Dorsiflexion/plantarflexion extension above the knee brace

Abstract

Devices and processes used to treat ankle conditions. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a brace and the corresponding method of use to treat ankle conditions by stretching the Gastrocnemius muscle, soleus muscle, and plantaris muscle.

Claims

1. A brace for treating foot and ankle conditions by stretching a gastrocnemius muscle, a soleus muscle, and a plantaris muscle, the brace comprising: a receiver, an adjustable slider, a boot, wherein the receiver is configured to attach to the boot, wherein the boot includes openings for fixing an angle of dorsiflexion for an ankle of a user; wherein the boot includes a bottom plate, wherein an ankle hinge of the receiver and the boot create an heel opening for a heel of a user; the adjustable slider configured to be attached adjacent to the receiver above the heel, the adjustable slider defining a center slot extending along a substantial length of the adjustable slider, wherein the adjustable slider extends vertically to change an overall length of the brace to accommodate different leg lengths of different users; a clip configured for connecting the adjustable slider and the receiver; and a wedge supported by the boot, wherein the brace locks a knee in extension while also locking an ankle of a user in a dorsiflexion position at times or a normal position at other times; wherein the brace permits a 40 degree change in flexion angle allowing for 20 degrees of dorsiflexion and 20 degrees of plantarflexion.

2. The brace of claim 1, further comprising a support bridging two interior faces of the receiver.

3. The brace of claim 1, wherein the flexion angle is controlled by inserting a fastener to secure into one of several first openings of an ankle joint axis on one side of the boot, and also inserting the fastener to secure into a second opening in a same side of the receiver.

4. The brace of claim 3 where the fastener is a screw.

5. The brace of claim 1, further comprising a toe wedge.

6. The brace of claim 1, further comprising an ankle strap secured to a side of the brace at a 45 degree angle.

7. The brace of claim 1, wherein the brace is molded to a curvature of a heel and an Achilles tendon to reduce pain and friction to the heel.

8. The brace of claim 1, wherein an ankle strap is secured to the receiver.

9. The brace of claim 1, wherein an ankle strap is secured to the boot.

10. A method of treating foot and ankle conditions by stretching a Gastrocnemius, a soleus, and a plantaris muscle, the method comprising the steps of: extending a knee of a user while the foot and ankle of the user is dorsiflexed by using the brace of claim 1.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the foot and ankle conditions is associated with any condition selected from the group consisting of: a. Heel Spur Syndrome, Plantar fasciitis b. equinus related to Neuromuscular disorders including disorders selected from the group consisting of Cerebral Palsy and Friedreich's Ataxia c. Congenital disorders including disorders selected from the group consisting of Congenital equinus, Clubfoot, Vertical Talus and Calcaneal Valgus d. Pediatric Flexible Flatfoot deformity e. Adult Flexible Flatfoot deformity f. Tibialis Posterior Tendon Dysfunction g. Achilles tendonitis h. Achilles tendon injuries i. Haglund's Deformity j. Retrocalcaneal heel spurs and tendonosis k. equinus related to Tarsal Coalitions l. Bunion deformities m. Metatarsalgia n. Forefoot pain o. Charcot deformity p. Diabetic forefoot ulcers and toe ulcers q. Equinovarus deformities from post-injury or post-stroke patients r. Post Transmetatarsal or Chopart's amputation patients s. Midfoot degenerative joint disease at Lis Franc's joint or Chopart's joint t. Hypermobile first ray disorders and u. Cross-over toedeformities.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein the foot and ankle conditions are associated with any condition selected from the group consisting of: a. muscle strains, b. stress fractures, c. shin splints or Medial tibial stress syndrome, d. Iliotibial band syndrome, e. patellofemoral syndrome, f. ankle sprains or fractures, g. metatarsal pain, h. metatarsophalangeal joint (MPJ) synovitis, i. hallux abducto valgus, j. hammer toes or claw toes, k. Lis franc's or Midfoot arthrosis, l. hallux limitus or hallux rigidus, m. forefoot calluses, n. Morton's neuroma, o. Chronic ankle instability, p. Sever's disease, q. lateral foot pain, r. Genu recurvatum, s. lower back pain, t. arch pain, u. ankle arthrosis, v. subtalar arthrosis, w. sesamoiditis, x. anterior compartment syndrome, y. forefoot nerve entrapment, z. Tibialis Posterior Tendon Dysfunction aa. Achilles tendonitis and tendonosis bb. Achilles tendon injuries cc. equinus related to myelomeningocele dd. Flexor Hallucis Longus Tendinosis and ee. Anterior Ankle Impingement.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is a back view of calf muscles with a knee at extension and an ankle at neutral position.

