WO1999006004A1 - Apparatus for foot dorsiflexion and method therefor - Google Patents

Apparatus for foot dorsiflexion and method therefor Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO1999006004A1
WO1999006004A1 PCT/IL1998/000352 IL9800352W WO9906004A1 WO 1999006004 A1 WO1999006004 A1 WO 1999006004A1 IL 9800352 W IL9800352 W IL 9800352W WO 9906004 A1 WO9906004 A1 WO 9906004A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
foot
inflatable
base
user
front portion
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IL1998/000352
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Dan Manor
Roni Bibi
Eli Levy
Original Assignee
Medical Dynamics (Israel) 1998 Ltd.
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Medical Dynamics (Israel) 1998 Ltd. filed Critical Medical Dynamics (Israel) 1998 Ltd.
Priority to AU85579/98A priority Critical patent/AU8557998A/en
Priority to EP98936643A priority patent/EP1131035A1/en
Priority to IL12832899A priority patent/IL128328A0/en
Publication of WO1999006004A1 publication Critical patent/WO1999006004A1/en
Priority to PCT/IL1999/000419 priority patent/WO2000006077A2/en
Priority to CN99810329A priority patent/CN1315850A/en
Priority to IL14104099A priority patent/IL141040A0/en
Priority to EP99936939A priority patent/EP1100427A2/en
Priority to AU51901/99A priority patent/AU768942B2/en
Priority to CA002338903A priority patent/CA2338903A1/en
Priority to KR1020017001212A priority patent/KR20010079580A/en
Priority to US09/935,256 priority patent/US6585669B2/en

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H1/00—Apparatus for passive exercising; Vibrating apparatus; Chiropractic devices, e.g. body impacting devices, external devices for briefly extending or aligning unbroken bones
    • A61H1/02—Stretching or bending or torsioning apparatus for exercising
    • A61H1/0237—Stretching or bending or torsioning apparatus for exercising for the lower limbs
    • A61H1/0266—Foot

Definitions

  • the invention relates to apparatus for dorsiflexion of a user's foot and a method therefor.
  • Foot dorsiflexion supports venous blood flow return in a subject's lower limbs and is particularly useful for prevention of venous thrombosis.
  • Apparatus for effecting foot dorsiflexion has been proposed for able bodied subjects in US Patent
  • apparatus for dorsiflexion of a seated user's foot comprising a rigid base with heel restraining means and foot restraining means for restraining the user's foot on said base; forefoot elevation means underlying the foot's front portion alternately disposable between a first state whereby the foot's front portion lies adjacent to said base and a second state whereby the foot's front portion is elevated relative to said base thereby effecting its dorsiflexion.
  • the apparatus of the present invention is particularly suitable for use as an accessory to wheelchairs, the apparatus being provided as a stand alone unit thereby facilitating dorsiflexion of a wheelchair bound user's feet in a convenient and comfortable manner whilst not impairing his mobility to perform everyday activities.
  • a method for dorsiflexion of a seated user's foot comprising the steps of:
  • Fig. 1 is a pictorial view of apparatus for dorsiflexion in a seated user's foot in accordance with the present inevntion;
  • Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the inflatable member of the apparatus of Figure 1;
  • Figs. 3A and 3B are side views of the apparatus of Figure 1 during operation; and
  • Fig. 4 is a pictorial view of a wheelchair fitted with the apparatus of Figure 1.
  • apparatus 1 for dorsiflexion of a seated user's foot includes a rigid platform 2 with a heel support 3 and a foot strap 4, and an inflatable member 6.
