Abstract
A device for increasing the range of motion (ROM) of a patient's afflicted knee joint following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) comprising an apparatus for insertion onto the pedal of an existing recumbent stepper machine. The apparatus enhances the functionality of recumbent steppers by (1) increasing the ROM angle of the knee at every seat position by moving the patient's foot closer to the stepper seat and thus the patient's torso, and by (2) allowing more ankle flection and a deeper guard rail than the original pedal to help maintain heel contact with the apparatus throughout the session.
Claims
1. A device for increasing the range of motion of a patient's afflicted knee joint, comprising: a first end and a second end; the first end being lower than the second end wherein an angle is formed; the angle configured to be greater than a standard angle of the pedal of the recumbent stepper.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein: the angle being fifteen degrees.
3. The device of claim 1, further comprising: a rail; the rail has a first side wall.
4. The device of claim 3, wherein: the rail has a second side wall.
5. The device of claim 4, wherein: the rail has a back wall and a bottom.
6. The device of claim 5, wherein: the sidewalls, the bottom and the back wall are configured to assist with placement of a foot of a user of the device.
7. The device of claim 6, further comprising: a first attachment site; the first attachment site on a first side of the device; a second attachment site on a second side of the device.
8. The device of claim 7, further comprising: a strap attachable to the first and second attachment sites; wherein the strap is configured to attach the device to the pedal of the recumbent stepper.
9. The device of claim 8, wherein: the strap has a first end and a second end; the first attachment site is attachable to the first end of the strap.
10. The device of claim 9, wherein: the second attachment site is attachable to the second end of the strap.
11. The device of claim 10, wherein: the first and second attachment sites are a first velcro surface.
12. The device of claim 11, wherein: the first and second ends of the strap are a second velcro surface.
13. The device of claim 12, wherein; the device is configured to be longer than a length of the pedal of the recumbent stepper.
14. A method for increasing a range of motion of a patient's knee during use of a recumbent stepper machine, comprising the steps of: placing a foot of the patient onto a device secured to a pedal of the recumbent stepper machine; wherein the device elevates a heel of the patient relative to toes of the patient; wherein the device has a back wall configured to maintain the heel of the use to a bottom of the device.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. It is to be understood that in some instances various aspects of the invention may be shown exaggerated or enlarged to facilitate an understanding of the invention.
[0022] FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing of the invention in position with a user's lower extremity shown in a typical position on the invention in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
[0023] FIG. 2 is a schematic drawing of the invention on one of the recumbent stepper pedals shown from a user's perspective prior to use in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
[0024] FIG. 3 is a schematic drawing of the invention depicting how the invention is positioned above the stepper pedal and inserted downward in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
[0025] FIG. 4 is a schematic drawing of the invention in position on a pedal of the stepper in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
[0026] FIG. 5 is a schematic drawing of an instance of the securing strap with Velcro adhesion points in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;
[0027] FIG. 6 are perspective views of the user foot on the stepper pedal without the apparatus depicting the lifting effect on the heel position of the user foot as the seat is moved from a farther position from the pedals (left view) to a closer position to the pedals (right view).
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0028] Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiments are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various other forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure, or manner.
[0029] Regarding materials and construction, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the preferred materials for the invention would be plastic or resin, but could also be metal, wood, or any other durable material. Also, specific details disclosed herein are not intended to portray a preferred embodiment of the inner construction. Such construction will be understood by those skilled in the art to be solid, hollow, baffled or any other suitable embodiment. Also, the specific details disclosed herein are not intended to imply a preferred method of manufacture. These will be understood by those skilled in the art to be manufacturing methods such as injection molding, 3D printing, milling, even carving or any other suitable method.
[0030] Now referring to the figures, FIG. 1 shows a depiction of a user 401 of the apparatus or device 20 positioned on a seat 201 of a recumbent stepper or other appropriate exercise equipment. Arm pole 202 of the recumbent stepper is available to the user. The foot of the user is positioned on apparatus 20 in the preferred embodiment as it would appear on recumbent stepper pedal 203 when the knee is bent at a maximum level based on some particular location of the seat relative to the device. First attachment site 40 and second attachment site 42 are available to secure the device 20 to the pedal with a strap 50.
[0031] Still referring to FIG. 1, goniometer 301 is depicted as it would be positioned to take a measurement of the bend angle of the repaired knee of a user. This bend angle is represented by y. Note that the goniometer 301 is positioned to measure from the lateral protrusion of the ankle bone on one side to the greater trochanter of the femur on the other. The trochanter in particular is not readily visible and must be located by palpation of the side of the hip. It is especially difficult for the user to take bend angle measurements during a session. However, with the use of a table such as Table 1 above, or with a copy of measurements taken previously by a physical therapist, the user can record and track their progress toward bending goals on a per session basis.
[0032] FIG. 2 shows a depiction of the device 20 in the preferred embodiment and the bulk of the recumbent stepper from the point of view of the user 401. In FIG. 2, the device 20 is mounted only on the left pedal 203 opposite the right pedal 203. Armatures 206 support the pedals 203. Arm poles 202 are shown in part. The display support and display 204 are shown in part. The main body 205 of the stepper is also shown in part.
[0033] FIG. 3 shows a depiction of how the device 20 in the preferred embodiment fits down into a recumbent stepper pedal 203. The device 20 in the preferred embodiment is rigid. It is unitized with a part that fits into the pedal 203 of a recumbent stepper to provide a better placement of the foot relative to the bend angle of the user's knee. The device 20 comprises a rail 21 around the top of the device 20 which is intended to be longer toward the front and deeper overall than the rail on the original stepper pedal 203. The rail 21 comprises a first side wall 26, a second side wall 28, a back wall 30. Device 20 comprises a bottom 32. The combination of these walls 26, 28 and 30 along with the bottom 32 define a space for a user to place one of their feet. A first end 22 of the device 20 preferably extends further than a first end of the pedal 203. An extension member 60 extends from the bottom 32 of the device 20. This extension member 60 preferably has a greater height z at a second side of the extension member 60 than a height at a first side of the extension member 60. The heights measured are from the bottom 32 to a bottom edge 61 of the extension member 60. This arrangement creates an angle x. In the preferred embodiment, the angle x is preferably fifteen degrees as shown in FIG. 3. In the preferred embodiment, the bottom edge 61 makes contact with the top of the pedal 203, thus supporting the device 20 when used by the user 401.
[0034] FIG. 4 shows a three-dimensional view of the device 20 in the preferred embodiment as it appears inserted onto a recumbent stepper pedal 203. A second attachment site 42 is depicted. In the preferred embodiment the second attachment site and the first attachment site is a first type of velcro 46.
[0035] FIG. 5 shows the preferred embodiment of a strap 50 preferably made of nylon webbing which could be threaded through slots in the pedal 203 or around the pedal 203 based on the design of the pedal itself as the apparatus is positioned down onto the pedal. In the preferred embodiment, the strap 50 has a first end 52 and a second end 54. The first end 52 and second end 54 are preferably a second type of velcro 48 that is attachable to the first attachment site 40 or the second attachment site 42. The first attachment site 40 is located on a first side 41 of the device, and the second attachment site 42 is located on a second side 43 of the device 20. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for design depictions of the strap 50 based on the model and manufacturer of the stepper. When the device 20 is excluded from the pedal 203, the angle y as measured by the goniometer is less than that same angle as shown in FIG. 1, assuming that the seat position is the same.
[0036] Referring to FIG. 6, the user's foot on the stepper pedal without the apparatus is depicted showing the lifting effect on the heel position of the user's foot as the seat is moved from a farther position from the pedals (left view) to a closer position to the pedals (right view). The rail 21, specifically the back wall 30, as shown in FIG. 1 help maintain the user's heel in the correct position. The correct position is such that the user's heel is in connection with the bottom 32.
