Mobility Device
A mobility device for use in physical therapy comprising a base; a vertically adjustable tension post attached to the base; a vertically adjustable center post attached to the base posterior the tension post; means for adjusting the angular orientation of a stirrup to allow for a stirrup to pivot inwardly and outwardly and upwardly and downwardly, and rotate circularly about a vertical axis corresponding to the center post, such means attached to the center post; a stirrup attached to the angular orientation adjustment means; one or more stirrup straps; a lateral slide track attached to the tension post; a laterally displaceable lateral slide bracket positioned within the lateral slide track; means for securedly engaging the lateral slide bracket to the lateral slide track; a tension strap for securing a leg of the foot secured in the stirrup; and means for adjusting the tension strap tension of the tension strap.
The present invention relates to a mobility device for use in physical therapy.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONAnkle injuries are some of the most difficult injuries to rehabilitate. The treatment of musculoskeletal joint dysfunction, including of the ankle, often require physical therapy which involves the use of manual therapy (movement of the joint under treatment), such as the Mulligan's manual therapy technique at peripheral joints, namely, mobilization with movement. However, due to the structures and joints at the ankle and foot, it is extremely difficult to achieve the full range of ankle motion without the use of manual physical therapy wherein the therapist mobilizes the ankle in differing planes in order to simulate the full range of motion of the patient that such patient would need to meet the demands of daily life and activities. The full range of motion encompasses rotating the foot circularly about a vertical axis corresponding to the lower leg, such rotating comprising abduction (movement of the foot away from the center line of the body) and adduction (movement of the foot towards the center line of the body), pivoting the foot inwardly and outwardly to allow for inversion (twisting movement of the foot inward) and eversion (twisting movement of the foot outward), respectively, pivoting the foot upwardly and downwardly to allow for dorsiflexion (movement of the foot up) and plantar flexion (movement of the foot down), respectively, or a combination of the aforementioned motions known in the art as supination (triplanar motion involving the foot moving down and towards the center of the body wherein the heel rotates towards the center of the body, the big toe moves towards the center of the body, the foot flexes down and the ankle rolls out) and pronation (triplanar motion involving the foot moving up and away from the center of the body wherein the heel rotates away the center of the body, the little toe moves away from the center of the body, the foot flexes up slightly and the ankle rolls in).
The prior art comprises physical therapy devices that can achieve only some, but not all, of the possible ankle motions. Moreover, the prior art does not comprise a physical therapy device that allows for stabilization of other joints, such as the knee, while mobilizing the ankle, which is necessary for achieving the full range of ankle motions.
A further drawback of the prior art is the inability of a physical therapy device that allows a patient to perform manual therapy on oneself to allow for the full range of ankle motion, with the patient requiring the assistance and direction of a physical therapist. It is therefore desirable to have an apparatus that can be used in physical therapy of the ankle by the patient alone after prior supervised sessions wherein the patient receives guidance from a physical therapist practitioner that allows for mobilization of the ankle in all possible ankle motions while simultaneously stabilizing other joints of the body.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONA first aspect of the invention comprises a mobility device for use in physical therapy comprising a base; a tension post attached to the base wherein the vertical position of the tension post is adjustable through means for vertically adjusting the tension post; a center post attached to the base posterior the tension post and that is longitudinally displaceable, wherein the vertical position of the center post is adjustable through means for vertically adjusting the post; means for adjusting the angular orientation of a stirrup to allow for the stirrup to pivot inwardly and outwardly, pivot upwardly and downwardly, and rotate circularly about a vertical axis corresponding to the center post, wherein such means is attached to the center post; a stirrup attached to the means for adjusting the angular orientation of a stirrup; one or more straps attached to the stirrup for securing a foot to the stirrup; a lateral slide track attached to the tension post; a lateral slide bracket positioned within the lateral slide track and that is laterally displaceable; means for securedly engaging the lateral slide bracket to the lateral slide track; a ratchet gear attached to the lateral slide bracket; a handle comprising a lever and a lever joint that is rotatably attached to the ratchet gear; and a tension strap attached to the handle for securing a leg of the foot secured in the stirrup. Variants on the first aspect of the invention include an embodiment wherein one or more rails is attached to the lateral slide track and the lateral slide bracket is laterally displaceable along such one or more rails. Another variant of the first aspect of the invention includes an embodiment wherein the longitudinal length of the stirrup is adjustable. Yet a further variant of the first aspect of the invention includes an integrated wherein the stirrup has positioned therein a plurality of vertical channels and a ball joint assembly comprises the means for adjusting the angular orientation of a stirrup, with the upper portion of the ball joint assembly attached to the stirrup and the lower portion attached to the center post. The ball joint assembly comprises a stirrup support plate through which extend a plurality of support plate channels and wherein each of the one or more support plate channels aligns with one of the plurality of stirrup vertical channels, one or more support plate-stirrup attachment assemblies wherein each assembly attaches the stirrup support plate to the stirrup and is accommodated in one of the one or more support plate-stirrup vertical channels, a ball joint comprising a bearing stud and a socket to which is attached the bearing stud and wherein the bearing stud extends through one of the plurality of support plate-stirrup vertical channels and is securedly engaged to the stirrup, one or more brakes abutting the socket, one or more brake screws comprising a horizontal segment comprising a first end and a second end and a vertical segment attached to the second end of the horizontal segment and wherein the first end of the horizontal segment of each brake screw has attached thereto one brake, a rail abutting each of the one or more brakes and wherein each of the one or more brakes is slidably displaceable along the rail, a casing attached to the center post and having one or more casing hollow channels, wherein within the casing is accommodated at least a portion of the socket, each of the one or more brakes, at least the first end of the horizontal segment of each of the one or more brake screws, and the rail, and wherein the rail is securedly attached to the casing, and wherein the horizontal segment of each of the one or more brake screws extends through one of the one or more casing hollow channels so that the second end of the horizontal segment of each of the one or more brake screws and the vertical segment of each of the one or more brake screws is positioned outside the casing, and wherein the vertical segment of each of the one or more brake screws can be manipulated to retract at least a portion of the horizontal segment of each of the one or more brake screws from the casing and slidably displace each of the one or more brakes to form a gap between each of the one or more brakes and the socket of the ball joint to allow for movement of the ball joint and adjustment of the angular orientation of the stirrup which is securedly engaged to the bearing stud of the ball joint. An additional further variant of the first aspect of the invention includes an embodiment wherein the base comprises an anterior portion, a posterior portion, and a middle longitudinal portion with an anterior end connected to the anterior portion of the base and a posterior end connected to the posterior end of the base, and further comprises a plurality of sensors and means for relaying sensor measurements to a means for recording the measurements. The plurality of sensors comprises one or more stirrup sensors integrated in the stirrup and wherein at least one stirrup sensor measures the height and angle of the stirrup with respect a longitudinal axis defined by the middle longitudinal portion of the base, a lateral axis defined by an axis passing through such sensor and parallel to one of the anterior portion of the base and the posterior portion of the base, and vertical axis defined by the center post; and a calf sensor band comprising a flexible band and one or more calf sensors integrated in the flexible band and wherein at least one calf sensor measures the distance between the calf sensor and at least one stirrup sensor and the angular orientation of the such calf sensor relative to at least one stirrup sensor. Further variants of the first aspect of the invention comprise embodiments incorporating one or more above-mentioned variants.
A second aspect of the invention comprises a mobility device for use in physical therapy comprising a base; a tension post attached to the base wherein the vertical position of the tension post is adjustable through means for vertically adjusting the tension post; a center post attached to the base posterior the tension post and that is longitudinally displaceable, wherein the vertical position of the center post is adjustable through means for vertically adjusting the post; means for adjusting the angular orientation of a stirrup to allow for the stirrup to pivot inwardly and outwardly, pivot upwardly and downwardly, and rotate circularly about a vertical axis corresponding to the center post, wherein such means is attached to the center post; a stirrup attached to the means for adjusting the angular orientation of a stirrup; one or more straps attached to the stirrup for securing a foot to the stirrup; a lateral slide track attached to the tension post; a lateral slide bracket positioned within the lateral slide track and that is laterally displaceable; means for securedly engaging the lateral slide bracket to the lateral slide track; and a tension strap reel assembly. The tension strap reel assembly comprises a reel assembly base attached to the lateral slide bracket; a reel supported by the reel assembly base, wherein the reel is rotatable around an axis perpendicular to the lateral slide bracket and to which is secured one end of a tension strap for securing a leg of the foot secured in the stirrup and wherein the tension strap is woundable around the reel; a reel assembly cover attached to the lateral slide bracket, wherein the reel assembly cover has positioned therein a void in which is accommodated the reel; a reel pawl attached to the reel assembly cover and with an anterior end and a posterior end and a first side and a second side, wherein a tab extends anteriorly from one of the sides; a reel pawl spring with a first end attached to the reel pawl and a second end attached to the reel assembly cover; a reel gear rotatably attached to the reel comprising a substantially circular disc with a plurality of adjacent reel gear teeth disposed around the disc circumference with each reel gear tooth separated from an adjacent reel gear tooth by a depression therebetween and wherein at least an end or side of the reel pawl engages a surface of a reel gear tooth and wherein the stiffness in the reel pawl spring maintains the reel pawl engaged to the reel gear with the positioning of the reel pawl engaged surface in a depression between adjacent reel gear teeth; and a reel knob rotatably attached to the reel gear. The reel gear moves without restriction in a first direction when the plurality of reel gear teeth move in the first direction and with restriction in a second direction resulting from engagement of the reel pawl with at least one reel gear tooth. Tension in the tension strap is imparted by the rotation of the reel knob in the first direction whereby the reel gear and the reel rotate in the first direction resulting in the winding of the tension strap around the reel. Tension in the tension strap is removed by triggering and holding the reel pawl tab causing the extension of the reel pawl spring and the disengagement of the reel pawl from the reel gear and the rotation in the second direction of the reel, the reel gear, and the reel knob. Variants on the second aspect of the invention include embodiments incorporating one or more variants set forth above with respect to the first aspect of the invention.
A third aspect of the invention comprises a mobility device for use in physical therapy comprising a base; a tension post attached to the base wherein the vertical position of the tension post is adjustable through means for vertically adjusting the tension post; a center post attached to the base posterior the tension post wherein the vertical position of the center post is adjustable through means for vertically adjusting the post; means for adjusting the angular orientation of a stirrup to allow for the stirrup to pivot inwardly and outwardly, pivot upwardly and downwardly, and rotate circularly about a vertical axis corresponding to the center post, wherein such means is attached to the center post; a stirrup attached to the means for adjusting the angular orientation of a stirrup; one or more straps attached to the stirrup for securing a foot to the stirrup; a lateral slide track attached to the tension post; a lateral slide bracket positioned within the lateral slide track and that is laterally displaceable; means for securedly engaging the lateral slide bracket to the lateral slide track; a ratchet gear attached to the lateral slide bracket; a handle comprising a lever and a lever joint that is rotatably attached to the ratchet gear; and a tension strap attached to the handle for securing a leg of the foot secured in the stirrup. Variants on the third aspect of the invention include embodiments incorporating one or more variants set forth above with respect to the first aspect of the invention.
A fourth aspect of the invention comprises a mobility device for use in physical therapy comprising a base; a tension post attached to the base wherein the vertical position of the tension post is adjustable through means for vertically adjusting the tension post; a center post attached to the base posterior the tension post wherein the vertical position of the center post is adjustable through means for vertically adjusting the post; means for adjusting the angular orientation of a stirrup to allow for the stirrup to pivot inwardly and outwardly, pivot upwardly and downwardly, and rotate circularly about a vertical axis corresponding to the center post, wherein such means is attached to the center post; a stirrup attached to the means for adjusting the angular orientation of a stirrup; one or more straps attached to the stirrup for securing a foot to the stirrup; a lateral slide track attached to the tension post; a lateral slide bracket positioned within the lateral slide track and that is laterally displaceable; means for securedly engaging the lateral slide bracket to the lateral slide track; and a tension strap reel assembly. The tension strap reel assembly comprises a reel assembly base attached to the lateral slide bracket; a reel supported by the reel assembly base, wherein the reel is rotatable around an axis perpendicular to the lateral slide bracket and to which is secured one end of a tension strap for securing a leg of the foot secured in the stirrup and wherein the tension strap is woundable around the reel; a reel assembly cover attached to the lateral slide bracket, wherein the reel assembly cover has positioned therein a void in which is accommodated the reel; a reel pawl attached to the reel assembly cover and with an anterior end and a posterior end and a first side and a second side, wherein a tab extends anteriorly from one of the sides; a reel pawl spring with a first end attached to the reel pawl and a second end attached to the reel assembly cover; a reel gear rotatably attached to the reel comprising a substantially circular disc with a plurality of adjacent reel gear teeth disposed around the disc circumference with each reel gear tooth separated from an adjacent reel gear tooth by a depression therebetween and wherein at least an end or side of the reel pawl engages a surface of a reel gear tooth and wherein the stiffness in the reel pawl spring maintains the reel pawl engaged to the reel gear with the positioning of the reel pawl engaged surface in a depression between adjacent reel gear teeth; and a reel knob rotatably attached to the reel gear. The reel gear moves without restriction in a first direction when the plurality of reel gear teeth move in the first direction and with restriction in a second direction resulting from engagement of the reel pawl with at least one reel gear tooth. Tension in the tension strap is imparted by the rotation of the reel knob in the first direction whereby the reel gear and the reel rotate in the first direction resulting in the winding of the tension strap around the reel. Tension in the tension strap is removed by triggering and holding the reel pawl tab causing the extension of the reel pawl spring and the disengagement of the reel pawl from the reel gear and the rotation in the second direction of the reel, the reel gear, and the reel knob. Variants on the second aspect of the invention include embodiments incorporating one or more variants set forth above with respect to the first aspect of the invention. To use the mobility device, the user places his or her foot on the stirrup and secures the foot with the one or more stirrup straps. The user positions the center post vertically and/or longitudinally and positions the tension post vertically. The user adjusts the lateral position of lateral slide bracket to the desired lateral position. The user establishes the angular orientation of the stirrup through means for adjusting the angular orientation of the stirrup. With the foot is secured in the stirrup, the user wraps the tension strap around the back of the calf of the leg whose foot is in the stirrup. In order to do so, the tension strap tension must be slackened to allow for the user to slide tension strap up and around the exercise leg, which is accomplished by adjusting the tension in the tension strap if needed. The user then imparts the desired tension in the tension strap by adjusting the tension in the tension strap. The user is then ready to commence exercises in mobility device 1 according to the instructions of a physical therapist or other professional. At the end of the exercises, the user reduces the tension in the tension strap, removes the tension strap from the exercised leg, and frees the foot from the stirrup straps and removes the foot from the stirrup.
Further additional, advantageous aspects of the invention, such as variants of the aspects of the invention disclosed above, will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon review of the following description of the embodiments of the invention and the claims and with reference to the accompanying drawings.
By way of example only, specific embodiments of the invention will now be described, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Embodiments of the present invention are now described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings:
Orientation: As used in this specification and with respect to mobility device 1, the terms anterior and posterior refer to the left and right sides of mobility device 1, respectively, along a longitudinal axis from the perspective of a person facing mobility device 1 and viewing mobility device 1 such that mobility device 1 is oriented as in
Mobility Device Base: Referring to
Additionally, and in a preferred embodiment, one or more corner braces 500, 508, each comprised of a first and second portions, support the attachment of individual portions of base 10 to other individual portions of base 10. Such corner braces 500, 508 may be comprised of an integral structure or individual structures attached together. In a preferred embodiment, the attachment of anterior lateral portion 12 of base 10 to middle longitudinal portion 16 of base 10 is supported by a plurality of anterior corner base braces comprising (i) an anterior front corner base brace 500 (
Tension Post: In reference to
Additionally, and in a preferred embodiment with reference to
Tension post upper member 26 is comprised of (i) top portion 29 which corresponds with the portion of tension post upper member 26 that is not disposed within tension post lower member 22 and (ii) lower portion 21 which corresponds with the portion of tension post upper member 26 that is disposed within tension post lower member 22. Tension post 20 may have any one of a variety of cross-sectional shapes, including rectangular, circular, trapezoidal, triangular, and square. At least a portion of tension post upper member 26 of tension post 20 and tension post lower member 22 of tension post 20 is comprised of perimeter surfaces surrounding an open (hollow) interior. In a preferred embodiment, tension post upper member 26 is separable from tension post lower member 22 to allow for lower portion 21 of tension post upper member 26 to be fully retractable from tension post lower member 22.
In a preferred embodiment, each of tension post lower member 22 and tension post upper member 26 comprises front, rear, anterior, and posterior surfaces bounding a hollow interior with an upper horizontal void space corresponding to the top of tension post lower and upper members 22 and 26 and a lower horizontal void space corresponding to the base of tension post lower and upper members 22 and 26. In a preferred embodiment, the horizontal cross sectional areas of tension post lower and upper members 22 and 26 are the same. Moreover, in a preferred embodiment of mobility device 1, the horizontal cross sectional area of tension post 20 approximates the horizontal cross sectional area of anterior lateral portion 12 of base 10. In alternative embodiments of mobility device 1, the horizontal cross sectional area of tension post 20 is less than or greater than the horizontal cross sectional area of anterior lateral portion 12 of base 10.
The vertical position of tension post upper member 26 can be adjusted using one of many known methods in the art. In a preferred embodiment, positioned on a surface of tension post lower member 22 are one or more apertures L. More preferably, one or more apertures L are positioned on the posterior surface of tension post lower member 22 as shown in
In a preferred embodiment, positioned on a surface of tension post upper member 26 are one or more apertures H. The one or more apertures H are positioned on one or more of the same oriented surfaces (posterior, anterior, front, rear) as the one or more surfaces of tension post lower member 22 on which the one or more apertures L are positioned. Preferably, the one or more apertures H are positioned on the posterior surface of tension post upper member 26 as shown in
The vertical position of tension post upper member 26 is adjusted through use of tension post vertical adjustment pin 24 which is comprised of head 25 connected to the posterior end of shaft 27 which extends through desired aperture L on tension post lower member 22 into the interior of lower portion 21 of tension post upper member 26 through one of a plurality of apertures H on tension post upper member 26 when the desired aperture H of tension post upper member 26 aligns vertically with the desired aperture L on tension post lower member 22.
Moreover, in an alternative preferred embodiment wherein one or more apertures H on tension post upper member 26 are positioned on two surfaces that are parallel to each other (e.g., posterior and anterior surfaces of tension post upper member 26, rear and front surfaces of tension post upper member 26) and one or more apertures L on tension post lower member 22 are positioned on two surfaces that are parallel to each other (e.g., posterior and anterior surfaces of tension post lower member 22, rear and front surfaces of tension post lower member 22), the anterior end of shaft 27 extends through the one such aperture H on a first surface of tension post upper member 26 that is vertically aligned to the aperture H on the second surface of tension post upper member 26 (which is parallel to the first surface of tension post upper member 26) through which the head 25 connected to the posterior end of shaft 27 extends, with the anterior end of shaft 27 extending through the one such aperture L on a first surface of tension post lower member 22 that is vertically aligned to the aperture L on the second surface of tension post lower member 22 (which is parallel to the first surface of tension post lower member 22) through which the head 25 connected to the posterior end of shaft 27 extends.
The diameters of apertures H and L are larger than the diameter of shaft 27 so as to allow shaft 27 to be easily inserted into apertures H and L. Preferably, each diameter of aperture H and L is 1-5% larger than the diameter of shaft 27 to allow for a secure fitting of shaft 27 through apertures H and L and into the interior of tension post upper member 26.
To adjust the vertical position of tension post upper member 26 from an initial to a desired vertical position with tension post vertical adjustment pin 24 extending through initial aperture H on tension post upper member 26 and initial aperture L on tension post lower member 22 when initial apertures H and L are vertically aligned, the user pulls head 25 of pin 24, which withdraws shaft 27 of pin 24 from the interior of tension post upper member 26 through initial aperture H on tension post upper member 26 to allow for the anterior end of shaft 27 to retract fully from the interior of the tension post upper member 26 and out of initial aperture H and initial aperture L on tension post lower member 22. The vertical position of tension post upper member 26 can then be adjusted upward or downward as needed to the desired position from the aligned initial apertures H-L through which shaft 27 initially extended by aligning a desired aperture L on tension post lower member 22 to a desired aperture H on tension post upper member 26 and reinserting shaft 27 through the aligned desired apertures H-L to allow for shaft 27 to be inserted into the interior of tension post upper member 26 to engagingly secure tension post lower member 22 to tension post upper member 26.
Other alternative means of vertically adjusting tension post 20 can be used, including a lever (not depicted or numbered) with an upper end that a user can manipulate and a lower end which extends into the interior of tension post 20 and that is attached to a pneumatic cylinder disposed within tension post 20 such as those used and known in the art to adjust the height of furniture or chairs, a pressure actuated assembly extendable by fluid pressure and retractable by spring action such as that described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,833,973, or other known means of adjusting the height of a structure.
Center Post: Further in reference to
Upper center post 54 is comprised of top portion 57 and bottom portion 55. Top portion 57 of upper center post 54 corresponds with the portion of upper center post 54 that is not disposed within lower center post 52, and bottom portion 55 of upper center post 54 corresponds with the portion of upper center post 54 that is disposed within lower center post 52. Bottom portion 55 of upper center post 54 is disposed within lower center post 52 and can slidably move vertically upward and downward relative to lower center post 52 to allow the user to select a desired vertical position of upper center post 54. In a preferred embodiment, upper center post 54 is separable from lower center post 52 to allow for bottom portion 55 of upper center post 54 to be fully retractable from lower center post 52.
