A Self-Adjusting Orthopaedic Shoe for Gradual Correction of Clubfoot and Method of Operation

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Title: A Self-Adjusting Orthopaedic Shoe for Gradual Correction of Clubfoot and Method of Operation The present disclosure relates to a self-adjusting orthopaedic shoe (100) designed to facilitate gradual correction of clubfoot through controlled stretching, thereby providing a non-invasive, effective solution for the treatment and realignment of the foot. The self-adjusting orthopaedic shoe (100) comprises a housing (102), an insole (108), a wind-up unit (112), a reciprocating unit (116), a pivoting member (118), and a locking unit (120). The self-adjusting orthopaedic shoe (100) is designed for the treatment of clubfoot, which overcomes the limitations of conventional devices by facilitating automatic, controlled, and incremental stretching. The self-adjusting orthopaedic shoe (100) reduces the need for frequent manual adjustments, enhances patient comfort, and provides a more dynamic and adaptable treatment method compared to conventional rigid braces and orthotic devices.

Specification

Description:DESCRIPTION:
Field of the invention:
[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of orthopaedic devices, and more particularly relates to, a self-adjusting orthopaedic shoe designed to facilitate gradual correction of clubfoot through controlled stretching, thereby providing a non-invasive, effective solution for the treatment and realignment of the foot.
Background of the invention:
[0002] Clubfoot, medically referred to as Congenital Talipes Equinovarus, is a congenital condition that causes one or both feet to be twisted inward and downward. Without timely intervention, the deformity can result in permanent disability, severely impairing mobility and quality of life. The Ponseti method is the most widely accepted treatment for clubfoot, involving a series of manual manipulations followed by casting and, in some cases, surgical procedures. While this method is generally effective, it is highly time-consuming, often requiring frequent visits to a specialist. The treatment process can be uncomfortable for the patient, and it may result in a prolonged recovery period due to the need for constant adjustments and re-casting.
[0003] After the initial treatment phase, conventional devices such as fixed-position braces and orthopaedic shoes are often used to prevent relapse and maintain the corrected position. Examples include the Denis Browne bar and various types of ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs), which are designed to hold the foot in place after correction. These devices, while effective in maintaining alignment, are generally rigid and require prolonged use, thereby leading to discomfort, skin irritation, and restricted movement. More critically, these devices are static, offering no capability for controlled, gradual stretching of the foot over time, which is a key requirement for continued therapeutic correction and patient growth.
[0004] Several prior art solutions have sought to address the limitations of conventional treatments by introducing designs that allow for adjustable alignment. For example, one prior solution involves an adjustable orthopaedic shoe that enables limited adjustments in foot positioning. However, such designs often lack an integrated mechanism for gradual, progressive stretching of the foot and still rely on frequent manual adjustments by caregivers. Another prior art example includes a foot orthosis equipped with adjustable tension bands, which require manual adjustment, increasing the potential for improper settings and necessitating regular supervision.
[0005] Additional conventional approaches involve passive stretching devices, which are designed to apply gentle, consistent pressure to correct foot deformities over time. However, these devices often fail to account for natural patient growth or variability in individual cases. Their reliance on manual intervention also places a high burden on patient compliance, often leading to inconsistent outcomes and challenges in maintaining the corrected position over long periods.
[0006] Despite the variety of available solutions, existing devices lack a fully integrated, self-adjusting mechanism capable of providing automatic, continuous, and non-invasive stretching. Conventional braces and orthopaedic shoes require frequent manual adjustments and are generally rigid in design, failing to offer a dynamic treatment approach that adapts to the patient's evolving therapeutic needs without constant medical oversight. These shortcomings underscore the need for a more advanced solution that can facilitate progressive, automated stretching while ensuring both patient comfort and long-term effectiveness in correcting the clubfoot condition.
[0007] Therefore, there is a need for a self-adjusting orthopaedic shoe designed to facilitate gradual correction of clubfoot through controlled stretching, thereby providing a non-invasive, effective solution for the treatment and realignment of the foot. There is also a need for a self-adjusting orthopaedic shoe designed for the treatment of clubfoot, which overcomes the limitations of conventional devices by facilitating automatic, controlled, and incremental stretching. Further, there is also a need for a self-adjusting orthopaedic shoe that reduces the need for frequent manual adjustments, enhances patient comfort, and provides a more dynamic and adaptable treatment method compared to conventional rigid braces and orthotic devices.
Objectives of the invention:
[0008] The primary objective of the invention is to provide a self-adjusting orthopaedic shoe that is designed to facilitate gradual correction of clubfoot through controlled stretching, thereby providing a non-invasive, effective solution for the treatment and realignment of the foot.
[0009] Another objective of the invention is to provide a self-adjusting orthopaedic shoe that enhances patient comfort during the treatment process by incorporating a flexible design, which accommodates natural foot movement and reduces discomfort associated with traditional rigid devices.
[0010] The other objective of the invention is to provide a self-adjusting orthopaedic shoe that enables automatic adjustments to the shoe's alignment and tension settings, thereby eliminating the need for frequent manual interventions by caregivers and ensuring optimal therapeutic outcomes.
[0011] The other objective of the invention is to provide a self-adjusting orthopaedic shoe that facilitates continuous and progressive stretching of the clubfoot, thereby allowing for individualized treatment plans that adapt to the patient's growth and changing needs over time.
[0012] The other objective of the invention is to provide a self-adjusting orthopaedic shoe that simplifies the user experience by integrating user-friendly features, such as easy-to-understand adjustment indicators or automated settings, making it accessible for both patients and caregivers.
[0013] The other objective of the invention is to provide a self-adjusting orthopaedic shoe that improves overall treatment efficiency by minimizing the frequency of medical appointments and the duration of treatment, thereby ultimately enhancing the quality of life for patients with clubfoot.
[0014] Yet another objective of the invention is to provide a self-adjusting orthopaedic shoe that reduces the risk of complications associated with traditional treatments, such as skin irritation and discomfort, by providing a design that promotes better fit and adaptability.
[0015] The further objective of the invention is to provide a self-adjusting orthopaedic shoe that provides a cost-effective solution, which can reduce the financial burden of ongoing medical care for clubfoot treatment through its automated and self-adjusting features.
Summary of the invention:
[0016] The present disclosure proposes a self-adjusting orthopaedic shoe for gradual correction of clubfoot and method of operation. The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the claimed subject matter. This summary is not an extensive overview. It is not intended to identify key or critical elements or to delineate the scope of the claimed subject matter. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
[0017] In order to overcome the deficiencies of the prior art, the present disclosure is to solve the technical problem of providing a self-adjusting orthopaedic shoe that is designed to facilitate gradual correction of clubfoot through controlled stretching, thereby providing a non-invasive, effective solution for the treatment and realignment of the foot.
[0018] According to one aspect, the invention discloses a self-adjusting orthopaedic shoe that is designed for the treatment of clubfoot, which overcomes the limitations of conventional devices by facilitating automatic, controlled, and incremental stretching. The self-adjusting orthopaedic shoe reduces the need for frequent manual adjustments, enhances patient comfort, and provides a more dynamic and adaptable treatment method compared to conventional rigid braces and orthotic devices. In one embodiment herein, the self-adjusting orthopaedic shoe comprises a housing, an insole, a wind-up unit, a reciprocating unit, a pivoting member, and a locking unit.
[0019] In one embodiment herein, the housing is extending from a base to form a structured enclosure. The housing defining a cavity for receiving a user's clubfoot. The insole is hingedly affixed to the base at a rear portion. The insole is configured to accommodate and support the user's clubfoot during a stretching operation. The insole is made of flexible and cushioning material to provide optimal comfort and support for the user's clubfoot during the stretching operations.
[0020] In one embodiment herein, the insole is supported on the base by plurality of compression springs at a front portion, thereby allowing the front portion of the insole to move vertically within the housing. The compression springs are arranged beneath the insole in an increasing size order from toe end to heel end of the self-adjusting orthopaedic shoe.
[0021] In one embodiment herein, the wind-up unit is integrated into the housing. The wind-up unit is configured to generate rotational movement upon manual activation of a knob by a caregiver, thereby facilitating user-controlled adjustment of the stretching operation. In one embodiment herein, the wind-up unit comprises a casing that is securely integrated within the housing. The knob comprises plurality of markings configured to indicate a desired number of stretching cycles to be performed.
[0022] In one embodiment herein, the wind-up unit also comprises a primary gear that is operatively connected to the knob. The primary gear is configured to rotate in response to the manual activation of the knob.
[0023] In one embodiment herein, the wind-up unit also comprises a wind-up spring that is positioned within the casing. The wind-up spring having a tab that is engaged with a groove in the primary gear, thereby enabling the wind-up spring to store and release energy by winding and unwinding in response to the rotation of the primary gear. The wind-up spring is affixed to the casing at one end, thereby enabling efficient winding and unwinding in response to the rotation of the primary gear.
[0024] In one embodiment herein, the wind-up unit also comprises a secondary gear that is rotatably engaged with the primary gear. The secondary gear is configured to rotate synchronously with the primary gear during the unwinding of the wind-up spring, thereby facilitating the controlled stretching operation.
[0025] In one embodiment herein, the reciprocating unit is operatively connected to the wind-up unit. The reciprocating unit is configured to convert the rotational movement from the wind-up unit into a linear reciprocating movement for effective stretching of the user's clubfoot. In one embodiment herein, the reciprocating unit comprises a cylindrical cam that is operatively connected to the wind-up unit. The cylindrical cam having a notch that is configured to rotate in response to the rotational movement of the secondary gear.
[0026] In one embodiment herein, the reciprocating unit also comprises a hollow barrel that is movably positioned over the cylindrical cam. The hollow barrel having a protrusion that is configured to engage and move within the notch on the cylindrical cam in response to the rotation of the cylindrical cam to enable reciprocating movement of the hollow barrel. The hollow barrel is configured to transfer the reciprocating movement to the insole via the pivoting pin, thereby enabling gradual stretching of the user's clubfoot.
[0027] In one embodiment herein, the pivoting member is operatively connected between the insole and the reciprocating unit. The pivoting pin is configured to enable the insole to move in a controlled linear reciprocating manner in response to the reciprocating movement generated by the reciprocating unit, thereby gradually stretching the user's clubfoot.
[0028] In one embodiment herein, the locking unit is operatively connected to the insole. The locking unit is configured to secure the insole in a fixed position within the housing to restrict reciprocating movement when stretching is not required.
[0029] In one embodiment herein, the locking unit comprises a push button that is integrated with a locking member, which is configured to engage a receiver on the insole upon activation of the push button, thereby securing the insole in the fixed position within the housing when stretching is not required. In one embodiment herein, the housing comprises a zipper that is configured to enable access for positioning and securing the user's clubfoot within the cavity of the housing.
[0030] According to an aspect, a method is disclosed for operating the self-adjusting orthopaedic shoe. First, at one step, the caregiver positions the user's clubfoot within the insole housed in the self-adjusting orthopaedic shoe. At another step, the caregiver rotates the knob to engage a primary gear, thereby causing a wind-up spring to wind and store energy. At another step, the caregiver releases the knob to allow the stored energy in the wind-up spring to rotate the primary gear, which in turn drives a secondary gear to move a hollow barrel over a cylindrical cam in a reciprocating manner, thereby transferring the reciprocating motion to the insole via a pivoting pin to enable gradual and controlled stretching of the user's clubfoot. Further, at another step, the caregiver presses the push button to engage a locking member with a receiver on the insole, thereby securing the insole in a fixed position within the self-adjusting orthopaedic shoe when stretching is not required.
[0031] Further, objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from a study of the following portion of the specification, the claims, and the attached drawings.
