Pressure remotion disc

Abstract

After a human body has formed one of numerous calluses or sores due to various conditions of the human condition the present invention offers a means to aid in pain relief and/or an aid in therapy for sores and skin conditions normally considered to be caused by pressure. The present invention seeks to provide a device designed explicitly to transfer weight or pressure from an area on the body that causes the excrescence to develop. The simplest form is designed for use with a condition known as Intractable Planter Keratosis or IPK. Whether the IPK callus is caused from locomotion, or other sores caused by continual or inordinate pressure, the present invention in its simplest form is a thin disc approximately but not limited to 1 in diameter and a thickness of approximately but not limited to 0.036 with a hollow protrusion of approximately but not limited to 0.036 that covers a sore completely but isolated the sore from any contact with the disc or the protrusion. The mechanical work that the present invention provides is the transferal of substantially all pressure away from the sore and to healthy flesh areas immediately around the sore.

Claims

1. A disc for application to a human body, said disc comprising: a hard round disc having a center point; said disc having a top surface with an adhesive capable of adhering said disc to a bottom of a foot over a callus; a bottom surface of said disc having a hollow concave dome relative to the top surface; said hollow concave dome having a center point in alignment with the center point of the disc; a diameter of the hollow concave dome slightly larger than a diameter of an irritation area of the callus; a hardness of the disc ranging from about 25% plus or minus Rockwell Hardness M70/R118; a thickness of the disc ranging from about 0.03 to about 0.04 inches so as to remain stiff and not bend as a weight of the foot and a human is applied downward on the disc; said disc having a diameter ranging from about 25% plus or minus Rockwell Hardness M70/R118; and said hollow concave dome having a recess about one thousandths inch to about five thousandths inch deeper than a height of the callus.

2. The disc of claim 1, wherein the hollow concave dome is elongate and semi-cylindrical.

3. The disc of claim 2, wherein the hollow, concave elongate dome extends fully across the disc.

4. The disc of claim 2, wherein the hollow, concave elongate dome extends partially across the disc.

5. The disc of claim 1 further comprising air holes.

6. The disc of claim 1, wherein the hollow concave dome is round.

7. A disc for application to a human body for displacing pressure and relieving pain, the disc comprising: a generally square shape having a center point; an arched body forming a concave central top area for application to a callus on a human; an elongate dome extending through the center point and at least partially across a longitudinal axis of the disc; said disc having a hardness ranging from about 25% plus or minus Rockwell Hardness M70/R118; said disc having a thickness from about 0.03 inch to about 0.04 inch; said elongate dome having a width and a length slightly larger than an irritation area of the callus; and an attachment means functioning to adhere the round disc onto the human body over the callus aligned with the center point of the disc.

8. The disc of claim 7, wherein the attachment means further comprises as adhesive.

9. The disc of claim 8, wherein the adhesive means is attached to the concave central top area.

10. The disc of claim 8, wherein the adhesive means further comprises a tape attached over at least a portion of the bottom of the disc.

11. The disc of claim 8, wherein the adhesive means further comprises an orthotic substrate that supports the dome over the callus.

12. A disc for application to a human body for displacing pressure and relieving pain, the disc comprising: a substantially round disc having a center point; said round disc having a diameter ranging from about one half inch to about one and a half inches; said round disc having a hardness ranging from about 25% plus or minus Rockwell Hardness M70/R118; said round disc having a thickness ranging from about 0.03 to about 0.04 inch; said round disc having a smooth top surface suited for application to a human body with a callus; a hollow dome depending down from a bottom surface at the center point; said hollow dome sized to a diameter slightly larger than the callus; and an attachment means functioning to adhere the round disc onto the human body over the callus with a center of the callus aligned with the center of the round disc.

13. The disc of claim 12, wherein the attachment means further comprises an orthotic substrate that supports the disc in a co-axial alignment with a center of the callus.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) Having thus described the various embodiments of the invention in general terms, reference will now be directed to the included drawings, which may or may not be drawn to scale and wherein:

(2) FIG. 1 is top plan view of embodiment 100 that illustrated a remotion disc that may likely include the most common design considerations of the various embodiments.

(3) FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of embodiment 100.

(4) FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of embodiment 100.

(5) FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of embodiment 100.

(6) FIG. 5 is a top plan view of embodiment 200.

(7) FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of embodiment 200.

(8) FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of embodiment 200.

(9) FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of embodiment 200.

(10) FIG. 9 is a bottom perspective view of embodiment 300.

(11) FIG. 10 is a cross sectional view of embodiment 300.

(12) FIG. 11 is a top plan view of embodiment 300.

(13) FIG. 12 is a top plan view of embodiment 400.

(14) FIG. 13 is a cross sectional view of embodiment 400.

(15) FIG. 14 is a top plan view of embodiment 500.

(16) FIG. 15 is a cross sectional view of embodiment 500.

(17) FIG. 16 is a bottom perspective view of embodiment 600.

(18) FIG. 17 is a side elevation view of embodiment 600.

(19) FIG. 18 is a longitudinal cross sectional view of embodiment 600.

(20) FIG. 19 is a bottom perspective view of embodiment 700.

(21) FIG. 20 is a cross sectional view of embodiment 700.

(22) FIG. 21 is a longitudinal cutaway view of embodiment 700.

(23) FIG. 22 is a side elevation view of embodiment 300 as applied to a foot.

(24) FIG. 23 is a bottom plan view of embodiment 300 applied to foot.

(25) FIG. 24 is top perspective view of embodiment 800.

(26) FIG. 25 is a bottom perspective view of embodiment 800.

(27) FIG. 26 is a top perspective view of embodiment 700 on a human arm.

(28) Before explaining the disclosed embodiments in detail, it is to be understood that the embodiments are not limited in application to the details of the particular arrangements shown, since other embodiments are possible. Also, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(29) Various embodiments of the invention are described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all the embodiments of the invention are shown in the figures. Indeed, these inventions may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiment set forth herein: rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements.

(30) FIG. 1 illustrates embodiment 100 of the invention. In the simplest form the embodiment 100 is applied to the plantar aspect of the human foot. Embodiment 100 is the simplest form of a remotion disc that is designed principally for the treatment a medical condition known as Intractable Plantar Keratosis or IPK for short, typically found on the ball of the foot. As shown in FIG. 1 there is a round disc 1 with a conical dome 2 located in the center of 1. The top is labeled T. The disc 2 describes from the top T. On a bottom of the foot callus, the disc 2 descends away from the callus. See FIG. 22. The center of the disc is labeled 20. FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the bottom of embodiment 100 that reveals an exceeding thin disc 1 (about 0.04 inch) with a conical dome or extrusion 2 that is approximately the same height as disc 1 is thick (about d4=0.04). The low profile of disc 2 is exceeding rigid and provides an incompressible recess 3 of FIG. 3 which is installed and positioned directly over the callus, sore or irritation point and/or the IPK causal point. The rigid disc 1 is installed to the bottom of the foot being held in place by an appropriate adhesive tape (not shown). The cone 2 is inversely situated directly above and directly in line with the callus center or the causal center point of irritation. The recess 3 surrounds the callus and/or the irritation point but does not impinge upon it. As pressure is put upon embodiment either by standing or locomotion, disc 1 working in concurrence with the rigid disc 2 and recess 3 redirects the pressure. The pressure is redirected and transferred to the area around the callus or causal irritation point, thereby mitigating pain and acerbation that typically and most often painfully and obstinately persists. Transferring weight and pressure down the sides of cone 2 on to disc 1 isolates the callus or causal irritation by means of recess 3 and remarkably reduces pain as well as abating further acerbation.

(31) FIG. 2 shows the bottom view of embodiment 100 with the conical extrusion 2 shown protruding below the disc 1. The tip 20 of disc 2 comes in contact with the walking surface before disc 1 contacts the walking surface thereby, due to is rigidity, transferring pressure down the sides of the cone 2 to disc 1.

