposed rearwardly of said loops, and connecting means attached to said respective loops and being disposed between said loops and said anchoring means and positioned and proportioned to underlie the foot for exerting downwardly and rearwardly directed pulls on said loops and thereby on the engaged toes towards the common flexor at a predetermined operative position of said anchoring means to flatten the toes, said connecting means and toe loops being of substantially uniform width, said plurality of toe loops comprising at least two loops, said connecting means having a plurality of forwardly extending branches connected to said respective toe loops, said branches being proportioned and positioned for underlying engagement with the foot at laterally opposite portions, whereby a transverse walking platform is established upon a raising of the heel.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
178 words
An orthopedic device for correcting deformities of the toes and forefoot due to weakened intrinsic musculature, comprising a plurality of adjacent toe loops, each loop being of substantial width for embracing engagement with a respective proximal phalange of corresponding toe, anchoring means in the shape of a loop disposed rearwardly of said loops, and connecting means attached to said respective loops and being disposed between said loops and said anchoring means and positioned and proportioned to underlie the foot for exerting downwardly and rearwardly directed pulls on said loops and thereby on the engaged toes towards the common flexor at a predetermined operative position of said anchoring means to flatten the toes, said connecting means and toe loops being of substantially uniform width, said plurality of toe loops comprising at least two loops, said connecting means having a plurality of forwardly extending branches connected to said respective toe loops, said branches being proportioned and positioned for underlying engagement with the foot at laterally opposite portions, whereby a transverse walking platform is established upon a raising of the heel.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
An orthopedic device according to claim 2, said connecting means having an elastic portion positioned between said respective loops and said anchoring means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
An orthopedic device according to claim 2, wherein said branches are in overlapped adjoining relation at said anchoring means.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-01-18 | 1974-07-20 | 1975-01-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-01-18 | 1978-07-20 | 1979-01-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-01-18 | 1982-07-20 | 1983-01-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |