U.S. patent application number 12/629868 was filed with the patent office on 2010-08-05 for ambulatory therapy device.
Invention is credited to James Stevenson.
Application Number | 20100197465 12/629868 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42398187 |
Filed Date | 2010-08-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100197465 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Stevenson; James |
August 5, 2010 |
Ambulatory Therapy Device
Abstract
An ambulatory therapy device for the training or retraining of
persons in developing walking skills and/or balance skills after
suffering a serious illness, injury, or other infirmity, which
limits their walking skills. The present invention is particularly
useful for children suffering from infantile hypotonia, also known
as floppy infant syndrome. The device is comprised of four
telescoping vertical support columns mounted and located at the
corners of a stable walking platform. Two flexible cables are
attached to the upper ends of the support columns and extend
longitudinally along both edges of the walking platform. The two
cables are adjustable in tension such that a higher tension
provides more support and wherein the tension can be progressively
lessened as the user develops walking and balance skills. A pipe
can encompass a majority of the length of each cable for easier
use.
Inventors: |
Stevenson; James; (Carlsbad,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ERIC HANSCOM
7395 PORTAGE WAY
CARLSBAD
CA
92011
US
|
Family ID: |
42398187 |
Appl. No.: |
12/629868 |
Filed: |
December 2, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61148723 |
Jan 30, 2009 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
482/51 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61H 3/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/51 |
International
Class: |
A63B 22/00 20060101
A63B022/00 |
Claims
1. An ambulatory therapy device comprising four vertical support
columns, two cables each with a tension, a platform, and a means of
adjusting the tension of the two cables, where the four vertical
support columns are adjustable in height, where the four vertical
support columns are mounted at the corners of the platform, where
the platform is rectangular in shape, where each cable extends
longitudinally from a vertical support column to another vertical
support column, where a majority of the length of each cable is
encompassed by a pipe.
2. The ambulatory therapy device of claim 1, wherein each vertical
support column comprises an inner tubular member and an outer
tubular member, where the inner tubular member is telescopically
coupled within the outer tubular member.
3. The ambulatory therapy device of claim 2, further comprising a
locking mechanism; where the locking mechanism secures the inner
tubular member and the outer tubular member together at a desired
height.
4. The ambulatory therapy device of claim 1, further comprising
four diagonal reinforcement members, where the diagonal
reinforcement members provide support to the four vertical support
columns.
5. A device comprising four vertical support columns, two cables
each with a tension and a length, and a means of adjusting the
tension of the two cables, where the two cables are supported by
the four vertical support columns.
6. The device of claim 5, wherein the vertical support columns are
adjustable in height.
7. The device of claim 6, wherein each vertical support column
comprises an inner tubular member and an outer tubular member,
where the inner tubular member is telescopically coupled within the
outer tubular member.
8. The device of claim 7, further comprising a locking mechanism;
where the locking mechanism secures the inner tubular member and
the outer tubular member together at a desired height.
9. The device of claim 5, further comprising four diagonal
reinforcement members where the diagonal reinforcement members
provide support to the four vertical support columns.
10. The device of claim 5, further comprising two pipes, where each
pipe encompasses a majority of the length of a cable.
11. The device of claim 10, wherein the two pipes comprise
polyvinyl chloride.
12. The device of claim 5, wherein the four vertical support
columns are permanently affixed to a floor.
13. A method of training or retraining a person to walk comprising
the steps of acquiring an ambulatory therapy device, where the
ambulatory therapy device comprises four vertical support columns,
two cables each with a tension and a length, and a means of
adjusting the tension of the two cables, adjusting the tension of
the two cables to a high-tension state, and having the person walk
using the two cables as support.
14. The method of claim 13, further comprising the steps of
loosening the tension of the two cables, and having the person walk
using the two cables as support.
15. The method of claim 13, wherein the vertical support columns
are adjustable in height.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein each vertical support column
comprises an inner tubular member and an outer tubular member,
where the inner tubular member is telescopically coupled within the
outer tubular member.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the ambulatory therapy device
further comprises a locking mechanism; where the locking mechanism
secures the inner tubular member and the outer tubular member
together at a desired height.
18. The method of claim 13, wherein the ambulatory therapy device
further comprises two pipes, where each pipe encompasses a majority
of the length of a cable.
19. The method of claim 13, wherein the ambulatory therapy device
further comprises a platform, wherein the platform is rectangular
in shape, wherein the four vertical support columns are mounted at
the corners of the platform, where each cable extends
longitudinally from one vertical support column to another vertical
support column longitudinally.
