ANKLE DORSIFLEXOR PHYSICAL THERAPY DEVICE

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present general inventive concept relates to physical therapy devices. More particularly, the present general inventive concept relates to physical therapy devices which isolate and strengthen ankle dorsiflexors and related muscle groups, thereby preventing injury to a user's ankle.

2. Description of Related Art

Natural ways to strengthen ankle dorsiflexors against resistance are limited. There have been various devices developed for physical therapy and rehabilitation of the ankle. However, these prior arts do not adequately target and isolate ankle dorsiflexor muscle groups for strengthening and rehabilitation and include patents issued to other inventors disclosed by the following: U.S. Pat. No. 9,186,536B2 issued to Kenneth Strachan; US 20210038943 issued to Mary Anne Tarkington et al; U.S. Pat. No. 10,195,475 issued to Daniel Schreiber et al; U.S. Pat. No. 7,955,236 issued to Craig DiGiovanni et al; and U.S. Pat. No. 10,434,357 issued to Timothy McCarthy. Moreover, positions of neurovascular structures that cross the human ankle are prone to compression by devices that overlie the ankle.

The present inventive concept strengthens the ankle dorsiflexor groups for static and dynamic motion thereby stabilizing it against injuries such as those encountered during strenuous sporting activities. Further, the present inventive concept incorporated measures to minimize and prevent compression of neurovascular structures that cross the ankle. This consideration is beneficial to an average user and is of particular benefit to subjects undergoing graded exercise therapy for peripheral arterial disease.

Of note, the present inventive concept differs from ankle support braces and obviates the need to wear ankle support braces during high-impact sporting or other activities.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present inventive concept is a physical therapy device that is designed to isolate and strengthen ankle dorsiflexors and related muscle groups during resisted active range of motion such that while in use the device does not compress major vascular and nerve bundles that cross the ankle. The device shall be worn around the ankle and foot during active therapy sessions such that it is removed during other activities. The present invention comprises multiple parts which fit together to make up a single device worn around the ankle and foot. These parts include the ankle ring module, the ankle fulcrum modules, the sole platform, the resistance modules, and the resistance adjustment lever modules.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

These and/or other aspects of the present general inventive concept will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following description of the embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of which:

FIG. 1 is a front-right perspective view of an ankle dorsiflexor physical therapy device according to an embodiment of the present inventive concept.

FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of the ankle dorsiflexor physical therapy device illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a right-side view of the ankle dorsiflexor physical therapy device illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the ankle dorsiflexor physical therapy device illustrated in FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept, an example of which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to the like elements throughout. The exemplary embodiment is described below to explain the present general inventive concept by referring to the figures.

FIG. 1 is a front-right perspective view of an ankle dorsiflexor physical therapy device according to an embodiment of the present inventive concept. FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of the ankle dorsiflexor physical therapy device illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a right-side view of the ankle dorsiflexor physical therapy device illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a top view of the ankle dorsiflexor physical therapy device illustrated in FIG. 1.

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 4, the ankle dorsiflexor physical therapy device, designated generally as 100, is illustrated. In the present embodiment, the ankle dorsiflexor physical therapy device 100 is designed and configured as a physical therapy device that isolates and strengthens ankle dorsiflexors and related muscle groups during resisted active range of motion such that it prevents significant compression of major vascular and nerve bundles that cross the ankle during use. Further, the present inventive concept differs from braces for ankle joints and obviates the need to wear ankle braces to support the ankle joint during high-impact sporting or other activities.

The present general inventive concept provides an ankle dorsiflexor physical therapy device 100 that comprises an ankle ring module, ankle fulcrum modules, a sole platform module, resistance modules, and resistance adjustment modules; all of which fit together to constitute a single contiguous device. However, the present inventive concept is not limited thereto.

The Ankle Ring Module 110

The exemplary ankle dorsiflexor physical therapy device 100 includes an ankle ring 110. The exemplary ankle ring 110 is designed to protect and preserve major neuro-vascular and tendon structures that traverse the anterior and medial portions of a user's ankle.

The exemplary ankle ring 110 is further designed to provide an anchor against downward motion and tilt of the entire ankle ring 110. The exemplary ankle ring 110 is designed to serve as a functional anchor for the entire device 100. That is, the exemplary ankle ring 110 will be anchored against translation in any direction, against tilt in any direction, and against rotation.

In exemplary embodiments, the ankle ring 110 will be made of rigid (non-flexible) material such as metal or hard plastic.

In exemplary embodiments, the rigid portion of the ankle ring 110 forms a half of a ring (an arch) around the front (anterior aspect) of the user's ankle. The posterior ends of the ankle ring 110 are configured to extend beyond the posterior margins of the user's ankle on both sides of the ankle.

Further, the exemplary ankle ring 110 has elongated, opposing sides 112 and 114 that each feature an inward-facing concave portion 116 and 118, also referred to as the malleolar cup, that is formed to cup and anchor on the medial and lateral malleoli of a user's ankle respectively. The malleolar cups 116 and 118 serve as key anchoring points of device 100. However, the present inventive concept is not limited thereto.

The exemplary ankle ring 110 further includes an anterior portion that features an additional groove along the inward-facing surface, also referred to as the neurovascular groove 120, that is designed to extend over the neurovascular and tendon tracts traversing the anterior aspect of the ankle. In this way, the neurovascular structures are spared from compression during use of device 100 and are protected from injury.

In alternative exemplary embodiment, the anterior portion of the ankle ring 110 is beveled such that the malleolar cups 116 and 118 sit lower than the anterior rim 122 of the ankle ring 110. In this way, the ankle ring 110 is arranged to be operatively positioned away from the neurovascular and tendon tracts anterior to the ankle joint in the proximal dorsum of the user's feet. To further relieve compression of major neurovascular structures behind the medial malleolus, the malleolar cups 116 and 118 are shallow at their posterior margins.

The exemplary ankle ring 110 further includes a curved, rigid, thin shin plate 124 operatively positioned over the anterior, superior aspect of the ankle ring 110. The shin plate 124 is designed to have a deep concave surface that hugs the lower shin and extends toward the middle of a user's shin and is configured to provide bracing against posterior tilt of the ankle ring 110 during use of the device 100.

The exemplary ankle ring 110 further includes a flexible strap 126 that is designed to complete the ankle ring 110 posteriorly by extending across the posterior aspect of the user's ankle and attaching to the shallow posterior ends of the malleolar cups 116 and 118 using any applicable fastener. The exemplary fastener may be any type of fastener, for example, a hook and loop fastener, a ratchet, a buckle, or any other type of fastener. In exemplary embodiments, the malleolar cups 116 and 118 will be raised (in thickness) such that the attachment points of the flexible strap 126 to the malleolar cups 116 and 118 will be significantly lifted away from the neurovascular bundle behind the medial malleolus as the strap 126 is secured tightly behind the user's ankle.

In exemplary embodiments, the ankle ring 110 further includes two opposing posts 128 and 130 that operatively extend from the posterior ends of the malleolar cups 116 and 118. The two opposing posts are designed to serve as superior anchors for the main resistances 500 of device 100, which will be discussed in greater detail later. However, the present inventive concept is not limited thereto.

The Ankle Fulcrum Modules (Arch-to-Sole Connectors) 200 and 206

In exemplary embodiments, the ankle dorsiflexor physical therapy device 100 further includes at least a pair of ankle fulcrum modules. The exemplary pair of ankle fulcrum modules comprise a pair of axle and ratchet mechanisms 200 and 206 operatively positioned on opposing sides of device 100 such that they are positioned along the sides of a user's ankle. The pair of ankle fulcrum modules 200 and 206 serve as adjustable fulcrums for the functional movement of the entire device 100.