(2) FIG. 2 is a side view of the calf muscles of FIG. 1.

(3) FIG. 3 is a perspective view of calf muscles with a knee in flexion and the ankle in dorsiflexion.

(4) FIG. 4 is an illustration of the brace with a grid support structure and toe support.

(5) FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the brace with a foot plate.

(6) FIG. 6 is a side view of the boot in one embodiment of the brace, including boot pad and a fully contracted brace.

(7) FIG. 7 is a front angled view of one embodiment of the fully extended brace, including boot pad and leg pad.

(8) FIG. 8 is a front angled view of one embodiment of the fully extended brace, including boot pad (not shown), leg pad, leg straps, ankle strap, toe wedge, and boot lining. In this embodiment, the ankle strap is secured to the boot.

(9) FIG. 9 is a side view of one embodiment of the fully extended brace of FIG. 8.

(10) FIG. 10 is a rear view of one embodiment of the fully extended brace of FIG. 8.

(11) FIG. 11 is a side view of the heel and ankle contact points of the brace.

(12) FIG. 12 is cross-sectioned perspective view of another embodiment of the brace wherein the ankle strap is secured to the receiver.

(13) FIG. 13 is a stylized perspective view of an embodiment of the brace wherein the ankle strap is secured to the receiver.

(14) FIG. 14 is a top view of the curvature in the mold of ankle strap of the brace.

(15) FIG. 15 is perspective view of a foot and the placement of the molded ankle strap.

(16) FIG. 16 is a normal view of the brace, before placing the foot inside, showing the order numerically to feed and fasten the strap.

(17) FIG. 17 is a normal view of the brace, before placing the foot inside, showing the fastened strap.

(18) FIG. 18 is a side view of a foot and ankle in dorsiflexion in the brace.

(19) FIG. 19 is a side view of a foot and ankle in plantar flexion in the brace.

(20) FIG. 20 is a side view of a user in the brace sitting in a chair, with a non-extended knee and plantar flexing the ankle.

(21) FIG. 21 is a side view of user in the brace standing with a fully extended knee and the ankle in dorsiflexion.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(22) For promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to certain embodiments illustrated in the disclosure, and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

(23) As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, thigh 10, knee 12, calf 14, ankle 16, foot 18, and calf muscles 20 of user 22 are illustrated. Calf muscles 20 are shown as gastrocnemius muscle 24 and soleus muscle 26. Each of these muscles 24, 26 shares a common insertion (attachment) via Achilles tendon 28 into the posterior calcaneus. Soleus muscle 26 originates at the proximal to posterior portions of tibia 30 and fibula 32. Soleus muscle 26 and gastrocnemius muscle 24 unite via their respective apponeurosis to form Achilles tendon 28. Unlike soleus muscle 26, gastrocnemius muscle 24 originates at posterior femur 34 just above knee 12 and also inserts into heel 36. Gastrocnemius muscle 24 crosses two joints: knee 12 and ankle 16.

(24) As illustrated with knee 12 in extension and ankle 16 in normal position, soleus muscle 26 and gastrocnemius muscle 24 are not stretched to capacity in a person with normal ankle range of motion including maximum ankle dorsiflexion of twenty-five degrees (25′). In a person with limited ankle range of motion, such as equinus, soleus muscle 26 or aastrocnemius muscle 24 may be stretched to capacity with knee 12 in extension for gastroc equinus or gastrosoleal equinus and ankle 16 in normal position or in a dorsi flexed position.

(25) As illustrated in FIG. 3, a person with limited ankle range of motion due to gastroc equinus, moving knee 12 from extension to flexion releases gastrocnemius muscle 24 from full stretch capacity. A person suffering from gastroc equinus may be able to place ankle 16 in dorsiflexion with knee 12 in flexion even though gastrocnemius muscle 24 is shortened.

(26) As illustrated in one embodiment in FIG. 4, brace 100 may include a grid support structure 111 and toe support 112. Brace 100 is shown in a fully contracted form, slider 116 is in front of receiver 119. Support 138 bridges the two interior faces of receiver 119.

(27) An exploded view of the connection between boot 114 and receiver 119 in contracted brace 100 is illustrated in FIG. 5. Boot 114 may include foot plate 113 either with or without the grid support structure and toe support. Slider 116 includes openings 134 to secure leg straps 109 (see also FIG. 8). Support 138 is an integrated part of receiver 119 in this embodiment. Both sides of boot 114 are secured to receiver 119 by insertion of screw 136 into openina 127 and opening 141 on either side of both boot 114 and receiver 119 respectively.

(28) The flexion angle of contracted brace 100 is controlled by insertion of screw 124 into one of the openings 125 and into opening 140 of receiver 119.

