U.S. patent application number 15/121697 was filed with the patent office on 2016-12-15 for knee and joint rehabilitation exercise device.
The applicant listed for this patent is JUMPSPORT, INC.. Invention is credited to Jebodiah Burns, Jon Patton Hylbert, Mark W. Publicover.
Application Number | 20160361222 15/121697 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54009594 |
Filed Date | 2016-12-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160361222 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Publicover; Mark W. ; et
al. |
December 15, 2016 |
KNEE AND JOINT REHABILITATION EXERCISE DEVICE
Abstract
A knee rehabilitative device permits a user to provide elastic
resistive stretching caused when the leg or other joint is extended
or straitened, facilitating exercise and strengthening of the
user's muscles and improved flexibility in the area of the knee or
other joint area.
Inventors: |
Publicover; Mark W.;
(Saratoga, CA) ; Burns; Jebodiah; (San Jose,
CA) ; Hylbert; Jon Patton; (Los Gatos, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
JUMPSPORT, INC. |
Saratoga |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
54009594 |
Appl. No.: |
15/121697 |
Filed: |
February 25, 2015 |
PCT Filed: |
February 25, 2015 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US2015/017610 |
371 Date: |
August 25, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61944488 |
Feb 25, 2014 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/4009 20151001;
A63B 23/0494 20130101; A63B 21/00061 20130101; A63B 21/0557
20130101; A63B 21/4011 20151001; A63B 2225/093 20130101; A63B
21/158 20130101; A61H 2201/0192 20130101; A61H 1/024 20130101; A63B
21/4047 20151001; A63B 21/026 20130101; A61H 2201/1253 20130101;
A63B 21/157 20130101; A63B 21/0552 20130101; A63B 21/4007 20151001;
A63B 21/4021 20151001; A61H 2201/1445 20130101; A61H 2201/1676
20130101; A63B 21/4013 20151001; A63B 21/4039 20151001; A61H
2201/165 20130101; A63B 2209/02 20130101; A63B 21/4005 20151001;
A63B 2209/10 20130101; A61F 5/0123 20130101; A61H 2205/102
20130101; A63B 2022/0094 20130101; A63B 2023/006 20130101; A63B
21/023 20130101; A63B 2225/09 20130101; A61F 2005/0179 20130101;
A61H 2201/1645 20130101; A63B 21/154 20130101; A63B 21/00069
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61H 1/02 20060101
A61H001/02; A63B 21/02 20060101 A63B021/02; A63B 21/00 20060101
A63B021/00; A63B 23/04 20060101 A63B023/04 |
Claims
1. A joint rehabilitation device comprising: a spring member; and
attaching members that secure the device on either side of a user's
joint, the spring member providing resistance when the joint is
extended.
2. The device of claim 2 wherein: the joint is a knee; and the
attaching members are configured to secure the device onto both the
upper leg and lower leg of the user.
3. The device of claim 2, wherein the attaching members are
straps.
4. The device of claim 3, wherein the straps are adjustable.
5. The device of claim 3, further comprising at least one support
configured to generally separate the spring member from the user's
knee joint and substantially prevent the spring member from
contacting the user's knee joint.
6. The device of claim 5, wherein the at least one support is made
of a resilient material.
7. The device of claim 2, further comprising: straps to secure the
device onto both the upper and lower leg of the user; and supports
that generally separate the spring member from substantially
contacting the knee joint, the spring member providing resistance
when the knee joint is extended.
8. The device of claim 7, wherein the spring is configured for
attachment to the front of the user's leg and knee joint to help
stretch the leg.
9. The device of claim 7, wherein the spring is attached to the
rear of the leg and knee joint to help strengthen the leg.
10. The device of claim 7, further comprising: a hinged brace
secured to a leg at least one elastic spring member connected to
the brace at both the upper and lower leg, and the elastic spring
member is orientated along at least one side of the leg, wherein:
the elastic spring member exerts force pulling the upper and lower
leg portions of the brace towards each other, such that when the
knee joint is straitened the quadriceps muscle is engaged.
11. The device of claim 7, further comprising: a hinged brace
secured to a leg a tightening device to extend the leg orientated
along the front of the knee joint, wherein: the tightening of the
device causes the knee to stretch into an extended position.
12. The device of claim 2, further comprising: a post and beam leg
stretching device, and an upper slider with extending handle grips
a mid section with an extending lower rail and an extending upper
rail on which the sliders may adjust upon a lower slider an elastic
cord member wrapped around the lower leg and connected to the lower
slider, wherein: the upper slider may be pushed down towards the
lower slider in order to stretch the leg by extending the knee
joint.
13. The device of claim 2, comprising a post and beam leg
stretching device, and an upper slider with extending handle grips
a mid section with an extending lower rail and an extending upper
rail on which the sliders may adjust upon a lower slider an elastic
cord member wrapped around the lower leg and connected to the lower
slider, an elastic cord member wrapped around the upper leg and
connected to the upper slider, wherein the knee is extended in
order to strengthen leg muscles.
14. The device of claim 13, wherein the elastic spring member is
wrapped around the back of the leg and attached to the mid
section.
15. The device of claim 6, wherein the spring member is a flat leaf
spring that can be bent and flexible enough to permit a range of
motion up to and including a full range of motion for the knee
joint.
16. The device of claim 15, wherein the spring may be orientated
along either the front or back of the knee.
17. The device of claim 15, wherein, when the spring is orientated
along the front of the knee, such that, when the knee is extended,
the leg is stretched.
18. The device of claim 16, wherein, when the spring is orientated
along the back of the knee, such that, when the knee is extended,
the leg muscles associated with the knee are strengthened.
19. The device of claim 15, further comprising a ratcheting
adjustment device, permitting the leaf spring knee brace to be
tightened to adjust attachment to the leg.
20. The device of claim 7, comprising a spring loaded linkage, made
of at least one pad oriented adjacent to the pivot point which
touches the back of the knee, two adjustable rigid bars with
slid-able pins and pin holes, which are connectable to a pivot pin
an extension spring attachable to the two bars which exerts force
when stretched, wherein the leg muscles are strengthened.
21. The device of claim 20, wherein the rigid bars have more than
one set of parallel pin holes that permit adjustment of the spring
tension.
22. The device of claim 20 wherein the springs may are replaceable
to a adjust tension level.
23. The device of claim 20 wherein the spring is adjustable.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.
61/944,488, filed Feb. 25, 2014, which is incorporated by reference
herein in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] This disclosure relates to a rehabilitative knee apparatus
in the field of portable leg exercise devices. With today's
rigorous sports activities including football, tennis, basketball
and soccer it is unfortunately a common occurrence for active
people to injure their knee joint to the point where surgical
treatment is required to repair the knee and areas around the knee.
Other joints may also be injured and rehabilitated in a similar
fashion, such as the elbow as only one example, but they are not
shown in this series of embodiments.
[0003] Because of these injuries, it has been beneficial to provide
devices that help rehabilitate the knee area after surgery. Some
devices are simply leg braces that help take pressure off the knee
joint while it is healing. Other devices are machines or apparatus
that help strengthen the leg muscles around the knee and associated
with proper knee function but their mobility is minimal.
[0004] Patents that describe leg braces that help keep the knee
joint supported during or while engaged in exercise include U.S.
Pat. No. 4,982,732, U.S. Pat. No. 5,116,296, U.S. Pat. No.
4,433,679 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,980,435. Patents that describe
exercise apparatus for helping to rehabilitate the muscles of the
leg around the knee joint include U.S. Pat. No. 4,546,968, U.S.
Pat. No. 4,776,587, U.S. Pat. No. 4,979,737 and U.S. Pat. No.
5,181,895. However, these patents and other commercially available
exercise devices have a deficiency in that none of them allows a
person to wear a light weight inexpensive brace which has
connection points attached to allow the user to releasably attach
an elastic band from the area of the upper leg to the area of the
lower leg, and to connect a portable assembly behind the user's
knee for the elastic band to stretch over to increase the
resistance factor to the muscles surrounding the knee joint.
Furthermore, none of the patents or other prior art shows a leg
brace exercise device that allows the user to easily and quickly
change the resistance band location from the back of the leg to the
front of the leg whereby the user can connect a portable assembly
in front of the knee which the elastic band passes over to
passively stretch the knee joint to a straight position.
[0005] Disclosed herein is a joint rehabilitation device comprising
one or more spring members; and attaching means that secure the
device on either side of a joint; wherein the spring member
provides resistance when the joint is extended. The joint discussed
primarily is the knee joint. However, it should be appreciated that
the instant device may be utilized on other joints on a body, such
as elbow joint for example. Disclosed herein is a device that
utilizes elastic bands or spring members in the form of flat bars,
also referred to sometimes as "flat springs", that are capable of
flexing in more than one direction. These flat bars resemble a leaf
spring in looks and may function similarly in that they flex and
bend in more than one direction. Such springs are generally longer
than they are wide and consist of one or more layers of either
metal or other composition of materials that are bracketed
together. Historically, traditional leaf springs were made in
multiple layers and called "laminated or carriage springs", but
these were more generally elliptical when two portions were in a
mirror to each other to form an elliptical shape. They could also
be "semi-elliptic" where only one portion was utilized in
opposition to a non spring member. Other forms can be known as
"three quarter elliptic, quarter elliptic, or transverse" Leaf
spring type designs are generally slender and more elongated in
form. The spring type described herein may resemble or utilize any
of these forms, but the shown design is more similar to a
semi-elliptic, being attached to only one side of the joint (such
as that shown in FIG. 3 for example, where some form of padding
resides on the non spring location to provide comfort or to improve
function. The pad shapes may vary to achieve these purposes).
