Dorsiflex and plantarflex exercise machine

Abstract

A therapeutic rehabilitation device utilizing two parallel independent foot pedals on one side of the device, for isolated ankle exercises, and a larger flat board on the other side of the device, large enough for two feet to rest on, for use in active assistance exercises. To use the device for active assistance rehabilitation, the user places the device on the ground with the two pedals resting on the ground. To use the device for active isolated exercise, the user flips the device over, with the flat board facing the ground, and the two pedals facing upward.

Claims

1. A therapeutic rehabilitation device for a lower leg section of a user, the therapeutic rehabilitation device comprising; at least one first receiving member configured for a single foot of the user and comprising a topside configured for the single foot of the user to be placed thereupon, the at least one first receiving member further comprising a bottom, a heel end, a toe end, a midpoint, a heel support piece, a foot restraining device, and at least one guide which travels longitudinally from the heel end of the at least one first receiving member to the toe end of the at least one first receiving member; a second receiving member configured for two feet of the user and comprising a topside configured for the two feet of the user to be placed thereupon, the second receiving member further comprising a bottom, a heel end and a toe end; a pivoting adjoining member connecting the second receiving member to the at least one first receiving member at a location between the heel end and toe end of each of the respective receiving members, said pivoting adjoining member orienting the second receiving member and the at least one first receiving member such that the bottom of the second receiving member faces the bottom of the at least one first receiving member; at least one first resistance device connecting the heel end of the at least one first receiving member to the second receiving member; at least one second resistance device connecting the toe end of the at least one first receiving member to the second receiving member; wherein, when the therapeutic rehabilitation device is placed on a surface with the topside of the at least one first receiving member facing the surface, the topside of the second receiving member faces upward, and can be resistibly pivoted for active assistance exercising; wherein said heel support piece is connected to said at least one guide to allow the heel support piece to be adjusted longitudinally between the heel end of the at least one first receiving member and the toe end of the at least one first receiving member, and pivotal resistance can be adjusted during isolation exercising by adjusting a longitudinal location of the heel support piece along the at least one guide; wherein, when the therapeutic rehabilitation device is placed on the surface with the topside of the second receiving member facing the surface, the topside of the at least one first receiving member faces upward, and can be resistibly pivoted for the isolation exercising.

2. The therapeutic rehabilitation device of claim 1, wherein a minimum travel distance for said at least one guide is from the heel end of the at least one first receiving member to the pivoting adjoining member.

3. The therapeutic rehabilitation device of claim 1, wherein said at least one first resistance device and said at least one second resistance device comprise elastic bands.

4. The therapeutic rehabilitation device of claim 1, wherein said at least one first resistance device and said at least one second resistance device comprise springs.

5. The therapeutic rehabilitation device of claim 1, wherein said foot restraining device comprises a pair of straps constructed with hook and loop material.

6. The therapeutic rehabilitation device of claim 1, wherein said second receiving member further comprises a pair of foot restraining devices.

7. A therapeutic rehabilitation device for a lower leg of a user, the therapeutic rehabilitation device comprising; at least one receiving member configured for a single foot of the user and comprising a top configured for the single foot of the user to be placed thereupon, the at least one receiving member further comprising a bottom, a heel end, a toe end, a midpoint, a heel support piece, a foot restraining device, and at least one guide which travels longitudinally from the heel end to the toe end, wherein said heel support piece is connected to said at least one guide to allow the heel support piece to be adjusted longitudinally between the heel end and the toe end of the at least one receiving member; a base member; a pivoting adjoining member connecting the base member to the at least one receiving member at a location between the heel end and toe end of the at least one receiving member; at least one first resistance device connecting the heel end of the at least one receiving member to the base member; at least one second resistance device connecting the toe end of the at least one receiving member to the base member; wherein, the therapeutic rehabilitation device can be resistibly pivoted for isolation exercising; wherein, pivotal resistance can be adjusted during the isolation exercising by adjusting a longitudinal location of the heel support piece along the at least one guide.

8. The therapeutic rehabilitation device of claim 7, wherein a minimum travel distance for said at least one guide is from the heel end of the at least one receiving member to the pivoting adjoining member.

9. The therapeutic rehabilitation device of claim 7, wherein said at least one first resistance device and said at least one second resistance device comprise elastic bands.

10. The therapeutic rehabilitation device of claim 7, wherein said at least one first resistance device and said at least one second resistance device comprise springs.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 illustrates a front, perspective view drawing of the therapeutic rehabilitation device where the pedals are facing up, for isolation exercising;

(2) FIG. 2 illustrates a rear, perspective view drawing of the therapeutic rehabilitation device where the pedals are facing up, for isolation exercising;

(3) FIG. 3 illustrates a front, underside perspective view drawing of the therapeutic rehabilitation device;

(4) FIG. 4 illustrates a underside view drawing of the therapeutic rehabilitation device where the pedals are facing up, for isolation exercising;

(5) FIG. 5 illustrates a illustrates a top view drawing of the therapeutic rehabilitation device where the large foot board is facing up, for active assistance exercising;

(6) FIG. 6 illustrates a side view drawing of the therapeutic rehabilitation device where the pedals are facing up, for isolation exercising, with the heel piece and straps oriented to a position to create the least resistance, depicting a dorsiflexion exercise;

(7) FIG. 7 illustrates a side view drawing of the therapeutic rehabilitation device where the pedals are facing up, for isolation exercising, with the heel piece and straps oriented to a position to create the greatest resistance, depicting a dorsiflexion exercise;

(8) FIG. 8 illustrates a side view drawing of the therapeutic rehabilitation device where the pedals are facing up, for isolation exercising, with the heel piece and straps oriented to a position to create the greatest resistance, depicting a plantarflexion exercise;

(9) FIG. 9 illustrates a side view drawing of the therapeutic rehabilitation device where the pedals are facing up, for isolation exercising, with the heel piece and straps oriented to a position to create the least resistance, depicting a plantarflexion exercise;

(10) FIG. 10 illustrates a side view drawing of the therapeutic rehabilitation device where the large foot board is facing up, for active assistance exercising, depicting a dorsiflexion exercise;

(11) FIG. 11 illustrates a side view drawing of the therapeutic rehabilitation device where the large foot board is facing up, for active assistance exercising, depicting a plantarflexion exercise;

(12) FIG. 12 illustrates a side view drawing of a first alternate embodiment of therapeutic rehabilitation device where the elastic bands have been replaced with springs.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(13) The present invention provides for a therapeutic rehabilitation device for the lower leg section of a patient that allows the patient to perform both active assistance exercises as well as isolation exercises on a single device. Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, & 3, the device is primarily comprised of two independent foot pedals 1, and dual footboard piece 2, a vertical support structure 3, two pivoting joint structures 4, and a resistance means 5.

(14) Referring to FIGS. 4, & 6, each foot pedal 1 has a front side 6 and rear side 7. Running the length of each foot pedal 1, are guides 8, a rear heel-support 9, foot restraint 10 and a plurality of feet 22.

(15) In the preferred embodiment, the length of the foot pedal 1 should be approximately twice the length of the foot 16 of the user. This way, the user can place his heel at the pivot point of the pedal 1 for maximum resistance, or place his toes at the pivot point of the pedal 1 for minimum resistance.

(16) In the preferred embodiment, the guides 8 comprise two slots which travel substantially the length of the foot pedals 1 from the front side 6, to the rear side 7. The guides 8 function to allow for adjustment of the location of the rear heel-stop 9 and the foot restraint 10, so the user can adjust the location of the foot on the foot pedal 1 to vary resistance levels, and also to adjust for larger and smaller feet.

(17) The preferred embodiment utilizes slots to perform the function of the guides 8, due to the ease of manufacture and the associated low costs. However, there are a number of means which those skilled in the art could use to perform the function of adjusting the location of the rear heel-stop 9 and the foot restraint 10, including but not limited to rails and slides.

(18) In the preferred embodiment, the rear heel support 9 comprises a semi-circular section 12 and two bolts which protrude through the and beyond the rear heel support 9. The two bolts are aligned with guide slots 8 and have threaded ends which protrude far enough past the rear heel support 9 so that when the rear heel support 9 is mounted on the foot pedal 1 that the threaded ends extend through the guide slots 8 and can have wingnuts 15 attached to the threaded ends to secure the rear heel support 9 to the foot pedal 1. When the user needs to adjust the location of the rear heel support 9 to modify the resistance, the user will simply loosen the wingnuts 15 and slide the rear heel support 9 to its desired position and then tighten the wingnuts 15.

(19) In the preferred embodiment, the top of the foot pedal 1 is marked with a plurality of resistance designations 19. The resistance designations 19 are used to repeatedly locate the rear heel support 9 at the proper location for the desired resistance level. The resistance designations 19 allow therapeutic rehabilitation device to be grade-able for clinical use, so that the status and progress of the patients to be measured against standards.