Detailed description of drawings:
[0032] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate an embodiment of the invention, and, together with the description, explain the principles of the invention.
[0033] FIG. 1 illustrates a top isometric view of a self-adjusting orthopaedic shoe, in accordance to an example embodiment of the invention.
[0034] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the self-adjusting orthopaedic shoe, in accordance to an example embodiment of the invention.
[0035] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a wind up unit and a reciprocating unit of the self-adjusting orthopaedic shoe, in accordance to an example embodiment of the invention.
[0036] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a locking unit of the self-adjusting orthopaedic shoe, in accordance to an example embodiment of the invention.
[0037] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view illustrating the operation of the wind-up unit and the reciprocating unit, in accordance to an example embodiment of the invention.
[0038] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view illustrating an insole during the stretching operation, in accordance to an example embodiment of the invention.
[0039] FIG. 7 illustrates perspective views illustrating the operation of the locking unit, in accordance to an example embodiment of the invention.
[0040] FIG. 8 illustrates a flowchart of a method for operating the self-adjusting orthopaedic shoe, in accordance to an example embodiment of the invention.
Detailed invention disclosure:
[0041] Various embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same or similar reference numerals are used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or similar parts or steps.
[0042] The present disclosure has been made with a view towards solving the problem with the prior art described above, and it is an object of the present invention to provide
[0043] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, FIG. 1 refers to a top isometric view of a self-adjusting orthopaedic shoe 100. In one embodiment herein, the self-adjusting orthopaedic shoe 100 is designed for the treatment of clubfoot, which overcomes the limitations of conventional devices by facilitating automatic, controlled, and incremental stretching. The self-adjusting orthopaedic shoe 100 reduces the need for frequent manual adjustments, enhances patient comfort, and provides a more dynamic and adaptable treatment method compared to conventional rigid braces and orthotic devices.
[0044] In one embodiment herein, the self-adjusting orthopaedic shoe 100 comprises a housing 102, an insole 108 (shown in FIG. 2), a wind-up unit 112, a reciprocating unit 116 (shown in FIG. 2), a pivoting member 118 (shown in FIG. 2), and a locking unit 120 (shown in FIG. 2). In one embodiment herein, the housing 102 extends upwardly from a base 104 to form a structured enclosure. The housing 102 defines a cavity 106 to provide an ample space for accommodating a user's clubfoot, thereby ensuring a secure and supportive fit. In one embodiment herein, the housing 102 is equipped with a zipper 146, thus providing access for the caregiver to position and secure the user's clubfoot within the cavity 106. The design of the zipper 146 adds ease of access and secure fitting, allowing for effortless setup and removal of the user's foot within the self-adjusting orthopaedic shoe 100, thus ensuring proper alignment and comfort throughout the stretching treatment.
[0045] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, FIG. 2 refers to a perspective view of the self-adjusting orthopaedic shoe 100. In one embodiment herein, the insole 108 is hingedly attached to the base 104 at a rear portion. This hinge attachment allows for controlled movement of the insole 108 during operation, thus creating a flexible yet stable base for the clubfoot stretching process. The insole 108 is designed with a flexible and cushioning material to support and enhance comfort during stretching operations, thereby mitigating pressure on sensitive areas of the user's clubfoot. This material is intended to provide long-term durability and sustained comfort to the user.
[0046] In one embodiment herein, the insole 108 is supported by plurality of compression springs 110 positioned at the front portion of the base 104. These compression springs 110 permit controlled vertical movement, specifically of the front portion of the insole 108, within the housing 102. This configuration allows the self-adjusting orthopaedic shoe 100 to accommodate the natural curvature of the foot during a stretching operation. The compression springs 110 are arranged beneath the insole 108 in an increasing size order from the toe to the heel end. This arrangement provides a gradual shift in support to align with the varied load distribution along the length of the foot, thus facilitating an even and progressive stretching action.
