Abstract
A low friction rehabilitation board having an integral band retaining feature is described. The rehabilitation board may have a coefficient of static friction of no more than about 0.5 and in some embodiments no more than about 0.06. A non-slip material may be attached to the bottom surface of the rehabilitation board. A band retaining feature is described as being integral to the rehabilitation board such that it is attached to the board, or may be fastened to the board. Additionally, in some embodiments, the board comprises range markings for the determination of the degree or amount of exertion or extension. Furthermore, the range markings may be calibrated to specific resistance band types. In other embodiments, the rehabilitation board may be configured with interlocking features to provide a modular option for combining boards when more extension is required.
Claims
1. A method of rehabilitating a user's limb comprising the steps of: a) providing a portable rehabilitation board comprising: a length of no more than 1.5 m from a first end to a second end; a width; wherein the rehabilitation board is substantially rectangular in shape having four corners; a top working surface of the rehabilitation board having a static coefficient of friction with itself of no more than about 0.25 according to ASTM 1894; wherein the static coefficient of friction is effectively low to enable a user's limb to slide easily across the working surface; a first integral band retaining feature comprising a nodule that extends directly out from the first end of the rehabilitation board; and a second integral band retaining feature comprising a nodule that extends directly out from the second end of the rehabilitation board, a non-slip material configured on a bottom surface, opposite the top working surface of the rehabilitation board; wherein the rehabilitation board is portable having a size such that it may be easily carried by a single individual, b) providing a resistance band having a fixed end and an extended end; c) attaching the fixed end of said resistance band to one of said integral band retaining features; d) coupling the extended end of the resistance band to said user's limb; e) extending said user's limb along the length of the rehabilitation board; wherein a portion of the user's limb is in contact with the top working surface of the rehabilitation board and slides along the top working surface; and f) repeating step e) to rehabilitate the user's limb.
2. The method of rehabilitating a user's limb of claim 1, wherein the fixed end of the resistance band is retained around the nodule extending from the first end.
3. The method of rehabilitating a user's limb of claim 1, wherein the user's limb is a leg having a knee, an ankle and a foot, and the extended end of the resistance band is coupled around a user's ankle; and wherein the user slides said foot along the low friction surface of the rehabilitation board from a first position proximal to the first end along the length of the rehabilitation board to a second position that is more proximal to the second end than said first position, thereby extending the knee to rehabilitate the user's knee.
4. The method of rehabilitating a user's limb of claim 1, wherein the rehabilitation board comprises range markings configured on the working side of the rehabilitation board; wherein the range markings are configured in intervals along the length of the rehabilitation board to indicate a degree of extension of the user's limb along the length of the working surface; and whereby the method further comprises the step of observing the degree of extension that the user's limb is extended across the rehabilitation board, wherein the user slides said user's limb along the length of the low friction surface of the rehabilitation board from a first position proximal to the first end and a first range marking, along the length of the rehabilitation board to a second position that is more proximal to the second end than said first position and to a second range marking, thereby extending the user's limb from a first range marking to second range marking.
5. The method of rehabilitating a user's limb of claim 4, wherein the range markings comprise percentage indicator markings that correspond with a percentage of at least a portion of the rehabilitation board length.
6. The method of rehabilitating a user's limb of claim 4, wherein the range markings comprise force indicator markings that are calibrated with the resistance band; and wherein the step of observing the degree of extension that user's limb is extended across the rehabilitation board further comprises determining a force exerted by said user to extend the user's limb to one of said force indicator markings.
7. The method of rehabilitating a user's limb of claim 6, wherein the range markings are interchangeable range markings wherein the range markings may be detachably attached to the rehabilitation board; and wherein the interchangeable range markings comprise force indicator markings that correspond with a resistance band extension metric, whereby a force is indicated for an extension of the resistance band along the length of the rehabilitation board.
8. The method of rehabilitating a user's limb of claim 1, wherein the nodules of the first and second integral band retaining features comprise an enlarged portion at an extended end of the nodule.
9. The method of rehabilitating a user's limb of claim 1, comprising two or more integral band retaining features extending from both the first and second end of the rehabilitation board.
10. The method of rehabilitating a user's limb of claim 9, wherein the two or more band retaining features each comprise a slot extending in from said end of the rehabilitation board to a circular shaped aperture.
11. The method of rehabilitating a user's limb of claim 1, wherein the fixed end of the resistance band comprises a tapered plug having an enlarged plug dimension at a plug-end that tapers to a smaller dimension at a band-end of the tapered plug; and wherein the first integral band retaining feature is a dual retainer feature comprising a band plug retainer comprising a tapered aperture through the thickness of the rehabilitation board having a larger bottom surface opening along the bottom surface of the rehabilitation board that reduces in dimension as the tapered aperture extends through thickness of the rehabilitation board to a smaller working surface opening; and whereby the step of attaching the fixed end of said resistance band to one of said integral band retaining features comprises: inserting the band-end of the tapered plug into the band plug retainer to attach the fixed end of said resistance band to said first integral band retaining feature or the second band retaining feature.
12. The method of rehabilitating a user's limb of claim 1, wherein a first rehabilitation board is configured with a puzzle piece type interlocking feature comprising a plurality of protrusion that extend from at least one side of the rehabilitation board and are configured to fit into a plurality of recess of a second rehabilitation board; and wherein the method further comprises the step of coupling a first rehabilitation board having a first length to a second rehabilitation board having a second length by fitting the plurality of protrusions of interlocking feature into the plurality of recesses in the second rehabilitation board to produce a coupled rehabilitation board having a combined length of the first length and second length.
