ASSEMBLY FOR ACTIVE AND RESISTIVE JOINT REHABILITATION EXERCISES

Abstract

An assembly for active and resistive joint rehabilitation exercises enables a joint, such as a knee, to flex in a controlled, curvilinear motion, while enabling adjustable resistance. In this manner, the joint practices both resistive exercises and active exercises for strengthening, as well as redeveloping range of motions. A base member with stabilizing bars provides lateral support for the assembly. The base member has a recessed docking region. A bracket detachably attaches in the docking region and joins the rails to base member. In this manner, the rails can detachably release from the base member. A lever and a base handle enable assembly to be moved and tilted. A vehicle comprises wheels that ride the rails while the foot rests therein, so that joint extends and retracts the curvilinear motion. An adjustment member increases and decreases friction coefficient between the wheels and rails for adjustable resistance of curvilinear motions.

Claims

1. An active and resistive exercise joint rehabilitation assembly, the assembly comprising: a base member defined by a narrow center region and a pair of base ends, the base member further defined by a recessed docking region; a pair of stabilizer bars extending along the length of the base member; a pair of rails defined by a generally curvilinear shape, the pair of rails further being defined by a distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end being joined with the base member; a bracket joining the base member to the pair of rails; a lever extending from the proximal end of the pair of rails, the lever being operable to help manipulate the assembly; a base handle joined with the base ends of the base member, the base handle operable to extend and retract from the base member to help manipulate the assembly; a vehicle defined by a limb surface and a rail surface, the rail surface comprising at least one wheel operable to ride the pair of rails; a limb fastening mechanism operatively attached to the limb surface of the vehicle; and an adjustment member operatively connected to the at least one wheel, the adjustment member being operable to increase the friction coefficient between the at least one wheel and the pair of rails, the adjustment member further being operable to decrease the friction coefficient between the at least one wheel and the pair of rails.

2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the base handle has a generally T-shape.

3. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the base handle comprises a length adjustable handle configured for gripping.

4. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the lever is generally elongated and rigid.

5. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the lever manipulates the assembly in a tilting motion.

6. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the vehicle is sized and dimensioned to enable receiving a limb terminus.

7. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the bracket detachably attaches to the recessed docking region of the base member.

8. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one wheel comprises at least four wheels.

9. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the limb fastening mechanism enables detachable attachment of a limb to the limb surface of the vehicle.

10. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the limb fastening mechanism is a hook and loop fastener.

11. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the adjustment member is operable to displace the at least one wheel in a first direction to increase the friction coefficient between the at least one wheel and the pair of rails.

12. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the adjustment member is operable to displace the at least one wheel in a second direction to decrease the friction coefficient between the at least one wheel and the pair of rails.

13. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the adjustment member comprises a knob.

14. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising a pin operable to selectively fasten the pair of rails in a fixed position relative to the base member.

15. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising at least one angle bar operable to indicate a position of the vehicle relative to the pair of rails.

16. The assembly of claim 15, wherein the at least one angle bar indicates a radius angle of the vehicle relative to the pair of rails.

17. An active and resistive exercise joint rehabilitation assembly, the assembly comprising: a base member defined by a narrow center region and a pair of base ends being generally wider than the center region, the base member further defined by a recessed docking region; a pair of stabilizer bars extending along the length of the base member; a pair of rails defined by a generally curvilinear shape, the pair of rails further being defined by a distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end being joined with the base member; a bracket detachably attached to the recessed docking region of the base member, the bracket joining the base member to the pair of rails; a lever extending from the proximal end of the pair of rails, the lever being operable to help manipulate the assembly; a base handle joined with the base ends of the base member, the base handle operable to extend and retract from the base member to help manipulate the assembly; a vehicle defined by a limb surface and a rail surface, the rail surface comprising at least four wheels operable to ride the pair of rails; a limb fastening mechanism operatively attached to the limb surface of the vehicle; an adjustment member operatively connected to the at least four wheels, the adjustment member being operable to increase the friction coefficient between the at least four wheels and the pair of rails, the adjustment member further being operable to decrease the friction coefficient between the at least four wheels and the pair of rails; and at least one angle bar operable to indicate a position of the vehicle relative to the pair of rails.

