Device for correcting hallux valgus

Abstract

To provide a hallux valgus correction device which suitably supports a toe and endures daily and long-term wearing.SOLUTION: A hallux valgus correction device 1 includes a first insertion portion 2 into which a big toe is inserted, a second insertion portion 3 into which a second toe is inserted, and a gap holding portion 4 that connects the first insertion portion 2 and the second insertion portion 3 and applies an elastic force to the first insertion portion 2 and the second insertion portion 3 in a direction in which the first insertion portion 2 and the second insertion portion 3 are separated from each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a hallux valgus corrective brace. [Background technology]

[0002] Hallux valgus is a foot disorder in which the tip of the big toe bends toward the index toe, and there are hallux valgus correction devices for conservative treatment of hallux valgus. These hallux valgus correction devices are devices that support the toes to ensure a gap between the big toe and index toe, and various types are known (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Utility Model Registration No. 3105647 [Patent Document 1] Utility Model Registration No. 3068807 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The above-mentioned hallux valgus correction braces are intended to be worn daily and for long periods of time in order to alleviate the pain of hallux valgus. However, conventional hallux valgus correction braces are generally made of silicone rubber, as in Patent Documents 1 and 2, and are prone to deterioration over time due to friction, dirt, etc. For this reason, conventional hallux valgus correction braces are difficult to withstand daily and long-term wear, and replacement is costly and time-consuming.

[0005] To provide a hallux valgus corrective brace that can be worn daily and for a long period of time while ensuring a space between the big toe and the index toe. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] [1] A hallux valgus correction device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a first insertion portion into which the big toe is inserted, a second insertion portion into which the index or middle finger of the foot is inserted, and a gap retaining portion that connects the first insertion portion and the second insertion portion and applies an elastic force to the first insertion portion and the second insertion portion in a direction separating them from each other, wherein the first insertion portion, the second insertion portion and the gap retaining portion are integrally formed from a long metal member.

[0007] [2] In the above aspect [1], the material of the elongated member is preferably a nickel-titanium alloy.

[0008] [3] In the above aspect [2], the shape recovery temperature of the nickel-titanium alloy is preferably 32°C or less.

[0009] [4] In any of the above aspects [1] to [3], when the direction in which the first insertion portion and the second insertion portion are aligned is the foot width direction and the direction in which the index finger or the middle finger is inserted into the second insertion portion is the foot length direction, it is preferable that each of the first insertion portion and the second insertion portion form a groove portion that opens to one side in a perpendicular direction that is perpendicular to each of the foot width direction and the foot length direction.

[0010] [5] In the above aspect [4], it is preferable that each of the first insertion portion and the second insertion portion has an inner end and an outer end that form a pair of edges in the groove portion, and the gap retaining portion connects the inner end of the first insertion portion and the inner end of the second insertion portion.

[0011] [6] In the above aspect [5], it is preferable that the gap retaining portion is disposed on the one side in the orthogonal direction relative to the outer end of at least one of the first insertion portion and the second insertion portion.

[0012] [7] In the above aspect [5] or [6], it is preferable that the gap retaining portion has a first convex portion connected to the inner end of the first insertion portion and protruding toward the groove portion of the first insertion portion, a second convex portion connected to the inner end of the second insertion portion and protruding toward the groove portion of the second insertion portion, and a connecting portion connecting the first convex portion and the second convex portion.

[0013] [8] In the above aspect [7], it is preferable that the first convex portion and the second convex portion each have an arc shape.

[0014] [9] In the above aspect [7] or [8], it is preferable that the connecting portion has an arc shape curved so as to protrude toward the other side of the orthogonal direction.

[0015]

[10] In any of the above aspects [4] to [6], the gap retaining portion preferably has an arc shape that curves so as to protrude toward the one side in the orthogonal direction.

[0016]

[11] In any of the above aspects [4] to [8], a protective member may be further provided to cover the inner surface of at least the groove of each of the first insertion portion and the second insertion portion.

[0017]

[12] In any of the above aspects [4] to

[11] , it is preferable that the elongated member has a plate shape having a predetermined width and a predetermined thickness when deployed in the foot width direction.

[0018]

[13] In the above aspect

[12] , the elongated member may have a mesh shape with a plurality of through holes formed therein. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a hallux valgus corrective brace according to a first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a side view showing a hallux valgus correction brace according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3]FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example in which the hallux valgus corrective brace of the first embodiment is worn. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the mounting example of FIG. 3 from the opposite side. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of wearing the hallux valgus corrective brace of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the mounting example of FIG. 5 from the opposite side. [Figure 7] 3A to 3C are diagrams illustrating deformation of the hallux valgus corrective brace of the first embodiment when in use. [Figure 8] Graph illustrating nickel-titanium alloys. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a hallux valgus corrective brace according to a second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a side view showing a hallux valgus corrective brace according to a second embodiment. [Figure 11] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating deformation of the hallux valgus corrective brace of the second embodiment when in use. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a hallux valgus correction device according to a modified example. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a hallux valgus correction device according to a modified example. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a hallux valgus correction device according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] Hereinafter, several embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0021] [First embodiment] A hallux valgus correction brace 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 7. The hallux valgus correction brace 1 of this embodiment is worn on a user's foot F for conservative treatment of the user's hallux valgus.

[0022] The hallux valgus correction device 1 comprises a first insertion section 2 into which the big toe F1 of the foot F is inserted, a second insertion section 3 into which the index toe F2 of the foot F is inserted, and a gap retaining section 4 that connects the first insertion section 2 and the second insertion section 3 and applies an elastic force to the first insertion section 2 and the second insertion section 3 in a direction separating them from each other (see, for example, Figures 1 and 3).

[0023] In the following description, the mutually perpendicular X, Y, and Z directions are used. When the hallux valgus correction brace 1 is used, the X direction corresponds to the foot width direction, and the Y direction corresponds to the foot length direction (i.e., the insertion direction of the index finger F1 in the second insertion portion 3). The Z direction corresponds to the orthogonal directions that are perpendicular to both the foot width direction and the foot length direction. Note that the +Z and -Z directions described in this embodiment correspond to either the instep direction or the sole direction, depending on the direction in which the hallux valgus correction brace 1 is worn. Furthermore, because the first insertion portion 2, the gap maintaining portion 4, and the second insertion portion 3 are arranged side by side in the X direction in this order, the direction toward the center of the gap maintaining portion 4 in the X direction is referred to as the inward X direction, and the opposite direction is referred to as the outward X direction.

[0024] The hallux valgus correction brace 1 of this embodiment (i.e., the first insertion portion 2, the second insertion portion 3, and the gap maintaining portion 4) is integrally formed from an elongated member 10. This elongated member 10 has the shape shown in Figs. 1 and 2, but when unfolded in the X direction, it has a plate shape with a length in the X direction, a width in the Y direction, and a thickness in the Z direction. In other words, the elongated member 10 of this embodiment is manufactured as a member having the shape shown in Figs. 1 and 2 by subjecting a plate-shaped material to molding or other processing.

[0025] When unfolded in the X direction, the length of the elongated member 10 in the X direction is preferably 80 to 130 mm, for example 100 mm. The width dimension (dimension in the Y direction) of the elongated member 10 is preferably 3 to 10 mm, for example, 4 to 6 mm. The thickness dimension (dimension in the Z direction) of the elongated member 10 is preferably 0.1 to 0.6 mm, for example, 0.2 mm.

[0026] (Configuration of hallux valgus correction device 1) The specific configuration of the hallux valgus corrective brace 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0027] The first insertion portion 2 forms a groove 20 that opens to one side in the Z direction (the +Z side in this embodiment). The first insertion portion 2 also has an inner end 21 and an outer end 22 that form a pair of edges on both sides in the X direction of the groove 20. The first insertion portion 2 extends in the X direction from the inner end 21 to the outer end 22 and is curved to form the groove 20.

[0028] The second insertion portion 3 forms a groove 30 that opens to one side in the Z direction (the +Z side in this embodiment). The second insertion portion 3 also has an inner end 31 and an outer end 32 that form a pair of edges on both sides in the X direction of the groove 30. The second insertion portion 3 extends in the X direction from the inner end 31 to the outer end 32 and is curved to form the groove 30.

[0029] Here, the first insertion portion 2 has a curved shape that matches the big toe F1 of the foot F, and the second insertion portion 3 has a curved shape that matches the index toe F2 of the foot F. For example, as shown in FIG. 2 , when a tangent line L in the X direction that contacts the curved shapes of the first insertion portion 2 and the second insertion portion 3 is assumed, the radius of curvature R1 of the first insertion portion 2 on the tangent line L is larger than the radius of curvature R2 of the second insertion portion 3 on the tangent line L.

[0030] Furthermore, the X-direction dimension W1 from point P1 (contact point with tangent line L), which is the portion of the first insertion portion 2 located furthest on the -Z side, to the outer end 22 of the first insertion portion 2, is larger than the X-direction dimension W2 from point P2 (contact point with tangent line L), which is the portion of the second insertion portion 3 located furthest on the -Z side, to the outer end 32 of the second insertion portion 3. Furthermore, the Z-direction dimension H1 from the outer end 22 of the first insertion portion 2 to the tangent line L is larger than the Z-direction dimension H2 from the outer end 32 of the second insertion portion 3 to the tangent line L.

[0031] The curved shapes of the first insertion portion 2 and the second insertion portion 3 are not limited to being arcs, and may be distorted to fit the circumferential shapes of the toes.

[0032] The gap maintaining portion 4 connects the inner end portion 21 of the first insertion portion 2 and the inner end portion 31 of the second insertion portion 3. The gap maintaining portion 4 is disposed on the +Z side of the outer ends 22, 32 of the first insertion portion 2 and the second insertion portion 3. Specifically, the gap retaining portion 4 has a first convex portion 41 connected to the inner end portion 21 of the first insertion portion 2, a second convex portion 42 connected to the inner end portion 31 of the second insertion portion 3, and a connecting portion 43 connecting the first convex portion 41 and the second convex portion 42.