[0047] In one embodiment herein, the wind-up unit 112 is integrated into the housing 102. The wind-up unit 112 is configured to generate rotational force when a caregiver manually activates a knob 114, thereby enabling user-controlled adjustments to the stretching intensity and duration. The wind-up unit 112 comprises a casing 122 that is partially exposed from the housing 102 to protect the mechanical components.
[0048] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, FIG. 3 refers to a perspective view of the wind up unit 112 and the reciprocating unit 116 of the self-adjusting orthopaedic shoe 100. In one embodiment herein, the wind-up unit 112 includes a primary gear 124 that is operatively connected to the knob 114. Upon manual activation, the primary gear 124 rotates to transmit movement to other components of the wind-up unit 112, thereby initiating the stretching process. The wind-up unit 112 comprises a wind-up spring 126 that is positioned within the casing 122. In one embodiment herein, the wind-up spring 126 is securely affixed to the casing 122 at one end, thereby allowing efficient winding and unwinding during operation. This configuration enables the wind-up spring 126 to store energy, which is then transferred to the primary gear 124 to create controlled reciprocating motion.
[0049] In one embodiment herein, the wind-up spring 126 is wound around a collar 129, which is securely affixed to the opposite end of the wind-up spring 126, thus providing a stable anchor for energy release. In one embodiment herein, the wind-up spring 126 includes a tab 128 affixed on the collar 129. This tab 128 is configured to interlock with a groove 130 in the primary gear 124 to provide a secure and efficient connection. This interlocking design enables the wind-up spring 126 to store energy as it winds, thereby subsequently releasing it in a controlled manner as it unwinds. This mechanism allows for a smooth and consistent transfer of stored energy, thereby powering the primary gear 124 to initiate the reciprocating motion necessary for the stretching operation.
[0050] In one embodiment herein, the wind-up unit 112 also includes a secondary gear 132 that is rotatably engaged with the primary gear 124. This secondary gear 132 rotates in synchronization with the primary gear 124 during the unwinding of the wind-up spring 126, allowing a controlled energy release for the stretching operation. This dual-gear system ensures smooth energy transfer, thereby contributing to a steady and consistent stretching motion. In one embodiment herein, the knob 114 is indicated with plurality of markings 115 to allow the caregivers to select the desired number of stretching cycles. These markings 115 offer a visual guide to ensure that the caregiver can precisely control the stretching regimen to suit the user's needs.
[0051] In one embodiment herein, the reciprocating unit 116, connected to the wind-up unit 112, is configured to convert the rotational motion into a linear reciprocating motion, thereby making it effective for gradually stretching the user's clubfoot. This conversion is essential for achieving the up-and-down motion required for therapeutic stretching. The reciprocating unit 116 includes a cylindrical cam 134 that is operatively connected to the secondary gear 132 of the wind-up unit 112. This cylindrical cam 134 is equipped with a notch 136 and is rotated in response to the movement of the secondary gear 132. This rotational response serves as the initial step in transforming the energy into a linear stretching motion.
[0052] In one embodiment herein, the reciprocating unit 116 includes a hollow barrel 138 positioned over the cylindrical cam 134. This hollow barrel 138 includes a protrusion 140, which engages with the notch 136 on the cam 134. As the cylindrical cam 134 rotates, the notch 136 moves the protrusion 140 within it, thereby enabling the hollow barrel 138 to reciprocate. The hollow barrel 138, in turn, transfers this reciprocating movement through the pivoting pin 118 to the insole 108, creating a gradual and controlled stretching effect on the user's clubfoot. The pivoting pin 118, positioned between the insole 108 and the reciprocating unit 116, allows the insole 108 to move in a controlled, linear manner in response to the reciprocating action of the hollow barrel 138. This configuration ensures that the user's clubfoot undergoes a gradual stretch with each reciprocating motion, optimizing the therapeutic benefit.