13. A method of rehabilitating a user's limb comprising the steps of: a) providing a portable rehabilitation board comprising: a length of no more than 1.5 m from a first end to a second end; a width; a thickness; wherein the rehabilitation board is substantially rectangular in shape having four corners; a top working surface of the rehabilitation board having a static coefficient of friction with itself of no more than about 0.25 according to ASTM 1894; wherein the static coefficient of friction is effectively low to enable a user's limb to slide easily across the working surface; a first integral band retaining feature comprising a nodule that extends directly out from the first end of the rehabilitation board; and a second integral band retaining feature comprising a nodule that extends directly out from the second of the rehabilitation board, a peg opening configured through the thickness of the rehabilitation board; a non-slip material configured on a bottom surface, opposite the top working surface of the rehabilitation board; wherein the rehabilitation board is portable having a size such that it may be easily carried by a single individual, b) providing a resistance band having a fixed end and an extended end; c) coupling the fixed end of said resistance band to the peg opening; d) coupling the extended end of the resistance band to said user's limb; e) extending said user's limb along the length of the rehabilitation board; wherein a portion of the user's limb is in contact with the top working surface of the rehabilitation board and slides on the low friction surface; f) repeating step e) to rehabilitate the user's limb.
14. The method of rehabilitating a user's limb of claim 13, wherein the rehabilitation board comprises four peg openings configured proximal to each of said corners.
15. The method of rehabilitating a user's limb of claim 13, wherein the resistance band is inserted through the peg opening from the bottom surface and wherein the fixed end is retained proximal to the bottom surface of the rehabilitation board.
16. The method of rehabilitating a user's limb of claim 13, wherein the user's limb is a leg having a knee, ankle and a foot, and the extended end of the resistance band is coupled around a user's ankle; and wherein the user slides said foot along the low friction surface of the rehabilitation board from a first position proximal to the first end along the length of the rehabilitation board to a second position that is more proximal to the second end than said first position, thereby extending the knee to rehabilitate the user's knee.
17. The method of rehabilitating a user's limb of claim 13, wherein the fixed end of the resistance band comprises a tapered plug having an enlarged plug dimension at a plug-end that tapers to a smaller dimension at a band-end of the tapered plug; and wherein the peg opening is a band plug retainer comprising a tapered aperture through the thickness of the rehabilitation board having a larger bottom surface opening along the bottom surface of the rehabilitation board that reduces in dimension as the tapered aperture extends through thickness of the rehabilitation board to a smaller working surface opening; and whereby the step of attaching the fixed end of said resistance band to the peg opening comprises inserting the band-end of the tapered plug into the peg opening to attach the fixed end of said resistance band to said peg opening.
Description
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS
(1) FIG. 1 shows a top view of an exemplary rehabilitation board having nodule type band retaining features on two opposing sides.
(2) FIG. 2A shows a top view of an exemplary rehabilitation board having force range markings and a securing feature.
(3) FIG. 2B shows a side view of an exemplary rehabilitation board having a securing feature.
(4) FIG. 3A shows a top view of an exemplary rehabilitation board having opening type band retaining features and percentage range markings.
(5) FIG. 3B shows a top view of an exemplary rehabilitation board having a central opening type band retaining feature and percentage range markings extending from the center of the board.
(6) FIG. 4A shows an isometric view of an exemplary rehabilitation board having a post type band retaining feature.
(7) FIG. 4B shows an isometric view of an exemplary rehabilitation board having two post type band retaining features and vertical range of motion indicator markings.
(8) FIG. 5A shows an isometric view of an exemplary rehabilitation board having a two post type band retaining features.
(9) FIG. 5B shows an isometric view of an exemplary rehabilitation board having post type band retaining features and recesses for storing the posts.
(10) FIG. 6 shows an isometric view of an exemplary rehabilitation board having a post type band retaining feature.
(11) FIG. 7A shows a side view of an exemplary rehabilitation board having a peg extending through the rehabilitation board.
(12) FIG. 7B shows a side view of an exemplary rehabilitation board having a post type band retaining feature.
(13) FIG. 8A shows an isometric view of an exemplary rehabilitation board having a post type band retaining feature.
(14) FIG. 8B shows an isometric view of an exemplary rehabilitation board having a post type band retaining feature and a securing feature.
(15) FIG. 9A shows a top view of an exemplary rehabilitation board having a detachable scale with range markings.
(16) FIG. 98 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary rehabilitation board having a detachable scale with range markings.
(17) FIG. 10A shows a top view of an exemplary rehabilitation board having an extension indicator.
(18) FIG. 10B shows an end view of an exemplary rehabilitation board having an extension indicator.
(19) FIG. 10C shows an end view of an exemplary rehabilitation board having an extension indicator.
(20) FIG. 11 shows a top view of two exemplary rehabilitation boards fastened together in a side-by-side configuration by puzzle piece type interlocking features.
(21) FIG. 12 shows an isometric view of an exemplary rehabilitation board having a vertical band retaining feature.
(22) FIG. 13 shows a side cross-sectional view of an exemplary dove-tail type interlocking feature.
(23) FIG. 14 shows an isometric view of a rehabilitation board having a dove-tail type interlocking feature on two opposing sides.
(24) FIG. 15A shows an isometric view of a rehabilitation board having an A-frame type vertical band retaining feature attached thereto.
(25) FIG. 15B shows a front view of a rehabilitation board having a detachable A-frame type vertical support member.
(26) FIG. 15C shows a cross-sectional view of the detachable A-frame type vertical support member having a dove-tail type attachment feature.
(27) FIG. 15D shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of the detachable A-frame type vertical support member having a dove-tail type attachment feature.
(28) FIG. 16 shows a front cross-sectional view of the detachable A-frame type vertical support member having a dove-tail type attachment feature fastened to a rehabilitation board.
(29) FIG. 17A shows a cross-sectional view of the detachable A-frame type vertical support member having a circular shaped dove-tail type attachment feature.
(30) FIG. 17B shows a cross-sectional view of the detachable A-frame type vertical support member having a wedge shaped dove-tail type attachment feature.
(31) FIG. 17C shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of the detachable A-frame type vertical support member having a dove-tail type attachment feature fastened to a rehabilitation board.
(32) FIG. 18A shows a top down view of a post having a bar type band retaining feature configured in the top surface.
(33) FIG. 18B shows a cross-sectional view of a rehabilitation board having a plug type post band retaining feature inserted into a post opening and a resistance band fastened thereto.
(34) FIG. 18C shows a cross-sectional view of a rehabilitation board having a plug type post threaded into a post opening.
(35) FIG. 19 shows a top view of an exemplary rehabilitation board having band retaining features along either end.
(36) FIG. 20 shows a front-side view of the exemplary rehabilitation board shown in FIG. 19.
(37) FIG. 21 shows a left-end view of the exemplary rehabilitation board shown in FIG. 19.
(38) FIG. 22 shows a bottom view of the exemplary rehabilitation board shown in FIG. 19.
(39) FIG. 23 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of one of the attachment features taken along line 23-23 in FIG. 22, wherein the attachment feature comprises a conical shaped aperture through the thickness of the rehabilitation board.
(40) FIG. 24 shows a top view of an exemplary rehabilitation board having four band retaining features along either end.
(41) FIG. 25 shows a front-side view of the exemplary rehabilitation board shown in FIG. 24.
(42) FIG. 26 shows a left-end view of the exemplary rehabilitation board shown in FIG. 24.
(43) FIG. 27 shows a bottom view of the exemplary rehabilitation board shown in FIG. 24.
(44) FIG. 28 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of one of the attachment features taken along line 28-28 in FIG. 27, wherein the attachment feature comprises a conical shaped aperture through the thickness of the rehabilitation board.
(45) FIG. 29 is a flow chart of an exemplary method of the present invention.
(46) FIG. 30 is a flow chart of an exemplary method of the present invention.
(47) FIG. 31 shows an exemplary rehabilitation board having a detachably attachable low friction and non-slip layer.
(48) FIG. 32 shows an exemplary rehabilitation board having posts inserted into the peg openings from the bottom side of the rehabilitation board to elevate the rehabilitation board up from a base surface.
(49) FIG. 33 shows a test apparatus for measuring the static coefficient of friction of a sand-filled sock along board surfaces.
(50) Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the figures. The figures represent an illustration of some of the embodiments of the present invention and are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner. Further, the figures are not necessarily to scale, some features may be exaggerated to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention.
(51) As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” “has,” “having” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Also, use of “a” or “an” are employed to describe elements and components described herein. This is done merely for convenience and to give a general sense of the scope of the invention. This description should be read to include one or at least one and the singular also includes the plural unless it is obvious that it is meant otherwise.
(52) Certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described herein and illustrated in the accompanying figures. The embodiments described are only for purposes of illustrating the present invention and should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the invention. Other embodiments of the invention, and certain modifications, combinations and improvements of the described embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art and all such alternate embodiments, combinations, modifications, and improvements are within the scope of the present invention.
Definitions
(53) Attached, as used herein, means that an object is fixed to and not easily removed from another object. For example a post that is attached to the rehabilitation board is not configured to be easily removed from the board.
(54) Fastened, as used herein, means that an object is configured to be temporarily attached to, or detachably attached to another object. For example, a post that is a separate object from the rehabilitation board, may be fastened to the rehabilitation board by inserting one end of the post into an opening in the rehabilitation board or screwing the post into a threaded opening.
(55) Band retaining feature, as used herein, is defined as a feature that is configured to retain at least one end of a resistance band and may comprise a nodule, post or opening through the board.
(56) Integral, as used herein in reference to a band retaining feature, means that all components of the band retaining feature are attached to, are part of, or can be stored on the rehabilitation board. For example, a nodule that extends from the board is an integral band retaining feature. An opening in the rehabilitation board is an integral band retaining feature. A post that is attached to the rehabilitation board is an integral band retaining feature. A post that can be stored on or in the rehabilitation board is an integral band retaining feature.
(57) Contiguous, as used herein in reference to a band retaining feature, means that the band retaining feature is integral and permanently attached to the rehabilitation board, such as nodules or posts that extend from the board, or openings in the rehabilitation board.
(58) Calibrated, as used herein, in reference to range markings, means that the markings have a series of force markings that are calibrated with a resistance band type. In some embodiments, a band may be a color, such as red, and force range markings may be calibrated to that band type and may also be red in color. The force range markings may indicate a force that is approximately consistent with the force required to extend a band to that point.
(59) Working surface, as used herein, refers to the surface and in most cases the top surface, of the rehabilitation board that is used for rehabilitation or exercise, and comprises a low coefficient of friction material.
(60) Low static coefficient of friction material, as used herein, is a material that exhibits a static coefficient of friction of no more than about 0.50, or no more than about 0.30, which will allow the user to easily move a limb across the rehabilitation board.
(61) The term board is used in reference to the rehabilitation board described herein.
EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS
(62) The invention is directed to a rehabilitation board 10 comprising a low friction material 12 on the working surface, and at least one band retaining feature 16. Optionally, the rehabilitation board may comprise a non-slip material (not shown) on at least a portion of the bottom surface and range markings 20 as shown in FIG. 1. The rehabilitation board may have a static coefficient of friction on the working or top surface of no more than about 0.50, which will allow the user to easily move a limb across the board without any additionally significant resistance. Low static friction is important for reducing start/stop friction as the user moves a limb back and forth over the board. The low friction board may also reduce or eliminate any chaffing or abrasion the user may experience after repetitive motion.
(63) The rehabilitation board described herein may be any suitable dimension, having a length 47, width 48 and thickness 49 suitable for the required use, as shown in FIG. 6. For example, the rehabilitation board may be relatively large, such as about 1.8 m wide by about 1.8 m long or larger. In other embodiments, the board is smaller, such as about 61 cm wide by about 92 cm long by about 25 mm thick. However, the dimensions may be adapted to specific rehabilitation uses. The width may be between about 92 cm and 30 cm wide, or between 152 cm and 30 cm. The length may be between about 61 cm and 122 cm or between about 61 cm and 183 cm. The thickness may be between about 5 mm and 25 mm, or between about 5 mm and 50 mm.
(64) The rehabilitation board described herein may be portable and sized such that it may be easily carried by a single individual, such as in a single hand. For example the board may be no more than about 1.5 meters long by 1.0 meters wide, or preferable no more than about 1 meter long by 1 meter wide, and in some embodiments no more than about 1 m long by about 0.5 m wide. A rehabilitation board may comprise a handle, such as an aperture extending through the board configured proximal to the edge of the board to allow a person to grab the handle with a single hand and carry the rehabilitation board.
(65) In some embodiments, the rehabilitation board described herein is sized to allow the user to move a limb, such as a foot, over the board. In other embodiments, the board may be large enough to allow the user to lay on the board and move multiple limbs at one time. For example, a user may lay on a large rehabilitation board as described herein, and a band may be fastened to each of the user's legs. The user may then move both legs simultaneously to work and strengthen various muscle groups.
(66) The rehabilitation board described herein may be planar, wherein no components or elements of the rehabilitation board extend or protrude from the working surface more than 10 mm.
(67) The rehabilitation board 10 described herein may further comprise range markings 20 that allow the user or instructor to define a set motion goal including movement of a limb or extension of a resistance band to a specific range marking. Referring to FIG. 1 through FIG. 3, the range markings 20, may be simply a measured mark, such as line 21 or series of scaled lines, that can be used to more specifically instruct the user how far to extend a band 18, or move a limb. Furthermore, the range markings 20 may comprise percentage markings 22 to provide the user with some indication of degree of motion across the board. Any combination of range markings may be used on a rehabilitation board. As shown in FIG. 1, the rehabilitation board comprises a series of range markings 20 comprising lines 21 as well as percentage markings 22. The percentage indicator markings may be actual percentages or simply numbers scaled along the length of the rehabilitation board, such as numbers from 1 to 10, wherein the number 10 is located at the extended end of the board.
(68) In one embodiment, the range markings may comprise force indicator markings 24 that are calibrated with a resistance band 18 as shown in FIG. 2A. For example, as shown in FIG. 2A, the red range markings 24′ have force indicator markings from 0 to 50 lbs. These red force indicator markings 24′ may be calibrated with a red resistance band 19, such that the user and instructor know how much force the user is exerting to extend the red band to a force indicator marking. The resistance board may have multiple force indicator markings which may be color calibrated with resistance bands of specific colors. For example, as shown in FIG. 2A, force indicator markings 24, 24′, and 24″, may be calibrated to three different band types and/or band colors. The force indicator range markings may be color coded for easy determination of force. For example, force indicator markings 24′, may be red, force indicator markings 24 may be blue and force indicator markings 24″ may be yellow.
(69) Other inspirational or goal markings may also be incorporated into the rehabilitation board. For example, words such as “Way to go!” or “You can do it!” and the like may be included on the rehabilitation board to encourage the user to extend a band all the way to a certain marking, or to provide general inspiration during rehabilitation. In addition, other markings such as corporate logos may be included on the rehabilitation board. Markings of any type, including range markings, may be incorporated onto the rehabilitation board in any suitable manner including, but not limited to, printed, embossed, engraved, attached as stickers, laminated and the like. In another embodiment, a sound feature may be incorporated into the rehabilitation board described herein, and provide inspiration phrase as the user extends a band across the board.
(70) The range markings may extend down in a direction substantially parallel with the length of the rehabilitation board, and/or may be at an angle to the length of the board. Range markings at an angle to the length of the rehabilitation board may be used for specific motions during rehabilitation or exercise.
(71) In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3B, the opening type band retaining feature 32′ may be located within the perimeter of the rehabilitation board. The range markings may have increasing values starting from a location within the perimeter of the board, such as approximately the center of the board, as shown in FIG. 3B. This configuration will allow for back and forth motion and an indication of force exerted in both directions.
(72) The range markings may be interchangeable, and may be on a material that can be fastened to the rehabilitation board. As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, a detachable scale 88, such as a sheet of material having range markings may be slid into a slot 90. The top surface of the rehabilitation board may comprise a transparent or translucent material such as PTFE film, that will allow the range markings to be seen through the top surface. In another embodiment, the range markings may be on a detachable scale material that may be fastened to and thereby become the top surface of the rehabilitation board. The material may comprise low friction materials, and may be fastened through any suitable means, including snaps, locating pins, snap, hook and loop fastening material, magnets, and the like. The range markings shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B are interchangeable range markings, whereby a plurality of detachable scales 88 may be interchanged as required for the application. In yet another embodiment, a smaller strip of material having range markings may be slid into or fastened to the rehabilitation board. In this embodiment, the line markings may be attached to the board and only the force or percentage makings, for example, may be interchanged.