The vertical position of upper center post 54 can be adjusted using one of many known methods in the art. In one embodiment of the present invention and with reference to
As indicated above, positioned on a surface of upper center post 54 are one or more apertures X. The one or more apertures X are positioned on one or more of the same oriented surface (posterior, anterior, front, rear) as the one or more surfaces of lower center post 52 on which the one or more apertures Z are positioned. Preferably, the one or more apertures X are positioned on the posterior surface of upper center post 54 (not shown). Alternatively, the one or more apertures X are positioned on the anterior surface of upper center post 54 (not shown). Additionally, and alternatively, one or more apertures X are positioned on both the posterior and anterior surfaces of upper center post 54 (not shown). Alternatively, the one or more apertures X are positioned on one or more of the front and rear surfaces of upper center post 54 as shown in
Moreover, in an alternative preferred embodiment wherein one or more apertures X on upper center post 54 are positioned on two surfaces that are parallel to each other (e.g., posterior and anterior surfaces of upper center post 54, rear and front surfaces of upper center post 54) and one or more apertures Z on lower center post 52 are positioned on two surfaces that are parallel to each other (e.g., posterior and anterior surfaces of lower center post 52, rear and front surfaces of lower center post 52), the anterior end of center post vertical adjustment pin 58 extends through aperture X on a first surface of upper center post 54 that is vertically aligned to aperture X on the second surface of upper center post 54 which is parallel to the first surface of upper center post 54, with the vertical post adjustment pin 58 extending through aperture Z on a first surface of lower center post 52 and aperture Z on a second surface of upper center post 54 that is vertically aligned to aperture Z on the first surface of lower center post 52 and through which the posterior end of center post vertical adjustment pin 58 extends.
The diameters of apertures Z and X are larger than the diameter of center post vertical adjustment pin 58 so as to allow for easy center post vertical adjustment pin 58 insertion into apertures. Preferably, the diameter of each aperture Z and X is 1-5% larger than the diameter of center post vertical adjustment pin 58 to allow for a secure fitting of center post vertical adjustment pin 58 through such apertures. Alternatively, in another preferred embodiment of the invention and with reference to
Alternatively, and in another preferred embodiment of mobility device 1, other means known in the art can be used to vertically adjust the position of upper center post 54. Preferably, and with reference to
In a preferred embodiment and with reference to
Alternatively, and in another preferred embodiment, the longitudinal position of center post 50 is adjustable toward the anterior or posterior of mobility device 1 from an initial longitudinal position using any one of multiple known methods in the art. Preferably, base 10 includes a longitudinal rail that runs along the upper surface of longitudinal member 16 and lower center post 52 comprises a means for slidably attaching lower center post 52 to the longitudinal rail, disengaging lower center post 52 from an initial longitudinal position, sliding lower center post 52 longitudinally toward the anterior or posterior of mobility device 1 using the means for slidably attaching lower center post 52 to the longitudinal rail of longitudinal member 16 to position lower center post 52 to a desired longitudinal position on longitudinal member 16, and securing lower center post 52 in a final longitudinal position.
Alternatively, center post 50 can be longitudinally repositioned along longitudinal member 16 of base 10 where at least a portion of longitudinal member 16 between anterior member 12 and posterior member 14 has a hollow interior bound by perimeter surfaces (front perimeter surface, rear perimeter surface, upper perimeter surface, lower perimeter surface). In one such embodiment and with reference to
Stirrup: With reference to
In a preferred embodiment and as shown in
Alternatively, posterior section R of stirrup 60 is removably attached to remaining sections M and F of stirrup 60 in a manner similar to the removable attachment of anterior section F of stirrup 60 described above to allow for adjustment of the longitudinal length of stirrup 60 with section R attached to the remaining sections M and F of stirrup 60. In such an embodiment, one or more longitudinal hollow channels are positioned in the interior of middle section M of stirrup 60 and one or more longitudinal screws is attached to the anterior end of posterior section R of stirrup 60 that are insertable into the one or more longitudinal hollow channels positioned in the interior of section M of stirrup 60 to secure posterior section R to the remaining sections M and F of stirrup 60 so that the anterior end of posterior section R of stirrup 60 abuts the posterior end of section M of stirrup 60.
Additionally and alternatively, both the anterior section F and posterior section R of stirrup 60 are removably attached to middle section M of stirrup 60 in a manner similar to the removable attachment of either anterior section F of stirrup 60 or posterior section R of stirrup 60 to the remaining sections of stirrup 60 described above to allow for adjustment of the longitudinal length of stirrup 60 with both sections R and F attached to the section M of stirrup 60, with one or more anterior longitudinal hollow channels positioned in the interior of middle section M of stirrup 60 proximal the anterior of middle section M and one or more posterior longitudinal hollow channels positioned in the interior of middle section M of stirrup 60 proximal the posterior of middle section M and one or more longitudinal screws attached to the posterior end of anterior section F of stirrup 60 insertable into the middle section M anterior channels and one or more longitudinal screws attached to the anterior end of rear section R of stirrup 60 and insertable into the middle section M posterior channels.
Ball Joint Assembly: With reference to
Ball joint assembly J comprises (i) stirrup support plate 80 comprising a structural member with one or more vertical channels and attached to the lower surface 62 of stirrup 60 using attaching means 82, such attaching means 82 preferably comprising screws or support plate bolt/nut assemblies accommodated in the one or more vertical channels Y of stirrup 60, each such attaching means 82 extending through the one or more vertical channels Y to and through one of the one or more vertical channels in stirrup support plate 80: (ii) a socket 86 with a substantially spherical lower portion and a substantially cylindrical upper portion within which is accommodated bearing stud 84 with an upper end and a lower end, wherein at least a portion of bearing stud 84 is threaded and the upper end of bearing stud 84 extends vertically upward to and through a vertical channel in stirrup support plate 80 and to and through vertical channel U in stirrup 60 and secured therein; (iii) one or more brakes 90, preferably two brakes 90, each brake 90 comprising an upper surface, a portion of such upper surface being curved, and further comprising a substantially horizontal lower surface and a substantially semicircular vertical surface extending between the upper surface and the horizontal lower surface, wherein the curved portion of the upper surface of brake 90 abuts the substantially spherical lower portion of socket 86; (iv) casing 100 comprising an upper cylindrical portion 102 comprised of an inner curved surface and an outer curved surface and a lower horizontal portion 110 comprised of a topside and an underside, wherein cylindrical portion 102 and horizontal portion 110 form a substantially hollow open-top ended cavity, each of the inner and outer curved surfaces of cylindrical portion 102 has positioned thereon a plurality of apertures that define the ends of a plurality of casing hollow channels 106 that extend between inner and outer curved surfaces of cylindrical portion 102, and the underside of horizontal portion 110 is attached to upper portion 57 of upper center post 54 of center post 50; and (v) rail 92 comprising an underside and a topside, wherein the topside of rail 92 abuts but is not attached to the lower horizontal surface of each of the one or more brakes 90 and wherein the underside of rail 92 is attached to the topside of horizontal portion 110 of casing 100; and (vi) one or more brake screws 96 each comprising a horizontal segment 97 and a vertical segment 99 securedly attached to horizontal segment 97, wherein each horizontal segment 97 of each brake screw 96 comprises an interior end and an exterior end, wherein the interior end of each horizontal segment 97 of brake screw 96 extends through the aperture on the outer curved surface of cylindrical portion 102, the casing hollow channel 106 in cylindrical portion 102 between outer and inner curved surfaces of cylindrical portion 102, and the aperture on the inner curved surface of cylindrical portion 102 and abuts brake 90, preferably abutting the substantially semicircular vertical surface of each brake 90, to securedly engage brake 90 to the substantially spherical lower portion of socket 86. Such one or more brake screws 96 may be positioned to be oriented toward any of the anterior, posterior, front, or rear of mobility device 1.
In a preferred embodiment of mobility device 1 with two brakes 90 and two brake screws 96 and with reference to
In a preferred embodiment comprising two brakes 90, the upper surface of each brake 90 comprises a substantially quarter spherical depression, such depression accommodating approximately half of the substantially spherical lower portion of socket 86. Moreover, in such preferred embodiment, the substantially semicircular vertical surface of each brake 90 has positioned thereon a substantially circular-shaped notch forming a substantially cylindrical indentation in the semicircular vertical surface of brake 90 that radially aligns with the apertures on the outer and inner curved surfaces of cylindrical portion 102 and casing hollow channels 106 therebetween. Further, in such preferred embodiment, horizontal segment 97 of each brake screw 96 is substantially cylindrical. Furthermore, in such preferred embodiment, the diameter of the cylindrical indentation in the semicircular vertical surface of brake 90 is approximately equal to the diameter of horizontal segment of the brake screw 96. Additionally, in such preferred embodiment, the lower horizontal surfaces of the two brakes 90 comprise a substantially circular cross sectional surface area accommodated within casing 100 and that has a diameter that is less than the diameter of the cylindrical portion 102 of casing 100 such that when the two brakes 90 are positioned toward the center of casing 100 and abut one another, an annular gap surrounding the abutting brakes 90 and the inner surface of cylindrical portion 102 of casing 100 is formed. Moreover, in such preferred embodiment, the length of rail 92 approximates the diameter of cylindrical portion 102 of casing 100. Further, in such preferred embodiment, the substantially horizontal lower surface of each brake 90 has positioned thereon a substantially quadrilateral-shaped indentation, preferably rectangular or more preferably square, that accommodates rail 92. The width of the substantially quadrilateral indentation in the substantially horizontal lower surface of brake 90 approximates the width of rail 92 so that each brake 90, which abuts the topside of rail 92 at its substantially horizontal lower surface, is slidably and radially displaceable along rail 92. Preferably, the substantially quadrilateral indentation in the horizontal lower surface of brake 90 is radially aligned with the substantially cylindrical indentation in the semicircular vertical surface of brake 90, which in turn is radially aligned with the apertures on the outer and inner curved surfaces of cylindrical portion 102 of casing 100 and casing hollow channels 106 therebetween.
As indicated above, casing 100 has a substantially hollow cylindrical interior within which is positioned at least the lower spherical portion of socket 86, the one or more brakes 90, rail 92, and the one or more interior ends of each horizontal segment 97 of each of the one or more brake screws 96 wherein the interior end of each horizontal segment 97 of each brake 96 abuts one brake 90, with such interior end of each horizontal segment 97 of each brake 96 accommodated within the substantially cylindrical indentation the semicircular vertical surface of brake 90.
Moreover, as indicated above, positioned on casing 100 are a plurality of apertures on the outer and inner curved surfaces of cylindrical portion 102 of casing 100 and casing hollow channels 106 therebetween. Horizontal segment 97 of each of the one or more brake screws 96 extends distally and radially outwardly from casing 100, with the interior end of each horizontal segment 97 of each brake screw 96 abutting the substantially semicircular vertical surface of each brake 90 to securedly engage brake 90 to the substantially spherical lower portion of socket 86, with the substantially quarter spherical depression in the upper surface of each brake 90 accommodating approximately half of the substantially spherical lower portion of socket 86.
To adjust the orientation of stirrup 60, the user loosens brake screws 96 by rotating vertical segments 99 of brake screws 96, which retracts a portion of horizontal segments 97 of brake screws 96 from the interior of casing 100, with horizontal segments 97 displaced distally and radially outwardly from casing 100 and socket 86. The displacement of horizontal segments 97 of brake screws 96 results in separation of the interior end of horizontal segment 97 of brake screw 96 from brake 90 whereby interior end of horizontal segment 97 is (i) retracted out of the cylindrical indentation of semicircular vertical surface of brake 90 and (ii) displaced distally and radially outwardly from casing 100. Such displacement of horizontal segment 97 of brake screw 96 allows for brake 90 to be slidably and radially displaceable along rail 92. The displacement of the lower surface of each of the brakes 90 along rail 92 distally and radially outwardly from casing 100 allows for a gap to form between the upper surface of brake 90, which comprises a substantially quarter spherical depression, and the substantially spherical lower portion of socket 86 which heretofore had been accommodated within such depression. Such socket 86-brake 90 gap allows for movement of socket 86, which in turn allows for movement of stirrup 60 which is attached to socket 86 by the bearing stud 84 which is accommodated within the substantially cylindrical upper portion of socket 86 and extends vertically upward to and through a vertical channel in stirrup support plate 80 and to and through channel U in stirrup 60 and secured therein. Such movement of stirrup 60 comprises movement in various directions including (i) pivot inwardly or outwardly as shown in
Once the stirrup 60 is positioned in the user-desired position, the user tightens brake screws 96 by rotating vertical segments 99 of brake screws 96, which reintroduces a portion of horizontal segments 97 of brake screws 96 into the interior of casing 100, with horizontal segments 97 displaced proximally and radially inward toward casing 100 and socket 86. The displacement of horizontal segments 97 of brake screws 96 results in the abutment of the interior end of horizontal segment 97 of brake screw 96 with brake 90 whereby interior end of horizontal segment 97 is (i) extended into the cylindrical indentation of semicircular vertical surface of brake 90 and (ii) displaced proximally and radially inward toward casing 100. Such displacement of horizontal segment 97 of brake screw 96 allows for brake 90 to be slidably displaceable along rail 92 inward to a point where it securedly abuts socket 86, with such abutment occurring between the upper surface of each brake 90, comprised of a substantially quarter spherical depression, with socket 86, with such depression accommodating approximately half of the substantially spherical lower portion of socket 86. In a preferred embodiment, the contact of brake 90 with socket 86 from the abutment of the upper surface of each brake 90 with the lower portion of socket 86 displaces the socket 86 vertically upwardly, with the upper segment of the lower portion of socket 86 distal from brake 90 abutting the inner curved surface of upper cylindrical portion 102 of casing 100, further securing socket 86.
In an alternative embodiment, the interior end of each horizontal segment 97 of brake screw 96 is securedly attached to each brake 90, preferably such attachment positioned on the substantially semicircular vertical surface of brake 90, more preferably with such attachment comprising the securing of the interior end of each horizontal segment 97 of brake screw 96 within a substantially cylindrical indentation in the semicircular vertical surface of brake 90 that radially aligns with the apertures on the outer and inner curved surfaces of cylindrical portion 102 and the casing hollow channels 106 therebetween. To adjust the orientation of stirrup 60, the user loosens brake screws 96 by rotating vertical segments 99, which retracts a portion of horizontal segments 97 from the interior of casing 100, with horizontal segments 97 displaced horizontally radially outwardly and distally from socket 86. The displacement of horizontal segments 97 of brake screws 96 results in the displacement, also radially outwardly and distally from socket 86, of brakes 90 by the sliding of the lower surface of each brake 90 along rail 92 which is in contact with the brake 90 as described above. The displacement of brake 90 along rail 92 radially outwardly and distally from socket 86 allows for a gap to form between the upper surface of brake 90, which comprises a substantially quarter spherical depression, and the substantially spherical lower portion of socket 86 which heretofore had been accommodated within such depression. Such socket 86-brake 90 gap allows for movement of socket 86, which in turn allows for movement of stirrup 60 which is attached to socket 86 by the bearing stud 84 which is accommodated within the substantially cylindrical upper portion of socket 86 and extends vertically upward to and through a vertical channel in stirrup support plate 80 and to and through channel U in stirrup 60 and secured therein. Such movement of stirrup 60 comprises movement in various directions as described above and shown in
Stirrup Straps: With reference to
In a preferred embodiment, one or more strap attachment points 73, 74, 77, and 78 is adjustable. In this preferred embodiment and with reference to
Lateral Slide Track: With reference to
In a preferred embodiment and with reference to
Lateral Slide Bracket: With reference to
Lateral slide bracket 340 is comprised of (i) upper surface 350, (ii) lower surface 352 that abuts but is not attached to lower surface 310 of lateral slide track 300, (iii) anterior surface 342 and posterior surface 344 each extending vertically between surfaces 350 and 352, and (iv) side surfaces 346 and 348, preferably comprising front side surface 346 and rear side surface 348, each side surface each extending longitudinally between anterior and posterior surfaces 342 and 344, respectively, and vertically between upper and lower surfaces 350 and 352, respectively. Anterior surface 342 and posterior surface 344 each extend laterally between side surfaces 346 and 348. As indicated earlier, preferably, side surface 346 is proximal the front of lateral slide bracket 340 so as to comprise front surface 346 of lateral slide bracket 340 and side surface 348 is proximal the rear of lateral slide bracket 340 so as to comprise rear surface 348. At least a portion of lateral slide bracket 340 is hollow, preferably lateral slide bracket 340 is substantially hollow, more preferably lateral slide bracket 340 comprises a substantially open (hollow) interior comprised of perimeter segments 350, 352, 342, 344, 346, and 348 surrounding a substantially open (hollow) interior, more preferably entirely hollow.
In a preferred embodiment and with reference to
Moreover, and in a preferred embodiment of mobility device 1, lateral slide bracket 340 is laterally displaceable along one or more rails 305 attached to lateral slide track 300. In a preferred embodiment wherein lateral slide track 300 has one or more lateral slide track rails 305, lateral slide bracket 340 comprises one or more void spaces to accommodate such lateral slide track rails 305. In a preferred embodiment, wherein lateral slide track 300 has positioned on lower surface 310 a lateral slide track rail 305 and with reference to
Alternatively, and with reference to
Lateral slide bracket 340 is securedly engaged to lateral slide track 300 using any one of many known methods in the art. Preferably, lateral slide bracket 340 is secured to lateral slide track 300 through use of a lateral slide bracket pin 362 extending downward through gap 306 of lateral slide track 300 that is secured against the upper surface 350 of lateral slide bracket 340. In one such preferred embodiment, lateral slide bracket pin 362 is comprised of head (not separately numbered) attached to the upper end of a shaft (not separately numbered). Lateral slide bracket pin 362 is inserted through gap 306 of lateral slide track 300, aperture G on lateral slide bracket upper surface 350, lateral slide bracket hollow channel 364, and aperture E on lateral slide bracket lower surface 352 to a vertical position wherein the lower portion of the shaft of lateral slide bracket pin 362 abuts lower surface 310 of lateral slide track 300 to secure lateral slide bracket 340 to lateral slide track 300 to render lateral slide bracket 340 immovable laterally.
In a preferred embodiment of such mobility device 1, a set screw (not separately numbered or depicted) is positioned in the lower portion of lateral slide bracket hollow channel 364. Lateral slide bracket pin 362 is inserted vertically downward through gap 306 of lateral slide track 300, aperture G on upper surface 350 of lateral slide bracket 340 through the interior of lateral slide bracket 340 to and through aperture E on lower surface 352 of lateral slide bracket 340 to a vertical position wherein the lower end of the shaft of lateral slide bracket pin 362 engages the upper portion of the set screw and pushes the lower portion of the set screw through aperture E on lower surface 352 of lateral slide bracket 340, with such set screw lower portion abutting lower surface 310 of lateral slide track 300 to secure lateral slide bracket 340 to lateral slide track 300 to render lateral slide bracket 340 immovable laterally. Most preferably, lateral slide bracket pin 362 bridges the vertical gap above the upper surface 350 of lateral slide bracket 340 and below the upper surface 302 of lateral slide track 300 such that the lateral slide bracket 340 cannot be laterally displaced.
To adjust the lateral position of lateral slide bracket 340 when the shaft of the lateral slide bracket pin 362 is inserted in lateral slide bracket hollow channel 364 such that the lower portion of the shaft of lateral slide bracket pin 362 or, as may be, the set screw positioned in lateral slide bracket hollow channel 364, abuts the lower surfaced 310 of lateral slide track 300, the user retracts lateral slide bracket pin 362 by turning or pulling the head of lateral slide bracket pin 362 which vertically retracts a portion of the shaft of lateral slide bracket pin 362 from the interior of lateral slide bracket 340 to thereby separate the lower portion of the shaft of lateral slide bracket pin 362 or, as may be, the set screw in lateral slide bracket hollow channel 364, from the lower surface 310 of lateral slide track 300, which renders lateral slide bracket 340 movable laterally. The user then positions the lateral slide bracket 340, preferably with lateral slide bracket 340 sliding laterally along one or more lateral slide track rails 305 accommodated and positioned within one or more void spaces laterally passing through lateral slide bracket 340 as shown in
In an alternative embodiment of mobility device 1 and with reference to
Lateral slide bracket pin nut 365 is longitudinally positioned to substantially coincide with the gap 306 of lateral slide track 300. Lateral slide bracket pin nut 365 is vertically positioned to extend above upper surface 302 of lateral slide track 300 downward through gap 306 of lateral slide track 300 toward lateral slide bracket 340. Preferably, the upper segment of lateral slide bracket pin nut 365 is vertically positioned substantially above upper surface 302 of lateral slide track 300 and is displaceable downward so as to position a greater portion of upper segment of lateral slide bracket pin nut 365 below upper surface 302 of lateral slide track 300 upon the lowering of lateral slide bracket pin 362. The lower segment of lateral slide bracket pin nut 365 is vertically positioned below upper surface 302 of lateral slide track 300 and is displaceable downward toward the upper surface 350 of lateral slide bracket 340. Additionally, and preferably, lateral slide bracket pin 362 comprises a head attached to the upper end of a shaft which is threaded and the interior of the hollow void in the upper segment of lateral slide bracket pin nut 365 and interior of the hollow portion of lower segment of lateral slide bracket pin nut 365 are threated to receptively accommodate the threading of the shaft of lateral slide bracket pin 362.
Positioned below lateral slide bracket pin nut 365 is lateral slide bracket stopper 366 comprised of an upper surface, a lower surface, and one or more vertical surfaces therebetween. Preferably, lateral slide bracket pin stopper 366 is substantially cylindrical comprising a thin cylinder with a large diameter relative to height and comprising a horizontal upper circular surface, a horizontal lower circular surface, and a vertical side circular surface therebetween. More preferably, lateral slide bracket stopper 366 sits in an indentation on the upper surface 350 of lateral slide bracket 340 having substantially the same cross sectional area as lateral slide bracket stopper 366. Additionally and more preferably, positioned on the upper surface of lateral slide bracket stopper 366 is a protrusion which extends vertically above the upper surface of lateral slide bracket stopper 366, such protrusion longitudinally positioned to align with gap 306 of lateral slide track 300 and having a cross sectional area smaller relative to the cross sectional area of the remaining, lower portion of lateral slide bracket stopper 366. More preferably, such protrusion has an open topside and is substantially cylindrical, having a closed underside corresponding with the upper surface of lateral slide bracket stopper 366. Additionally, and more preferably, lateral slide bracket pin 362 comprises a head attached to the upper end of a shaft which is threaded and the interior of the protrusion of the lateral slide bracket stopper 366 is threaded to receptively accommodate the threading of the shaft of lateral slide bracket pin 362.