(32) FIG. 3 shows the top side of embodiment 100 which reveals the recess or cavity 3 that is a common feature among all of the various embodiments. Recess 3 can be various sizes and shapes depending on the particular callus, blister or sore that is being isolated.

(33) FIG. 4 exposes the recess cavity 3 and the height of disc 2 in relation to disc 1. The height and width and thickness of cone 2 and disc 1 determine the height of recess 3. Nominal dimensions are d1=0.125, d2=1.0, d3=0.09 to 0.10, d4=0.04, d5=0.0625.

(34) FIG. 5 shows embodiment 200 showing the feature of air holes 5 typically located on disc 1 to allow callus or sore and the flesh around the sore to breathe. Hole diameter d5 is about 0.0625. This feature can be approached in different methods such as more holes 5 in different areas, less holes, larger holes, or holes in cone 2. The breathability may also be achieved by using a porous substrate to produce the same effect as holes 5 in embodiment 200.

(35) FIG. 6 shows embodiment 200 with cone 2 and disc 4 with no need to expound on it being mechanically similar to embodiment 100 except for the air breathing holes 5 and their capability.

(36) FIG. 7 shows the top side T of disc 200 with similar construction and function of disc 100 except for the air breathing feature of typical holes 5.

(37) FIG. 8 needs shows the cutaway of embodiment 200 and discloses the air holes 5.

(38) FIG. 9 discloses embodiment 300 with the only difference between embodiment 100 is the addition of an adhesive 6 shown in FIG. 11 as adhesive 6 so as to be applied to the body without the use of tape. FIG. 10 shows the adhesive layer 6 and a removable backing 60.

(39) FIGS. 12 and 13 disclose embodiment 400. For all intents and purposes its function is intrinsically the same as all of the other embodiments. However, the dome 7 is shown larger and to be dome shaped instead of conical like 2 disc. Recess 3 is larger and will accommodate a larger excrescence, d6=0.125, d7=0.1875,

(40) FIGS. 14 and 15 disclose embodiment 500, wherein d8=0.5. For all intents and purposes function is intrinsically the same as all of the other embodiments. However, the dome 8 is shown oblong and flattened instead of conical and like conical disc 2 or domed disc 7. Recess 3 is larger and dependent on the shape and size of 8 and thus will accommodate a larger and different shape excrescence.

(41) FIGS. 16 and 17 and 18 disclose embodiment 600, with D9=0.20 inch. Elongate dome 9 extends the entire disc 8. For all intents and purposes its function is intrinsically the same as all of the other embodiments. However, the cupola 9 is shown as dome shaped and runs the entire length of disc 8 which compared to other embodiments serves the same function as disc 1 & 4. This design allows a protective weight transfer function for a sore that is longer than it is wide. It is also shaped to fit the contour of a body part. This aspect is part of the customizable version of the remotion discs in general. In a scenario dealing with embodiment 600 a laceration on the hind quarter of the buttocks may benefit from the transference of pressure via the long cupola 9 allowing a person to sit directly on the remotion disc 600 thereby transferring weight and possible damage away from the laceration allowing it to heal and scab over without being acerbated or damaged during the healing process. The embodiment 600 would allow the patient to sit with the laceration in isolation, thereby removing pain from the pressure as well. The laceration would also receive healing benefits from air breathing benefits from recess 3A which allows air to the wound as recommended.

(42) FIGS. 19, 20 and 21 disclose embodiment 700 which like the preceding embodiments do not need detailed discussion. The difference of embodiment 700 is cupola 10 which is hollow like dome 9 in embodiment 600 but is not open ended. The form fit to a contour of the body is noted as disc 11.

(43) FIG. 22 is a side view of a foot D and embodiment 300 being located in proper position before installation over an IPK Sore A. B is the Ball of the human foot. Recess 3 is placed directly in line with the center C of the IPK SORE A and over top of A with cone 2 situated away from A and B on the foot D.

