US20180311526A1

US20180311526A1 - Mobility enhancement system having a force multiplier

Info

Publication number: US20180311526A1
Application number: US15/498,588
Authority: US
Inventors: Malcolm R. Eddy
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-04-27
Filing date: 2017-04-27
Publication date: 2018-11-01

Abstract

A mobility enhancement system is provided. The mobility enhancement system includes a leg wrap having a first pulley assembly coupled therewith. The first pulley assembly has two or more pulley wheels. A chair leg anchor has a second pulley assembly coupled therewith. The second pulley assembly has two or more pulley wheels. A rope has a secured end and a free end. The secured end is coupled to the chair leg anchor. The rope is threaded from the secured end through the two or more pulley wheels of the first pulley assembly and through the two or more pulley wheels of the second pulley assembly such as to create a force multiplier of the rope pulling force.

Description

BACKGROUND

Immediate exercise of the knee is desirable following a variety of injuries and many surgical procedures, including total knee replacement and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) repair, to restore full range of motion. For effective rehabilitation, both flexion and extension mobility exercises are recommended. Although the specific regimen can vary depending on the circumstances, a typical regimen for the first three to four weeks of rehabilitation is to perform both flexion and extension exercises three times a day for ten minutes each. Over time, such rehabilitation generally improves range of motion and strength of the user's knee(s). Often, these exercises can be limited to being performed either at a physical therapist's office or by renting physical therapy equipment and having a physical therapist come to the user's home. The reason for such limitations is that bulky, expensive and complicated equipment is typically required to perform such exercise. Moreover, both the equipment and the proper use of the equipment typically require significant guidance and supervision.
It would be advantageous if physical therapy equipment for knee rehabilitation could be improved.

SUMMARY

It should be appreciated that this Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form, the concepts being further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of this disclosure, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the mobility enhancement system having a force multiplier.
The above objects as well as other objects not specifically enumerated are achieved by a mobility enhancement system. The mobility enhancement system includes a leg wrap having a first pulley assembly coupled therewith. The first pulley assembly has two or more pulley wheels. A chair leg anchor has a second pulley assembly coupled therewith. The second pulley assembly has two or more pulley wheels. A rope has a secured end and a free end. The secured end is coupled to the chair leg anchor. The rope is threaded from the secured end through the two or more pulley wheels of the first pulley assembly and through the two or more pulley wheels of the second pulley assembly such as to create a force multiplier of the rope pulling force.
There is also provided a method of using a mobility enhancement system for leg extension. The method includes the steps of attaching a chair leg anchor to a leg of a chair, inserting a user's leg through a leg wrap until the leg wrap is above the user's knee, bending a corresponding knee and placing a corresponding foot on an elevated surface of comfortable height, thereby forming an elevated leg, extending a rope between a first pulley assembly and a second pulley assembly such that the rope engages pulley wheels of both the first and second pulley assemblies, the first pulley assembly having two or more pulley wheels and the second pulley assembly having two or more pulley wheels and pulling the rope to extend the elevated leg to a position that is closer to being parallel to a surface of a floor, wherein the first and second pulley assemblies are configured to provide a multiplier force that allows a user to urge the leg wrap in a direction toward the chair leg anchor with a minimum of force.
There is also provided a method of using a mobility enhancement system for leg flexion. The method includes the steps of attaching a chair leg anchor to a leg of a chair, inserting a user's leg through a leg wrap until the leg wrap is proximate the user's ankle, placing a corresponding foot on a floor surface, extending a rope between a first pulley assembly and a second pulley assembly such that the rope engages pulley wheels of both the first and second pulley assemblies, the first pulley assembly having two or more pulley wheels and the second pulley assembly having two or more pulley wheels and pulling the rope to bend the leg at the knee to a position where the leg wrap is closer to the chair leg anchor, wherein the first and second pulley assemblies are configured to provide a force multiplier that allows a user to urge the leg wrap in a direction toward the chair leg anchor with a minimum of force.
Various objects and advantages of the mobility enhancement system having a force multiplier will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, when read in light of the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a mobility enhancement system having a force multiplier.

FIG. 2 is a front view, in elevation, of a first pulley assembly of the mobility enhancement system having a force multiplier of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a framework of the first pulley assembly of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is an exploded front view, in elevation, of the first pulley assembly of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a front view of a rope and pulley system of the mobility enhancement system having a force multiplier of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6a is a perspective view of the mobility enhancement system having a force multiplier of FIG. 1, shown in an initial relaxed orientation for use in leg extension exercises.

FIG. 6b is a perspective view of the mobility enhancement system having a force multiplier of FIG. 1, shown in a second, extended orientation for use in leg extension exercises.

FIG. 7a is a perspective view of the mobility enhancement system having a force multiplier of FIG. 1, shown in an initial relaxed orientation for use in leg flexion exercises.

FIG. 7b is a perspective view of the mobility enhancement system having a force multiplier of FIG. 1, shown in a second, flexed orientation for use in leg flexion exercises.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating the steps of using the mobility enhancement system having a force multiplier of FIG. 1 for leg extension exercises.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating the steps of using the mobility enhancement system having a force multiplier of FIG. 1 for leg flexion exercises.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The mobility enhancement system having a force multiplier will now be described with occasional reference to specific embodiments. The mobility enhancement system having a force multiplier may, however, be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the mobility enhancement system having a force multiplier to those skilled in the art.
Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the mobility enhancement system having a force multiplier belongs. The terminology used in the description of the mobility enhancement system having a force multiplier herein is for describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the mobility enhancement system having a force multiplier. As used in the description of the mobility enhancement system having a force multiplier and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of dimensions such as length, width, height, and so forth as used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, unless otherwise indicated, the numerical properties set forth in the specification and claims are approximations that may vary depending on the desired properties sought to be obtained in embodiments of the mobility enhancement system having a force multiplier. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of the mobility enhancement system having a force multiplier are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical values, however, inherently contain certain errors necessarily resulting from error found in their respective measurements.
In accordance with illustrated embodiments, the description and figures disclose a mobility enhancement system having a force multiplier (hereafter “mobility system”) and a method of using the mobility system. The mobility system can be used to prevent muscle loss by rebuilding the strength of different muscle groups and preventing stiffness of a user's knee. Knee extension exercises promote muscle activity and strengthen the quadriceps muscle group. Knee flexion exercises promote muscle activity and strengthen the hamstring muscle group. Coupling knee extension exercises with knee flexion exercise is important to achieve maximum range of motion following injury or surgery to the knee or ACL. Both extension and flexion exercises can be accomplished using the mobility system at the onset for ten minutes, three times a day. After the first three to four weeks, the user can increase the amount of time spent utilizing the mobility system. As the user's range of motion increases, the user can adjust the tension of the mobility system by adjusting a rope. The user can also add a weight or bearing to the system to achieve the desired tension in order to further increase range of motion. The mobility system is portable and can be used at home, work, during travel, or at any other suitable location. The mobility system can be used by a person of any size by making simple adjustments.
Referring now to FIG. 1, one non-limiting embodiment of a mobility system is shown schematically at 10. The mobility system 10 is configured to provide a portable, inexpensive and simple system and method of exercising a user's leg to enhance mobility and to promote rehabilitation and strength training. The mobility system 10 includes a leg wrap 12, chair leg anchor 14, a rope and pulley system 16, a handle 22, a leg stirrup 24 and chair leg stirrup 26.
Referring again to FIG. 1, the leg wrap 12 is configured for wrapping around a user's leg above the user's knee during extension exercises or directly above the user's ankle during flexion exercise. The leg wrap 12 could be securely fastened in place by a snap buckle, snap lock buckle, side snap buckle, buckle, button, snap-button, adhesive, tape, glue, temporary adhesive, spray adhesive, heat sensitive adhesive, hook-and-loop fastener, removable adhesive tab, peel-and-stick material, clay, putty, sticky material, staple, retaining structure, clip, screw, pin, other suitable adhesive or retaining device, or any combination thereof.
Referring again to FIG. 1, the leg wrap 12 can be formed from materials such as the non-limiting examples of terry cloth, towel-like material, cloth, canvas, silk, chiffon, polyester, cotton, flax, wool, ramie, nylon, denim, leather, rayon, bamboo, rope, jute, hemp, sisal, fiber, rope-like material, twine, polypropylene, polyurethane, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), silicon, bungee cord material, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), high-gloss polyester, synthetic rubber, natural rubber, plastic, polymer, natural fiber, synthetic fiber, other suitable material, or any combination thereof.
Referring again to FIG. 1, the leg wrap 12 could be used in conjunction with the leg stirrup 24. The leg stirrup 24 could be positioned directly below the user's knee during extension exercises or under the user's foot during flexion exercises. The leg stirrup 24 is configured to maintain the leg wrap 12 in a position appropriate to provide maximum support to the user's leg. In the illustrated embodiment, the leg stirrup 24 is formed from the same material as the leg wrap 12. However, it is within the contemplation of the mobility system 10 that the leg wrap 12 and the leg stirrup 24 can be formed from different materials.
Referring again to FIG. 1, the chair leg anchor 14 forms a loop 15. The chair leg anchor 14 is configured for anchoring around a chair leg (not shown) in a manner such that the chair leg is lifted and the loop 15 is positioned to fit around the chair leg. In alternate embodiments, the chair leg anchor 14 could also be anchored around a chair leg through the use of a snap buckle, snap lock buckle, side snap buckle, buckle, button, snap-button, adhesive, tape, glue, temporary adhesive, spray adhesive, heat sensitive adhesive, hook-and-loop fastener, removable adhesive tab, peel-and-stick material, clay, putty, sticky material, staple, retaining structure, clip, screw, pin, other suitable adhesive or retaining device, or any combination thereof. It should be understood that a chair could be any structure the user could sit on, including a four-legged chair, step stool, bar stool, butterfly chair, bench, table, chaise lounge, folding chair, office chair, other suitable structure, or any combination thereof.
In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the chair leg anchor 14 is formed from the same material as the leg wrap 12. However, it is within the contemplation of the mobility system 10 that the leg wrap 12 and the chair leg anchor 14 can be formed from different materials.
Referring again to FIG. 1, the chair leg anchor 14 could be used in conjunction with chair leg stirrup 26. The chair leg stirrup 26 is configured for positioning under an appropriate chair leg such that the chair leg anchor 14 remains positioned at the bottom of selected chair leg. In the illustrated embodiment, the chair leg stirrup 26 is formed from the same material as the leg wrap 12. However, it is within the contemplation of the mobility system 10 that the leg wrap 12 and the chair leg stirrup 26 can be formed from different materials.
Referring again to FIG. 1, the rope and pulley system 16 is configured to couple the leg wrap 12 with the chair leg anchor 14. The rope and pulley system 16 is figured further configured to provide a force multiplier such that a user can urge the leg wrap 12 and the chair leg anchor 14 in a direction toward each other with a minimum of force. The rope and pulley 16 includes a first pulley assembly 30, a second pulley assembly 32 and a rope 34 arranged therebetween. The first pulley assembly 30 is connected to the leg wrap 12 and the second pulley assembly 32 is connected to the chair leg anchor 14. Accordingly, the first pulley assembly 30 is movable as the leg wrap 12 moves and can be referred to as a movable pulley assembly. As the second pulley assembly 32 is connected to the chair leg anchor 14, the second pulley assembly 32 is generally stationary as the mobility system 10 is used, and therefore can be referred to as a stationary pulley assembly. The rope and pulley system 16 will be discussed in more detail below.
Referring again to FIG. 1, the handle 22 is connected to a first end 36 of the rope 34. The handle 22 is configured to facilitate movement of the rope 34 in a direction such as to urge the leg wrap 12 in a direction toward the chair leg anchor 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the handle 22 has an arcuate form along one edge and a substantially straight opposing edge. However, in other embodiments, the handle 22 can have any desired shape sufficient to facilitate movement of the rope 34. In one embodiment, rope 34 could be connected or otherwise coupled to the handle 22 in any suitable manner including tying the rope 34 around handle 22, having male and female coupling adapters, having a ball and socket attachment, having a brass ring and chain attachment, a clip or pin attachment, or using other suitable coupling materials, or any combination thereof. The handle 22 could be made of hard plastic, soft plastic, wood, brass, steel, silicon, synthetic rubber, natural rubber, polymer, leather, other suitable material, or any combination thereof. If desired, the handle 22 could be customized and embellished with different colors, stickers, removable stickers, paints, stencils, erasable markers, chalks, designs, patterns, images, wood grain patterns, novelty items, ornamental items, other decorative materials, or any combination thereof.
Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 4, the first pulley assembly 30 is illustrated. The first pulley assembly 30 is representative of the second pulley assembly 32. The first pulley assembly 30 includes a plurality of pulley wheels 40 a, 40 b mounted for rotation within a plurality of legs 41 a, 41 b and 41 c of a framework 42. As illustrated, the first pulley assembly 30 has more than one pulley wheel. The first and second pulley assemblies 30, 32 will be discussed in more detail below.
Referring again to FIGS. 2 and 4, the leg 41 a has an aperture 44 a configured to receive and support an axle 46 a extending therethrough. The axle 46 a is configured as a support surface for the sheave 40 a. The axle 46 a is centered about a longitudinal axis A-A. In a similar manner, the leg 41 c has an aperture 44 c configured to receive and support an axle 46 b extending therethrough. The axle 46 b is configured as a support surface for the sheave 40 b. The axle 46 b is centered about a longitudinal axis B-B. The leg 41 b includes an aperture 44 b configured to receive and support the axles 46 a, 46 b.
Referring again to FIGS. 2 and 4, the axle 46 a includes a threaded aperture 48 a and the axle 46 b includes a threaded aperture 48 b. The threaded apertures 48 a, 48 b are configured to receive the threaded member 50, such that the axles 46 a, 46 b are secured to each other and the axes A-A and B-B align. While the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4 illustrates the use of the threaded member 50 to secure the axles 46 a, 46 b to each other, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, other structures, mechanisms and devices can be used to secure the axles 46 a, 46 b to each other such that the axes A-A and B-B align.
Referring now to FIG. 3, the framework 42 is illustrated. The framework 42 includes the leg 41 a, 41 b and 41 c. Leg 41 a includes the aperture 44 a, leg 41 b includes the aperture 44 b and leg 41 c includes the aperture 44 c. The framework 42 also includes an upper segment 52 having one or more slots 54. The slots 54 are configured as connection points with the leg wrap 12 and the chair leg anchor 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the framework 42 is connected to the leg wrap 12 with a hook and loop fastener extending through the slots 54. In alternate embodiments, the framework 42 can be fastened to the leg wrap 12 with other structures, mechanisms and devices, including the non-limiting examples of snaps, buckles, clips and the like.
Referring again to FIG. 1, the rope 34 is configured to engage the first and second pulley assemblies 30, 32 and the handle 22 and further configured to cause movement of the leg that is fixed within the leg wrap 12. The rope 34 can be made of nylon, rope, jute, hemp, sisal, leather, fiber, rope-like material, twine, cloth, canvas, polypropylene, polyurethane, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), silicon, bungee cord material, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyester, high-gloss polyester, synthetic rubber, natural rubber, plastic, polymer, natural fiber, synthetic fiber, other suitable material, or any combination thereof, sufficient to engage the first and second pulley assemblies 30, 32 and the handle 22 and cause movement of the leg that is fixed within the leg wrap 12.
Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 5, the first pulley assembly 30 and the second pulley assembly 32 are arranged such that the pulley wheels 40 a, 40 b of each are in an opposing manner. The rope 34 is configured to engage the pulley wheels 40 a, 40 b of the first pulley assembly 30 and the second pulley assembly 32 such as to form a block and tackle type of assembly, and further configured to transmit a tension force via the first and second pulley assemblies 30, 32 such that a user can urge the leg wrap 12 with the chair leg anchor 14 in a direction toward each other with a minimum of force. In this manner, the first and second pulley assemblies 30, 32 and the engaged rope provide a mechanical advantage, or force multiplier, over simple one-wheel pulley systems. The term “force multiplier”, as used herein, is defined to mean the multiplication, by the first and second pulley assemblies 30, 32, of the pulling force provided by the user.
Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 5, the first end 36 of the rope 34 extends from the handle 22 to the pulley wheel 40 a of the second pulley assembly 32 and is wrapped around a portion of the pulley wheel 40 a. A second portion 60 of the rope 34 extends from the pulley wheel 40 a of the second pulley assembly 32 to the pulley wheel 40 a of the first pulley assembly 30 and is wrapped around a portion of the pulley wheel 40 a. A third portion 62 of the rope 34 extends from the pulley wheel 40 a of the first pulley assembly 30 to the pulley wheel 40 b of the second pulley assembly 32 and is wrapped around a portion of the pulley wheel 40 b. A fourth portion 64 of the rope 34 extends from the pulley wheel 40 b of the second pulley assembly 32 to the pulley wheel 40 b of the first pulley assembly 30 and is wrapped around a portion of the pulley wheel 40 b. Finally, a fifth portion 66 of the rope 34 extends from the pulley wheel 40 b of the first pulley assembly 30 and is connected to the chair leg anchor 14.
Referring again to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, the first and second pulley assemblies 30, 32 and the portions 60, 62, 64 and 66 of the rope 34 cooperate to provide a mechanical advantage or force multiplier of at least 4. However, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the mechanical advantage or force multiplier can be greater than 4.
While the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 5 illustrates the use of first and second pulley assemblies 30, 32, each having two pulley wheels, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, each of the first and second pulley assemblies 30, 32 can have more than two pulley wheels sufficient to form a block and tackle mechanism sufficient to provide a mechanical advantage, or force multiplier, to urge the leg wrap 12 with the chair leg anchor 14 in a direction toward each other with a minimum of force.
Referring now to FIGS. 6a, 6b, 7a and 7b , the mobility system 10 can be configured for two operational modes. The first operational mode is configured to provide an extension action to a knee of the user. The second operational mode is configured to provide a flexion action to the knee of the user.
Referring now to FIG. 6a , the first operational mode (extension) of the mobility system 10 includes a first, relaxed orientation. In the first, relaxed orientation, the leg wrap 12 is wrapped around a user's leg at a location above the user's knee. The user's knee is arranged to be in a bent orientation and the user's foot is rested on an elevated surface. The leg stirrup 24 is positioned directly below the user's knee and configured to maintain the leg wrap 12 in a position appropriate to provide maximum support to the user's leg. The chair leg anchor 14 is anchored under a chair leg 70 in a manner such that the chair leg 70 maintains the chair leg anchor 14 in place. The first pulley assembly 30 is connected to the leg wrap 12 and the second pulley assembly 32 is connected to the chair leg anchor 14.
Referring again to FIG. 6a , the rope 34 extends between the first and second pulley assemblies 30, 32 such that the rope 34 engages the pulley wheels 40 a, 40 b of both the first and second pulley assemblies 30, 32. A first end 36 of the rope 34 extends to the handle 22 and a second end 38 of the rope 34 is secured to the chair leg anchor 14. The chair leg stirrup 26 is positioned around the chair leg 70 such that the chair leg anchor 14 remains positioned at the bottom of the chair leg 70. There is little or no tension in the rope 34 as the user has not urged the handle 22 such that the leg wrap 12 moves in a direction toward the chair leg anchor 14. In the first, relaxed orientation, there is no force acting on the user's leg to move the leg to an extended position.
Referring now to FIG. 6b , the first operational mode (extension) of the mobility system 10′ is shown in a second, extended orientation. In the second, extended orientation, the leg wrap 12 is wrapped around a user's leg at a location above the user's knee. The user's foot is rested on the elevated surface. The leg stirrup 24 is positioned directly below the user's knee as described above and configured to maintain the leg wrap 12 in a position appropriate to provide maximum support to the user's leg. The chair leg anchor 14 is anchored under a chair leg 70 in a manner such that the chair leg 70 maintains the chair leg anchor 14 in place. The first pulley assembly 30 is connected to the leg wrap 12 and the second pulley assembly 32 is connected to the chair leg anchor 14.
Referring again to FIG. 6b , the rope 34 extends between the first and second pulley assemblies, 30, 32 such that the rope 34 engages the pulley wheels 40 a, 40 b of both the first and second pulley assemblies, 30, 32. A first end 36 of the rope 34 extends to the handle 22 and a second end 38 of the rope 34 is secured to the chair leg anchor 14. The chair leg stirrup 26 is positioned around the chair leg 70 such that the chair leg anchor 14 remains positioned at the bottom of the chair leg 70. The user urges the handle 22 in direction away from the first pulley assembly 30. The movement of the handle 22 in a direction away from the first pulley assembly 30 causes the various portions of the rope 34 between the first and the second pulley to tighten, which in turn causes the distance between the first and second pulley assemblies 30, 32 to shorten. Shortening of the distance between the first and second pulley assemblies 30, 32 causes movement of the leg wrap 12 in a direction toward the first pulley assembly 30. The movement the leg wrap 12 in a direction toward the first pulley assembly 30 causes an extension of the user's leg. The mechanical advantage, or force multiplier, provided by the multi-wheeled pulleys of the rope and pulley system 16 allows a user to urge the leg wrap 12 in a direction toward the chair leg anchor 14 with a minimum of force.
Referring now to FIG. 7a , the second operational mode (flexion) of the mobility system 110 includes a first, relaxed orientation. In the first, relaxed orientation, the leg wrap 112 is wrapped around a user's leg at a location near the user's ankle. The user's knee is arranged to be in a slightly bent orientation with the user's foot resting on a ground surface. The leg stirrup 124 is positioned around the user's foot and configured to maintain the leg wrap 112 in a position appropriate to provide maximum support to the user's leg. The chair leg anchor 114 is anchored around a chair leg 170 in a manner such that the chair leg 170 maintains the chair leg anchor 114 in place. The first pulley assembly 130 is connected to the leg wrap 112 and the second pulley assembly 132 is connected to the chair leg anchor 114.
Referring again to FIG. 7a , the rope 134 extends between the first and second pulley assemblies 130, 132 such that the rope 134 engages the pulley wheels 140 a, 140 b of both the first and second pulley assemblies 130, 132. A first end 136 of the rope 134 extends to the handle 122 and a second end 138 of the rope 134 is secured to the chair leg anchor 114. The chair leg stirrup 126 is positioned under the chair leg 170 such that the chair leg anchor 114 remains positioned at the bottom of the chair leg 170. There is little or no tension in the rope 134 as the user has not urged the handle 122 such that the leg wrap 112 moves in a direction toward the chair leg anchor 114. In the first, relaxed orientation, there is no force acting on the user's leg to move the knee to a flexed position.
Referring now to FIG. 7b , the second operational mode (flexion) of the mobility system 110′ is shown in a second, retracted orientation. In the second, retracted orientation, the leg wrap 112 is wrapped around the user's leg at a location near the user's knee. The user's foot is slidable on the ground surface. The leg stirrup 124 is wrapped around the user's foot as described above and configured to maintain the leg wrap 112 in a position appropriate to provide maximum support to the user's leg. The chair leg anchor 114 is anchored around the chair leg 170 in a manner such that the chair leg 170 maintains the chair leg anchor 114 in place. The first pulley assembly 130 is connected to the leg wrap 112 and the second pulley assembly 132 is connected to the chair leg anchor 114.
Referring again to FIG. 7b , the rope 134 extends between the first and second pulley assemblies 130, 132 such that the rope 134 engages the pulley wheels 140 a, 140 b of both the first and second pulley assemblies 130, 132. A first end 136 of the rope 134 extends to the handle 122 and a second end 138 of the rope 134 is secured to the chair leg anchor 114. The chair leg stirrup 126 is positioned under the chair leg 170 such that the chair leg anchor 114 remains positioned at the bottom of the chair leg 170. The user urges the handle 122 in direction away from the first pulley assembly 130. The movement of the handle 122 in a direction away from the first pulley assembly 130 causes the various portions of the rope 134 between the first and the second pulley to tighten, which in turn causes the distance between the first and second pulley assemblies 130, 132 to shorten. Shortening of the distance between the first and second pulley assemblies 130, 132 causes movement of the leg wrap 112 in a direction toward the first pulley assembly 130. The movement the leg wrap 112 in a direction toward the first pulley assembly 130 causes a flexing movement of the user's knee. The mechanical advantage, or force multiplier, provided by the multi-wheeled pulleys of the rope and pulley system 116 allows a user to urge the leg wrap 112 in a direction toward the chair leg anchor 114 with a minimum of force.
Referring now to FIG. 8, a somewhat simplified flow diagram illustrating method 200 of using the mobility system 10 to perform the extension exercise as illustrated in FIGS. 6a and 6b . It should be understood that method 200 shown in FIG. 8 is for illustrative purposes only and that any other suitable method or sub-method could be used in conjunction with or in lieu of method 200. It should also be understood that the steps of method 200 could be performed in any suitable order or manner.
Referring again to FIG. 8, initial step 202 includes attaching a chair leg anchor 14, such as for example, the chair leg anchor 14 described above and illustrated in FIG. 6 to one of the legs 70 of a chair, such as one described in FIG. 6a . The chair 70 could be placed on a chair leg stirrup, such as, for example, chair leg stirrup 26 shown and described in FIG. 6a to ensure chair leg anchor 14 stays positioned as desired.
Referring again to FIG. 8 in a next step 204, the user inserts the corresponding leg through a leg wrap, such as, for example, leg wrap 12 shown and described above in FIG. 6a , until leg wrap 12 is directly above the knee, while a leg stirrup, such as, for example, leg stirrup 24 also shown and described in FIG. 6a is directly below the knee. The user then bends the corresponding knee and places that foot on an elevated surface of comfortable height.
Referring again to FIG. 8 in a next step 206, the rope 34 is extended between the first and second pulley assemblies 30, 32 such that the rope 34 engages the plurality of pulley wheels 40 a, 40 b of both the first and second pulley assemblies 30, 32. A first end 36 of the rope 34 extends to the handle 22 and a second end 38 of the rope 34 is secured to the chair leg anchor 14. There is little or no tension in the rope 34.
Referring again to FIG. 8, in a next step 208 the user adjusts the mobility system 10 by pulling on the rope 34, thereby causing a minor tension between leg wrap 12 and chair leg anchor 14 to create the first, relaxed orientation of the first operational mode (extension) of the mobility system 10.
Referring again to FIG. 8 in a next step 210, the user pulls rope 34 using a handle, such as, for example, handle 22 shown and described in FIG. 6a to extend the elevated leg to a position that is closer to being parallel to the floor. As the user pulls on the handle 22, the mechanical advantage, or force multiplier, provided by the multi-wheeled pulleys of the rope and pulley system 16 allows a user to urge the leg wrap 12 in a direction toward the chair leg anchor 14 with a minimum of force.
Referring again to FIG. 8 in a final step 212, the user can then choose to release tension using handle 22, thereby returning to the relaxed position, and subsequently repeat the exercise, as desired.
Referring now to FIG. 9, a somewhat simplified flow diagram illustrating method 300 of using the mobility system 10 to perform the flexion exercise as illustrated in FIGS. 7a and 7b . It should be understood that method 300 shown in FIG. 9 is for illustrative purposes only and that any other suitable method or sub-method could be used in conjunction with or in lieu of method 300. It should also be understood that the steps of method 300 could be performed in any suitable order or manner.
Referring again to FIG. 9, initial step 302 includes attaching a chair leg anchor, such as, for example, chair leg anchor 114 described above and shown in FIG. 7a to one of the back legs 170 of a chair. The chair could be placed on a stirrup, such as, for example, chair leg stirrup 126 also shown and described in FIG. 7a to ensure chair leg anchor 114 stays positioned as desired.
Referring again to FIG. 9 in a next step 304, the user inserts the corresponding leg through a leg wrap, such as, for example, leg wrap 112 shown and described above in FIG. 7a , until the leg wrap 112 is directly above the ankle. The user then bends the corresponding knee and places that foot on a floor surface on top of a leg stirrup, such as, for example, leg stirrup 124 also shown and described in FIG. 7a to create the first, relaxed orientation.
Referring again to FIG. 9 in a next step 306, the rope 34 is extended between the first and second pulley assemblies 30, 32 such that the rope 34 engages the plurality of pulley wheels 40 a, 40 b of both the first and second pulley assemblies 30, 32. A first end 36 of the rope 34 extends to the handle 22 and a second end 38 of the rope 34 is secured to the chair leg anchor 14. There is little or no tension in the rope 34.
Referring again to FIG. 9 in a next step 308 the user pulls a rope, such as, for example, rope 134 shown and described in FIG. 7a using a handle, such as, for example, handle 122 also shown and described in FIG. 7a to flex the leg and pull the heel back towards the rear of the chair. As the user pulls on the handle 122, the mechanical advantage, or force multiplier, provided by the multi-wheeled pulleys of the rope and pulley system 116 allows a user to urge the leg wrap 112 in a direction toward the chair leg anchor 1114 with a minimum of force.
Referring again to FIG. 9 in a final step 310, the user can choose to release tension using handle 122, thereby returning to the first, relaxed orientation, and subsequently repeat the exercise, as desired.
The principle and mode of operation of the mobility enhancement system having a force multiplier has been described in certain embodiments. However, it should be noted that the mobility enhancement system having a force multiplier may be practiced otherwise than as specifically illustrated and described without departing from its scope. cm What is claimed is:

Claims

1. A mobility enhancement system comprising:

a leg wrap having a first pulley assembly coupled therewith, the first pulley assembly having two or more pulley wheels;

a chair leg anchor having a second pulley assembly coupled therewith, the second pulley assembly having two or more pulley wheels; and

a rope having a secured end and a free end, the secured end being coupled to the chair leg anchor, wherein the rope is threaded from the secured end through the two or more pulley wheels of the first pulley assembly and through the two or more pulley wheels of the second pulley assembly such as to create a force multiplier of the rope pulling force.

2. The mobility enhancement system of claim 1, wherein the force multiplier is at least 4.0.

3. The mobility enhancement system of claim 1, wherein the two or more pulley wheels of the first pulley assembly have axles with a common axis.

4. The mobility enhancement system of claim 1, wherein the two or more pulley wheels of the second pulley assembly have axles with a common axis.

5. The mobility enhancement system of claim 1, wherein the two or more pulley wheels of the first pulley assembly are positioned in a common framework.

6. The mobility enhancement system of claim 1, wherein the two or more pulley wheels of the second pulley assembly are positioned in a common framework.

7. The mobility enhancement system of claim 1, wherein the first pulley assembly is configured to move as leg wrap moves.

8. The mobility enhancement system of claim 1, wherein the second pulley assembly is configured to be stationary as the leg wrap moves.

9. The mobility enhancement system of claim 1, wherein the each of the two or more pulley wheels of the first pulley assembly is supported by its own axle.

10. The mobility enhancement system of claim 1, wherein the each of the two or more pulley wheels of the second pulley assembly is supported by its own axle.

11. A method of using a mobility enhancement system for leg extension, the method comprising the steps of:

attaching a chair leg anchor to a leg of a chair;

inserting a user's leg through a leg wrap until the leg wrap is above the user's knee;

bending a corresponding knee and placing a corresponding foot on an elevated surface of comfortable height, thereby forming an elevated leg;

extending a rope between a first pulley assembly and a second pulley assembly such that the rope engages pulley wheels of both the first and second pulley assemblies, the first pulley assembly having two or more pulley wheels and the second pulley assembly having two or more pulley wheels; and

pulling the rope to extend the elevated leg to a position that is closer to being parallel to a surface of a floor, wherein the first and second pulley assemblies are configured to provide a force multiplier that allows a user to urge the leg wrap in a direction toward the chair leg anchor with a minimum of force.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein a chair leg stirrup is attached to the chair leg anchor and configured to maintain the chair leg anchor in an attached arrangement with the leg of the chair.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein a leg stirrup is attached to the leg wrap and configured to maintain the leg wrap in a wrapped arrangement with the leg of the user.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein the force multiplier is at least 4.0.

15. The method of claim 11, wherein the first pulley assembly is configured to move as leg wrap moves.

16. A method of using a mobility enhancement system for leg flexion, the method comprising the steps of:

attaching a chair leg anchor to a leg of a chair;

inserting a user's leg through a leg wrap until the leg wrap is proximate the user's ankle;

placing a corresponding foot on a floor surface;

pulling the rope to bend the leg at the knee to a position where the leg wrap is closer to the chair leg anchor, wherein the first and second pulley assemblies are configured to provide a force multiplier that allows a user to urge the leg wrap in a direction toward the chair leg anchor with a minimum of force.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein a chair leg stirrup is attached to the chair leg anchor and configured to maintain the chair leg anchor in an attached arrangement with the leg of the chair.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein a leg stirrup is attached to the leg wrap and configured to maintain the leg wrap in a wrapped arrangement with the ankle of the user.

19. The method of claim 16, wherein the force multiplier is at least 4.0.

20. The method of claim 16, wherein the first pulley assembly is configured to move as leg wrap moves.