Patent for a night splint

NewsBot · Jul 1, 2008

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3M have just been granted this patent
FOOT SUPPORT DEVICE

A device for treatment of plantar fasciitis and/or Achilles tendonitis that comprises: (a) a calf strap removably engagable to the calf of a leg; (b) a foot assembly removably engagable to the foot of the leg such that when the device is worn the assembly can be positioned proximate to the ball of the foot intermediate to the midfoot and forefoot areas of the foot to secure it to the foot; and (c) a substantially inelastic tension member connectable between the calf strap and the foot assembly in a tensioned mannersuch that when the device is worn the plantarflexion of the ankle is limited such that the plantar surface of the foot is held in a neutral to slight dorsiflection. Also, a method of treating plantar fasciitis and/or Achilles tendonitis that comprises applying a such a device so as to maintain the plantar fascia and other structures on the plantar surface of the foot in a neutral to slight dorsiflection.
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BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012]The present invention provides a device and method for treating pain the foot and heel caused by contracture of the plantar fascia and/or the Achilles tendon.

[0013]When worn as described herein, the device of the present invention maintains the plantar fascia and other structures on the plantar surface of the foot in a neutral to slight dorsiflexion under application of static tension. This tension is of sufficient force so as to prevent the ankle from adopting a position of plantarflexion. As a result, after removal of the device by the wearer, and upon bearing weight on the effected foot, the plantar fascia will not be placed in pathologic tension thus reducing and/or eliminating pain.

[0014]In brief summary, the device of the invention comprises: [0015](a) a calf strap removably engagable to the calf of a leg; [0016](b) a foot assembly removably engagable to the foot of the leg such that when the device is worn the assembly can be positioned proximate to the ball of the foot intermediate to the midfoot and forefoot areas of the foot to secure it to the foot; and [0017](c) a substantially inelastic tension member connectable between the calf strap and the foot assembly in a tensioned manner such that when the device is worn the plantarflexion of the ankle is limited such that the plantar surface of the foot is held in a neutral to slight dorsiflection.

[0018]Briefly summarizing, the method of the invention comprises applying a device as described herein so as to maintain the plantar fascia and other structures on the plantar surface of the foot in a neutral to slight dorsiflection, said device comprising.

[0019]Devices of the invention provide several advantages over prior art devices. They are convenient and easy to use. Lightweight and non-obtrusive, they are comfortable to wear, making them easier to tolerate and use during moments of rest or sleep periods. In addition to providing efficacious results, the device will not bruise or scratch the affected leg or the collateral leg during sleep, will not soil or tear bedding, and is compatible with a sleeping partner.
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Link to patent

Admin2 · Jul 1, 2008

Related:
Other night splints threads

William Fowler · Jul 2, 2008

I am no expert on the legalese of patents, but I am sure I have seen several products in the market that look exactly like what is described!

Admin2 · Jul 2, 2008

Here is image from patent:

Craig Payne · Jul 3, 2008

William Fowler said: ↑

I am no expert on the legalese of patents, but I am sure I have seen several products in the market that look exactly like what is described!
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I too have seen them; not sure if they were the 3M one that is part of this patent or not. If they were not, then I assume they can expect a letter from 3M's lawyers :hammer:

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