[0053] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, FIG. 4 refers to a perspective view of the locking unit 120 of the self-adjusting orthopaedic shoe 100. In one embodiment herein, the locking unit 120 is operatively connected to the insole 108. The locking unit 120 secures the insole 108 within the housing 102 when stretching is not required. This locking capability allows the caregiver to restrict the reciprocating movement, thereby stabilizing the insole 108 and providing the user with a fixed and comfortable position within the self-adjusting orthopaedic shoe 100 during non-stretching intervals. In one embodiment herein, the locking unit 120 includes a push button 142 integrated with a locking member 144. Upon pressing the push button 142, the locking member 144 engages with a receiver 146 on the insole 108, thereby securing the insole 108 in a fixed position within the housing 102. This feature allows the caregiver to lock the insole 108 when the stretching operation is not necessary, enhancing convenience and safety.
[0054] Referring to FIG. 2, the process of operating the self-adjusting orthopaedic shoe 100 is disclosed in multiple steps, allowing the caregiver to use the self-adjusting orthopaedic shoe 100 for the therapeutic stretching of a user's clubfoot. First, the caregiver positions the user's clubfoot within the housing 102 of the self-adjusting orthopaedic shoe 100. To do this, the caregiver opens the zipper 146 on the housing 102 to allow easy insertion of the user's clubfoot into the inner cavity 106 where the insole 108 is located. The caregiver places the user's clubfoot on the insole 108, ensuring proper alignment of the foot within the self-adjusting orthopaedic shoe 100 for optimal support. Once the user's clubfoot is properly aligned, the caregiver secures the zipper 146 to enclose the clubfoot comfortably within the housing 102.
[0055] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, FIG. 5 refers to a perspective view illustrating the operation of the wind-up unit 112 and the reciprocating unit 116. Once the foot is positioned, the caregiver can activate the stretching mechanism by using the wind-up unit 112 integrated within the self-adjusting orthopaedic shoe 100. To begin the stretching, the caregiver manually rotates the knob 114 located on the exterior of the housing 102. The knob 114 is connected to the primary gear 124 within the wind-up unit, and rotating the knob 114 causes the primary gear 124 to rotate. The primary gear 124 is connected to the wind-up spring 126 inside the casing 122, which begins to wind and store energy with each rotation. The knob 114 is marked with indicators to allow the caregiver to select a specific number of stretching cycles suited to the user's needs, providing control over the intensity and frequency of the stretching.
[0056] After sufficient energy is stored in the wind-up spring 126, the caregiver can release the knob 114, thereby allowing the stored energy to transfer through the primary gear 124 and the secondary gear 132 to the reciprocating unit 116. As the wind-up spring 126 unwinds, it rotates the primary gear 124, which then engages the secondary gear 132 to facilitate synchronized motion. This rotation drives the cylindrical cam 134 to rotate and move the protrusion 140 of the hollow barrel 138 along the notch 136 on the cylindrical cam 134, thus enabling the linear reciprocating movement of the hollow barrel 138.
[0057] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, FIG. 6 refers to a perspective view illustrating the insole 108 during the stretching operation. In one embodiment herein, the reciprocating movement from the reciprocating unit 116 is transferred to the insole 108 through the pivoting pin 118, which allows the insole 108 to move in a controlled linear motion, thereby gradually stretching the clubfoot. The compression springs 110, positioned beneath the insole 108 in ascending order from the toe to the heel, assist in managing the pressure applied to different parts of the foot, thus ensuring an even distribution of force for effective therapeutic stretching.
[0058] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, FIG. 7 refers to perspective views illustrating the operation of the locking unit 120. If stretching is not required at a particular time, the caregiver can secure the insole 108 in a fixed position using the locking unit 120 of the self-adjusting orthopaedic shoe 100. To engage the locking mechanism, the caregiver presses a push button 142 located near the knob. This action activates the locking member 144, which then engages with the receiver 146 on the insole 108. Once engaged, the locking member 144 restricts any reciprocating movement of the insole 108, effectively immobilizing it within the housing 102. This feature allows the user to rest comfortably in the shoe without undergoing a stretching motion, especially useful during intervals between stretching sessions.
