US20190321681A1 - Mobility Device - Google Patents
Mobility Device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20190321681A1 US20190321681A1 US15/960,938 US201815960938A US2019321681A1 US 20190321681 A1 US20190321681 A1 US 20190321681A1 US 201815960938 A US201815960938 A US 201815960938A US 2019321681 A1 US2019321681 A1 US 2019321681A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- stirrup
- reel
- attached
- lateral slide
- tension
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/02—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using resilient force-resisters
- A63B21/04—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using resilient force-resisters attached to static foundation, e.g. a user
- A63B21/0407—Anchored at two end points, e.g. installed within an apparatus
- A63B21/0414—Anchored at two end points, e.g. installed within an apparatus with both ends stationary during the actual exercise, i.e. moving only at intermediate locations
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/02—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using resilient force-resisters
- A63B21/04—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using resilient force-resisters attached to static foundation, e.g. a user
- A63B21/0442—Anchored at one end only, the other end being manipulated by the user
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/02—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using resilient force-resisters
- A63B21/055—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using resilient force-resisters extension element type
- A63B21/0552—Elastic ropes or bands
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/40—Interfaces with the user related to strength training; Details thereof
- A63B21/4001—Arrangements for attaching the exercising apparatus to the user's body, e.g. belts, shoes or gloves specially adapted therefor
- A63B21/4011—Arrangements for attaching the exercising apparatus to the user's body, e.g. belts, shoes or gloves specially adapted therefor to the lower limbs
- A63B21/4015—Arrangements for attaching the exercising apparatus to the user's body, e.g. belts, shoes or gloves specially adapted therefor to the lower limbs to the foot
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/40—Interfaces with the user related to strength training; Details thereof
- A63B21/4027—Specific exercise interfaces
- A63B21/4033—Handles, pedals, bars or platforms
- A63B21/4034—Handles, pedals, bars or platforms for operation by feet
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B23/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body
- A63B23/035—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body for limbs, i.e. upper or lower limbs, e.g. simultaneously
- A63B23/03508—For a single arm or leg
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B23/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body
- A63B23/035—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body for limbs, i.e. upper or lower limbs, e.g. simultaneously
- A63B23/04—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body for limbs, i.e. upper or lower limbs, e.g. simultaneously for lower limbs
- A63B23/08—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body for limbs, i.e. upper or lower limbs, e.g. simultaneously for lower limbs for ankle joints
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B23/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body
- A63B23/035—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body for limbs, i.e. upper or lower limbs, e.g. simultaneously
- A63B23/04—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body for limbs, i.e. upper or lower limbs, e.g. simultaneously for lower limbs
- A63B23/10—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body for limbs, i.e. upper or lower limbs, e.g. simultaneously for lower limbs for feet or toes
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/15—Arrangements for force transmissions
- A63B21/151—Using flexible elements for reciprocating movements, e.g. ropes or chains
- A63B21/153—Using flexible elements for reciprocating movements, e.g. ropes or chains wound-up and unwound during exercise, e.g. from a reel
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2208/00—Characteristics or parameters related to the user or player
- A63B2208/02—Characteristics or parameters related to the user or player posture
- A63B2208/0204—Standing on the feet
- A63B2208/0209—Standing on the feet on a single foot
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2220/00—Measuring of physical parameters relating to sporting activity
- A63B2220/10—Positions
- A63B2220/13—Relative positions
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2220/00—Measuring of physical parameters relating to sporting activity
- A63B2220/10—Positions
- A63B2220/16—Angular positions
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2220/00—Measuring of physical parameters relating to sporting activity
- A63B2220/20—Distances or displacements
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a mobility device for use in physical therapy.
- Ankle injuries are some of the most difficult injuries to rehabilitate.
- manual therapy movement of the joint under treatment
- the Mulligan's manual therapy technique at peripheral joints, namely, mobilization with movement.
- the therapist mobilizes the ankle in differing planes in order to simulate the full range of motion of the patient that such patient would need to meet the demands of daily life and activities.
- the full range of motion encompasses rotating the foot circularly about a vertical axis corresponding to the lower leg, such rotating comprising abduction (movement of the foot away from the center line of the body) and adduction (movement of the foot towards the center line of the body), pivoting the foot inwardly and outwardly to allow for inversion (twisting movement of the foot inward) and eversion (twisting movement of the foot outward), respectively, pivoting the foot upwardly and downwardly to allow for dorsiflexion (movement of the foot up) and plantar flexion (movement of the foot down), respectively, or a combination of the aforementioned motions known in the art as supination (triplanar motion involving the foot moving down and towards the center of the body wherein the heel rotates towards the center of the body, the big toe moves towards the center of the body, the foot flexes down and the ankle rolls out) and pronation (triplanar motion involving the foot moving up and away from the center of the body wherein the
- the prior art comprises physical therapy devices that can achieve only some, but not all, of the possible ankle motions. Moreover, the prior art does not comprise a physical therapy device that allows for stabilization of other joints, such as the knee, while mobilizing the ankle, which is necessary for achieving the full range of ankle motions.
- a further drawback of the prior art is the inability of a physical therapy device that allows a patient to perform manual therapy on oneself to allow for the full range of ankle motion, with the patient requiring the assistance and direction of a physical therapist. It is therefore desirable to have an apparatus that can be used in physical therapy of the ankle by the patient alone after prior supervised sessions wherein the patient receives guidance from a physical therapist practitioner that allows for mobilization of the ankle in all possible ankle motions while simultaneously stabilizing other joints of the body.
- a first aspect of the invention comprises a mobility device for use in physical therapy comprising a base; a tension post attached to the base wherein the vertical position of the tension post is adjustable through means for vertically adjusting the tension post; a center post attached to the base posterior the tension post and that is longitudinally displaceable, wherein the vertical position of the center post is adjustable through means for vertically adjusting the post; means for adjusting the angular orientation of a stirrup to allow for the stirrup to pivot inwardly and outwardly, pivot upwardly and downwardly, and rotate circularly about a vertical axis corresponding to the center post, wherein such means is attached to the center post; a stirrup attached to the means for adjusting the angular orientation of a stirrup; one or more straps attached to the stirrup for securing a foot to the stirrup; a lateral slide track attached to the tension post; a lateral slide bracket positioned within the lateral slide track and that is laterally displaceable; means for securedly engaging the lateral slide
- Variants on the first aspect of the invention include an embodiment wherein one or more rails is attached to the lateral slide track and the lateral slide bracket is laterally displaceable along such one or more rails.
- Another variant of the first aspect of the invention includes an embodiment wherein the longitudinal length of the stirrup is adjustable.
- Yet a further variant of the first aspect of the invention includes an integrated wherein the stirrup has positioned therein a plurality of vertical channels and a ball joint assembly comprises the means for adjusting the angular orientation of a stirrup, with the upper portion of the ball joint assembly attached to the stirrup and the lower portion attached to the center post.
- the ball joint assembly comprises a stirrup support plate through which extend a plurality of support plate channels and wherein each of the one or more support plate channels aligns with one of the plurality of stirrup vertical channels, one or more support plate-stirrup attachment assemblies wherein each assembly attaches the stirrup support plate to the stirrup and is accommodated in one of the one or more support plate-stirrup vertical channels, a ball joint comprising a bearing stud and a socket to which is attached the bearing stud and wherein the bearing stud extends through one of the plurality of support plate-stirrup vertical channels and is securedly engaged to the stirrup, one or more brakes abutting the socket, one or more brake screws comprising a horizontal segment comprising a first end and a second end and a vertical segment attached to the second end of the horizontal segment and wherein the first end of the horizontal segment of each brake screw has attached thereto one brake, a rail abutting each of the one or more brakes and wherein each of the one or more brake
- An additional further variant of the first aspect of the invention includes an embodiment wherein the base comprises an anterior portion, a posterior portion, and a middle longitudinal portion with an anterior end connected to the anterior portion of the base and a posterior end connected to the posterior end of the base, and further comprises a plurality of sensors and means for relaying sensor measurements to a means for recording the measurements.
- the plurality of sensors comprises one or more stirrup sensors integrated in the stirrup and wherein at least one stirrup sensor measures the height and angle of the stirrup with respect a longitudinal axis defined by the middle longitudinal portion of the base, a lateral axis defined by an axis passing through such sensor and parallel to one of the anterior portion of the base and the posterior portion of the base, and vertical axis defined by the center post; and a calf sensor band comprising a flexible band and one or more calf sensors integrated in the flexible band and wherein at least one calf sensor measures the distance between the calf sensor and at least one stirrup sensor and the angular orientation of the such calf sensor relative to at least one stirrup sensor.
- Further variants of the first aspect of the invention comprise embodiments incorporating one or more above-mentioned variants.
- a second aspect of the invention comprises a mobility device for use in physical therapy comprising a base; a tension post attached to the base wherein the vertical position of the tension post is adjustable through means for vertically adjusting the tension post; a center post attached to the base posterior the tension post and that is longitudinally displaceable, wherein the vertical position of the center post is adjustable through means for vertically adjusting the post; means for adjusting the angular orientation of a stirrup to allow for the stirrup to pivot inwardly and outwardly, pivot upwardly and downwardly, and rotate circularly about a vertical axis corresponding to the center post, wherein such means is attached to the center post; a stirrup attached to the means for adjusting the angular orientation of a stirrup; one or more straps attached to the stirrup for securing a foot to the stirrup; a lateral slide track attached to the tension post; a lateral slide bracket positioned within the lateral slide track and that is laterally displaceable; means for securedly engaging the lateral slide
- the tension strap reel assembly comprises a reel assembly base attached to the lateral slide bracket; a reel supported by the reel assembly base, wherein the reel is rotatable around an axis perpendicular to the lateral slide bracket and to which is secured one end of a tension strap for securing a leg of the foot secured in the stirrup and wherein the tension strap is woundable around the reel; a reel assembly cover attached to the lateral slide bracket, wherein the reel assembly cover has positioned therein a void in which is accommodated the reel; a reel pawl attached to the reel assembly cover and with an anterior end and a posterior end and a first side and a second side, wherein a tab extends anteriorly from one of the sides; a reel pawl spring with a first end attached to the reel pawl and a second end attached to the reel assembly cover; a reel gear rotatably attached to the reel comprising a substantially circular disc with a plurality of adjacent reel gear teeth disposed around the disc circumference with each reel gear tooth separated from an adjacent
- the reel gear moves without restriction in a first direction when the plurality of reel gear teeth move in the first direction and with restriction in a second direction resulting from engagement of the reel pawl with at least one reel gear tooth.
- Tension in the tension strap is imparted by the rotation of the reel knob in the first direction whereby the reel gear and the reel rotate in the first direction resulting in the winding of the tension strap around the reel.
- Tension in the tension strap is removed by triggering and holding the reel pawl tab causing the extension of the reel pawl spring and the disengagement of the reel pawl from the reel gear and the rotation in the second direction of the reel, the reel gear, and the reel knob.
- Variants on the second aspect of the invention include embodiments incorporating one or more variants set forth above with respect to the first aspect of the invention.
- a third aspect of the invention comprises a mobility device for use in physical therapy comprising a base; a tension post attached to the base wherein the vertical position of the tension post is adjustable through means for vertically adjusting the tension post; a center post attached to the base posterior the tension post wherein the vertical position of the center post is adjustable through means for vertically adjusting the post; means for adjusting the angular orientation of a stirrup to allow for the stirrup to pivot inwardly and outwardly, pivot upwardly and downwardly, and rotate circularly about a vertical axis corresponding to the center post, wherein such means is attached to the center post; a stirrup attached to the means for adjusting the angular orientation of a stirrup; one or more straps attached to the stirrup for securing a foot to the stirrup; a lateral slide track attached to the tension post; a lateral slide bracket positioned within the lateral slide track and that is laterally displaceable; means for securedly engaging the lateral slide bracket to the lateral slide track;
- a fourth aspect of the invention comprises a mobility device for use in physical therapy comprising a base; a tension post attached to the base wherein the vertical position of the tension post is adjustable through means for vertically adjusting the tension post; a center post attached to the base posterior the tension post wherein the vertical position of the center post is adjustable through means for vertically adjusting the post; means for adjusting the angular orientation of a stirrup to allow for the stirrup to pivot inwardly and outwardly, pivot upwardly and downwardly, and rotate circularly about a vertical axis corresponding to the center post, wherein such means is attached to the center post; a stirrup attached to the means for adjusting the angular orientation of a stirrup; one or more straps attached to the stirrup for securing a foot to the stirrup; a lateral slide track attached to the tension post; a lateral slide bracket positioned within the lateral slide track and that is laterally displaceable; means for securedly engaging the lateral slide bracket to the lateral slide track; and
- the reel gear moves without restriction in a first direction when the plurality of reel gear teeth move in the first direction and with restriction in a second direction resulting from engagement of the reel pawl with at least one reel gear tooth.
- Tension in the tension strap is imparted by the rotation of the reel knob in the first direction whereby the reel gear and the reel rotate in the first direction resulting in the winding of the tension strap around the reel.
- Tension in the tension strap is removed by triggering and holding the reel pawl tab causing the extension of the reel pawl spring and the disengagement of the reel pawl from the reel gear and the rotation in the second direction of the reel, the reel gear, and the reel knob.
- Variants on the second aspect of the invention include embodiments incorporating one or more variants set forth above with respect to the first aspect of the invention.
- the user places his or her foot on the stirrup and secures the foot with the one or more stirrup straps.
- the user positions the center post vertically and/or longitudinally and positions the tension post vertically.
- the user adjusts the lateral position of lateral slide bracket to the desired lateral position.
- the user establishes the angular orientation of the stirrup through means for adjusting the angular orientation of the stirrup.
- the user wraps the tension strap around the back of the calf of the leg whose foot is in the stirrup.
- the tension strap tension must be slackened to allow for the user to slide tension strap up and around the exercise leg, which is accomplished by adjusting the tension in the tension strap if needed.
- the user then imparts the desired tension in the tension strap by adjusting the tension in the tension strap.
- the user is then ready to commence exercises in mobility device 1 according to the instructions of a physical therapist or other professional. At the end of the exercises, the user reduces the tension in the tension strap, removes the tension strap from the exercised leg, and frees the foot from the stirrup straps and removes the foot from the stirrup.
- FIG. 3 is an elevation view from the posterior of an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 4 is an elevation view from the anterior of an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 5 is an overview of an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 6 is an elevation view from the front of an embodiment of the present invention when in use by a user
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention with arrows indicating movement of the stirrup of the embodiment;
- FIG. 8 is an elevation view from the front of an embodiment of the present invention with arrows indicating movement of the stirrup of the embodiment;
- FIG. 10 is an elevation view of the handle of the lateral slide bracket of an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the lateral slide bracket of an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 15 is an elevation view of the stirrup and ball joint assembly of an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the lateral slide track and lateral slide bracket of an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the lateral slide bracket of an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention.
- anterior and posterior refer to the left and right sides of mobility device 1 , respectively, along a longitudinal axis from the perspective of a person facing mobility device 1 and viewing mobility device 1 such that mobility device 1 is oriented as in FIGS. 1, 6, and 8
- front and rear refer to the left and right sides of mobility device 1 , respectively, along a lateral axis from the perspective of a person facing mobility device 1 and viewing mobility device 1 such that mobility device 1 is oriented as in FIG. 3 .
- Middle longitudinal portion 16 and lateral portions 12 and 14 of base 10 may (i) include perimeter surfaces surrounding an open (hollow) interior and/or (ii) have any one or more of a variety of cross sectional shapes, including rectangular, circular, triangular, trapezoidal, and square.
- one or more wheels may be attached to one or more portions of base 10 to allow for ease of transport of mobility device 1 .
- one or more corner braces 500 , 508 each comprised of a first and second portions, support the attachment of individual portions of base 10 to other individual portions of base 10 .
- Such corner braces 500 , 508 may be comprised of an integral structure or individual structures attached together.
- the attachment of anterior lateral portion 12 of base 10 to middle longitudinal portion 16 of base 10 is supported by a plurality of anterior corner base braces comprising (i) an anterior front corner base brace 500 ( FIG.
- anterior front of mobility device 1 comprising a first and a second portion, with the first portion attached to the front posterior surface of anterior lateral portion 12 and the second portion attached to the front surface of middle longitudinal portion 16 ; and (ii) an anterior rear corner base brace (not depicted or numbered) proximal the anterior rear of mobility device 1 comprising a first and a second portion, with the first portion attached to the rear posterior surface of anterior lateral portion 12 and the second portion attached to the rear surface of middle longitudinal portion 16 .
- posterior corner base braces 508 comprising (i) a posterior front corner base brace 508 (shown in FIGS. 7, 9 ) proximal the posterior front of mobility device 1 comprising a first and a second portion, with the first portion attached to the front anterior surface of posterior lateral portion 14 and the second portion attached to the front surface of middle longitudinal portion 16 ; and (ii) a posterior rear corner base brace 508 (shown in FIG. 9 ) proximal the posterior rear of mobility device 1 comprising a first and a second portion, with the first portion attached to the rear anterior surface of posterior lateral portion 14 and the second portion attached to the rear surface of middle longitudinal portion 16 .
- tension post 20 which is comprised of tension post lower member 22 attached to base 10 and tension post upper member 26 which is disposed within tension post lower member 22 and can slidably move vertically upward and downward relative to tension post lower member 22 to allow the user to select a desired vertical position of tension post upper member 26 .
- tension post lower member 22 is attached to anterior lateral portion 12 of base 10 , more preferably attached at point D corresponding to the midpoint of anterior lateral portion 12 .
- one or more tension post corner braces 502 , 504 each comprised of a horizontal portion and a vertical portion attached thereto, support the attachment of tension post 20 to base 10 , more preferably with one or more tension post corner braces supporting the tension post 20 -base 10 attachment comprising one or more of (i) a front tension post corner brace 502 oriented toward the front of mobility device 1 , with horizontal portion attached to the upper surface of anterior lateral portion 12 of base 10 and vertical portion attached to the front surface of tension post 20 , (ii) a posterior tension post corner brace 504 oriented toward the posterior of mobility device 1 , with horizontal portion attached to the upper surface of one or more of middle longitudinal portion 16 and anterior lateral portion 12 and vertical portion attached to the posterior surface of tension post 20 , (iii) a rear tension post corner brace (not pictured or numbered) oriented toward the rear of mobility device 1 , with horizontal portion attached to the upper surface of anterior lateral portion 12 and vertical portion
- Tension post upper member 26 is comprised of (i) top portion 29 which corresponds with the portion of tension post upper member 26 that is not disposed within tension post lower member 22 and (ii) lower portion 21 which corresponds with the portion of tension post upper member 26 that is disposed within tension post lower member 22 .
- Tension post 20 may have any one of a variety of cross-sectional shapes, including rectangular, circular, trapezoidal, triangular, and square. At least a portion of tension post upper member 26 of tension post 20 and tension post lower member 22 of tension post 20 is comprised of perimeter surfaces surrounding an open (hollow) interior. In a preferred embodiment, tension post upper member 26 is separable from tension post lower member 22 to allow for lower portion 21 of tension post upper member 26 to be fully retractable from tension post lower member 22 .
- each of tension post lower member 22 and tension post upper member 26 comprises front, rear, anterior, and posterior surfaces bounding a hollow interior with an upper horizontal void space corresponding to the top of tension post lower and upper members 22 and 26 and a lower horizontal void space corresponding to the base of tension post lower and upper members 22 and 26 .
- the horizontal cross sectional areas of tension post lower and upper members 22 and 26 are the same.
- the horizontal cross sectional area of tension post 20 approximates the horizontal cross sectional area of anterior lateral portion 12 of base 10 .
- the horizontal cross sectional area of tension post 20 is less than or greater than the horizontal cross sectional area of anterior lateral portion 12 of base 10 .
- tension post upper member 26 can be adjusted using one of many known methods in the art.
- positioned on a surface of tension post lower member 22 are one or more apertures L. More preferably, one or more apertures L are positioned on the posterior surface of tension post lower member 22 as shown in FIG. 7 . Alternatively, one or more apertures L are positioned on the anterior surface of tension post lower member 22 . Additionally, and alternatively, one or more apertures L are positioned on both the posterior and anterior surfaces of tension post lower member 22 . Alternatively, the one or more apertures L are positioned on one or more of the front and rear surfaces of tension post lower member 22 as shown in FIGS. 13-14 . Additionally, and alternatively, the one or more apertures L are positioned on one or more of the anterior, posterior, front, and rear surfaces of tension post lower member 22 .
- positioned on a surface of tension post upper member 26 are one or more apertures H.
- the one or more apertures H are positioned on one or more of the same oriented surfaces (posterior, anterior, front, rear) as the one or more surfaces of tension post lower member 22 on which the one or more apertures L are positioned.
- the one or more apertures H are positioned on the posterior surface of tension post upper member 26 as shown in FIG. 7 .
- the one or more apertures H are positioned on the anterior surface of tension post upper member 26 .
- one or more apertures H are positioned on both the posterior and anterior surfaces of tension post upper member 26 .
- the one or more apertures H are positioned on one or more of the front and rear surfaces of tension post upper member 26 as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 . Additionally, and alternatively, the one or more apertures H are positioned on one or more of the anterior, posterior, front, and rear surfaces of tension post upper member 26 .
- tension post vertical adjustment pin 24 which is comprised of head 25 connected to the posterior end of shaft 27 which extends through desired aperture L on tension post lower member 22 into the interior of lower portion 21 of tension post upper member 26 through one of a plurality of apertures H on tension post upper member 26 when the desired aperture H of tension post upper member 26 aligns vertically with the desired aperture L on tension post lower member 22 .
- one or more apertures H on tension post upper member 26 are positioned on two surfaces that are parallel to each other (e.g., posterior and anterior surfaces of tension post upper member 26 , rear and front surfaces of tension post upper member 26 ) and one or more apertures L on tension post lower member 22 are positioned on two surfaces that are parallel to each other (e.g., posterior and anterior surfaces of tension post lower member 22 , rear and front surfaces of tension post lower member 22 ), the anterior end of shaft 27 extends through the one such aperture H on a first surface of tension post upper member 26 that is vertically aligned to the aperture H on the second surface of tension post upper member 26 (which is parallel to the first surface of tension post upper member 26 ) through which the head 25 connected to the posterior end of shaft 27 extends, with the anterior end of shaft 27 extending through the one such aperture L on a first surface of tension post lower member 22 that is vertically aligned to the aperture L on the second surface of tension post lower member 22 (which is parallel to the first surface of tension post
- each diameter of aperture H and L is larger than the diameter of shaft 27 so as to allow shaft 27 to be easily inserted into apertures H and L.
- each diameter of aperture H and L is 1-5% larger than the diameter of shaft 27 to allow for a secure fitting of shaft 27 through apertures H and L and into the interior of tension post upper member 26 .
- tension post vertical adjustment pin 24 extending through initial aperture H on tension post upper member 26 and initial aperture L on tension post lower member 22 when initial apertures H and L are vertically aligned
- the user pulls head 25 of pin 24 , which withdraws shaft 27 of pin 24 from the interior of tension post upper member 26 through initial aperture H on tension post upper member 26 to allow for the anterior end of shaft 27 to retract fully from the interior of the tension post upper member 26 and out of initial aperture H and initial aperture L on tension post lower member 22 .
- tension post upper member 26 can then be adjusted upward or downward as needed to the desired position from the aligned initial apertures H-L through which shaft 27 initially extended by aligning a desired aperture L on tension post lower member 22 to a desired aperture H on tension post upper member 26 and reinserting shaft 27 through the aligned desired apertures H-L to allow for shaft 27 to be inserted into the interior of tension post upper member 26 to engagingly secure tension post lower member 22 to tension post upper member 26 .
- tension post 20 can be used, including a lever (not depicted or numbered) with an upper end that a user can manipulate and a lower end which extends into the interior of tension post 20 and that is attached to a pneumatic cylinder disposed within tension post 20 such as those used and known in the art to adjust the height of furniture or chairs, a pressure actuated assembly extendable by fluid pressure and retractable by spring action such as that described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,833,973, or other known means of adjusting the height of a structure.
- a lever not depicted or numbered
- a pressure actuated assembly extendable by fluid pressure and retractable by spring action such as that described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,833,973, or other known means of adjusting the height of a structure.
- Center Post 50 is attached to middle longitudinal portion 16 of base 10 of mobility device 1 .
- Center post 50 is comprised of lower center post 52 and upper center post 54 .
- Center post 50 may have any one of a variety of cross-sectional shapes, including rectangular, circular, triangular, trapezoidal, and square.
- At least a portion of each of lower center post 52 and upper center post 54 is comprised of perimeter surfaces surrounding an open (hollow) interior.
- each of lower and upper center posts 52 and 54 comprises front, rear, anterior, and posterior surfaces bounding a hollow interior with an upper horizontal void space corresponding to the top of such lower and upper center posts 52 and 54 and a lower horizontal void space corresponding to the base of such lower and upper center posts 52 and 54 .
- the horizontal cross sectional areas of lower and upper center post 52 and 54 are the same.
- the horizontal cross sectional area of center post 50 approximates the horizontal cross sectional area of middle longitudinal portion 16 of base 10 .
- the horizontal cross sectional area of center post 50 is less than or greater than the horizontal cross sectional area of middle longitudinal portion 16 of base 10 .
- Upper center post 54 is comprised of top portion 57 and bottom portion 55 .
- Top portion 57 of upper center post 54 corresponds with the portion of upper center post 54 that is not disposed within lower center post 52
- bottom portion 55 of upper center post 54 corresponds with the portion of upper center post 54 that is disposed within lower center post 52 .
- Bottom portion 55 of upper center post 54 is disposed within lower center post 52 and can slidably move vertically upward and downward relative to lower center post 52 to allow the user to select a desired vertical position of upper center post 54 .
- upper center post 54 is separable from lower center post 52 to allow for bottom portion 55 of upper center post 54 to be fully retractable from lower center post 52 .
- the vertical position of upper center post 54 can be adjusted using one of many known methods in the art.
- the vertical position of upper center post 54 is adjusted in a manner similar to the vertical position adjustment of tension post 20 described earlier through alignment of one or more apertures Z positioned on one or more surfaces of lower center post 52 and one or more apertures X positioned on one or more surfaces of upper center post 54 with the same one or more orientations (anterior, posterior, front, rear) as the one or more surfaces of lower center post 52 on which such one or more apertures Z are positioned and insertion of center post vertical adjustment pin 58 , preferably comprising a shaft and a head attached to posterior end of the shaft, with the anterior end of the shaft preferably extending out of the one or more apertures Z.
- positioned on a surface of lower center post 52 are one or more apertures Z. More preferably, one or more apertures Z are positioned on the posterior surface of lower center post 52 (not shown in any figure). Alternatively, one or more apertures Z are positioned on the anterior surface of lower center post 52 (not shown). Additionally, and alternatively, one or more apertures Z are positioned on both the posterior and anterior surfaces of lower center post 52 (not shown). Alternatively, the one or more apertures Z are positioned on one or more of the front and rear surfaces of lower center post 52 as shown in FIGS. 1, 6-9, and 13-14 . Additionally, and alternatively, the one or more apertures Z are positioned on one or more of the anterior, posterior, front, and rear surfaces of lower center post 52 .
- the one or more apertures X are positioned on one or more of the same oriented surface (posterior, anterior, front, rear) as the one or more surfaces of lower center post 52 on which the one or more apertures Z are positioned.
- the one or more apertures X are positioned on the posterior surface of upper center post 54 (not shown).
- the one or more apertures X are positioned on the anterior surface of upper center post 54 (not shown).
- one or more apertures X are positioned on both the posterior and anterior surfaces of upper center post 54 (not shown).
- the one or more apertures X are positioned on one or more of the front and rear surfaces of upper center post 54 as shown in FIGS. 1, 6-9, and 13-14 . Additionally, and alternatively, the one or more apertures X are positioned on one or more of the anterior, posterior, front, and rear surfaces of upper center post 54 .
- one or more apertures X on upper center post 54 are positioned on two surfaces that are parallel to each other (e.g., posterior and anterior surfaces of upper center post 54 , rear and front surfaces of upper center post 54 ) and one or more apertures Z on lower center post 52 are positioned on two surfaces that are parallel to each other (e.g., posterior and anterior surfaces of lower center post 52 , rear and front surfaces of lower center post 52 ), the anterior end of center post vertical adjustment pin 58 extends through aperture X on a first surface of upper center post 54 that is vertically aligned to aperture X on the second surface of upper center post 54 which is parallel to the first surface of upper center post 54 , with the vertical post adjustment pin 58 extending through aperture Z on a first surface of lower center post 52 and aperture Z on a second surface of upper center post 54 that is vertically aligned to aperture Z on the first surface of lower center post 52 and through which the posterior end of center post vertical adjustment pin 58 extends.
- the diameters of apertures Z and X are larger than the diameter of center post vertical adjustment pin 58 so as to allow for easy center post vertical adjustment pin 58 insertion into apertures.
- the diameter of each aperture Z and X is 1-5% larger than the diameter of center post vertical adjustment pin 58 to allow for a secure fitting of center post vertical adjustment pin 58 through such apertures.
- the vertical position of upper center post 54 is adjusted through use of lever 56 which is comprised of knob 59 connected to the posterior end of center post vertical adjustment pin 58 which extends downward into the interior of lower center post 52 through opening O on a surface of lower center post 52 .
- center post vertical adjustment pin 58 is affixed with set screw S which abuts lower portion 55 of upper center post 54 to secure center post vertical adjustment pin 58 to the bottom portion 55 of upper center post 54 to render upper center post 54 immovable vertically with respect to lower center post 52 .
- the user displaces knob 59 of lever 56 , which retracts a portion of center post vertical adjustment pin 58 from the interior of lower center post 52 to thereby disengage set screw S from the bottom portion 55 of upper center post 54 which renders upper center post 54 movable vertically with respect to lower center post 52 .
- the vertical position of upper center post 54 can then be adjusted upward or downward as needed.
- center post vertical adjustment pin 58 moves downwardly until set screw S on the anterior end of center post vertical adjustment pin 58 abuts lower portion 55 of upper center post 54 to secure center post vertical adjustment pin 58 to bottom portion 55 of upper center post 54 to render upper center post 54 immovable vertically with respect to lower center post 52 .
- vertical position of center post 50 is adjusting using lever 58 that is attached to means for pneumatically adjusting the vertical position of upper center post 54 disposed within center post 50 .
- such means can comprise a pneumatic cylinder such as those used and known in the art to adjust the height of furniture or chairs, a pressure actuated assembly extendable by fluid pressure and retractable by spring action such as that described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,833,973, or other known means of adjusting the height of a structure.
- center post 50 is fixed, maintaining the longitudinal distance between center post 50 and tension post 20 and posterior and anterior members 14 and 12 of base 10 , respectively, with center post 50 fixedly attached to middle longitudinal portion 16 of base 10 , more preferably, attached at the midpoint of middle longitudinal portion 16 of base 10 such that center post 50 is equidistant from tension post 20 and posterior member 14 of base 10 .
- center post corner braces each comprised of a horizontal portion and a vertical portion attached thereto, support the attachment of center post 50 to base 10 , more preferably with one or more center post corner braces supporting the center post 50 -base 10 attachment comprising one or more of (i) a front tension post corner brace (not pictured or numbered) oriented toward the front of mobility device 1 , with horizontal portion attached to the upper surface of middle longitudinal portion 16 of base 10 positioned to the front of center post 50 and the vertical portion attached to the front surface of center post 50 , preferably the front surface of lower center post 52 , (ii) a rear tension post corner center post brace (not pictured or numbered) oriented toward the rear of mobility device 1 , with horizontal portion attached to the upper surface of middle longitudinal portion 16 of base 10 positioned to the rear of center post 50 and the vertical portion attached to the rear surface of center post 50 , preferably the rear surface of lower center
- the longitudinal position of center post 50 is adjustable toward the anterior or posterior of mobility device 1 from an initial longitudinal position using any one of multiple known methods in the art.
- base 10 includes a longitudinal rail that runs along the upper surface of longitudinal member 16 and lower center post 52 comprises a means for slidably attaching lower center post 52 to the longitudinal rail, disengaging lower center post 52 from an initial longitudinal position, sliding lower center post 52 longitudinally toward the anterior or posterior of mobility device 1 using the means for slidably attaching lower center post 52 to the longitudinal rail of longitudinal member 16 to position lower center post 52 to a desired longitudinal position on longitudinal member 16 , and securing lower center post 52 in a final longitudinal position.
- center post 50 can be longitudinally repositioned along longitudinal member 16 of base 10 where at least a portion of longitudinal member 16 between anterior member 12 and posterior member 14 has a hollow interior bound by perimeter surfaces (front perimeter surface, rear perimeter surface, upper perimeter surface, lower perimeter surface).
- the front perimeter surface and rear perimeter surface of longitudinal member 16 each have one or more apertures A, with each aperture A on front perimeter surface of longitudinal member 16 longitudinal aligned with an aperture A on rear perimeter surface of longitudinal member 16 .
- apertures A on front and rear perimeter surfaces of longitudinal member 16 of base 10 comprise discrete apertures A each separated by structure corresponding to front and rear perimeter surfaces of longitudinal member 16 of base 10 , respectively.
- each of the apertures A on front and rear perimeter surfaces of longitudinal member 16 of base 10 comprises a continuous aperture A as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 .
- the interior of the lower portion of lower center post 52 is hollow. Positioned on each of the front and rear surfaces of lower center post 52 is aperture C.
- Center post adjustment pin 19 is passed through aperture A on front perimeter surface of longitudinal member 16 , through the apertures C on the front and rear surfaces of lower center post 52 , and through aperture A on rear perimeter surface of longitudinal member 16 that is longitudinally aligned with the passed-through apertures C of lower center post 52 and aperture A on front perimeter surface of longitudinal member 16 of base 10 , with the center post longitudinal adjustment pin 19 secured in position so as to render center post 50 immovable longitudinally.
- center post adjustment pin 19 Removal of center post adjustment pin 19 from initial passed-through apertures C on the first and rear surfaces of lower center post 52 and apertures A on the front and rear perimeter surfaces of longitudinal member 16 of base 10 allows for center post 50 to be movable slidably longitudinally toward the posterior or anterior of mobility device 1 as desired by the user, with the repositioning and securing of the center post adjustment pin 19 through desired apertures C on lower center post 52 and apertures A on front and rear perimeter surfaces of longitudinal member 16 of base 10 allowing for the positioning of center post 50 in the desired longitudinal position and rendering center post 50 immovable longitudinally.
- alternative methods known in the art can be used to longitudinally reposition center post 50 .
- Stirrup 60 With reference to FIGS. 1-3, 5, 6-9, and 13-14 , upper portion 57 of upper center post 54 is attached to stirrup 60 .
- Stirrup 60 comprises anterior section F, middle section M, and posterior section R corresponding to where the user places the forefoot, midfoot, and hindfoot, respectively.
- Stirrup 60 is comprised of an upper surface 61 , a lower surface 62 , a front surface 63 and a rear surface 64 each extending vertically between surfaces 61 and 62 , and an anterior surface 65 and a posterior surface 66 each extending vertically between upper and lower surfaces 61 and 62 , respectively, and extending laterally between front and rear surfaces 63 and 64 , respectively.
- a plurality of ridges are positioned on upper surface 61 with each ridge spaced apart from the remaining ridges. More preferably, the ridges are dispersed along the longitudinal span of upper surface 61 of stirrup 60 .
- posterior surface 66 protrudes vertically upward above upper surface 61 so as to provide heel support, with the user positioning the heel to the anterior of posterior surface 66 and resting the rear of the heel thereon.
- one or more of front surface 63 and rear surface 64 protrude vertically upward above upper surface 61 so as to provide support to the sides of a user's foot.
- the longitudinal length of stirrup 60 is adjustable using any one of known methods in the art.
- anterior section F of stirrup 60 is removably attached to remaining sections M and R of stirrup 60 , with one or more longitudinal hollow channels positioned in the interior of stirrup 60 in section M of stirrup 60 and one or more longitudinal screws attached to the posterior end of anterior section F of stirrup 60 that are insertable into the one or more longitudinal hollow channels to secure anterior section F to the remaining sections M and R of stirrup 60 so that the posterior end of anterior section F of stirrup 60 abuts the anterior end of section M of stirrup 60 .
- stirrup 60 To adjust the longitudinal length of stirrup 60 with section F attached to the remaining sections M and R of stirrup 60 , the user pulls section F of stirrup 60 anteriorly toward the anterior of mobility device 1 so as to separate the posterior end of section F of stirrup 60 from the anterior end of section M of stirrup 60 . The user then longitudinally positions section F so that stirrup 60 has the desired longitudinal length, with the posterior end of section F of stirrup 60 spaced apart from the anterior end of section M of stirrup 60 , with at least a portion of the one or more longitudinal screws attached to anterior section F of stirrup 60 positioned within the one or more longitudinal hollow channels positioned in the interior of section M of stirrup 60 .
- posterior section R of stirrup 60 is removably attached to remaining sections M and F of stirrup 60 in a manner similar to the removable attachment of anterior section F of stirrup 60 described above to allow for adjustment of the longitudinal length of stirrup 60 with section R attached to the remaining sections M and F of stirrup 60 .
- one or more longitudinal hollow channels are positioned in the interior of middle section M of stirrup 60 and one or more longitudinal screws is attached to the anterior end of posterior section R of stirrup 60 that are insertable into the one or more longitudinal hollow channels positioned in the interior of section M of stirrup 60 to secure posterior section R to the remaining sections M and F of stirrup 60 so that the anterior end of posterior section R of stirrup 60 abuts the posterior end of section M of stirrup 60 .
- both the anterior section F and posterior section R of stirrup 60 are removably attached to middle section M of stirrup 60 in a manner similar to the removable attachment of either anterior section F of stirrup 60 or posterior section R of stirrup 60 to the remaining sections of stirrup 60 described above to allow for adjustment of the longitudinal length of stirrup 60 with both sections R and F attached to the section M of stirrup 60 , with one or more anterior longitudinal hollow channels positioned in the interior of middle section M of stirrup 60 proximal the anterior of middle section M and one or more posterior longitudinal hollow channels positioned in the interior of middle section M of stirrup 60 proximal the posterior of middle section M and one or more longitudinal screws attached to the posterior end of anterior section F of stirrup 60 insertable into the middle section M anterior channels and one or more longitudinal screws attached to the anterior end of rear section R of stirrup 60 and insertable into the middle section M posterior channels.
- stirrup 60 is attached to center post 50 via ball joint assembly J, with lower surface 62 of stirrup 60 attached to upper center portion 57 of center post 54 via ball joint assembly J, so as to allow for a wide range of motion of the user's foot positioned on stirrup 60 attached to center post 50 through the pivoting inwardly and outwardly of stirrup 60 toward the front and rear of mobility device 1 , pivoting upwardly and downwardly to stirrup 60 , and rotating of stirrup 60 about a vertical axis corresponding to center post 50 .
- stirrup 60 positioned in middle section M of stirrup 60 are one or more vertical channels Y and one or more vertical channels U, each vertical channel comprising one or more apertures in upper surface 61 that extend vertically downward to one or more apertures in lower surface 62 , such vertical channels Y and channel U designed to accommodate means for securedly attaching (i) stirrup 60 to upper portion 57 of upper center post 54 (channels Y) and (ii) stirrup 60 to bearing stud 84 within socket 86 (channels U).
- at least one of the one or more vertical channels U is threaded so as to receptively accommodate the threading of threaded bearing stud 84 .
- stirrup 60 comprises one vertical channel U and a plurality of vertical channels Y comprising one or more vertical channels Y between middle section M and anterior section F and one or more vertical channels Y between middle section M and posterior section R.
- Ball joint assembly J comprises (i) stirrup support plate 80 comprising a structural member with one or more vertical channels and attached to the lower surface 62 of stirrup 60 using attaching means 82 , such attaching means 82 preferably comprising screws or support plate bolt/nut assemblies accommodated in the one or more vertical channels Y of stirrup 60 , each such attaching means 82 extending through the one or more vertical channels Y to and through one of the one or more vertical channels in stirrup support plate 80 : (ii) a socket 86 with a substantially spherical lower portion and a substantially cylindrical upper portion within which is accommodated bearing stud 84 with an upper end and a lower end, wherein at least a portion of bearing stud 84 is threaded and the upper end of bearing stud 84 extends vertically upward to and through a vertical channel in stirrup support plate 80 and to and through vertical channel U in stirrup 60 and secured therein; (iii) one or more brakes 90 , preferably two brakes 90 , each brake
- one brake screw 96 is oriented to the anterior of mobility device 1 and the second brake screw 96 is oriented to the posterior of mobility device 1 .
- one brake screw 96 is oriented to the front of mobility device 1 and the second brake screw 96 is oriented to the rear of mobility device 1 (not depicted).
- each brake 90 comprises a substantially quarter spherical depression, such depression accommodating approximately half of the substantially spherical lower portion of socket 86 .
- the substantially semicircular vertical surface of each brake 90 has positioned thereon a substantially circular-shaped notch forming a substantially cylindrical indentation in the semicircular vertical surface of brake 90 that radially aligns with the apertures on the outer and inner curved surfaces of cylindrical portion 102 and casing hollow channels 106 therebetween.
- horizontal segment 97 of each brake screw 96 is substantially cylindrical.
- the diameter of the cylindrical indentation in the semicircular vertical surface of brake 90 is approximately equal to the diameter of horizontal segment of the brake screw 96 .
- the lower horizontal surfaces of the two brakes 90 comprise a substantially circular cross sectional surface area accommodated within casing 100 and that has a diameter that is less than the diameter of the cylindrical portion 102 of casing 100 such that when the two brakes 90 are positioned toward the center of casing 100 and abut one another, an annular gap surrounding the abutting brakes 90 and the inner surface of cylindrical portion 102 of casing 100 is formed.
- the length of rail 92 approximates the diameter of cylindrical portion 102 of casing 100 .
- each brake 90 has positioned thereon a substantially quadrilateral-shaped indentation, preferably rectangular or more preferably square, that accommodates rail 92 .
- the width of the substantially quadrilateral indentation in the substantially horizontal lower surface of brake 90 approximates the width of rail 92 so that each brake 90 , which abuts the topside of rail 92 at its substantially horizontal lower surface, is slidably and radially displaceable along rail 92 .
- the substantially quadrilateral indentation in the horizontal lower surface of brake 90 is radially aligned with the substantially cylindrical indentation in the semicircular vertical surface of brake 90 , which in turn is radially aligned with the apertures on the outer and inner curved surfaces of cylindrical portion 102 of casing 100 and casing hollow channels 106 therebetween.
- casing 100 has a substantially hollow cylindrical interior within which is positioned at least the lower spherical portion of socket 86 , the one or more brakes 90 , rail 92 , and the one or more interior ends of each horizontal segment 97 of each of the one or more brake screws 96 wherein the interior end of each horizontal segment 97 of each brake 96 abuts one brake 90 , with such interior end of each horizontal segment 97 of each brake 96 accommodated within the substantially cylindrical indentation the semicircular vertical surface of brake 90 .
- each of the one or more brake screws 96 extends distally and radially outwardly from casing 100 , with the interior end of each horizontal segment 97 of each brake screw 96 abutting the substantially semicircular vertical surface of each brake 90 to securedly engage brake 90 to the substantially spherical lower portion of socket 86 , with the substantially quarter spherical depression in the upper surface of each brake 90 accommodating approximately half of the substantially spherical lower portion of socket 86 .
- the user loosens brake screws 96 by rotating vertical segments 99 of brake screws 96 , which retracts a portion of horizontal segments 97 of brake screws 96 from the interior of casing 100 , with horizontal segments 97 displaced distally and radially outwardly from casing 100 and socket 86 .
- the displacement of horizontal segments 97 of brake screws 96 results in separation of the interior end of horizontal segment 97 of brake screw 96 from brake 90 whereby interior end of horizontal segment 97 is (i) retracted out of the cylindrical indentation of semicircular vertical surface of brake 90 and (ii) displaced distally and radially outwardly from casing 100 .
- Such displacement of horizontal segment 97 of brake screw 96 allows for brake 90 to be slidably and radially displaceable along rail 92 .
- the displacement of the lower surface of each of the brakes 90 along rail 92 distally and radially outwardly from casing 100 allows for a gap to form between the upper surface of brake 90 , which comprises a substantially quarter spherical depression, and the substantially spherical lower portion of socket 86 which heretofore had been accommodated within such depression.
- Such socket 86 -brake 90 gap allows for movement of socket 86 , which in turn allows for movement of stirrup 60 which is attached to socket 86 by the bearing stud 84 which is accommodated within the substantially cylindrical upper portion of socket 86 and extends vertically upward to and through a vertical channel in stirrup support plate 80 and to and through channel U in stirrup 60 and secured therein.
- Such movement of stirrup 60 comprises movement in various directions including (i) pivot inwardly or outwardly as shown in FIG. 7 to allow for inversion and eversion, respectively; (ii) pivot upwardly and downwardly as shown in FIG.
- the user tightens brake screws 96 by rotating vertical segments 99 of brake screws 96 , which reintroduces a portion of horizontal segments 97 of brake screws 96 into the interior of casing 100 , with horizontal segments 97 displaced proximally and radially inward toward casing 100 and socket 86 .
- the displacement of horizontal segments 97 of brake screws 96 results in the abutment of the interior end of horizontal segment 97 of brake screw 96 with brake 90 whereby interior end of horizontal segment 97 is (i) extended into the cylindrical indentation of semicircular vertical surface of brake 90 and (ii) displaced proximally and radially inward toward casing 100 .
- brake 90 Such displacement of horizontal segment 97 of brake screw 96 allows for brake 90 to be slidably displaceable along rail 92 inward to a point where it securedly abuts socket 86 , with such abutment occurring between the upper surface of each brake 90 , comprised of a substantially quarter spherical depression, with socket 86 , with such depression accommodating approximately half of the substantially spherical lower portion of socket 86 .
- the contact of brake 90 with socket 86 from the abutment of the upper surface of each brake 90 with the lower portion of socket 86 displaces the socket 86 vertically upwardly, with the upper segment of the lower portion of socket 86 distal from brake 90 abutting the inner curved surface of upper cylindrical portion 102 of casing 100 , further securing socket 86 .
- each horizontal segment 97 of brake screw 96 is securedly attached to each brake 90 , preferably such attachment positioned on the substantially semicircular vertical surface of brake 90 , more preferably with such attachment comprising the securing of the interior end of each horizontal segment 97 of brake screw 96 within a substantially cylindrical indentation in the semicircular vertical surface of brake 90 that radially aligns with the apertures on the outer and inner curved surfaces of cylindrical portion 102 and the casing hollow channels 106 therebetween.
- the user loosens brake screws 96 by rotating vertical segments 99 , which retracts a portion of horizontal segments 97 from the interior of casing 100 , with horizontal segments 97 displaced horizontally radially outwardly and distally from socket 86 .
- the displacement of horizontal segments 97 of brake screws 96 results in the displacement, also radially outwardly and distally from socket 86 , of brakes 90 by the sliding of the lower surface of each brake 90 along rail 92 which is in contact with the brake 90 as described above.
- socket 86 -brake 90 gap allows for movement of socket 86 , which in turn allows for movement of stirrup 60 which is attached to socket 86 by the bearing stud 84 which is accommodated within the substantially cylindrical upper portion of socket 86 and extends vertically upward to and through a vertical channel in stirrup support plate 80 and to and through channel U in stirrup 60 and secured therein.
- stirrup 60 comprises movement in various directions as described above and shown in FIGS. 7-9 .
- the user tightens brake screws 96 by rotating vertical segments 99 of brake screws 96 , which reintroduces a portion of horizontal segments 97 of brake screws 96 into the interior of casing 100 , with horizontal segments 97 displaced proximal to the interior of and radially inward toward casing 100 and socket 86 , which slidably displaces each brake 90 along rail 92 , with such displacement proximal to the interior of and radially inward toward casing 100 and socket 86 .
- Such displacement allows for brake 90 to be securedly abutted to socket 86 , with such abutment occurring between the upper surface of each brake 90 , comprised of a substantially quarter spherical depression, and socket 86 , with such depression accommodating approximately half of the substantially spherical lower portion of socket 86 .
- stirrup Straps With reference to FIGS. 1-3, 5-9, and 14 , attached to stirrup 60 are one or more straps to secure the user's foot to the stirrup.
- attached to stirrup 60 is one strap comprising one of calcaneus distraction strap 72 and talus tension strap 76 .
- stirrup straps comprise calcaneus distraction strap 72 and talus tension strap 76 .
- one or more of straps 72 and 76 is adjustable in length using any one of many known methods in the art.
- straps 72 and 76 are removable and re-attachable to stirrup 60 .
- talus tension strap 76 is attached to stirrup 60 at posterior section R at (i) strap attachment point 77 on rear surface 64 of stirrup 60 , more preferably point 77 coinciding with the intersection of posterior surface 66 and rear surface of 64 of stirrup 60 and (ii) strap attachment point 78 on front surface 63 of stirrup 60 , more preferably point 78 coinciding with the intersection of posterior surface 66 and front surface 63 of stirrup 60 .
- calcaneus distraction strap 72 is attached to stirrup 60 at the posterior portion of middle section M of stirrup 60 at (i) strap attachment point 73 on front surface 63 and (ii) strap attachment point 74 on rear surface 64 .
- one or more of the attachment points of one or more straps 72 and 76 are positioned in the middle section M of stirrup 60 , preferably the middle portion of middle section M of stirrup 60 .
- one or more strap attachment points 73 , 74 , 77 , and 78 is adjustable.
- (i) positioned on one or more of front surface 63 and rear surface 64 of stirrup 60 is a plurality of stirrup pegs 67 and (ii) positioned on one or more of calcaneus distraction strap 72 and talus tension strap 76 is one or more strap apertures 79 through which stirrup pegs 67 pass to establish a strap attachment point.
- a user changes one or more initial strap attachment points 73 , 74 , 77 , and 78 by first disengaging one or more of straps 72 and 76 from the plurality of initial stirrup pegs 67 extending through a plurality of initial strap apertures 79 and reengaging one or more straps 72 and 76 to a plurality of desired stirrup pegs 67 by positioning the desired strap apertures 79 over the plurality of desired stirrup pegs 67 so as to have such desired stirrup pegs 67 extending through the desired strap apertures 79 .
- one or more buckles or other securing devices is used to secure each end of straps 72 and 76 to stirrup 60 .
- Lateral Slide Track 300 comprising (i) upper surface 302 comprised of an anterior end, a posterior end, and a gap 306 ( FIGS. 9, 13-14 ) therebetween, (ii) lower surface 310 , and (iii) front surface 304 and rear surface 312 , each of which extends vertically from upper surface 302 to lower surface 310 .
- front surface 304 and rear surface 312 are laterally spaced apart by a void space with a lateral length corresponding to the lateral lengths of upper surface 302 and lower surface 310 .
- lateral slide track 300 is a substantially hollow structure that is substantially open at the anterior and posterior of lateral slide track 300 , thus creating a three-dimensional void space in the interior of lateral slide track 300 .
- lateral slide track 300 attaches to tension post 20 at lower surface 310 , with lower surface 310 attached to the tension post upper member 26 .
- lateral slide track rail 305 comprising a structure which protrudes vertically upward from lower surface 310 and extends laterally, preferably extending laterally from the front to the rear of mobility device 1 by extending from the juncture of front surface 304 and lower surface 310 to the juncture of rear surface 312 and lower surface 310 .
- lateral slide track rail 305 comprising a structure which protrudes vertically upward from lower surface 310 and extends laterally, preferably extending laterally from the front to the rear of mobility device 1 by extending from the juncture of front surface 304 and lower surface 310 to the juncture of rear surface 312 and lower surface 310 .
- lateral slide track rails 305 positioned in the void space above lower surface 310 and below upper surface 302 and extending laterally from front surface 304 to rear surface 312 are one or more lateral slide track rails 305 , preferably two lateral slide track rails 305 , each with a front end and a rear end.
- Such lateral slide track rails 305 may comprise substantially cylindrical or substantially quadrilateral prismatic structures. The front end of each such lateral slide track rail 305 is attached to front surface 304 of lateral slide track 300 and the rear end of each such lateral slide track rail 305 is attached to rear surface 312 of lateral slide track 300 .
- Lateral Slide Bracket With reference to FIGS. 1-9, 11-14, and 16 , positioned within lateral slide track 300 is lateral slide bracket 340 which is laterally displaceable from the front to the rear of mobility device 1 .
- Lateral slide bracket 340 is vertically sized to fit in the void space between upper surface 302 and lower surface 310 of lateral slide track 300 , preferably the lateral slide bracket 340 is vertically sized to approximate such void space. More preferably, a void space exists above lateral slide bracket 340 and below the upper surface 302 of lateral slide track 300 .
- Lateral slide bracket 340 is comprised of (i) upper surface 350 , (ii) lower surface 352 that abuts but is not attached to lower surface 310 of lateral slide track 300 , (iii) anterior surface 342 and posterior surface 344 each extending vertically between surfaces 350 and 352 , and (iv) side surfaces 346 and 348 , preferably comprising front side surface 346 and rear side surface 348 , each side surface each extending longitudinally between anterior and posterior surfaces 342 and 344 , respectively, and vertically between upper and lower surfaces 350 and 352 , respectively.
- Anterior surface 342 and posterior surface 344 each extend laterally between side surfaces 346 and 348 .
- side surface 346 is proximal the front of lateral slide bracket 340 so as to comprise front surface 346 of lateral slide bracket 340 and side surface 348 is proximal the rear of lateral slide bracket 340 so as to comprise rear surface 348 .
- At least a portion of lateral slide bracket 340 is hollow, preferably lateral slide bracket 340 is substantially hollow, more preferably lateral slide bracket 340 comprises a substantially open (hollow) interior comprised of perimeter segments 350 , 352 , 342 , 344 , 346 , and 348 surrounding a substantially open (hollow) interior, more preferably entirely hollow.
- aperture G is positioned longitudinally on upper surface 350 so as to substantially coincide with gap 306 .
- aperture E Positioned on lower surface 352 of lateral slide bracket 340 is aperture E ( FIG. 11 ) that is substantially aligned with gap 306 of lateral slide track 300 and aperture G on upper surface 350 of lateral slide bracket 340 , with lateral slide bracket hollow channel 364 extending vertically in the interior of lateral slide bracket 340 between aperture G on upper surface 350 of lateral slide bracket 340 to aperture E of lower surface 352 of lateral slide bracket 340 .
- positioned on upper surface 350 of lateral slide bracket is an indentation that is longitudinally positioned to be substantially aligned with and under gap 306 , preferably such indentation being substantially circular.
- lateral slide bracket 340 has no indentation or aperture G on upper surface 350 or aperture E on lower surface 352 of lateral slide bracket 340 .
- lateral slide bracket 340 is laterally displaceable along one or more rails 305 attached to lateral slide track 300 .
- lateral slide bracket 340 comprises one or more void spaces to accommodate such lateral slide track rails 305 .
- void wedge 353 comprising a three dimensional void space proximal lower surface 310 of lateral slide track 300 .
- Lateral slide bracket 340 is positioned within lateral slide track 300 so as to accommodate lateral slide track rail 305 positioned on lateral slide track lower surface 310 in void wedge 353 .
- void wedge 353 extends substantially laterally from front surface 346 of lateral slide bracket 340 to rear surface 348 of lateral slide bracket 340 and lateral slide track rail 305 extends substantially laterally from the front surface 304 of lateral slide track 300 to the rear surface 312 of lateral slide track 300 .
- lateral slide bracket 340 positioned within lateral slide bracket 340 is one or more hollow horizontally-oriented lateral slide bracket channels extending laterally within lateral slide bracket 340 from an aperture on the front surface 346 of lateral slide bracket 340 to an aperture on the rear surface 348 of lateral slide bracket 340 , with one channel in lateral slide bracket 340 per lateral slide track rail 305 positioned in the lateral slide track 300 void space.
- the apertures on the front surface 346 and rear surface 348 of lateral slide bracket 340 and one or more channels in lateral slide bracket 340 are longitudinally and vertically positioned to substantially coincide with the longitudinal and vertical position of the one or more lateral track rails 305 , with one lateral slide track rail 305 passing through each aperture on front surface 346 , aperture on rear surface 348 , and the lateral slide bracket channel therebetween.
- positioned in the void space of lateral slide track 300 are two lateral slide track rails 305 and lateral slide bracket 340 has two apertures on each of front surface 346 and rear surface 348 and a channel extending between each of the two sets of the front surface 346 -rear surface 348 apertures.
- Lateral slide bracket 340 is securedly engaged to lateral slide track 300 using any one of many known methods in the art.
- lateral slide bracket 340 is secured to lateral slide track 300 through use of a lateral slide bracket pin 362 extending downward through gap 306 of lateral slide track 300 that is secured against the upper surface 350 of lateral slide bracket 340 .
- lateral slide bracket pin 362 is comprised of head (not separately numbered) attached to the upper end of a shaft (not separately numbered).
- Lateral slide bracket pin 362 is inserted through gap 306 of lateral slide track 300 , aperture G on lateral slide bracket upper surface 350 , lateral slide bracket hollow channel 364 , and aperture E on lateral slide bracket lower surface 352 to a vertical position wherein the lower portion of the shaft of lateral slide bracket pin 362 abuts lower surface 310 of lateral slide track 300 to secure lateral slide bracket 340 to lateral slide track 300 to render lateral slide bracket 340 immovable laterally.
- a set screw (not separately numbered or depicted) is positioned in the lower portion of lateral slide bracket hollow channel 364 .
- Lateral slide bracket pin 362 is inserted vertically downward through gap 306 of lateral slide track 300 , aperture G on upper surface 350 of lateral slide bracket 340 through the interior of lateral slide bracket 340 to and through aperture E on lower surface 352 of lateral slide bracket 340 to a vertical position wherein the lower end of the shaft of lateral slide bracket pin 362 engages the upper portion of the set screw and pushes the lower portion of the set screw through aperture E on lower surface 352 of lateral slide bracket 340 , with such set screw lower portion abutting lower surface 310 of lateral slide track 300 to secure lateral slide bracket 340 to lateral slide track 300 to render lateral slide bracket 340 immovable laterally.
- lateral slide bracket pin 362 bridges the vertical gap above the upper surface 350 of lateral slide bracket 340 and below the upper surface 302 of lateral slide track
- the user retracts lateral slide bracket pin 362 by turning or pulling the head of lateral slide bracket pin 362 which vertically retracts a portion of the shaft of lateral slide bracket pin 362 from the interior of lateral slide bracket 340 to thereby separate the lower portion of the shaft of lateral slide bracket pin 362 or, as may be, the set screw in lateral slide bracket hollow channel 364 , from the lower surface 310 of lateral slide track 300 , which renders lateral slide bracket 340 movable laterally.
- the user then positions the lateral slide bracket 340 , preferably with lateral slide bracket 340 sliding laterally along one or more lateral slide track rails 305 accommodated and positioned within one or more void spaces laterally passing through lateral slide bracket 340 as shown in FIG. 16 or in a void wedge 353 in lower surface 352 of lateral slide bracket 340 as shown in FIG. 11 , to the desired lateral position by displacing lateral slide bracket 340 laterally toward the rear or front of mobility device 1 as needed once lateral slide bracket 340 is displaced to the desired lateral position.
- lateral slide bracket pin 362 The user then re-inserts lateral slide bracket pin 362 , with the lower portion of the shaft of the lateral slide bracket pin 362 or, as may be, set screw in the lateral slide bracket hollow channel 364 , extending vertically downward through aperture E on lower surface 352 of lateral slide bracket 340 so as to abut lower surface 310 of lateral slide track 300 , which renders lateral slide bracket 340 immovable laterally.
- lateral slide bracket 340 is secured to lateral slide track 300 through use of a lateral slide bracket pin 362 inserted through gap 306 of lateral slide track 300 , wherein lateral slide bracket pin 362 preferably is comprised of a head attached to the upper end of a shaft.
- lateral slide bracket pin nut 365 Positioned on the lower end of lateral slide bracket pin 362 is lateral slide bracket pin nut 365 comprised of (i) an upper segment with an open topside, and open underside aligned with the open topside, and a hollow void between the topside and underside, preferably such upper segment shaped substantially cylindrically, and (ii) a lower segment with a hollow portion located substantially in the center of the lower segment, the hollow portion defined by an open topside and open underside and that are both aligned with gap 306 , the hollow void of the lower segment, and the open topside and underside of the upper segment of lateral slide bracket pin nut 365 .
- the lower segment of lateral slide bracket pin nut 365 is shaped substantially circularly.
- Lateral slide bracket pin nut 365 is longitudinally positioned to substantially coincide with the gap 306 of lateral slide track 300 .
- Lateral slide bracket pin nut 365 is vertically positioned to extend above upper surface 302 of lateral slide track 300 downward through gap 306 of lateral slide track 300 toward lateral slide bracket 340 .
- the upper segment of lateral slide bracket pin nut 365 is vertically positioned substantially above upper surface 302 of lateral slide track 300 and is displaceable downward so as to position a greater portion of upper segment of lateral slide bracket pin nut 365 below upper surface 302 of lateral slide track 300 upon the lowering of lateral slide bracket pin 362 .
- lateral slide bracket pin nut 365 is vertically positioned below upper surface 302 of lateral slide track 300 and is displaceable downward toward the upper surface 350 of lateral slide bracket 340 .
- lateral slide bracket pin 362 comprises a head attached to the upper end of a shaft which is threaded and the interior of the hollow void in the upper segment of lateral slide bracket pin nut 365 and interior of the hollow portion of lower segment of lateral slide bracket pin nut 365 are threated to receptively accommodate the threading of the shaft of lateral slide bracket pin 362 .
- lateral slide bracket stopper 366 Positioned below lateral slide bracket pin nut 365 is lateral slide bracket stopper 366 comprised of an upper surface, a lower surface, and one or more vertical surfaces therebetween.
- lateral slide bracket pin stopper 366 is substantially cylindrical comprising a thin cylinder with a large diameter relative to height and comprising a horizontal upper circular surface, a horizontal lower circular surface, and a vertical side circular surface therebetween. More preferably, lateral slide bracket stopper 366 sits in an indentation on the upper surface 350 of lateral slide bracket 340 having substantially the same cross sectional area as lateral slide bracket stopper 366 .
- a protrusion which extends vertically above the upper surface of lateral slide bracket stopper 366 , such protrusion longitudinally positioned to align with gap 306 of lateral slide track 300 and having a cross sectional area smaller relative to the cross sectional area of the remaining, lower portion of lateral slide bracket stopper 366 . More preferably, such protrusion has an open topside and is substantially cylindrical, having a closed underside corresponding with the upper surface of lateral slide bracket stopper 366 .
- lateral slide bracket pin 362 comprises a head attached to the upper end of a shaft which is threaded and the interior of the protrusion of the lateral slide bracket stopper 366 is threaded to receptively accommodate the threading of the shaft of lateral slide bracket pin 362 .
- the lateral slide bracket pin 362 is longitudinally positioned to align with gap 306 of lateral slide track 300 and the lower portion of lateral slide bracket pin 362 is inserted into the open topside of the upper segment of lateral slide bracket pin nut 365 which is aligned with gap 306 of lateral slide track 300 , through the hollow void in the interior of the upper segment of lateral slide bracket pin nut 365 , through the open underside of the upper segment of lateral slide bracket pin nut 365 , and through the hollow portion of the lower segment of lateral slide bracket pin nut 365 to a vertical position wherein the lower portion of lateral slide bracket pin 362 abuts the lateral slide bracket stopper 366 .
- the lower end of the shaft of lateral slide bracket pin 362 is inserted into the gap 306 of lateral slide track 300 and lateral slide bracket pin nut 365 as set forth above, with the lower portion of the shaft downwardly inserted to a vertical position wherein it abuts the lateral slide bracket stopper 366 , more preferably, such shaft is inserted into a protrusion extending upward from the lateral slide bracket stopper 366 upper surface, with such insertion extending downwardly to a vertical position where lateral slide bracket pin 362 abuts lateral slide bracket stopper 366 upper surface which corresponds with the closed underside of such protrusion.
- the lateral slide bracket pin 362 is inserted so that the compression imparted by lateral slide bracket pin 362 extending through lateral slide bracket pin nut 365 on lateral slide bracket stopper 366 and lateral slide bracket 340 renders lateral slide bracket 340 immovable laterally.
- the shaft of lateral slide bracket pin 362 is threaded and the interior of the upper segment of lateral slide bracket pin nut 365 is threaded so as to receptively accommodate the threading of threaded shaft of lateral slide bracket pin 362 .
- the downward insertion of lateral slide bracket pin 362 through lateral slide bracket pin nut 365 comprises screwing, with the continued screwing down of the lateral slide bracket pin 362 after abutment with lateral slide bracket stopper 366 causing the lowering of the lateral slide bracket pin nut 365 downward to a point where lateral slide bracket pin nut 365 abuts lateral slide bracket stopper 366 , more preferably the lower portion of lateral slide bracket pin nut 365 abutting a protrusion extending upward from the upper surface of lateral slide bracket stopper 366 , with the lateral slide bracket pin nut 365 and the lateral slide bracket stopper 366 thereunder bridging the vertical gap above the lateral slide bracket 340 and below the upper surface 302 of lateral slide track 300 such that the lateral slide bracket 340 cannot be laterally displaced.
- mobility device 1 comprises a lateral slide bracket pin nut 365 -lateral slide bracket stopper 366 combination and wherein the lateral slide bracket pin 362 , preferably comprising a head attached to the upper end of a shaft that is more preferably threaded, is longitudinally aligned with gap 306 of lateral slide track 300 , the lower portion of pin 362 is inserted into and through the lateral slide bracket pin nut 365 to a vertical position of abutment with the lateral slide bracket stopper 366 so as to laterally secure the lateral slide bracket 340 which is positioned below the lateral slide bracket stopper 366 , with the lateral slide bracket pin nut 365 and lateral bracket stopper 366 bridging the vertical gap above upper surface 350 of lateral slide bracket 340 and below upper surface 302 of lateral slide track 300 .
- the lateral slide bracket pin 362 preferably comprising a head attached to the upper end of a shaft that is more preferably threaded
- lateral slide bracket pin 362 preferably such pin 362 comprising a head attached to the upper end of a threaded shaft and such retraction comprising the unscrewing of the threaded shaft of lateral slide bracket pin 362 .
- Such retraction results in the separation of the lateral slide bracket pin 362 from the lateral slide bracket stopper 366 , preferably separation from the upper surface of the lateral slide bracket stopper 366 and more preferably separation from the lateral slide bracket stopper 366 to substantially or completely retract lateral slide bracket pin 362 from a hollow protrusion positioned on the upper surface of lateral slide bracket stopper 366 .
- Such separation relieves the compression imparted by lateral slide bracket pin 362 and lateral slide bracket stopper 366 on lateral slide bracket 340 so as to render lateral slide bracket 340 movable laterally.
- the retraction of lateral slide bracket pin 362 results in the (i) upward displacement of lateral slide bracket pin 362 to a position where pin 362 does not abut the upper surface of lateral slide bracket stopper 366 and (ii) upward displacement of lateral slide bracket pin nut 365 to a position whereby lateral slide bracket pin nut 365 does not abut lateral slide bracket stopper 366 and the lateral slide bracket stopper 366 and lateral slide bracket pin nut 365 do not bridge the vertical gap above the upper surface 350 of lateral slide bracket 340 and below the upper surface 302 of lateral slide track 300 .
- lateral slide bracket pin 362 and lateral slide bracket stopper 366 on lateral slide bracket 340 After relief of the compression imparted by lateral slide bracket pin 362 and lateral slide bracket stopper 366 on lateral slide bracket 340 , the user then laterally displaces the lateral slide bracket 340 toward the rear or front of mobility device 1 as needed, preferably with lateral slide bracket 340 displacing laterally along one or more lateral slide track rails 305 accommodated and positioned within one or more void spaces laterally passing through lateral slide bracket 340 as shown in FIG. 16 or within a void wedge 353 in lower surface 353 of lateral slide bracket 340 as shown in FIG. 11 .
- lateral slide bracket pin 362 is inserted into lateral slide bracket pin nut 365 , causing the lowering of lateral slide bracket pin nut 365 so that the lateral slide bracket pin nut 365 and lateral slide bracket stopper 366 thereunder bridge the vertical gap above the upper surface 350 of lateral slide bracket 340 and below the upper surface 302 of lateral slide track 300 .
- Such abutment provides compression imparted by lateral slide bracket pin 362 on lateral slide bracket stopper 366 and lateral slide bracket 340 positioned below lateral slide bracket stopper 366 so as to render lateral slide bracket 340 immovable laterally.
- lateral slide bracket 340 can be laterally adjusted and secured to lateral slide track 300 using any one of other alternate multiple means known in the art.
- mobility device 1 comprises tension strap 390 attached to lateral slide bracket 340 .
- the tension in tension strap 390 can be adjusted, and the adjustment of such tension and the attachment of tension strap 390 to lateral slide bracket 340 can be accomplished using any one of multiple methods known in the art.
- tension strap 390 is attached to handle 370 , with handle 370 angulatedly displaceable which adjusts the tension in tension strap 390 .
- Handle 370 comprises lever 375 attached to lever joint 371 which is rotatably attached to ratchet gear 378 which is attached to lateral slide bracket 340 .
- ratchet gear 378 attaches to one or more surfaces of lateral slide bracket 340 .
- ratchet gear 378 attaches to one of front surface 346 and rear surface 348 of lateral slide bracket 340 at a longitudinal position posterior lateral slide track 300 . Additionally and more preferably, ratchet gear 378 attaches to rear surface 348 of lateral slide bracket 340 .
- One or more attachment structures 358 attaches ratchet gear 378 to lateral slide bracket 340 .
- Attachment structures 358 comprise any one or more known structures used in the attachment of physical objects, such as screws, nut/bolt assemblies, and clamps.
- each attaching structure 358 comprises a screw used either in conjunction with a washer or alone.
- Lever 375 comprises a substantially hollow structure with an upper portion and a lower portion and with an opening proximal lateral side bracket 340 . Additionally and preferably, lever 375 is (i) cylindrically shaped, (ii) the topside of lever 375 in the upper portion of lever 375 is open, and (iii) the opening is positioned in the lower portion of lever 375 . Additionally, and in a preferred embodiment, the underside of lever 375 in the lower portion of 375 is closed. Moreover and in a preferred embodiment, the exterior of upper portion of lever 375 is sheathed with lever cover 372 . Preferably, lever cover 372 is made of a material conducive to serving as a grip for the user's hand.
- such material is one or more materials selected from the group consisting of synthetic rubber, natural rubber, or a thermo-plastic material such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinylchloride (PVC), neoprene, or a polyolefin such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polymethylpentene (PMP), or polybutane-1 (PB-1).
- a thermo-plastic material such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinylchloride (PVC), neoprene, or a polyolefin such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polymethylpentene (PMP), or polybutane-1 (PB-1).
- PTT polyethylene terephthalate
- PVC polyvinylchloride
- neoprene or a polyolefin such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polymethylpentene (PMP), or polybutane-1 (PB-1).
- Lever joint 371 comprises a substantially hollow casing within which is housed bearing 359 which is rotatable within the hollow casing comprising lever joint 371 .
- the rotatability of bearing 359 allows for lever joint 371 and lever 375 attached to lever joint 371 to rotate around an axis that is substantially perpendicular to lateral slide bracket 340 .
- Lever joint 371 is attached to ratchet gear 378 . Additionally, in a preferred embodiment, bearing 359 is attached to ratchet gear 378 . Such attachment can be accomplished using any one or more known structures used in the attachment of physical objects, such as screws (with or without washers), nut/bolt assemblies, and clamps.
- ratchet gear 378 comprises a structure with an anterior end substantially parallel to rear surface 348 and front surface of lateral slide bracket 340 , a lower end substantially parallel to lower surface 352 of lateral slide bracket 340 , and a posterior end between anterior end and lower end, the posterior end having an inner edge and an outer edge, whereby the outer edge comprises a substantially 90-degree arc between lower end and anterior end.
- gear teeth 379 Positioned on the inner edge of posterior end of ratchet gear 378 are gear teeth 379 (a plurality of gear tooth 379 ), each such gear tooth 379 formed by an upper edge and a lower edge joined to upper edge thereby creating anterior vertex V proximal the anterior of mobility device 1 .
- gear teeth 379 Separating adjacent gear teeth 379 , whereby adjacent gear teeth 379 comprise a first gear tooth 379 and a second gear tooth 379 positioned vertically below first gear tooth 379 , is inner vertex W proximal the posterior of mobility device 1 , such inner vertex W formed by the lower edge of the first gear tooth 379 and the upper edge of the second gear tooth 379 .
- gear teeth 379 are uniform but asymmetrical, with each gear tooth 379 having a moderate slope on one edge and a much steeper slope on the other edge. More preferably, the gear teeth 379 are substantially triangular in shape and the void space between adjacent gear teeth 379 is substantially triangular.
- lever 375 at lever joint 371 around an axis substantially perpendicular to lateral slide bracket 340 at lever joint 371 resulting from bearing 359 housed in the interior of lever joint 371 allows for lever 375 of handle 370 to be extendable angulatedly from lateral slide bracket 340 toward the posterior of mobility device 1 until it is substantially parallel with lower surface 352 of lateral slide bracket 340 and toward the anterior of mobility device 1 until it is substantially perpendicular with lower surface 352 of lateral slide bracket 340 .
- lever 375 of handle 370 is adjustable using any one of multiple methods known in the art.
- spring 373 positioned in the interior of lever 375 of handle 370 is spring 373 with an upper end and a lower end, the lower end of spring 373 attached to one or more of the exterior of casing of lever joint 371 and a closed underside of lever 375 .
- Slide 377 Attached to the upper end of spring 373 is slider 377 which is also positioned in the interior of lever 375 of handle 370 .
- Slider 377 comprises a structure with an upper end and a lower end, a first side end that is proximal ratchet gear 378 and a second side end that is distal from ratchet gear 378 wherein each side end extends between the upper and lower ends, and an anterior and a posterior end each extending between the upper and lower ends and the first and second side ends, with the lower end of slider 377 attached to the upper end of spring 373 .
- Pawl 367 comprises an upper surface oriented toward the anterior of mobility device 1 , a lower surface oriented toward the posterior of mobility device 1 , a first side surface that is proximal ratchet gear 378 and a second side surface that is distal from ratchet gear 378 .
- Each side surface of pawl 367 extends between the upper and lower surfaces of pawl 367 and at least a portion of the lower surface of pawl 367 engages an edge of a gear tooth 379 , preferably the upper edge of gear tooth 379 .
- slider 377 is directly attached to pawl 367 , preferably with the second side surface of pawl 367 attached to the first side end of slider 377 .
- the thickness (lateral dimension) of slider 377 is sized so that at least the first side surface of pawl 367 and at least a portion of the lower surface of pawl 367 extends outside the interior of lever 375 through the opening at lower portion of lever 375 proximal lateral side bracket 340 , with such portion of the lower surface of pawl 367 engaging a gear tooth 379 . More preferably, the thickness of slider 377 is sized so that pawl 367 is substantially positioned exterior the interior of lever 375 .
- slider 377 is attached to spacer (not numbered or depicted) and spacer is attached to pawl 367 such that spacer is laterally positioned between slider 377 and pawl 367 .
- the joint thickness (lateral dimension) of slider 377 and spacer is sized so that at least the first side surface of pawl 367 and at least a portion of the lower surface of pawl 367 extend outside the interior of lever 375 through the opening on the surface of handle 370 proximal lateral slide bracket 340 , with such portion of the lower surface of pawl 367 engaging a gear tooth 379 .
- the joint thickness of slider 377 and spacer is sized so that pawl 367 is substantially positioned exterior the interior of lever 375 .
- trigger rod 376 with an upper end and a lower end, wherein the lower end is attached to upper surface of slider 377 .
- trigger rod 376 is substantially cylindrically shaped. More preferably, the horizontal cross sectional area of trigger rod 376 is less than the horizontal cross sectional area of slider 377 .
- trigger 374 Attached to the upper end of trigger rod 376 is trigger 374 with an upper end and a lower end wherein the lower end of trigger 374 is attached to the upper end of trigger rod 376 and at least a portion of the upper end extends outside the interior of lever 375 through the open top of lever 375 so as to be positioned to allow a user to touch trigger 374 .
- pawl 367 engages initial gear tooth 379 of ratchet gear 378 , preferably with at least a portion of the lower surface of the pawl 367 engaging an edge of initial gear tooth 379 , more preferably the upper edge of initial gear tooth 379 such that the upper surface of pawl 367 is positioned in the void space above initial gear tooth 379 .
- the engagement of pawl 367 to initial gear tooth 379 keeps pawl 367 locked against initial gear tooth 379 to prevent any change of angular orientation of lever 375 via the pivotal rotation of lever 375 at lever joint 371 .
- pawl 367 causes the lower surface of pawl 367 to become disengaged from the edge of initial gear tooth 379 and the positioning of pawl 367 anterior the anterior vertex V of initial gear tooth 379 and the void space positioned above initial gear tooth 379 .
- This displacement of pawl 367 angulatedly frees lever 375 from ratchet gear 378 such that bearing 359 in lever joint 371 is rotatable which allows for the rotation of lever joint 371 and lever 375 attached to lever joint 371 around an axis that is substantially perpendicular to lateral slide bracket 340 .
- lever 375 becomes freely rotatably at lever joint 371 due to the rotatability of bearing 359 housed in the interior of lever joint 371 attached to lever 375 .
- lever 375 freely rotatable user can extend lever 375 angulatedly toward the posterior of mobility device 1 , preferably to a maximum angulation toward the posterior of mobility device 1 whereby lever 375 is substantially parallel to the lower surface 352 of lateral slide bracket 340 , or toward the anterior of mobility device 1 , preferably to a maximum angulation toward the anterior of mobility device whereby lever 375 is substantially perpendicular to the lower surface 352 of lateral slide bracket 340 .
- handle 375 thus freely rotatable, user angulatedly positions handle 375 to a desired angular position.
- Adjustment of Tension in Tension Strap 390 with Tension Strap Reel is accomplished using tension strap reel assembly attached to lateral slide bracket 340 , preferably attached to one or more of the lower surface 352 of lateral slide bracket 340 and upper surface 350 of lateral slide bracket 340 .
- Tension strap reel assembly comprises a reel assembly base 402 attached to the lateral slide bracket 340 , preferably attached to the posterior of the lateral slide bracket 340 .
- reel 406 Disposed above reel base 402 is reel 406 which is supported by reel base 402 which is rotatable around an axis perpendicular to lateral slide bracket 304 and to which is secured one end of tension strap 390 , which is wound around tension strap 390 , with the other end of tension strap 390 free and displaceable from reel 406 .
- reel 406 is substantially circular or cylindrical.
- reel bearings (not depicted or numbered) secured to and rotatable along with reel 406 .
- one or more spacers is disposed between reel base 402 and lower surface 352 of lateral slide bracket 340 .
- reel assembly cover 408 Disposed above reel 406 is reel assembly cover 408 which is attached to upper surface 350 of lateral slide bracket 340 .
- reel assembly cover 408 is disposed between reel assembly cover 408 and upper surface 350 of lateral slide bracket 340 .
- Reel assembly cover 408 is comprised of an integral structure or one or more integral structures joined together to form one structure with a hanger shape comprising a substantially rectangular anterior portion and a posterior portion with a void positioned between the anterior and posterior portions of reel assembly cover 408 .
- the void of reel assembly cover 408 is sized to accommodate reel 406 and secure reel 406 therein.
- the void is substantially circular and reel 406 is substantially cylindrical and accommodated within the substantially circular void of reel assembly cover 408 .
- Reel 406 is rotatably attached to reel gear 414 comprising a substantially circular disc with a plurality of reel gear teeth (not numbered) positioned around the disc circumference.
- Each such gear tooth is formed by an upper edge and a lower edge joined to upper edge thereby creating an outer vertex, with an inner vertex formed by the lower edge of a gear tooth and the upper edge of the adjacent reel gear teeth such that the inner vertex separates adjacent reel gear teeth.
- the upper surface of the disc of reel gear 414 is attached to reel knob 416 .
- one or more bearings is disposed between reel 406 and reel gear 414 .
- reel pawl 412 Positioned on and secured to reel assembly cover 408 is reel pawl 412 .
- Reel pawl 412 has an anterior end, posterior end, and first and second sides extending between anterior and posterior ends.
- the first side of reel pawl 412 is proximal the front of mobility device 1 and the second side of reel pawl 412 is proximal the rear of mobility device 1 such that the first side comprises a front side of reel pawl 412 and a second side comprises a rear side of reel pawl 412 .
- An end or side of reel pawl 412 engages one tooth of reel gear 414 (“reel pawl engaged surface”).
- the posterior end of reel pawl 412 comprises the reel pawl engaged surface and engages one reel tooth of reel gear 414 .
- reel pawl 412 is secured to reel assembly cover 408 by a reel pawl peg (not numbered) comprising a protuberance extending vertically upward from reel assembly cover 408 .
- the anterior of reel pawl 412 has positioned therein a substantially vertical void space substantially sized to accommodate the reel pawl peg, preferably approximating the size of the reel pawl peg.
- the reel pawl peg is positioned within the vertical void space at the anterior of reel pawl 412 . More preferably, the upper end of the reel pawl peg has a hollow channel through which a securing device, preferably a cotter pin, can be inserted to maintain reel pawl 412 secured to and positioned on reel assembly cover 408 .
- reel pawl tab Extending anteriorly from one of the anterior end of reel pawl 412 , first side of reel pawl 412 , or second side of reel pawl 412 is reel pawl tab (not numbered).
- reel pawl tab extends anteriorly from the first side of reel pawl 412 and the first side of reel pawl 412 comprises a front side of reel pawl 412 and reel pawl tab extends anteriorly therefrom.
- the second side of reel pawl 412 comprises a rear side of reel pawl 412 and reel pawl tab extends anteriorly therefrom.
- reel pawl spring 410 Secured to the side of reel pawl 412 opposite the side with reel pawl tab is a first end of reel pawl spring 410 , and a second end of reel pawl spring 410 is secured to reel assembly cover 408 .
- the second end of reel pawl spring 410 comprises a substantially circular loop that is placed over and secured to a spring peg (not numbered) comprising a protuberance extending vertically upward from reel assembly cover 408 and positioned distally from the reel pawl peg.
- Reel gear 414 can move without restriction in an unrestricted direction, preferably the unrestricted direction being counterclockwise, when the plurality of reel gear teeth move in the unrestricted direction, with the reel pawl 412 engaged surface easily sliding up and over the edges of the plurality of gear teeth of reel gear 414 .
- reel pawl spring 410 maintains reel pawl 412 engaged to a gear tooth of reel gear 414 , with reel pawl spring 410 forcing the reel pawl 412 engaged surface into the depression between the plurality of gear teeth, i.e., proximal the inner vertex formed by the lower edge of a gear tooth and the upper edge of an adjacent reel gear teeth, as the reel pawl 412 engaged surface passes the outer vertex of each reel pawl tooth.
- reel gear 414 moves in a restricted direction opposite the unrestricted direction, preferably the restricted direction being clockwise, the reel pawl 412 engaged surface catches against the edge of the first gear tooth it encounters, thereby engaging the reel pawl 412 engaged surface within the inner vertex between adjacent reel gear teeth and preventing any further motion of reel gear 414 in the restricted direction.
- tension strap 390 To impart tension on tension strap 390 and remove any slack length of tension strap 390 during use, the user secures the leg of the foot on stirrup 60 to tension strap 390 and rotates in the unrestricted direction reel knob 406 , which rotates reel gear 414 and reel 406 , resulting in the winding of tension strap 390 around reel 406 and an overall shorter free longitudinal length of tension strap 390 unwound off of reel 406 and positioned to the posterior of lateral slide bracket 340 .
- the user removes the tension in tension strap 390 by triggering and holding reel pawl tab of reel pawl 412 which causes displacement of reel pawl 412 distally from reel pawl spring 410 , causing the extension of reel pawl spring 410 and the disengagement of reel pawl 412 engaged surface from any reel teeth of reel gear 414 , which allows for free rotation of reel 406 , reel gear 414 , and reel knob 406 in the restricted direction resulting from the lack of engagement of reel pawl 412 engaged surface on any reel tooth of reel gear 414 .
- tension strap 390 can be made from any one of many materials known in the art, including leather, rubber, a textile, or a synthetic.
- tension strap 390 is attached, more preferably removably attached in a manner to allow for replacement of tension strap 390 , to handle 370 by snaps, buttons, pegs, or other methods known in the exercise equipment arts. More preferably, tension strap 390 is removably attached to lever 375 by securing tension strap 390 to lever grip 357 .
- tension strap 390 is looped through a void space positioned between lever 375 and lever grip 357 .
- tension strap 390 is secured to and wound around reel 406 of tension strap reel assembly.
- tension strap 390 comprises a strap member with a free first end and a second end attached to a tension strap buckle to allow for the user to adjust the total circumferential length of strap member when tension strap 390 is in use by a user by increasing or decreasing the slack length of strap member of tension strap 390 .
- tension strap loop positioned on the exterior surface of strap member to the anterior or posterior of tension strap buckle is tension strap loop (not depicted or numbered) through which the slack length of tension strap 390 passes.
- Tension strap loop may be affixed to the exterior surface of tension strap 390 using any one of many methods known in the art, such as adhesive or stitching.
- end tip (not depicted or numbered) which serves to protect the end of the slack length of the strap member after passing through tension strap buckle.
- end tip positioned on the free end of strap member
- a tension strap loop positioned on the exterior of strap member to the anterior or posterior of tension strap buckle.
- the tension strap loop may be affixed to strap member of tension strap 390 using any one of many methods known in the art, such as adhesive or stitching.
- Tension strap buckle can comprise any one of multiple buckle designs known in the art.
- tension strap buckle comprises a frame with an upper portion, anterior portion, lower portion, and posterior portion, and a prong with a first end and a second end and which goes across the frame, extending longitudinally between anterior and posterior portions, with the first end of the prong attached to one of the anterior or posterior portions and the second end passing through one of a plurality of apertures on strap member and coming to rest against one of the posterior or anterior portions, respectively.
- Tension strap buckle can be made from any one of many materials known in the art, such as plastic or metal.
- tension strap buckle is made of metal and tension strap 390 is made of rubber.
- positioned on tension strap 390 is one or more apertures through which the prong of the tension strap buckle is passed so as to secure tension strap 390 and fix the total circumferential length of strap member when tension strap 390 is in use by a user.
- adjustment of the angular orientation of handle 370 changes the tension in tension strap 390 which is attached to handle 370 .
- Lowering the handle 370 toward the posterior of mobility device 1 moves the tension strap 390 closer to the heel of a user, which is positioned in the posterior section R of stirrup 60 , and closer to the leg of such user which provides for slackening of tension strap 390 and release of tension in tension strap 390 .
- the user When the user is ready to increase the tension in tension strap 390 as desired for physical therapy, the user raises the handle 370 toward the anterior of mobility device 1 which moves the tension strap 390 further from the heel of a user, which is positioned in the posterior section R of stirrup 60 , and further from the leg of such user which provides for tightening of tension strap 390 and increase of tension in tension strap 390 .
- tension strap 390 tension is controllable by a tension strap reel assembly and with reference to FIGS. 17-18
- adjustment and manipulation of reel knob 416 and reel pawl 412 of reel assembly results in rotation of reel 406 around which is wound and to which is attached one end of tension strap 390 , which varies the tension in tension strap 390 , with counterclockwise rotation of reel 406 resulting in the winding of tension strap 390 around reel 406 resulting in an overall shorter free longitudinal length of tension strap 390 unwound off of reel 406 and positioned to the posterior of lateral slide bracket 340 .
- the sensors of calf sensor band 399 and stirrup 60 provide measurements of the range of motion of a user's ankle when using mobility device 1 by measuring the distance and angle between stirrup sensor and the sensor in calf sensor band 399 .
- one or more tension strap sensors is integrated in tension strap 390 to measure the position of and the tension in tension strap 390 .
- the one or more tension strap sensors are integrated into tension strap 390 to measure tension in tension strap 390 when mobility device 1 is in use.
- one or more sensors are provided with means for recording when sensors are powered on and powered off to provide a measure of the duration of use by a user of mobility device 1 and the frequency of use of mobility device 1 . Additionally, and in a preferred embodiment, the sensors are provided with means for remotely adjusting the position and angular orientation of stirrup 60 . Furthermore, and preferably, one or more lateral slide bracket sensors are integrated into lateral slide bracket 340 to measure the lateral position of lateral slide bracket 340 when mobility device 1 is in use. Additionally, and preferably, one or more post sensors are integrated into one or more of center post 50 and tension post 20 o measure the vertical position of such one or more posts when mobility device 1 is in use.
- the user adjusts the vertical positions of each of center post 50 and tension post 20 to the desired vertical position and adjusts the lateral position of lateral slide bracket 340 to the desired lateral position.
- the user adjusts the longitudinal position of center post 50 to the desired longitudinal position.
- the user establishes the angular orientation of stirrup 60 via manipulation of ball joint assembly J.
- the user places the desired foot on stirrup 60 and positions talus tension strap 76 over the top of the foot at the ankle joint line and positions the calcaneus distraction strap 72 around the back of the foot where the Achilles tendon meets the calcaneus.
- tension strap 390 When the foot is secured in the stirrup 60 , the user wraps the tension strap 390 around the back of the calf of the leg whose foot is in the stirrup 60 , preferably above the Achilles tendon.
- tension strap 390 In order to position tension strap 390 around the exercise leg, tension strap 390 must be slack enough to allow for the user to slide tension strap 390 up and around the exercise leg which can be accomplished by adjusting tension in tension strap 390 using one of the methods for tension strap 390 tension adjustment described herein as needed in order to create sufficient slack in tension strap 390 to allow for positioning tension strap 390 around the exercise leg.
- the user then imparts the desired tension in tension strap 390 by adjusting the tension in tension strap 390 using one of the methods of tension strap 390 tension adjustment described herein.
- the user is then ready to commence exercises in mobility device 1 according to the instructions of a physical therapist or other professional.
- the user reduces the tension in tension strap 390 , removes tension strap 390 from the exercised leg, and removes the foot from stirrup 60 by removing the foot from the space bound by straps 72 and 76 .
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Abstract
A mobility device for use in physical therapy comprising a base; a vertically adjustable tension post attached to the base; a vertically adjustable center post attached to the base posterior the tension post; means for adjusting the angular orientation of a stirrup to allow for a stirrup to pivot inwardly and outwardly and upwardly and downwardly, and rotate circularly about a vertical axis corresponding to the center post, such means attached to the center post; a stirrup attached to the angular orientation adjustment means; one or more stirrup straps; a lateral slide track attached to the tension post; a laterally displaceable lateral slide bracket positioned within the lateral slide track; means for securedly engaging the lateral slide bracket to the lateral slide track; a tension strap for securing a leg of the foot secured in the stirrup; and means for adjusting the tension strap tension of the tension strap.
Description
- The present invention relates to a mobility device for use in physical therapy.
- Ankle injuries are some of the most difficult injuries to rehabilitate. The treatment of musculoskeletal joint dysfunction, including of the ankle, often require physical therapy which involves the use of manual therapy (movement of the joint under treatment), such as the Mulligan's manual therapy technique at peripheral joints, namely, mobilization with movement. However, due to the structures and joints at the ankle and foot, it is extremely difficult to achieve the full range of ankle motion without the use of manual physical therapy wherein the therapist mobilizes the ankle in differing planes in order to simulate the full range of motion of the patient that such patient would need to meet the demands of daily life and activities. The full range of motion encompasses rotating the foot circularly about a vertical axis corresponding to the lower leg, such rotating comprising abduction (movement of the foot away from the center line of the body) and adduction (movement of the foot towards the center line of the body), pivoting the foot inwardly and outwardly to allow for inversion (twisting movement of the foot inward) and eversion (twisting movement of the foot outward), respectively, pivoting the foot upwardly and downwardly to allow for dorsiflexion (movement of the foot up) and plantar flexion (movement of the foot down), respectively, or a combination of the aforementioned motions known in the art as supination (triplanar motion involving the foot moving down and towards the center of the body wherein the heel rotates towards the center of the body, the big toe moves towards the center of the body, the foot flexes down and the ankle rolls out) and pronation (triplanar motion involving the foot moving up and away from the center of the body wherein the heel rotates away the center of the body, the little toe moves away from the center of the body, the foot flexes up slightly and the ankle rolls in).
- The prior art comprises physical therapy devices that can achieve only some, but not all, of the possible ankle motions. Moreover, the prior art does not comprise a physical therapy device that allows for stabilization of other joints, such as the knee, while mobilizing the ankle, which is necessary for achieving the full range of ankle motions.
- A further drawback of the prior art is the inability of a physical therapy device that allows a patient to perform manual therapy on oneself to allow for the full range of ankle motion, with the patient requiring the assistance and direction of a physical therapist. It is therefore desirable to have an apparatus that can be used in physical therapy of the ankle by the patient alone after prior supervised sessions wherein the patient receives guidance from a physical therapist practitioner that allows for mobilization of the ankle in all possible ankle motions while simultaneously stabilizing other joints of the body.
- A first aspect of the invention comprises a mobility device for use in physical therapy comprising a base; a tension post attached to the base wherein the vertical position of the tension post is adjustable through means for vertically adjusting the tension post; a center post attached to the base posterior the tension post and that is longitudinally displaceable, wherein the vertical position of the center post is adjustable through means for vertically adjusting the post; means for adjusting the angular orientation of a stirrup to allow for the stirrup to pivot inwardly and outwardly, pivot upwardly and downwardly, and rotate circularly about a vertical axis corresponding to the center post, wherein such means is attached to the center post; a stirrup attached to the means for adjusting the angular orientation of a stirrup; one or more straps attached to the stirrup for securing a foot to the stirrup; a lateral slide track attached to the tension post; a lateral slide bracket positioned within the lateral slide track and that is laterally displaceable; means for securedly engaging the lateral slide bracket to the lateral slide track; a ratchet gear attached to the lateral slide bracket; a handle comprising a lever and a lever joint that is rotatably attached to the ratchet gear; and a tension strap attached to the handle for securing a leg of the foot secured in the stirrup. Variants on the first aspect of the invention include an embodiment wherein one or more rails is attached to the lateral slide track and the lateral slide bracket is laterally displaceable along such one or more rails. Another variant of the first aspect of the invention includes an embodiment wherein the longitudinal length of the stirrup is adjustable. Yet a further variant of the first aspect of the invention includes an integrated wherein the stirrup has positioned therein a plurality of vertical channels and a ball joint assembly comprises the means for adjusting the angular orientation of a stirrup, with the upper portion of the ball joint assembly attached to the stirrup and the lower portion attached to the center post. The ball joint assembly comprises a stirrup support plate through which extend a plurality of support plate channels and wherein each of the one or more support plate channels aligns with one of the plurality of stirrup vertical channels, one or more support plate-stirrup attachment assemblies wherein each assembly attaches the stirrup support plate to the stirrup and is accommodated in one of the one or more support plate-stirrup vertical channels, a ball joint comprising a bearing stud and a socket to which is attached the bearing stud and wherein the bearing stud extends through one of the plurality of support plate-stirrup vertical channels and is securedly engaged to the stirrup, one or more brakes abutting the socket, one or more brake screws comprising a horizontal segment comprising a first end and a second end and a vertical segment attached to the second end of the horizontal segment and wherein the first end of the horizontal segment of each brake screw has attached thereto one brake, a rail abutting each of the one or more brakes and wherein each of the one or more brakes is slidably displaceable along the rail, a casing attached to the center post and having one or more casing hollow channels, wherein within the casing is accommodated at least a portion of the socket, each of the one or more brakes, at least the first end of the horizontal segment of each of the one or more brake screws, and the rail, and wherein the rail is securedly attached to the casing, and wherein the horizontal segment of each of the one or more brake screws extends through one of the one or more casing hollow channels so that the second end of the horizontal segment of each of the one or more brake screws and the vertical segment of each of the one or more brake screws is positioned outside the casing, and wherein the vertical segment of each of the one or more brake screws can be manipulated to retract at least a portion of the horizontal segment of each of the one or more brake screws from the casing and slidably displace each of the one or more brakes to form a gap between each of the one or more brakes and the socket of the ball joint to allow for movement of the ball joint and adjustment of the angular orientation of the stirrup which is securedly engaged to the bearing stud of the ball joint. An additional further variant of the first aspect of the invention includes an embodiment wherein the base comprises an anterior portion, a posterior portion, and a middle longitudinal portion with an anterior end connected to the anterior portion of the base and a posterior end connected to the posterior end of the base, and further comprises a plurality of sensors and means for relaying sensor measurements to a means for recording the measurements. The plurality of sensors comprises one or more stirrup sensors integrated in the stirrup and wherein at least one stirrup sensor measures the height and angle of the stirrup with respect a longitudinal axis defined by the middle longitudinal portion of the base, a lateral axis defined by an axis passing through such sensor and parallel to one of the anterior portion of the base and the posterior portion of the base, and vertical axis defined by the center post; and a calf sensor band comprising a flexible band and one or more calf sensors integrated in the flexible band and wherein at least one calf sensor measures the distance between the calf sensor and at least one stirrup sensor and the angular orientation of the such calf sensor relative to at least one stirrup sensor. Further variants of the first aspect of the invention comprise embodiments incorporating one or more above-mentioned variants.
- A second aspect of the invention comprises a mobility device for use in physical therapy comprising a base; a tension post attached to the base wherein the vertical position of the tension post is adjustable through means for vertically adjusting the tension post; a center post attached to the base posterior the tension post and that is longitudinally displaceable, wherein the vertical position of the center post is adjustable through means for vertically adjusting the post; means for adjusting the angular orientation of a stirrup to allow for the stirrup to pivot inwardly and outwardly, pivot upwardly and downwardly, and rotate circularly about a vertical axis corresponding to the center post, wherein such means is attached to the center post; a stirrup attached to the means for adjusting the angular orientation of a stirrup; one or more straps attached to the stirrup for securing a foot to the stirrup; a lateral slide track attached to the tension post; a lateral slide bracket positioned within the lateral slide track and that is laterally displaceable; means for securedly engaging the lateral slide bracket to the lateral slide track; and a tension strap reel assembly. The tension strap reel assembly comprises a reel assembly base attached to the lateral slide bracket; a reel supported by the reel assembly base, wherein the reel is rotatable around an axis perpendicular to the lateral slide bracket and to which is secured one end of a tension strap for securing a leg of the foot secured in the stirrup and wherein the tension strap is woundable around the reel; a reel assembly cover attached to the lateral slide bracket, wherein the reel assembly cover has positioned therein a void in which is accommodated the reel; a reel pawl attached to the reel assembly cover and with an anterior end and a posterior end and a first side and a second side, wherein a tab extends anteriorly from one of the sides; a reel pawl spring with a first end attached to the reel pawl and a second end attached to the reel assembly cover; a reel gear rotatably attached to the reel comprising a substantially circular disc with a plurality of adjacent reel gear teeth disposed around the disc circumference with each reel gear tooth separated from an adjacent reel gear tooth by a depression therebetween and wherein at least an end or side of the reel pawl engages a surface of a reel gear tooth and wherein the stiffness in the reel pawl spring maintains the reel pawl engaged to the reel gear with the positioning of the reel pawl engaged surface in a depression between adjacent reel gear teeth; and a reel knob rotatably attached to the reel gear. The reel gear moves without restriction in a first direction when the plurality of reel gear teeth move in the first direction and with restriction in a second direction resulting from engagement of the reel pawl with at least one reel gear tooth. Tension in the tension strap is imparted by the rotation of the reel knob in the first direction whereby the reel gear and the reel rotate in the first direction resulting in the winding of the tension strap around the reel. Tension in the tension strap is removed by triggering and holding the reel pawl tab causing the extension of the reel pawl spring and the disengagement of the reel pawl from the reel gear and the rotation in the second direction of the reel, the reel gear, and the reel knob. Variants on the second aspect of the invention include embodiments incorporating one or more variants set forth above with respect to the first aspect of the invention.
- A third aspect of the invention comprises a mobility device for use in physical therapy comprising a base; a tension post attached to the base wherein the vertical position of the tension post is adjustable through means for vertically adjusting the tension post; a center post attached to the base posterior the tension post wherein the vertical position of the center post is adjustable through means for vertically adjusting the post; means for adjusting the angular orientation of a stirrup to allow for the stirrup to pivot inwardly and outwardly, pivot upwardly and downwardly, and rotate circularly about a vertical axis corresponding to the center post, wherein such means is attached to the center post; a stirrup attached to the means for adjusting the angular orientation of a stirrup; one or more straps attached to the stirrup for securing a foot to the stirrup; a lateral slide track attached to the tension post; a lateral slide bracket positioned within the lateral slide track and that is laterally displaceable; means for securedly engaging the lateral slide bracket to the lateral slide track; a ratchet gear attached to the lateral slide bracket; a handle comprising a lever and a lever joint that is rotatably attached to the ratchet gear; and a tension strap attached to the handle for securing a leg of the foot secured in the stirrup. Variants on the third aspect of the invention include embodiments incorporating one or more variants set forth above with respect to the first aspect of the invention.
- A fourth aspect of the invention comprises a mobility device for use in physical therapy comprising a base; a tension post attached to the base wherein the vertical position of the tension post is adjustable through means for vertically adjusting the tension post; a center post attached to the base posterior the tension post wherein the vertical position of the center post is adjustable through means for vertically adjusting the post; means for adjusting the angular orientation of a stirrup to allow for the stirrup to pivot inwardly and outwardly, pivot upwardly and downwardly, and rotate circularly about a vertical axis corresponding to the center post, wherein such means is attached to the center post; a stirrup attached to the means for adjusting the angular orientation of a stirrup; one or more straps attached to the stirrup for securing a foot to the stirrup; a lateral slide track attached to the tension post; a lateral slide bracket positioned within the lateral slide track and that is laterally displaceable; means for securedly engaging the lateral slide bracket to the lateral slide track; and a tension strap reel assembly. The tension strap reel assembly comprises a reel assembly base attached to the lateral slide bracket; a reel supported by the reel assembly base, wherein the reel is rotatable around an axis perpendicular to the lateral slide bracket and to which is secured one end of a tension strap for securing a leg of the foot secured in the stirrup and wherein the tension strap is woundable around the reel; a reel assembly cover attached to the lateral slide bracket, wherein the reel assembly cover has positioned therein a void in which is accommodated the reel; a reel pawl attached to the reel assembly cover and with an anterior end and a posterior end and a first side and a second side, wherein a tab extends anteriorly from one of the sides; a reel pawl spring with a first end attached to the reel pawl and a second end attached to the reel assembly cover; a reel gear rotatably attached to the reel comprising a substantially circular disc with a plurality of adjacent reel gear teeth disposed around the disc circumference with each reel gear tooth separated from an adjacent reel gear tooth by a depression therebetween and wherein at least an end or side of the reel pawl engages a surface of a reel gear tooth and wherein the stiffness in the reel pawl spring maintains the reel pawl engaged to the reel gear with the positioning of the reel pawl engaged surface in a depression between adjacent reel gear teeth; and a reel knob rotatably attached to the reel gear. The reel gear moves without restriction in a first direction when the plurality of reel gear teeth move in the first direction and with restriction in a second direction resulting from engagement of the reel pawl with at least one reel gear tooth. Tension in the tension strap is imparted by the rotation of the reel knob in the first direction whereby the reel gear and the reel rotate in the first direction resulting in the winding of the tension strap around the reel. Tension in the tension strap is removed by triggering and holding the reel pawl tab causing the extension of the reel pawl spring and the disengagement of the reel pawl from the reel gear and the rotation in the second direction of the reel, the reel gear, and the reel knob. Variants on the second aspect of the invention include embodiments incorporating one or more variants set forth above with respect to the first aspect of the invention. To use the mobility device, the user places his or her foot on the stirrup and secures the foot with the one or more stirrup straps. The user positions the center post vertically and/or longitudinally and positions the tension post vertically. The user adjusts the lateral position of lateral slide bracket to the desired lateral position. The user establishes the angular orientation of the stirrup through means for adjusting the angular orientation of the stirrup. With the foot is secured in the stirrup, the user wraps the tension strap around the back of the calf of the leg whose foot is in the stirrup. In order to do so, the tension strap tension must be slackened to allow for the user to slide tension strap up and around the exercise leg, which is accomplished by adjusting the tension in the tension strap if needed. The user then imparts the desired tension in the tension strap by adjusting the tension in the tension strap. The user is then ready to commence exercises in
mobility device 1 according to the instructions of a physical therapist or other professional. At the end of the exercises, the user reduces the tension in the tension strap, removes the tension strap from the exercised leg, and frees the foot from the stirrup straps and removes the foot from the stirrup. - Further additional, advantageous aspects of the invention, such as variants of the aspects of the invention disclosed above, will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon review of the following description of the embodiments of the invention and the claims and with reference to the accompanying drawings.
- By way of example only, specific embodiments of the invention will now be described, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
- Embodiments of the present invention are now described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings:
-
FIG. 1 is an elevation view from the front of an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is an elevation view from the rear of an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 3 is an elevation view from the posterior of an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 4 is an elevation view from the anterior of an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 5 is an overview of an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 6 is an elevation view from the front of an embodiment of the present invention when in use by a user; -
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention with arrows indicating movement of the stirrup of the embodiment; -
FIG. 8 is an elevation view from the front of an embodiment of the present invention with arrows indicating movement of the stirrup of the embodiment; -
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention with an arrow indicating the rotatability of the stirrup about a vertical axis corresponding to the center post of the embodiment; -
FIG. 10 is an elevation view of the handle of the lateral slide bracket of an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the lateral slide bracket of an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 12 is an elevation view of the lateral slide bracket of an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention; and -
FIG. 15 is an elevation view of the stirrup and ball joint assembly of an embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the lateral slide track and lateral slide bracket of an embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the lateral slide bracket of an embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention. - Orientation: As used in this specification and with respect to
mobility device 1, the terms anterior and posterior refer to the left and right sides ofmobility device 1, respectively, along a longitudinal axis from the perspective of a person facingmobility device 1 andviewing mobility device 1 such thatmobility device 1 is oriented as inFIGS. 1, 6, and 8 , and the terms front and rear refer to the left and right sides ofmobility device 1, respectively, along a lateral axis from the perspective of a person facingmobility device 1 andviewing mobility device 1 such thatmobility device 1 is oriented as inFIG. 3 . - Mobility Device Base: Referring to
FIGS. 1-9 and 13-14 , which are varying views of embodiments of the present invention,mobility device 1 comprises abase 10. Preferably,base 10 comprises anteriorlateral portion 12, posteriorlateral portion 14, and middlelongitudinal portion 16 which connects with anteriorlateral portion 12 at point D and posteriorlateral portion 14 at point B. Preferably, point D is the midpoint of anteriorlateral portion 12 and point B is the midpoint of posteriorlateral portion 14. The surfaces of middlelongitudinal portion 16 andlateral portions base 10 may be (i) flat or (ii) angular. Middlelongitudinal portion 16 andlateral portions base 10 may (i) include perimeter surfaces surrounding an open (hollow) interior and/or (ii) have any one or more of a variety of cross sectional shapes, including rectangular, circular, triangular, trapezoidal, and square. In a preferred embodiment, one or more wheels may be attached to one or more portions ofbase 10 to allow for ease of transport ofmobility device 1. - Additionally, and in a preferred embodiment, one or more corner braces 500, 508, each comprised of a first and second portions, support the attachment of individual portions of
base 10 to other individual portions ofbase 10. Such corner braces 500, 508 may be comprised of an integral structure or individual structures attached together. In a preferred embodiment, the attachment of anteriorlateral portion 12 ofbase 10 to middlelongitudinal portion 16 ofbase 10 is supported by a plurality of anterior corner base braces comprising (i) an anterior front corner base brace 500 (FIG. 18 ) proximal the anterior front ofmobility device 1 comprising a first and a second portion, with the first portion attached to the front posterior surface of anteriorlateral portion 12 and the second portion attached to the front surface of middlelongitudinal portion 16; and (ii) an anterior rear corner base brace (not depicted or numbered) proximal the anterior rear ofmobility device 1 comprising a first and a second portion, with the first portion attached to the rear posterior surface of anteriorlateral portion 12 and the second portion attached to the rear surface of middlelongitudinal portion 16. Moreover, and in a preferred embodiment, the attachment of posteriorlateral portion 14 ofbase 10 to middlelongitudinal portion 16 ofbase 10 is supported by a plurality of posterior corner base braces 508 comprising (i) a posterior front corner base brace 508 (shown inFIGS. 7, 9 ) proximal the posterior front ofmobility device 1 comprising a first and a second portion, with the first portion attached to the front anterior surface of posteriorlateral portion 14 and the second portion attached to the front surface of middlelongitudinal portion 16; and (ii) a posterior rear corner base brace 508 (shown inFIG. 9 ) proximal the posterior rear ofmobility device 1 comprising a first and a second portion, with the first portion attached to the rear anterior surface of posteriorlateral portion 14 and the second portion attached to the rear surface of middlelongitudinal portion 16. - Tension Post: In reference to
FIGS. 1-9 and 13-14 ,mobility device 1 further comprisestension post 20 which is comprised of tension postlower member 22 attached tobase 10 and tension postupper member 26 which is disposed within tension postlower member 22 and can slidably move vertically upward and downward relative to tension postlower member 22 to allow the user to select a desired vertical position of tension postupper member 26. Preferably, tension postlower member 22 is attached to anteriorlateral portion 12 ofbase 10, more preferably attached at point D corresponding to the midpoint of anteriorlateral portion 12. - Additionally, and in a preferred embodiment with reference to
FIG. 18 , one or more tension post corner braces 502, 504, each comprised of a horizontal portion and a vertical portion attached thereto, support the attachment of tension post 20 to base 10, more preferably with one or more tension post corner braces supporting the tension post 20-base 10 attachment comprising one or more of (i) a front tension post corner brace 502 oriented toward the front of mobility device 1, with horizontal portion attached to the upper surface of anterior lateral portion 12 of base 10 and vertical portion attached to the front surface of tension post 20, (ii) a posterior tension post corner brace 504 oriented toward the posterior of mobility device 1, with horizontal portion attached to the upper surface of one or more of middle longitudinal portion 16 and anterior lateral portion 12 and vertical portion attached to the posterior surface of tension post 20, (iii) a rear tension post corner brace (not pictured or numbered) oriented toward the rear of mobility device 1, with horizontal portion attached to the upper surface of anterior lateral portion 12 and vertical portion attached to the rear surface of tension post 20, and (iv) an anterior tension post corner brace (not pictured or numbered) oriented toward the anterior of mobility device 1, with horizontal portion attached to the upper surface of the anterior lateral portion 12 and vertical portion attached to the anterior surface of tension post 20. - Tension post
upper member 26 is comprised of (i)top portion 29 which corresponds with the portion of tension postupper member 26 that is not disposed within tension postlower member 22 and (ii)lower portion 21 which corresponds with the portion of tension postupper member 26 that is disposed within tension postlower member 22. Tension post 20 may have any one of a variety of cross-sectional shapes, including rectangular, circular, trapezoidal, triangular, and square. At least a portion of tension postupper member 26 oftension post 20 and tension postlower member 22 oftension post 20 is comprised of perimeter surfaces surrounding an open (hollow) interior. In a preferred embodiment, tension postupper member 26 is separable from tension postlower member 22 to allow forlower portion 21 of tension postupper member 26 to be fully retractable from tension postlower member 22. - In a preferred embodiment, each of tension post
lower member 22 and tension postupper member 26 comprises front, rear, anterior, and posterior surfaces bounding a hollow interior with an upper horizontal void space corresponding to the top of tension post lower andupper members upper members upper members mobility device 1, the horizontal cross sectional area oftension post 20 approximates the horizontal cross sectional area of anteriorlateral portion 12 ofbase 10. In alternative embodiments ofmobility device 1, the horizontal cross sectional area oftension post 20 is less than or greater than the horizontal cross sectional area of anteriorlateral portion 12 ofbase 10. - The vertical position of tension post
upper member 26 can be adjusted using one of many known methods in the art. In a preferred embodiment, positioned on a surface of tension postlower member 22 are one or more apertures L. More preferably, one or more apertures L are positioned on the posterior surface of tension postlower member 22 as shown inFIG. 7 . Alternatively, one or more apertures L are positioned on the anterior surface of tension postlower member 22. Additionally, and alternatively, one or more apertures L are positioned on both the posterior and anterior surfaces of tension postlower member 22. Alternatively, the one or more apertures L are positioned on one or more of the front and rear surfaces of tension postlower member 22 as shown inFIGS. 13-14 . Additionally, and alternatively, the one or more apertures L are positioned on one or more of the anterior, posterior, front, and rear surfaces of tension postlower member 22. - In a preferred embodiment, positioned on a surface of tension post
upper member 26 are one or more apertures H. The one or more apertures H are positioned on one or more of the same oriented surfaces (posterior, anterior, front, rear) as the one or more surfaces of tension postlower member 22 on which the one or more apertures L are positioned. Preferably, the one or more apertures H are positioned on the posterior surface of tension postupper member 26 as shown inFIG. 7 . Alternatively, the one or more apertures H are positioned on the anterior surface of tension postupper member 26. Additionally, and alternatively, one or more apertures H are positioned on both the posterior and anterior surfaces of tension postupper member 26. Alternatively, the one or more apertures H are positioned on one or more of the front and rear surfaces of tension postupper member 26 as shown inFIGS. 13 and 14 . Additionally, and alternatively, the one or more apertures H are positioned on one or more of the anterior, posterior, front, and rear surfaces of tension postupper member 26. - The vertical position of tension post
upper member 26 is adjusted through use of tension postvertical adjustment pin 24 which is comprised ofhead 25 connected to the posterior end ofshaft 27 which extends through desired aperture L on tension postlower member 22 into the interior oflower portion 21 of tension postupper member 26 through one of a plurality of apertures H on tension postupper member 26 when the desired aperture H of tension postupper member 26 aligns vertically with the desired aperture L on tension postlower member 22. - Moreover, in an alternative preferred embodiment wherein one or more apertures H on tension post
upper member 26 are positioned on two surfaces that are parallel to each other (e.g., posterior and anterior surfaces of tension postupper member 26, rear and front surfaces of tension post upper member 26) and one or more apertures L on tension postlower member 22 are positioned on two surfaces that are parallel to each other (e.g., posterior and anterior surfaces of tension postlower member 22, rear and front surfaces of tension post lower member 22), the anterior end ofshaft 27 extends through the one such aperture H on a first surface of tension postupper member 26 that is vertically aligned to the aperture H on the second surface of tension post upper member 26 (which is parallel to the first surface of tension post upper member 26) through which thehead 25 connected to the posterior end ofshaft 27 extends, with the anterior end ofshaft 27 extending through the one such aperture L on a first surface of tension postlower member 22 that is vertically aligned to the aperture L on the second surface of tension post lower member 22 (which is parallel to the first surface of tension post lower member 22) through which thehead 25 connected to the posterior end ofshaft 27 extends. - The diameters of apertures H and L are larger than the diameter of
shaft 27 so as to allowshaft 27 to be easily inserted into apertures H and L. Preferably, each diameter of aperture H and L is 1-5% larger than the diameter ofshaft 27 to allow for a secure fitting ofshaft 27 through apertures H and L and into the interior of tension postupper member 26. - To adjust the vertical position of tension post
upper member 26 from an initial to a desired vertical position with tension postvertical adjustment pin 24 extending through initial aperture H on tension postupper member 26 and initial aperture L on tension postlower member 22 when initial apertures H and L are vertically aligned, the user pullshead 25 ofpin 24, which withdrawsshaft 27 ofpin 24 from the interior of tension postupper member 26 through initial aperture H on tension postupper member 26 to allow for the anterior end ofshaft 27 to retract fully from the interior of the tension postupper member 26 and out of initial aperture H and initial aperture L on tension postlower member 22. The vertical position of tension postupper member 26 can then be adjusted upward or downward as needed to the desired position from the aligned initial apertures H-L through whichshaft 27 initially extended by aligning a desired aperture L on tension postlower member 22 to a desired aperture H on tension postupper member 26 and reinsertingshaft 27 through the aligned desired apertures H-L to allow forshaft 27 to be inserted into the interior of tension postupper member 26 to engagingly secure tension postlower member 22 to tension postupper member 26. - Other alternative means of vertically adjusting
tension post 20 can be used, including a lever (not depicted or numbered) with an upper end that a user can manipulate and a lower end which extends into the interior oftension post 20 and that is attached to a pneumatic cylinder disposed withintension post 20 such as those used and known in the art to adjust the height of furniture or chairs, a pressure actuated assembly extendable by fluid pressure and retractable by spring action such as that described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,833,973, or other known means of adjusting the height of a structure. - Center Post: Further in reference to
FIGS. 1-9 and 13-14 , attached to middlelongitudinal portion 16 ofbase 10 ofmobility device 1 iscenter post 50.Center post 50 is comprised oflower center post 52 andupper center post 54.Center post 50 may have any one of a variety of cross-sectional shapes, including rectangular, circular, triangular, trapezoidal, and square. At least a portion of each oflower center post 52 andupper center post 54 is comprised of perimeter surfaces surrounding an open (hollow) interior. In a preferred embodiment, each of lower and upper center posts 52 and 54 comprises front, rear, anterior, and posterior surfaces bounding a hollow interior with an upper horizontal void space corresponding to the top of such lower and upper center posts 52 and 54 and a lower horizontal void space corresponding to the base of such lower and upper center posts 52 and 54. In a preferred embodiment ofmobility device 1, the horizontal cross sectional areas of lower andupper center post mobility device 1, the horizontal cross sectional area ofcenter post 50 approximates the horizontal cross sectional area of middlelongitudinal portion 16 ofbase 10. In alternative embodiments ofmobility device 1, the horizontal cross sectional area ofcenter post 50 is less than or greater than the horizontal cross sectional area of middlelongitudinal portion 16 ofbase 10. -
Upper center post 54 is comprised oftop portion 57 andbottom portion 55.Top portion 57 ofupper center post 54 corresponds with the portion ofupper center post 54 that is not disposed withinlower center post 52, andbottom portion 55 ofupper center post 54 corresponds with the portion ofupper center post 54 that is disposed withinlower center post 52.Bottom portion 55 ofupper center post 54 is disposed withinlower center post 52 and can slidably move vertically upward and downward relative to lowercenter post 52 to allow the user to select a desired vertical position ofupper center post 54. In a preferred embodiment,upper center post 54 is separable fromlower center post 52 to allow forbottom portion 55 ofupper center post 54 to be fully retractable fromlower center post 52. - The vertical position of
upper center post 54 can be adjusted using one of many known methods in the art. In one embodiment of the present invention and with reference toFIGS. 13 and 14 , the vertical position ofupper center post 54 is adjusted in a manner similar to the vertical position adjustment of tension post 20 described earlier through alignment of one or more apertures Z positioned on one or more surfaces oflower center post 52 and one or more apertures X positioned on one or more surfaces ofupper center post 54 with the same one or more orientations (anterior, posterior, front, rear) as the one or more surfaces oflower center post 52 on which such one or more apertures Z are positioned and insertion of center postvertical adjustment pin 58, preferably comprising a shaft and a head attached to posterior end of the shaft, with the anterior end of the shaft preferably extending out of the one or more apertures Z. In a preferred embodiment, positioned on a surface oflower center post 52 are one or more apertures Z. More preferably, one or more apertures Z are positioned on the posterior surface of lower center post 52 (not shown in any figure). Alternatively, one or more apertures Z are positioned on the anterior surface of lower center post 52 (not shown). Additionally, and alternatively, one or more apertures Z are positioned on both the posterior and anterior surfaces of lower center post 52 (not shown). Alternatively, the one or more apertures Z are positioned on one or more of the front and rear surfaces oflower center post 52 as shown inFIGS. 1, 6-9, and 13-14 . Additionally, and alternatively, the one or more apertures Z are positioned on one or more of the anterior, posterior, front, and rear surfaces oflower center post 52. - As indicated above, positioned on a surface of
upper center post 54 are one or more apertures X. The one or more apertures X are positioned on one or more of the same oriented surface (posterior, anterior, front, rear) as the one or more surfaces oflower center post 52 on which the one or more apertures Z are positioned. Preferably, the one or more apertures X are positioned on the posterior surface of upper center post 54 (not shown). Alternatively, the one or more apertures X are positioned on the anterior surface of upper center post 54 (not shown). Additionally, and alternatively, one or more apertures X are positioned on both the posterior and anterior surfaces of upper center post 54 (not shown). Alternatively, the one or more apertures X are positioned on one or more of the front and rear surfaces ofupper center post 54 as shown inFIGS. 1, 6-9, and 13-14 . Additionally, and alternatively, the one or more apertures X are positioned on one or more of the anterior, posterior, front, and rear surfaces ofupper center post 54. - Moreover, in an alternative preferred embodiment wherein one or more apertures X on
upper center post 54 are positioned on two surfaces that are parallel to each other (e.g., posterior and anterior surfaces ofupper center post 54, rear and front surfaces of upper center post 54) and one or more apertures Z onlower center post 52 are positioned on two surfaces that are parallel to each other (e.g., posterior and anterior surfaces oflower center post 52, rear and front surfaces of lower center post 52), the anterior end of center postvertical adjustment pin 58 extends through aperture X on a first surface ofupper center post 54 that is vertically aligned to aperture X on the second surface ofupper center post 54 which is parallel to the first surface ofupper center post 54, with the verticalpost adjustment pin 58 extending through aperture Z on a first surface oflower center post 52 and aperture Z on a second surface ofupper center post 54 that is vertically aligned to aperture Z on the first surface oflower center post 52 and through which the posterior end of center postvertical adjustment pin 58 extends. - The diameters of apertures Z and X are larger than the diameter of center post
vertical adjustment pin 58 so as to allow for easy center postvertical adjustment pin 58 insertion into apertures. Preferably, the diameter of each aperture Z and X is 1-5% larger than the diameter of center postvertical adjustment pin 58 to allow for a secure fitting of center postvertical adjustment pin 58 through such apertures. Alternatively, in another preferred embodiment of the invention and with reference toFIGS. 2-4 , the vertical position ofupper center post 54 is adjusted through use oflever 56 which is comprised ofknob 59 connected to the posterior end of center postvertical adjustment pin 58 which extends downward into the interior oflower center post 52 through opening O on a surface oflower center post 52. Anterior end of center postvertical adjustment pin 58 is affixed with set screw S which abutslower portion 55 ofupper center post 54 to secure center postvertical adjustment pin 58 to thebottom portion 55 ofupper center post 54 to renderupper center post 54 immovable vertically with respect tolower center post 52. To adjust the vertical position ofupper center post 54, the user displacesknob 59 oflever 56, which retracts a portion of center postvertical adjustment pin 58 from the interior oflower center post 52 to thereby disengage set screw S from thebottom portion 55 ofupper center post 54 which rendersupper center post 54 movable vertically with respect tolower center post 52. The vertical position ofupper center post 54 can then be adjusted upward or downward as needed. The user then releasesknob 59, and the force of gravity will cause center postvertical adjustment pin 58 to move downwardly until set screw S on the anterior end of center postvertical adjustment pin 58 abutslower portion 55 ofupper center post 54 to secure center postvertical adjustment pin 58 tobottom portion 55 ofupper center post 54 to renderupper center post 54 immovable vertically with respect tolower center post 52. - Alternatively, and in another preferred embodiment of
mobility device 1, other means known in the art can be used to vertically adjust the position ofupper center post 54. Preferably, and with reference toFIGS. 2-4 , vertical position ofcenter post 50 is adjusting usinglever 58 that is attached to means for pneumatically adjusting the vertical position ofupper center post 54 disposed withincenter post 50. Preferably, such means can comprise a pneumatic cylinder such as those used and known in the art to adjust the height of furniture or chairs, a pressure actuated assembly extendable by fluid pressure and retractable by spring action such as that described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,833,973, or other known means of adjusting the height of a structure. - In a preferred embodiment and with reference to
FIG. 8 , the longitudinal position ofcenter post 50 is fixed, maintaining the longitudinal distance betweencenter post 50 and tension post 20 and posterior andanterior members base 10, respectively, withcenter post 50 fixedly attached to middlelongitudinal portion 16 ofbase 10, more preferably, attached at the midpoint of middlelongitudinal portion 16 ofbase 10 such thatcenter post 50 is equidistant fromtension post 20 andposterior member 14 ofbase 10. Preferably, in such embodiments of mobility device 1 where center post 50 is fixed, one or more center post corner braces (not pictured or numbered), each comprised of a horizontal portion and a vertical portion attached thereto, support the attachment of center post 50 to base 10, more preferably with one or more center post corner braces supporting the center post 50-base 10 attachment comprising one or more of (i) a front tension post corner brace (not pictured or numbered) oriented toward the front of mobility device 1, with horizontal portion attached to the upper surface of middle longitudinal portion 16 of base 10 positioned to the front of center post 50 and the vertical portion attached to the front surface of center post 50, preferably the front surface of lower center post 52, (ii) a rear tension post corner center post brace (not pictured or numbered) oriented toward the rear of mobility device 1, with horizontal portion attached to the upper surface of middle longitudinal portion 16 of base 10 positioned to the rear of center post 50 and the vertical portion attached to the rear surface of center post 50, preferably the rear surface of lower center post 52, (iii) a posterior tension post corner brace (not pictured or numbered) oriented toward the posterior of mobility device 1, with horizontal portion attached to the upper surface of middle longitudinal portion 16 of base 10 positioned to the posterior of center post 50 and the vertical portion attached to the posterior surface of center post 50, preferably the posterior surface of lower center post 52, and (iv) an anterior tension post corner brace (not pictured or numbered) oriented toward the anterior of mobility device 1, with horizontal portion attached to the upper surface of middle longitudinal portion 16 of base 10 positioned to the anterior of center post 50 and the vertical portion attached to the anterior surface of center post 50, preferably the anterior surface of lower center post 52. - Alternatively, and in another preferred embodiment, the longitudinal position of
center post 50 is adjustable toward the anterior or posterior ofmobility device 1 from an initial longitudinal position using any one of multiple known methods in the art. Preferably,base 10 includes a longitudinal rail that runs along the upper surface oflongitudinal member 16 andlower center post 52 comprises a means for slidably attachinglower center post 52 to the longitudinal rail, disengaginglower center post 52 from an initial longitudinal position, slidinglower center post 52 longitudinally toward the anterior or posterior ofmobility device 1 using the means for slidably attachinglower center post 52 to the longitudinal rail oflongitudinal member 16 to positionlower center post 52 to a desired longitudinal position onlongitudinal member 16, and securinglower center post 52 in a final longitudinal position. - Alternatively, center post 50 can be longitudinally repositioned along
longitudinal member 16 ofbase 10 where at least a portion oflongitudinal member 16 betweenanterior member 12 andposterior member 14 has a hollow interior bound by perimeter surfaces (front perimeter surface, rear perimeter surface, upper perimeter surface, lower perimeter surface). In one such embodiment and with reference toFIGS. 1-2, 6-7, 9, and 13-14 , the front perimeter surface and rear perimeter surface oflongitudinal member 16 each have one or more apertures A, with each aperture A on front perimeter surface oflongitudinal member 16 longitudinal aligned with an aperture A on rear perimeter surface oflongitudinal member 16. In a preferred embodiment and with reference toFIGS. 6-7 and 9 , apertures A on front and rear perimeter surfaces oflongitudinal member 16 ofbase 10 comprise discrete apertures A each separated by structure corresponding to front and rear perimeter surfaces oflongitudinal member 16 ofbase 10, respectively. Alternatively, and in a preferred embodiment and with reference toFIGS. 1-2 and 13-14 , each of the apertures A on front and rear perimeter surfaces oflongitudinal member 16 ofbase 10 comprises a continuous aperture A as shown inFIGS. 13 and 14 . The interior of the lower portion oflower center post 52 is hollow. Positioned on each of the front and rear surfaces oflower center post 52 is aperture C. Centerpost adjustment pin 19 is passed through aperture A on front perimeter surface oflongitudinal member 16, through the apertures C on the front and rear surfaces oflower center post 52, and through aperture A on rear perimeter surface oflongitudinal member 16 that is longitudinally aligned with the passed-through apertures C oflower center post 52 and aperture A on front perimeter surface oflongitudinal member 16 ofbase 10, with the center postlongitudinal adjustment pin 19 secured in position so as to rendercenter post 50 immovable longitudinally. Removal of centerpost adjustment pin 19 from initial passed-through apertures C on the first and rear surfaces oflower center post 52 and apertures A on the front and rear perimeter surfaces oflongitudinal member 16 ofbase 10 allows forcenter post 50 to be movable slidably longitudinally toward the posterior or anterior ofmobility device 1 as desired by the user, with the repositioning and securing of the centerpost adjustment pin 19 through desired apertures C onlower center post 52 and apertures A on front and rear perimeter surfaces oflongitudinal member 16 ofbase 10 allowing for the positioning ofcenter post 50 in the desired longitudinal position andrendering center post 50 immovable longitudinally. Apart from the methods described herein, alternative methods known in the art can be used to longitudinally repositioncenter post 50. - Stirrup: With reference to
FIGS. 1-3, 5, 6-9, and 13-14 ,upper portion 57 ofupper center post 54 is attached tostirrup 60.Stirrup 60 comprises anterior section F, middle section M, and posterior section R corresponding to where the user places the forefoot, midfoot, and hindfoot, respectively.Stirrup 60 is comprised of anupper surface 61, alower surface 62, afront surface 63 and arear surface 64 each extending vertically betweensurfaces anterior surface 65 and aposterior surface 66 each extending vertically between upper andlower surfaces rear surfaces upper surface 61 with each ridge spaced apart from the remaining ridges. More preferably, the ridges are dispersed along the longitudinal span ofupper surface 61 ofstirrup 60. Moreover, in a preferred embodiment,posterior surface 66 protrudes vertically upward aboveupper surface 61 so as to provide heel support, with the user positioning the heel to the anterior ofposterior surface 66 and resting the rear of the heel thereon. Alternatively, and in a preferred embodiment, one or more offront surface 63 andrear surface 64 protrude vertically upward aboveupper surface 61 so as to provide support to the sides of a user's foot. - In a preferred embodiment and as shown in
FIGS. 1-2, 5, and 13-14 , the longitudinal length ofstirrup 60 is adjustable using any one of known methods in the art. Preferably, anterior section F ofstirrup 60 is removably attached to remaining sections M and R ofstirrup 60, with one or more longitudinal hollow channels positioned in the interior ofstirrup 60 in section M ofstirrup 60 and one or more longitudinal screws attached to the posterior end of anterior section F ofstirrup 60 that are insertable into the one or more longitudinal hollow channels to secure anterior section F to the remaining sections M and R ofstirrup 60 so that the posterior end of anterior section F ofstirrup 60 abuts the anterior end of section M ofstirrup 60. To adjust the longitudinal length ofstirrup 60 with section F attached to the remaining sections M and R ofstirrup 60, the user pulls section F ofstirrup 60 anteriorly toward the anterior ofmobility device 1 so as to separate the posterior end of section F ofstirrup 60 from the anterior end of section M ofstirrup 60. The user then longitudinally positions section F so thatstirrup 60 has the desired longitudinal length, with the posterior end of section F ofstirrup 60 spaced apart from the anterior end of section M ofstirrup 60, with at least a portion of the one or more longitudinal screws attached to anterior section F ofstirrup 60 positioned within the one or more longitudinal hollow channels positioned in the interior of section M ofstirrup 60. - Alternatively, posterior section R of
stirrup 60 is removably attached to remaining sections M and F ofstirrup 60 in a manner similar to the removable attachment of anterior section F ofstirrup 60 described above to allow for adjustment of the longitudinal length ofstirrup 60 with section R attached to the remaining sections M and F ofstirrup 60. In such an embodiment, one or more longitudinal hollow channels are positioned in the interior of middle section M ofstirrup 60 and one or more longitudinal screws is attached to the anterior end of posterior section R ofstirrup 60 that are insertable into the one or more longitudinal hollow channels positioned in the interior of section M ofstirrup 60 to secure posterior section R to the remaining sections M and F ofstirrup 60 so that the anterior end of posterior section R ofstirrup 60 abuts the posterior end of section M ofstirrup 60. - Additionally and alternatively, both the anterior section F and posterior section R of
stirrup 60 are removably attached to middle section M ofstirrup 60 in a manner similar to the removable attachment of either anterior section F ofstirrup 60 or posterior section R ofstirrup 60 to the remaining sections ofstirrup 60 described above to allow for adjustment of the longitudinal length ofstirrup 60 with both sections R and F attached to the section M ofstirrup 60, with one or more anterior longitudinal hollow channels positioned in the interior of middle section M ofstirrup 60 proximal the anterior of middle section M and one or more posterior longitudinal hollow channels positioned in the interior of middle section M ofstirrup 60 proximal the posterior of middle section M and one or more longitudinal screws attached to the posterior end of anterior section F ofstirrup 60 insertable into the middle section M anterior channels and one or more longitudinal screws attached to the anterior end of rear section R ofstirrup 60 and insertable into the middle section M posterior channels. - Ball Joint Assembly: With reference to
FIGS. 1-3, 6-9, 13-15 and 18 (and wherein inFIGS. 7, 9, 14, and 18 comprise partial cutaway figures immediately below stirrup 60)stirrup 60 is attached to centerpost 50 via ball joint assembly J, withlower surface 62 ofstirrup 60 attached toupper center portion 57 ofcenter post 54 via ball joint assembly J, so as to allow for a wide range of motion of the user's foot positioned onstirrup 60 attached to centerpost 50 through the pivoting inwardly and outwardly ofstirrup 60 toward the front and rear ofmobility device 1, pivoting upwardly and downwardly tostirrup 60, and rotating ofstirrup 60 about a vertical axis corresponding to centerpost 50. In a preferred embodiment and with reference toFIGS. 13-15 , positioned in middle section M ofstirrup 60 are one or more vertical channels Y and one or more vertical channels U, each vertical channel comprising one or more apertures inupper surface 61 that extend vertically downward to one or more apertures inlower surface 62, such vertical channels Y and channel U designed to accommodate means for securedly attaching (i) stirrup 60 toupper portion 57 of upper center post 54 (channels Y) and (ii)stirrup 60 to bearingstud 84 within socket 86 (channels U). Preferably, at least one of the one or more vertical channels U is threaded so as to receptively accommodate the threading of threadedbearing stud 84. More preferably,stirrup 60 comprises one vertical channel U and a plurality of vertical channels Y comprising one or more vertical channels Y between middle section M and anterior section F and one or more vertical channels Y between middle section M and posterior section R. - Ball joint assembly J comprises (i) stirrup support plate 80 comprising a structural member with one or more vertical channels and attached to the lower surface 62 of stirrup 60 using attaching means 82, such attaching means 82 preferably comprising screws or support plate bolt/nut assemblies accommodated in the one or more vertical channels Y of stirrup 60, each such attaching means 82 extending through the one or more vertical channels Y to and through one of the one or more vertical channels in stirrup support plate 80: (ii) a socket 86 with a substantially spherical lower portion and a substantially cylindrical upper portion within which is accommodated bearing stud 84 with an upper end and a lower end, wherein at least a portion of bearing stud 84 is threaded and the upper end of bearing stud 84 extends vertically upward to and through a vertical channel in stirrup support plate 80 and to and through vertical channel U in stirrup 60 and secured therein; (iii) one or more brakes 90, preferably two brakes 90, each brake 90 comprising an upper surface, a portion of such upper surface being curved, and further comprising a substantially horizontal lower surface and a substantially semicircular vertical surface extending between the upper surface and the horizontal lower surface, wherein the curved portion of the upper surface of brake 90 abuts the substantially spherical lower portion of socket 86; (iv) casing 100 comprising an upper cylindrical portion 102 comprised of an inner curved surface and an outer curved surface and a lower horizontal portion 110 comprised of a topside and an underside, wherein cylindrical portion 102 and horizontal portion 110 form a substantially hollow open-top ended cavity, each of the inner and outer curved surfaces of cylindrical portion 102 has positioned thereon a plurality of apertures that define the ends of a plurality of casing hollow channels 106 that extend between inner and outer curved surfaces of cylindrical portion 102, and the underside of horizontal portion 110 is attached to upper portion 57 of upper center post 54 of center post 50; and (v) rail 92 comprising an underside and a topside, wherein the topside of rail 92 abuts but is not attached to the lower horizontal surface of each of the one or more brakes 90 and wherein the underside of rail 92 is attached to the topside of horizontal portion 110 of casing 100; and (vi) one or more brake screws 96 each comprising a horizontal segment 97 and a vertical segment 99 securedly attached to horizontal segment 97, wherein each horizontal segment 97 of each brake screw 96 comprises an interior end and an exterior end, wherein the interior end of each horizontal segment 97 of brake screw 96 extends through the aperture on the outer curved surface of cylindrical portion 102, the casing hollow channel 106 in cylindrical portion 102 between outer and inner curved surfaces of cylindrical portion 102, and the aperture on the inner curved surface of cylindrical portion 102 and abuts brake 90, preferably abutting the substantially semicircular vertical surface of each brake 90, to securedly engage brake 90 to the substantially spherical lower portion of socket 86. Such one or more brake screws 96 may be positioned to be oriented toward any of the anterior, posterior, front, or rear of
mobility device 1. - In a preferred embodiment of
mobility device 1 with twobrakes 90 and twobrake screws 96 and with reference toFIGS. 1-4, 6-9 and 13-14 , onebrake screw 96 is oriented to the anterior ofmobility device 1 and thesecond brake screw 96 is oriented to the posterior ofmobility device 1. Alternatively, and in a preferred embodiment ofmobility device 1 with twobrakes 90 and twobrake screws 96, onebrake screw 96 is oriented to the front ofmobility device 1 and thesecond brake screw 96 is oriented to the rear of mobility device 1 (not depicted). - In a preferred embodiment comprising two
brakes 90, the upper surface of eachbrake 90 comprises a substantially quarter spherical depression, such depression accommodating approximately half of the substantially spherical lower portion ofsocket 86. Moreover, in such preferred embodiment, the substantially semicircular vertical surface of eachbrake 90 has positioned thereon a substantially circular-shaped notch forming a substantially cylindrical indentation in the semicircular vertical surface ofbrake 90 that radially aligns with the apertures on the outer and inner curved surfaces ofcylindrical portion 102 and casinghollow channels 106 therebetween. Further, in such preferred embodiment,horizontal segment 97 of eachbrake screw 96 is substantially cylindrical. Furthermore, in such preferred embodiment, the diameter of the cylindrical indentation in the semicircular vertical surface ofbrake 90 is approximately equal to the diameter of horizontal segment of thebrake screw 96. Additionally, in such preferred embodiment, the lower horizontal surfaces of the twobrakes 90 comprise a substantially circular cross sectional surface area accommodated withincasing 100 and that has a diameter that is less than the diameter of thecylindrical portion 102 ofcasing 100 such that when the twobrakes 90 are positioned toward the center ofcasing 100 and abut one another, an annular gap surrounding the abuttingbrakes 90 and the inner surface ofcylindrical portion 102 ofcasing 100 is formed. Moreover, in such preferred embodiment, the length ofrail 92 approximates the diameter ofcylindrical portion 102 ofcasing 100. Further, in such preferred embodiment, the substantially horizontal lower surface of eachbrake 90 has positioned thereon a substantially quadrilateral-shaped indentation, preferably rectangular or more preferably square, that accommodatesrail 92. The width of the substantially quadrilateral indentation in the substantially horizontal lower surface ofbrake 90 approximates the width ofrail 92 so that eachbrake 90, which abuts the topside ofrail 92 at its substantially horizontal lower surface, is slidably and radially displaceable alongrail 92. Preferably, the substantially quadrilateral indentation in the horizontal lower surface ofbrake 90 is radially aligned with the substantially cylindrical indentation in the semicircular vertical surface ofbrake 90, which in turn is radially aligned with the apertures on the outer and inner curved surfaces ofcylindrical portion 102 ofcasing 100 and casinghollow channels 106 therebetween. - As indicated above, casing 100 has a substantially hollow cylindrical interior within which is positioned at least the lower spherical portion of
socket 86, the one ormore brakes 90,rail 92, and the one or more interior ends of eachhorizontal segment 97 of each of the one or more brake screws 96 wherein the interior end of eachhorizontal segment 97 of eachbrake 96 abuts onebrake 90, with such interior end of eachhorizontal segment 97 of eachbrake 96 accommodated within the substantially cylindrical indentation the semicircular vertical surface ofbrake 90. - Moreover, as indicated above, positioned on casing 100 are a plurality of apertures on the outer and inner curved surfaces of
cylindrical portion 102 ofcasing 100 and casinghollow channels 106 therebetween.Horizontal segment 97 of each of the one or more brake screws 96 extends distally and radially outwardly fromcasing 100, with the interior end of eachhorizontal segment 97 of eachbrake screw 96 abutting the substantially semicircular vertical surface of eachbrake 90 to securedly engagebrake 90 to the substantially spherical lower portion ofsocket 86, with the substantially quarter spherical depression in the upper surface of eachbrake 90 accommodating approximately half of the substantially spherical lower portion ofsocket 86. - To adjust the orientation of
stirrup 60, the user loosens brake screws 96 by rotatingvertical segments 99 of brake screws 96, which retracts a portion ofhorizontal segments 97 of brake screws 96 from the interior ofcasing 100, withhorizontal segments 97 displaced distally and radially outwardly fromcasing 100 andsocket 86. The displacement ofhorizontal segments 97 of brake screws 96 results in separation of the interior end ofhorizontal segment 97 ofbrake screw 96 frombrake 90 whereby interior end ofhorizontal segment 97 is (i) retracted out of the cylindrical indentation of semicircular vertical surface ofbrake 90 and (ii) displaced distally and radially outwardly fromcasing 100. Such displacement ofhorizontal segment 97 ofbrake screw 96 allows forbrake 90 to be slidably and radially displaceable alongrail 92. The displacement of the lower surface of each of thebrakes 90 alongrail 92 distally and radially outwardly from casing 100 allows for a gap to form between the upper surface ofbrake 90, which comprises a substantially quarter spherical depression, and the substantially spherical lower portion ofsocket 86 which heretofore had been accommodated within such depression. Such socket 86-brake 90 gap allows for movement ofsocket 86, which in turn allows for movement ofstirrup 60 which is attached tosocket 86 by the bearingstud 84 which is accommodated within the substantially cylindrical upper portion ofsocket 86 and extends vertically upward to and through a vertical channel instirrup support plate 80 and to and through channel U instirrup 60 and secured therein. Such movement ofstirrup 60 comprises movement in various directions including (i) pivot inwardly or outwardly as shown inFIG. 7 to allow for inversion and eversion, respectively; (ii) pivot upwardly and downwardly as shown inFIG. 8 to allow for dorsiflexion and plantar flexion, respectively; and (iii) rotate circularly about a vertical axis corresponding to centerpost 50 as shown inFIG. 9 to allow for foot rotation (abduction and adduction); with (iv) varying combinations of such movements allowing for supination and pronation. - Once the
stirrup 60 is positioned in the user-desired position, the user tightens brake screws 96 by rotatingvertical segments 99 of brake screws 96, which reintroduces a portion ofhorizontal segments 97 of brake screws 96 into the interior ofcasing 100, withhorizontal segments 97 displaced proximally and radially inward towardcasing 100 andsocket 86. The displacement ofhorizontal segments 97 of brake screws 96 results in the abutment of the interior end ofhorizontal segment 97 ofbrake screw 96 withbrake 90 whereby interior end ofhorizontal segment 97 is (i) extended into the cylindrical indentation of semicircular vertical surface ofbrake 90 and (ii) displaced proximally and radially inward towardcasing 100. Such displacement ofhorizontal segment 97 ofbrake screw 96 allows forbrake 90 to be slidably displaceable alongrail 92 inward to a point where it securedly abutssocket 86, with such abutment occurring between the upper surface of eachbrake 90, comprised of a substantially quarter spherical depression, withsocket 86, with such depression accommodating approximately half of the substantially spherical lower portion ofsocket 86. In a preferred embodiment, the contact ofbrake 90 withsocket 86 from the abutment of the upper surface of eachbrake 90 with the lower portion ofsocket 86 displaces thesocket 86 vertically upwardly, with the upper segment of the lower portion ofsocket 86 distal frombrake 90 abutting the inner curved surface of uppercylindrical portion 102 ofcasing 100, further securingsocket 86. - In an alternative embodiment, the interior end of each
horizontal segment 97 ofbrake screw 96 is securedly attached to eachbrake 90, preferably such attachment positioned on the substantially semicircular vertical surface ofbrake 90, more preferably with such attachment comprising the securing of the interior end of eachhorizontal segment 97 ofbrake screw 96 within a substantially cylindrical indentation in the semicircular vertical surface ofbrake 90 that radially aligns with the apertures on the outer and inner curved surfaces ofcylindrical portion 102 and the casinghollow channels 106 therebetween. To adjust the orientation ofstirrup 60, the user loosens brake screws 96 by rotatingvertical segments 99, which retracts a portion ofhorizontal segments 97 from the interior ofcasing 100, withhorizontal segments 97 displaced horizontally radially outwardly and distally fromsocket 86. The displacement ofhorizontal segments 97 of brake screws 96 results in the displacement, also radially outwardly and distally fromsocket 86, ofbrakes 90 by the sliding of the lower surface of eachbrake 90 alongrail 92 which is in contact with thebrake 90 as described above. The displacement ofbrake 90 alongrail 92 radially outwardly and distally fromsocket 86 allows for a gap to form between the upper surface ofbrake 90, which comprises a substantially quarter spherical depression, and the substantially spherical lower portion ofsocket 86 which heretofore had been accommodated within such depression. Such socket 86-brake 90 gap allows for movement ofsocket 86, which in turn allows for movement ofstirrup 60 which is attached tosocket 86 by the bearingstud 84 which is accommodated within the substantially cylindrical upper portion ofsocket 86 and extends vertically upward to and through a vertical channel instirrup support plate 80 and to and through channel U instirrup 60 and secured therein. Such movement ofstirrup 60 comprises movement in various directions as described above and shown inFIGS. 7-9 . Once thestirrup 60 is positioned in the user-desired position, the user tightens brake screws 96 by rotatingvertical segments 99 of brake screws 96, which reintroduces a portion ofhorizontal segments 97 of brake screws 96 into the interior ofcasing 100, withhorizontal segments 97 displaced proximal to the interior of and radially inward towardcasing 100 andsocket 86, which slidably displaces eachbrake 90 alongrail 92, with such displacement proximal to the interior of and radially inward towardcasing 100 andsocket 86. Such displacement allows forbrake 90 to be securedly abutted tosocket 86, with such abutment occurring between the upper surface of eachbrake 90, comprised of a substantially quarter spherical depression, andsocket 86, with such depression accommodating approximately half of the substantially spherical lower portion ofsocket 86. - Stirrup Straps: With reference to
FIGS. 1-3, 5-9, and 14 , attached tostirrup 60 are one or more straps to secure the user's foot to the stirrup. In one embodiment, attached tostirrup 60 is one strap comprising one ofcalcaneus distraction strap 72 andtalus tension strap 76. In a preferred embodiment, stirrup straps comprisecalcaneus distraction strap 72 andtalus tension strap 76. Preferably, one or more ofstraps stirrup 60. In a preferred embodiment,talus tension strap 76 is attached tostirrup 60 at posterior section R at (i)strap attachment point 77 onrear surface 64 ofstirrup 60, more preferably point 77 coinciding with the intersection ofposterior surface 66 and rear surface of 64 ofstirrup 60 and (ii)strap attachment point 78 onfront surface 63 ofstirrup 60, more preferably point 78 coinciding with the intersection ofposterior surface 66 andfront surface 63 ofstirrup 60. In a preferred embodiment,calcaneus distraction strap 72 is attached tostirrup 60 at the posterior portion of middle section M ofstirrup 60 at (i)strap attachment point 73 onfront surface 63 and (ii)strap attachment point 74 onrear surface 64. Alternatively, one or more of the attachment points of one ormore straps stirrup 60, preferably the middle portion of middle section M ofstirrup 60. - In a preferred embodiment, one or more strap attachment points 73, 74, 77, and 78 is adjustable. In this preferred embodiment and with reference to
FIGS. 8-9 and 13, (i) positioned on one or more offront surface 63 andrear surface 64 ofstirrup 60 is a plurality of stirrup pegs 67 and (ii) positioned on one or more ofcalcaneus distraction strap 72 andtalus tension strap 76 is one ormore strap apertures 79 through which stirrup pegs 67 pass to establish a strap attachment point. A user changes one or more initial strap attachment points 73, 74, 77, and 78 by first disengaging one or more ofstraps initial strap apertures 79 and reengaging one ormore straps strap apertures 79 over the plurality of desired stirrup pegs 67 so as to have such desired stirrup pegs 67 extending through the desiredstrap apertures 79. Alternatively, one or more buckles or other securing devices is used to secure each end ofstraps stirrup 60. - Lateral Slide Track: With reference to
FIGS. 1-9, 13-14 and 16 , attached to and abovetension post 20 islateral slide track 300 comprising (i)upper surface 302 comprised of an anterior end, a posterior end, and a gap 306 (FIGS. 9, 13-14 ) therebetween, (ii)lower surface 310, and (iii)front surface 304 andrear surface 312, each of which extends vertically fromupper surface 302 tolower surface 310. Preferably,front surface 304 andrear surface 312 are laterally spaced apart by a void space with a lateral length corresponding to the lateral lengths ofupper surface 302 andlower surface 310. As such and in a preferred embodiment,lateral slide track 300 is a substantially hollow structure that is substantially open at the anterior and posterior oflateral slide track 300, thus creating a three-dimensional void space in the interior oflateral slide track 300. Preferably,lateral slide track 300 attaches to tension post 20 atlower surface 310, withlower surface 310 attached to the tension postupper member 26. - In a preferred embodiment and with reference to
FIGS. 5 and 13 , positioned onlower surface 310 oflateral slide track 300 is lateralslide track rail 305 comprising a structure which protrudes vertically upward fromlower surface 310 and extends laterally, preferably extending laterally from the front to the rear ofmobility device 1 by extending from the juncture offront surface 304 andlower surface 310 to the juncture ofrear surface 312 andlower surface 310. Alternatively, and in a preferred embodiment and with reference toFIGS. 3-4, 7, 9, and 16 , positioned in the void space abovelower surface 310 and belowupper surface 302 and extending laterally fromfront surface 304 torear surface 312 are one or more lateral slide track rails 305, preferably two lateral slide track rails 305, each with a front end and a rear end. Such lateral slide track rails 305 may comprise substantially cylindrical or substantially quadrilateral prismatic structures. The front end of each such lateralslide track rail 305 is attached tofront surface 304 oflateral slide track 300 and the rear end of each such lateralslide track rail 305 is attached torear surface 312 oflateral slide track 300. - Lateral Slide Bracket: With reference to
FIGS. 1-9, 11-14, and 16 , positioned withinlateral slide track 300 islateral slide bracket 340 which is laterally displaceable from the front to the rear ofmobility device 1.Lateral slide bracket 340 is vertically sized to fit in the void space betweenupper surface 302 andlower surface 310 oflateral slide track 300, preferably thelateral slide bracket 340 is vertically sized to approximate such void space. More preferably, a void space exists abovelateral slide bracket 340 and below theupper surface 302 oflateral slide track 300. -
Lateral slide bracket 340 is comprised of (i)upper surface 350, (ii)lower surface 352 that abuts but is not attached tolower surface 310 oflateral slide track 300, (iii)anterior surface 342 andposterior surface 344 each extending vertically betweensurfaces front side surface 346 andrear side surface 348, each side surface each extending longitudinally between anterior andposterior surfaces lower surfaces Anterior surface 342 andposterior surface 344 each extend laterally between side surfaces 346 and 348. As indicated earlier, preferably,side surface 346 is proximal the front oflateral slide bracket 340 so as to comprisefront surface 346 oflateral slide bracket 340 andside surface 348 is proximal the rear oflateral slide bracket 340 so as to compriserear surface 348. At least a portion oflateral slide bracket 340 is hollow, preferablylateral slide bracket 340 is substantially hollow, more preferablylateral slide bracket 340 comprises a substantially open (hollow) interior comprised ofperimeter segments - In a preferred embodiment and with reference to
FIG. 11 , aperture G is positioned longitudinally onupper surface 350 so as to substantially coincide withgap 306. Positioned onlower surface 352 oflateral slide bracket 340 is aperture E (FIG. 11 ) that is substantially aligned withgap 306 oflateral slide track 300 and aperture G onupper surface 350 oflateral slide bracket 340, with lateral slide brackethollow channel 364 extending vertically in the interior oflateral slide bracket 340 between aperture G onupper surface 350 oflateral slide bracket 340 to aperture E oflower surface 352 oflateral slide bracket 340. In alternative preferred embodiment, positioned onupper surface 350 of lateral slide bracket is an indentation that is longitudinally positioned to be substantially aligned with and undergap 306, preferably such indentation being substantially circular. In yet an alternative preferred embodiment,lateral slide bracket 340 has no indentation or aperture G onupper surface 350 or aperture E onlower surface 352 oflateral slide bracket 340. - Moreover, and in a preferred embodiment of
mobility device 1,lateral slide bracket 340 is laterally displaceable along one ormore rails 305 attached tolateral slide track 300. In a preferred embodiment whereinlateral slide track 300 has one or more lateral slide track rails 305,lateral slide bracket 340 comprises one or more void spaces to accommodate such lateral slide track rails 305. In a preferred embodiment, whereinlateral slide track 300 has positioned on lower surface 310 a lateralslide track rail 305 and with reference toFIGS. 11 and 12 , positioned inlower surface 352 oflateral slide bracket 340 isvoid wedge 353 comprising a three dimensional void space proximallower surface 310 oflateral slide track 300.Lateral slide bracket 340 is positioned withinlateral slide track 300 so as to accommodate lateralslide track rail 305 positioned on lateral slide tracklower surface 310 invoid wedge 353. Preferably,void wedge 353 extends substantially laterally fromfront surface 346 oflateral slide bracket 340 torear surface 348 oflateral slide bracket 340 and lateralslide track rail 305 extends substantially laterally from thefront surface 304 oflateral slide track 300 to therear surface 312 oflateral slide track 300. - Alternatively, and with reference to
FIG. 16 , in a preferred embodiment ofmobility device 1 wherein positioned in the void space abovelower surface 310 and belowupper surface 302 and extending laterally fromfront surface 304 torear surface 312 oflateral slide track 300 are one or more lateral slide track rails 305, positioned withinlateral slide bracket 340 is one or more hollow horizontally-oriented lateral slide bracket channels extending laterally withinlateral slide bracket 340 from an aperture on thefront surface 346 oflateral slide bracket 340 to an aperture on therear surface 348 oflateral slide bracket 340, with one channel inlateral slide bracket 340 per lateralslide track rail 305 positioned in thelateral slide track 300 void space. The apertures on thefront surface 346 andrear surface 348 oflateral slide bracket 340 and one or more channels inlateral slide bracket 340 are longitudinally and vertically positioned to substantially coincide with the longitudinal and vertical position of the one or more lateral track rails 305, with one lateralslide track rail 305 passing through each aperture onfront surface 346, aperture onrear surface 348, and the lateral slide bracket channel therebetween. Preferably, positioned in the void space oflateral slide track 300 are two lateral slide track rails 305 andlateral slide bracket 340 has two apertures on each offront surface 346 andrear surface 348 and a channel extending between each of the two sets of the front surface 346-rear surface 348 apertures. -
Lateral slide bracket 340 is securedly engaged tolateral slide track 300 using any one of many known methods in the art. Preferably,lateral slide bracket 340 is secured tolateral slide track 300 through use of a lateralslide bracket pin 362 extending downward throughgap 306 oflateral slide track 300 that is secured against theupper surface 350 oflateral slide bracket 340. In one such preferred embodiment, lateralslide bracket pin 362 is comprised of head (not separately numbered) attached to the upper end of a shaft (not separately numbered). Lateralslide bracket pin 362 is inserted throughgap 306 oflateral slide track 300, aperture G on lateral slide bracketupper surface 350, lateral slide brackethollow channel 364, and aperture E on lateral slide bracketlower surface 352 to a vertical position wherein the lower portion of the shaft of lateralslide bracket pin 362 abutslower surface 310 oflateral slide track 300 to securelateral slide bracket 340 tolateral slide track 300 to renderlateral slide bracket 340 immovable laterally. - In a preferred embodiment of
such mobility device 1, a set screw (not separately numbered or depicted) is positioned in the lower portion of lateral slide brackethollow channel 364. Lateralslide bracket pin 362 is inserted vertically downward throughgap 306 oflateral slide track 300, aperture G onupper surface 350 oflateral slide bracket 340 through the interior oflateral slide bracket 340 to and through aperture E onlower surface 352 oflateral slide bracket 340 to a vertical position wherein the lower end of the shaft of lateralslide bracket pin 362 engages the upper portion of the set screw and pushes the lower portion of the set screw through aperture E onlower surface 352 oflateral slide bracket 340, with such set screw lower portion abuttinglower surface 310 oflateral slide track 300 to securelateral slide bracket 340 tolateral slide track 300 to renderlateral slide bracket 340 immovable laterally. Most preferably, lateralslide bracket pin 362 bridges the vertical gap above theupper surface 350 oflateral slide bracket 340 and below theupper surface 302 oflateral slide track 300 such that thelateral slide bracket 340 cannot be laterally displaced. - To adjust the lateral position of
lateral slide bracket 340 when the shaft of the lateralslide bracket pin 362 is inserted in lateral slide brackethollow channel 364 such that the lower portion of the shaft of lateralslide bracket pin 362 or, as may be, the set screw positioned in lateral slide brackethollow channel 364, abuts the lower surfaced 310 oflateral slide track 300, the user retracts lateralslide bracket pin 362 by turning or pulling the head of lateralslide bracket pin 362 which vertically retracts a portion of the shaft of lateralslide bracket pin 362 from the interior oflateral slide bracket 340 to thereby separate the lower portion of the shaft of lateralslide bracket pin 362 or, as may be, the set screw in lateral slide brackethollow channel 364, from thelower surface 310 oflateral slide track 300, which renderslateral slide bracket 340 movable laterally. The user then positions thelateral slide bracket 340, preferably withlateral slide bracket 340 sliding laterally along one or more lateral slide track rails 305 accommodated and positioned within one or more void spaces laterally passing throughlateral slide bracket 340 as shown inFIG. 16 or in avoid wedge 353 inlower surface 352 oflateral slide bracket 340 as shown inFIG. 11 , to the desired lateral position by displacinglateral slide bracket 340 laterally toward the rear or front ofmobility device 1 as needed oncelateral slide bracket 340 is displaced to the desired lateral position. The user then re-inserts lateralslide bracket pin 362, with the lower portion of the shaft of the lateralslide bracket pin 362 or, as may be, set screw in the lateral slide brackethollow channel 364, extending vertically downward through aperture E onlower surface 352 oflateral slide bracket 340 so as to abutlower surface 310 oflateral slide track 300, which renderslateral slide bracket 340 immovable laterally. - In an alternative embodiment of
mobility device 1 and with reference toFIG. 16 ,lateral slide bracket 340 is secured tolateral slide track 300 through use of a lateralslide bracket pin 362 inserted throughgap 306 oflateral slide track 300, wherein lateralslide bracket pin 362 preferably is comprised of a head attached to the upper end of a shaft. Positioned on the lower end of lateralslide bracket pin 362 is lateral slidebracket pin nut 365 comprised of (i) an upper segment with an open topside, and open underside aligned with the open topside, and a hollow void between the topside and underside, preferably such upper segment shaped substantially cylindrically, and (ii) a lower segment with a hollow portion located substantially in the center of the lower segment, the hollow portion defined by an open topside and open underside and that are both aligned withgap 306, the hollow void of the lower segment, and the open topside and underside of the upper segment of lateral slidebracket pin nut 365. Preferably, the lower segment of lateral slidebracket pin nut 365 is shaped substantially circularly. - Lateral slide
bracket pin nut 365 is longitudinally positioned to substantially coincide with thegap 306 oflateral slide track 300. Lateral slidebracket pin nut 365 is vertically positioned to extend aboveupper surface 302 oflateral slide track 300 downward throughgap 306 oflateral slide track 300 towardlateral slide bracket 340. Preferably, the upper segment of lateral slidebracket pin nut 365 is vertically positioned substantially aboveupper surface 302 oflateral slide track 300 and is displaceable downward so as to position a greater portion of upper segment of lateral slidebracket pin nut 365 belowupper surface 302 oflateral slide track 300 upon the lowering of lateralslide bracket pin 362. The lower segment of lateral slidebracket pin nut 365 is vertically positioned belowupper surface 302 oflateral slide track 300 and is displaceable downward toward theupper surface 350 oflateral slide bracket 340. Additionally, and preferably, lateralslide bracket pin 362 comprises a head attached to the upper end of a shaft which is threaded and the interior of the hollow void in the upper segment of lateral slidebracket pin nut 365 and interior of the hollow portion of lower segment of lateral slidebracket pin nut 365 are threated to receptively accommodate the threading of the shaft of lateralslide bracket pin 362. - Positioned below lateral slide
bracket pin nut 365 is lateralslide bracket stopper 366 comprised of an upper surface, a lower surface, and one or more vertical surfaces therebetween. Preferably, lateral slidebracket pin stopper 366 is substantially cylindrical comprising a thin cylinder with a large diameter relative to height and comprising a horizontal upper circular surface, a horizontal lower circular surface, and a vertical side circular surface therebetween. More preferably, lateralslide bracket stopper 366 sits in an indentation on theupper surface 350 oflateral slide bracket 340 having substantially the same cross sectional area as lateralslide bracket stopper 366. Additionally and more preferably, positioned on the upper surface of lateralslide bracket stopper 366 is a protrusion which extends vertically above the upper surface of lateralslide bracket stopper 366, such protrusion longitudinally positioned to align withgap 306 oflateral slide track 300 and having a cross sectional area smaller relative to the cross sectional area of the remaining, lower portion of lateralslide bracket stopper 366. More preferably, such protrusion has an open topside and is substantially cylindrical, having a closed underside corresponding with the upper surface of lateralslide bracket stopper 366. Additionally, and more preferably, lateralslide bracket pin 362 comprises a head attached to the upper end of a shaft which is threaded and the interior of the protrusion of the lateralslide bracket stopper 366 is threaded to receptively accommodate the threading of the shaft of lateralslide bracket pin 362. - In embodiments of
mobility device 1 comprising a lateral slidebracket pin nut 365 and lateralslide bracket stopper 366, the lateralslide bracket pin 362 is longitudinally positioned to align withgap 306 oflateral slide track 300 and the lower portion of lateralslide bracket pin 362 is inserted into the open topside of the upper segment of lateral slidebracket pin nut 365 which is aligned withgap 306 oflateral slide track 300, through the hollow void in the interior of the upper segment of lateral slidebracket pin nut 365, through the open underside of the upper segment of lateral slidebracket pin nut 365, and through the hollow portion of the lower segment of lateral slidebracket pin nut 365 to a vertical position wherein the lower portion of lateralslide bracket pin 362 abuts the lateralslide bracket stopper 366. In preferred embodiments, the lower end of the shaft of lateralslide bracket pin 362 is inserted into thegap 306 oflateral slide track 300 and lateral slidebracket pin nut 365 as set forth above, with the lower portion of the shaft downwardly inserted to a vertical position wherein it abuts the lateralslide bracket stopper 366, more preferably, such shaft is inserted into a protrusion extending upward from the lateralslide bracket stopper 366 upper surface, with such insertion extending downwardly to a vertical position where lateralslide bracket pin 362 abuts lateralslide bracket stopper 366 upper surface which corresponds with the closed underside of such protrusion. The lateralslide bracket pin 362 is inserted so that the compression imparted by lateralslide bracket pin 362 extending through lateral slidebracket pin nut 365 on lateralslide bracket stopper 366 andlateral slide bracket 340 renderslateral slide bracket 340 immovable laterally. - Preferably, as indicated earlier, the shaft of lateral
slide bracket pin 362 is threaded and the interior of the upper segment of lateral slidebracket pin nut 365 is threaded so as to receptively accommodate the threading of threaded shaft of lateralslide bracket pin 362. In such embodiments, the downward insertion of lateralslide bracket pin 362 through lateral slidebracket pin nut 365 comprises screwing, with the continued screwing down of the lateralslide bracket pin 362 after abutment with lateralslide bracket stopper 366 causing the lowering of the lateral slidebracket pin nut 365 downward to a point where lateral slidebracket pin nut 365 abuts lateralslide bracket stopper 366, more preferably the lower portion of lateral slidebracket pin nut 365 abutting a protrusion extending upward from the upper surface of lateralslide bracket stopper 366, with the lateral slidebracket pin nut 365 and the lateralslide bracket stopper 366 thereunder bridging the vertical gap above thelateral slide bracket 340 and below theupper surface 302 oflateral slide track 300 such that thelateral slide bracket 340 cannot be laterally displaced. - In a preferred embodiment,
mobility device 1 comprises a lateral slide bracket pin nut 365-lateralslide bracket stopper 366 combination and wherein the lateralslide bracket pin 362, preferably comprising a head attached to the upper end of a shaft that is more preferably threaded, is longitudinally aligned withgap 306 oflateral slide track 300, the lower portion ofpin 362 is inserted into and through the lateral slidebracket pin nut 365 to a vertical position of abutment with the lateralslide bracket stopper 366 so as to laterally secure thelateral slide bracket 340 which is positioned below the lateralslide bracket stopper 366, with the lateral slidebracket pin nut 365 andlateral bracket stopper 366 bridging the vertical gap aboveupper surface 350 oflateral slide bracket 340 and belowupper surface 302 oflateral slide track 300. To adjust the lateral position oflateral slide bracket 340, the user retracts lateralslide bracket pin 362, preferablysuch pin 362 comprising a head attached to the upper end of a threaded shaft and such retraction comprising the unscrewing of the threaded shaft of lateralslide bracket pin 362. Such retraction results in the separation of the lateralslide bracket pin 362 from the lateralslide bracket stopper 366, preferably separation from the upper surface of the lateralslide bracket stopper 366 and more preferably separation from the lateralslide bracket stopper 366 to substantially or completely retract lateralslide bracket pin 362 from a hollow protrusion positioned on the upper surface of lateralslide bracket stopper 366. Such separation relieves the compression imparted by lateralslide bracket pin 362 and lateralslide bracket stopper 366 onlateral slide bracket 340 so as to renderlateral slide bracket 340 movable laterally. The retraction of lateralslide bracket pin 362 results in the (i) upward displacement of lateralslide bracket pin 362 to a position wherepin 362 does not abut the upper surface of lateralslide bracket stopper 366 and (ii) upward displacement of lateral slidebracket pin nut 365 to a position whereby lateral slidebracket pin nut 365 does not abut lateralslide bracket stopper 366 and the lateralslide bracket stopper 366 and lateral slidebracket pin nut 365 do not bridge the vertical gap above theupper surface 350 oflateral slide bracket 340 and below theupper surface 302 oflateral slide track 300. After relief of the compression imparted by lateralslide bracket pin 362 and lateralslide bracket stopper 366 onlateral slide bracket 340, the user then laterally displaces thelateral slide bracket 340 toward the rear or front ofmobility device 1 as needed, preferably withlateral slide bracket 340 displacing laterally along one or more lateral slide track rails 305 accommodated and positioned within one or more void spaces laterally passing throughlateral slide bracket 340 as shown inFIG. 16 or within avoid wedge 353 inlower surface 353 oflateral slide bracket 340 as shown inFIG. 11 . The user then re-inserts lateralslide bracket pin 362 through lateral slidebracket pin nut 365 to a vertical position such that the lateralslide bracket pin 362 abuts lateralslide bracket stopper 366, more preferably re-insertion of the lower portion of lateralslide bracket pin 362 through the hollow portions of lateral slidebracket pin nut 365 and the hollow protrusion positioned on the upper surface of lateralslide bracket stopper 366 to a position of abutment of the lower portion of lateralslide bracket pin 362 with the upper surface of lateralslide bracket stopper 366. More preferably, lateralslide bracket pin 362 is inserted into lateral slidebracket pin nut 365, causing the lowering of lateral slidebracket pin nut 365 so that the lateral slidebracket pin nut 365 and lateralslide bracket stopper 366 thereunder bridge the vertical gap above theupper surface 350 oflateral slide bracket 340 and below theupper surface 302 oflateral slide track 300. Such abutment provides compression imparted by lateralslide bracket pin 362 on lateralslide bracket stopper 366 andlateral slide bracket 340 positioned below lateralslide bracket stopper 366 so as to renderlateral slide bracket 340 immovable laterally. - Alternatively, the position of
lateral slide bracket 340 can be laterally adjusted and secured tolateral slide track 300 using any one of other alternate multiple means known in the art. - Adjustment of Tension in Tension Strap 390: With reference to
FIGS. 1-9, 11, 13-14 , and 17-18,mobility device 1 comprisestension strap 390 attached tolateral slide bracket 340. The tension intension strap 390 can be adjusted, and the adjustment of such tension and the attachment oftension strap 390 tolateral slide bracket 340 can be accomplished using any one of multiple methods known in the art. - Adjustment of Tension in
Tension Strap 390 with Angulatedly Displaceable Handle 370 Attached to Lateral Slide Bracket 340: With reference toFIGS. 1-9, 11, and 13-14 ,tension strap 390 is attached to handle 370, withhandle 370 angulatedly displaceable which adjusts the tension intension strap 390. Handle 370 compriseslever 375 attached to lever joint 371 which is rotatably attached to ratchetgear 378 which is attached tolateral slide bracket 340. Preferably,ratchet gear 378 attaches to one or more surfaces oflateral slide bracket 340. More preferably,ratchet gear 378 attaches to one offront surface 346 andrear surface 348 oflateral slide bracket 340 at a longitudinal position posteriorlateral slide track 300. Additionally and more preferably,ratchet gear 378 attaches torear surface 348 oflateral slide bracket 340. One ormore attachment structures 358 attachesratchet gear 378 tolateral slide bracket 340.Attachment structures 358 comprise any one or more known structures used in the attachment of physical objects, such as screws, nut/bolt assemblies, and clamps. Preferably, each attachingstructure 358 comprises a screw used either in conjunction with a washer or alone. -
Lever 375 comprises a substantially hollow structure with an upper portion and a lower portion and with an opening proximallateral side bracket 340. Additionally and preferably,lever 375 is (i) cylindrically shaped, (ii) the topside oflever 375 in the upper portion oflever 375 is open, and (iii) the opening is positioned in the lower portion oflever 375. Additionally, and in a preferred embodiment, the underside oflever 375 in the lower portion of 375 is closed. Moreover and in a preferred embodiment, the exterior of upper portion oflever 375 is sheathed withlever cover 372. Preferably,lever cover 372 is made of a material conducive to serving as a grip for the user's hand. More preferably, such material is one or more materials selected from the group consisting of synthetic rubber, natural rubber, or a thermo-plastic material such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinylchloride (PVC), neoprene, or a polyolefin such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polymethylpentene (PMP), or polybutane-1 (PB-1). Further and preferably,lever grip 357 is positioned between the upper portion and lower portion oflever 375. - The lower portion of
lever 375 is attached to lever joint 371. Lever joint 371 comprises a substantially hollow casing within which is housed bearing 359 which is rotatable within the hollow casing comprising lever joint 371. The rotatability of bearing 359 allows for lever joint 371 andlever 375 attached to lever joint 371 to rotate around an axis that is substantially perpendicular tolateral slide bracket 340. - Lever joint 371 is attached to ratchet
gear 378. Additionally, in a preferred embodiment, bearing 359 is attached to ratchetgear 378. Such attachment can be accomplished using any one or more known structures used in the attachment of physical objects, such as screws (with or without washers), nut/bolt assemblies, and clamps. - In a preferred embodiment,
ratchet gear 378 comprises a structure with an anterior end substantially parallel torear surface 348 and front surface oflateral slide bracket 340, a lower end substantially parallel tolower surface 352 oflateral slide bracket 340, and a posterior end between anterior end and lower end, the posterior end having an inner edge and an outer edge, whereby the outer edge comprises a substantially 90-degree arc between lower end and anterior end. Positioned on the inner edge of posterior end ofratchet gear 378 are gear teeth 379 (a plurality of gear tooth 379), eachsuch gear tooth 379 formed by an upper edge and a lower edge joined to upper edge thereby creating anterior vertex V proximal the anterior ofmobility device 1. Separatingadjacent gear teeth 379, wherebyadjacent gear teeth 379 comprise afirst gear tooth 379 and asecond gear tooth 379 positioned vertically belowfirst gear tooth 379, is inner vertex W proximal the posterior ofmobility device 1, such inner vertex W formed by the lower edge of thefirst gear tooth 379 and the upper edge of thesecond gear tooth 379. Preferably,gear teeth 379 are uniform but asymmetrical, with eachgear tooth 379 having a moderate slope on one edge and a much steeper slope on the other edge. More preferably, thegear teeth 379 are substantially triangular in shape and the void space betweenadjacent gear teeth 379 is substantially triangular. - The rotatability of
lever 375 at lever joint 371 around an axis substantially perpendicular tolateral slide bracket 340 at lever joint 371 resulting from bearing 359 housed in the interior of lever joint 371 allows forlever 375 ofhandle 370 to be extendable angulatedly fromlateral slide bracket 340 toward the posterior ofmobility device 1 until it is substantially parallel withlower surface 352 oflateral slide bracket 340 and toward the anterior ofmobility device 1 until it is substantially perpendicular withlower surface 352 oflateral slide bracket 340. - The angular orientation of
lever 375 ofhandle 370 is adjustable using any one of multiple methods known in the art. In a preferred embodiment, positioned in the interior oflever 375 ofhandle 370 isspring 373 with an upper end and a lower end, the lower end ofspring 373 attached to one or more of the exterior of casing of lever joint 371 and a closed underside oflever 375. Attached to the upper end ofspring 373 isslider 377 which is also positioned in the interior oflever 375 ofhandle 370.Slider 377 comprises a structure with an upper end and a lower end, a first side end that isproximal ratchet gear 378 and a second side end that is distal fromratchet gear 378 wherein each side end extends between the upper and lower ends, and an anterior and a posterior end each extending between the upper and lower ends and the first and second side ends, with the lower end ofslider 377 attached to the upper end ofspring 373. - Also positioned in the interior of
lever 375 ofhandle 370 is pawl 367.Pawl 367 comprises an upper surface oriented toward the anterior ofmobility device 1, a lower surface oriented toward the posterior ofmobility device 1, a first side surface that isproximal ratchet gear 378 and a second side surface that is distal fromratchet gear 378. Each side surface ofpawl 367 extends between the upper and lower surfaces ofpawl 367 and at least a portion of the lower surface ofpawl 367 engages an edge of agear tooth 379, preferably the upper edge ofgear tooth 379. The engaging ofpawl 367 to agear tooth 379 angulatedly secureslever 375 to ratchetgear 378 such thatbearing 359 in lever joint 371 is not rotatable which prevents the rotation of lever joint 371 andlever 375 attached to lever joint 371 around an axis that is substantially perpendicular tolateral slide bracket 340. - In one preferred embodiment,
slider 377 is directly attached topawl 367, preferably with the second side surface ofpawl 367 attached to the first side end ofslider 377. The thickness (lateral dimension) ofslider 377 is sized so that at least the first side surface ofpawl 367 and at least a portion of the lower surface ofpawl 367 extends outside the interior oflever 375 through the opening at lower portion oflever 375 proximallateral side bracket 340, with such portion of the lower surface ofpawl 367 engaging agear tooth 379. More preferably, the thickness ofslider 377 is sized so thatpawl 367 is substantially positioned exterior the interior oflever 375. - Alternatively, and in a preferred embodiment,
slider 377 is attached to spacer (not numbered or depicted) and spacer is attached topawl 367 such that spacer is laterally positioned betweenslider 377 andpawl 367. The joint thickness (lateral dimension) ofslider 377 and spacer is sized so that at least the first side surface ofpawl 367 and at least a portion of the lower surface ofpawl 367 extend outside the interior oflever 375 through the opening on the surface ofhandle 370 proximallateral slide bracket 340, with such portion of the lower surface ofpawl 367 engaging agear tooth 379. More preferably, the joint thickness ofslider 377 and spacer is sized so thatpawl 367 is substantially positioned exterior the interior oflever 375. - Also positioned in the interior of
lever 375 ofhandle 370 istrigger rod 376 with an upper end and a lower end, wherein the lower end is attached to upper surface ofslider 377. Preferably,trigger rod 376 is substantially cylindrically shaped. More preferably, the horizontal cross sectional area oftrigger rod 376 is less than the horizontal cross sectional area ofslider 377. Attached to the upper end oftrigger rod 376 istrigger 374 with an upper end and a lower end wherein the lower end oftrigger 374 is attached to the upper end oftrigger rod 376 and at least a portion of the upper end extends outside the interior oflever 375 through the open top oflever 375 so as to be positioned to allow a user to touchtrigger 374. - In an initial angular orientation of
lever 375,pawl 367 engagesinitial gear tooth 379 ofratchet gear 378, preferably with at least a portion of the lower surface of thepawl 367 engaging an edge ofinitial gear tooth 379, more preferably the upper edge ofinitial gear tooth 379 such that the upper surface ofpawl 367 is positioned in the void space aboveinitial gear tooth 379. The engagement ofpawl 367 toinitial gear tooth 379 keepspawl 367 locked againstinitial gear tooth 379 to prevent any change of angular orientation oflever 375 via the pivotal rotation oflever 375 at lever joint 371. To change the angular orientation oflever 375 from an initial angular orientation associated withpawl 367 engaged toinitial gear tooth 379 to a final angular orientation associated withpawl 367 engaged tofinal gear tooth 379, user depressestrigger 374 causing the depression oftrigger rod 376 andslider 377 to a position lower in the interior oflever 375, with the depression ofslider 377 compressing and springably lowering the upper end ofspring 373 within the interior oflever 375. The depression ofslider 377, which is directly or indirectly via spacer attached topawl 367, causes the displacement ofpawl 367 toward the lower portion oflever 375 and distally from upper portion oflever 375. The displacement ofpawl 367 causes the lower surface ofpawl 367 to become disengaged from the edge ofinitial gear tooth 379 and the positioning ofpawl 367 anterior the anterior vertex V ofinitial gear tooth 379 and the void space positioned aboveinitial gear tooth 379. This displacement ofpawl 367 angulatedly freeslever 375 fromratchet gear 378 such thatbearing 359 in lever joint 371 is rotatable which allows for the rotation of lever joint 371 andlever 375 attached to lever joint 371 around an axis that is substantially perpendicular tolateral slide bracket 340. As such,lever 375 becomes freely rotatably at lever joint 371 due to the rotatability of bearing 359 housed in the interior of lever joint 371 attached to lever 375. Withlever 375 freely rotatable, user can extend lever 375 angulatedly toward the posterior ofmobility device 1, preferably to a maximum angulation toward the posterior ofmobility device 1 wherebylever 375 is substantially parallel to thelower surface 352 oflateral slide bracket 340, or toward the anterior ofmobility device 1, preferably to a maximum angulation toward the anterior of mobility device wherebylever 375 is substantially perpendicular to thelower surface 352 oflateral slide bracket 340. Withhandle 375 thus freely rotatable, user angulatedly positions handle 375 to a desired angular position. - When the
lever 375 is in the desired angular orientation, user releases trigger 374 causing the decompression ofspring 373, which results in the displacement of the upper end ofspring 373,trigger rod 376, andslider 377 upward in the interior oflever 375. This upward displacement ofslider 377, which is directly or indirectly via spacer attached topawl 367, causes the displacement ofpawl 367 toward the upper portion oflever 375 and distally from upper portion oflever 375. This displacement ofpawl 367 causes the lower surface ofpawl 367 to become engaged with an edge offinal gear tooth 379. This displacement ofpawl 367 and engagement ofpawl 367 tofinal gear tooth 379 angulatedly secureslever 375 to ratchetgear 378 such thatbearing 359 in lever joint 371 is not rotatable, which thus rotatably secures lever joint 371 andlever 375 attached to lever joint 371 to ratchetgear 378. - Adjustment of Tension in
Tension Strap 390 with Tension Strap Reel: In an alternative embodiment and with reference toFIGS. 17 and 18 , the adjustment of the tension intension strap 390 is accomplished using tension strap reel assembly attached tolateral slide bracket 340, preferably attached to one or more of thelower surface 352 oflateral slide bracket 340 andupper surface 350 oflateral slide bracket 340. Tension strap reel assembly comprises areel assembly base 402 attached to thelateral slide bracket 340, preferably attached to the posterior of thelateral slide bracket 340. Disposed abovereel base 402 isreel 406 which is supported byreel base 402 which is rotatable around an axis perpendicular tolateral slide bracket 304 and to which is secured one end oftension strap 390, which is wound aroundtension strap 390, with the other end oftension strap 390 free and displaceable fromreel 406. More preferably, reel 406 is substantially circular or cylindrical. Preferably, disposed betweenreel base 402 and reel 406 is one or more reel bearings (not depicted or numbered) secured to and rotatable along withreel 406. Preferably, one or more spacers (not depicted or numbered) is disposed betweenreel base 402 andlower surface 352 oflateral slide bracket 340. - Disposed above
reel 406 isreel assembly cover 408 which is attached toupper surface 350 oflateral slide bracket 340. Preferably, disposed betweenreel assembly cover 408 andupper surface 350 oflateral slide bracket 340 is one or more spacers (not depicted or numbered).Reel assembly cover 408 is comprised of an integral structure or one or more integral structures joined together to form one structure with a hanger shape comprising a substantially rectangular anterior portion and a posterior portion with a void positioned between the anterior and posterior portions ofreel assembly cover 408. The void ofreel assembly cover 408 is sized to accommodatereel 406 andsecure reel 406 therein. Preferably, the void is substantially circular and reel 406 is substantially cylindrical and accommodated within the substantially circular void ofreel assembly cover 408. -
Reel 406 is rotatably attached to reelgear 414 comprising a substantially circular disc with a plurality of reel gear teeth (not numbered) positioned around the disc circumference. Each such gear tooth is formed by an upper edge and a lower edge joined to upper edge thereby creating an outer vertex, with an inner vertex formed by the lower edge of a gear tooth and the upper edge of the adjacent reel gear teeth such that the inner vertex separates adjacent reel gear teeth. The upper surface of the disc ofreel gear 414 is attached to reelknob 416. Preferably, one or more bearings is disposed betweenreel 406 andreel gear 414. - Positioned on and secured to reel
assembly cover 408 isreel pawl 412.Reel pawl 412 has an anterior end, posterior end, and first and second sides extending between anterior and posterior ends. Preferably, the first side ofreel pawl 412 is proximal the front ofmobility device 1 and the second side ofreel pawl 412 is proximal the rear ofmobility device 1 such that the first side comprises a front side ofreel pawl 412 and a second side comprises a rear side ofreel pawl 412. An end or side ofreel pawl 412 engages one tooth of reel gear 414 (“reel pawl engaged surface”). Preferably, the posterior end ofreel pawl 412 comprises the reel pawl engaged surface and engages one reel tooth ofreel gear 414. - In a preferred embodiment,
reel pawl 412 is secured to reelassembly cover 408 by a reel pawl peg (not numbered) comprising a protuberance extending vertically upward fromreel assembly cover 408. In such preferred embodiment, the anterior ofreel pawl 412 has positioned therein a substantially vertical void space substantially sized to accommodate the reel pawl peg, preferably approximating the size of the reel pawl peg. The reel pawl peg is positioned within the vertical void space at the anterior ofreel pawl 412. More preferably, the upper end of the reel pawl peg has a hollow channel through which a securing device, preferably a cotter pin, can be inserted to maintainreel pawl 412 secured to and positioned onreel assembly cover 408. - Extending anteriorly from one of the anterior end of
reel pawl 412, first side ofreel pawl 412, or second side ofreel pawl 412 is reel pawl tab (not numbered). Preferably, reel pawl tab extends anteriorly from the first side ofreel pawl 412 and the first side ofreel pawl 412 comprises a front side ofreel pawl 412 and reel pawl tab extends anteriorly therefrom. Alternatively and in a preferred embodiment, the second side ofreel pawl 412 comprises a rear side ofreel pawl 412 and reel pawl tab extends anteriorly therefrom. - Secured to the side of
reel pawl 412 opposite the side with reel pawl tab is a first end of reel pawl spring 410, and a second end of reel pawl spring 410 is secured to reelassembly cover 408. Preferably, the second end of reel pawl spring 410 comprises a substantially circular loop that is placed over and secured to a spring peg (not numbered) comprising a protuberance extending vertically upward fromreel assembly cover 408 and positioned distally from the reel pawl peg. -
Reel gear 414 can move without restriction in an unrestricted direction, preferably the unrestricted direction being counterclockwise, when the plurality of reel gear teeth move in the unrestricted direction, with thereel pawl 412 engaged surface easily sliding up and over the edges of the plurality of gear teeth ofreel gear 414. The stiffness of reel pawl spring 410 maintainsreel pawl 412 engaged to a gear tooth ofreel gear 414, with reel pawl spring 410 forcing thereel pawl 412 engaged surface into the depression between the plurality of gear teeth, i.e., proximal the inner vertex formed by the lower edge of a gear tooth and the upper edge of an adjacent reel gear teeth, as thereel pawl 412 engaged surface passes the outer vertex of each reel pawl tooth. Whenreel gear 414 moves in a restricted direction opposite the unrestricted direction, preferably the restricted direction being clockwise, thereel pawl 412 engaged surface catches against the edge of the first gear tooth it encounters, thereby engaging thereel pawl 412 engaged surface within the inner vertex between adjacent reel gear teeth and preventing any further motion ofreel gear 414 in the restricted direction. - To impart tension on
tension strap 390 and remove any slack length oftension strap 390 during use, the user secures the leg of the foot onstirrup 60 totension strap 390 and rotates in the unrestricteddirection reel knob 406, which rotatesreel gear 414 and reel 406, resulting in the winding oftension strap 390 aroundreel 406 and an overall shorter free longitudinal length oftension strap 390 unwound off ofreel 406 and positioned to the posterior oflateral slide bracket 340. After use and to allow for the user to introduce slack totension strap 390 so as to remove the leg fromtension strap 390, the user removes the tension intension strap 390 by triggering and holding reel pawl tab ofreel pawl 412 which causes displacement ofreel pawl 412 distally from reel pawl spring 410, causing the extension of reel pawl spring 410 and the disengagement ofreel pawl 412 engaged surface from any reel teeth ofreel gear 414, which allows for free rotation ofreel 406,reel gear 414, andreel knob 406 in the restricted direction resulting from the lack of engagement ofreel pawl 412 engaged surface on any reel tooth ofreel gear 414. - Tension Strap: With reference to
FIGS. 1-9, 11, 13-14, and 17-18 ,mobility device 1 further comprisestension strap 390.Tension strap 390 can be made from any one of many materials known in the art, including leather, rubber, a textile, or a synthetic. In an embodiment ofmobility device 1 wherein the tension intension strap 390 is adjustable byhandle 370 as described herein and with reference toFIGS. 1-14 ,tension strap 390 is attached, more preferably removably attached in a manner to allow for replacement oftension strap 390, to handle 370 by snaps, buttons, pegs, or other methods known in the exercise equipment arts. More preferably,tension strap 390 is removably attached to lever 375 by securingtension strap 390 to levergrip 357. Additionally and preferably,tension strap 390 is looped through a void space positioned betweenlever 375 andlever grip 357. In an embodiment ofmobility device 1 wherein the tension intension strap 390 is adjustable by a tension strap reel assembly, and with reference toFIGS. 17-18 ,tension strap 390 is secured to and wound aroundreel 406 of tension strap reel assembly. - In a preferred embodiment,
tension strap 390 comprises a strap member with a free first end and a second end attached to a tension strap buckle to allow for the user to adjust the total circumferential length of strap member whentension strap 390 is in use by a user by increasing or decreasing the slack length of strap member oftension strap 390. More preferably, positioned on the exterior surface of strap member to the anterior or posterior of tension strap buckle is tension strap loop (not depicted or numbered) through which the slack length oftension strap 390 passes. Tension strap loop may be affixed to the exterior surface oftension strap 390 using any one of many methods known in the art, such as adhesive or stitching. Additionally, and more preferably, positioned on the free end of strap member is end tip (not depicted or numbered) which serves to protect the end of the slack length of the strap member after passing through tension strap buckle. More preferably, positioned on the exterior of strap member to the anterior or posterior of tension strap buckle is a tension strap loop (not depicted or numbered) through which the slack length of strap member oftension strap 390 passes. The tension strap loop may be affixed to strap member oftension strap 390 using any one of many methods known in the art, such as adhesive or stitching. - Tension strap buckle can comprise any one of multiple buckle designs known in the art. Preferably, tension strap buckle comprises a frame with an upper portion, anterior portion, lower portion, and posterior portion, and a prong with a first end and a second end and which goes across the frame, extending longitudinally between anterior and posterior portions, with the first end of the prong attached to one of the anterior or posterior portions and the second end passing through one of a plurality of apertures on strap member and coming to rest against one of the posterior or anterior portions, respectively. Tension strap buckle can be made from any one of many materials known in the art, such as plastic or metal. Preferably, tension strap buckle is made of metal and
tension strap 390 is made of rubber. Additionally and preferably, positioned ontension strap 390 is one or more apertures through which the prong of the tension strap buckle is passed so as to securetension strap 390 and fix the total circumferential length of strap member whentension strap 390 is in use by a user. - In one embodiment of
mobility device 1 and with reference toFIGS. 1-14 , adjustment of the angular orientation ofhandle 370 changes the tension intension strap 390 which is attached to handle 370. Lowering thehandle 370 toward the posterior ofmobility device 1 moves thetension strap 390 closer to the heel of a user, which is positioned in the posterior section R ofstirrup 60, and closer to the leg of such user which provides for slackening oftension strap 390 and release of tension intension strap 390. When the user is ready to increase the tension intension strap 390 as desired for physical therapy, the user raises thehandle 370 toward the anterior ofmobility device 1 which moves thetension strap 390 further from the heel of a user, which is positioned in the posterior section R ofstirrup 60, and further from the leg of such user which provides for tightening oftension strap 390 and increase of tension intension strap 390. - In an embodiment of
mobility device 1 whereintension strap 390 tension is controllable by a tension strap reel assembly and with reference toFIGS. 17-18 , adjustment and manipulation ofreel knob 416 andreel pawl 412 of reel assembly results in rotation ofreel 406 around which is wound and to which is attached one end oftension strap 390, which varies the tension intension strap 390, with counterclockwise rotation ofreel 406 resulting in the winding oftension strap 390 aroundreel 406 resulting in an overall shorter free longitudinal length oftension strap 390 unwound off ofreel 406 and positioned to the posterior oflateral slide bracket 340. - Sensors: In a preferred embodiment,
mobility device 1 is integrated with a plurality of sensors that can measure the position of structures ofmobility device 1 and transmit such position measurements to a digital storage medium for storage. Integrated instirrup 60 is stirrup position sensor which measures at least the height ofstirrup 60 and angle ofstirrup 60 with respect the longitudinal axis, lateral axis, and vertical axis ofmobility device 1 which are defined by the middlelongitudinal portion 16 ofbase 10, an axis passing through such stirrup sensor and parallel to one of theanterior portion 12 ofbase 10 andposterior portion 14 ofbase 10, andcenter post 50, respectively. Additionally, the user places around the calf of the leg with the foot that is onstirrup 60 calf sensor band 399 (FIG. 6 ) comprising a flexible band and a sensor integrated therein which the user places. The sensors ofcalf sensor band 399 andstirrup 60 provide measurements of the range of motion of a user's ankle when usingmobility device 1 by measuring the distance and angle between stirrup sensor and the sensor incalf sensor band 399. Moreover, one or more tension strap sensors is integrated intension strap 390 to measure the position of and the tension intension strap 390. Furthermore, and preferably, the one or more tension strap sensors are integrated intotension strap 390 to measure tension intension strap 390 whenmobility device 1 is in use. More preferably, one or more sensors are provided with means for recording when sensors are powered on and powered off to provide a measure of the duration of use by a user ofmobility device 1 and the frequency of use ofmobility device 1. Additionally, and in a preferred embodiment, the sensors are provided with means for remotely adjusting the position and angular orientation ofstirrup 60. Furthermore, and preferably, one or more lateral slide bracket sensors are integrated intolateral slide bracket 340 to measure the lateral position oflateral slide bracket 340 whenmobility device 1 is in use. Additionally, and preferably, one or more post sensors are integrated into one or more ofcenter post 50 and tension post 20 o measure the vertical position of such one or more posts whenmobility device 1 is in use. - The user adjusts the vertical positions of each of
center post 50 and tension post 20 to the desired vertical position and adjusts the lateral position oflateral slide bracket 340 to the desired lateral position. Moreover, in preferred embodiments ofmobility device 1 wherein the longitudinal position ofcenter post 50 is adjustable, the user adjusts the longitudinal position ofcenter post 50 to the desired longitudinal position. The user establishes the angular orientation ofstirrup 60 via manipulation of ball joint assembly J. The user places the desired foot onstirrup 60 and positions talustension strap 76 over the top of the foot at the ankle joint line and positions thecalcaneus distraction strap 72 around the back of the foot where the Achilles tendon meets the calcaneus. When the foot is secured in thestirrup 60, the user wraps thetension strap 390 around the back of the calf of the leg whose foot is in thestirrup 60, preferably above the Achilles tendon. In order to positiontension strap 390 around the exercise leg,tension strap 390 must be slack enough to allow for the user to slidetension strap 390 up and around the exercise leg which can be accomplished by adjusting tension intension strap 390 using one of the methods fortension strap 390 tension adjustment described herein as needed in order to create sufficient slack intension strap 390 to allow for positioningtension strap 390 around the exercise leg. The user then imparts the desired tension intension strap 390 by adjusting the tension intension strap 390 using one of the methods oftension strap 390 tension adjustment described herein. The user is then ready to commence exercises inmobility device 1 according to the instructions of a physical therapist or other professional. At the end of the exercises, the user reduces the tension intension strap 390, removestension strap 390 from the exercised leg, and removes the foot fromstirrup 60 by removing the foot from the space bound bystraps
Claims (20)
1. A mobility device for use in physical therapy comprising:
a. A base;
b. A tension post attached to the base wherein the vertical position of the tension post is adjustable through means for vertically adjusting the tension post;
c. A center post attached to the base posterior the tension post and that is longitudinally displaceable, wherein the vertical position of the center post is adjustable through means for vertically adjusting the post;
d. Means for adjusting the angular orientation of a stirrup to allow for the stirrup to pivot inwardly and outwardly, pivot upwardly and downwardly, and rotate circularly about a vertical axis corresponding to the center post, wherein such means is attached to the center post;
e. A stirrup attached to the means for adjusting the angular orientation of a stirrup;
f. One or more straps attached to the stirrup for securing a foot to the stirrup;
g. A lateral slide track attached to the tension post;
h. A lateral slide bracket positioned within the lateral slide track and that is laterally displaceable;
i. Means for securedly engaging the lateral slide bracket to the lateral slide track;
j. A tension strap attached for securing a leg of the foot secured in the stirrup; and
k. Means for adjusting the tension in the tension strap, such means attached to the lateral slide bracket.
2. A mobility device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein one or more rails is attached to the lateral slide track and the lateral slide bracket is laterally displaceable along such one or more rails.
3. A mobility device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the longitudinal length of the stirrup is adjustable.
4. A mobility device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the stirrup has positioned therein a plurality of vertical channels and the means for adjusting the angular orientation of a stirrup comprise a ball joint assembly with an upper portion attached to the stirrup and a lower portion attached to the center post, and wherein the ball joint assembly comprises:
a. A stirrup support plate through which extend a plurality of support plate channels and wherein each of the one or more support plate channels aligns with one of the plurality of stirrup vertical channels;
b. One or more support plate-stirrup attachment assemblies wherein each assembly attaches the stirrup support plate to the stirrup and is accommodated in one of the one or more support plate-stirrup vertical channels;
c. A ball joint comprising a bearing stud and a socket to which is attached the bearing stud and wherein the bearing stud extends through one of the plurality of support plate-stirrup vertical channels and is securedly engaged to the stirrup;
d. One or more brakes abutting the socket;
e. One or more brake screws comprising a horizontal segment comprising a first end and a second end and a vertical segment attached to the second end of the horizontal segment and wherein the first end of the horizontal segment of each brake screw has attached thereto one brake;
f. A rail abutting each of the one or more brakes and wherein each of the one or more brakes is slidably displaceable along the rail; and
g. A casing attached to the center post and having one or more casing hollow channels, wherein within the casing is accommodated at least a portion of the socket, each of the one or more brakes, at least the first end of the horizontal segment of each of the one or more brake screws, and the rail, and wherein the rail is securedly attached to the casing, and wherein the horizontal segment of each of the one or more brake screws extends through one of the one or more casing hollow channels so that the second end of the horizontal segment of each of the one or more brake screws and the vertical segment of each of the one or more brake screws is positioned outside the casing;
h. Wherein the vertical segment of each of the one or more brake screws can be manipulated to retract at least a portion of the horizontal segment of each of the one or more brake screws from the casing and slidably displace each of the one or more brakes to form a gap between each of the one or more brakes and the socket of the ball joint to allow for movement of the ball joint and adjustment of the angular orientation of the stirrup which is securedly engaged to the bearing stud of the ball joint.
5. A mobility device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the base comprises an anterior portion, a posterior portion, and a middle longitudinal portion with an anterior end connected to the anterior portion of the base and a posterior end connected to the posterior end of the base, and further comprising:
a. A plurality of sensors comprising
i. one or more stirrup sensors integrated in the stirrup and wherein at least one stirrup sensor measures the height and angle of the stirrup with respect a longitudinal axis defined by the middle longitudinal portion of the base, a lateral axis defined by an axis passing through such sensor and parallel to one of the anterior portion of the base and the posterior portion of the base, and vertical axis defined by the center post; and
ii. A calf sensor band comprising a flexible band and one or more calf sensors integrated in the flexible band and wherein at least one calf sensor measures the distance between the calf sensor and at least one stirrup sensor and the angular orientation of the such calf sensor relative to at least one stirrup sensor; and
b. Means for relaying sensor measurements to a means for recording the measurements.
6. A mobility device for use in physical therapy comprising:
a. A base;
b. A tension post attached to the base wherein the vertical position of the tension post is adjustable through means for vertically adjusting the tension post;
c. A center post attached to the base posterior the tension post and that is longitudinally displaceable, wherein the vertical position of the center post is adjustable through means for vertically adjusting the post;
d. Means for adjusting the angular orientation of a stirrup to allow for the stirrup to pivot inwardly and outwardly, pivot upwardly and downwardly, and rotate circularly about a vertical axis corresponding to the center post, wherein such means is attached to the center post;
e. A stirrup attached to the means for adjusting the angular orientation of a stirrup;
f. One or more straps attached to the stirrup for securing a foot to the stirrup;
g. A lateral slide track attached to the tension post;
h. A lateral slide bracket positioned within the lateral slide track and that is laterally displaceable;
i. Means for securedly engaging the lateral slide bracket to the lateral slide track; and
j. A tension strap reel assembly comprising:
i. A reel assembly base attached to the lateral slide bracket;
ii. A reel supported by the reel assembly base, wherein the reel is rotatable around an axis perpendicular to the lateral slide bracket and to which is secured one end of a tension strap for securing a leg of the foot secured in the stirrup and wherein the tension strap is woundable around the reel;
iii. A reel assembly cover attached to the lateral slide bracket, wherein the reel assembly cover has positioned therein a void in which is accommodated the reel;
iv. A reel pawl attached to the reel assembly cover and with an anterior end and a posterior end and a first side and a second side, wherein a tab extends anteriorly from one of the sides;
v. A reel pawl spring with a first end attached to the reel pawl and a second end attached to the reel assembly cover;
vi. A reel gear rotatably attached to the reel comprising a substantially circular disc with a plurality of adjacent reel gear teeth disposed around the disc circumference with each reel gear tooth separated from an adjacent reel gear tooth by a depression therebetween and wherein at least an end or side of the reel pawl engages a surface of a reel gear tooth and wherein the stiffness in the reel pawl spring maintains the reel pawl engaged to the reel gear with the positioning of the reel pawl engaged surface in a depression between adjacent reel gear teeth;
vii. A reel knob rotatably attached to the reel gear;
viii. Wherein the reel gear moves without restriction in a first direction when the plurality of reel gear teeth move in the first direction and with restriction in a second direction resulting from engagement of the reel pawl with at least one reel gear tooth;
ix. Wherein tension in the tension strap is imparted by the rotation of the reel knob in the first direction whereby the reel gear and the reel rotate in the first direction resulting in the winding of the tension strap around the reel; and
x. Wherein tension in the tension strap is removed by triggering and holding the reel pawl tab causing the extension of the reel pawl spring and the disengagement of the reel pawl from the reel gear and the rotation in the second direction of the reel, the reel gear, and the reel knob.
7. A mobility device as claimed in claim 6 , wherein one or more rails is attached to the lateral slide track and the lateral slide bracket is laterally displaceable along such one or more rails.
8. A mobility device as claimed in claim 6 , wherein the longitudinal length of the stirrup is adjustable.
9. A mobility device as claimed in claim 6 ball joint assembly, wherein the stirrup has positioned therein a plurality of vertical channels and the means for adjusting the angular orientation of a stirrup comprise a ball joint assembly with an upper portion attached to the stirrup and a lower portion attached to the center post, and wherein the ball joint assembly comprises:
a. A stirrup support plate through which extend a plurality of support plate channels and wherein each of the one or more support plate channels aligns with one of the plurality of stirrup vertical channels;
b. One or more support plate-stirrup attachment assemblies wherein each assembly attaches the stirrup support plate to the stirrup and is accommodated in one of the one or more support plate-stirrup vertical channels;
c. A ball joint comprising a bearing stud and a socket to which is attached the bearing stud and wherein the bearing stud extends through one of the plurality of support plate-stirrup vertical channels and is securedly engaged to the stirrup;
d. One or more brakes abutting the socket;
e. One or more brake screws comprising a horizontal segment comprising a first end and a second end and a vertical segment attached to the second end of the horizontal segment and wherein the first end of the horizontal segment of each brake screw has attached thereto one brake;
f. A rail abutting each of the one or more brakes and wherein each of the one or more brakes is slidably displaceable along the rail; and
g. A casing attached to the center post and having one or more casing hollow channels, wherein within the casing is accommodated at least a portion of the socket, each of the one or more brakes, at least the first end of the horizontal segment of each of the one or more brake screws, and the rail, and wherein the rail is securedly attached to the casing, and wherein the horizontal segment of each of the one or more brake screws extends through one of the one or more casing hollow channels so that the second end of the horizontal segment of each of the one or more brake screws and the vertical segment of each of the one or more brake screws is positioned outside the casing; and
h. Wherein the vertical segment of each of the one or more brake screws can be manipulated to retract at least a portion of the horizontal segment of each of the one or more brake screws from the casing and slidably displace each of the one or more brakes to form a gap between each of the one or more brakes and the socket of the ball joint to allow for movement of the ball joint and adjustment of the angular orientation of the stirrup which is securedly engaged to the bearing stud of the ball joint.
10. A mobility device as claimed in claim 6 ,
a. wherein the base comprises an anterior portion, a posterior portion, and a middle longitudinal portion with an anterior end connected to the anterior portion of the base and a posterior end connected to the posterior end of the base, and further comprising
b. A plurality of sensors comprising
i. one or more stirrup sensors integrated in the stirrup and wherein at least one stirrup sensor measures the height and angle of the stirrup with respect a longitudinal axis defined by the middle longitudinal portion of the base, a lateral axis defined by an axis passing through such sensor and parallel to one of the anterior portion of the base and the posterior portion of the base, and vertical axis defined by the center post; and
ii. A calf sensor band comprising a flexible band and one or more calf sensors integrated in the flexible band and wherein at least one calf sensor measures the distance between the calf sensor and at least one stirrup sensor and the angular orientation of the such calf sensor relative to at least one stirrup sensor; and
c. Means for relaying sensor measurements to a means for recording the measurements.
11. A mobility device for use in physical therapy comprising:
a. A base;
b. A tension post attached to the base wherein the vertical position of the tension post is adjustable through means for vertically adjusting the tension post;
c. A center post attached to the base posterior the tension post wherein the vertical position of the center post is adjustable through means for vertically adjusting the post;
d. Means for adjusting the angular orientation of a stirrup to allow for the stirrup to pivot inwardly and outwardly, pivot upwardly and downwardly, and rotate circularly about a vertical axis corresponding to the center post, wherein such means is attached to the center post;
e. A stirrup attached to the means for adjusting the angular orientation of a stirrup;
f. One or more straps attached to the stirrup for securing a foot to the stirrup;
g. A lateral slide track attached to the tension post;
h. A lateral slide bracket positioned within the lateral slide track and that is laterally displaceable;
i. Means for securedly engaging the lateral slide bracket to the lateral slide track;
j. A ratchet gear attached to the lateral slide bracket;
k. A handle comprising a lever and a lever joint that is rotatably attached to the ratchet gear; and
l. A tension strap attached to the handle for securing a leg of the foot secured in the stirrup.
12. A mobility device as claimed in claim 11 , wherein one or more rails is attached to the lateral slide track and the lateral slide bracket is laterally displaceable along such one or more rails.
13. A mobility device as claimed in claim 11 , wherein the longitudinal length of the stirrup is adjustable.
14. A mobility device for use in physical therapy as claimed in claim 11 , wherein the stirrup has positioned therein a plurality of vertical channels and the means for adjusting the angular orientation of a stirrup comprise a ball joint assembly with an upper portion attached to the stirrup and a lower portion attached to the center post, and wherein the ball joint assembly comprises:
a. A stirrup support plate through which extend a plurality of support plate channels and wherein each of the one or more support plate channels aligns with one of the plurality of stirrup vertical channels;
b. One or more support plate-stirrup attachment assemblies wherein each assembly attaches the stirrup support plate to the stirrup and is accommodated in one of the one or more support plate-stirrup vertical channels;
c. A ball joint comprising a bearing stud and a socket to which is attached the bearing stud and wherein the bearing stud extends through one of the plurality of support plate-stirrup vertical channels and is securedly engaged to the stirrup;
d. One or more brakes abutting the socket;
e. One or more brake screws comprising a horizontal segment comprising a first end and a second end and a vertical segment attached to the second end of the horizontal segment and wherein the first end of the horizontal segment of each brake screw has attached thereto one brake;
f. A rail abutting each of the one or more brakes and wherein each of the one or more brakes is slidably displaceable along the rail; and
g. A casing attached to the center post and having one or more casing hollow channels, wherein within the casing is accommodated at least a portion of the socket, each of the one or more brakes, at least the first end of the horizontal segment of each of the one or more brake screws, and the rail, and wherein the rail is securedly attached to the casing, and wherein the horizontal segment of each of the one or more brake screws extends through one of the one or more casing hollow channels so that the second end of the horizontal segment of each of the one or more brake screws and the vertical segment of each of the one or more brake screws is positioned outside the casing; and
h. Wherein the vertical segment of each of the one or more brake screws can be manipulated to retract at least a portion of the horizontal segment of each of the one or more brake screws from the casing and slidably displace each of the one or more brakes to form a gap between each of the one or more brakes and the socket of the ball joint to allow for movement of the ball joint and adjustment of the angular orientation of the stirrup which is securedly engaged to the bearing stud of the ball joint.
15. A mobility device as claimed in claim 11 , wherein the base comprises an anterior portion, a posterior portion, and a middle longitudinal portion with an anterior end connected to the anterior portion of the base and a posterior end connected to the posterior end of the base, and further comprising:
a. A plurality of sensors comprising
i. one or more stirrup sensors integrated in the stirrup and wherein at least one stirrup sensor measures the height and angle of the stirrup with respect a longitudinal axis defined by the middle longitudinal portion of the base, a lateral axis defined by an axis passing through such sensor and parallel to one of the anterior portion of the base and the posterior portion of the base, and vertical axis defined by the center post; and
ii. A calf sensor band comprising a flexible band and one or more calf sensors integrated in the flexible band and wherein at least one calf sensor measures the distance between the calf sensor and at least one stirrup sensor and the angular orientation of the such calf sensor relative to at least one stirrup sensor; and
b. Means for relaying sensor measurements to a means for recording the measurements.
16. A mobility device for use in physical therapy comprising:
a. A base;
b. A tension post attached to the base wherein the vertical position of the tension post is adjustable through means for vertically adjusting the tension post;
c. A center post attached to the base posterior the tension post wherein the vertical position of the center post is adjustable through means for vertically adjusting the post;
d. Means for adjusting the angular orientation of a stirrup to allow for the stirrup to pivot inwardly and outwardly, pivot upwardly and downwardly, and rotate circularly about a vertical axis corresponding to the center post, wherein such means is attached to the center post;
e. A stirrup attached to the means for adjusting the angular orientation of a stirrup;
f. One or more straps attached to the stirrup for securing a foot to the stirrup;
g. A lateral slide track attached to the tension post;
h. A lateral slide bracket positioned within the lateral slide track and that is laterally displaceable;
i. Means for securedly engaging the lateral slide bracket to the lateral slide track;
j. Tension strap reel assembly comprising:
i. A reel assembly base attached to the lateral slide bracket;
ii. A reel supported by the reel assembly base, wherein the reel is rotatable around an axis perpendicular to the lateral slide bracket and to which is secured one end of a tension strap for securing a leg of the foot secured in the stirrup and wherein the tension strap is woundable around the reel;
iii. A reel assembly cover attached to the lateral slide bracket, wherein the reel assembly cover has positioned therein a void in which is accommodated the reel;
iv. A reel pawl attached to the reel assembly cover and with an anterior end and a posterior end and a first side and a second side, wherein a tab extends anteriorly from one of the sides;
v. A reel pawl spring with a first end attached to the reel pawl and a second end attached to the reel assembly cover;
vi. A reel gear rotatably attached to the reel comprising a substantially circular disc with a plurality of adjacent reel gear teeth disposed around the disc circumference with each reel gear tooth separated from an adjacent reel gear tooth by a depression therebetween and wherein at least an end or side of the reel pawl engages a surface of a reel gear tooth and wherein the stiffness in the reel pawl spring maintains the reel pawl engaged to the reel gear with the positioning of the reel pawl engaged surface in a depression between adjacent reel gear teeth;
vii. A reel knob rotatably attached to the reel gear;
viii. Wherein the reel gear moves without restriction in a first direction when the plurality of reel gear teeth move in the first direction and with restriction in a second direction resulting from engagement of the reel pawl with at least one reel gear tooth;
ix. Wherein tension in the tension strap is imparted by the rotation of the reel knob in the first direction whereby the reel gear and the reel rotate in the first direction resulting in the winding of the tension strap around the reel; and
x. Wherein tension in the tension strap is removed by triggering and holding the reel pawl tab causing the extension of the reel pawl spring and the disengagement of the reel pawl from the reel gear and the rotation in the second direction of the reel, the reel gear, and the reel knob.
17. A mobility device as claimed in claim 16 , wherein one or more rails is attached to the lateral slide track and the lateral slide bracket is laterally displaceable along such one or more rails.
18. A mobility device as claimed in claim 16 , wherein the longitudinal length of the stirrup is adjustable.
19. A mobility device as claimed in claim 16 , wherein the stirrup has positioned therein a plurality of vertical channels and the means for adjusting the angular orientation of a stirrup comprise a ball joint assembly with an upper portion attached to the stirrup and a lower portion attached to the center post, and wherein the ball joint assembly comprises:
a. A stirrup support plate through which extend a plurality of support plate channels and wherein each of the one or more support plate channels aligns with one of the plurality of stirrup vertical channels;
b. One or more support plate-stirrup attachment assemblies wherein each assembly attaches the stirrup support plate to the stirrup and is accommodated in one of the one or more support plate-stirrup vertical channels;
c. A ball joint comprising a bearing stud and a socket to which is attached the bearing stud and wherein the bearing stud extends through one of the plurality of support plate-stirrup vertical channels and is securedly engaged to the stirrup;
d. One or more brakes abutting the socket;
e. One or more brake screws comprising a horizontal segment comprising a first end and a second end and a vertical segment attached to the second end of the horizontal segment and wherein the first end of the horizontal segment of each brake screw has attached thereto one brake;
f. A rail abutting each of the one or more brakes and wherein each of the one or more brakes is slidably displaceable along the rail; and
g. A casing attached to the center post and having one or more casing hollow channels, wherein within the casing is accommodated at least a portion of the socket, each of the one or more brakes, at least the first end of the horizontal segment of each of the one or more brake screws, and the rail, and wherein the rail is securedly attached to the casing, and wherein the horizontal segment of each of the one or more brake screws extends through one of the one or more casing hollow channels so that the second end of the horizontal segment of each of the one or more brake screws and the vertical segment of each of the one or more brake screws is positioned outside the casing;
20. A mobility device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the base comprises an anterior portion, a posterior portion, and a middle longitudinal portion with an anterior end connected to the anterior portion of the base and a posterior end connected to the posterior end of the base, and further comprising:
a. A plurality of sensors comprising
i. one or more stirrup sensors integrated in the stirrup and wherein at least one stirrup sensor measures the height and angle of the stirrup with respect a longitudinal axis defined by the middle longitudinal portion of the base, a lateral axis defined by an axis passing through such sensor and parallel to one of the anterior portion of the base and the posterior portion of the base, and vertical axis defined by the center post; and
ii. A calf sensor band comprising a flexible band and one or more calf sensors integrated in the flexible band and wherein at least one calf sensor measures the distance between the calf sensor and at least one stirrup sensor and the angular orientation of the such calf sensor relative to at least one stirrup sensor; and
b. Means for relaying sensor measurements to a means for recording the measurements.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US15/960,938 US20190321681A1 (en) | 2018-04-24 | 2018-04-24 | Mobility Device |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US15/960,938 US20190321681A1 (en) | 2018-04-24 | 2018-04-24 | Mobility Device |
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US20190321681A1 true US20190321681A1 (en) | 2019-10-24 |
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ID=68236186
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Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US15/960,938 Abandoned US20190321681A1 (en) | 2018-04-24 | 2018-04-24 | Mobility Device |
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US (1) | US20190321681A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20210379444A1 (en) * | 2020-06-08 | 2021-12-09 | Yu Hsiang Chen | Ankle exerciser |
-
2018
- 2018-04-24 US US15/960,938 patent/US20190321681A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20210379444A1 (en) * | 2020-06-08 | 2021-12-09 | Yu Hsiang Chen | Ankle exerciser |
US11628333B2 (en) * | 2020-06-08 | 2023-04-18 | Yu Hsiang Chen | Ankle exerciser |
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