Orthopedic Toe Device with Crescent Pad and Tubular Sleeve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hammer toe treatment devices, such as Hammer Toe Crest Pads, fail to effectively uncurl the toe and protect it from pressure-related injuries, leading to persistent discomfort and pain, and often create uncomfortable pressure points or durability issues.
Innovation Solution
A single-piece hammer toe treatment device combining a crescent-shaped base pad and a tubular toe sleeve that extends along the toe axis, providing a straightening force and protection from pressure, with a wider attachment point for increased durability and anatomical comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a hammer toe crest pad is used to push or wedge the curling toe open, then the contact on the tip of the toe and the top of the second knuckle is reduced, but the toe remains in a semi curled position and contact is not eliminated, allowing corns and calluses to persist
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines a crest pad and a toe sleeve into a single integrated device. The crest pad component pushes the curled toe open while the toe sleeve component completely covers the toe tip and second knuckle to eliminate contact with the shoe interior, thereby eliminating the harmful pressure effects that persist with conventional separate devices
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device performs multiple functions simultaneously: the crest pad portion provides toe straightening by pushing the curling toe open, while the toe sleeve portion provides complete protection of the toe tip and second knuckle from pressure and rubbing, making the device more effective than single-function alternatives
2Ease of operation
If an attachment ring is placed in the middle of the hammer toe crest pad to hold it in place, then the pad can be worn on the toe, but it creates uncomfortable pressure points on the toes
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the problematic attachment ring from the design and replaces it with a toe sleeve that uses friction and anatomical fit to stay in place. This extraction eliminates the pressure points created by the ring while maintaining secure retention through the sleeve's interaction with the toe structure
Solution Approach 2:
The toe sleeve is constructed as a flexible tubular structure that conforms to the toe shape and provides retention through friction and anatomical fit rather than through rigid attachment rings, thereby eliminating pressure points while maintaining ease of operation
3Object-affected harmful factors
If toe caps or toe sleeves are used to protect the toes against corns and calluses, then protection from pressure-related sores is provided, but they do nothing to help straighten the toe or prevent advancement of the hammer toe deformity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the protective function of toe sleeves with the corrective function of crest pads into a single integrated device, allowing simultaneous protection from pressure-related injuries and active straightening of the hammer toe deformity, thereby resolving the limitation of protective-only devices
Data Source
AI summary
A hammer toe treatment device to help uncurl a hammer toe and protect the toe including a base pad configured to extend in a neck portion of the between the toe mound and tip of the toe. The base pad including an arcuate top surface extending in the direction of the hammer toe and configured to produce a straightening force against the toe. The pad including a bottom surface generally opposite to the top surface that includes a generally flat surface configured to engage a shoe insole when the shoe is worn. The base pad further including a tubular toe sleeve fixed relative to the base pad and extending forwardly along a sleeve axis from a reward toe opening. The sleeve axis extending at a sleeve angle relative to the bottom surface and the sleeve being shaped to receive the hammer toe and cover a substantial portion of the toe.