[0006] The spring members may be of a shape beyond a simple flat
design that one might envision with a simple flat spring design;
including, but not limited to other kinds of laminated leaf
springs, other types of flat springs, semi-elliptical spring
members, or curved. The exact shape is less important than the
shape in combination with its function. However, the springs are
generally no wider the width of the joint in question; primarily
shown here as the knee joint. Thus the spring members are generally
narrower than the width of the leg of the user. In this respect, a
somewhat flat design works well. It should be clear that when the
term "leaf spring" is used, it may include the various types of
leaf and flat springs discussed even though not shown in the
drawings herein.
[0007] The term "spring" is meant to include any resistive
apparatus that provides resistance, passive or active, when a joint
is extended; for example, when a knee is straightened, which is
often medically described as "extended".
[0008] The described apparatus may also have alternatives that are
made of other materials, but otherwise capable of providing similar
rehabilitative resistance and benefits. Such spring like material
may be fabricated of or with metal, alloys, or other materials,
such as plastics of various types, fiberglass, Kevlar or other
aramid fibers may be used, or other composites of a suitable
material, or some combination of any of these materials capable of
providing sufficient structural support for a brace device for any
joint on a human body. Natural materials such as wood laminates or
bamboo and bamboo laminates may be included as spring like elastic
resistance materials utilized with the described brace
embodiments.
[0009] The instant device provides resistance to a joint, extending
the joint along its entire range (or a portion of that range) of
motion. The instant device performs several functions, including,
but not limited to a strengthening mode and a stretching mode. A
strengthening mode for the knee joint occurs when the brace is
installed on the back, rear, of the leg or the posterior portion of
the leg or knee. These terms are all interchangeable and mean the
same thing for the purposes of this disclosure; and, it provides
resistance to straightening of the knee. The exercise is to start
with a bent knee, and then the user actively straightens it. This
movement with the resistance from the spring, exercises and
strengthens the quadriceps muscle, primarily the vastus medialus
oblique. These parts of the quadriceps muscle are weak due to
inactivity during and after the surgery. This activity is important
to restore strength so the leg can properly support the knee and
body.
[0010] The stretching mode of the instant device occurs when the
brace is installed on the front or anterior portion of the leg,
along the side of the knee where the patella is located, and it
passively pushes the knee straight in the extended position. The
tightening device (could be a ratcheting device for example) allows
a user to turn a knob or other control mechanism to shorten the
strap attaching the spring to a leg, which in turn bends the spring
more which results in a greater force exerted on stretching of the
knee joint. This is a static stretch where the brace can be left on
a user's leg for hours at a time. The purpose of this stretching is
to break apart and/or prevent formation of post-operative scar
tissue. If left intact, the scar tissue will reduce the range of
motion of the knee which will interfere with normal walking or knee
mobility and function.
[0011] The described devices may be utilized by a person of almost
any size except perhaps small infants with underdeveloped joint
function, which generally means a body weight just under to greater
than 30 pounds. It may be possible to adapt the instant device to a
lighter weight person, but the materials of the device would need
to be very thin and flexible or otherwise adapted to smaller,
weaker physiques and smaller functioning joints. Thus, any person
of any weight, height, or size may utilize the instant devices
adapted to fit them so long as they possess a sufficiently
developed joint function. For this reason, the instant invention is
configurable to support each of individuals in any size range.
Basically, if a person is ambulatory and capable of walking, the
device may be adapted to fit them and to be utilized by them. A
person may be currently incapable of walking due to injury or being
in a non-weight bearing orientation, but may still utilize the
device in positions other than standing and walking in a weighted
stance. One may still bend the knee in the directions knees may
bend and still utilize the device described herein without
necessarily standing in a weight bearing position.
[0012] Disclosed herein is a device to provide a knee
rehabilitation and exercise that allows a person to strengthen leg
muscles after knee surgery. The device is shown to perform this
function with the various designs described herein.
[0013] Another object of the invention is to provide a knee
rehabilitation exercise device that helps increase the range of
knee joint motion.
[0014] Another object of the invention is to provide a knee
rehabilitation exercise device that can be easily used by a person
without the need for assistance, or additional help from a
caregiver.
[0015] A further object of the invention is to provide a knee
rehabilitation exercise device that is lightweight, portable, and
can be adjusted to fit a variety of leg lengths and diameters.
[0016] Yet another object of the invention is to provide a knee
rehabilitation exercise device that can be fastened to a user's leg
quickly and easily. It should be evident that devices designed to
fit joints other than the knee (not shown) will also be adapted to
fasten and unfasten quickly and easily as well. One method shown to
perform this function is a ratcheting tension adjustment feature.
Another method might be to utilize adjustable retention buckles or
straps common to backpacking release straps and the like. The
retention need only be accomplished in easy to use method for a
user of the device. The strap (for example what is shown in FIG. 3,
304, may be flexible but inelastic; or, it may be flexible and also
elsastic, permitting some stretch to provide comfort and some self
adjustment to its fit to the user's body.
[0017] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will
become apparent from the following descriptions, taken in
connection with the accompanying drawings; wherein, by way of
illustration and example, an embodiment of the present invention is
disclosed. Though not shown, it should be obvious that the device
and designs described herein may also be applied to joints other
than the knee. These joints include, but are not limited to the
wrist, ankle, elbow, shoulder, hip, and even the spine and torso
area. Additionally, there is no restriction to its possible
veterinary applications with valued animals such as racing horses,
or other breeding stock and the like.
[0018] The above and other objects, effects, features, and
advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from
the following description of the embodiments thereof taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] The accompanying drawings, incorporated in and forming a
part of the specification, illustrate several arrangements of the
present invention.
[0020] In the drawings:
[0021] FIG. 1A is a side view of a knee brace with a resistance
bungee.
[0022] FIG. 1B is an isometric view of a knee brace with a
resistance bungee.
[0023] FIG. 1C is a side view of a knee brace with a ratcheting
stretching device. FIG. 1D is an isometric view of a knee brace
with a ratcheting stretching device.
[0024] FIG. 2A is an isometric view of a post and beam leg
stretching device attached to a leg.
[0025] FIG. 2B is a side view of a post and beam leg stretching
device attached to a leg.
[0026] FIG. 2C is an isometric view of a post and beam leg
stretching device attached to a smaller leg.
[0027] FIG. 2D is a side view of a post and beam leg stretching
device attached to a smaller leg.
[0028] FIG. 2E is a side view of a post and beam leg strengthening
device attached to a smaller leg, with elastic spring members.
[0029] FIG. 2F is an isometric view of a post and beam leg
strengthening device attached to a lager leg, with an elastic
spring member.
[0030] FIG. 2G is a side view of a post and beam leg strengthening
device attached to a larger leg.
[0031] FIG. 2H is an isometric view of a post and beam
strengthening device attached to a smaller leg.
[0032] FIG. 2I is a side view of a post and beam strengthening
device attached to a smaller leg.
[0033] FIG. 3A is a side view of a leaf spring knee brace.
[0034] FIG. 3B is a side view of a leaf spring knee brace in the
stretching configuration.
[0035] FIG. 3C is a side view of a leaf spring knee brace that has
begun stretching a knee.
[0036] FIG. 3D shows the forces exerted on the leg when it is being
stretched by the leaf spring.
[0037] FIG. 3E is a side view of a leaf spring knee brace in the
strengthening configuration.
[0038] FIG. 3F is a side view of a leaf spring knee brace in the
strengthening configuration when the leaf spring is deformed.
[0039] FIG. 3G is a side view showing the forces acting on the leg,
resisting its straightening motion.
[0040] FIG. 4A is an exploded view of the leaf spring knee
brace.
[0041] FIG. 4B is a front view of a leaf spring knee brace
plate.
[0042] FIG. 4C is an isometric view of a pad spring clip.
[0043] FIG. 5A is an isometric view of a leaf spring knee brace
with a ratcheting tension adjustment feature.
[0044] FIG. 5B is a detailed isometric view of the top of the leaf
spring knee brace with a ratcheting tension adjustment feature.
[0045] FIG. 5C is an exploded isometric view of the leaf spring
knee brace with a ratcheting tension adjustment feature.
[0046] FIG. 5D is a front view of the ratcheting top plate.
[0047] FIG. 5E is a rear view of the ratcheting top plate.
[0048] FIG. 6A is a front view of a half circle pad.
[0049] FIG. 6B is a side view of a half circle pad.
[0050] FIG. 6C is an isometric view of a half circle pad.
[0051] FIG. 6D is an isometric view of an angled pad.
[0052] FIG. 6E is a top view of an angled pad.
[0053] FIG. 6F is a side view of an angled pad.
[0054] FIG. 6G is a front view of a full round pad.
[0055] FIG. 6H is a side view of a full round pad.
[0056] FIG. 6I is an isometric view of a full round pad.
[0057] FIG. 6J is an isometric view of a shaped leg pad.
[0058] FIG. 6K is a top view of a shaped leg pad.
[0059] FIG. 6L is a side view of a shaped leg pad.
[0060] FIG. 7A shows a leaf spring leg brace with auto adjusting
pads.
[0061] FIG. 7B is a cross section view of a leaf spring leg brace
with auto adjusting pads.
[0062] FIG. 7C is a cross section detail view of a leaf spring leg
brace with auto adjusting pads.
[0063] FIG. 8A shows an extension spring brace system configured
for strengthening.
[0064] FIG. 8B shows the extension spring brace system configured
for strengthening when the leg is straightened.
[0065] FIG. 8C is an exploded view of the extension spring brace
system.
[0066] FIG. 8E is a side view of an extension spring brace system
configured for strengthening, in the relaxed position, set to the
softest spring preload.
[0067] FIG. 8G is a side view of an extension spring brace system
configured for strengthening.
[0068] FIG. 8H is a side view of an extension spring brace system
configured for strengthening.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0069] Referring to FIGS. 1A through 7C, there is illustrated
therein a new and improved knee or joint rehabilitative device.
While "bungee" is used in some descriptions, it is not meant to
limit the spring member to just one type of bungee when this term
is used. The term describes an elastic spring member. There can be
great variation in the type of elastic member used that can still
function in the same manner. The spring members or elements may be
of any kind of rope or cord which has elastic qualities which
permits the spring member to stretch when extended or compress when
extension is reversed or shortened. The spring members may be any
type of elastic cords or may be made of a natural or synthetic
rubber or other man made elastic material, or include the type of
cords known as bungee or shock cords composed of one or more
elastic strands forming a core and commonly covered in a sheath of
woven material such as cotton, polypropylene, or other suitable
material. Also, the spring member may include any other types of
metal, coil, or composite springs or other type of cords that may
function with the indicated embodiments or that may be configured
for use described herein.
[0070] Additionally, when figures or descriptions describe
attachment to a "leg", this term is meant to describe attachment to
one or more points or places along the leg, regardless of whether
the upper or lower leg are the locations of attachment. Medically,
the term "upper leg" and "lower leg" together define the entire leg
on either side of the knee joint (and ankle and foot). The use of
"leg" is not meant to ignore these distinctions in any way.
[0071] FIG. 1A is a side view of a knee brace with a resistance
bungee or other similar elastic type spring member, 101. The knee
brace is comprised of the upper half, 102, the lower half, 104, the
hinge, 103, and the rear knee support, 111. The upper half of the
brace, 102, straps to the upper leg, 105, and the lower half of the
brace, 104, straps to the lower leg, 106. The resistance bungee,
101, exerts a force pulling the upper brace half, 102, and the
lower brace half, 104, together. The rear knee support, 111, straps
onto the hinge, 103, with connector straps, 112, and provides
support, which reassures the patient during the exercise. The
purpose of this device is for the user to repeatedly straighten
their leg, doing so overcomes the force from the bungee, 101. This
exercise fires the quad muscles and helps them rebuild strength
after knee surgery. Torsion springs could also be attached to the
brace hinge, 103, to create a resistance torque around the
knee.
[0072] FIG. 1B is an isometric view of a knee brace with a bungee
spring member, 101. FIG. 1C is a side view of a knee brace with a
ratcheting stretching device. The stretching device is made up of a
lower support, 107, an upper support, 110, a toothed strap, 108,
and a ratchet buckle, 109. The lower support, 107, is fixed to the
lower half of the knee brace, 104, and the upper support, 110, is
fixed to the upper half of the knee brace, 102. This device is
designed to pull the upper leg, 105, and the lower leg, 106, apart
to straighten the leg. This is beneficial after knee surgery to
help regain full range of motion. To straighten the leg, the user
cranks the ratchet buckle, 109, which pulls the ratcheting strap,
108, through the buckle which brings the lower support, 107, closer
to the upper support, 110. The ratchet buckle, 109, holds the
stretch in place until it is released, so the stretch can be held
for extended periods of time to break down scar tissue. The rear
knee support, 111, can be used for the stretching, or it can be
removed if that is preferred. One challenge with this embodiment
was that it was found that the stretching forces were not
consistently applied perpendicular to the leg. Therefore, instead
of pulling the leg straight as desired, the prototype for this
embodiment tended to pull the brace together, which in turn
increased the likelihood of slippage along the leg. In response, a
user would have to hold the top of the brace with one hand while
tightening with the other to keep the device fixed at the desired
location. FIG. 1D is an isometric view of a knee brace with a
ratcheting stretching device.
[0073] FIG. 2A is an isometric view of a post and beam leg
stretching device attached to a leg. The device is made up of an
upper slider, 201, a mid section, 203, and a lower slider, 204.
This device is adjustable to fit a wide range of users. The mid
section, 203, has an extending lower rail, 206, and an extending
upper rail, 207, which the sliders adjust on. The upper slider has
extending handle grips, 202, for the user to hold. When the device
is in the stretching mode, the middle legs, 205, fold open, so the
device is supported just above and below the knee. A bungee cord,
101, is wrapped around the user's lower leg, 106. To stretch the
leg, the user can push down on the upper slider handle grips,
202.
[0074] FIG. 2B is a side view of a post and beam leg stretching
device attached to a leg. FIG. 2C is an isometric view of a post
and beam leg stretching device attached to a smaller leg. For the
smaller user, the lower slider, 204, and upper slider, 201, are
adjusted in towards the mid section 203. FIG. 2D is a side view of
a post and beam leg stretching device attached to a smaller
leg.
[0075] FIG. 2E is an isometric view of a post and beam leg
strengthening device attached to a large leg. For this exercise,
the bungee cord, 101, wraps around the back of the knee and
attaches to the brace mid section, 203. The outside legs, 208, are
extended so the device is supported at the top and bottom of the
leg. To perform the exercise, the user straightens their knee,
which stretches the bungee, 101, thereby creating resistance. This
exercise is usually performed standing, so the user can hold the
upper slider hand grips, 202, to support the brace. FIG. 2F is a
side view of a post and beam leg strengthening device attached to a
larger leg. FIG. 2G is an isometric view of a post and beam
strengthening device attached to a small leg. To adjust for the
small leg, the lower slider, 204, and upper slider, 201, are
adjusted in towards the mid section, 203. FIG. 2H is a side view of
a post and beam strengthening device attached to a small leg.
[0076] FIG. 3A is a side view of a leaf or flat spring knee brace.
It is a preferred embodiment in that it is more compact and less
likely to pivot in an undesirable manner. The leaf spring, 301, is
a flat, flexible sheet of material that can be bent when loaded. In
this configuration, the brace is partially installed for the
stretching exercise. The lower brace strap, 304, is wrapped around
the user's lower leg, 106. The brace pads, 302, support the leaf
spring, 301, on the front of the leg. The brace plate, 303, is
extending up in a free state and is ready to be tightened. The
spring can be made flexible enough to permit a range of motion up
to and including a full range of motion for the knee joint.
[0077] FIG. 3B is a side view of a leaf spring knee brace in the
stretching configuration. When the leg is stretched, the tendons
elongate, scar tissue is broken down, and the muscles of the
quadriceps and adjacent muscles are stretched. This shows how it
looks after the user also straps down the top plate, 303, to the
upper leg, 105. The bent leaf spring, 301, exerts force on the leg,
making it stretch straight. The brace straps, 304, can be tightened
or loosened to adjust the stretching force from spring, 301. The
brace provides a static stretch, which is meant to be applied for
long periods of time. The stretching forces can minimize and/or
gradually break down scar tissue which formed after the surgery.
The scar tissue prevents the knee joint from achieving its full
range of motion, and it is critical to spend enough time stretching
to get the range back.
[0078] FIG. 3C is a side view of a leaf spring knee brace that has
started to stretch the user's knee. The spring has pulled the
user's knee straighter than it was in FIG. 3B. The spring and leg
equalize and result in the beneficial stretch for the user to
regain range of motion. FIG. 3D shows the forces exerted on the leg
when it is being stretched by the leaf spring, 301. 305 are the two
reaction forces on the leg from the pads, 302. 306 are the two
forces transferring through the two brace straps, 304, from the
ends of the leaf spring, 301.
[0079] FIG. 3E is a side view of a leaf spring knee brace in the
strengthening configuration. To switch from the stretching
configuration to the strengthening configuration, the brace is
rotated around the leg and installed behind the knee. One support
pad, 302, is removed so there is only one supporting the back of
the knee. This shows the leaf spring, 301, at rest.
[0080] FIG. 3F is a side view of a leaf spring knee brace in the
strengthening configuration when the leaf spring, 301, is deformed.
This is the second position of the exercise when the user
straightens their knee which straightens the curved leaf spring,
301, flat. Straightening the leaf spring, 301, requires force from
the quadriceps muscles which helps rebuild their strength after
surgery. When the user straightens his or her knee as shown in FIG.
3F, the leaf spring is straightened and thereby puts a resistive
force on the user's muscles that are associated with the knee
joint, specifically the rectus femoris, vastuslateralis,
intermedialis and vastusmedialus oblique muscles. By repeatedly
firing the quad muscles, the user can help increase the strength of
the muscles associated with the knee joint after knee surgery. To
"fire" a muscle refers to the electrochemical process of generating
tension within a muscle during contraction. The present invention
can also be used as a leg strengthening exercise for non-surgical
conditions to keep the muscles around the knee in top shape. The
exercise can be done by an individual without the help of an
assistant. FIG. 3G is a side view showing the forces acting on the
leg, resisting its straightening motion.
[0081] FIG. 4A is an exploded view of the leaf spring knee brace.
It is made up of the leaf spring, 301, the brace plates, 303, the
brace straps, 304, the support pads, 302, nut plates, 401, and four
screws, 402. FIG. 4B is a front view of a leaf spring knee brace
plate. It has counter sunk holes for the mounting screws. There are
3 slots for straps cut out. The two on the side are for the brace
straps, 304, and the one on the top is for an optional vertical
strap which the user can hold onto to ensure the brace does not
slip down the leg. The brace strap, 304, is permanently sewn to one
slot, and it runs through the other slot and Velcro's to itself
once it is tight. FIG. 4C is an isometric view of a pad spring
clip. These clips are attached to the back of the pads, 302, and
they clip onto the leaf spring, 301. These allow the users to
quickly add, remove, and reposition the pads.
[0082] FIG. 5A is an isometric view of a leaf spring knee brace
that has a ratcheting tension adjustment feature or device. This
brace allows the user to put the brace on loose, and then dial in
the perfect amount of tension for the stretching exercise. This is
helpful, because it is difficult to set the strap to the right
position especially because it is easy to apply a painful amount of
force to a weak knee. FIG. 5B is a detailed isometric view of the
top of the ratcheting leaf spring knee brace. This configuration
requires a different top plate, 502, that has the mounting for the
ratchet. The top strap, 304, has a hook buckle, 504 attached to one
end. This hook buckle, 504, hooks onto the retractable wire, 503.
The hook buckle, 504, could also be permanently attached to the
retractable wire, 503. The retractable wire, 503, can be drawn in
or released by turning the ratcheting knob, 501.
[0083] FIG. 5C shows an exploded isometric view of the ratcheting
leaf spring knee brace. In this configuration, the screws, 402, go
through the washer plate, 506, the leaf spring, 301, and they
thread into the tapped holes on the back of the ratcheting top
plate, 502. There is a wire spool, 505, that has the ratchet
notches on the top, and winds in the retractable wire, 503. The end
of the top strap, 304, has a male buckle clip, 506, looped onto it.
The length of the strap can be adjusted with the male buckle clip,
506. The female buckle clip, 507, is sewn onto a short strap, 508,
which is sewn onto the top plate, 502. This system allows the user
to quickly adjust the strap, 304, to the approximate desired length
and snap the buckles, 506 and 507, together easily. Then they can
dial in more stretch by turning the ratcheting knob, 501.
[0084] FIGS. 6A-6L show various "supports" in the form of pads or
cushioning or resilient devices that provides comfort or improved
function by reducing the ability of the spring member from
contacting or uncomfortably rubbing a user's joint. Such supports
generally separate the spring member from substantially contacting
the knee joint. "Generally" is defined for the purpose of this
disclosure such that contact may occur during use, but it is
lessoned via the use of these supports. Also, these supports
provide comfort for the user during movement or non movement of the
joint. For example, a pad, 302, helps keep a spring member, 301,
from continuous contact with a user's knee joint. The support may
be made of various materials, including but not limited to, foams
of different densities and rigidities; air bladders, liquid
bladders, plastics, or the like of different densities and
rigidities. FIG. 6A shows a front view of a half circle pad. This
is a versatile pad shape that can be used anywhere along the leg.
FIG. 6B is a side view of a half circle pad. FIG. 6C is an
isometric view of a half circle pad. FIG. 6D is an isometric view
of an angled pad. This pad is meant to fit behind the knee and
provide full support. FIG. 6E is a top view of an angled pad. FIG.
6F is a side view of an angled pad. FIG. 6G is a front view of a
full round pad. This pad provides a nice soft surface where it
contacts, but it is slightly harder to mount because there is no
flat side. FIG. 6H is a side view of a full round pad. FIG. 6I is
an isometric view of a full round pad. FIG. 6J is an isometric view
of a shaped leg pad. This pad is specially shaped to fit more
nestingly against or adjacent to the curve of the user's leg. This
provides comfort when used both on the front of the leg, and behind
the knee. FIG. 6K is a top view of a shaped leg pad. FIG. 6L is a
side view of a shaped leg pad.
[0085] FIG. 7A shows a leaf spring leg brace with auto adjusting
pads. This device has hydraulic cylinders, 702, in between the leaf
spring, 301, and the brace pads, 703. When the piston, 701, of one
cylinder, 702, is depressed, the fluid transfers through the tube,
704, which extends the other piston. When both of the pistons are
attached to the leaf spring, 301, it behaves as a self balancing
system. If one side of the brace is too loose, the piston will
extend until it is equally loaded to the other piston. FIG. 7B is a
cross section view of a leaf spring leg brace with auto adjusting
pads. FIG. 7C is a cross section detail view of a leaf spring leg
brace with auto adjusting pads. This shows how the piston, 701, is
attached to the leaf spring, 301, and the cylinder body, 702, is
fixed inside the pad, 703.
[0086] FIG. 8A shows an extension spring brace system configured
for strengthening. This is an alternate to the leaf spring design,
where instead of bending the leaf spring; resistance is created by
a spring loaded linkage. This brace can also be used on the front
of the leg to stretch the leg by adding two leg pads, just like the
leaf spring design. The linkage is comprised of two rigid bars,
802, that are connected with a pivot pin, 807. An extension spring,
804, attaches to the two bars, 802, and it exerts a force as it is
stretched. Any other type of spring could be used as well such as
torsion springs, air springs, and elastic bands.
[0087] FIG. 8B shows the extension spring brace system configured
for strengthening when the leg is straightened. This forces the
rigid bars, 802, to straighten and that causes the spring, 804, to
elongate. The spring, 804, creates resistance which strengthens the
quad muscles. FIG. 8C is an exploded view of the extension spring
brace system. It has a pad, 801, in front of the pivot point, 807,
which presses on the back of the knee. The rigid bars, 802, have
internal bars, 803, which slid in and out can be adjusted for
different size legs. The top plate, 303, bolts onto the internal
bars, 803. There are pin brackets, 806, on each rigid bar, 802,
which have multiple holes for the spring pin, 805, for adjusting to
different preloads. The spring, 804, hooks onto the two spring
pins, 805. FIG. 8D is an isometric view of the extension spring
brace system configured for strengthening, set to the softest
spring preload.
[0088] FIG. 8E is a side view of an extension spring brace system
configured for strengthening, in the relaxed position, set to the
softest spring preload. This embodiment shows 3 different pin
holes, 809, 810, 811, but there can be any number. The pin, 805, is
installed in the closest hole, 809. This means that the spring does
not have much stretch when it is installed on a bent leg. FIG. 8F
is a side view of an extension spring brace system configured for
strengthening, in the stretched position, set to the softest
preload. This shows that when the rigid bars, 802, are
straightened, the spring, 804, is stretched. Since the spring, 804,
is attached to the closest holes, 809, it doesn't end up with a lot
of stretch when the rigid bars, 802, are straightened.
[0089] FIG. 8G is a side view of an extension spring brace system
configured for strengthening, in the relaxed position, set to the
highest preload. In this view, the spring pin, 805, is moved to the
farthest holes, 811. This shows that the spring, 804, is already
stretched significantly when it is in the relaxed position.
[0090] FIG. 8H is a side view of an extension spring brace system
configured for strengthening, in the stretched position, set to the
highest preload. This shows that by setting the spring to the
highest preload, it results in a much higher stretch when the rigid
bars, 802, are straightened. This results in a higher resistance
and better workout that users can work up to.
[0091] It should be apparent that the spring shown, 804, may also
be another type of spring member such as an elastic spring member
akin to a bungee; or a modified leaf type spring with various
levels adjustment for length and resistance levels as options.
Additionally, such spring members may be adjustable in themselves,
or replaceable, to tailor the resistance force of the spring
member.
[0092] While the invention has been described in connection with
preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the scope of the
invention to the particular forms set forth, but on the contrary,
it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and
equivalents as may be within the spirit and scope of the invention
as described and claimed herein.
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