Plantar-Flexion Restraint Device

• US 20080004558A1
• Filed: 07/28/2005
• Published: 01/03/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 07/29/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: United Pacific Industries
• Original Assignee: United Pacific Industries
• Inventors: Symington, Matthew, Outred, Kevin
• Granted Patent: US 7,806,844 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 602/28
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 5/0113 Drop-foot appliances

Abstract

A device for a subject having plantar fasciitis, the device comprising: (a) an elastic sock (10), (b) a leg binding (15) and (c) an elastic strap (20), wherein in use the elastic strap extends from adjacent a toe portion of the elastic sock to the leg binding so as to restrain the plantar fascia from flexion, yet permits the subject to walk and exercise the plantar fascia.

Claims

1. A device for a subject having plantar fasciitis, the device comprising

(a) an elastic sock,

(b) a leg binding and

(c) an elastic strap

wherein in use the elastic strap extends from adjacent a toe portion of the elastic sock to the leg binding so as to restrain the plantar fascia from flexion, yet permits the subject to walk and exercise the plantar fascia.

2. A device according to claim 1, wherein, when in use, the device resists contraction of the plantar fascia when the subject is at rest.

3. A device according to claim 1, wherein, when in use, the device keeps the plantar fascia in a neutral to slight dorsiflexion by passive static tension, yet allows movement of the foot relative to the calf and ankle.

4. A device according to claim 1, wherein the elastic sock extends over the ankle of the wearer and encloses at least part of the subject'"'"'s tibia and fibula.

5. A device according claim 1, wherein the elastic sock includes one or more openings.

6. A device according to claim 1, wherein the elastic sock further includes straps or tapes for adjusting the fit of the elastic sock to the subject'"'"'s foot.

7. A device according to claim 1, wherein the elastic sock has an upper surface and a lower surface, which surfaces are integral.

8. A device according to claim 7, wherein the lower surface of the elastic sock includes a non-slip material.

9. A device according to claim 1, wherein the leg binding is integral with the elastic sock.

10. A device according to claim 1, wherein one end of the elastic strap is integral with the elastic sock.

11. A device according to claim 1, wherein, when in use, the leg binding is located adjacent the subject'"'"'s ankle.

12. A device according to claim 1, wherein, when in uses the leg binding is located intermediate the ankle and knee of the subject.

13. A device according to claim 1, wherein the leg binding can be wrapped around the calf or ankle of the wearer, held closed by hook and loop material fastening.

14. A device according to claim 1, wherein one end of the elastic strap is located adjacent the leg binding and is adjustable so the overall length of the elastic strap can be modified in order to maintain static tension on the plantar fascia.

15. A device according to claim 1, wherein the elastic sock is entirely made of flexible material.

16. A device according to claim 1, wherein the leg binding is entirely made of flexible material.

17. A device according to claim 1, wherein the elastic strap is entirely made of flexible material.

18. A device according to claim 15, wherein the flexible material is a polymeric material or a combination of polymeric materials.

19. A device according to claim 18, wherein the flexible material is chosen from a group comprising neoprene, flexible rubberized material, polypropylene or polyurethane.

20. A device according to claim 15, wherein the flexible material has thermotherapeutic properties.

21. A device according to any one of the preceding claims which stimulates blood flow to the subject'"'"'s calf and foot.

23. A device according to claim 16, wherein the flexible material is a polymeric material or a combination of polymeric materials.

24. A device according to claim 17, wherein the flexible material is a polymeric material or a combination of polymeric materials.

25. A device according to claim 23, wherein the flexible material is chosen from a group comprising neoprene, flexible rubberized material, polypropylene or polyurethane.

26. A device according to claim 24, wherein the flexible material is chosen from a group comprising neoprene, flexible rubberized material, polypropylene or polyurethane.

27. A device according to claim 16, wherein the flexible material has thermotherapeutic properties.

28. A device according to claim 17, wherein the flexible material has thermotherapeutic properties.

22. (canceled)