U.S. patent application number 14/083670 was filed with the patent office on 2015-05-21 for adjustable platform for physical therapy.
The applicant listed for this patent is EDWARD Ramos DeLaCruz. Invention is credited to EDWARD Ramos DeLaCruz.
Application Number | 20150141222 14/083670 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53173899 |
Filed Date | 2015-05-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150141222 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
DeLaCruz; EDWARD Ramos |
May 21, 2015 |
ADJUSTABLE PLATFORM FOR PHYSICAL THERAPY
Abstract
A therapeutic platform to facilitate increased functioning of
the trunk and upper extremities of a subject includes a means for
measuring and documenting specific height and angle adjustments
thereby permitting reliable repeatability of platform position. The
platform includes a top with fold out legs that telescope for top
height adjustment, and angular adjustment of the top. A
unobstructed area between the legs permits among other positions, a
knees-forward sitting position where the top partially wraps about
the subject, and sitting position atop the table whereby the
subject can align their feet to their centerline when transitioning
from a sitting to standing position.
Inventors: |
DeLaCruz; EDWARD Ramos; (San
Antonio, TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
DeLaCruz; EDWARD Ramos |
San Antonio |
TX |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
53173899 |
Appl. No.: |
14/083670 |
Filed: |
November 19, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/142 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47D 1/004 20130101;
A63B 2208/12 20130101; A47C 9/002 20130101; A63B 21/4029 20151001;
A47B 9/14 20130101; A63B 23/0458 20130101; A63B 2225/093 20130101;
A63B 2210/50 20130101; A47D 1/002 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/142 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/00 20060101
A63B021/00 |
Claims
1. A therapeutic platform to facilitate increased functioning of
trunk and upper extremities of a subject including means for
measuring and documenting specific height and angle adjustments and
permitting reliable repeatability of platform position comprising:
(1) a lightweight frame with a pair of telescoping legs each having
an upper portion and a lower portion with feet and wherein a top
with an inwardly curved edge is connected to the frame, (2)
incremental settings for adjusting height and angle of the top,
and, (3) an unobstructed region between the feet when they are
extended.
2. The therapeutic platform according to claim 1 wherein the angle
adjustment includes at least 0.degree., 7.degree., 14.degree. and
21.degree. settings.
3. The therapeutic platform according to claim 1 wherein the height
adjustment includes plunge pins and corresponding slots.
4. The therapeutic platform according to claim 1 wherein the legs
are collapsible against an underside of the top for carrying
purposes.
5. The therapeutic platform according to claim 1 further comprising
plural covers of varying degrees of resiliency for fitting over the
top.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This Application Claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 61/727,842 filed Nov. 19, 2012.
FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates generally to a rapidly
adjustable platform for therapeutic use to assist children and
others in developing inter alia, optimal positions to perform and
facilitate increased functioning using their trunk and all
extremities.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Various adjustable seats and tables are long known in the
art. However, certain therapeutic activities and exercises
developed to assist children and others in developing their trunk
and upper extremities, and positioning to perform and facilitate
increased function using their trunk and all extremities are not
easily administered using previously available adjustable seats,
benches and tables which possess no measurement indicators and are
unintuitive and cumbersome to adjust, even for trained
personnel.
SUMMARY
[0004] The present invention addresses certain heretofore unmet
needs by providing a structural basis for healthcare providers such
as physical, occupational, and speech therapists to perform closed
kinetic chain (CKC) and open kinetic chain (OKC) exercises at
particular height and angle settings suited to specific
individuals, enabling rehabilitation and strengthening in various
body positions which predominate in settings such as outdoor
playgrounds, schools and home. Predetermined adjustment settings
along with intuitive adjustment controls permit parents and other
caregivers to be quickly trained to use the apparatus at home to
provide therapeutic continuity.
[0005] The therapeutic platform of the present invention is
lightweight, compact, and includes a height and tilt adjustable
top. Height adjustment is provided in increments of 1 inch to match
lower leg length and increase hip flexion to neutralize extensor
muscle hypertonicity. The top can be tilted and set to 0.degree.,
7.degree., 14.degree. and 21.degree. in order to position the
pelvis in a slight anterior tilt for working, which stacks the
vertebrae resulting in improved posture and the ability to reach in
and out of the base of support. The slight anterior tilt also
increases weight bearing through the lower extremities, and
facilitates sit to stand transfers by manipulating the kinematic
variables. Height and angle adjustments to the platform can be made
in a matter of seconds because measurement indicators are visually
marked. Intuitive adjustments for height and tilt allow therapists
to train caregivers and family members on home exercise programs
(HEP) and improve functional outcomes.
[0006] The therapeutic platform of the present invention can be
used as a custom height and angle specific platform for sitting,
tall kneeling, and reaching in these positions among others, which
facilitates improved posture, balance, head/trunk control,
proprioception and midline orientation. The therapeutic platform
allows for objective data regarding position to be measured and
documented for repeatable results. The contour 270 on the front
edge of the top allows for greater weight bearing through upper
extremities and it allows for access to objects while maintaining
body alignment and center of gravity. For example, when preparing
to transition from a sitting to a standing position, a subject can
align their feet below their centerline by scooting the feet back,
and observe position of the feet due to the curvature of the
platform top.
[0007] In particular embodiments described herein, the platform of
the present invention incorporates spring-loaded plunger-type pins
for height and tilt adjustments, and to secure and collapse the
legs for stowing and portability.
[0008] Although the particular embodiment described herein
incorporates 4 predetermined tilt settings, more predetermined tilt
settings can be incorporated without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention. While top tilt adjustment is preferably by
means a pivoting bracket attached to the top secured in a desired
tilt by spring-loaded plunger-type pins which are retracted and
indexed to occupy an adjacent slotted position to achieve a
subsequent desired tilt, other means for adjusting tilt will
suggest themselves to those having skill in the art and benefit of
this disclosure.
[0009] Rigidity of construction, and smooth pivoting operation make
it impossible to misalign the top which confers numerous advantages
over other adjustable seats and tables by eliminating guesswork
related to tilt adjustments. Once the spring-loaded plunger-type
pins are refracted, the top is smoothly pivoted to the next desired
tilt angle where the ends of the pins are indexably reseated.
[0010] While preferably, the folding legs of the embodiments of
this disclosure are released and secured by a retractable
pin-in-slot, other means for collapsing and securing legs will no
doubt suggest themselves to those having skill in the art and
benefit of this disclosure, and are considered to be encompassed by
the present invention.
[0011] In particular embodiments described herein, the platform of
the present invention possesses lower legs which have marked height
adjustment slots corresponding to height settings for the top. In
the accompanying figures, the height adjustment indicators are
shown as numerical indicia adjacent the height adjustment slots
(FIG. 10).
[0012] The top is somewhat bean shaped, with a concave curvature
along a front edge.
[0013] Preferably, the top is made from a rigid material such as
plastic, wood, a lamination of wood or plastic, or metal. According
to particular therapeutic needs, covers having various degrees of
resiliency so as to alter the feedback characteristics of the top
surface can be affixed to the top. For example, a rigid surface is
considered a high feedback surface because a sitting person is more
aware of their instant position; whereas a softer surface dilutes
sensory feedback and proprioception.
[0014] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of
the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed
description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying
figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of one embodiment according to
the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of one embodiment
according to the present invention taken from a first side;
[0017] FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of one embodiment
according to the present invention taken from a side opposite that
shown in (FIG. 2);
[0018] FIG. 4 is a frontward elevation of one embodiment according
to the present invention depicting platform at lowermost height,
and with top level;
[0019] FIG. 5 is side elevation of the embodiment shown in (FIG.
4);
[0020] FIG. 6 is a rearward elevation of one embodiment according
to the present invention depicting platform 100 at lowermost
height, and with top 110 level;
[0021] FIG. 7 is first detail view of a height and tilt adjustment
assembly for top 110;
[0022] FIG. 8 is a second detail view of a height and tilt
adjustment assembly for top 110;
[0023] FIG. 9 is a third detail view of a height and tilt
adjustment assembly for top 110;
[0024] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing platform 100 in fully
extended position;
[0025] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the platform with legs
folded;
[0026] FIGS. 12-14 depict a child (1) sitting on the top of the
platform when preparing to rise to a standing position, (2) moving
the feet under the centerline of the body; tilting forward, and (3)
rising to a standing position;
[0027] FIG. 15 shows a child in a kneeling position using the
platform for reading purposes;
[0028] FIG. 16 shows a child with one foot atop a level
platform;
[0029] FIGS. 17-19 show respectively, (1) a CKC exercise in which a
child is in a plantar grade position, (2) an OKC exercise in which
the child is in a seated position with feet suspended above a
floor, and (3) a CKC balancing exercise in which the child stands
on the platform.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Reference Listing
[0030] 100 therapeutic platform
[0031] 110 top
[0032] 130 cross brace
[0033] 140 pivot pin
[0034] 142 pivot bracket
[0035] 150 tilt adjustment knob
[0036] 160 tilt adjustment slot
[0037] 170 leg attachment bracket
[0038] 180 upper leg
[0039] 190 lower leg
[0040] 192 post
[0041] 194 height indicators
[0042] 200 feet
[0043] 210 height adjustment knob
[0044] 220 height adjustment slot
[0045] 230 height limit
[0046] 240 bumper pad/rim
[0047] 250 handle
[0048] 260 leg release
[0049] 270 curve
Definitions
[0050] In the following description, the term "platform" refers to
platforms intended to be used as a seat, a table or other support
for therapeutic purposes including physical therapy. The term "top"
refers to the upper most portion of the platform. Unless otherwise
explained, any technical terms used herein have the same meaning as
commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which
this disclosure belongs. The singular terms "a," "an," and "the"
include plural referents unless the context clearly indicates
otherwise. Similarly, the word "or" is intended to include "and"
unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Although methods
and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can
be used in the practice or testing of this disclosure, suitable
methods and materials are described below. The term "comprises"
means "includes." Publications, patent applications, patents, and
other references mentioned herein, if any, are incorporated by
reference in their entirety for all purposes. In case of conflict,
the present specification, including explanations of terms, will
control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are
illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.
[0051] Referring generally to FIGS. 1-16, a portable platform 100
for therapeutic use includes a tiltable and height adjustable top
110 having spring loaded pull knobs for quickly setting the degree
of tilt for the top, a height adjustment means including spring
loaded pull knobs for quickly setting the height of the top, and a
pair of folding legs. Each leg has two parts, and upper portion 180
which is pivotably attached to leg attachment bracket 170 located
at each end of a cross brace 130, and a lower portion 190 with feet
200 and a post 192 that telescopes from the upper portion 180 to
adjust the height of the top. Each leg attachment bracket 170 is
pivotably connected to a pivot bracket 142 by pivot pin 140. Top
tilt angle is set by (1) pulling tilt adjustment knobs 150 each of
which preferably incorporate a spring loaded plunger-type pin (2)
tilting the top until a desired setting is reached, and (3)
indexing the end of the pin into another tilt adjustment slot 160.
Height of the top is set by (1) pulling the height adjustment knobs
210, each of which preferably incorporate a spring loaded
plunger-type pin, (2) raising or lowering the legs so that the post
of the lower leg extends from, or retracts into the upper leg
portion, and (3) seating the ends of the pins into height
adjustment slots 220. The legs are folded by pulling leg adjustment
knobs 202 to move and secure the legs in extended and folded
positions (FIG. 11).
[0052] FIG. 1 is a top down isometric view of an adjustable
platform of the present invention, with a top 110, upper 180, and
lower 190 legs, feet 200, and pull knobs 210 to adjust the platform
height.
[0053] FIG. 2 is bottom up perspective view of the platform shown
in (FIG. 1), depicting feet 200, and upper legs 180. A sliding post
192 (FIG. 10) which is attached to the feet telescopes from the
upper legs which are formed from channel stock when pull knobs 210
are disengaged. Also shown are two pivoting brackets 142, one
pivotably connected to each leg attachment bracket 170 located at
the terminal ends of the cross brace 130. When tilt adjustment
knobs 150 are disengaged, brackets 142, which are connected to the
underside of top 110, pivot the top to four predetermined tilt
settings. Legs 200 are moved from an extended position (shown) to a
collapsed position (FIG. 11) by disengaging leg releases 260 which
like the tilt adjustment knobs 150 and the height adjustment knobs
210, employ spring-loaded pull pins.
[0054] FIG. 3 shows a bottom up perspective view of the platform
taken from a side opposite that shown in (FIG. 2). Cross brace 130
is attached to the top 110 via pivoting brackets 142 by mechanical
fasteners that can be screws, bolts, rivets, pins or any suitable
fasteners that would be appreciated by those having skill in the
art.
[0055] FIGS. 2-6 are various views showing the platform in the
fully down position.
[0056] FIGS. 7-9 are detail views of the tilting components of the
platform that shows progressive tilting if top 110. Pivoting
bracket 142 is pivotably connected to leg attachment bracket 170
via pivot pin 140. When tilt adjustment knob 150 is pulled, a
spring-loaded pin is withdrawn from a tilt adjustment slot 160 and
is relocated to an adjacent slot pair coaxially aligned in both the
pivoting brackets and the leg attachment brackets.
[0057] FIG. 10 shows the platform in a raised position. By
adjusting height adjustment knobs 210, the lower legs posts 192 are
telescopically extended from upper legs 180. While preferably,
height adjustments are provided in one-inch increments, other
increments, including fractional height adjustment settings are
intended to be encompassed by this disclosure.
[0058] FIG. 11 shows the legs (200, 190, 180) of the platform in a
collapsed position for storage or transport. Upper legs 180 are
pivotably attached to the leg attachment brackets 170 by any
customary pivoting arrangement that would be appreciated by those
skilled in the art and benefit of this disclosure. The legs are
collapsed and extended by disengaging and engaging leg release
knobs 260 which possess a spring-loaded pin that is reversibly
seated in a slot (not shown) of the upper leg.
[0059] For purposes of conciseness and clarity, FIGS. 12-19 omit
certain platform elements to better illustrate various therapeutic
positions possible with the platform of the present invention. The
depicted positions are merely exemplary, and do not attempt to show
all the myriad of therapeutic applications of the present invention
which will be appreciated by rehabilitation therapists and others
having skill in the art and benefit of this disclosure.
[0060] Persons having skill in the art and benefit of this
disclosure will appreciate that a myriad of accessories are
pairable with the platform, including, but not limited to a back
rest removably affixable to one side of the platform, paper holding
means, e.g., clips to temporarily affix a roll or sheet of paper to
the top, knee blocks and other such additions useful in a
therapeutic environment. It is also conceivable that the invention
may be used for certain exercises with a rocker board placed
beneath the feet of the platform.
[0061] In view of the many possible embodiments to which the
principles of the disclosed invention may be applied, it should be
recognized that the illustrated embodiments herein are only
preferred examples of the invention and should not be taken as
limiting the scope of the invention.
* * * * *