(44) FIG. 23 discloses a bottom view of the foot D and an IPK Sore A on the ball of the foot B with the proper alignment and installation of embodiment 300. Sore A is directly under the center point of 2. Recess 3 is covering the sore A. Disc 1 is applied to and affixed to the flesh around sore A on ball B by means of adhesive feature 6 shown in FIG. 11.

(45) FIG. 24 discloses the top perspective view of embodiment 800 which is an orthopedic shoe insert. Embodiment 100 is shown embedded flush with the foot bed F of the orthopedic insert E in two different locations. One is located under the ball of the foot and the other in the heel. The orthotic may or may not have two embodiments 100 installed in the orthotic. It may have combinations of different embodiments fabricated in the orthotic depending on the needs of the wearer. Only recess 3 can be seen from the top in FIG. 24 because feature 2 is purposely installed away from the foot D as shown in FIG. 25.

(46) FIG. 25 is a bottom view of embodiment 800. The disc of embodiment 100 is installed flush with the bottom G of the orthotic E. Cupola 2 protrudes from disc 1 and because disc 1 is flush with G the cupola 2 contacts the shoe and walking surface first. The only difference in the case of embodiment 800 versus the other various embodiments is that constructs of various embodiments are installed in permanent location in the foot bed F of an orthotic E as needed. Because of this aspect the remotion disc will be held in proper location to the sore via placement and being affixed in the orthotic insert 800.

(47) A value of 25% plus or minus of these specs necessary to cause the force lines to follow from the tip of the cone down the cone sides and into the base of the disc so that the force lines continue out to the edge of the disc.

(48) The aperture point or where the cone connects to the disc must be rigid enough so as to make sure the flat disc part of approximately 1 in diameter for the main embodiment does not flex below the plane of the disc itself thereby allowing the pressure to radiate from the center out in all directions to the outside edge of the disc, thereby spreading the pressure out and away from the callus cells or sore area underneath the point/cone and the aperture connection point.

(49) The thickness of a typical remotion disk for IPK would be from 0.030 inches to 0.045 inches in thickness. Younger and lighter children could get by with a plastic remotion disc with the same specs as above but could be a 0.030 thickness disc. An adult male of nearly any weight up to 400 lbs will be able to use a remotion disc of 0.040 thickness with the same specs.

(50) Of course if for custom applications where the span may be larger than the typical remotion disc the plastic of same spec but thicker can be used. The range is determined by the size of area to be isolated from pressure. The remotion discs could be made as thick as 0.080 to 0.100 in some instances if needed. The specifications for the plastic above is sufficient to work in most any application with a proper thickness being utilized.

(51) Like fenders on a car there can also be incorporated details such as folds, ribs or creases, embossing and various types of indentations to help shore up rigidity if covering a larger span is necessary for in the case of a custom use for bedsores.

(52) Device methodology concerning IPK: The cupola or shroud does not have to be larger than the outer area of the callus itself because most importantly is that the causal point or irritation point is isolated. So part of the bottom of the disc can actually rest on the flattened or sanded flat callus tissue, as the disc is stiff enough to carry the force lines over top of and spread it to enough of the surrounding area so that the callus core does not impinge on the irritation point causing acerbation.

(53) The discs can have the following physical properties. Plastic having these properties are preferred.