[0033] The first protrusion 41 extends in the +Z direction from the inner end 21 of the first insertion portion 2, while describing an arc that protrudes toward the groove 20 side of the first insertion portion 2 (outward in the X direction). As a result, the first protrusion 41 faces a part of the inner surface of the groove 20. Here, it is preferable that the facing portion A1, which is the portion of the groove 20 that faces the first protrusion 41, is located between the outer end 22 of the first insertion portion 2 and the above-mentioned point P1. In addition, the connection portion between the first protrusion 41 and the inner end 21 of the first insertion portion 2 has a gently curved shape.

[0034] The second protrusion 42 extends in the +Z direction from the inner end 31 of the second insertion portion 3 while describing an arc that protrudes toward the groove 30 of the second insertion portion 3 (outward in the X direction). As a result, the second protrusion 42 faces a part of the inner surface of the groove 30. Here, it is preferable that the facing portion A2, which is the portion of the groove 30 that faces the second protrusion 42, is located between the outer end 32 of the second insertion portion 3 and the above-mentioned point P2. In addition, the connection portion between the second protrusion 42 and the inner end 31 of the second insertion portion 3 has a gently curved shape.

[0035] In this embodiment, the arc shapes of the first convex portion 41 and the second convex portion 42 have the same radius of curvature R3, but may have different radiuses of curvature. The radius of curvature R3 of the first convex portion 41 and the second convex portion 42 is smaller than the radius of curvature R1 of the first insertion portion 2 and the radius of curvature R2 of the second insertion portion 3. Furthermore, the dimension D1 of the line connecting the first convex portion 41 and the opposing portion A1 of the groove portion 20 is larger than the dimension D2 of the line connecting the second convex portion 42 and the opposing portion A2 of the groove portion 30.

[0036] The connecting portion 43 extends along the X direction while connecting the first convex portion 41 and the second convex portion 42. In this embodiment, the connecting portion 43 has an arc shape that curves so as to protrude slightly in the -Z direction, but it may also be linear. The radius of curvature R4 of the connecting portion 43 is larger than the radius of curvature R3 of each of the first convex portion 41 and the second convex portion 42.

[0037] The dimension of the connecting portion 43 in the X direction is set so as to ensure a gap D3 in the X direction between the first insertion portion 2 and the second insertion portion 3. The gap D3 is set according to the desired corrective force for creating a gap between the thumb F1 and the index finger F2, and is preferably 7 to 20 mm, for example, 12 to 15 mm. The larger the gap D3, the stronger the corrective force, and the smaller the gap D3, the weaker the corrective force. The distance between the above-mentioned points P1 and P2 is determined according to the gap D3, and is, for example, 10 to 20 mm.

[0038] (How to use hallux valgus correction brace 1) An example of how to use the hallux valgus correction brace 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 3 to 6. Note that the user's foot F shown in Figures 3 to 6 is the left foot, but the same hallux valgus correction brace 1 can be worn on either the left or right foot by inverting the hallux valgus correction brace 1 so that the positive and negative directions in the X and Y directions are reversed.

[0039] When the hallux valgus correction brace 1 is worn on the user's foot F, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the gap maintaining portion 4 is placed on the top side of each toe of the foot F, and the first insertion portion 2 and the second insertion portion 3 are placed on the soles of each toe of the foot F. Alternatively, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, the gap maintaining portion 4 may be placed on the soles of each toe of the foot F, and the first insertion portion 2 and the second insertion portion 3 may be placed on the top side of each toe of the foot F.

[0040] In either case, the thumb F1 is inserted into the groove 20 of the first insertion portion 2 and is held by being sandwiched between the first protrusion 41 and the opposing part A1. Similarly, the index finger F2 is inserted into the groove 30 of the second insertion portion 3 and is held by being sandwiched between the second protrusion 42 and the opposing part A2. The gap holding portion 4 is positioned between the thumb F1 and the index finger F2. At this time, the first insertion portion 2 and the second insertion portion 3 fit into parts R corresponding to the proximal phalanx of each toe F, and are prevented from shifting position by the nearby joints (see FIGS. 4 and 6).

[0041] As an example of the hallux valgus symptom of the user, Figures 3 and 4 show an example in which the big toe F1 bends over the index finger F2, and Figures 5 and 6 show an example in which the big toe F1 bends over the index finger F2. The combination of such hallux valgus symptoms and the wearing direction of the hallux valgus corrective brace 1 is not particularly limited, and different combinations may be used.