18. The assembly of claim 17, further comprising a pin operable to selectively fasten the pair of rails in a fixed position relative to the base member.

19. The assembly of claim 17, wherein the adjustment member is operable to displace the at least one wheel in a first direction to increase the friction coefficient between the at least one wheel and the pair of rails, the adjustment member further being operable to displace the at least one wheel in a second direction to decrease the friction coefficient between the at least one wheel and the pair of rails.

20. An active and resistive exercise joint rehabilitation assembly, the assembly consisting of: a base member defined by a narrow center region and a pair of base ends being generally wider than the center region, the base member further defined by a recessed docking region; a pair of stabilizer bars extending along the length of the base member for lateral stability to the base member; a pair of stabilizer bar fasteners fastening the pair of stabilizer bars to the base member; a pair of rails defined by a generally curvilinear shape, the pair of rails further being defined by a distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end being joined with the base member; a pin operable to selectively fasten the pair of rails in a fixed position relative to the base member; pair of rail brackets; a pair of rail fasteners; a bracket detachably attached to the recessed docking region of the base member, the bracket joining the base member to the pair of rails with multiple fasteners; a lever extending from the proximal end of the pair of rails, the lever being operable to help manipulate the assembly in a tilting motion; a base handle joined with the base ends of the base member, the base handle comprising a length adjustable handle configured for gripping, whereby the base handle is operable to extend and retract from the base member to help manipulate the assembly; a vehicle being sized and dimensioned to enable receiving a limb terminus, the vehicle defined by a limb surface and a rail surface, the rail surface comprising at least one wheel operable to ride the pair of rails; a pair of wheel assemblies operatively joined with the pair of wheels for stabilizing the wheels; a limb fastening mechanism operatively attached to the limb surface of the vehicle; an adjustment member operatively connected to the at least one wheel, the adjustment member being operable to displace the at least one wheel in a first direction to increase the friction coefficient between the at least one wheel and the pair of rails, the adjustment member further being operable to displace the at least one wheel in a second direction to decrease the friction coefficient between the at least one wheel and the pair of rails; and at least one angle bar operable to indicate a radius angle of the vehicle relative to the pair of rails, the at least one angle bar comprising multiple increment marks.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0038] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary assembly for active and resistive joint rehabilitation exercises, showing a user flexing the knee while the leg travels a curvilinear path, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary assembly for active and resistive joint rehabilitation exercises, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] FIG. 3 illustrates a left side view of the assembly for active and resistive joint rehabilitation exercises shown in FIG. 2, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] FIG. 4 illustrates a top pan view of the assembly for active and resistive joint rehabilitation exercises shown in FIG. 2, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] FIG. 5 illustrates a frontal view of the assembly for active and resistive joint rehabilitation exercises shown in FIG. 2, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] FIG. 6 illustrates a blow up view of the assembly for active and resistive joint rehabilitation exercises shown in FIG. 2, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] FIG. 7 illustrates a blow up view of an exemplary base member, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] FIG. 8 illustrates a blow up view of an exemplary pair of rails, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] FIG. 9 illustrates a blow up view of the pair of rails, shown in FIG. 8, separated into rail sections, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0047] FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary angle bar, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0049] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word exemplary or illustrative means serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any implementation described herein as exemplary or illustrative is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms upper, lower, left, rear, right, front, vertical, horizontal, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

[0050] At the outset, it should be clearly understood that like reference numerals are intended to identify the same structural elements, portions, or surfaces consistently throughout the several drawing figures, as may be further described or explained by the entire written specification of which this detailed description is an integral part. The drawings are intended to be read together with the specification and are to be construed as a portion of the entire written description of this invention as required by 35 U.S.C. 112.

[0051] In one embodiment of the present invention presented in FIGS. 1-10, an active and resistive exercise joint rehabilitation assembly 100 is adapted to enable a joint 202, such as a knee, to flex, bend, retract, and fully extend in a curvilinear motion. Assembly also enables adjustable resistance to the joint 202 as the limb travels the curvilinear motion.

[0052] As FIG. 1 illustrates, assembly is efficacious for rehabilitation of a knee, allowing the limbs to flex along a curvilinear path to in a both active and resistive exercise. The limb terminus 204 detachably couples in a vehicle 130 that travels along a pair of curvilinear-shaped rails 128a-d. The limb moves in a back-and-forth motion along the curvilinear path to flex the joint 202. The resistance to the limb's motion may be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the friction coefficient between the rails 128a-d and at least one wheel 136a, 136b on the vehicle 130.

[0053] This type of active and resistive exercise may be helpful post-rehabilitation, for example, after a knee replacement surgery. Assembly 100 is unique in that it offers more than just passive exercise of the joint 202, but also enables the joint 202 to practice resistive exercises and active exercises with adjustable resistance. Further, the use of a curvilinear path and adjustable resistance is efficacious for strengthening joint 202, as well as redeveloping a full range of motions for joint 202.

[0054] This type of active and resistive exercise is efficacious in strengthening the joint 202, as well as redeveloping the range of motions for joint 202. In one exemplary use, assembly 100 facilitates active knee motion of flexion and extension, thereby increasing strength of quadriceps and hamstring muscles. Assembly 100 is unique in that it is based on active and resistive ranges of motions, in addition to the passive motions known in the art. This is significantly different than the prior art exercise machines that are based on passive motion.

[0055] Turning now to FIG. 2, assembly 100 provides a base member 102 that rests firmly on a ground surface, forming a stable foundation as the joint 202 exercises along the curvilinear path. In one non-limiting embodiment, base member 102 is defined by a narrow center region 110 and a pair of base ends 112a, 112b. In one non-limiting embodiment, base ends 112a-b may be wider than center region 110. Base member 102 may have a generally elongated rectangular shape. Though in other embodiments, other shapes for base member 102 may also be used.

[0056] In one non-limiting embodiment referenced in FIG. 3, a pair of stabilizer bars 106a, 106b extend along the length of base member 102. Stabilizer bars 106a-b help provide lateral stability to base member 102. Stabilizer bars 106a-b also provide a gripping surface for user 200 while exercising. A pair of stabilizer bar fasteners 142a, 142b may be used to help fasten the pair of stabilizer bars to the base member; and further to prevent rotational movement by stabilizer bars 106a-b.

[0057] Suitable materials for base member 102 may include, without limitation, a rigid polymer, a metal, a metal alloy, rubber, and fiberglass. In any case, base member 102 is generally lightweight to enable easy mobility. In one embodiment, base member 102 comprises a recessed docking region 104 that receives a curvilinear pair of rails 128a-d, as described below.

[0058] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, base member 102 may form a recessed docking region 104. Docking region 104 is sized and dimensioned to receive and secure a curvilinear pair of rails 128a-d. Rails 128a-d detachably attach to base member 102, forming a curvilinear path that the limb follows to flex the joint 202.

[0059] In another non-limiting embodiment shown in FIG. 6, assembly 100 may also include a base handle 108a, 108b on base member 102 is manipulated to enable extend and retract from the base member 102, so as to enable manipulation of assembly 100. Base handle 108a, 108b may include a T-shape that can be gripped to carry the assembly 100. A handle end 108a allows manipulation, while a pipe end 108b extends beneath the rails.

[0060] In yet another non-limiting embodiment shown in FIG. 7, a lever 118 extends from end 112a of base member 102. Lever 118 is generally elongated and rigid. Lever 118 may be used to manipulate, by lifting, sliding, and tilting assembly 100, as needed. For example, assembly 100 can be lifted and dragged to a desired location for exercising, and then turned to face the patient. In another non-limiting embodiment, a pair of rollers at either end 112a, 112b of base member 102 may be used to enhance mobility of assembly 100.

[0061] Further, a top portion of the lever 118 is attached to the base member 102, and a bottom portion of lever 118 detaches from base member 102 to counteract tilting forces as force is applied to displace the limb along the curvilinear path. In this manner, user 200 can apply great amounts of force on the vehicle 130 with the limb terminus 204 without tilting the assembly 100 over.

[0062] Looking now at FIG. 8, assembly 100 further comprises a bracket 124 that detachably attaches to recessed docking region 104 in base member 102. Bracket is configured to form a nexus and fastening means between rails 128a-d and base member 102. Bracket 124 enables rails 128a-d to be detached from base member 102.

[0063] As FIG. 9 references, assembly 100 comprises a pair of curvilinear rails 128a-d disposed to extend along the length of base member 102. Rails 128a-d are defined by a generally curvilinear shape, and a substantially smooth surface that creates a low friction coefficient. The curved path is defined by a bend or inclination that is determined according to the purposes to be achieved through the resistive exercises and active exercises. It is this curvilinear path that the limb follows, which enables the unique range of motion for the joint 202 to achieve the active and resistive exercises.

[0064] A vehicle 130 rides along rails 128a-d that extend along the length of the smooth upper surface of rails 128a-d. Rails 128a-d are configured to engage at least one wheel 136a, 136b from a vehicle 130, as described below. The smooth surface of rails 128a-d allows the limb terminus 204, while coupled to the vehicle 130, to follow a smooth, continuous curvilinear path to allow the full range of motion for joint 202.

[0065] In one non-limiting embodiment, rails 128a-d are configured to separate into two sections 128a, 128c, and 128b, 128d, so as to telescopically slide relative to each other. In this manner, rails 128a-d may be length adjustably moved towards either of the extreme ends 112a-b of base member 102. A pair of rail brackets 146a, 146b forms a channel, and a pair of rail fasteners 146c, 146d help fasten the two sections of rail 128a, 128c, and 128b, 128d, for slidable engagement therebetween.

[0066] Assembly may further include a pin 138 that is operable to selectively fasten the sections of rails 128a-d in a fixed position relative to each other, once positioned to the desired length. Pin 138 may pass through holes in the sides of the rails 128a-d. In one non-limiting embodiment, rails 128a-d attach to a bracket 124 through multiple fasteners 140a, 140b, 140c, 140d, such as bolts, screws, nuts, adhesives, welds, and the like.

[0067] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the vehicle 130 is configured to be displaced by the limb terminus 204 while following the curvilinear path of rails 128a-d. Vehicle 130 includes a limb surface 132 that receives and detachably couples to limb terminus 204. In this manner, the foot can easily exert a force on vehicle 130 to move across curvilinear rails 128a-d in a smooth, continuous motion, and the joint 202 moves in the full range of motion allowed by the curvilinear path. A limb fastening mechanism 134 works to detachably fasten the limb terminus 204 to limb surface 132 of vehicle 130. Further, vehicle 130 includes a rail surface 122 that engages the curvilinear rails 128a-d. At least one wheel 136a-b from rail surface 122 of vehicle 130 rolls along the smooth upper surface of rails 128a-d.

[0068] In one non-limiting embodiment shown in FIG. 6, vehicle 130 may include at least one wheel 136a, 136b that rolls along the pair of rails 128a-d. In one embodiment, wheel 136a-b comprises two pairs of wheels rotating about an axis. Though in other embodiments, other mobility means known in the art may be used, including a single wheel, ball bearings, and blades. Wheels 136a-b are stabilized through use of a pair of wheel assemblies 144a, 144b, 144c, 144d including axles, wheel brackets, ball bearings, and the like.

[0069] Assembly 100 may further include a limb fastening mechanism 134 configured to enable detachable attachment of a limb to the limb surface 132 of vehicle 130. Limb fastening mechanism 134 ensures that the limb terminus 204, such as a foot, remains firmly secured to vehicle 130 as the limb flexes along the curvilinear path of rails 128a-d. Limb fastening mechanism 134 may include a hook and loop fastener with a buckle. For example, a strip of material that wraps around the foot. Though other limb fastening mechanisms known in the art may also be used.

[0070] Looking again at FIGS. 2 and 6, assembly 100 may further include an adjustment member 114 operatively connected to the at least one wheel 136a-b. Adjustment member 114 is configured to displace wheel 136a-b in a first direction to increase the friction coefficient between wheel 136a-b and rails 128a-d. Conversely, adjustment member 114 may displace wheel 136a-b in a second direction to decrease the friction coefficient between wheel 136a-b and rails 128a-d.

[0071] In one non-limiting embodiment, adjustment member 114 comprises a knob and gears that displace wheel 136a-b outwardly against the rails 128a-d when turned in the first direction, and inwardly displaces wheel 136a-b when turned in the second direction. In this manner, a limb, such as the knee, may exert a force along the curvilinear path within the closed kinetic path allowed by the curvilinear rails 128a-d. In this manner, the resistance to the joint 202 along the curvilinear motion may be adjusted accordingly. In this manner, assembly 100 is efficacious for providing resistance during range of motion to facilitate strengthening of quadriceps and hamstring, in addition to the joint exercises discussed above.

[0072] In one non-limiting embodiment shown in FIG. 10, assembly 100 provides at least one angle bar 126a, 126b. Angle bar 126a-b positions along the length of rails 128a-d to measure the radius angle of the vehicle 130 relative to rails 128a-d; and thereby allow a user to extend and retract the limb at a desired distance. To achieve this measurement, angle bar 126a-b may have multiple increment marks 148a-f that serve as measurements of the angles.

[0073] For example, 70 to 120 angles are marked in a spaced-apart relationship along the angle bar 126a-b. Exemplary increment marks 148a-f may include: a 70 mark 148a; a 80 mark 148b; a 90 mark 148c; a 100 mark 148d; a 110 mark 148e; a 120 mark 148f. In this manner, the user can extend the limb to a desired distance and adjust the rails 128a-d to a desired length to accommodate various user leg lengths, leg extension limitations, and friction coefficient resistance levels.

[0074] In operation, shown in FIG. 1, a user 200 may easily carry or drag the assembly 100 by gripping the lever 118. User 200 places a seat towards proximal end 116 of base member 102 and places limb terminus 204 in the vehicle 130. Limb fastening mechanism 134 wraps around the limb terminus 204 to secure the limb terminus 204 in place for exercise. User 200 exerts a force on limb terminus 204 to move the limb in a smooth, continuous motion across the rails 128a-d. The joint 202 perceives resistance while moving along this curvilinear path. The resistance between vehicle 130 and rails 128a-d may be adjusted by turning a knob in adjustment member 114.

[0075] Assembly 100, in this instance, may be very helpful for the patient in performing active range of motion independently without any assistance required from caregiver for set up. Further, the assembly 100 provides a friction free rail surface 128a-d; whereas patient may have to perform follow up exercises in bed with a bed sheet, carpet, or wooden floor which sometime causes friction that hinders smooth motion of the limbs. Additionally, assembly 100 is efficacious for providing resistance during range of motion to facilitate further strengthening of quadriceps and hamstring.

[0076] Further advantages of the assembly 100 are that it provides a lightweight, portable, compact and user friendly piece of exercise equipment that enables self-use for active and resisted ROM of knee joint, so as to promote increased circulation, healing and strength. Assembly 100 may also be easily setup by the patient, and does not require any assistance from the caregiver. Not only can assembly 100 be used at home but can also be used at professional settings by clinicians. Further, assembly is relatively inexpensive when compared to CPM or any other gym equipment.

[0077] In conclusion, as referenced in FIGS. 2-5, assembly 100 comprises three primary components: a base member 102, a pair of curvilinear rails 128a-b, and a vehicle 130 that work together to enable a joint 202, such as a knee or elbow, to flex in a curvilinear motion while following a curvilinear path, and also enabling adjustable resistance during the curvilinear motion. In this manner, assembly 100 enables joint 202 to practice both resistive exercises and active exercises for strengthening joint 202, as well as redeveloping range of motions for joint 202.

[0078] Assembly 100 provides a base member 102 that supports the assembly 100. Base member 102 has a recessed docking region 104 for receiving a curvilinear rails 128a-d. Rails 128a-d attach to the recessed docking region 104 through a bracket 124, which is detachably from base member 102. A lever 118 and a base handle 108a, 108b extend from base member 102 for moving assembly 100 and inhibiting tilting by assembly 100. A vehicle 130 having at least one wheel 136a-b, rides the rails 128a-d to enable the joint 202 to extend and retract in a smooth, continuous motion along curvilinear path of rails 128a-d. An adjustment member 114 increases and decreases the friction coefficient between wheel 136a-b and rails 128a-d to enable adjustable resistance.

[0079] Since many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalence.