Medical aid for protecting toenails

Abstract

This medical aid for protecting toenails allows for the application of medication to deformed or enlarged nails, while simultaneously allowing the wearer to wear outer socks and shoes, while avoiding contact with the nail itself, and can be hygienically disposed of after use. [Solution] The short, tubular toenail protection medical aid 1, made of low-stretch nonwoven fabric, has folded fold structures 4 on both sides of the finger receiving space 3 that self-expand into a rectangular cross-section when the toe is inserted. The low stretchability of the nonwoven fabric also serves to maintain the shape of the folded fold structures 4, thereby independently maintaining a pressure-free protective gap S between the nail and the inner wall of the finger receiving space 3 during wear. The adhesive tape layer 6 on the opening edge 5 adheres tightly to the skin surface and seals the finger receiving space 3, and after use, the adhesive surfaces of the adhesive tape layers 6 are stuck together for hygienic disposal. It allows for everyday walking by wearing outer socks and shoes in sequence. Furthermore, in the heat-sealed type that does not use folded fold structures, the inner height is set to 1.2 times or more the toe height H, and the inner width is set to 1.15 times or more the toe width W, thereby reliably forming and maintaining the protective gap S for patients of any body size.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a disposable medical aid for protecting toenails, which is worn after applying a drug to toenails of the elderly or the like having deformed nails or hypertrophic nails, holds the drug while avoiding contact with the nail part, and enables wearing of outer socks and shoes.

Background Art

[0002] Deformed nails (curled nails, ingrown nails) and hypertrophic nails (hypertrophic deformation due to onychomycosis, etc.) frequently seen in the elderly have significantly deformed and hypertrophied nail plates. Therefore, just by wearing ordinary socks, the nail part contacts the inner wall of the socks, causing pain to the patient and wiping off the drug.

[0003] As conventional toe protectors, finger sacs or finger caps made of natural rubber or silicone gel materials are known. However, all of these use stretchable and close-fitting materials, and contact with the nail part during wearing is inevitable. In addition, they do not have the function of cleanly sealing the nail part after drug application, and are not designed on the premise of double-layer wearing with outer socks.

[0004] In addition, the reusable thumb sac sold by sock stores, etc. is made of cotton material, does not have a structure for actively forming and maintaining a protective gap, and does not have a sanitary disposal function by disposable use.

[0005] Furthermore, in the medical and nursing care fields, after applying an external drug to deformed nails or hypertrophic nails, it is necessary for the patient to continue daily life while undergoing treatment. However, there is no appropriate device that can both hold the drug and allow the patient to wear shoes when going out, and there is a problem that the continuity of treatment and the quality of life (QOL) of the patient are impaired.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

Patent Document 1

[0006] This invention aims to solve the following problems simultaneously. (1) While holding the medication applied to the deformed or enlarged nail, completely avoid contact with the nail. (2) After applying the medication, wear outer socks and shoes and be able to walk and go outside. (3) The chemical contaminated materials can be disposed of hygienically in one place after use. (4) Easy to attach and does not slip or fall off while walking. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The toenail protection medical aid of this invention has a short-length main body made of a low-stretch nonwoven fabric, and the toe-receiving space provided in the main body has a folded-pleat structure on both sides. The low stretchability of the nonwoven fabric also serves to maintain the shape of the folded-pleat, thereby independently maintaining a pressure-free protective gap between the nail and the inner wall of the toe-receiving space during wear. As a result, the applied medication can be worn with the outer sock in contact with and held to the nail.

[0008] Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment of this invention, an adhesive tape layer is provided on the opening edge, which is used to suppress the volatilization of the drug by adhering tightly to the skin surface after attachment, and to enable hygienic bulk disposal of drug-contaminated materials by peeling it off and discarding it after use. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to this invention, the following effects can be obtained. (1) The "self-sustaining of a pressure-free protective space," which could not be achieved with conventional close-fitting finger cots and finger caps, has been achieved for the first time through the collaboration of low-stretch nonwoven fabric and folded pleat structure. As a result, contact with deformed or enlarged nails is completely eliminated, and pain prevention and medication retention can be achieved simultaneously. (2) By combining disposable nonwoven fabric material with adhesive tape for sealing and disposal, it functions as a medical support system that completes everything from drug application to disposal with a single product. (3) The two-layer structure with an outer sock allows patients undergoing treatment to continue their daily lives and going out while receiving treatment, significantly improving the patient's quality of life. (4) The combination of the upper part connecting base and the fixed layer ensures both the maintenance of a protective gap during walking and prevention of detachment. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Perspective view of the first embodiment of the present invention (5-piece bundled type) (flattened and folded state when not attached) [Figure 2] Cross-sectional view of Figure 1 (details of the folded fold structure) [Figure 3] Enlarged cross-sectional view when worn [Representative diagram] · Shows self-expansion into a rectangular cross-section and formation of protective space S · Also refers to the definition of H (toe height) and W (toe width), and the internal height (1.2H or more) and internal width (1.15W or more) (Claim 6) [Figure 4] Perspective view of the second embodiment (tabi-type and 5-piece separated type) [Figure 5] Plan view of the third embodiment (with connecting base for part A) [Figure 6] Cross-sectional view of the product in use (wearing two layers with outer socks). [Figure 7] Diagram illustrating leg length (L) and the position of the main body's end edge. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The embodiments of this invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. First Embodiment: Five-piece bundled type

[0012] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the medical aid 1 for protecting toe nails in the first embodiment has a short cylindrical structure made of a low-stretch non-woven fabric, and is of a five-in-one type that accommodates all five toes in a single finger receiving space 3 without providing an interdigital separation wall. This form is particularly suitable for severely affected patients with significant deformation and swelling where the toe shapes cannot be individually separated.

[0013] The non-woven fabric material uses a low-stretch material (such as spunlace non-woven fabric, spunbond non-woven fabric, meltblown non-woven fabric, etc.) with an elongation rate of 20% or less in both the longitudinal and transverse directions. This low stretch functions as the shape retention force of the folding fold structure 4 described later. Also, it is preferable that the non-woven fabric is subjected to an antibacterial treatment or a non-fluorescent treatment suitable for medical and nursing care applications.

[0014] Folding fold structures 4 are provided on both side surfaces of the finger receiving space 3. When not worn, the folding fold structure 4 maintains an inwardly folded flat folded state (FIG. 2(a)). This is due to the shape retention force of the low stretch of the non-woven fabric. When inserting the toes, the folding fold structure 4 expands outward, and the finger receiving space 3 self-expands into a rectangular cross-section (FIGS. 2(b) and 3).

[0015] During wearing, the low stretch of the non-woven fabric and the restoring force of the folding fold structure 4 cooperate to enable the finger receiving space 3 to independently maintain a rectangular cross-sectional shape. As a result, a non-pressurized protection gap S is formed and maintained between the nail part and the inner wall of the finger receiving space 3 (FIG. 3). Due to the existence of the protection gap S, all contact pressure on deformed nails and hypertrophic nails is eliminated.

[0016] An adhesive tape layer 6 is provided at the opening edge part 5 of the medical aid 1 for protecting toe nails. After wearing, by closely adhering the adhesive tape layer 6 to the skin surface, (a) fixation of the medical aid 1 for protecting toe nails and (b) suppression of drug volatilization by sealing the finger receiving space 3 are simultaneously achieved. After use, by peeling the adhesive tape layer 6 from the skin and disposing of the entire medical aid 1 for protecting toe nails together, hygienic treatment of drug contaminants becomes possible. In addition, many topical medications (such as antifungal medications and keratolytic agents) used for the treatment of deformed nails and hypertrophic nails have skin irritation. When the used medical aid 1 for protecting toe nails is reused, secondary irritation to the skin and the risk of infection due to residual medications may occur. The disposable and collective disposal structure of the present invention fundamentally eliminates this risk and has critical significance in terms of hygiene management as a medical aid. Second Embodiment: Sock type and five-separated type

[0017] The second embodiment shown in FIG. 4 has a configuration of a finger receiving space that can be selected from the following three forms. (a) Five-in-one type: A form in which all toes are accommodated in a single space without providing an interdigital separation wall. Since the separation wall is zero, even severely affected patients with significant deformation and swelling and whose toe shapes cannot be individually separated can be worn without insertion resistance. The formation of the protective gap S in the five-in-one type will be described. When the five toes are inserted into the finger receiving space 3 side by side, the folding fold structure 4 expands in the left-right direction and the lateral width of the finger receiving space 3 is expanded into a rectangle. At this time, since the low-elastic non-woven fabric with an elongation rate of 20% or less self-supportingly holds the ceiling surface of the finger receiving space 3, the ceiling surface does not sink toward the nail part of the toes. As a result, a physical protective gap S is formed and maintained above the nail part of each toe (see FIG. 3). That is, in the five-in-one type, even when there is no separation wall, the expansion of the folding fold structure 4 in the left-right direction and the self-supporting holding of the ceiling surface by the low elasticity of the non-woven fabric cooperate to achieve the same effect as that of the sock type and five-separated type having a separation wall, that is, "formation and maintenance of a non-pressurized protective gap S above each nail part". This effect is ensured by satisfying the physical condition that the overall height of the toes (from the back of the foot to the tip of the nail) in the finger receiving space 3 is smaller than the inner height of the finger receiving space 3. (b) Sock type: A form in which one separation wall is provided between the thumb and the remaining toes. One separation wall is provided between the finger receiving space 3a for the independent thumb and the finger receiving space 3b for accommodating the remaining four toes. It is suitable for patients mainly suffering from the thumb, and while ensuring the protective gap S of the thumb independently, the remaining toes can be protected at the same time. (c) Five-toe separation type: A configuration in which each toe is individually housed by a separation wall. A total of four separation walls are provided between the toes, and each toe is housed in an independent toe-receiving space. This is suitable for patients with single or multiple toe problems and mild toe deformities, and can accommodate cases where the protective space S of each toe is maintained independently, even if the drug application site is different. In either configuration, each toe-receiving space is equipped with an independent folded fold structure 4, thereby independently forming and maintaining a pressure-free protective space S within each space, regardless of the number of toes to be accommodated or the pattern of the affected area. The number of separation walls in the three forms is as follows: (a) 5-unit bundle type: No separation wall (b) Tabi-type: One separating wall (between the big toe and the remaining toes) (c) 5-piece separation type: 4 separation walls (between each toe) The selection of these three forms enables versatility as a medical assistive device that can address all clinical conditions, from mild to severe deformities. Third embodiment: With connecting base for part A

[0018] The third embodiment shown in Figure 5 includes a connecting base 7 that extends from the toenail protection medical aid 1 in a direction that covers the top of the foot. A fixing layer 8 (medical adhesive, etc.) for temporary fixation is provided on the skin-facing surface of the connecting base 7. The fixing layer 8 is fixed to the skin surface, restricting the movement of the toenail protection medical aid 1 towards the heel. Simultaneously, the folded fold structure 4 self-expands into a rectangular cross-section, generating an unfolding force in the direction of toe insertion. These two forces, namely (a) the force restricting heel-direction movement of the medical aid 1 for toenail protection by the fixed layer 8, and (b) the unfolding force due to the self-expansion of the folded fold structure 4, interact with each other to maintain the unfolded state of the folded fold structure 4 and dynamically maintain the protective space S even when external forces generated by toe flexion and extension movements during walking are applied. In other words, the combination of the fixed layer 8 and the folded pleat structure 4 creates a synergistic effect of dynamically maintaining the protective gap S during walking through the interaction of two physically distinct mechanisms of action: "restriction of heel-direction movement" and "self-expanding force." This effect cannot be achieved by simply providing the fixed layer 8 alone, and constitutes one of the essential technical features of this invention. Regarding the length of the main body

[0019] As shown in Figure 7, when the length of the foot from the base of the toes to the posterior end of the heel is L, it is preferable that the terminal edge of the toenail protection medical aid 1, when worn, is located within a range of 0.1L to 0.5L from the tip of the toe toward the heel. If the volume is less than 0.1L, the fixing area of ​​the nonwoven fabric is insufficient, causing the toenail protection medical aid 1 to easily shift forward during walking, making it difficult to maintain the protective gap S. If the volume exceeds 0.5L, the toenail protection medical aid 1 extends to the middle of the foot, causing double wrinkles when wearing outer socks, hindering walking, and the disposable cost exceeds a practically acceptable range. Based on the actual foot length (average for Japanese adults: approximately 240 mm), 0.1 L corresponds to approximately 24 mm, and 0.5 L corresponds to approximately 120 mm. This range was derived as the necessary and sufficient length for toe protection. In other words, this numerical range is not merely a design consideration, but a range of critical significance in simultaneously satisfying the three elements of maintaining the protective gap S, walking stability, and disposable cost. Fourth embodiment: Heat-fused type (internal dimension type)

[0020] The fourth embodiment is a short, cylindrical medical aid 1 for protecting toenails, manufactured by joining means such as heat fusion, without using a folded pleat structure. In this embodiment, instead of self-expansion by a folded fold structure, a protective gap S is formed by setting the internal dimensions of the toenail protection medical aid 1 in ratio to the height H and width W of the toe that accommodates it. Internal height: When H is the height of the toes to be accommodated, the internal height should be set to 1.2H or higher. Internal width: When the width of the toes to be accommodated is W, the width should be set to 1.15W or more. The critical significance of the above ratio will be explained. Regarding the internal height, it is clinically known that the amount of toenail hypertrophy in deformed or enlarged nails corresponds to approximately 15-20% of the toe height H. By setting the internal height to 1.2H or higher, a protective space S is reliably secured even in the nail portion with the maximum amount of toenail hypertrophy (approximately 20%). Below 1.2H, there is a risk of the nail portion contacting the internal wall in severely deformed nails, so this ratio has critical significance. Furthermore, by adopting a ratio expression based on H, the same protective effect can be obtained regardless of differences in body size such as children, women, and men. Regarding the internal width, since lateral deformation and swelling of the toes account for approximately 10-15% of the toe width W, setting it to 1.15W or more prevents lateral contact pressure. Below 1.15W, lateral contact pressure is more likely to occur, so this ratio has critical significance. In this embodiment as well, the adhesive tape layer 6 of the opening edge 5 adheres tightly to the skin surface, and after use, the adhesive surfaces of the adhesive tape layer 6 are stuck together to seal it, allowing for hygienic and collective disposal without exposing the drug-contaminated surface to the outside. This embodiment achieves the same effect (formation of a non-pressurized protective void S, drug retention, and sanitary disposal) by a different manufacturing method than that described in Claim 1, and is therefore included within the scope of the technical concept of this invention regardless of the choice of manufacturing method. Method of Use

[0021] The method of using the medical aid 1 for protecting toenails of this invention will be explained. (1) Apply an appropriate amount of the prescribed topical medication (antifungal agent, moisturizer, anti-inflammatory agent, etc.) to the nail area and surrounding skin of the toe with deformed or enlarged nails. (2) The toenail protection medical aid 1 of the present invention is attached to the toe. The folded fold structure 4 expands on its own, forming a protective gap S between it and the nail. (3) The adhesive tape layer 6 of the opening edge 5 is firmly fixed to the skin surface, fixing the toenail protection medical aid 1 and sealing the finger receiving space 3. (4) Wear outer socks and shoes if necessary when going out. (5) After use (e.g., before going to bed), peel off the adhesive tape layer 6 from the skin and discard the toenail protection medical aid 1.

Claims

1. A single-use (disposable) medical aid for protecting toenails, which is applied to the nail area of ​​a toe with a deformed or enlarged nail, and then worn, after which an outer sock and shoe are worn in sequence, enabling daily walking. It is made of a low-stretch nonwoven fabric with an elongation rate of 20% or less, and has a short, tubular body that covers from the tip of the toes to part of the top of the foot, The aforementioned main body has folding folds on both side walls which, when not being worn, fold inward to keep the cross-section of the main body flat, and which expand outward solely by the insertion force of the toes to self-expand the cross-section of the main body into a rectangular shape. The expansion of the rectangular cross-section creates a non-pressurized protective gap above the claw portion, An adhesive tape layer is provided on the opening edge of the main body, which adheres tightly to the skin surface after attachment and can be peeled off and discarded after use. Equipped with, A medical aid for protecting toenails, characterized in that the low-stretch nonwoven fabric also serves to maintain the shape of the folded folds, thereby independently maintaining the protective gap even while walking, and allowing the outer sock to be worn while the applied medication remains in place on the nail.

2. The adhesive tape layer, after attachment, securely fixes the opening edge to the skin surface and seals the inside of the main body, thereby preventing the volatilization of the drug. The medical aid for protecting toenails according to claim 1, characterized in that it has a structure that allows for hygienic, bulk disposal without exposing the drug-contaminated surface to the outside by sealing the adhesive surfaces of the adhesive tape layers that have been peeled off from the skin surface after use by sticking them together.

3. The finger receiving space provided in the main body is (a) A form in which all toes are housed in a single space without the provision of interdigital separation walls. (b) A tabi-type form with a single separating wall between the big toe and the remaining toe. (c) A configuration in which each toe is individually housed with a separating wall between them. The toenail protection medical aid according to claim 1, characterized in that either of the following configurations can be selected, and in either configuration, each space is equipped with an independent folded fold structure, thereby independently forming and maintaining a pressure-free protective space within each space regardless of the number of toes to be accommodated and the pattern of the affected area.

4. When the length of the foot in the heel direction is defined as L, with the tip of the toes as the starting point, the terminal edge of the main body is positioned at a location between 0.1L and 0.5L from the tip of the toes in the heel direction. The toenail protection medical aid according to claim 1, characterized in that if the volume is less than 0.1L, the main body shifts forward during walking, losing the protective space, and if it exceeds 0.5L, wrinkles form when wearing outer socks, hindering walking.

5. A connecting base extending from the main body toward the instep, The connecting base comprises a fixing layer provided on the skin-facing surface, The medical aid for protecting toenails according to claim 1, characterized in that the fixed layer is fixed to the skin surface, thereby restricting the movement of the main body toward the heel, and the folded folds self-expand into a rectangular cross-section, generating an unfolding force toward the insertion direction of the toes, and these two forces interact with each other so that the protective space is dynamically maintained even under the flexion and extension movements of the toes during walking.

6. A single-use (disposable) medical aid for protecting toenails, which is applied to the nail area of ​​a toe with a deformed or enlarged nail, and then worn, after which an outer sock and shoe are worn in sequence, enabling daily walking. It is made of a low-stretch nonwoven fabric with an elongation rate of 20% or less, and has a short, tubular body that covers from the tip of the toes to part of the instep. When the height of the toe to be accommodated is H and the width is W, the internal height of the main body is set to 1.2H or more and the internal width is set to 1.15W or more, thereby creating a non-pressurized protective space above and to the side of the toenail when the toe is accommodated. The aforementioned internal height of 1.2H or more is critically significant because the amount of hypertrophy in deformed or enlarged nails corresponds to approximately 15-20% of the toe height H, thus ensuring a protective space S for patients of any body type. The aforementioned internal width of 1.15W or more has critical significance in preventing lateral contact pressure, since lateral deformation and swelling of the toes corresponds to approximately 10-15% of the toe width W. A medical aid for protecting toenails, characterized in that it is fixed to the skin surface by an adhesive tape layer provided on the opening edge of the main body, and after use, the adhesive surfaces of the adhesive tape layers can be sealed together to prevent the drug-contaminated surface from being exposed to the outside, allowing for hygienic and collective disposal.

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