[0042] In FIG. 7, the hallux valgus correction brace 1 before being attached to the foot F is shown by a two-dot chain line, and the hallux valgus correction brace 1 after being attached to the foot F is shown by a solid line. As shown in FIG. 7, when the hallux valgus correction brace 1 is attached to the user's foot F, it receives loads from the big toe F1 and the index finger F2. At this time, the gap retaining portion 4 elastically deforms so that the first insertion portion 2 and the second insertion portion 3 approach each other. In particular, in this embodiment, the first insertion portion 2 rotates about the first convex portion 41, and the second insertion portion 3 rotates about the second convex portion 42, causing the first insertion portion 2 and the second insertion portion 3 to approach each other.

[0043] Therefore, the gap maintaining portion 4 applies an elastic force E that includes not only an X-direction component but also a Z-direction component as an elastic force in a direction separating the first insertion portion 2 and the second insertion portion 3 from each other. The X-direction component of the elastic force of the gap maintaining portion 4 can function as a corrective force to maintain a gap between the thumb F1 and the index finger F2. Furthermore, the Z-direction component of the elastic force of the gap maintaining portion 4 can function as a corrective force to eliminate Z-direction displacement of the thumb F1 that overlaps the index finger F2.

[0044] In this embodiment, as described above, the thumb F1 and index finger F2 are held in their respective positions on the hallux valgus correction device 1, preventing the thumb F1 from going under or on top of the index finger F2.

[0045] (Material of the long member 10) The material of the elongated member 10 constituting the hallux valgus corrective brace 1 of this embodiment may be a metal such as stainless steel, but is preferably a nickel-titanium alloy. Nickel-titanium alloy, also known as Nitinol, is an alloy containing Ni and Ti in approximately equal atomic percentages and may also contain optional additive elements such as Co, Cu, or Nb.

[0046] In this embodiment, the shape recovery temperature of the nickel-titanium alloy constituting the elongated member 10 is preferably 32° C. or less. The shape recovery and shape recovery temperature of the nickel-titanium alloy can be determined by adjusting the compounding ratio of Ni and Ti and adjusting the memory treatment temperature.

[0047] The characteristics of nickel-titanium alloys at temperatures higher than the shape recovery temperature will be described below with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a graph illustrating the strain curve of a superelastic nickel-titanium alloy.

[0048] First, superelastic nickel-titanium alloys have a crystalline structure called the austenite phase. In Figure 8, the nickel-titanium alloy in the austenite phase undergoes linear elastic deformation between points A and B, with strain proportional to stress. Then, between points C and D, the alloy transforms from austenite to a stress-induced martensite phase, and even as strain increases, the stress remains approximately constant. This region between points C and D is called the plateau region.

[0049] Nickel-titanium alloys also exhibit a property known as "superelasticity," meaning they can instantly recover to their original shape even after relatively large deformations. While the elastic strain of ordinary metals is around 1%, the elastic limit of nickel-titanium alloys is wider, ranging from 6% to 10%, including the plateau region.

[0050] The hallux valgus corrective brace 1 of this embodiment utilizes the superelasticity of the nickel-titanium alloy described above, and is able to separate the big toe F1 and the index finger F2 from each other, particularly by using the elasticity in the plateau region.

[0051] (Effects of this embodiment) As described above, the hallux valgus correction brace 1 of this embodiment comprises a first insertion portion 2 into which the big toe F1 of the foot F is inserted, a second insertion portion 3 into which the index finger F2 of the foot F is inserted, and a gap retaining portion 4 that connects the first insertion portion 2 and the second insertion portion 3 and applies an elastic force to the first insertion portion 2 and the second insertion portion 3 in a direction separating them from each other, and the first insertion portion 2, the second insertion portion 3 and the gap retaining portion 4 are integrally formed from a long metal member 10. In the above configuration, the first insertion portion 2, the second insertion portion 3, and the gap retainer 4 are integrally formed from a long metal member 10 made of a metal such as a nickel-titanium alloy or stainless steel. This facilitates the provision of elasticity that functions as a corrective force, and is less susceptible to deterioration over time due to friction, dirt, and other factors associated with use. Therefore, the hallux valgus correction brace 1 of this embodiment can withstand daily, long-term wear while maintaining a gap between the big toe F1 and the index toe F2. As a result, the cost and effort required for replacement are reduced.

[0052] In this embodiment, the material of the elongated member 10 is preferably a nickel-titanium alloy, and the shape recovery temperature of this nickel-titanium alloy is preferably 32° C. or lower. In such a configuration, the properties of the nickel-titanium alloy, particularly the superelastic properties of the nickel-titanium alloy, can be utilized as the corrective force of the hallux valgus corrective brace 1. For example, because the nickel-titanium alloy has a wide elastic limit, the elongated member 10 can elastically deform over a wide range depending on the degree of deformation of the user's thumb F1, and can accommodate large deformations of severely injured thumbs F1. Furthermore, because the nickel-titanium alloy has a plateau region, even if the strain generated in the elongated member 10 increases, the stress applied to the user's thumb F1 and index finger F2 remains approximately constant, preventing excessive force from being applied. Therefore, it is possible to accommodate correction of a severely deformed thumb F1 while reducing the pain caused by the correction.

[0053] In this embodiment, the first inserting portion 2 and the second inserting portion 3 each have grooves 20, 30 that open to one side (+Z direction) in a direction perpendicular to the foot width direction and foot length direction, respectively. In this configuration, it is easy to form the first insertion portion 2 and the second insertion portion 3 using the elongated member 10. Furthermore, the first insertion portion 2 and the second insertion portion 3 may be attached to either the top or bottom side of each toe of the foot F. In other words, the user can select the direction in which to wear the hallux valgus correction brace 1 depending on the individual fit.

[0054] In this embodiment, the first insertion portion 2 and the second insertion portion 3 each have an inner end portion 21, 31 and an outer end portion 22, 32 that form a pair of edges in the groove portions 20, 30, and the gap retaining portion 4 connects the inner end portion 21 of the first insertion portion 2 and the inner end portion 31 of the second insertion portion 3. With this configuration, when the gap maintaining portion 4 elastically deforms, the first and second insertion portions 2 and 3 move closer to each other while rotating around the gap maintaining portion 4. Therefore, the gap maintaining portion 4 applies an elastic force not only in the X direction but also in the Z direction to the first and second insertion portions 2 and 3. In other words, the hallux valgus correction brace 1 of this embodiment can apply a corrective force not only in the X direction but also in the Z direction to each toe of the foot F. This allows for effective correction of deformations such as the big toe F1 overlapping above or below the index toe F2. As a result, the contact of the sole of the user's foot with the ground is improved, and pain in the user's knees can also be alleviated.

[0055] In this embodiment, the gap retaining portion 4 is positioned on one side (+Z side) of the respective outer ends 22, 32 of the first inserting portion 2 and the second inserting portion 3 in the perpendicular direction perpendicular to each of the foot width direction and the foot length direction. With this configuration, when a user wears the hallux valgus correction device 1, the outer ends 22, 32 of the first insertion portion 2 and the second insertion portion 3 are prevented from protruding excessively from the foot F, thereby reducing the discomfort felt by the user.

[0056] In this embodiment, the gap retaining portion 4 has a first convex portion 41 connected to the inner end portion 21 of the first insertion portion 2 and protruding toward the groove portion 20 of the first insertion portion 2, a second convex portion 42 connected to the inner end portion 31 of the second insertion portion 3 and protruding toward the groove portion 30 of the second insertion portion 3, and a connecting portion 43 connecting the first convex portion 41 and the second convex portion 42. With this configuration, the thumb F1 can be held so as to be pinched between the first protrusion 41 and the opposing portion A1 of the first insertion portion 2. Similarly, the index finger F2 can be held so as to be pinched between the second protrusion 42 and the opposing portion A2 of the second insertion portion 3. This ensures that the thumb F1 and index finger F2 are held securely, and makes it possible to preferably prevent the thumb F1 from going under or on top of the index finger F2.

[0057] In this embodiment, each of the first convex portion 41 and the second convex portion 42 has an arc shape. In such a configuration, the elastic forces of the first convex portion 41 and the second convex portion 42 of the gap maintaining portion 4 can be suitably used as a corrective force applied to each of the toes of the foot F.

[0058] In this embodiment, the connecting portion 43 has a curved shape that is curved so as to protrude to the other side (-Z side) in the orthogonal directions that are orthogonal to both the foot width direction and the foot length direction. In this configuration, not only the elastic forces of the first convex portion 41 and the second convex portion 42 in the gap maintaining portion 4 but also the elastic force of the connecting portion 43 can be suitably used as a corrective force applied to each toe of the foot F.

[0059] In this embodiment, the elongated member 10 has a plate shape with a predetermined width and a predetermined thickness when deployed in the foot width direction (X direction). In this configuration, the hallux valgus corrective brace 1 can be suitably manufactured using the material of the plate-shaped elongated member 10.

[0060] [Second embodiment] A hallux valgus correction device 1A according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 9 to 11. The hallux valgus correction device 1A according to this embodiment is more suitable for use in conservative treatment of more severe hallux valgus (symptoms in which the big toe is severely deformed) than the first embodiment.

[0061] Specifically, the hallux valgus correction device 1A of the second embodiment comprises a first insertion portion 2A into which the big toe F1 of the foot F is inserted, a second insertion portion 3A into which the middle toe F3 of the foot F is inserted, and a gap retaining portion 4A that connects the first insertion portion 2A and the second insertion portion 3A and applies an elastic force to the first insertion portion 2A and the second insertion portion 3A in a direction separating them from each other.

[0062] Below, the second embodiment of the hallux valgus correction brace 1A will be explained, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment of the hallux valgus correction brace 1. For configurations similar to those in the first embodiment, the same symbols as in the first embodiment will be used, and explanations will be omitted or simplified.

[0063] The hallux valgus correction brace 1A of the second embodiment (i.e., the first insertion portion 2A, the second insertion portion 3A and the gap retaining portion 4A) is integrally formed from an elongated member 10A, similar to the hallux valgus correction brace 1 of the first embodiment.

[0064] The dimensions of the elongated member 10A are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment. Specifically, when unfolded in the X direction, the length of the elongated member 10 in the X direction is preferably 80 to 130 mm, for example, 105 mm. The width dimension (Y direction dimension) of the elongated member 10A is preferably 3 to 10 mm, for example, 8 mm. The thickness dimension (Z direction dimension) of the elongated member 10 is preferably 0.1 to 0.6 mm, for example, 0.3 mm.

[0065] The material of the elongated member 10A may be a metal such as stainless steel, as in the first embodiment, but is preferably a nickel-titanium alloy.

[0066] The first insertion portion 2A and the second insertion portion 3A have substantially the same shapes as the first insertion portion 2 and the second insertion portion 3 of the first embodiment. That is, the first insertion portion 2A and the second insertion portion 3A form groove portions 20, 30 that open to one side in the Z direction (the +Z side), and have inner end portions 21, 31 and outer end portions 22, 32 that constitute a pair of edges on both sides of the groove portions 20, 30 in the X direction.

[0067] 10, the first insertion portion 2A has an extension portion 23 that extends from an inner end portion 21 of the first insertion portion 2A outward in the X direction and toward the -Z direction and is inclined with respect to both the X and Z directions. Similarly, the second insertion portion 3A has an extension portion 33 that extends from an inner end portion 31 of the second insertion portion 3A outward in the X direction and toward the -Z direction and is inclined with respect to both the X and Z directions.

[0068] Here, similarly to the first embodiment, a tangent line L in the X direction that contacts the curved shapes of the first insertion portion 2A and the second insertion portion 3A is assumed. In this case, it is preferable that the inclination θ1 of the extension portion 23 with respect to the tangent line L is smaller than the inclination θ2 of the extension portion 33 with respect to the tangent line L. Note that the inclination angles θ1 and θ2 are not limited to the angles exemplified in FIG. 10 and can be set arbitrarily within the range of 0° to 90°.

[0069] Also, similarly to the first embodiment, point P1 (point of contact with tangent line L) is assumed to be the portion of first insertion portion 2A located furthest on the -Z side, and point P2 (point of contact with tangent line L) is assumed to be the portion of second insertion portion 3A located furthest on the -Z side. In this case, the X-direction dimension W1 from point P1 of first insertion portion 2A to outer end portion 22 of first insertion portion 2A is larger than the X-direction dimension W2 from point P2 of second insertion portion 3A to outer end portion 32 of second insertion portion 3A.

[0070] Furthermore, the Z-direction dimension H1 from the outer end 22 to the tangent line L of the first insertion portion 2A is larger than the Z-direction dimension H2 from the outer end 32 to the tangent line L of the second insertion portion 3A.

[0071] The gap maintaining portion 4A has a different shape from the gap maintaining portion 4 of the first embodiment. Specifically, the gap maintaining portion 4A has an arc shape that curves so as to protrude in the +Z direction while smoothly continuing to the inner ends 21, 31 of the first insertion portion 2A and the second insertion portion 3A. In other words, the gap maintaining portion 4A, together with the extensions 23, 33 of the first insertion portion 2A and the second insertion portion 3A, forms a groove portion 40 that opens in the -Z direction.

[0072] Here, assume point P3, which is the portion of gap maintaining portion 4A located furthest to the +Z side. The radius of curvature R5 of gap maintaining portion 4A at point P3 is preferably smaller than the radius of curvature R1 of first insertion portion 2A on tangent line L and larger than the radius of curvature R2 of second insertion portion 3A on tangent line L. Furthermore, the X-direction dimension W3 from point P1 of first insertion portion 2A to point P3 of gap maintaining portion 4A is preferably larger than the X-direction dimension W4 from point P2 of second insertion portion 3A to point P3 of gap maintaining portion 4A. The sum of the X-direction dimensions W3 and W4, i.e., the distance between points P1 and P2, is, for example, 40 to 55 mm.

[0073] The radius of curvature R5 and the X-direction dimensions W3 and W4 of the gap retaining portion 4A are not limited to the dimensions exemplified in FIG. 10, and can be set arbitrarily together with the above-mentioned inclinations θ1 and θ2.

[0074] (How to use hallux valgus correction brace 1A) As with the first embodiment, the hallux valgus correction brace 1A of this embodiment can be worn on either the left or right foot by inverting the hallux valgus correction brace 1 so that the positive and negative directions in the X and Y directions are reversed. Furthermore, when the hallux valgus correction brace 1A is worn on the user's foot F, the gap retaining part 4A may be positioned on the instep side of the foot F or on the sole side of the foot F.

[0075] Fig. 11 is a diagram illustrating the hallux valgus correction brace 1 attached to the foot F. In Fig. 11, the hallux valgus correction brace 1A before being attached to the foot F is shown by a two-dot chain line, and the hallux valgus correction brace 1A after being attached to the foot F is shown by a solid line.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 11 , when the hallux valgus correction brace 1A is worn on the user's foot F, the big toe F1 is inserted into the groove 20 of the first insertion portion 2A, the index finger F2 is inserted into the groove 40 of the gap retainer 4A, and the middle finger is inserted into the groove 30 of the second insertion portion 3A. At this time, the hallux valgus correction brace 1A receives loads from the big toe F1 and the middle finger F3 that have deformed toward the index finger F2, and the gap retainer 4A elastically deforms so that the first insertion portion 2A and the second insertion portion 3A approach each other. In particular, in this embodiment, the first insertion portion 2A and the second insertion portion 3A each rotate about point P3 of the gap retainer 4A, causing the first insertion portion 2A and the second insertion portion 3A to approach each other.

[0077] Therefore, the gap maintaining portion 4A applies an elastic force E that includes not only an X-direction component but also a Z-direction component as an elastic force in a direction separating the first insertion portion 2A and the second insertion portion 3A from each other. The X-direction component of the elastic force of the gap maintaining portion 4A can function as a corrective force to maintain a gap between the thumb F1 and the index finger F2, and between the index finger F2 and the middle finger F3. Furthermore, the Z-direction component of the elastic force of the gap maintaining portion 4A can function as a corrective force to eliminate Z-direction displacement of the thumb F1 overlapping the index finger F2.

[0078] The hallux valgus correction brace 1A of this embodiment may be used in the same manner as in the first embodiment. Specifically, the thumb F1 may be inserted into the groove 20 of the first insertion portion 2A, the index finger F2 may be inserted into the groove 30 of the second insertion portion 3A, and the gap retaining portion 4A in a bent state may be positioned between the thumb F1 and the index finger F2. Even in this type of use, the elastic force of the gap retaining portion 4A acts as a corrective force for the thumb F1, ensuring a gap between the thumb F1 and the index finger F2.

[0079] (Effects of the second embodiment) The hallux valgus correction device 1A of this embodiment can achieve the same effects as the first embodiment. Furthermore, the hallux valgus correction device 1A of this embodiment uses not only the index finger F2 but also the middle finger F3 to support the thumb F1, so it can reliably support even a significantly deformed thumb F1. This more effectively prevents the thumb F1 from slipping under or onto the index finger F2.

[0080] [Variations] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but includes the following modifications within the scope of achieving the object of the present invention.

[0081] (1) The hallux valgus corrective brace 1, 1A of each of the above-described embodiments may further include one or more protection members 5 provided on the elongated members 10, 10A. 12 shows a modified example of the first embodiment, in which a hallux valgus correction device 1B is provided with two protective members 5. These protective members 5 are provided so as to cover the inner surfaces of the grooves 20, 30 of the first insertion portion 2 and the second insertion portion 3.

[0082] 13 is a diagram showing a modification of the second embodiment, in which a hallux valgus correction brace 1C is provided with three protective members 5. These protective members 5 are provided so as to cover the inner surfaces of the grooves 20, 30, 40 of the first insertion portion 2A, the second insertion portion 3A, and the gap maintaining portion 4A.

[0083] In this modification, the portions of the elongated members 10, 10A that may come into contact with the toes of the user's foot F are covered with the protective member 5. The protective member 5 may be made of any flexible material, such as nonwoven fabric. The protective member 5 may be fixed to the elongated members 10, 10A by any means, such as adhesive or sewing. This prevents the user's foot F from coming into direct contact with the metallic elongated members 10, 10A, thereby protecting the foot F from friction, allergies, and the like.

[0084] In Figures 12 and 13, the portions of the elongated members 10, 10A that do not come into contact with the toes of the foot F are exposed from the protective member 5, but this is not limited to this, and the entire elongated members 10, 10A may be covered by the protective member 5.

[0085] (2) In each of the above embodiments, the elongated members 10, 10A may have a mesh shape. For example, Fig. 14 is a diagram showing a modification of the second embodiment, in which the elongated member 10D of the hallux valgus correction brace 1D has a mesh shape with a plurality of through holes 11. This configuration ensures breathability of the hallux valgus correction brace 1D, and prevents the user's foot F from becoming stuffy even when the hallux valgus correction brace 1D has a large dimension in the Y direction.

[0086] (3) In each of the above embodiments, the elongated members 10, 10A have a plate shape with a predetermined width and a predetermined thickness when unfolded in the X direction, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the plate shape of the elongated members 10, 10A may have different widths or thicknesses depending on the location. Alternatively, the elongated members 10, 10A may have a linear shape other than a plate shape when unfolded in the X direction.

[0087] (4) In the above embodiments, the gap maintaining portion 4, 4A is disposed on the +Z side of the outer end portions 22, 32 of the first insertion portion 2, 2A and the second insertion portion 3, 3A, respectively. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the outer end portion 22, 32 of at least one of the first insertion portion 2, 2A or the second insertion portion 3, 3A may extend further on the +Z side than the gap maintaining portion 4, 4A.