(29) FIG. 6 is an illustration of a close up of the boot 114 of a fully contracted brace 100. Achilles opening 117 is between receiver 119 and boot 114. When the brace 100 is fully contracted, a bottom portion of slider 116 is visible beneath the top of the Achilles opening 117. Each side of boot 114 includes panel 127 to cover bolt 136 (as shown in FIG. 5).

(30) Additional means for securing boot 114 to receiver 119 are also envisioned, such as a ball and socket multiplanar hinge.

(31) Sole 132 is attached to the bottom of boot 114.

(32) Boot 114 may include a boot pad 115.

(33) Boot 114 includes a flexion angle region 139 which defines a plurality of flexion angle apertures 125. Screw 124 is configured to be located in any one of flexion angle apertures 125 and affixed to receiver 119. Placement of screw 124 in each flexion angle aperture 125 changes the flexion angle of foot 18 of user 22. Five flexion angle settings 125 are shown in this embodiment. Other divisions of flexion angle settings are envisioned down to an angle change of 5 or 10 degrees such as −20°, −10°, 0°, +10°, and +20°. Flexion angle settings 125 permit a flexion angle range of 40 degrees. Additional embodiments include a flexion angle range of up to 20 degrees.

(34) Alternatively, flexion angle aperture 125 may comprise one or more slots in flexion angle region. For example, one continuous slot along each of the plurality of flexion angle apertures would facilitate placement of user's foot in any degree of plantarflexion or dorsiflexion orientation.

(35) Additional alternative embodiments include a gear mechanism.

(36) Additional means for affixing the flexion angle are also envisioned such as a snap lock mechanism of the peg-in-hole and the screw secure the ankle angle.

(37) Boot 114 includes heel openings 128 to secure ankle strap 101.

(38) Boot 114 includes tarsal openings 129. Tarsal openings 129 may be used to secure a boot lining 120.

(39) A fully extended brace 100 is illustrated in FIG. 7, including boot pad 115 and leg pad 118. The bottom of slider 116 is visible near the top of receiver 119. Achilles opening 117 is beneath receiver 119. Receiver 119 secures to boot 114 via bolts 126 and bolts 124. The outside of boot 114 includes panels 127 that cover bolts 126. The back of panel 130 is visible in openings in the bottom of receiver 119. The back of clip 131 is visible in openings that pass through both receiver 119 and slider 116.

(40) Leg pad 118 and slider 116 both have openings 134 on both vertical sides for securing leg straps 109.

(41) FIG. 8 illustrates a front angled view of the fully extended brace 100, including leg pad 118, leg straps 109, ankle strap 101, toe wedge 104, and boot lining 120.

(42) Boot lining 120 may include openings for ankle strap 101.

(43) FIG. 9 illustrates a side view of the fully extended brace 100, including leg pad 118, leg straps 109, ankle strap 101, toe wedge 104, and boot lining 120. Ankle strap 101 is secured to boot 114 via heel openings 128.

(44) FIG. 10 illustrates a rear view of a fully extended brace 100, including leg straps 109, and ankle strap 101. Ankle strap 101 is secured to brace 100 via heel openings 128. Slide 121 runs along the vertical center of the rear of slider 116. Slider 116 includes openings 122 to secure leg straps 109.

(45) The top of receiver 119 includes opening 123.

(46) Clip 131 pass through openings in both receiver 119 and slider 116. Clip 131 is engaged to keep slider 116 in a locked position. Clip 131 is loosened before slider 116 can change position, then slider 116 translates vertically. When brace 100 is fully extended, clip 131 passes through the bottom of slide 121 on slider 116. When brace 100 is fully contracted, clip 131 passes through the top of slide 121 on slider 116.

(47) FIG. 11 illustrates the heel and ankle contact points in a side view of brace 100. Heel area 106 is circled, ankle strap 101 is molded to gently approach heel 36 and Achilles tendon 28. Footplate 103 does not require any additional tarsal straps.

(48) FIG. 12 illustrates a cross-section perspective view of the inside of another embodiment of brace 100 wherein receiver 119 and strap 101 are molded around Achilles tendon 28. Strap 101 attaches to the inside of receiver 119 via openings 135. Openings 135 are at a 45 degree angle relative to a horizontal plane.

(49) The flexion angle of brace 100 is affixed via bolts 136. Additional means 136 for affixing the flexion angle are also envisioned.

(50) Both bolts 136 and bolts 137 secure receiver 119 to boot 114. Additional means 137 for securing receiver 119 to the boot 114 are also envisioned.