  • the inflatable member 6 is connected to a compressor 7 under the control of a controller 8 controlling the inflatable member's maximum degree of inflation and its cyclic rate of inflation and deflation.
  • the inflatable member 6 assumes a generally flat configuration (dashed lines) when deflated and a generally wedge-shaped configuration (solid lines) having its leading edge 6A directed toward the heel support 3 when inflated, the latter configuration adapted for raising the front portion of a user's foot relative to the platform 2 for its dorsiflexion.
  • the inflatable member 6 includes a three sectioned cover 9 having sections 9A, 9B and 9C, the sections 9A and 9B being formed as a pouch 11.
  • the pouch 11 contains a generally square single inflatable cell 12 divided into two equal sized compartments 12A and 12B by two seams 13A and 13B lateral of a central portion 14 enabling flow communication between the two compartments 12A and 12B.
  • Each compartment 12A and 12B has a rigid member 16 disposed therein and one of the compartments 12A and 12B is provided with an inlet port 18 which also serves to inflate the other compartment.
  • the cover 9 is formed into a closed generally equilateral shape whereby the section 9B is adjacent the platform 2 whereby the section 9C acts as a restraining member for limiting the maximum height of the inflatable member 6 when fully inflated.
  • the inflatable member 6 requires a relatively small volume of compressed air to assume its wedge-shaped configuration thereby facilitating a relatively rapid cyclic rate of inflation and deflation.
  • a user's foot is placed on the platform 2 and strapped in using the foot strap 4.
  • the user sets the controller 8 to his preferred settings for maximum inflation height of the inflatable member 6 and cyclic rate of inflation and deflation.
  • the maximum inflation height is about 7 cm from the platform 2 whereby the user's foot subtends an angle of about 20 degrees relative thereto.
  • the cyclic rate of inflation and deflation can be set between 1 to 3 cycles per minute.
  • the inflatable member is cyclically inflated and deflated by intermittent operation of the compressor 7, deflation being assisted by the natural downward tendency of a person's foot.
  • a wheelchair 19 having left and right foot supports 21 A and 21B is provided with a system 22 for effecting dorsiflexion of wheelchair bound user's both feet, the system 22 including a rechargeable battery operated compressor 23, a controller 24 and two apparatus 26A and 26B for his left and right feet, respectively.
  • the compressor 23 and the controller 24 are carried on a rack 27 and the apparatus 26A and 26B are respectively mounted on the wheelchair's foot supports 21 A and 2 IB whereby the system 22 is fully portable and therefore does not preclude the user from continuing with his everyday activities.
  • the forefoot elevation member can be implemented by other mechanical or hydraulic devices, for example, a motorized eccentrically mounted wheel, and the like.
  • the apparatus is primarily designed for use by users wearing shoes whereupon the inflatable member can be disposed underneath a user's metatarsals and/or toes. Alternatively, the apparatus can be used by barefooted users whereby the inflatable member is disposed underneath a user's metatarsals.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • Pain & Pain Management (AREA)
  • Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
  • Rehabilitation Therapy (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Massaging Devices (AREA)

