Therapeutic device for treating foot pathologies

• US 6,499,485 B1
• Filed: 01/29/2001
• Issued: 12/31/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 01/29/2001
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Mik Concepts, LLC
• Original Assignee: Jane M. Pepera
• Inventors: Pepera, Jane M.
• Primary Examiner(s): Brown, Michael A.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Hamilton, Lalita M.
• Application Number:
  US09/771,736
• Time in Patent Office: 701 Days
• Field of Search: 606/240, 606/237, 128/845, 601/121, 601/84, 601/134, 482/130, 482/133, 482/44, 482/49, 482/50, 482/106, 482/108, 482/131, 482/132
• US Class Current: 128/845
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2007/0045 Foot
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2007/0242 heated by microwaves
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2007/026 with a fluid absorbing layer
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2007/108 Cold packs, i.e. devices to be cooled or frozen in refrigerator or freezing compartment
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 7/02 Compresses or poultices for effecting heating or cooling
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 15/02 adapted for simultaneous treatment with light, heat or drugs
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2015/0014 cylinder-like, i.e. rollers
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/0207 heated
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/0214 cooled
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/0242 by a fluid circulating in the apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/0257 by a heat accumulator, e.g. a sand or liquid reservoir
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/0292 with microwaves
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2205/12 Feet

Abstract

A theraputic device for treating foot pathologies. The device includes a generally-cylindrical body having a first end section, a spherical center section, a first intermediate section extending axially between the first end section and the center section, a second end section, and a second intermediate section extending axially between the second end section and the center section. The center section defines a convex working surface. The first intermediate section cooperates with the first end section and the center section to define a first concave working surface. The second intermediate section cooperates with the second end section and the center section to define a second concave working surface. The device can be filled with a gel adapted for exposure to heat and cold.

Claims

1. A therapeutic device for stretching the plantar fascia of a foot, the device comprising a generally-cylindrical body having a first end section, a convex center section, a first intermediate section extending axially between the first end section and the center section, a second end section, and a second intermediate section extending axially between the second end section and the center section, the center section defining a smooth convex working surface, the first intermediate section cooperating with the first end section and the center section to define a first hourglass shaped working surface, and the second intermediate section cooperating with the second end section and the center section to define a second hourglass shaped working surface, said first hourglass shaped working surface shaped differently from said second hourglass shaped working surface, wherein said first and second hourglass shaped working surfaces are non-symmetrically formed relative to each other and wherein the body is formed from an outer side wall defining a closed cavity that contains one of a liquid, paste and gel material sealed therein.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the convex working surface is adapted to contact a center region of a plantar fascia of an associated foot, the first hourglass shaped working surface is adapted to contact intermediate regions of the plantar fascia, and the second hoursglass shaped working surface is adapted to contact side regions of the plantar fascia.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the first intermediate section has a first diameter and a first length, the second intermediate section has a second diameter and a second length, th e first diameter is less than or equal to the second diameter, and the first length is less than or equal to the second length.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the body is generally solid and formed from a compressible and resilient material.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the body is formed from a polyurethane composition.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the gel material is formulated to be heated and cooled.

7. A therapeutic device for treating foot pathologies, said therapeutic device comprising:

a body having an outer sheathing that defines a hollow closed cavity, said body having a first end section, a convex center section, a first intermediate section extending axially between the first end section and the center section, a second end section, and a second intermediate section extending axially between the second end section and the center section, the center section defining a convex working surface, the first intermediate section cooperating with the first end section and the center section to define a first hourglass shaped working surface, and the second intermediate section cooperating with the second end section and the center section to define a second hourglass shaped working surface;

a rigid spool positioned within the closed cavity and extending between the first and second end sections of the body whereby an annular space is defined between the spool and said outer sheathing; and

,

one of a liquid, paste and gel located in and filling said annular space.

8. A therapeutic device for treating foot pathologies, said device comprising:

a substantially rigid body defining a hollow closed cavity and comprising an outer surface and a moisture absorption and retention layer that closely and tightly surrounds the body, said outer surface of said body and said moisture absorption layer defining;

(i) a first end section;

(ii) a convex center section;

(iii) a first intermediate section extending axially between the first end section and the center section;

(iv) a second end section; and

, (v) a second intermediate section extending axially between the second end section and the center section, said center section defining a convex working surface, said first intermediate section cooperating with said first end section and the center section to define a first hourglass shaped working surface, and said second intermediate section cooperating with said second end section and said center section to define a second hourglass shaped working surface and one of a liquid, paste, and gel located in and filling said hollow closed cavity.

9. A method for treating a foot pathology with a therapeutic device including a body covered in a moisture absorption layer and including at least one of a liquid, paste and gel therein, said body having a first end section, a center section, a first intermediate section extending axially between the first end section and the center section, a second end section, and a second intermediate section extending axially between the second end section and the center section, wherein the center section defines a convex working surface, the first intermediate section cooperates with the first end section and the center section to define a first hourglass shaped working surface, and the second intermediate section cooperates with the second end section and the center section to define a second hourglass shaped working surface, the method comprising:

one of heating and cooling the therapeutic device;

wetting the moisture absorption layer;

selecting at least one of the first convex working surface, the first hourglass shaped working surface, and the second hourglass shaped working surface;

placing a sole of an associated foot on the selected one of the working surfaces; and

using the sole of the associated foot to roll the therapeutic device in a back and forth motion along the selected one of the working surfaces.