20. The method of claim 13, wherein the four vertical support
columns are permanently affixed to a floor.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a non-provisional application of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 61/148,723 filed on Jan. 30,
2009, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by
reference.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] This invention was not federally sponsored.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[0003] This invention relates to the general field of medical
devices, and more specifically toward an ambulatory therapy device
for the training or retraining of persons in developing walking
skills and/or balance skills after suffering a serious illness,
injury, or other infirmity, which limits their walking skills. The
present invention is particularly useful for children suffering
from infantile hypotonia, also known as floppy infant syndrome. The
device is comprised of four telescoping vertical support columns
mounted and located at the corners of a stable walking platform.
Two flexible cables are attached to the upper ends of the support
columns and extend longitudinally along both edges of the walking
platform. The two cables are adjustable in tension such that a
higher tension provides more support and wherein the tension can be
progressively lessened as the user develops walking and balance
skills.
[0004] Individual mobility is highly valued in our society. Parents
are incredibly proud when their child takes his or her first step.
While efforts have been made to increase handicap access throughout
the U.S. and the world, the ability to walk is considered by many
to be an invaluable asset. When that ability is taken away, or even
never forms, it can devastate an individual and his or her family.
Any method or device that aids a user to walk is beneficial to
society, especially one that succeeds where others have failed in
the past.
[0005] One particular condition that reduces or eliminates an
individual's ability to walk is hypotonia. Hypotonia is a condition
of abnormally low muscle tone. The amount of tension or resistance
to movement in a muscle is considerably reduced resulting in
reduced muscle strength. Hypotonia is a condition, but not the
underlying cause. Thus, while diagnosing hypotonia may be
straightforward, diagnosing and treating the underlying cause can
be difficult and, in many cases, unsuccessful. However, for most
cases of hypotonia, and for that matter idiopathic or neurological
conditions in general, physical and/or occupational therapy is an
important course of treatment to help a patient regain the ability
(or learn for the first time) to walk.
[0006] Numerous therapeutic exercises and training devices
incorporating various forms of parallel bars are known in the art.
While many of such apparatuses provide adjustability of the height
of the bar from the floor or platform, they all comprise solid bars
that have a fixed length and fixed rigidity. For example, U.S. Pat.
No. 5,924,960 to Cohen discloses a therapeutic exercise apparatus
comprising a flat platform and two parallel handrails with ladder
steps or balance beam. U.S. Pat. No. 6,168,548 to Fleming describes
a foldable portable ambulatory therapy device that provides for the
training or retraining of persons in developing walking skills
after suffering a serious illness, injury, or other infirmity,
which limits their walking skills. The device comprises a folding
walkway with opposed folding rigid handrails along each side
thereof. The rigid handrails are supported by a series of
telescoping upright columns or posts. These patents as well as all
references therein are hereby incorporated by reference.
[0007] Thus, there has existed a long-felt need for an improved
ambulatory therapy device that is useful for children suffering
from infantile hypotonia. A need also exists for an improved
ambulatory therapy device for the training or retraining of persons
in developing walking skills after suffering a serious illness,
injury, or other infirmity, which limits their walking or balance
skills. Finally, a need also exists for an easily adjustable
ambulatory therapy device that is inexpensive and easily
transportable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The current invention provides just such a solution by
teaching an ambulatory therapy device for the training or
retraining of persons in developing walking skills and/or balance
skills after suffering a serious illness, injury, or other
infirmity, which limits their walking skills. The present invention
is particularly useful for children suffering from infantile
hypotonia also known as floppy infant syndrome. The device is
comprised of four telescoping vertical support columns mounted and
located at the corners of a stable walking platform. Two flexible
cables are attached to the upper ends of the support columns and
extend longitudinally along both edges of the walking platform. The
two cables are adjustable in tension such that a higher tension
provides more support and wherein the tension can be progressively
lessened as the user develops walking and balance skills. The
length of the cables can be substantially enclosed within a pipe to
provide a more stable surface for the user to grasp.
[0009] It is a principal object of the invention to provide an
ambulatory therapy device that is useful for children suffering
from infantile hypotonia.
[0010] It is another object of the invention to provide an improved
ambulatory therapy device for the training or retraining of persons
in developing walking and/or balance skills after suffering a
serious illness, injury, or other infirmity, which limits their
walking and/or balance skills.
[0011] It is a final object of this invention to provide an easily
adjustable ambulatory therapy device that is inexpensive and easily
transportable.