(54) TABLE-US-00001 Property Test Method Units Values PHYSICAL Specific Gravity ASTM D 792 12 Refractive Index ASTM D 542 1.586 Light Transmission, ASTM D 1003 % 86 Clear @ 0.118 Light Transmission, ASTM D 1003 % 50 I30 Gray @ 0.118 Light Transmission, ASTM D 1003 % 50 K09 Bronze @ 0.118 Light Transmission, ASTM D 1003 % 18 I35 Dark Gray @ 0.118 Water Absorption, ASTM D 570 % 0.15 24 hours Poisson's Ratio ASTM E 132 0.38 MECHANICAL** Tensile Strength, ASTM D 638 psi 9,500 Ultimate Tensile Strength, ASTM D 638 psi 9,000 Yield Tensile Modulus ASTM D 638 psi 340,000 Elongation ASTM D 638 % 110 Flexural Strength ASTM D 790 psi 13,500 Flexural Modulus ASTM D 790 psi 345,000 Compressive Strength ASTM D 695 psi 12,500 Compressive Modulus ASTM D 695 psi 345,000 Izod Impact Strength, ASTM D 256 ft .Math. lbs/in 18 Notched @ 0.125 Izod Impact Strength, ASTM D 256 ft .Math. lbs/in 60 (no Unnotched @ 0.125 failure) Instrumented Impact ASTM D 3763 ft .Math. lbs >47 @ 0.125 Shear Strength, Ultimate ASTM D 732 psi 10,000 Shear Strength, Yield ASTM D 732 psi 6,000 Shear Modulus ASTM D 732 psi 114,000 Rockwell Hardness ASTM D 785 M70/R118 THERMAL Coefficient of ASTM D 696 in/in/ F. 3.75 10.sup.5 Thermal Expansion Coefficient of ASTM C 177 BTU .Math. in/ 1.35 Thermal Conductivity hr .Math. ft.sup.2 .Math. F. Heat Deflection ASTM D 648 F. 270 Temperature @ 264 psi Heat Deflection ASTM D 648 F. 280 Temperature @ 66 psi Brittleness Temperature ASTM D 746 F. 200 Shading Coefficient, NFRC 0.97 clear @ 0.236 100-2010 Shading Coefficient, NFRC 0.77 Gray or Bronze @ 0.236 100-2010 U factor @ 0.236 NFRC BTU/hr .Math. 0.85, 0.92 (summer, winter) 100-2010 ft.sup.2 .Math. F. U factor @ 0.375 NFRC BTU/hr .Math. 0.78, 0.85 (summer, winter) 100-2010 ft.sup.2 .Math. F. ELECTRICAL Dielectric Constant ASTM D 150 2.96 @ 10 Hz Dielectric Constant ASTM D 150 3.17 @ 60 Hz Volume Resistivity ASTM D 257 Ohm .Math. cm 8.2 10.sup.16 Dissipation Factor ASTM D 150 0.0009 @ 60 Hz Arc Resistance Stainless Steel Strip ASTM D 495 Seconds 10 electrode Tungsten Electrodes ASTM D 495 Seconds 120 Dielectric Strength, ASTM D 149 V/mil 380 in air @ 0.125 FLAMMABILITY Horizontal Burn, AEB ASTM D 635 in <1 Ignition Temperature, Self ASTM D 1929 F. 1022 Ignition Temperature, Flash ASTM D 1929 F. 824 Flame Class @ 0.060 UL 94 HB @ 0.394 UL 94 V-0

(55) I, Barry Mack, the inventor of the Remotion Disc contacted a condition known as Intractable Plantar Keratosis (herein IPK) on the bottom of the foot that develops for various reasons but namely a prominence of bony structure or spur or misalignment of the foot anatomy that perpetuates the inordinate pressure applied to a small and somewhat isolated irritation point. This pressure and irritation basically causes a callus to form as the body is attempting to cushion the irritation point or causal point of the callus.

(56) I visited three different podiatrists over a year period of time. I was told by all of them that I would most likely suffer with it for the rest of my life. They all gave me their treatment recommendations and regimens to consider and or follow.

(57) All of them recommended the commonly known U-Pads which are found at every foot care section of any reputable drug store or pharmacy over the counter. They are generally horseshoe shaped and are about 0.1875 thick and are made of a semi firm foam rubber. They are positioned so that the callus and irritation point is located in the void of the pad where the interior aspect of the pad is radiused. The method is to allow the area of the foot to absorb some of the pressure onto the rubber pad thereby lessoning the actual pressure absorbed by the callus or irritation point. This pad is usually applied after debriding or sanding down the callus.

(58) I was told by all three podiatrists that this method will only help alleviate some of the pain and hopefully slow down the return growth of the callus. With this treatment I would have to return to the Podiatrist approximately every 3 weeks for maintenance debriding and to continue wearing the U-Pads.