[0059] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, FIG. 8 refers to a flowchart 800 of a method for operating the self-adjusting orthopaedic shoe 100. First, at step 802, the caregiver positions the user's clubfoot within the insole 108 housed in the orthopaedic shoe 100. At step 804, the caregiver rotates the knob 114 to engage a primary gear 124, thereby causing a wind-up spring 126 to wind and store energy. At step 806, the caregiver releases the knob 114 to allow the stored energy in the wind-up spring 126 to rotate the primary gear 124, which in turn drives a secondary gear 132 to move a hollow barrel 138 over a cylindrical cam 134 in a reciprocating manner, thereby transferring the reciprocating motion to the insole 108 via a pivoting pin 118 to enable gradual and controlled stretching of the user's clubfoot. Further, at step 808, the caregiver presses the push button 142 to engage a locking member 144 with a receiver 146 on the insole 108, thereby securing the insole 108 in a fixed position within the orthopaedic shoe 100 when stretching is not required.
[0060] The advantages of the present disclosure are evident from the discussion above. The self-adjusting orthopaedic shoe 100 is designed to facilitate gradual correction of clubfoot through controlled stretching, thereby providing a non-invasive, effective solution for the treatment and realignment of the foot. The self-adjusting orthopaedic shoe 100 enhances patient comfort during the treatment process by incorporating a flexible design, which accommodates natural foot movement and reduces discomfort associated with traditional rigid devices. The self-adjusting orthopaedic shoe 100 enables automatic adjustments to the shoe's alignment and tension settings, thereby eliminating the need for frequent manual interventions by caregivers and ensuring optimal therapeutic outcomes.
[0061] The self-adjusting orthopaedic shoe 100 facilitates continuous and progressive stretching of the clubfoot, thereby allowing for individualized treatment plans that adapt to the patient's growth and changing needs over time. The self-adjusting orthopaedic shoe 100 simplifies the user experience by integrating user-friendly features, such as easy-to-understand adjustment indicators or automated settings, making it accessible for both patients and caregivers. The self-adjusting orthopaedic shoe 100 improves overall treatment efficiency by minimizing the frequency of medical appointments and the duration of treatment, thereby ultimately enhancing the quality of life for patients with clubfoot.
[0062] The self-adjusting orthopaedic shoe 100 reduces the risk of complications associated with traditional treatments, such as skin irritation and discomfort, by providing a design that promotes better fit and adaptability. The self-adjusting orthopaedic shoe 100 provides a cost-effective solution, which can reduce the financial burden of ongoing medical care for clubfoot treatment through its automated and self-adjusting features.
[0063] It will readily be apparent that numerous modifications and alterations can be made to the processes described in the foregoing examples without departing from the principles underlying the invention, and all such modifications and alterations are intended to be embraced by this application.
, Claims:CLAIMS:
I / We Claim:
1. A self-adjusting orthopaedic shoe (100), comprising:
a housing (102) extending from a base (104) to form a structured enclosure, wherein the housing (102) defining a cavity (106) for receiving a user's clubfoot;
an insole (108) hingedly affixed to the base (104) at a rear portion, wherein the insole (108) is configured to accommodate and support the user's clubfoot during a stretching operation,
wherein the insole (108) is supported on the base (104) by plurality of compression springs (110) at a front portion, thereby allowing the front portion of the insole (108) to move vertically within the housing (102);
a wind-up unit (112) integrated into the housing (102), wherein the wind-up unit (112) is configured to generate rotational movement upon manual activation of a knob (114) by a caregiver, thereby facilitating user-controlled adjustment of the stretching operation;
a reciprocating unit (116) operatively connected to the wind-up unit (112), wherein the reciprocating unit (116) is configured to convert the rotational movement from the wind-up unit (112) into a linear reciprocating movement for effective stretching of the user's clubfoot;
a pivoting pin (118) operatively connected between the insole (108) and the reciprocating unit (116), wherein the pivoting pin (118) is configured to enable the insole (108) to move in a controlled linear reciprocating manner in response to the reciprocating movement generated by the reciprocating unit (116), thereby gradually stretching the user's clubfoot; and
a locking unit (120) operatively connected to the insole (108), wherein the locking unit (120) is configured to secure the insole (108) in a fixed position within the housing (102) to restrict reciprocating movement when stretching is not required.
2. The self-adjusting orthopaedic shoe (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the wind-up unit (112) comprises:
a casing (122) securely integrated within the housing (102);
a primary gear (124) operatively connected to the knob (114), wherein the primary gear (124) is configured to rotate in response to the manual activation of the knob (114);
a wind-up spring (126) positioned within the casing (122), wherein the wind-up spring (126) having a tab (128) that is engaged with a groove (130) in the primary gear (124), thereby enabling the wind-up spring (126) to store and release energy by winding and unwinding in response to the rotation of the primary gear (124); and
a secondary gear (132) rotatably engaged with the primary gear (124), wherein the secondary gear (132) is configured to rotate synchronously with the primary gear (124) during the unwinding of the wind-up spring (126), thereby facilitating the controlled stretching operation.
3. The self-adjusting orthopaedic shoe (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the wind-up spring (126) is affixed to the casing (122) at one end, thereby enabling efficient winding and unwinding in response to the rotation of the primary gear (124).
4. The self-adjusting orthopaedic shoe (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the reciprocating unit (116) comprises:
a cylindrical cam (134) operatively connected to the wind-up unit (112), wherein the cylindrical cam (134) having a notch (136) configured to rotate in response to the rotational movement of the secondary gear (132); and
a hollow barrel (138) movably positioned over the cylindrical cam (134), wherein the hollow barrel (138) having a protrusion (140) that is configured to engage and move within the notch (136) on the cylindrical cam (134) in response to the rotation of the cylindrical cam (134) to enable reciprocating movement of the hollow barrel (138),
wherein the hollow barrel (138) is configured to transfer the reciprocating movement to the insole (108) via the pivoting pin (118), thereby enabling gradual stretching of the user's clubfoot.
5. The self-adjusting orthopaedic shoe (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the locking unit (120) comprises a push button (142) integrated with a locking member (144) that is configured to engage a receiver (146) on the insole (108) upon activation of the push button (142), thereby securing the insole (108) in the fixed position within the housing (102) when stretching is not required.
6. The self-adjusting orthopaedic shoe (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the knob (114) comprises plurality of markings (115) configured to indicate a desired number of stretching cycles to be performed.
7. The self-adjusting orthopaedic shoe (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the housing (102) comprises a zipper (146) that is configured to enable access for positioning and securing the user's clubfoot within the cavity (106) of the housing (102).
8. The self-adjusting orthopaedic shoe (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the insole (108) is made of flexible and cushioning material to provide optimal comfort and support for the user's clubfoot during the stretching operations.
9. The self-adjusting orthopaedic shoe (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the compression springs (110) are arranged beneath the insole (108) in an increasing size order from toe end to heel end of the self-adjusting orthopaedic shoe (100).
10. A method of operating a self-adjusting orthopaedic shoe (100), comprising:
positioning, by a caregiver, a user's clubfoot within an insole (108) housed in the orthopaedic shoe (100);
rotating, by the caregiver, a knob (114) to engage a primary gear (124), thereby causing a wind-up spring (126) to wind and store energy;
releasing, by the caregiver, the knob (114) to allow the stored energy in the wind-up spring (126) to rotate the primary gear (124), which in turn drives a secondary gear (132) to move a hollow barrel (138) over a cylindrical cam (134) in a reciprocating manner, thereby transferring the reciprocating motion to the insole (108) via a pivoting pin (118) to enable gradual and controlled stretching of the user's clubfoot; and
pressing, by the caregiver, a push button (142) to engage a locking member (144) with a receiver (146) on the insole (108), thereby securing the insole (108) in a fixed position within the orthopaedic shoe (100) when stretching is not required.

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