[0012] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more
important features of the invention in order that the detailed
description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the
present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There
are additional features of the invention that will be described
hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims
appended hereto. The features listed herein and other features,
aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better
understood with reference to the following description and appended
claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0013] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the
invention and together with the description, serve to explain the
principles of this invention.
[0014] FIG. 1 is a frontal view of the ambulatory therapy device
with cables in a high-tension state.
[0015] FIG. 2 is a top view of the ambulatory therapy device.
[0016] FIG. 3 is a front view of the ambulatory device with cables
in a slackened state.
[0017] FIG. 4 is a front view of the ambulatory device with cables
in a slackened state and with a substantial length of the cables
surrounded by pipes.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0018] Many aspects of the invention can be better understood with
the references made to the drawings below. The components in the
drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Instead, emphasis is
placed upon clearly illustrating the components of the present
invention. Moreover, like reference numerals designate
corresponding parts through the several views in the drawings.
[0019] The present invention relates to the field of physical
therapy, and more specifically to the rehabilitation of persons
that require therapy for walking and/or balance control. The
invention is an ambulatory therapy device that provides for the
training and rehabilitation of persons relearning walking skills
and/or balance skills, after suffering a serious illness, injury or
other infirmity, which limits their walking and/or balance skills.
The present device is comprised of four telescoping vertical
support columns mounted and located at the corners of a stable
walking platform. A system of two preferably vinyl-coated cables
are mounted on the upper ends of the telescoping support columns
and run longitudinally with respect to the walking platform. A
pipe, such as a PVC pipe, can substantially surround the length of
the cables. The two cables are adjustable in tension. A tight
tension will provide support for developing walking skills. A
systematic adjusting, to slightly slacken the cables, will assist
in balance skills. This invention further provides four adjustable
supports for mounting two parallel cables assemblies, which may be
adjusted to desired heights so that they may be used with maximum
efficiency for persons of different sizes and ages. This invention
also provides for the adjustability inward and outward for the
parallel cables to facilitate persons of different sizes and ages.
The parallel cables can also be adjusted in length to allow a
maximum patient support for walking and a slacked cable
configuration to aid in balance recovery.
[0020] Illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3 are orthogonal frontal views of
a typical embodiment of a device 10 of the present invention and
FIG. 2 is an orthogonal top view of the device 10. This embodiment
comprises a walking platform 11 having four vertical support
columns mounted and located at the corners, wherein the vertical
support columns comprise an inner tubular member 12 telescopically
coupled within an outer tubular member 13. Diagonal reinforcement
members 16a and 16b add additional stability to the device. A
locking mechanism 14 is provided to secure the telescopically
coupled tubular elements 12 and 13 at the desired height for a
patient. A flexible cable 15 is attached to the top ends of the
inner tubular members 12 such that the cables 15 extend
longitudinally along both edges of the walking platform 11. In use,
the flexible cables are preferable covered by a rigid PVC pipe to
add stability, though pipes made of other materials are possible.
The PVC pipe surrounded cables are held in the hands of a patient
to provide support and stabilization while the patient walks the
length of the platform. The two cables 15 are each adjustable in
tension such that a higher tension provides more support for a
walking patient and wherein the tension can be progressively
lessened as the user develops walking skills and is less reliant on
the cables for support. In FIG. 1 the cables 15 are in a
high-tension position and are therefore taut and disposed
horizontally or nearly horizontally to the surface of the walking
platform 11, while in FIG. 3 the cables 15 are in a slackened state
and hang in an arc wherein they afford less support for the
patient. An adjustment means 17 is used to adjust the desired
tension and lock-in the desired tension in the cables 15.
[0021] FIG. 4 is a front view of the ambulatory device with cables
in a slackened state and with a substantial length of the cables
surrounded by a pipe. The cable and pipe are shown as cutaways in
this figure. The cables 15 travels through the inside 19 of the
pipes 20. With this device, a user can grasp the pipe 20 that
surrounds the cable 15 for support while learning or relearning to
walk.
[0022] Suitable materials of construction for the cables, include,
but are not limited to, multi-filament steel or fiber ropes,
multi-filament plastic ropes, multi-filament carbon fiber ropes as
well as combinations and composites thereof. It is important that
the materials and construction of the cables produce cables that do
not "stretch out" and that maintain a desired tension after such
tension is initially set. It is also important that cables be
relatively soft or that they have a soft covering such that they
are comfortable to the hands of patient and that they prevent
injury of a patient falls while using the apparatus. Suitable cable
covering materials include, but are not limited to, plasticized
vinyl, rubbers and elastomers, cellular or foamed rubber materials
and various textiles as well as combinations and composites
thereof.
[0023] Instead of or in addition to the suitable cable covering
materials described above, a pipe may be used to encompass a
majority of the length of the cable. The cable travels through the
pipe, from one end to the other. Preferably, polyvinyl chloride
(PVC) pipe is used to enclose almost the entire length of the
cable. This provides a more suitable surface for users to grasp
while using the current invention. While the pipe preferably
comprises PVC, the pipe can be composed of other materials or
combinations of materials such as metal, composites, and wood. As
used previously and hereinafter, when describing that a user grasps
the cables when using the device of the current invention, this can
refer to either grasping the cables themselves or the pipes that
encompass the cables.
[0024] Suitable materials for the vertical support columns include,
but are not limited to, various metals such as aluminum or
stainless steel, rigid plastics such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC),
polyesters, polyacetals and the like as well as combinations,
mixtures, composites and alloys thereof. Suitable materials for the
platform include, but are not limited to, wood, plastics and wood
or plastic composites. The tubular members of the vertical support
columns preferable have a round or square cross section; however,
other cross-sectional shapes of the tubular members are
possible.
[0025] Any suitable locking mechanism can be employed to secure the
telescopically coupled tubular elements of the vertical support
columns at the desired height for a given patient. Examples of such
vertical support column locking mechanisms include, but are not
limited to, setscrews, friction clutches, threaded collars and the
like. Any suitable tensioning means can be employed to adjust and
lock-in a desired cables tension. Examples of such tensioning and
locking mechanisms include, but are not limited to turnbuckles,
lockable reels and the like.
[0026] While previous examples of the current ambulatory therapy
device include a platform, it is contemplated that the supports can
be integrated into a floor of a room without the use of a platform.
The adjustable vertical support columns are permanently affixed to
a floor and support the cables and may or may not include diagonal
reinforcement members. This may be a preferable solution to therapy
centers that have ambulatory therapy devices that are only used in
a single location.
[0027] The ambulatory therapy device described above can be used to
rehabilitate patients such that they can once again walk, or
alternatively, teach them to walk for the first time. Initially,
the cables are in a high-tension state. Patients can hold onto the
pipes that surround the high-tension cables for support while
walking. Given enough upper body strength, the patient can support
himself or herself by holding onto the cables if their legs fail to
support him or her. In this manner, when the cables are in a
high-tension state, they act similar to rigid bars that are
commonly used. This is the optimal setup for patients that are
first learning to walk or are beginning their rehabilitation
process.
[0028] As treatment progresses, the patient should use the support
cables less and less for assistance and rely more on his or her own
legs. However, if the patient begins to fall, there should still be
support provided such that the patient can catch his or her balance
and avoid serious injury. Slackened cables, preferably enclosed by
a rigid pipe, provide such a solution, whereby the cables can be
grasped and provide some movement, but only to a limited extent. If
the cables are moved significantly, they will become taught and at
that moment provide significant support to the patient. Therefore,
the cables are progressively loosened as the patient relies more
and more on his or her own legs. The slackened cables can be
grasped while walking, but do not provide as much support as when
they are fully tightened and under high-tension. The greater the
slack in the cables, the greater the movement of the cables before
the patient can use them for support. Further, the same ambulatory
therapy device according to the current invention can be used on
multiple patients (not simultaneously) at different stages of
treatment because of the ability to change the tension in the
cables. Higher-tension is used for patients that require more
support with a faster response. Less tension is used for patients
that rely more on their own legs. The height of the cables can be
adjusted to the height of the patient.
[0029] By way of example, a three-year old male child patient was
diagnosed with extreme infantile hypotonia and the consensus
medical opinion was that we would never walk. A device of the
present invention was provided, the appropriate rail (cable) height
was selected and the cable tension was set to afford maximum
support. With the aid of the cable rails, the child was able to
walk the length of the walking platform. During one year of daily
use the cable tension was progressively slackened while the child
became progressively less dependent on the cable rails for support.
This patient could eventually walk with little or no dependency on
the cable rails for support.
[0030] It should be understood that while the preferred embodiments
of the invention are described in some detail herein, the present
disclosure is made by way of example only and that variations and
changes thereto are possible without departing from the subject
matter coming within the scope of the following claims, and a
reasonable equivalency thereof, which claims I regard as my
invention.
[0031] All of the material in this patent document is subject to
copyright protection under the copyright laws of the United States
and other countries. The copyright owner has no objection to the
facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the
patent disclosure, as it appears in official governmental records
but, otherwise, all other copyright rights whatsoever are
reserved.
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