In exemplary embodiments, each ankle fulcrum module includes a central circular free-wheeling axle console 200 and 206 that houses two adjustable rods 202, 204, 208 and 210 which are oriented along the circular plane of the axle console 200 and 206 as they traverse the central aspect of the circular axle console 200 and 206 such that the movement of the rods are oriented along the circular plane of the axle console 200 and 206 and perpendicular to the circular axis of the axle console 200 and 206. The adjustable rods 202, 204, 208 and 210 are designed to be adjustable through a ratchet mechanism enclosed within the axle console 200 and 206 along which each rod 202, 204, 208 and 210 can independently glide such that the length of the exposed portion of each rod 202, 204, 208 and 210 can be increased or decreased. Through this mechanism, users of different heights can adjust device 100 to fit their sizes at the fulcrum.

In exemplary embodiments, an ankle fulcrum module 200 is operatively connected superiorly via rod 202 to the malleolar cup 118 and is connected inferiorly via another rod 204 to the sole platform 300, at a corresponding slit 405 on the sole platform 300. Similarly, another ankle fulcrum module 206 is connected superiorly to the malleolar cup 116 via rod 208 and is connected inferiorly to the sole platform 300 via rod 210, at a corresponding slit 403 on the sole platform 300. The exemplary slits 403 and 405 are configured as female connectors for the free lower ends of the ankle fulcrum modules 204 and 210. In alternative exemplary embodiments, the span of the slits 403 and 405 on the sole platform 300 is extended along the heel-toe direction of the sole platform 300 such that the ankle fulcrum modules'inferior connectors 204 and 210 will be operatively adjustable within the slits 403 and 405 relative to the heel-toe direction of the sole platform 300 to serve as an additional measure to adjust device 100 to fit users of various sizes. However, the present inventive concept is not limited thereto.

The Sole Platform 300

In exemplary embodiments, the ankle dorsiflexor physical therapy device 100 further includes a sole platform 300. The exemplary sole platform 300 is formed in the shape of the sole of a sandal, for example. The exemplary sole platform 300 is designed to lack left-right directionality (i.e., the same device 100 will be designed for bilateral use). The exemplary sole platform 300 is formed to include a hollow space for housing an important mechanism for adjusting the resistance of the device 100 during use.

The exemplary housing in the sole platform 300 is designed to include two spaces along its posterior aspect for two smoothed, curvilinear hollow tracks 304 and 306 oriented along the heel-toe axis of the sole platform 300. The heel tracks 304 and 306 are configured to integrate with a pair of resistance adjustment lever modules 400. The resistance adjustment levers 400, which will be partially housed within the inner ends of the hollow tracks 304 and 306, will be discussed in greater detail later. In exemplary embodiments, the hollow tracks 304 and 306 may be operatively designed to be housed within the interior of the sole platform 300, or within protective grooves on the undersurface or upper surface of the sole platform 300. However, the present inventive concept is not limited thereto.

The posterior ends of the hollow heel tracks 304 and 306 are designed to expose a pair of knobs 308 and 310 along the posterior margin of the sole platform 300. The positions of the heel knobs 308 and 310 within their respective hollow tracks 306 and 304 are designed to be adjustable within the hollow heel tracks 306 and 304 to allow for retraction or advancement of the heel knobs 308 and 310 along their respective tracks 306 and 304, as will be discussed later in greater detail. The main resistance modules 500 of the entire device 100 are operatively attached to the heel knobs 308 and 310, which the main resistance modules of device 100 will be discussed later in greater detail.

The exemplary sole platform 300 further includes an instep portion 312. The instep portion 312 of the sole platform 300 is equipped with a durable broad strap 314 that will fasten to both sides of the sole platform 300 such that it crosses over the dorsum of the user's foot to hold the foot in place on the sole platform 300 during use. The attachment points of the strap 314 on the sole platform 300, for example, will include two opposing, oversized heel-toe oriented slits along the outer margins of the instep portion 312 of the sole platform 300 to accommodate fasteners of any type that will allow for adjustment of the position of the instep strap 314 along the heel-toe dimension of the sole platform 300. The adjustability of the instep strap 314 along the sole platform 300 will provide an additional means for users of different feet sizes to adjust device 100 to user specifications. For example, an instep strap 314 will loop through two horizontal slits along the outer margin of the instep portion 312 of the sole platform 300 and fasten on itself on both sides using a hook and loop fastener after the desired position of the strap 314 along the sole platform 300 is determined and set by the user. However, the present inventive concept is not limited thereto.

The Resistance Adjustment Lever Modules 400

In exemplary embodiments, the ankle dorsiflexor physical therapy device 100 features two resistance adjustment lever modules 400, one on each side of the sole platform 300. Each exemplary resistance adjustment lever module 400 is a lever system partially housed within the interior area 302 of platform 300. Each exemplary resistance adjustment lever module 400 is in operative connection with a heel knob 308 or 310 within the sole platform, and features a pivot point 301 and an effort handle 402 or 404. The heel knob 308 or 310 is designed to be exposed/delivered via the posterior end of its respective heel track 306 or 304 within the housing of the sole platform 300.

The exemplary effort handle 402 or 404 is designed to be accessible via the sides (lateral or medial) of the sole platform 300.

The pivot 301 is configured to be contained within the interior area 302 of the sole platform 300 close to the anterior end of the heel tracks 304 and 306. Pivot 301 is configured as an axle that anchors the effort handle 402 or 404 to the sole platform 300 and acts as a pivot for the lever 402 or 404 to partially rotate along the plane of the sole platform 300.

A ratcheting system on the axle 301 is utilized to lock or fix discrete positions of the levers 402 or 406 thus maintaining the position of the fixed end of a connected resistance 500. The resistance 500 will be described later in greater detail. In exemplary embodiments, rotating the lever 402 or 404 around the fulcrums 301 will cause a connected heel knob 308 or 310 to be retracted or advanced within the heel track 306 or 304 of the sole platform 300, thereby causing a connected resistance 500 to be stretched or relaxed into a locked position. In exemplary embodiments, this will be the means for adjusting the main resistance 500 of the entire device 100 within the elastic limit of the substance of the resistance 500. However, the present inventive concept is not limited thereto.

The Resistance Module

In exemplary embodiments of the ankle dorsiflexor physical therapy device 100, the functional kinetic resistance to ankle dorsiflexion will be the main resistance modules. The main resistance module consists of one or more elastic resistance units 500 corresponding to the number of heel tracks 304 and 306 in the sole platform 300. For example, two resistance units are demonstrated in exemplary embodiments. Each exemplary elastic resistance unit 500 will be made of high-resistance material such as metal springs or elastic bands. The upper end of each resistance unit 500 is operatively connected to the respective posts 128 and 130 extending posteriorly from the malleolar cups 116 and 118 of the ankle ring 110. The lower ends of the elastic resistance units 500 are operatively connected to a corresponding heel knob 308 or 310 on the heel end of the sole platform 300. The elastic force (resistance to ankle dorsiflexion) of each resistance module 500 will be determined by the position of its corresponding heel knob 308 or 310 within its respective heel track 304 or 306, which will in turn be determined by a corresponding resistance adjustment lever 402 or 404.

In exemplary embodiments, there is as many resistance adjustment modules 400 as there are elastic resistance units 500 such that each elastic resistance unit 500 could be adjusted independently to further isolate muscle groups for strengthening. In exemplary embodiments, more or fewer elastic resistance units may be used. However, the present inventive concept is not limited thereto.

Addition Considerations

In exemplary embodiments, the exemplary ankle dorsiflexor physical therapy device 100 is designed to be worn securely on either foot while repetitive dorsiflexion is attempted against the internal resistance of the device 100 according to any recommended exercise regimen.

The axis of motion of the ankle fulcrum modules 200 and 206 described for the present inventive concept is not limited to flexion and extension and may include other natural axes of motion of the ankle joint.

In alternative exemplary embodiments, other means for adjusting the magnitude of resistance to dorsiflexion in the entire device 100 may be utilized; for example, attaching free weights to the anterior aspect of the sole platform 300 to increase resistance.

In exemplary embodiments, soft padding may be included in any portions of the device 100 to reduce pressure points at bony prominences or across neurovascular or tendon locations around the ankle.

Although a few exemplary embodiments of the present general inventive concept have been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes may be made in these exemplary embodiments, and additional embodiments may be made from the features and relationships discussed herein, without departing from the principles and spirit of the general inventive concept, the scope of which is defined in the appended claims and their equivalents.