Abstract

Apparatus (1) for dorsiflexion of a seated user's foot, the apparatus (1) including a rigide base (2) with heel restraining means (3) and foot restraining means (4) for restraining the user's foot on the base (2); forefoot elevation means (6) underlying the foot's front portion alternately disposable between a first state whereby the foot's front portion lies adjacent to the base (2) and a second state whereby the foot's front portion is elevated relative to the base (2) thereby effecting its dorsiflexion.

Description

APPARATUS FOR FOOT DORSIFLEXION AND METHOD THEREFOR
FIELD OF THE INVENTION.
The invention relates to apparatus for dorsiflexion of a user's foot and a method therefor.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Foot dorsiflexion supports venous blood flow return in a subject's lower limbs and is particularly useful for prevention of venous thrombosis. Apparatus for effecting foot dorsiflexion has been proposed for able bodied subjects in US Patent
5,186,700 to Wang and for supine anesthetized patients in US Patent 4,003,374 to Mizrachy.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided apparatus for dorsiflexion of a seated user's foot, the apparatus comprising a rigid base with heel restraining means and foot restraining means for restraining the user's foot on said base; forefoot elevation means underlying the foot's front portion alternately disposable between a first state whereby the foot's front portion lies adjacent to said base and a second state whereby the foot's front portion is elevated relative to said base thereby effecting its dorsiflexion. The apparatus of the present invention is particularly suitable for use as an accessory to wheelchairs, the apparatus being provided as a stand alone unit thereby facilitating dorsiflexion of a wheelchair bound user's feet in a convenient and comfortable manner whilst not impairing his mobility to perform everyday activities. In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for dorsiflexion of a seated user's foot, comprising the steps of:
(a) providing a rigid base with heel restraining means and foot restraining means for restraining the user's foot on the base; and forefoot elevation means underlying the foot's front portion;
(b) restraining a seated user's foot on the base; and
(c) alternately disposing the forefoot elevation means between a first state whereby the foot's front portion lies adjacent to the base and a second state whereby the foot's front portion is elevated relative to the base thereby effecting its dorsiflexion.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In order to understand the invention and how it is used, a preferred embodiment will now be described by way of a non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Fig. 1 is a pictorial view of apparatus for dorsiflexion in a seated user's foot in accordance with the present inevntion;
Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the inflatable member of the apparatus of Figure 1; Figs. 3A and 3B are side views of the apparatus of Figure 1 during operation; and
Fig. 4 is a pictorial view of a wheelchair fitted with the apparatus of Figure 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
In Figure 1, apparatus 1 for dorsiflexion of a seated user's foot includes a rigid platform 2 with a heel support 3 and a foot strap 4, and an inflatable member 6. The inflatable member 6 is connected to a compressor 7 under the control of a controller 8 controlling the inflatable member's maximum degree of inflation and its cyclic rate of inflation and deflation. The inflatable member 6 assumes a generally flat configuration (dashed lines) when deflated and a generally wedge-shaped configuration (solid lines) having its leading edge 6A directed toward the heel support 3 when inflated, the latter configuration adapted for raising the front portion of a user's foot relative to the platform 2 for its dorsiflexion.
In Figure 2, the inflatable member 6 includes a three sectioned cover 9 having sections 9A, 9B and 9C, the sections 9A and 9B being formed as a pouch 11. The pouch 11 contains a generally square single inflatable cell 12 divided into two equal sized compartments 12A and 12B by two seams 13A and 13B lateral of a central portion 14 enabling flow communication between the two compartments 12A and 12B. Each compartment 12A and 12B has a rigid member 16 disposed therein and one of the compartments 12A and 12B is provided with an inlet port 18 which also serves to inflate the other compartment. The cover 9 is formed into a closed generally equilateral shape whereby the section 9B is adjacent the platform 2 whereby the section 9C acts as a restraining member for limiting the maximum height of the inflatable member 6 when fully inflated. By virtue of this configuration, the inflatable member 6 requires a relatively small volume of compressed air to assume its wedge-shaped configuration thereby facilitating a relatively rapid cyclic rate of inflation and deflation.
In Figures 3A and 3B, a user's foot is placed on the platform 2 and strapped in using the foot strap 4. The user sets the controller 8 to his preferred settings for maximum inflation height of the inflatable member 6 and cyclic rate of inflation and deflation. Typically, the maximum inflation height is about 7 cm from the platform 2 whereby the user's foot subtends an angle of about 20 degrees relative thereto. Typically, the cyclic rate of inflation and deflation can be set between 1 to 3 cycles per minute. In operation, the inflatable member is cyclically inflated and deflated by intermittent operation of the compressor 7, deflation being assisted by the natural downward tendency of a person's foot.
In Figure 4, a wheelchair 19 having left and right foot supports 21 A and 21B is provided with a system 22 for effecting dorsiflexion of wheelchair bound user's both feet, the system 22 including a rechargeable battery operated compressor 23, a controller 24 and two apparatus 26A and 26B for his left and right feet, respectively. The compressor 23 and the controller 24 are carried on a rack 27 and the apparatus 26A and 26B are respectively mounted on the wheelchair's foot supports 21 A and 2 IB whereby the system 22 is fully portable and therefore does not preclude the user from continuing with his everyday activities.
Various modifications and changes may be made in the configuration described above that come within the spirit of the invention. The invention embraces all such changes and modifications coming within the scope of the appended claims. For example, the forefoot elevation member can be implemented by other mechanical or hydraulic devices, for example, a motorized eccentrically mounted wheel, and the like.
The apparatus is primarily designed for use by users wearing shoes whereupon the inflatable member can be disposed underneath a user's metatarsals and/or toes. Alternatively, the apparatus can be used by barefooted users whereby the inflatable member is disposed underneath a user's metatarsals.

Claims

CLAIMS:
1. Apparatus for dorsiflexion of a seated user's foot, the apparatus comprising a rigid base with heel restraining means and foot restraining means for restraining the user's foot on said base; forefoot elevation means underlying the foot's front portion alternately disposable between a first state whereby the foot's front portion lies adjacent to said base and a second state whereby the foot's front portion is elevated relative to said base thereby effecting its dorsiflexion.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said forefoot elevation means includes an inflatable member alternately disposable between a generally flat configuration when deflated and a generally wedge-shaped configuration having its leading edge directed toward said heel support when inflated.
3. Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said inflatable member includes two inflatable compartments, a first inflatable portion being adjacent to said base and a second inflatable portion being hingedly connected to said first inflatable portion along said leading edge.
4. Apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said two inflatable portions include a single inflatable cell.
5. A method for dorsiflexion of a seated user's foot, comprising the steps of: (a) providing a rigid base with heel restraining means and foot restraining means for restraining the user's foot on the base; and forefoot elevation means underlying the foot's front portion;
(b) restraining a seated user's foot on the base; and
(c) alternately disposing the forefoot elevation means between a first state whereby the foot's front portion lies adjacent to the base and a second state whereby the foot's front portion is elevated relative to the base thereby effecting its dorsiflexion.
6. The method according to claim 5 wherein the user is seated in wheelchair. AMENDED CLAIMS
[received by the International Bureau on 18 January 1999 (18.01.99); original claims 1-6 replaced by new claims 1-5 (2 pages)]
1. Apparatus for dorsiflexion of a user's foot having a heel and a front portion, the apparatus comprising a base and an inflatable member mounted thereon and disposed to underlie the foot's front portion, said inflatable member being cyclically inflatable from a deflated generally flat configuartion to an inflated generally wedge shaped configuration tapering towards the user's heel in a side view of the apparatus for elevating the foot's front portion relative to said base from a normal position thereatop, said inflatable member having a support surface overlying said base and a foot bearing surface inclined relative to said support surface in its inflated state, characterized in that said foot beating surface meets said support surface whereby said inflatable member has an inflated generally triangular configuration in said side view of the apparatus.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said inflatable member includes a first inflatable compartment with said support surface, a second inflatable compartment with said foot beating surface and limiting means for limiting the inflation of said inflatable member.
3. Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said inflatable compartments are constituted by a single inflatable cell.
4. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and further comprising restraining means for restraining the user's foot on said base.
5. A method for dorsiflexion of a wheelchair bound user's feet each having a front portion, the wheelchair having a pair of foot supports for supporting the user's feet, the method comprising the steps of: (a) deploying an inflatable member on each of the wheelchair's foot supports whereupon the user's feet supported thereon overlie the inflatable members; and (b) providing the wheelchair with a rechargeable battery operated compressor and a controller for cyclically inflating the inflatable members between a generally flat configuration to a generally upright configuration in a side view of the wheelchair for elevating the feets' front portions relative to their associated foot supports.
PCT/IL1998/000352 1996-06-07 1998-07-30 Apparatus for foot dorsiflexion and method therefor WO1999006004A1 (en)

Priority Applications (11)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU85579/98A AU8557998A (en) 1997-07-30 1998-07-30 Apparatus for foot dorsiflexion and method therefor
EP98936643A EP1131035A1 (en) 1998-07-30 1998-07-30 Apparatus for foot dorsiflexion and method therefor
IL12832899A IL128328A0 (en) 1998-07-30 1999-02-02 Apparatus for manipulation of a subject's foot
KR1020017001212A KR20010079580A (en) 1998-07-30 1999-07-30 Medical device for applying a cyclic therapeutic action to a person's foot
CN99810329A CN1315850A (en) 1998-07-30 1999-07-30 Medical device for applying cyclic therapeutic action to person's foot
PCT/IL1999/000419 WO2000006077A2 (en) 1998-07-30 1999-07-30 Medical device for applying a cyclic therapeutic action to a person's foot
IL14104099A IL141040A0 (en) 1998-07-30 1999-07-30 Medical device for applying a cyclic therapeutic action to a person's foot
EP99936939A EP1100427A2 (en) 1998-07-30 1999-07-30 Medical device for applying a cyclic therapeutic action to a person's foot
AU51901/99A AU768942B2 (en) 1998-07-30 1999-07-30 Medical device for applying a cyclic therapeutic action to a person's foot
CA002338903A CA2338903A1 (en) 1998-07-30 1999-07-30 Medical device for applying a cyclic therapeutic action to a person's foot
US09/935,256 US6585669B2 (en) 1996-06-07 2001-08-21 Medical device for applying cyclic therapeutic action to subject's foot

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US90296797A 1997-07-30 1997-07-30
US08/902,967 1997-07-30

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1999006004A1 true WO1999006004A1 (en) 1999-02-11

Family

ID=25416696

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/IL1998/000352 WO1999006004A1 (en) 1996-06-07 1998-07-30 Apparatus for foot dorsiflexion and method therefor

Country Status (2)

Country Link
AU (1) AU8557998A (en)
WO (1) WO1999006004A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6592534B1 (en) * 1999-12-27 2003-07-15 Aircast, Inc. Inflatable medical appliance for prevention of DVT

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3683897A (en) * 1968-12-05 1972-08-15 Flowtron Aire Ltd Apparatus for moving or activating parts of the body
US3789836A (en) * 1972-12-07 1974-02-05 Scott J Apparatus for the stimulation of blood circulation in feet and legs
US4003374A (en) 1975-11-18 1977-01-18 Benjamin Mizrachy Methods and apparatuses for the prevention of venous thrombosis
US5186700A (en) 1992-08-27 1993-02-16 Lee Wang Industry Ltd. Pedaling exercise device

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3683897A (en) * 1968-12-05 1972-08-15 Flowtron Aire Ltd Apparatus for moving or activating parts of the body
US3789836A (en) * 1972-12-07 1974-02-05 Scott J Apparatus for the stimulation of blood circulation in feet and legs
US4003374A (en) 1975-11-18 1977-01-18 Benjamin Mizrachy Methods and apparatuses for the prevention of venous thrombosis
US5186700A (en) 1992-08-27 1993-02-16 Lee Wang Industry Ltd. Pedaling exercise device

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU8557998A (en) 1999-02-22

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
ES2627481T3 (en) Transfer and displacement device
US20010018564A1 (en) Medical apparatus for facilitating blood circulation in the lower limbs
US5745939A (en) Leg rest
US5375910A (en) Seat elevating device
US6585669B2 (en) Medical device for applying cyclic therapeutic action to subject's foot
US5391141A (en) Adjustable size and variable pressure regulated medical binder used by a patient after her or his body surgery
US7444693B2 (en) Inflatable lift device
JP2004526477A (en) Medical device for imparting a periodic therapeutic effect to a subject's foot
US4905329A (en) Inflatable support for aiding a patient to rise from a seated position
EP0262771B1 (en) Tilting bed
US6168238B1 (en) Chair with calf support
US5313971A (en) Crutch sling leg support apparatus and method
US5361433A (en) Pneumatic sit/stand assistance device utilizing sequential inflation for stabilizing effects
US20210282567A1 (en) Accupressure foam system with inflatable bladders
US20060150321A1 (en) Portable lifting systems and methods for assistance in standing
EP0855893B1 (en) Apparatus for raising a person
EP1100427A2 (en) Medical device for applying a cyclic therapeutic action to a person's foot
US5772612A (en) Stretching method for preventing or relieving lower back pain
WO1999006004A1 (en) Apparatus for foot dorsiflexion and method therefor
EP1131035A1 (en) Apparatus for foot dorsiflexion and method therefor
CN113288558A (en) Crus ankle sprain fracture rehabilitation treatment device
JP2002521137A (en) Medical device for applying periodic therapeutic actions to a human foot
CN218685147U (en) Fill air-bleed formula ankle rehabilitation training appearance
JP3090921U (en) A walking aid for patients with knee joint disorders that disperses and supports the weight of people who cannot walk due to knee joint disease in the thigh ligament and lower leg ligament to reduce the weight burden on the knee, reduce pain, and walk independently.
CN215504187U (en) Multifunctional electric massage sofa

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AK Designated states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AM AT AU AZ BA BB BG BR BY CA CH CN CU CZ DE DK EE ES FI GB GE GH GM HR HU ID IL IS JP KE KG KP KR KZ LC LK LR LS LT LU LV MD MG MK MN MW MX NO NZ PL PT RO RU SD SE SG SI SK SL TJ TM TR TT UA UG US UZ VN YU ZW

AL Designated countries for regional patents

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): GH GM KE LS MW SD SZ UG ZW AM AZ BY KG KZ MD RU TJ TM AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LU MC NL PT SE BF BJ CF CG CI CM GA GN GW ML MR NE SN TD TG

DFPE Request for preliminary examination filed prior to expiration of 19th month from priority date (pct application filed before 20040101)
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application
WPC Withdrawal of priority claims after completion of the technical preparations for international publication
REG Reference to national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: 8642

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: CA

WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 1998936643

Country of ref document: EP

WWP Wipo information: published in national office

Ref document number: 1998936643

Country of ref document: EP

WWW Wipo information: withdrawn in national office

Ref document number: 1998936643

Country of ref document: EP