Apparatus for enabling the movement of human limbs and method for using same
AssigneeERMI, Inc.
InventorsThomas P. Branch, Alex Sattler
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An orthotic apparatus for use in providing improved range of motion is provided which allows the amount of stretch to be hydraulically powered and measured by the device, but controlled by the user. Because the apparatus accurately calculates the amount of stretch, the user, together with the user's physician and therapist, can develop a rehabilitation plan based on accurate measurements. Progress is based on tangible results rather than the user's ability to tolerate pain. This knowledge provides the incentive the user needs to work toward and achieve the user's goal.
Claims23
A device for manipulating the leg of a user, said device for use with a chair positioned atop a supporting surface such as a floor, said device comprising:
- an elongate frame member having a longitudinal axis and a first and a second end, said first end configured to be supported by said supporting surface;
- a chair attachment device configured to attach said second end of said elongate frame member to a portion of said chair positioned a distance from said supporting surface, such that said elongate frame member is inclined relative to horizontal;
- a leg manipulating device movably attached relative to said elongate frame member, said manipulating device including a portion configured for selective attachment to said leg of said user;
- a control device (d:
- lever) operably associated with said manipulating device, said control device configured to be operating by said user while said user is sitting in said chair;
- and
- such that said user may manipulate said leg while sitting in said chair by use of said control device, but subsequently may detach said device from said chair for separate storage.
A method for manipulating the leg of a user, said method for use in connection with a chair and comprising the steps of:
- providing a leg manipulating device;
- attaching said leg manipulating device to said chair;
- manipulating said leg by use of the combination of said leg manipulating device and said chair;
- detaching said device from said chair;
- and
- storing said device separately from said chair.
A device for manipulating the leg of a user, said leg including a foot itself including a heel, said device comprising:
- a frame member including a portion remaining stationary during manipulation of said leg of said user;
- a subframe member movably attached relative to said frame member along a movement path;
- a heel locking member attached relative to said subframe member, said heel grasping member configured to selectively attach relative to said heel of said user;
- a control device for manipulating said subframe member and said heel grasping member such that said leg of said user is manipulated by said device while said heel is at least partially retained by said heel grasping member.
A method of manipulating the leg of a user, said leg including a foot itself including a heel, said method comprising the steps of:
- providing a leg manipulation device including a frame and a foot supporting portion movably attached relative to said frame;
- attaching said foot supporting portion to said foot such that heel is at least partially captured relative to said foot supporting portion;
- manipulating said leg such that said foot moves along with said foot supporting portion while said heel is captured;
- and
- releasing said heel from said foot supporting portion after said manipulation is complete.
A leg manipulating device for manipulating the leg of a user, said leg including a foot, said leg manipulating device comprising:
- a frame member including a portion remaining stationary during manipulation of said leg of said user;
- a subframe member movably attached relative to said frame member along a movement path;
- a foot support member configured to be movably attached relative to said subframe member, said foot support member configured to support at least a portion of said foot of said user;
- a selective retaining device configured to allow for selective adjustment of the position of said foot support member relative to said subframe member, so as to provide a number of different ankle positions of said foot support member relative to said subframe member;
- and
- a control device for manipulating said subframe member relative to said frame member,
- such that said leg of said user may be manipulated by use of said leg manipulation device with said foot support member in any of a number of different ankle positions relative to said subframe member, said positions provided by said selective retaining device.
A method of manipulating the leg of a user, said leg including a foot, said method comprising the steps of:
- providing a leg manipulation device including a frame, a subframe movably attached relative to said frame, and a foot supporting member adjustably attached to said subframe;
- attaching said foot supporting portion to a foot of a first user;
- manipulating said leg of said first user such that said foot of said first user moves along with said foot supporting portion with said foot supporting member in a first ankle position relative to said subframe;
- detaching said foot supporting portion from said a foot of said first user;
- attaching said foot supporting portion to a foot of a second user;
- manipulating said leg of said second user such that said foot of said second user moves along with said foot supporting portion with said foot supporting member in a second ankle position relative to said subframe, said second ankle position being different than said first ankle position;
- and
- detaching said foot supporting portion from said foot of said second user.
A device for manipulating the leg of a user said leg including a foot itself including a toe, said device comprising:
- a frame member;
- a foot support member movably attached relative to said frame member along a path, said foot support member including a toe capture member configured to at least partially retain a toe of said user as said foot support member moves along said path;
- and
- a control device for manipulating said foot support member such that said foot of said user moves along with said foot support member, and such that said toe capture member at least partially retains said toe of said user as said foot support member moves along said path.
A method for manipulating the leg of a user said leg including a foot itself including a toe, said device comprising:
- providing a frame member and a foot support member movably attached relative to said frame member along a path, said foot support member including a toe capture member configured to at least partially retain a toe of said user as said foot support member moves along said path;
- and
- manipulating said foot support member such that said foot of said user moves along with said foot support member, and such that said toe capture member at least partially retains said toe of said user as said foot support member moves along said path.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.