[0088] (5) In the above embodiments, the first insertion portions 2, 2A, the second insertion portions 3, 3A, and the gap maintaining portions 4, 4A may have other shapes as long as they are integrally formed from the metal elongated members 10, 10A. For example, each of the first insertion portions 2, 2A and the second insertion portions 3, 3A may be formed in a shape that surrounds each toe of the foot F, rather than a simple groove shape. Furthermore, the gap maintaining portions 4, 4A may be folded back at positions other than those described in the above embodiments to achieve a desired elastic force. This elastic force need only be an elastic force in a direction that moves at least the first insertion portions 2, 2A and the second insertion portions 3, 3A away from each other, and need not include a Z-direction component. [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] 1, 1A to 1D...Hallux valgus correction brace, 10, 10A, 10D...Long member, 11...Through hole, 2, 2A...First insertion portion, 20...Groove portion, 21...Inner end portion, 22...Outer end portion, 23...Extension portion, 3, 3A...Second insertion portion, 30...Groove portion, 31...Inner end portion, 32...Outer end portion, 33...Extension portion, 4, 4A...Gap maintaining portion, 40...Groove portion, 41...First convex portion, 42...Second convex portion, 43...Connecting portion, 5...Protective member, F...Foot, F1...Thumb, F2...Index finger, F3...Middle finger.

Claims

1. a first insertion portion (2, 2A) into which the big toe is inserted; a second insertion portion (3, 3A) into which the index finger or middle finger of the foot is inserted; a gap retaining portion (4, 4A) that connects the first insertion portion (2, 2A) and the second insertion portion (3, 3A) and applies an elastic force to the first insertion portion (2, 2A) and the second insertion portion (3, 3A) in a direction separating them from each other, The hallux valgus corrective brace, wherein the first insertion portion (2, 2A), the second insertion portion (3, 3A) and the gap retaining portion (4, 4A) are integrally formed from a long metal member (10, 10A, 10D).

2. The hallux valgus correction brace according to claim 1, wherein the material of the elongated members (10, 10A, 10D) is a nickel-titanium alloy.

3. The hallux valgus correction brace according to claim 2, wherein the shape recovery temperature of the nickel-titanium alloy is 32°C or less.

4. When the direction in which the first insertion portion (2, 2A) and the second insertion portion (3, 3A) are arranged is defined as the foot width direction, and the insertion direction of the index finger or the middle finger in the second insertion portion (3, 3A) is defined as the foot length direction, The hallux valgus correction brace according to claim 1, wherein each of the first insertion portion (2, 2A) and the second insertion portion (3, 3A) forms a groove portion (20, 30) that opens to one side in a direction perpendicular to the foot width direction and the foot length direction, respectively.

5. Each of the first insert portion (2, 2A) and the second insert portion (3, 3A) has an inner end portion (21, 31) and an outer end portion (22, 32) that form a pair of edges of the groove portion (20, 30), The hallux valgus correction brace according to claim 4, wherein the gap retaining portion (4, 4A) connects the inner end portion (21) of the first insertion portion (2, 2A) and the inner end portion (31) of the second insertion portion (3, 3A).

6. The hallux valgus correction brace according to claim 5, wherein the gap retaining portion (4, 4A) is positioned on the one side in the orthogonal direction relative to the outer end portion (22, 32) of at least one of the first insertion portion (2, 2A) and the second insertion portion (3, 3A).

7. The gap maintaining portion (4) is a first protrusion (41) connected to the inner end (21) of the first insertion portion (2) and protruding toward the groove portion (20) of the first insertion portion (2); a second protrusion (42) connected to the inner end (31) of the second insertion portion (3) and protruding toward the groove portion (30) of the second insertion portion (3); The hallux valgus correction brace according to claim 5, further comprising a connecting portion (43) connecting the first convex portion (41) and the second convex portion (42).

8. The hallux valgus correction brace according to claim 7, wherein each of the first convex portion (41) and the second convex portion (42) has an arc shape.

9. The hallux valgus correction brace according to claim 7, wherein the connecting portion (43) has an arcuate shape curved so as to protrude toward the other side in the orthogonal direction.

10. The hallux valgus corrective brace according to claim 4, wherein the gap retaining portion (4A) has an arcuate shape that curves so as to protrude toward the one side in the orthogonal direction.

11. The hallux valgus correction brace according to claim 4, further comprising one or more protective members (5) covering the inner surfaces of the grooves (20, 30) of at least the first insertion portion (2, 2A) and the second insertion portion (3, 3A).

12. 5. The hallux valgus correction brace according to claim 4, wherein the elongated member (10, 10A, 10D) is in the shape of a plate having a predetermined width and a predetermined thickness when deployed in the foot width direction.

13. The hallux valgus correction brace according to claim 12, wherein the elongated member (10D) has a mesh shape with a plurality of through holes (11) formed therein.

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