(20) In the preferred embodiment, the foot restraint 10 is a constructed of two straps 11 of a hook and loop material each with a loop end 13 where the hook and loop material is threaded through one of the guides 8 and then fastened to itself. Each strap 11 also has a connecting end which allows the two straps 11 to be connected to each other. Attaching the straps 11 to the foot pedal 1 through the guides 8 allows the foot restraint 10 to slide along the length of the foot pedal 1.

(21) The preferred embodiment utilizes a two straps 11 of a hook and loop material each with a loop end 13 where the hook and loop material is threaded through one of the guides 8 and then fastened to itself to perform the function of securing the users foot 16 to the pedal. However, there are a number of means which those skilled in the art could use to perform the function of securing the users foot 16 to the pedal, including but not limited to belts with buckles, clamping devices, and ratcheting belts.

(22) In the preferred embodiment of the invention, a plurality of feet 22 are mounted on the topside of the pedal 1 and rear heel support 9. The feet 22 are not critical to the operation of the apparatus, but serve as a means to provide resistance to prevent the apparatus from sliding on the ground during use, as well as provide a means to protect the floor surface from any damage from apparatus.

(23) Referring to FIGS. 5 & 10, the dual footboard piece 2 comprises a rectangular board with two footpads 17, two foot restraints 18, a plurality of feet 22, and a handle 27.

(24) In the preferred embodiment, the two foot restraints 18 are constructed of two straps of a hook and loop material each with a fixed end 20 where the straps are attached the dual footboard piece 2. Each strap also has a connecting end 21 which allows the two straps 20 to be connected to each other.

(25) The preferred embodiment utilizes a two foot restraints 18 of a hook and loop material each with a fixed end 20 where the straps are attached the dual footboard piece 2 to perform the function of securing the users foot 16 to the dual footboard piece 2. However, there are a number of means which those skilled in the art could use to perform the function of securing the users foot 16 to the dual footboard piece 2, including but not limited to belts with buckles, clamping devices, and ratcheting belts.

(26) In the preferred embodiment of the invention, two footpads 17 are mounted on the topside of the dual footboard piece 2. The footpads 17 are not critical to the operation of the apparatus, but serve as a means to instruct the users where to position their feet 16 and to provide resistance to prevent the feet 16 from shifting during use. In the preferred embodiment the footpads 17 are constructed of a foam material, but could be constructed of a number of other materials known to those skilled in the art, including, but not limited to sandpaper and rubber.

(27) In the preferred embodiment of the invention, a plurality of feet 22 are mounted on the topside of the dual footboard piece 2. The feet 22 are not critical to the operation of the apparatus, but serve as a means to provide resistance to prevent the apparatus from sliding on the ground during use, as well as also provide a means to protect the floor surface from any damage from apparatus.

(28) In the preferred embodiment of the invention, a handle 27 is integrated into the dual footboard piece 2 by cutting an oval hole into one side of the dual footboard piece 2. The handle provides a gripping location, to increase the portability of the device.

(29) Connecting the underside of the pedals 1 and the dual footboard piece 2 is a vertical support structure 3. The vertical support structure 3 is located laterally at approximately the midpoints of the pedals 1 and the dual footboard piece 2. The vertical support structure provides vertical separation between the pedals 1 and the dual footboard piece 2 so that the pedals 1 and the dual footboard piece 2 can pivot the full range of motion necessary to property exercise the ankles.

(30) In the preferred embodiment the vertical support structure 3 is fixedly attached directly to the dual footboard piece 2 using screws 25, however, other known attachment means including, but not limited to adhesives and brackets could be used.

(31) In the preferred embodiment the vertical support structure 3 is not attached directly to the foot pedals 1, but is instead attached directly to one end of the two pivoting joint structures 4 using screws, however, other known attachment means including, but not limited to adhesives and staples could be used. The other end of the two pivoting joint structures 4 are attached to the underside of the foot pedals 1 using screws, however, other known attachment means including, but not limited to adhesives and staples could be used.

(32) In the preferred embodiment the to the two pivoting joint structures 4 are hinges, but could be a variety of pivoting joint structures known to those skilled in the art, including but not limited to a ball and socket joint, condyloid joint, and saddle joint.

(33) Connecting the underside of the pedals 1 and the dual footboard piece 2 are a plurality of resistance means 5, which take the form of elastic bands 23 in the preferred embodiment. In the preferred embodiment, the elastic bands 23 are connected to the pedals 1 and the dual footboard piece 2 using angled wedge pieces 24. The angled wedge pieces 24 allow the elastic bands 23 to connect to the pedals 1 and the dual footboard piece while remaining straight, reducing the possibility of stress points which could lead to breakage.