In embodiments of mobility device 1 comprising a lateral slide bracket pin nut 365 and lateral slide bracket stopper 366, the lateral slide bracket pin 362 is longitudinally positioned to align with gap 306 of lateral slide track 300 and the lower portion of lateral slide bracket pin 362 is inserted into the open topside of the upper segment of lateral slide bracket pin nut 365 which is aligned with gap 306 of lateral slide track 300, through the hollow void in the interior of the upper segment of lateral slide bracket pin nut 365, through the open underside of the upper segment of lateral slide bracket pin nut 365, and through the hollow portion of the lower segment of lateral slide bracket pin nut 365 to a vertical position wherein the lower portion of lateral slide bracket pin 362 abuts the lateral slide bracket stopper 366. In preferred embodiments, the lower end of the shaft of lateral slide bracket pin 362 is inserted into the gap 306 of lateral slide track 300 and lateral slide bracket pin nut 365 as set forth above, with the lower portion of the shaft downwardly inserted to a vertical position wherein it abuts the lateral slide bracket stopper 366, more preferably, such shaft is inserted into a protrusion extending upward from the lateral slide bracket stopper 366 upper surface, with such insertion extending downwardly to a vertical position where lateral slide bracket pin 362 abuts lateral slide bracket stopper 366 upper surface which corresponds with the closed underside of such protrusion. The lateral slide bracket pin 362 is inserted so that the compression imparted by lateral slide bracket pin 362 extending through lateral slide bracket pin nut 365 on lateral slide bracket stopper 366 and lateral slide bracket 340 renders lateral slide bracket 340 immovable laterally.
Preferably, as indicated earlier, the shaft of lateral slide bracket pin 362 is threaded and the interior of the upper segment of lateral slide bracket pin nut 365 is threaded so as to receptively accommodate the threading of threaded shaft of lateral slide bracket pin 362. In such embodiments, the downward insertion of lateral slide bracket pin 362 through lateral slide bracket pin nut 365 comprises screwing, with the continued screwing down of the lateral slide bracket pin 362 after abutment with lateral slide bracket stopper 366 causing the lowering of the lateral slide bracket pin nut 365 downward to a point where lateral slide bracket pin nut 365 abuts lateral slide bracket stopper 366, more preferably the lower portion of lateral slide bracket pin nut 365 abutting a protrusion extending upward from the upper surface of lateral slide bracket stopper 366, with the lateral slide bracket pin nut 365 and the lateral slide bracket stopper 366 thereunder bridging the vertical gap above the lateral slide bracket 340 and below the upper surface 302 of lateral slide track 300 such that the lateral slide bracket 340 cannot be laterally displaced.
In a preferred embodiment, mobility device 1 comprises a lateral slide bracket pin nut 365-lateral slide bracket stopper 366 combination and wherein the lateral slide bracket pin 362, preferably comprising a head attached to the upper end of a shaft that is more preferably threaded, is longitudinally aligned with gap 306 of lateral slide track 300, the lower portion of pin 362 is inserted into and through the lateral slide bracket pin nut 365 to a vertical position of abutment with the lateral slide bracket stopper 366 so as to laterally secure the lateral slide bracket 340 which is positioned below the lateral slide bracket stopper 366, with the lateral slide bracket pin nut 365 and lateral bracket stopper 366 bridging the vertical gap above upper surface 350 of lateral slide bracket 340 and below upper surface 302 of lateral slide track 300. To adjust the lateral position of lateral slide bracket 340, the user retracts lateral slide bracket pin 362, preferably such pin 362 comprising a head attached to the upper end of a threaded shaft and such retraction comprising the unscrewing of the threaded shaft of lateral slide bracket pin 362. Such retraction results in the separation of the lateral slide bracket pin 362 from the lateral slide bracket stopper 366, preferably separation from the upper surface of the lateral slide bracket stopper 366 and more preferably separation from the lateral slide bracket stopper 366 to substantially or completely retract lateral slide bracket pin 362 from a hollow protrusion positioned on the upper surface of lateral slide bracket stopper 366. Such separation relieves the compression imparted by lateral slide bracket pin 362 and lateral slide bracket stopper 366 on lateral slide bracket 340 so as to render lateral slide bracket 340 movable laterally. The retraction of lateral slide bracket pin 362 results in the (i) upward displacement of lateral slide bracket pin 362 to a position where pin 362 does not abut the upper surface of lateral slide bracket stopper 366 and (ii) upward displacement of lateral slide bracket pin nut 365 to a position whereby lateral slide bracket pin nut 365 does not abut lateral slide bracket stopper 366 and the lateral slide bracket stopper 366 and lateral slide bracket pin nut 365 do not bridge the vertical gap above the upper surface 350 of lateral slide bracket 340 and below the upper surface 302 of lateral slide track 300. After relief of the compression imparted by lateral slide bracket pin 362 and lateral slide bracket stopper 366 on lateral slide bracket 340, the user then laterally displaces the lateral slide bracket 340 toward the rear or front of mobility device 1 as needed, preferably with lateral slide bracket 340 displacing laterally along one or more lateral slide track rails 305 accommodated and positioned within one or more void spaces laterally passing through lateral slide bracket 340 as shown in
Alternatively, the position of lateral slide bracket 340 can be laterally adjusted and secured to lateral slide track 300 using any one of other alternate multiple means known in the art.
Adjustment of Tension in Tension Strap 390: With reference to
Adjustment of Tension in Tension Strap 390 with Angulatedly Displaceable Handle 370 Attached to Lateral Slide Bracket 340: With reference to
Lever 375 comprises a substantially hollow structure with an upper portion and a lower portion and with an opening proximal lateral side bracket 340. Additionally and preferably, lever 375 is (i) cylindrically shaped, (ii) the topside of lever 375 in the upper portion of lever 375 is open, and (iii) the opening is positioned in the lower portion of lever 375. Additionally, and in a preferred embodiment, the underside of lever 375 in the lower portion of 375 is closed. Moreover and in a preferred embodiment, the exterior of upper portion of lever 375 is sheathed with lever cover 372. Preferably, lever cover 372 is made of a material conducive to serving as a grip for the user's hand. More preferably, such material is one or more materials selected from the group consisting of synthetic rubber, natural rubber, or a thermo-plastic material such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinylchloride (PVC), neoprene, or a polyolefin such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polymethylpentene (PMP), or polybutane-1 (PB-1). Further and preferably, lever grip 357 is positioned between the upper portion and lower portion of lever 375.
The lower portion of lever 375 is attached to lever joint 371. Lever joint 371 comprises a substantially hollow casing within which is housed bearing 359 which is rotatable within the hollow casing comprising lever joint 371. The rotatability of bearing 359 allows for lever joint 371 and lever 375 attached to lever joint 371 to rotate around an axis that is substantially perpendicular to lateral slide bracket 340.
Lever joint 371 is attached to ratchet gear 378. Additionally, in a preferred embodiment, bearing 359 is attached to ratchet gear 378. Such attachment can be accomplished using any one or more known structures used in the attachment of physical objects, such as screws (with or without washers), nut/bolt assemblies, and clamps.
In a preferred embodiment, ratchet gear 378 comprises a structure with an anterior end substantially parallel to rear surface 348 and front surface of lateral slide bracket 340, a lower end substantially parallel to lower surface 352 of lateral slide bracket 340, and a posterior end between anterior end and lower end, the posterior end having an inner edge and an outer edge, whereby the outer edge comprises a substantially 90-degree arc between lower end and anterior end. Positioned on the inner edge of posterior end of ratchet gear 378 are gear teeth 379 (a plurality of gear tooth 379), each such gear tooth 379 formed by an upper edge and a lower edge joined to upper edge thereby creating anterior vertex V proximal the anterior of mobility device 1. Separating adjacent gear teeth 379, whereby adjacent gear teeth 379 comprise a first gear tooth 379 and a second gear tooth 379 positioned vertically below first gear tooth 379, is inner vertex W proximal the posterior of mobility device 1, such inner vertex W formed by the lower edge of the first gear tooth 379 and the upper edge of the second gear tooth 379. Preferably, gear teeth 379 are uniform but asymmetrical, with each gear tooth 379 having a moderate slope on one edge and a much steeper slope on the other edge. More preferably, the gear teeth 379 are substantially triangular in shape and the void space between adjacent gear teeth 379 is substantially triangular.
The rotatability of lever 375 at lever joint 371 around an axis substantially perpendicular to lateral slide bracket 340 at lever joint 371 resulting from bearing 359 housed in the interior of lever joint 371 allows for lever 375 of handle 370 to be extendable angulatedly from lateral slide bracket 340 toward the posterior of mobility device 1 until it is substantially parallel with lower surface 352 of lateral slide bracket 340 and toward the anterior of mobility device 1 until it is substantially perpendicular with lower surface 352 of lateral slide bracket 340.
The angular orientation of lever 375 of handle 370 is adjustable using any one of multiple methods known in the art. In a preferred embodiment, positioned in the interior of lever 375 of handle 370 is spring 373 with an upper end and a lower end, the lower end of spring 373 attached to one or more of the exterior of casing of lever joint 371 and a closed underside of lever 375. Attached to the upper end of spring 373 is slider 377 which is also positioned in the interior of lever 375 of handle 370. Slider 377 comprises a structure with an upper end and a lower end, a first side end that is proximal ratchet gear 378 and a second side end that is distal from ratchet gear 378 wherein each side end extends between the upper and lower ends, and an anterior and a posterior end each extending between the upper and lower ends and the first and second side ends, with the lower end of slider 377 attached to the upper end of spring 373.
Also positioned in the interior of lever 375 of handle 370 is pawl 367. Pawl 367 comprises an upper surface oriented toward the anterior of mobility device 1, a lower surface oriented toward the posterior of mobility device 1, a first side surface that is proximal ratchet gear 378 and a second side surface that is distal from ratchet gear 378. Each side surface of pawl 367 extends between the upper and lower surfaces of pawl 367 and at least a portion of the lower surface of pawl 367 engages an edge of a gear tooth 379, preferably the upper edge of gear tooth 379. The engaging of pawl 367 to a gear tooth 379 angulatedly secures lever 375 to ratchet gear 378 such that bearing 359 in lever joint 371 is not rotatable which prevents the rotation of lever joint 371 and lever 375 attached to lever joint 371 around an axis that is substantially perpendicular to lateral slide bracket 340.
In one preferred embodiment, slider 377 is directly attached to pawl 367, preferably with the second side surface of pawl 367 attached to the first side end of slider 377. The thickness (lateral dimension) of slider 377 is sized so that at least the first side surface of pawl 367 and at least a portion of the lower surface of pawl 367 extends outside the interior of lever 375 through the opening at lower portion of lever 375 proximal lateral side bracket 340, with such portion of the lower surface of pawl 367 engaging a gear tooth 379. More preferably, the thickness of slider 377 is sized so that pawl 367 is substantially positioned exterior the interior of lever 375.
Alternatively, and in a preferred embodiment, slider 377 is attached to spacer (not numbered or depicted) and spacer is attached to pawl 367 such that spacer is laterally positioned between slider 377 and pawl 367. The joint thickness (lateral dimension) of slider 377 and spacer is sized so that at least the first side surface of pawl 367 and at least a portion of the lower surface of pawl 367 extend outside the interior of lever 375 through the opening on the surface of handle 370 proximal lateral slide bracket 340, with such portion of the lower surface of pawl 367 engaging a gear tooth 379. More preferably, the joint thickness of slider 377 and spacer is sized so that pawl 367 is substantially positioned exterior the interior of lever 375.
Also positioned in the interior of lever 375 of handle 370 is trigger rod 376 with an upper end and a lower end, wherein the lower end is attached to upper surface of slider 377. Preferably, trigger rod 376 is substantially cylindrically shaped. More preferably, the horizontal cross sectional area of trigger rod 376 is less than the horizontal cross sectional area of slider 377. Attached to the upper end of trigger rod 376 is trigger 374 with an upper end and a lower end wherein the lower end of trigger 374 is attached to the upper end of trigger rod 376 and at least a portion of the upper end extends outside the interior of lever 375 through the open top of lever 375 so as to be positioned to allow a user to touch trigger 374.
In an initial angular orientation of lever 375, pawl 367 engages initial gear tooth 379 of ratchet gear 378, preferably with at least a portion of the lower surface of the pawl 367 engaging an edge of initial gear tooth 379, more preferably the upper edge of initial gear tooth 379 such that the upper surface of pawl 367 is positioned in the void space above initial gear tooth 379. The engagement of pawl 367 to initial gear tooth 379 keeps pawl 367 locked against initial gear tooth 379 to prevent any change of angular orientation of lever 375 via the pivotal rotation of lever 375 at lever joint 371. To change the angular orientation of lever 375 from an initial angular orientation associated with pawl 367 engaged to initial gear tooth 379 to a final angular orientation associated with pawl 367 engaged to final gear tooth 379, user depresses trigger 374 causing the depression of trigger rod 376 and slider 377 to a position lower in the interior of lever 375, with the depression of slider 377 compressing and springably lowering the upper end of spring 373 within the interior of lever 375. The depression of slider 377, which is directly or indirectly via spacer attached to pawl 367, causes the displacement of pawl 367 toward the lower portion of lever 375 and distally from upper portion of lever 375. The displacement of pawl 367 causes the lower surface of pawl 367 to become disengaged from the edge of initial gear tooth 379 and the positioning of pawl 367 anterior the anterior vertex V of initial gear tooth 379 and the void space positioned above initial gear tooth 379. This displacement of pawl 367 angulatedly frees lever 375 from ratchet gear 378 such that bearing 359 in lever joint 371 is rotatable which allows for the rotation of lever joint 371 and lever 375 attached to lever joint 371 around an axis that is substantially perpendicular to lateral slide bracket 340. As such, lever 375 becomes freely rotatably at lever joint 371 due to the rotatability of bearing 359 housed in the interior of lever joint 371 attached to lever 375. With lever 375 freely rotatable, user can extend lever 375 angulatedly toward the posterior of mobility device 1, preferably to a maximum angulation toward the posterior of mobility device 1 whereby lever 375 is substantially parallel to the lower surface 352 of lateral slide bracket 340, or toward the anterior of mobility device 1, preferably to a maximum angulation toward the anterior of mobility device whereby lever 375 is substantially perpendicular to the lower surface 352 of lateral slide bracket 340. With handle 375 thus freely rotatable, user angulatedly positions handle 375 to a desired angular position.
When the lever 375 is in the desired angular orientation, user releases trigger 374 causing the decompression of spring 373, which results in the displacement of the upper end of spring 373, trigger rod 376, and slider 377 upward in the interior of lever 375. This upward displacement of slider 377, which is directly or indirectly via spacer attached to pawl 367, causes the displacement of pawl 367 toward the upper portion of lever 375 and distally from upper portion of lever 375. This displacement of pawl 367 causes the lower surface of pawl 367 to become engaged with an edge of final gear tooth 379. This displacement of pawl 367 and engagement of pawl 367 to final gear tooth 379 angulatedly secures lever 375 to ratchet gear 378 such that bearing 359 in lever joint 371 is not rotatable, which thus rotatably secures lever joint 371 and lever 375 attached to lever joint 371 to ratchet gear 378.
Adjustment of Tension in Tension Strap 390 with Tension Strap Reel: In an alternative embodiment and with reference to
Disposed above reel 406 is reel assembly cover 408 which is attached to upper surface 350 of lateral slide bracket 340. Preferably, disposed between reel assembly cover 408 and upper surface 350 of lateral slide bracket 340 is one or more spacers (not depicted or numbered). Reel assembly cover 408 is comprised of an integral structure or one or more integral structures joined together to form one structure with a hanger shape comprising a substantially rectangular anterior portion and a posterior portion with a void positioned between the anterior and posterior portions of reel assembly cover 408. The void of reel assembly cover 408 is sized to accommodate reel 406 and secure reel 406 therein. Preferably, the void is substantially circular and reel 406 is substantially cylindrical and accommodated within the substantially circular void of reel assembly cover 408.
Reel 406 is rotatably attached to reel gear 414 comprising a substantially circular disc with a plurality of reel gear teeth (not numbered) positioned around the disc circumference. Each such gear tooth is formed by an upper edge and a lower edge joined to upper edge thereby creating an outer vertex, with an inner vertex formed by the lower edge of a gear tooth and the upper edge of the adjacent reel gear teeth such that the inner vertex separates adjacent reel gear teeth. The upper surface of the disc of reel gear 414 is attached to reel knob 416. Preferably, one or more bearings is disposed between reel 406 and reel gear 414.
Positioned on and secured to reel assembly cover 408 is reel pawl 412. Reel pawl 412 has an anterior end, posterior end, and first and second sides extending between anterior and posterior ends. Preferably, the first side of reel pawl 412 is proximal the front of mobility device 1 and the second side of reel pawl 412 is proximal the rear of mobility device 1 such that the first side comprises a front side of reel pawl 412 and a second side comprises a rear side of reel pawl 412. An end or side of reel pawl 412 engages one tooth of reel gear 414 (“reel pawl engaged surface”). Preferably, the posterior end of reel pawl 412 comprises the reel pawl engaged surface and engages one reel tooth of reel gear 414.
In a preferred embodiment, reel pawl 412 is secured to reel assembly cover 408 by a reel pawl peg (not numbered) comprising a protuberance extending vertically upward from reel assembly cover 408. In such preferred embodiment, the anterior of reel pawl 412 has positioned therein a substantially vertical void space substantially sized to accommodate the reel pawl peg, preferably approximating the size of the reel pawl peg. The reel pawl peg is positioned within the vertical void space at the anterior of reel pawl 412. More preferably, the upper end of the reel pawl peg has a hollow channel through which a securing device, preferably a cotter pin, can be inserted to maintain reel pawl 412 secured to and positioned on reel assembly cover 408.
Extending anteriorly from one of the anterior end of reel pawl 412, first side of reel pawl 412, or second side of reel pawl 412 is reel pawl tab (not numbered). Preferably, reel pawl tab extends anteriorly from the first side of reel pawl 412 and the first side of reel pawl 412 comprises a front side of reel pawl 412 and reel pawl tab extends anteriorly therefrom. Alternatively and in a preferred embodiment, the second side of reel pawl 412 comprises a rear side of reel pawl 412 and reel pawl tab extends anteriorly therefrom.
Secured to the side of reel pawl 412 opposite the side with reel pawl tab is a first end of reel pawl spring 410, and a second end of reel pawl spring 410 is secured to reel assembly cover 408. Preferably, the second end of reel pawl spring 410 comprises a substantially circular loop that is placed over and secured to a spring peg (not numbered) comprising a protuberance extending vertically upward from reel assembly cover 408 and positioned distally from the reel pawl peg.
Reel gear 414 can move without restriction in an unrestricted direction, preferably the unrestricted direction being counterclockwise, when the plurality of reel gear teeth move in the unrestricted direction, with the reel pawl 412 engaged surface easily sliding up and over the edges of the plurality of gear teeth of reel gear 414. The stiffness of reel pawl spring 410 maintains reel pawl 412 engaged to a gear tooth of reel gear 414, with reel pawl spring 410 forcing the reel pawl 412 engaged surface into the depression between the plurality of gear teeth, i.e., proximal the inner vertex formed by the lower edge of a gear tooth and the upper edge of an adjacent reel gear teeth, as the reel pawl 412 engaged surface passes the outer vertex of each reel pawl tooth. When reel gear 414 moves in a restricted direction opposite the unrestricted direction, preferably the restricted direction being clockwise, the reel pawl 412 engaged surface catches against the edge of the first gear tooth it encounters, thereby engaging the reel pawl 412 engaged surface within the inner vertex between adjacent reel gear teeth and preventing any further motion of reel gear 414 in the restricted direction.
To impart tension on tension strap 390 and remove any slack length of tension strap 390 during use, the user secures the leg of the foot on stirrup 60 to tension strap 390 and rotates in the unrestricted direction reel knob 406, which rotates reel gear 414 and reel 406, resulting in the winding of tension strap 390 around reel 406 and an overall shorter free longitudinal length of tension strap 390 unwound off of reel 406 and positioned to the posterior of lateral slide bracket 340. After use and to allow for the user to introduce slack to tension strap 390 so as to remove the leg from tension strap 390, the user removes the tension in tension strap 390 by triggering and holding reel pawl tab of reel pawl 412 which causes displacement of reel pawl 412 distally from reel pawl spring 410, causing the extension of reel pawl spring 410 and the disengagement of reel pawl 412 engaged surface from any reel teeth of reel gear 414, which allows for free rotation of reel 406, reel gear 414, and reel knob 406 in the restricted direction resulting from the lack of engagement of reel pawl 412 engaged surface on any reel tooth of reel gear 414.
Tension Strap: With reference to
In a preferred embodiment, tension strap 390 comprises a strap member with a free first end and a second end attached to a tension strap buckle to allow for the user to adjust the total circumferential length of strap member when tension strap 390 is in use by a user by increasing or decreasing the slack length of strap member of tension strap 390. More preferably, positioned on the exterior surface of strap member to the anterior or posterior of tension strap buckle is tension strap loop (not depicted or numbered) through which the slack length of tension strap 390 passes. Tension strap loop may be affixed to the exterior surface of tension strap 390 using any one of many methods known in the art, such as adhesive or stitching. Additionally, and more preferably, positioned on the free end of strap member is end tip (not depicted or numbered) which serves to protect the end of the slack length of the strap member after passing through tension strap buckle. More preferably, positioned on the exterior of strap member to the anterior or posterior of tension strap buckle is a tension strap loop (not depicted or numbered) through which the slack length of strap member of tension strap 390 passes. The tension strap loop may be affixed to strap member of tension strap 390 using any one of many methods known in the art, such as adhesive or stitching.
Tension strap buckle can comprise any one of multiple buckle designs known in the art. Preferably, tension strap buckle comprises a frame with an upper portion, anterior portion, lower portion, and posterior portion, and a prong with a first end and a second end and which goes across the frame, extending longitudinally between anterior and posterior portions, with the first end of the prong attached to one of the anterior or posterior portions and the second end passing through one of a plurality of apertures on strap member and coming to rest against one of the posterior or anterior portions, respectively. Tension strap buckle can be made from any one of many materials known in the art, such as plastic or metal. Preferably, tension strap buckle is made of metal and tension strap 390 is made of rubber. Additionally and preferably, positioned on tension strap 390 is one or more apertures through which the prong of the tension strap buckle is passed so as to secure tension strap 390 and fix the total circumferential length of strap member when tension strap 390 is in use by a user.
In one embodiment of mobility device 1 and with reference to
In an embodiment of mobility device 1 wherein tension strap 390 tension is controllable by a tension strap reel assembly and with reference to
Sensors: In a preferred embodiment, mobility device 1 is integrated with a plurality of sensors that can measure the position of structures of mobility device 1 and transmit such position measurements to a digital storage medium for storage. Integrated in stirrup 60 is stirrup position sensor which measures at least the height of stirrup 60 and angle of stirrup 60 with respect the longitudinal axis, lateral axis, and vertical axis of mobility device 1 which are defined by the middle longitudinal portion 16 of base 10, an axis passing through such stirrup sensor and parallel to one of the anterior portion 12 of base 10 and posterior portion 14 of base 10, and center post 50, respectively. Additionally, the user places around the calf of the leg with the foot that is on stirrup 60 calf sensor band 399 (
The user adjusts the vertical positions of each of center post 50 and tension post 20 to the desired vertical position and adjusts the lateral position of lateral slide bracket 340 to the desired lateral position. Moreover, in preferred embodiments of mobility device 1 wherein the longitudinal position of center post 50 is adjustable, the user adjusts the longitudinal position of center post 50 to the desired longitudinal position. The user establishes the angular orientation of stirrup 60 via manipulation of ball joint assembly J. The user places the desired foot on stirrup 60 and positions talus tension strap 76 over the top of the foot at the ankle joint line and positions the calcaneus distraction strap 72 around the back of the foot where the Achilles tendon meets the calcaneus. When the foot is secured in the stirrup 60, the user wraps the tension strap 390 around the back of the calf of the leg whose foot is in the stirrup 60, preferably above the Achilles tendon. In order to position tension strap 390 around the exercise leg, tension strap 390 must be slack enough to allow for the user to slide tension strap 390 up and around the exercise leg which can be accomplished by adjusting tension in tension strap 390 using one of the methods for tension strap 390 tension adjustment described herein as needed in order to create sufficient slack in tension strap 390 to allow for positioning tension strap 390 around the exercise leg. The user then imparts the desired tension in tension strap 390 by adjusting the tension in tension strap 390 using one of the methods of tension strap 390 tension adjustment described herein. The user is then ready to commence exercises in mobility device 1 according to the instructions of a physical therapist or other professional. At the end of the exercises, the user reduces the tension in tension strap 390, removes tension strap 390 from the exercised leg, and removes the foot from stirrup 60 by removing the foot from the space bound by straps 72 and 76.
Claims
1. A mobility device for use in physical therapy comprising:
- a. A base;
- b. A tension post attached to the base wherein the vertical position of the tension post is adjustable through means for vertically adjusting the tension post;
- c. A center post attached to the base posterior the tension post and that is longitudinally displaceable, wherein the vertical position of the center post is adjustable through means for vertically adjusting the post;
- d. Means for adjusting the angular orientation of a stirrup to allow for the stirrup to pivot inwardly and outwardly, pivot upwardly and downwardly, and rotate circularly about a vertical axis corresponding to the center post, wherein such means is attached to the center post;
- e. A stirrup attached to the means for adjusting the angular orientation of a stirrup;
- f. One or more straps attached to the stirrup for securing a foot to the stirrup;
- g. A lateral slide track attached to the tension post;
- h. A lateral slide bracket positioned within the lateral slide track and that is laterally displaceable;
- i. Means for securedly engaging the lateral slide bracket to the lateral slide track;
- j. A tension strap attached for securing a leg of the foot secured in the stirrup; and
- k. Means for adjusting the tension in the tension strap, such means attached to the lateral slide bracket.
2. A mobility device as claimed in claim 1, wherein one or more rails is attached to the lateral slide track and the lateral slide bracket is laterally displaceable along such one or more rails.
3. A mobility device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the longitudinal length of the stirrup is adjustable.
4. A mobility device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the stirrup has positioned therein a plurality of vertical channels and the means for adjusting the angular orientation of a stirrup comprise a ball joint assembly with an upper portion attached to the stirrup and a lower portion attached to the center post, and wherein the ball joint assembly comprises:
- a. A stirrup support plate through which extend a plurality of support plate channels and wherein each of the one or more support plate channels aligns with one of the plurality of stirrup vertical channels;
- b. One or more support plate-stirrup attachment assemblies wherein each assembly attaches the stirrup support plate to the stirrup and is accommodated in one of the one or more support plate-stirrup vertical channels;
- c. A ball joint comprising a bearing stud and a socket to which is attached the bearing stud and wherein the bearing stud extends through one of the plurality of support plate-stirrup vertical channels and is securedly engaged to the stirrup;
- d. One or more brakes abutting the socket;
- e. One or more brake screws comprising a horizontal segment comprising a first end and a second end and a vertical segment attached to the second end of the horizontal segment and wherein the first end of the horizontal segment of each brake screw has attached thereto one brake;
- f. A rail abutting each of the one or more brakes and wherein each of the one or more brakes is slidably displaceable along the rail; and
- g. A casing attached to the center post and having one or more casing hollow channels, wherein within the casing is accommodated at least a portion of the socket, each of the one or more brakes, at least the first end of the horizontal segment of each of the one or more brake screws, and the rail, and wherein the rail is securedly attached to the casing, and wherein the horizontal segment of each of the one or more brake screws extends through one of the one or more casing hollow channels so that the second end of the horizontal segment of each of the one or more brake screws and the vertical segment of each of the one or more brake screws is positioned outside the casing;
- h. Wherein the vertical segment of each of the one or more brake screws can be manipulated to retract at least a portion of the horizontal segment of each of the one or more brake screws from the casing and slidably displace each of the one or more brakes to form a gap between each of the one or more brakes and the socket of the ball joint to allow for movement of the ball joint and adjustment of the angular orientation of the stirrup which is securedly engaged to the bearing stud of the ball joint.
5. A mobility device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base comprises an anterior portion, a posterior portion, and a middle longitudinal portion with an anterior end connected to the anterior portion of the base and a posterior end connected to the posterior end of the base, and further comprising:
- a. A plurality of sensors comprising i. one or more stirrup sensors integrated in the stirrup and wherein at least one stirrup sensor measures the height and angle of the stirrup with respect a longitudinal axis defined by the middle longitudinal portion of the base, a lateral axis defined by an axis passing through such sensor and parallel to one of the anterior portion of the base and the posterior portion of the base, and vertical axis defined by the center post; and ii. A calf sensor band comprising a flexible band and one or more calf sensors integrated in the flexible band and wherein at least one calf sensor measures the distance between the calf sensor and at least one stirrup sensor and the angular orientation of the such calf sensor relative to at least one stirrup sensor; and
- b. Means for relaying sensor measurements to a means for recording the measurements.
6. A mobility device for use in physical therapy comprising:
- a. A base;
- b. A tension post attached to the base wherein the vertical position of the tension post is adjustable through means for vertically adjusting the tension post;
- c. A center post attached to the base posterior the tension post and that is longitudinally displaceable, wherein the vertical position of the center post is adjustable through means for vertically adjusting the post;
- d. Means for adjusting the angular orientation of a stirrup to allow for the stirrup to pivot inwardly and outwardly, pivot upwardly and downwardly, and rotate circularly about a vertical axis corresponding to the center post, wherein such means is attached to the center post;
- e. A stirrup attached to the means for adjusting the angular orientation of a stirrup;
- f. One or more straps attached to the stirrup for securing a foot to the stirrup;
- g. A lateral slide track attached to the tension post;
- h. A lateral slide bracket positioned within the lateral slide track and that is laterally displaceable;
- i. Means for securedly engaging the lateral slide bracket to the lateral slide track; and
- j. A tension strap reel assembly comprising: i. A reel assembly base attached to the lateral slide bracket; ii. A reel supported by the reel assembly base, wherein the reel is rotatable around an axis perpendicular to the lateral slide bracket and to which is secured one end of a tension strap for securing a leg of the foot secured in the stirrup and wherein the tension strap is woundable around the reel; iii. A reel assembly cover attached to the lateral slide bracket, wherein the reel assembly cover has positioned therein a void in which is accommodated the reel; iv. A reel pawl attached to the reel assembly cover and with an anterior end and a posterior end and a first side and a second side, wherein a tab extends anteriorly from one of the sides; v. A reel pawl spring with a first end attached to the reel pawl and a second end attached to the reel assembly cover; vi. A reel gear rotatably attached to the reel comprising a substantially circular disc with a plurality of adjacent reel gear teeth disposed around the disc circumference with each reel gear tooth separated from an adjacent reel gear tooth by a depression therebetween and wherein at least an end or side of the reel pawl engages a surface of a reel gear tooth and wherein the stiffness in the reel pawl spring maintains the reel pawl engaged to the reel gear with the positioning of the reel pawl engaged surface in a depression between adjacent reel gear teeth; vii. A reel knob rotatably attached to the reel gear; viii. Wherein the reel gear moves without restriction in a first direction when the plurality of reel gear teeth move in the first direction and with restriction in a second direction resulting from engagement of the reel pawl with at least one reel gear tooth; ix. Wherein tension in the tension strap is imparted by the rotation of the reel knob in the first direction whereby the reel gear and the reel rotate in the first direction resulting in the winding of the tension strap around the reel; and x. Wherein tension in the tension strap is removed by triggering and holding the reel pawl tab causing the extension of the reel pawl spring and the disengagement of the reel pawl from the reel gear and the rotation in the second direction of the reel, the reel gear, and the reel knob.
7. A mobility device as claimed in claim 6, wherein one or more rails is attached to the lateral slide track and the lateral slide bracket is laterally displaceable along such one or more rails.
8. A mobility device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the longitudinal length of the stirrup is adjustable.
9. A mobility device as claimed in claim 6 ball joint assembly, wherein the stirrup has positioned therein a plurality of vertical channels and the means for adjusting the angular orientation of a stirrup comprise a ball joint assembly with an upper portion attached to the stirrup and a lower portion attached to the center post, and wherein the ball joint assembly comprises:
- a. A stirrup support plate through which extend a plurality of support plate channels and wherein each of the one or more support plate channels aligns with one of the plurality of stirrup vertical channels;
- b. One or more support plate-stirrup attachment assemblies wherein each assembly attaches the stirrup support plate to the stirrup and is accommodated in one of the one or more support plate-stirrup vertical channels;
- c. A ball joint comprising a bearing stud and a socket to which is attached the bearing stud and wherein the bearing stud extends through one of the plurality of support plate-stirrup vertical channels and is securedly engaged to the stirrup;
- d. One or more brakes abutting the socket;
- e. One or more brake screws comprising a horizontal segment comprising a first end and a second end and a vertical segment attached to the second end of the horizontal segment and wherein the first end of the horizontal segment of each brake screw has attached thereto one brake;
- f. A rail abutting each of the one or more brakes and wherein each of the one or more brakes is slidably displaceable along the rail; and
- g. A casing attached to the center post and having one or more casing hollow channels, wherein within the casing is accommodated at least a portion of the socket, each of the one or more brakes, at least the first end of the horizontal segment of each of the one or more brake screws, and the rail, and wherein the rail is securedly attached to the casing, and wherein the horizontal segment of each of the one or more brake screws extends through one of the one or more casing hollow channels so that the second end of the horizontal segment of each of the one or more brake screws and the vertical segment of each of the one or more brake screws is positioned outside the casing; and
- h. Wherein the vertical segment of each of the one or more brake screws can be manipulated to retract at least a portion of the horizontal segment of each of the one or more brake screws from the casing and slidably displace each of the one or more brakes to form a gap between each of the one or more brakes and the socket of the ball joint to allow for movement of the ball joint and adjustment of the angular orientation of the stirrup which is securedly engaged to the bearing stud of the ball joint.
10. A mobility device as claimed in claim 6,
- a. wherein the base comprises an anterior portion, a posterior portion, and a middle longitudinal portion with an anterior end connected to the anterior portion of the base and a posterior end connected to the posterior end of the base, and further comprising
- b. A plurality of sensors comprising i. one or more stirrup sensors integrated in the stirrup and wherein at least one stirrup sensor measures the height and angle of the stirrup with respect a longitudinal axis defined by the middle longitudinal portion of the base, a lateral axis defined by an axis passing through such sensor and parallel to one of the anterior portion of the base and the posterior portion of the base, and vertical axis defined by the center post; and ii. A calf sensor band comprising a flexible band and one or more calf sensors integrated in the flexible band and wherein at least one calf sensor measures the distance between the calf sensor and at least one stirrup sensor and the angular orientation of the such calf sensor relative to at least one stirrup sensor; and
- c. Means for relaying sensor measurements to a means for recording the measurements.
11. A mobility device for use in physical therapy comprising:
- a. A base;
- b. A tension post attached to the base wherein the vertical position of the tension post is adjustable through means for vertically adjusting the tension post;
- c. A center post attached to the base posterior the tension post wherein the vertical position of the center post is adjustable through means for vertically adjusting the post;
- d. Means for adjusting the angular orientation of a stirrup to allow for the stirrup to pivot inwardly and outwardly, pivot upwardly and downwardly, and rotate circularly about a vertical axis corresponding to the center post, wherein such means is attached to the center post;
- e. A stirrup attached to the means for adjusting the angular orientation of a stirrup;
- f. One or more straps attached to the stirrup for securing a foot to the stirrup;
- g. A lateral slide track attached to the tension post;
- h. A lateral slide bracket positioned within the lateral slide track and that is laterally displaceable;
- i. Means for securedly engaging the lateral slide bracket to the lateral slide track;
- j. A ratchet gear attached to the lateral slide bracket;
- k. A handle comprising a lever and a lever joint that is rotatably attached to the ratchet gear; and
- l. A tension strap attached to the handle for securing a leg of the foot secured in the stirrup.
12. A mobility device as claimed in claim 11, wherein one or more rails is attached to the lateral slide track and the lateral slide bracket is laterally displaceable along such one or more rails.
13. A mobility device as claimed in claim 11, wherein the longitudinal length of the stirrup is adjustable.
14. A mobility device for use in physical therapy as claimed in claim 11, wherein the stirrup has positioned therein a plurality of vertical channels and the means for adjusting the angular orientation of a stirrup comprise a ball joint assembly with an upper portion attached to the stirrup and a lower portion attached to the center post, and wherein the ball joint assembly comprises:
- a. A stirrup support plate through which extend a plurality of support plate channels and wherein each of the one or more support plate channels aligns with one of the plurality of stirrup vertical channels;
- b. One or more support plate-stirrup attachment assemblies wherein each assembly attaches the stirrup support plate to the stirrup and is accommodated in one of the one or more support plate-stirrup vertical channels;
- c. A ball joint comprising a bearing stud and a socket to which is attached the bearing stud and wherein the bearing stud extends through one of the plurality of support plate-stirrup vertical channels and is securedly engaged to the stirrup;
- d. One or more brakes abutting the socket;
- e. One or more brake screws comprising a horizontal segment comprising a first end and a second end and a vertical segment attached to the second end of the horizontal segment and wherein the first end of the horizontal segment of each brake screw has attached thereto one brake;
- f. A rail abutting each of the one or more brakes and wherein each of the one or more brakes is slidably displaceable along the rail; and
- g. A casing attached to the center post and having one or more casing hollow channels, wherein within the casing is accommodated at least a portion of the socket, each of the one or more brakes, at least the first end of the horizontal segment of each of the one or more brake screws, and the rail, and wherein the rail is securedly attached to the casing, and wherein the horizontal segment of each of the one or more brake screws extends through one of the one or more casing hollow channels so that the second end of the horizontal segment of each of the one or more brake screws and the vertical segment of each of the one or more brake screws is positioned outside the casing; and
- h. Wherein the vertical segment of each of the one or more brake screws can be manipulated to retract at least a portion of the horizontal segment of each of the one or more brake screws from the casing and slidably displace each of the one or more brakes to form a gap between each of the one or more brakes and the socket of the ball joint to allow for movement of the ball joint and adjustment of the angular orientation of the stirrup which is securedly engaged to the bearing stud of the ball joint.
15. A mobility device as claimed in claim 11, wherein the base comprises an anterior portion, a posterior portion, and a middle longitudinal portion with an anterior end connected to the anterior portion of the base and a posterior end connected to the posterior end of the base, and further comprising:
- a. A plurality of sensors comprising i. one or more stirrup sensors integrated in the stirrup and wherein at least one stirrup sensor measures the height and angle of the stirrup with respect a longitudinal axis defined by the middle longitudinal portion of the base, a lateral axis defined by an axis passing through such sensor and parallel to one of the anterior portion of the base and the posterior portion of the base, and vertical axis defined by the center post; and ii. A calf sensor band comprising a flexible band and one or more calf sensors integrated in the flexible band and wherein at least one calf sensor measures the distance between the calf sensor and at least one stirrup sensor and the angular orientation of the such calf sensor relative to at least one stirrup sensor; and
- b. Means for relaying sensor measurements to a means for recording the measurements.
16. A mobility device for use in physical therapy comprising:
- a. A base;
- b. A tension post attached to the base wherein the vertical position of the tension post is adjustable through means for vertically adjusting the tension post;
- c. A center post attached to the base posterior the tension post wherein the vertical position of the center post is adjustable through means for vertically adjusting the post;
- d. Means for adjusting the angular orientation of a stirrup to allow for the stirrup to pivot inwardly and outwardly, pivot upwardly and downwardly, and rotate circularly about a vertical axis corresponding to the center post, wherein such means is attached to the center post;
- e. A stirrup attached to the means for adjusting the angular orientation of a stirrup;
- f. One or more straps attached to the stirrup for securing a foot to the stirrup;
- g. A lateral slide track attached to the tension post;
- h. A lateral slide bracket positioned within the lateral slide track and that is laterally displaceable;
- i. Means for securedly engaging the lateral slide bracket to the lateral slide track;
- j. Tension strap reel assembly comprising: i. A reel assembly base attached to the lateral slide bracket; ii. A reel supported by the reel assembly base, wherein the reel is rotatable around an axis perpendicular to the lateral slide bracket and to which is secured one end of a tension strap for securing a leg of the foot secured in the stirrup and wherein the tension strap is woundable around the reel; iii. A reel assembly cover attached to the lateral slide bracket, wherein the reel assembly cover has positioned therein a void in which is accommodated the reel; iv. A reel pawl attached to the reel assembly cover and with an anterior end and a posterior end and a first side and a second side, wherein a tab extends anteriorly from one of the sides; v. A reel pawl spring with a first end attached to the reel pawl and a second end attached to the reel assembly cover; vi. A reel gear rotatably attached to the reel comprising a substantially circular disc with a plurality of adjacent reel gear teeth disposed around the disc circumference with each reel gear tooth separated from an adjacent reel gear tooth by a depression therebetween and wherein at least an end or side of the reel pawl engages a surface of a reel gear tooth and wherein the stiffness in the reel pawl spring maintains the reel pawl engaged to the reel gear with the positioning of the reel pawl engaged surface in a depression between adjacent reel gear teeth; vii. A reel knob rotatably attached to the reel gear; viii. Wherein the reel gear moves without restriction in a first direction when the plurality of reel gear teeth move in the first direction and with restriction in a second direction resulting from engagement of the reel pawl with at least one reel gear tooth; ix. Wherein tension in the tension strap is imparted by the rotation of the reel knob in the first direction whereby the reel gear and the reel rotate in the first direction resulting in the winding of the tension strap around the reel; and x. Wherein tension in the tension strap is removed by triggering and holding the reel pawl tab causing the extension of the reel pawl spring and the disengagement of the reel pawl from the reel gear and the rotation in the second direction of the reel, the reel gear, and the reel knob.
17. A mobility device as claimed in claim 16, wherein one or more rails is attached to the lateral slide track and the lateral slide bracket is laterally displaceable along such one or more rails.
18. A mobility device as claimed in claim 16, wherein the longitudinal length of the stirrup is adjustable.
19. A mobility device as claimed in claim 16, wherein the stirrup has positioned therein a plurality of vertical channels and the means for adjusting the angular orientation of a stirrup comprise a ball joint assembly with an upper portion attached to the stirrup and a lower portion attached to the center post, and wherein the ball joint assembly comprises:
- a. A stirrup support plate through which extend a plurality of support plate channels and wherein each of the one or more support plate channels aligns with one of the plurality of stirrup vertical channels;
- b. One or more support plate-stirrup attachment assemblies wherein each assembly attaches the stirrup support plate to the stirrup and is accommodated in one of the one or more support plate-stirrup vertical channels;
- c. A ball joint comprising a bearing stud and a socket to which is attached the bearing stud and wherein the bearing stud extends through one of the plurality of support plate-stirrup vertical channels and is securedly engaged to the stirrup;
- d. One or more brakes abutting the socket;
- e. One or more brake screws comprising a horizontal segment comprising a first end and a second end and a vertical segment attached to the second end of the horizontal segment and wherein the first end of the horizontal segment of each brake screw has attached thereto one brake;
- f. A rail abutting each of the one or more brakes and wherein each of the one or more brakes is slidably displaceable along the rail; and
- g. A casing attached to the center post and having one or more casing hollow channels, wherein within the casing is accommodated at least a portion of the socket, each of the one or more brakes, at least the first end of the horizontal segment of each of the one or more brake screws, and the rail, and wherein the rail is securedly attached to the casing, and wherein the horizontal segment of each of the one or more brake screws extends through one of the one or more casing hollow channels so that the second end of the horizontal segment of each of the one or more brake screws and the vertical segment of each of the one or more brake screws is positioned outside the casing;
20. A mobility device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base comprises an anterior portion, a posterior portion, and a middle longitudinal portion with an anterior end connected to the anterior portion of the base and a posterior end connected to the posterior end of the base, and further comprising:
- a. A plurality of sensors comprising i. one or more stirrup sensors integrated in the stirrup and wherein at least one stirrup sensor measures the height and angle of the stirrup with respect a longitudinal axis defined by the middle longitudinal portion of the base, a lateral axis defined by an axis passing through such sensor and parallel to one of the anterior portion of the base and the posterior portion of the base, and vertical axis defined by the center post; and ii. A calf sensor band comprising a flexible band and one or more calf sensors integrated in the flexible band and wherein at least one calf sensor measures the distance between the calf sensor and at least one stirrup sensor and the angular orientation of the such calf sensor relative to at least one stirrup sensor; and
- b. Means for relaying sensor measurements to a means for recording the measurements.
Type: Application
Filed: Apr 24, 2018
Publication Date: Oct 24, 2019
Inventors: Garrett Murphy Stahnke (Phoenix, AZ), Luis Castillo (Mesa, AZ)
Application Number: 15/960,938