(73) The rehabilitation board described herein comprises at least one band retaining feature, and in some embodiments comprises two, three, four, five, six or more band retaining features. As shown in FIG. 1, band retaining features 16 extend from opposing ends of the rehabilitation board 10. FIG. 1 comprises six nodule type 36 band retaining features 16. A resistance band 18 may be tied around a band retaining feature 16 and a loop may be tied in the end extending from the band retaining feature. A resistance band may be a looped and/or a strip of material that may be tied in any conventional manner to a restraint band feature.
(74) As shown in FIG. 2B, a user may place a limb, such as a foot 23, through the resistance band 18. The user may then extend and retract their foot as indicated by the arrows in FIG. 2B.
(75) Referring to FIG. 4A through FIG. 8, the band retaining feature may comprise a post 30 that may be fastened to or attached to the rehabilitation board 10. In one embodiment, a post 30 may be attached to the rehabilitation board 10, rotated to various positions and secured in place as shown in FIG. 4A. FIG. 4A shows a post 30 that has been rotated up, as indicated by the arrows, from one side of the rehabilitation board 10. The post 30 shown in FIG. 4A may allow lateral movement of a limb across the board. The two posts 30, 30′ shown in FIG. 4B and the configuration of the resistance band 18, may be used for vertical motion. In addition, the attached scale 86 shown in FIG. 4B comprises range markings 20. A resistance band 19 may be attached directly to a post or looped around two or more posts, as shown in FIG. 4B where the resistance band 18 is looped around posts 30′ and 30″ as shown in FIG. 4B. In some embodiments, a scale 86, may also be used as a post 30 or band retaining feature.
(76) In yet another embodiment, the attached post may be rotated such that at least a portion of the post is recessed into the rehabilitation board. In another embodiment, a post 30 may be stored on or in the rehabilitation board. As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, a post 30 may be stored in the recesses 33 configured to accept the post. The post may be removed from the recesses and fastened into post openings as shown in FIG. 5A, where two posts have be inserted into post openings 42 in the rehabilitation board 10. The post recesses shown in FIG. 5B enable the rehabilitation board to be planar, as defined herein, when the posts are stored in the recesses. As shown in FIG. 6, the post 30 is a ring shape having both the first end 44 and second end 46 attached to the rehabilitation board. In addition, as shown in FIG. 6, a recess 33 in the board is configured to accept the post 30, wherein the post may be rotated into the recessed area.
(77) The post may be any suitable shape or size. The post may be rectangular in shape as shown in FIG. 4A, or cylindrical as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, where the post is further configured with an enlarged portion 31 at the extended end or first end 44 to more securely retain a band 18. As shown in FIG. 6, the post is a ring segment shape, having both ends attached. In an alternative embodiment, the ring shaped post 30, as shown in FIG. 6 may be fastened to the rehabilitation board. The post should be robust enough to resist the force exerted on it without breaking. The post may be made out of any suitable material, including but not limited to wood, metal, polymer, or composite material.
(78) The band retaining feature 16 may comprise at least one nodule 36 configured into or onto the rehabilitation board 10, such that a resistance band 18 may be tied to and/or looped around the nodule as shown in FIG. 1. The nodule may be a protrusion extending from the rehabilitation board, or configured from cut away or otherwise formed recesses in the rehabilitation board. For example, a nodule may be a protrusion extending in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the top or working surface of the board, or it may be configured in any side of the board and extend in a direction parallel with the plane of the top surface as shown in FIG. 1. The nodule may be of any shape and size suitable to retain a band and provide sufficient support during extension of the band. In one embodiment, the nodule comprises a curved portion 38 to which the band may be looped or tied. The curved portion 38 may reduce wear or breakage of the bands during extension. In addition, the nodule may comprise an enlarged portion 40 at the extended end, as shown in FIG. 1. The enlarged portion may more securely retain the band during exercises, especially those where there are sweeping or perpendicular movements from the plane of the surface of the board.
(79) A band retaining feature may comprise an opening 32 that extends at least partially through the rehabilitation board 10 as shown in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B. As shown in FIG. 3A, a band is tied into a loop and then configured through the center opening 32 along one end of the rehabilitation board. The band may be tied to or looped through an opening in any conventional way. In addition, the rehabilitation board may be configured with curved surfaces around an opening to reduce wear and prevent breaking of the band. An opening may be configured anywhere on the board, such as around the perimeter as shown in FIG. 3A, or more substantially within the working surface of the board, or approximately in the center of the board as shown in FIG. 3B. As shown in FIG. 8A, band retaining features may comprise a combination of retaining features, where a post 30 comprises an opening 32 whereby a band may be secured, for example.
(80) As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, a post restraint opening 42 in the rehabilitation board 10 may be used to fasten a band retaining feature, such as a post 30. In addition, as shown in FIG. 7A, the opening 42 may also be used to secure the rehabilitation board 10 to a fixed object 60. The second end 46 of the post 30 may be inserted into the rehabilitation board 10, such that the second end extends completely through the board and into an opening 62 in the fixed object 60.
(81) In an alternative embodiment, a band retaining feature 16 may be rotated or otherwise fastened to the rehabilitation board in a manner that provides a post type band retaining feature 30, and a securing feature 64, as shown in FIG. 8A. In one embodiment, the band retaining feature 16, as shown in FIG. 8A, is rotated and pinned into position. The post in FIG. 8A may be rotated and fixed into a position where a band may be secured to it, and where the opposing end may be used to secure the rehabilitation board 10 to a fixed object 60, such as the end of a table.
(82) In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 88B, the band retaining feature 16 may further comprise a securing feature that restrains the board from vertical movement. The horizontal extended portion 65 of the securing feature 64 may be configured to slide under a fixed object 60.
(83) A band retaining feature 16 may be located in any suitable location on the rehabilitation board 10, such as on the working surface 50, side surfaces 66, 66′, or may protrude from one or more ends 68, as shown in FIG. 6. In one embodiment, at least one band retaining feature is located on each end of the rehabilitation board. In another embodiment, at least one band retaining feature is located on the working surface of the rehabilitation board in close proximity to each end. In one embodiment, two band retaining features are located on either end of the rehabilitation board, and in another embodiment, three band retaining features are located on each end of the rehabilitation board. In yet another embodiment, a band retaining feature is located in approximately the center of the rehabilitation board.
(84) The rehabilitation board described herein may comprise a non-slip material that is fastened or attached to the low friction board. The bottom surface 51, of the rehabilitation board may comprise a non-slip material 14, as shown in FIG. 6. The non-slip material 14 may cover the base of the low friction board 12, or at least a portion of the base of the low friction board, such as one or more strips of non-slip material 14, 14′ as shown in FIG. 6. The non-slip material may be attached to the low friction board through the use on any conventional means including but not limited to adhesives, fasteners and the like. In one embodiment the non-slip material is attached to another material such as a board that may be fastened to the low friction board. The non-slip material may comprise any suitable material, including but not limited to, pressure sensitive adhesives, silicones, urethanes, rubbers, and the like. The non-slip material may comprise Dycem non slip material, such as Dycem Part # NSOS/PA, available from Dycem Ltd. (Warwick, R.I.), which is well known to provide non-slip properties on a wide variety of surfaces.
(85) In another embodiment, the rehabilitation board may be secured in place using suction cups, magnets or any other suitable means. For example, straps may be used to retain the rehabilitation board to a structure, such as a table. Bands or straps may be retained in the integral band retaining features and configured to or around a fixed object to secure the rehabilitation board is a fixed position.
(86) The rehabilitation board may further comprise a securing feature for more positively securing the board in a location. In one embodiment, the securing feature 64 comprises a peg 54 that may be inserted through a peg opening 56 in the rehabilitation board 10 and into another opening 62 configured in a permanent fixture 60 as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. In another embodiment, a peg attached or fastened to a permanent fixture may be at least partially inserted into an opening in the rehabilitation board. For example, two pegs in permanent fixture may be configured to align with openings in the base of the rehabilitation board wherein the rehabilitation board may be located over the pegs and pressed down and secured. In yet another embodiment, the securing feature comprises a peg or wedge that may be fastened to the board and forced against or around a permanent fixture.
(87) An extension indicator 100 may be configured onto the rehabilitation board to allow the user and instructor to more accurately determine the extension a user achieves with a resistance band. As shown in FIG. 10A, an extension indicator 100 extends across the rehabilitation board such that as a user extends the band 18, such that the extension indicator 100 will slide easily along the board. The extension indicator may be fastened to one or more edges of the rehabilitation board, and may extend only a portion of the distance across the board. In one embodiment, the extension indicator may be easily slid off the end of the board and stored in or on the board. The extension indicator may be fastened to the rehabilitation board in any conventional way, such as with a fastening portion 102, as shown in FIGS. 10B and 10C. FIG. 10B shows the fastening portion 102 as C-channels, 104 and 104′ that are configured to slide around the board. A narrow base portion 106 may accommodate and allow for the easy movement of the C-channel 104 type fastening portion 102. As shown in FIG. 10C, a T-slot 108 type fastening portion 102, may be formed into the rehabilitation board 10. In another embodiment, a T-slot type fastening portion may be formed in a separate piece of material that is attached or fastened to the rehabilitation board.
(88) A dynamic indicator having a measuring function, may be used with the rehabilitation board as described herein. A force or range dynamic indicator may be attached or fastened to the rehabilitation board in any suitable manner. A force type dynamic indicator may record the amount of force exerted when a band is extended, and one end of a resistance band may be attached to a dynamic indicator. A range type dynamic indicator may be used to record that distance or range that a resistance band is extended. A range indicator may comprise a wheel that turns as a user extends a band, thereby measuring the distance the band was extended. A dynamic range indicator may be fastened to a rehabilitation board using a band retaining feature, such as a threaded opening, for example. In addition, an extension or dynamic indicator may be fastened to a dove-tail type interlocking feature as described herein.
(89) In some circumstances, a given length of board may not be sufficient for the extension of some users. As shown in FIG. 11, the rehabilitation boards 10 and 10′, may be configured with interlocking features 110. Like a puzzle piece, one or more sides of a rehabilitation board may be configured with puzzle piece type interlocking features 112. As shown in FIG. 11, two rehabilitation boards, 10 and 10′ have been fastened together by puzzle piece type interlocking features 112, thereby doubling the length. The puzzle piece type interlocking feature 112 comprises puzzle piece protrusion 114 and puzzle piece recesses 113. This geometry may also be a band retaining feature 16, where a puzzle piece protrusion 114, may act also as a nodule type 36 band retaining feature 16. It is conceived that the interlocking features may be configured on more than one side, such as on all four sides of the rehabilitation board, and thereby provide for modular arrangement of the boards. For example, four rehabilitation boards having interlocking features on all four sides may be configured into a two by two arrangement, thereby doubling the length and width of a single board. Any number of arrangements may be configured. In addition, any number of board interlocking features may be used, such as, but not limited to, puzzle piece type interlocking features, dove-tail type interlocking features, hook and loop fasteners, pins, interference fit edge portions, and the like. In one embodiment, the interlocking feature configuration would provide for no increase in thickness along the interlocking area and the low friction property of the working surface would be maintained. Both the puzzle piece and dove-tail type interlocking features are configured to provide for a smooth planar transition from a first board to second board.
(90) In one embodiment, the rehabilitation board 10 may comprise a vertical resistance band retaining feature 120 as shown in FIG. 12. The two vertical support members, 123 and 123′ may be pinned elements along the edges of the rehabilitation board 10. The horizontal support member 125 may be attached to the horizontal members and be configured to nest along the perpendicular edge or end of the rehabilitation board. In another embodiment a separate support member 125′ may be detached from the rehabilitation board and fastened across the two raised vertical support members, 123 and 123′. A resistance band 18 may then be fastened to the vertical band retaining feature 16, and a user may then place a limb into the band and extend the band downward as shown by the arrow in FIG. 12.
(91) FIG. 13 shows a side cross-sectional view of an exemplary dove-tail type interlocking feature 116 comprising a dove tail recess 117 in a first rehabilitation board 10 and a dove-tail 118 protruding from a side 66′ of a second rehabilitation board 10′.
(92) FIG. 14 shows an isometric view of a rehabilitation board 10 having a dove-tail type interlocking 116 feature on a first side 66, and a dove-tail 118 on a second opposing side 66′. A plurality of rehabilitation board having the interlocking feature 110 shown in FIG. 14 could be fastened together to form an extended working surface 50.
(93) FIG. 15A show an isometric view of a rehabilitation board 10 having an A-frame type 130 vertical band retaining feature attached thereto. The A-frame type vertical band retaining feature 130 comprises two vertical support members 123, 123′. A band retaining feature 16 is configured between the two A-frame type vertical band retaining features 120. A band 18 (not shown), may be attached to the band retaining feature and allow a user to extend the band downward. An A-frame type vertical band retaining feature comprises two vertical support members that are connected at an apex, and the vertical support members may be fastened to the rehabilitation board in any suitable way.
(94) FIG. 15B shows a front view of a rehabilitation board 10 having an A-frame type vertical band retaining feature 130, fastened thereto. FIG. 15C shows a cross-sectional view of the detachable A-frame type vertical support member 130 shown in FIG. 15B having an attachment feature 126. The attachment feature comprises a dove-tail type configuration as described herein, but could comprise any suitable attachment configuration, including a puzzle piece type interlocking type configuration. The attachment feature may be an integral part of the vertical support member 123, or may be a separate part that is attached to the vertical support member. In addition, the attachment feature may extend along the entire length of the side of the rehabilitation board between the two vertical support members, thereby providing more rigidity and support.
(95) FIG. 15D shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of the detachable A-frame type vertical support member 130 having a dove-tail type attachment feature 126.
(96) FIG. 16 shows a front cross-sectional view of the detachable A-frame type 130 vertical support member 123 having a dove-tail type attachment feature 126. The band retaining feature 16 is configured between the two A-frame type vertical support members 130, 130′. A band retaining feature may be fastened to one, or between two or more vertical support members. A post 30 is shown having threads that are used to fasten the post to the rehabilitation board 10. A resistance band 18 is configured around the post and around the band retaining feature 16. The band 18 comprises a ring configured between the two retained ends. A user could place their hand or foot through the ring and move the limb both up and down with resistance.
(97) FIG. 17A shows a cross-sectional view of the detachable A-frame type 130 vertical support member having a circular shaped dove-tail 118 type attachment feature 126. This dove-tail shape may be incorporated into an interlocking feature as described herein.
(98) FIG. 17B shows a cross-sectional view of the detachable A-frame type 130 vertical support member having a wedge shaped dove-tail 118 type attachment feature 126. This dove-tail shape may be incorporated into an interlocking feature as described herein.
(99) FIG. 17C shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of the detachable A-frame type 130 vertical support member having a dove-tail type attachment feature 126 fastened to an dove-tail type interlocking feature 116 of a rehabilitation board 10. An interlocking feature may be used to attach any suitable type of device, support, band retaining feature, indicators and the like.
(100) FIG. 18A shows a top down view of a plug type 144 post 30 having a bar 140 configured in the top surface. The bar 140 is configured over a recess 142 in the top surface of the plug 144, as shown in FIG. 18B. A band 18, is fastened around the bar 140, as shown in FIG. 18B. As shown in FIG. 18C a plug type post 144 is inserted through the bottom surface of the rehabilitation board in this embodiment. The plug type post is conical in shape having a smaller diameter end that is inserted through bottom surface 51 of the rehabilitation board 10. The outer surface of the conical shaped plug type post 144 is configured to be retained in the corresponding conical shaped post opening 42. The outer surface of the conical shaped plug type post interfaces with the surface of the post opening 42, whereby the plug cannot be pulled through the board from the bottom to the top or working surface.
(101) FIG. 18C shows a cross-sectional view of a rehabilitation board 10 having a plug type post 30 threaded into a post opening 42. The top surface of the plug type post provides a substantially flush working surface 50.
(102) FIGS. 19 to 22 show an exemplary rehabilitation board 10 having a peg opening 56 proximal to each of the corners 202 of rehabilitation board and nine band retaining features 16 along either end 68, 68′. The rehabilitation board is substantially rectangular in shape with rounded corners. Each of the band retaining features comprises a slot 220 that extends in from the end of the board to an aperture. The exemplary aperture in this embodiment is a conical shaped aperture 222, comprising a tapered aperture through the thickness 49 of the rehabilitation board having a larger bottom surface opening 224 along the bottom surface 51 of the rehabilitation board that tapers in dimension as the tapered aperture extends through thickness of the rehabilitation board to a smaller working surface opening 226 on the working surface 50, as shown in FIG. 23. This type of aperture may be referred to as a band plug retainer as it is configured to retain a band plug attached to a resistance band. The conical shaped aperture also comprises beveled openings 229, 229′ on the bottom and working surfaces, respectively. Between each of the slots is a nodule type 36 band retaining feature 16 comprising an enlarged portion 40 that may be used to retain a retainer band, such as by tying thereto or fixing a looped end there around. Each end of the rehabilitation board therefore comprises a plurality of resistance band plug retainers, the conical shaped opening, and a nodule type band retainer feature 36. This configuration provides versatility in how the rehabilitation board is used.