(34) In the preferred embodiment, the elastic bands 23 have measured and designated resistance levels. The used of elastic bands 23 which are measured and designated resistance levels allows the therapeutic rehabilitation device to be grade-able for clinical use, to allow for status and progress of the patients to be measured against standards.

(35) In the preferred embodiment the angled wedge pieces 24 are fixedly attached directly to the pedals 1 and the dual footboard piece 2 using screws 25, however, other known attachment means including, but not limited to adhesives and brackets could be used.

(36) In the preferred embodiment the elastic bands 23 are fixedly attached directly to the angled wedge pieces 24 using screws 25, however, other known attachment means including, but not limited to adhesives and hooks could be used. Using elastic bands 23 with looped ends in conjunction with hooks, would allow for the elastic bands 23 to be easily replaced with elastic bands 23 with different elasticity for more or less resistance.

(37) Referring to FIGS. 6 thru 9, when the user wants to use the pedals 1 to exercise perform isolation exercises, the user will place the apparatus on the ground with the top of the dual footboard piece 2 facing the floor. The feet 22 will protect the floor from damage.

(38) Referring to FIG. 6, when the user wants to use the pedals 1 to exercise perform a dorsiflexion exercise at minimum resistance, the user will position rear heel supports 9 at the midpoint of the pedals 1 so that the heel of the foot 16 is located above the pivoting joint structures 4 and use the foot restraints 10 to secure the foot 16. The user will then rotate his ankle clockwise and the front resistance means 5, which take the form of elastic bands 23 in the preferred embodiment will stretch, creating resistance, and the rear elastic bands 23 will sag, and not generate any resistance.

(39) Referring to FIG. 7, when the user wants to use the pedals 1 to exercise perform a dorsiflexion exercise at maximum resistance, the user will position rear heel supports 9 at the midpoint of the pedals 1 so that the heel of the foot 16 is located above the pivoting joint structures 4 and use the foot restraints 10 to secure the foot 16. The user will then rotate his ankle counterclockwise and the rear resistance means 5, which take the form of elastic bands 23 in the preferred embodiment will stretch, creating resistance, and the front elastic bands 23 will sag, and not generate any resistance.

(40) Referring to FIG. 8, when the user wants to use the pedals 1 to exercise perform a plantarflexion exercise at maximum resistance, the user will position rear heel supports 9 at the rear of the pedals 1 so that the toe of the foot 16 is located above the pivoting joint structures 4 and use the foot restraints 10 to secure the foot 16. The user will then rotate his ankle clockwise and the front resistance means 5, which take the form of elastic bands 23 in the preferred embodiment will stretch, creating resistance, and the rear elastic bands 23 will sag, and not generate any resistance.

(41) Referring to FIG. 9, when the user wants to use the pedals 1 to exercise perform a plantarflexion exercise at minimum resistance, the user will position rear heel supports 9 at the rear of the pedals 1 so that the toe of the foot 16 is located above the pivoting joint structures 4 and use the foot restraints 10 to secure the foot 16. The user will then rotate his ankle counterclockwise and the rear resistance means 5, which take the form of elastic bands 23 in the preferred embodiment will stretch, creating resistance, and the front elastic bands 23 will sag, and not generate any resistance.

(42) Referring to FIGS. 10 & 11, when the user wants to use the dual footboard piece 2 to exercise perform isolation exercises, the user will place the apparatus on the ground with the top of the pedals 1 facing the floor. The feet 22 will protect the floor from damage. The user will place their feet 16 on the footpads 17, and secure their feet to the dual footboard piece 2 with the foot restraints 18

(43) When the user wants to perform a plantarflexion exercise the user rotate his ankles counterclockwise and the rear resistance means 5, which take the form of elastic bands 23 in the preferred embodiment will stretch, creating resistance, and the front elastic bands 23 will sag, and not generate any resistance.

(44) When the user wants to perform a dorsiflexion exercise the user rotate his ankle clockwise and the front resistance means 5, which take the form of elastic bands 23 in the preferred embodiment will stretch, creating resistance, and the rear elastic bands 23 will sag, and not generate any resistance.

(45) FIG. 12 depicts an first alternate embodiment of the invention where the resistance means 5 is comprised of springs 26 in lieu of elastic bands 23. The benefit of using springs 26 in lieu of elastic bands 23 is that the springs can be connected directly to the pedals 1 and dual footboard piece 2 without the need for an angled wedge pieces 24. The downside of using springs 26 is over time, the springs 26 will fatigue, requiring replacement. Replacement of a spring will be more difficult and costly than elastic bands 23.