(59) Another recommendation was using a round disc type pad much like the U-Pad but it was round with a hole or aperture rather than the slot in the U-Pad. I was given the same instructions with the same results.

(60) All three Podiatrists recommended expensive generic and/or custom made orthotics so as to cause my foot to work in proper alignment under locomotion. The very expensive generic orthotics recommended resulted in miserable results. The IPK continued to grow and be very painful with the addition of new calluses growing on my foot in other new locations.

(61) All three podiatrists said I could attempt a surgical procedure but was warned that it may only cause the IPK to move to a new location. They all recommended that I try an extended program of using the U-Pads or Round donut pads and do surgery as a last resort. They did note that it may be a lifelong management routine but would be better than surgical complications.

(62) I opted for the pad treatment and debriding program. It became so painful and problematic that I had to give up tennis and could not run of jog anymore and always had a limp caused from the pain continually. I was so desperate I attempted to embed the U-Pads into a shoe insole in an attempt to help. It did not help the condition whatsoever. As months went by I had come to believe that without a miracle or attempting surgery I would be limping around like a lame animal for the rest of my life.

(63) Being an inventor I was reminded of the statement that all three Podiatrists said numerous times, The irritation point causes the growth of the callus. I kept thinking point, the irritation point. I thought to myself and questioned could it be as simple as removing the pressure completely from that irritation point? I reasoned that the U-Pads or donut pads would never isolate that point completely as the flesh would collapse through the slot or aperture. The irritation point would necessarily have some type of pressure applied to it with these devices. I realized that the present invention device would have to assure that none or a very minute amount of pressure could touch that irritation point.

(64) I conceived a thin non-flexible disc with a hollow come in the center of it that was exceedingly stiff so that when it was placed down and away from and in line with the exact center of the irritation point, the point an disc would not collapse under the weight of locomotion. This would cause the pressure to be pushed away from the very small but super sensitive irritation point.

(65) I continued to turn it into reality. I grabbed a 1 mm thick guitar pick made out of plastic and cut it in the shape of a circle. I heated a 16 penny nail with my propane torch and used it to push an indent into the disc. It looked nearly exactly as the embodiment 100.

(66) I debrided the callus flat and then I taped it to the bottom of my foot with the cone or point down with no other U-Pad or device. The very first step was a miracle. I could not feel the sharp pain go up into my foot. I could not believe it. I walked for the first time in over 15 months as though I did not have the IPK. I was in so much joy I hopped up and down like a kid repeatedly without any debilitating pain.

(67) My son and I played tennis for over an hour that very moment. After returning from playing I took the disc off to see if I was just imagining things. The moment I removed it and tried to walk I was limping again in agony. It really did work.

(68) So then I immediately put the Remotion Disc back on. I continued to wear the disc night and day for the next few weeks. I noticed after that time I did not have to debride the callus. It had not grown back. I canceled my next appointment with my Podiatrist. I kept wearing the device and slowly but surely the callus started to disappear. I noticed the pain was getting less and less. After 3 months of wearing it I decided to walk without it on to see if any pain or that burning sensation was present. I could feel a slight burning sensation directly on the center irritation pint of the IPK, so I decide to wear the Remotion Disc for another month. So a month later I removed it again and felt no pain or burning sensation at all. But being I did not want it to ever come back I decide to wear it for another month to make sure. A month later I removed the Remotion Disc and years later have never had to use it again. My IPK is completely healed and has never returned. The same IPK that three licensed Podiatrists told me I would have for the rest of my life.

(69) The consensus among my Podiatrists is that the exceedingly stiff disc with the rigid cone causes force lines to be moved away from the irritation point of the callus, and thus removes acerbation which causes callus cells to grow.

(70) These drawings do not limit the use of the various embodiments within the numerous shapes or sizes and materials whether full or partial in length or custom shaped designed orthotic inserts that one skilled in the art would readily comprehend.

(71) While a number of exemplifying features and embodiments have been discussed above, those of skill in the art will recognize certain modifications, permutations, additions and subcombinations thereof. No limitation with respect to the specific embodiments disclosed herein is intended or should be inferred.