(103) FIG. 23 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of one of the plug type attachment features 236, or band plug retainer, taken along line 23-23 in FIG. 22, wherein the attachment feature comprises a conical shaped aperture 222 through the thickness 49 of the rehabilitation board. A tapered or conical shaped plug 230 is configured at the fixed end 82 of the resistance band 18. The free end 84, or end that is coupled to a user's limb extends through the conical shaped aperture 222. The outer surface of the conical shaped plug 230 is configured to interface with the inner surface of the conical shaped aperture 222 to secure the fixed end of the resistance band to the rehabilitation board 10. The tapered plug 230 has a band end 81 that is smaller in dimension than the retainer end 85. The enlarged retainer end is larger is dimension across the exposed face of the retainer end then the opening at the working surface 50 of the tapered or conical shaped aperture 222.
(104) FIGS. 24 to 27 show an exemplary rehabilitation board 10 having a peg opening 56 proximal to each of the four corners 202 and four band retaining features 16 along either end 68, 68′. As shown in FIG. 24, the integral band retaining features extending from the first and second ends are dual band retaining features 299, comprising a nodule 36 that extends directly out from the end of the rehabilitation board and a band plug retainer that comprises a tapered aperture through the thickness of the board, as shown in more detail in FIG. 28. The dual band retaining feature enables a resistance band to be looped or tied around the nodule or a resistance band plug to be inserted into the band plug retainer. The slots between the nodules leads to the band plug retainer aperture.
(105) As shown in FIG. 28, a conical shaped plug 230 is retained within the conical shaped aperture 222. The fixed end 82 of the resistance band 18 is retained by the conical shaped plug 230 and the free end 84 extends out from the working surface 50 for attachment to a user's limb. The band surface of the conical shaped plug is flush with the working surface 50 and the opposing surface of the plug is substantially flush with the bottom surface 51 of the rehabilitation board.
(106) FIG. 29 is a flow chart of an exemplary method of the present invention. A resistance band may be retained to the attachment feature by tying one end of the resistance band around a nodule, or looping a loop of the resistance band around a nodule, or by tying a knot in the resistance band and securing it on the bottom side of an aperture that restricts the knot from pulling through the aperture.
(107) FIG. 30 is a flow chart of an exemplary method of the present invention that includes securing a conical shaped plug into a conical shaped aperture.
(108) FIG. 31 shows an exemplary rehabilitation board 10 having a detachably attachable low friction layer 300 and detachably attachable non-slip layer 320. As described herein, a detachably attachable low friction and/or non-slip layer may comprise cut-outs and/or apertures configured to align with post or peg opening or band retaining features of the rehabilitation board.
(109) FIG. 32 shows an exemplary rehabilitation board 10 having posts 30 inserted into the peg openings 56 from the bottom side of the rehabilitation board to elevate the rehabilitation board up from a base surface 500 an elevation height of 502. Enlarged portions of the post 31, act as feet for the elevated rehabilitation board 10. As described herein, elevating the board may allow a user to place a leg or arm under the board and the other leg or arm on the working surface for the purposes of rehabilitation. For example, a user may place a first leg under the elevated rehabilitation board and the other, or second leg, on the working surface, or on top of the rehabilitation board. The user may then slide the second leg across a portion of the working surface of the rehabilitation board for rehabilitation. A slide lying hip flexion or gravity eliminating hip flexion are examples of exercises that may be performed with the leg scissoring the elevated rehabilitation board
(110) FIG. 33 show a test apparatus 401 for measuring the static coefficient of friction of a sand-filled sock 430 along board surfaces 452.
Example 1: Friction Test
(111) Various boards, including exemplary rehabilitation boards, as described herein, were evaluated for static coefficient of friction. A test apparatus, as shown in FIG. 33 was used for these tests. To simulate the friction that may be encountered during rehabilitation exercises, a sock (69% cotton, 29% nylon 2% spandex, product no. SX5703-101-large,) was filled with 1 Kg of sand. The sand-filled sock 430 was then placed on a test board 450 proximal to a vertical measuring post 400. The vertical measuring post comprised distance indicia 420, to determine the height 470 at which the sand-filled sock began sliding down the test board. The height 470 and length of the board 472 can be used to determine the incline angle 490 at which the static coefficient is overcome between the board surface 452 and the sand-filled sock 430. The equation is provided by:
Incline angle=sin.sup.−1 (height/board length)
(112) The coefficient of static friction, Ks, between the sand-filled sock and the board surface 452 can be is expressed by:
Ks=F.sub.f/N
where Ff is the friction force along the surface of the board and N is the normal force to the board.
(113) The friction force is calculated by equation:
F.sub.f=1 kg sin (Incline angle);
and the normal force is calculated by:
N=1 kg cos (incline angle).
(114) The following board surfaces were evaluated, high density polyethylene (HDPE), a PTFE skived tape was adhered to the high density polyethylene board, cabinet grade plywood, and an ultra-soft microfiber 100% polyester sheet was laid over and pulled taught over the plywood. The coefficient of static friction, Ks, for each of the board surface is provided in Table 1.
(115) TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Board Surface Height (in) Board Length (in) Ks PTFE 6 36 0.169 HDPE 10 36 0.289 Plywood 16 36 0.496 Polyester 20.5 36 0.692 sheet
(116) The PTFE and HDPE board surfaces had less than half the static coefficient of to the plywood and polyester sheet.
(117) It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications, combinations and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Specific embodiments, features and elements described herein may be modified, and/or combined in any suitable manner. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications, combinations and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