(51) Another embodiment of a fully extended brace 100 is illustrated in FIG. 13. Brace 100 includes an ankle strap 101 secured via openings 102 in receiver 119. Brace 100 may also include toe wedge 104. Molded boot 103 does not require any additional midfoot straps.

(52) Receiver 119 is secured to molded boot 103 via bolts 136. The flexion angle of molded boot 103 is varied by changing openings 125.

(53) Leg straps 109 and ankle strap 101 may terminate with fasteners and hook and loop 107.

(54) FIG. 14 illustrates the curvature in strap 101 to reduce pain and friction to the heel. Strap 101 is molded around Achilles tendon 28 and heel 36.

(55) FIG. 15 illustrates the configuration of the mold of ankle strap 101 around Achilles tendon 28 and heel 36.

(56) FIG. 16 illustrates the strap configuration. The steps to secure ankle strap 101 are as follows: First feed the strap 101 through the farthest back openings and fasten with a D-loop to anchor. Then feed the strap 101 back through the farthest opening to the outside. Finally feed the strap 101 back inside the brace through the openings and fasten to the top. Padding 109 may be included on strap 101.

(57) FIG. 17 illustrates the normal view of ankle strap 101 before placing a foot inside the boot. Padding 109 may be included on strap 101.

(58) FIG. 18 is a side view of a foot 18 in brace 100, while ankle 16 is dorsiflexing. Bolt 124 is in the left most opening 125 of boot 114. Ankle strap 101 with pad 108 is secured to boot 114 via heel openings 128.

(59) FIG. 19 is a side view of foot 18 in fully extended brace 100, while ankle 16 is plantar flexing and the knee is fully extended. Bolt 124 is in the right most opening 125 of boot 114. Ankle strap 101 with pad 108 is secured to boot 114 via heel openings 128.

(60) FIG. 19 illustrates a method of treating foot and ankle conditions by stretching the Gastrocnemius, Soleus, and Plantaris muscles, the method comprising the steps of: simultaneously extending the knee of the user and plantarflexing the ankle by using brace 100.

(61) FIG. 20 is a side view of user 22 in a non-extended brace 100 sitting in chair 99. Ankle 16 is in plantar flexion. Ankle strap 101 with pad 108 is secured to boot 114 via heel openings 128. Leg straps 109 are secured around the lower leg and calf 14.

(62) FIG. 21 is a side view of user 22 standing in a fully extended brace 100. Ankle 16 is in dorsiflexion. Ankle strap 101 with pad 108 is secured to boot 114 via heel openings 128. Leg straps 109 are secured around thigh 10.

(63) FIG. 21 illustrates a method of treating foot and ankle conditions by stretching the Gastrocnemius, Soleus, and Plantaris muscles, the method comprising the steps of: extending the knee of the user and the ankle of the user in dorsiflexion by using brace 100. The method of treating foot and ankle conditions is associated with any condition selected from the group consisting of: Heel Spur Syndrome, Plantar fasciitis, equinus related to neuromuscular disorders including disorders selected from the group consisting of Cerebral Palsy and Friedreich's Ataxia, Congenital disorders including disorders selected from the group consisting of Congenital equinus, Clubfoot. Vertical Talus and Calcaneal Valgus, Pediatric Flexible Flatfoot deformity, Adult Flexible Flatfoot deformity, muscle strains, stress fractures, shin splints or Medial tibial stress syndrome, Iliotibial band syndrome, patellofemoral syndrome, ankle sprains or fractures, metatarsal or forefoot pain, metatarsophalangeal joint (MPJ) synovitis, hallux abducto valgus, hammer toes or claw toes, Lis franc's or Midfoot arthrosis, hallux limitus or hallux rigidus, forefoot calluses, Morton's neuroma, Chronic ankle instability, Sever's disease, lateral foot pain, Genu recurvatum, lower back pain, arch pain, ankle arthrosis, subtalar arthrosis, sesamoiditis, anterior compartment syndrome, forefoot nerve entrapment, Tibialis Posterior Tendon Dysfunction, Achilles tendonitis and tendonosis, Achilles tendon injuries, Haglund's Deformity, Retrocalcaneal heel spurs and tendonosis, equinus related to tarsal coalitions, Bunion deformities, Metatarsalgia, Forefoot pain, Charcot deformity, Diabetic forefoot ulcers and toe ulcers, Equinovarus deformities from post-injury or post-stroke patients, Post Transmetatarsal or Chopart's amputation patients, Midfoot degenerative joint disease at Lis Franc's joint or Chopart's joint, Hypermobile first ray disorders and Cross-over toe deformities, equinus related to myelomeningocele, Flexor Hallucis Longus Tendinosis, Anterior Ankle Impingement.

(64) While the inventions have been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that the preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected.