U.S. patent application number 14/264873 was filed with the patent office on 2014-10-30 for therapy device and method.
This patent application is currently assigned to Genu Dynamics, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Genu Dynamics, LLC. Invention is credited to Colter Brown, Arta Doci, Thomas Wilmering.
Application Number | 20140318550 14/264873 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51788185 |
Filed Date | 2014-10-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140318550 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Doci; Arta ; et al. |
October 30, 2014 |
THERAPY DEVICE AND METHOD
Abstract
The present disclosure includes rehabilitation devices for
physical therapy for injuries, and more particularly to a
rehabilitation device for rehabilitating certain injuries or
pathological conditions of the lower extremities of the hip, knee,
ankle, foot, upper leg, lower leg, or other area.
Inventors: |
Doci; Arta; (Eldorado
Springs, CO) ; Brown; Colter; (Eldorado Springs,
CO) ; Wilmering; Thomas; (Eldorado Springs,
CO) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Genu Dynamics, LLC |
Eldorado Springs |
CO |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Genu Dynamics, LLC
Eldorado Springs
CO
|
Family ID: |
51788185 |
Appl. No.: |
14/264873 |
Filed: |
April 29, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61817159 |
Apr 29, 2013 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
128/845 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 23/0494 20130101;
A63B 2022/0094 20130101; A63B 21/00047 20130101; A63B 21/4037
20151001; A63B 22/20 20130101; A63B 23/03508 20130101; A63B 2210/50
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
128/845 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/00 20060101
A63B021/00 |
Claims
1. A therapeutic device, comprising: a body contacting portion
configured to be generally adjacent the upper leg portion of a
patient; a guide portion, generally concave shaped, configured to
reduce the likelihood a portion of a patient remains within the
device; and a support contacting portion configured to contact a
support, wherein said guide portion comprises a surface with a
coefficient of static and kinetic friction generally in the range
of 0.01 to 0.75, wherein the surface friction is sufficient to
enhance rehabilitation of an injury.
2. The therapeutic device of claim 1, wherein the injury comprises
an injury to a lower extremity comprising the hip, knee, ankle,
foot, upper leg, and/or lower leg, and/or combinations thereof.
3. The therapeutic device of claim 1, wherein the injury comprises
pathological conditions of the lower extremity or a condition or
injury where lower extremity mobility would be generally increased
by using the therapeutic device.
4. The therapeutic device of claim 1, further comprising a handle
portion configured to allow gripping by a user for generally easier
transport of the therapeutic device.
5. The therapeutic device of claim 1, wherein the device comprises
a length sufficient to accommodate a range of patient leg lengths,
and a width to accommodate majority of a patient population.
6. The therapeutic device of claim 1, further comprising an insert
with a first side configured to contact the patient contacting
portion and slidably couple to the patient contacting portion.
7. The therapeutic device of claim 6, wherein the insert further
comprises a second side configured to receive the lower leg or heel
portion of a patient.
8. The therapeutic device of claim 1, wherein the device comprises
a generally rigid and strong material capable of supporting and
sustaining exercise.
9. The therapeutic device of claim 8, wherein the material
comprises plastic, wood, metal, and/or foam, and/or combinations
thereof.
10. The therapeutic device of claim 1, wherein the guide portion
comprises materials and finish that would allow an acceptable
amount of friction between a portion of a patient and the device to
provide a therapeutic effect during use of the device.
11. The therapeutic device of claim 1, wherein the device comprises
materials and finish to allow differing friction levels of the
guide portion to allow a continuum of exercise stresses.
12. The therapeutic device of claim 1, wherein the device is
constructed with rigidity to support the weight of a leg and foot
of a patient while acting as a bridge between two supports.
13. A method of treatment of a patient, comprising positioning a
heel portion of a patient on a therapeutic device; causing the
portion of the patient to move in one direction along a guide
portion of the device; wherein the guide portion is configured to
generally receive and guide a heel portion of a patient; and
causing the portion of the patient to move in an opposite direction
along guide portion, wherein said guide portion comprises a surface
with a coefficient of friction generally in the range of 0.01 to
0.75, wherein the surface friction is sufficient to enhance
rehabilitation of an injury.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the device is generally
portable.
15. The method of claim 13, wherein the coefficient of friction may
be varied.
16. The method of claim 13, further comprising positioning an
insert between the heel portion of the patient and the therapeutic
device to change the friction between the heel portion of the
patient and the therapeutic device.
17. A therapeutic device, comprising: a generally flexible guide
portion, generally concave shaped, configured to receive and guide
a heel portion of a user along the guide portion; and a plurality
of segments configured with one or more stabilizer receiving
portions configured to receive one or more corresponding
stabilizers, and a guide receiving portion configured to couple to
the guide portion, wherein the guide portion is configured to fold
generally between the segments to change the length of the guide
portion from an operational configuration to a portable
configuration; and one or more stabilizers configured to couple to
the plurality of segments at least in part via the one or more
stabilizer receiving portions, configured to increase the rigidity
of the therapeutic device when in the operational
configuration.
18. The therapeutic device of claim 17, wherein said guide portion
comprises a surface with a coefficient of friction generally in the
range of 0.01 to 0.75.
19. The therapeutic device of claim 17, wherein the surface
friction is sufficient to enhance rehabilitation of an injury.
20. The therapeutic device of claim 17, wherein the guide portion
further comprises a handle portion configured to allow gripping by
a user for generally easier transport of the therapeutic device.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to, and benefit from,
provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/817,159, entitled "Heel
Guide and Support for Leg Injury Rehabilitation", filed Apr. 29,
2013, which is incorporated by reference for all purposes.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present disclosure is in the technical field of physical
therapy. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to
rehabilitation devices for physical therapy for leg injuries,
and/or certain injuries or pathological conditions of the lower
extremities such as the hip, knee, ankle, foot, upper leg, lower
leg, or other areas.
SUMMARY
[0003] In the field of physical therapy, rehabilitation includes
exercise, which may be difficult for the patient to execute. The
nature of leg injuries also keeps a patient confined to a bed,
chair or couch, where execution of exercises can be challenging.
Compliance to an exercise regime is a constant challenge in field
of physical therapy.
[0004] The present disclosure generally describes a "slide"
(therapy device), which is configured to guide and offer support
for the heel during execution of certain exercises, as well as
allow the appropriate amount of friction to allow the benefit of
the exercise, without so much friction as to make the exercise too
difficult.
[0005] The therapy device and involved exercises would be
considered to be used after certain injuries or pathological
conditions of the lower extremity (hip, knee, ankle, foot, upper
leg, lower leg) or a condition or injury where lower extremity
mobility would be encouraged either in the recovery/rehabilitation
process or in managing the condition. These conditions may include
but not be limited to the following: pre and post-operative knee
surgeries (such as anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions,
total knee arthroplasty, etc.), hip conditions where lower
extremity mobility would be encouraged (such as post-operative
total hip arthroplasty, etc.), conditions of the knee where range
of motion deficits are involved (such as arthrofibrosis, etc.), and
any condition or injury of the lower extremity where lower
extremity mobility is encouraged in the recovery process. This
invention is to be used as prescribed by the involved physician,
and/or physical therapist, and/or athletic trainer.
[0006] The two major conditions could be aided by the device
include post-operative anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
reconstruction, and post-operative total knee arthroplasty (TKA),
which is a total knee replacement. Major tissues we are targeting
with the flexion (bending) exercise: post-operative scar tissue,
quadriceps muscle and tendon, knee joint capsule, and joint
swelling. Major tissues targeted with the extension (straightening)
exercise may include post-operative scar tissue, hamstring muscle
and tendon, gastrocnemius muscle and tendon, knee joint capsule,
and joint swelling, among many others.
[0007] Other injuries/conditions that would benefit from this
device and/or these exercises would be; any other lower extremity
condition where knee and/or hip mobility would be beneficial. For
example; femur fracture after car accident, other post-operative
knee surgeries (menisectomy, meniscus repair, knee arthroscopy,
tibial osteotomy), total hip arthroplasty, etc.
[0008] The therapy device would be placed on a bed, floor, or even
as a "bridge" between supports like a chair or couch cushion and
table or ottoman. The patient would sit or otherwise contact one
side of the therapy device, and the heel of the leg to be exercised
on the therapy device. The patient would then slide the foot away
from, then back toward the buttocks, thereby accomplishing a
therapeutic exercise.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a therapeutic device
according to an example.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a front view of an example therapy device.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a side view of an example therapy device, showing
the patient and the potential use.
[0012] FIG. 4 is a side view a therapy device, showing its position
as a "bridge", according to an example.
[0013] FIG. 5 is a representation of a folding version of a therapy
device, according to an example.
[0014] FIG. 6 is a representation of a 2 piece version of the
therapy device, with an interlocking feature, according to an
example.
[0015] FIG. 7 is a representation of the therapy device with a
handle for carrying, according to an example.
[0016] FIG. 8 is a representation of the therapy device with a
handle, according to an example.
[0017] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a segment, according to an
example.
[0018] FIG. 10 is a side view of a therapeutic device, according to
an example.
[0019] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a therapy device in an
operational configuration, according to an example.
[0020] FIG. 12 is a therapy device is a portable configuration,
according to an example.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] Referring now to the invention in more detail, in FIG. 1 and
FIG. 2, there is shown a perspective view of a therapy device 100,
as well as a front view of the therapy device 100.
[0022] In more detail, still referring to FIG. 1, the therapy
device 100 may include support portions 110, as well as a patient
contacting portion 104, and a guide/surface portion 102. Device 100
may have sufficient rigidity to support the weight of the foot and
leg of a patient up to 400 pounds, while bridging a gap of
generally 70% of the length of the therapy device between
supporting structures.
[0023] Therapy device 100 may be designed to have a length
sufficient to accommodate the length of a leg fully extended of a
patient, which may be about 36 inches, but may vary according to
different designs. Also, the width of device 100 may be designed to
be sufficient to accommodate the heel of a patient, aid in rigidity
for the bridging function, and ease of handling. In an embodiment
the width may be generally about 8''. Both length and width could
be determined from anthropomorphic data around leg length and heel
size, as well as some summative testing around the users, and may
be varies for different patient types, etc. This could be
accomplished with a single size, or with different sizes crafted
for different patient populations, without straying from the spirit
and scope of this disclosure.
[0024] The construction of device 100 may be made of plastic or of
any other sufficiently rigid or semi-rigid and strong material such
as wood, metal, foam, and/or combinations thereof, and the like.
These could be constructed with typical fabrication techniques,
such as machining, casting, thermoforming, 3D printing, extruded,
and/or injection molding and/or combinations thereof, but this
disclosure is no limited in these respects.
[0025] There is a patient contacting portion 104, may be configured
to contact the patient generally in the upper back portion of the
leg, such as the upper thigh or buttocks. There is a support
portion(s) 110, which can contact two surfaces, and act as a
"bridge" between two supports (not shown). Alternatively,
contacting portion 104 may not contact a patient any or all of the
time used for rehabilitation. Contacting portion may be a somewhat
short distance away from the patient as shown in FIG. 4.
[0026] Device 100 also includes a guide portion/patient moving
contacting portion/heel contacting portion 102. Portion 102 may be
designed to be of sufficient size, concavity, and depth to
accommodate the heel, and to reduce the likelihood of the heel from
slipping off the side of the therapy device 100. Portion 102 may
include a radius, as shown, or some other set of appropriate
features, such as a raised railing on each side, or a single, heel
sided radius in the device 100. However, other configurations may
be used and this disclosure is not limited in this respect.
[0027] Portion 102 will be such that it will provide a "correct"
amount of friction, which would likely be between a value of static
and dynamic friction between 0.01 and 0.75; not so much as to make
the exercise difficult, but not so little that the therapeutic
benefit is reduced. This may vary for different patients, and for
the different stages of rehabilitation/maintenance/exercise.
[0028] The friction coefficient could either be adjusted through
the selection of materials, the finish on the selected materials,
or an addition of a second layer of material on top of a base
material. This friction coefficient would be determined through
patient testing and other methods. Also, the device can be offered
with a number of different friction coefficients, which could yield
further therapeutic benefit for different patient needs, as well as
different stages of rehabilitation.
[0029] An insert, pad or other device (not shown) may be placed
between the patient and the device to vary the friction. This could
be a sock, plastic, and/or other construction of pad. The pad may
have a first side which may be configured to slidably couple or
contact the therapeutic device. More than one pad may be included
with the therapeutic device with differing dimensions and/or
differing first sides to vary the friction coefficient and amount
of force needed to move the patient's heel and/or lower leg along
the therapeutic device. Different patients may need differing
amounts of friction or force, and these pads may provide
versatility. Also, as the patient progresses, there may be a need
for differing friction and force as the rehabilitation
progresses.
[0030] The friction coefficient could either be adjusted through
the selection of materials, the finish on the selected materials,
an addition of a second layer of material on top of a base
material, an insert that is configured to generally lay on top of
the guide portion 102. Furthermore, the friction could be adjusted
with one or more inserts or other material placed between the foot
of the patient and the device 100. This could include different
socks or pieces of material or any other insert placed between the
patient and the device. Any other method or system for varying
friction may be used.
[0031] This correct friction coefficient would be determined
through patient testing and other methods. Also, the device can be
offered with a number of different friction coefficients, which
could yield further therapeutic benefit for different patient
needs, as well as different stages of rehabilitation.
[0032] FIG. 5 depicts one example of a folding version of the
device 500. Therapy device 500 could include a hinge 520, or
interlocking feature that would allow the therapy device to either
be folded, or split into two 530, 540 or more pieces, aiding in
portability.
[0033] FIG. 6 depicts one possible example of a two piece 620, 630
version of the device 600 with an interlock configuration 610. FIG.
7 depicts on possible example of the device 700 with a handle 710.
Other features such as a handle or grip could be incorporated, to
aid in transport.
[0034] Referring now to FIG. 3, the support portion 110 of device
100 is shown generally being used on a flat surface, 340, such as a
floor or bed. The patient 310 is shown seated. The starting
position for the foot and leg 320 is shown, as well as the
finishing position for a typical exercise, 330. The patient 310
would typically move or slide the foot from position 320 to 330, on
surface 102 to provide a therapeutic stretch, range of motion, and
muscle benefit to the patient 310. The therapy device 100 would
yield the appropriate fiction for the exercise, as well as a guide
for the correct execution of the exercise. This exercise is
performed primarily to improve the knee flexion angle of the
involved limb.
[0035] The duration of holding the foot at position, 330, where the
therapeutic stretch is experienced, as well as the frequency,
intensity, would all be determined by the involved physician,
physical therapist, or athletic trainer. The leg may be assisted by
the use of a towel, strap or rope that will assist in guiding the
heel/foot and leg along the device, 100. The device, 100, would
yield the appropriate friction for the exercise, as well as a guide
for the correct execution of the exercise. The patient, 310, would
then return their foot to starting position, 320, and repeat the
exercise as directed by the involved physician, physical therapist,
or athletic trainer prescribed.
[0036] Referring now to FIG. 4, the base portion of the invention,
110, is shown in a "bridge" configuration. The right edge is shown
on a support, such as a couch or chair, 410. The patient, 310, is
shown as seated on the same support, 410. The left edge of the base
feature, 110, is shown on a second support, such as an ottoman or
coffee table or other support 430. In this use case, the patient
can perform the same typical exercise shown above while seated on a
chair or couch, without moving to the floor, or to a bed, to
support the therapy device.
[0037] The advantages of this device may include, without
limitation, portable and exceedingly easy to transport. It is will
guide the execution of lower extremity rehabilitation exercises in
an advantageous way. It will provide a "correct" amount of
friction, not so much as to make the exercise difficult, but not so
little that the therapeutic benefit is reduced, and could include
features that allow variations in friction coefficient for targeted
therapeutic benefit as well as different stages of rehabilitation,
and/or different degrees of injury. It will give the patient the
ability to execute the exercises while seated in bed, seated on a
floor with typical coverings, such as carpet, tile, or wood, or on
a couch with access to an ottoman, coffee table, or other secondary
support.
[0038] A method of treatment may include positioning a portion of a
patient on the device 100. Next the portion of the patient may be
caused to be moved in one direction along guide portion 102, where
guide portion 102 may have a coefficient of friction to provide
resistance enough to provide therapeutic benefit to the patent, but
not so much as to inhibit rehabilitation. Next the portion of the
patient may be caused to be moved in an opposite direction along
guide portion 102. The method of treatment may also include the
treatment disclosed throughout this disclosure.
[0039] FIG. 8 is an elevational view of an example therapeutic
device 800. Device 800 may include a guide portion 802, patient
contacting portion 804 and one or more handle portions 810. Device
800 may be rigid or semi-rigid, such that is could bridge between
two supports and provide support during use. Device 800 could also
be relatively flexible and be used on a rigid surface such as a
floor, bed, etc.
[0040] Device 800 may be folded or rolled up. Device 800 may be
portable such that a user may take it with them wherever they go.
This may be an advantage in that it may be relatively easily
transported and the user may not have to go to a clinic or other
location to use a machine. This may make it more likely a user will
accomplish the exercises needed for a more rapid recovery from the
injury. This embodiment may be flexible and be able to be rolled or
folded up for relatively easy transportation.
[0041] FIG. 9 is a segment 905 according to an embodiment. Segment
905 may include a guide receiving portion 910, and one or more
stabilizer receiving portions 920. Guide receiving portion 910 may
be located generally adjacent, near or between stabilizer receiving
portions 920. guide receiving portion 910 is generally flat and is
configured to receive and couple to a guide portion or a portion of
a therapeutic device such as therapeutic device 800.
[0042] In this embodiment, stabilizer receiving portions 920 are
generally circular or can be semi-circular or other configuration
so as to receive stabilizers (not shown). Stabilizers may be
configured to couple to stabilizer receiving portions 920 to
increase stability of the device when one or more segments 905 are
coupled together.
[0043] FIG. 10 is a side view of a therapeutic device 900,
according to an embodiment. Therapeutic device 900 may include a
plurality of segments 905, a guide portion 930, and one or more
stabilizers 940. In this embodiment guide portion 930 is configured
to couple to guide receiving portion 910 of segment 905. The
plurality of segments 905 may be configured to couple to guide
portion 930 adjacent each other, generally most or all of the
length of guide portion 930. Guide portion 930 may be similar to,
or the same as, therapeutic device 800.
[0044] Guide portion 930 may be made of poly-vinyl chloride (PVC),
or other material. Guide portion may be made with a coefficient of
friction of generally in the range of 0.01 to 0.75. Furthermore,
the friction may be varied or configured where the surface friction
is sufficient to enhance rehabilitation of an injury.
[0045] Guide portion 930 may couple to segments 905 via an
interference or other type fit. Furthermore, guide portion 930 may
couple to segments 905 via an adhesive, glue, heat weld, or other
bonding method, and/or combinations thereof. Furthermore, segments
905 may be configured as a unitary device, or any other
configuration or method of coupling.
[0046] Stabilizers 940 may be generally cylindrical and rigid, and
may be configured generally similar to tent poles in that they may
have segments coupled by a flexible cord. However, other
configurations for stabilizers may be used such that the generally
stabilize the device for operational use. With this configuration,
the stabilizers 940 may be taken apart and stored in a shorter
length area than when extended.
[0047] In this embodiment, stabilizer receiving portions 920 are
generally circular, and may extend at least a portion of the
complete circle to couple to stabilizers 940. Furthermore,
stabilizer receiving portions 920 may be made of a rigid
configuration, and may couple together to increase the stability of
the device 900, such that other stabilizers may not be needed. It
will be appreciated that other configurations for stabilizer
receiving portions 920 and stabilizers 940 may be used without
straying from the scope of this disclosure, and this disclosure is
not limited to the designs or configurations for the stabilizer
receiving portions 920 and/or the stabilizers 940.
[0048] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a therapeutic device in an
operational configuration, according to an embodiment. As shown
device 900 may include one or more segments 905, a guide portion
930, one or more stabilizers 940, and a handle portion 960. In this
embodiment, segments 905 are generally adjacent each other so as to
line up the guide receiving portion 910 of each segment. segments
905 may be coupled to each other via guide portion 930.
Alternatively, segments 905 may be coupled via a similar plastic
such that they can fold with respect to each other to reduce the
length of device 900 from the operational configuration.
[0049] Device 900 and/or guide portion 930 may include a handle
portion 960. Handle portion may be configured to allow gripping by
a user for generally easier transport of the therapeutic
device.
[0050] After removing stabilizers 940, device 900 may be folded up
toward handle portion 960. This may reduce the length of device 900
for relatively easier transportation in a portable configuration.
Stabilizers may be disassembled and both may be stored in a bag or
other container to reduce the size and increase the ease of
transportation.
[0051] FIG. 12 shows a therapeutic device 900 in a portable
configuration, according to an embodiment. As shown segments 905
may be folded with respect to each other to reduce the length from
the operation configuration of FIG. 11, to the portable
configuration of FIG. 12.
[0052] Device 900 may include a generally flexible guide portion
930 couples to the segments, such that the device 900 is capable of
being folded or rolled up to reduce the length of the device 900,
for generally easier transport of the therapeutic device 900.
[0053] The construction of device 900, or any portion of device 900
may be made of plastic or of any other sufficiently rigid or
semi-rigid and strong material such as wood, metal, foam, and/or
combinations thereof, and the like. These could be constructed with
typical fabrication techniques, such as machining, casting,
thermoforming, 3D printing, extruded, and/or injection molding
and/or combinations thereof, but this disclosure is no limited in
these respects.
[0054] The above description and associated figures teach the best
mode. The following claims specify the scope of the invention. Note
that some aspects of the best mode may not fall within the scope of
the invention as specified by the claims. Those skilled in the art
will appreciate that the features described above can be combined
in various ways to form multiple variations of the embodiments. As
a result, the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments
described above, but only by the following claims and their
equivalents.
* * * * *