Abstract:
A device for support and elevation of the lower extremities. More specifically, the invention is a leg elevator that provides calibrated, adjustable support for the upper leg, the lower leg and the foot. The leg elevator is adjustable to many different positions through the use of three independent adjustment mechanisms. The upper leg portion of the leg elevator can be adapted to accommodate people that have upper legs of various lengths. The height of the lower leg portion is also adjustable, and the relative angular position of the upper and lower leg can be varied from a generally flat position, to a substantially bent position. The invention can be used to provide elevation for either leg separately or for both legs simultaneously. The leg elevator is lightweight, easily disinfected, and can be collapsed to a relatively flat position for ease in transport and storage.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to devices used in supporting and elevating the lower extremities. More specifically, the invention is a leg elevator that provides three different calibrated adjustment mechanisms that operate independently of each other. First, the height of the leg elevator can be adjusted to vary the elevation of the extremities. Second, the angle of the relative portions of the leg elevator can be adjusted to a position that corresponds with a patient&#39;s knee or hip joint. Third, the leg elevator can be adjusted to accommodate people having a shorter or longer distance between the hip and the knee joint. 
   After surgery or injuries to the legs or feet, there is a need to elevate the lower extremities to aid in the healing process. Elevation is beneficial to recovery because it reduces or eliminates swelling and fluid build-up (edema). In addition, patients with chronic swelling or lymphoedema may benefit from leg elevation on a permanent basis. Finally, patients suffering from low back pain often benefit from lower leg elevation. Elevation is usually provided in the hospital-setting and is often recommended to patients upon discharge from the hospital. However, the devices currently in use do not satisfactorily meet the need for a leg elevator that is adjustable by three different and independent means and that is practical and effective for use both at home and at the hospital. 
   There are several devices in the art that are used to support the lower legs. One type of support variation is the foam leg support used in the devices depicted in U.S. Pat. No. 5,046,487 and in U.S. Design Pat. No. 424,698. While these supports are usually inexpensive and can be used in the home setting, the supports are generally not adjustable, thereby limiting the therapeutic value to some patients. In addition, foam devices cannot usually be easily disassembled or collapsed for transport or storage and generally cannot be easily disinfected. 
   There are also some adjustable leg supports in the art. However, the adjustment mechanisms of these devices generally are limited and provide variance at only one or two different points of the device. A further disadvantage of other leg support devices is that even if they are adjustable, the devices do not allow for independent adjustment of the different parts of the device. For example, in many leg supports, if the angle of the knee is altered, the height of the lower leg must also be changed in a fixed variation according to the angular position at the knee joint. Likewise, if the height of the lower leg is changed, the knee is placed in a different position. This is problematic if the resultant change of position for that portion of the limb is not desired. This type of device is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 4,432,108 and in U.S. Pat. No. 1,619,685 which provide support and elevation, but have only one mechanism for adjustment. Thus, the height of the leg is dependent on the angle of the knee. There is no independence of the adjustment mechanisms, and one or both of the leg support angles is determined by the elevation and flexion of the knee joint. 
   Other devices in the art are neither practical nor effective for home use because they are either too expensive, they are too difficult to adjust or they cannot be easily collapsed for transport and storage. Some known leg supports require the patients remove or lift their legs from the device for adjustment, such as U.S. Pat. No. 1,452,915, which requires the device to be physically lifted to disengage and reposition the device between the pre-formed “slots.” This adjustment mechanism is disadvantageous because it is hard for the patients to achieve the repositioning of a limb by themselves. Additionally, repositioning of the device may require raising or moving the leg from a comfortable or therapeutic position, which could cause pain and delay recovery. Other adjustment mechanisms in the art require the use of additional pieces that can be easily misplaced or utilize a sliding mechanism which runs along the base frame in order to adjust the component sections of the devices. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,725,486 uses “slabs or wedges” placed under the leg support to adjust the height of the device, and U.S. Pat. No. 3,066,322 and U.S. Pat. No. 830,776 provide adjustable supports wherein the adjustment is provided by sliding the vertical supports along the base frame and locking them in a desired position. Another disadvantage of these adjustment mechanisms is that it is difficult for the patient to vary the height of the support without the help of another person while the leg is engaged in the support device. 
   The present invention, on the other hand, consists of few parts that are easy to manufacture, to assemble and to operate. The leg elevator allows patients to change the elevation of the leg according to their specific needs. Furthermore, adjustment of the preferred embodiment of the leg elevator of the present invention is easy, allowing the user to move the telescopic legs that comprise the height adjustment mechanism and the upper leg adjustment mechanism and to move the ball-ratchet mechanism of the angle adjustment mechanism without even removing the leg from the leg elevator. Another benefit of the present invention is that the adjustment of the relative angle of the upper leg support and the lower leg support can be accomplished without moving the height adjustment mechanism or the upper leg adjustment mechanism to a new position on the leg elevator base. Furthermore, the points of adjustment of the leg elevator are calibrated and easily reproducible. 
   The concept of an independently adjustable leg support was suggested in U.S. Pat. No. 4,901,385 which taught the use of two outer panels having a plurality of holes or apertures for receiving support rods that were attached to support panels used for receiving and positioning a leg. The &#39;385 patent teaches that the rods are to be placed into one of a number of holes in the outer support panel grid and secured to the grid with a washer and a threaded fastener positioned on the outside of the grid panels. Thus, while independently adjustable, the adjustment mechanism is complex, and to accommodate persons of various sizes, larger or smaller outer panels with different configurations of grid holes would be required. Other disadvantages of the &#39;385 device include the plurality of pieces that must be assembled and disassembled for use, and the difficulty in reproducing the desired elevation and angles of each component of the leg elevator. The present invention eliminates these problems and provides additional benefits that are readily apparent from the drawings and detailed description of the invention. 
   Furthermore, the preferred embodiment of the present invention is constructed of lightweight, plastic pipe such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe, but other materials such as lightweight aluminum material could also be used. The PVC pipe is preferred, though, because the material is inexpensive, so that it is feasible for patients to purchase the device and use it in the home. The plastic pipe also allows for easy disinfection by wiping the device with a surfactant or alcohol. This may be a useful feature if the patient suffers from post-surgical drainage, ulcers, or for multiple users, in general, in a hospital-setting. 
   Therefore, it is one object of the present invention to provide a leg elevator that allows for adjustment of three different mechanisms independently of one another. 
   It is an additional object of the invention to provide a limb elevation system that is collapsible, and is lightweight, yet sturdy, for storage and transfer. 
   Further objects and benefits of the invention are readily apparent from the drawings and the description of the invention. 
   BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention provides a leg elevator which supports both the upper and lower leg, as well as the foot, such that the support components are independently and reproducibly adjustable. The present invention also provides a leg elevator that is made of lightweight, easily disinfected material that is collapsible for easy transport and storage. 
   The embodiment of the present invention results in advantages not provided by leg elevators known in the art. Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated from the following description and appended claims. The description makes reference to the accompanying drawings, which are provided for illustration of the invention. However, such description does not represent the full scope of the invention. The subject matter regarded as the present invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed at the conclusion of the specification. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the leg elevator. 
       FIG. 2  is an end view of the leg elevator from the lower leg end of the base. 
       FIG. 3  is an end view of the leg elevator from the upper leg end of the base showing an alternative embodiment of the upper leg platform which uses a length of material forming a sling to receive and support the leg. 
       FIG. 4  is cross section of an alternative embodiment of the lower leg platform which uses a length of material forming a sling to receive the leg. 
       FIG. 5  is a side view of the leg elevator in use showing different positions achieved using the three independent adjustment mechanisms. 
       FIG. 6  is a plan view of the leg elevator in a collapsed position. 
       FIG. 7  is a side view of the leg elevator in a collapsed position. 
       FIG. 8  is a cut away view of a telescopic leg. 
       FIG. 9  is an exploded view of a ball-ratchet mechanism. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     FIG. 1  shows the leg elevator  11  of the present invention, which is comprised of a base  12 , a lower leg support  15 , a height adjustment mechanism  16 , an upper leg adjustment mechanism  22 , an upper leg platform  28 , and an angle adjustment mechanism  30 . The leg elevator  11  is designed such that when a person is in a sitting or reclining position and the base  12  is on the floor, mattress or other flat surface, the upper leg adjustment mechanism  22  is closer to the person&#39;s body than the height adjustment mechanism  16 , the upper leg or thigh portion of the person rests on the upper leg platform  28 , and the lower leg or calf portion of the person rests on the lower leg support  15 , with the angle adjustment mechanism  30  positioned generally under the knee joint of the person. 
   Referring to  FIG. 1 , the base  12  of the leg elevator  11  has a lower leg end  13  and an upper leg end  14 . The lower leg end  13  of the base  12  is located near the patient&#39;s foot and calf portion of the leg when the leg elevator  11  is in use. The upper leg end  14  of the base  12  is located near the thigh portion of the leg when the leg elevator  11  is in use. The lower leg support  15  is adapted to receive the calf portion of the leg when the leg elevator  11  is in use. The lower leg support  15  can be further comprised of a lower leg support frame  25  and a lower leg platform  29  that is connected in an operable manner to lower leg support frame  25 . The lower leg support frame  25  has a first end  26  near the lower leg end  13  of the base  12 , and the lower leg support frame  25  has a second end  27  near the angle adjustment mechanism  30 . The leg elevator  11  also has an upper leg platform  28  that is supported by the upper leg adjustment mechanism  22 . The upper leg platform  28  is designed to receive and support the upper leg of the patient when the leg elevator  11  is in use. 
   Referring still to  FIG. 1 , the height adjustment mechanism  16  has a first end  18  and a second end  20 . The height adjust mechanism  16  is positioned between the lower leg end  13  of the base  12  and the lower leg support  15 , such that the first end  18  of the height adjustment mechanism  16  is connected to the lower leg end  13  of the base  12  and the second end  20  of the height adjustment mechanism  16  is attached to the first end  26  of the lower leg support frame  25 . The height adjustment mechanism  16  is used to adjust the height of the lower leg support  15  above the base  12 . More precisely, the height adjustment mechanism  16  adjusts the height of the first end  26  of the lower leg support frame  25  and the lower leg platform  29  above the lower leg end  13  of the base  12 . 
   The upper leg adjustment mechanism  22  is connected to the upper leg end  14  of the base  12 . The upper leg adjustment mechanism  22  has a first end  23  connected to the upper leg end  14  of the base  12  and a second end  24  connected to the angle adjustment mechanism  30 . The upper leg adjustment mechanism  16  is used to adjust a distance between the upper leg end  14  of the base  12  and the lower leg support  15 , particularly the second end  27  of the lower leg support frame  25  and the lower leg platform  29 . 
   The angle adjustment mechanism  30  has a first end  32  and a second end  34 , and the angle adjustment mechanism is positioned between the upper leg adjustment mechanism  22  and the lower leg support  15 . More precisely, the first end  32  of the angle adjustment mechanism  30  is connected to the second end  24  of the upper leg adjustment mechanism  22 , and the second end  34  of the angle adjustment mechanism  30  is connected to the second end  27  of the lower leg support frame  25 . The angle adjustment mechanism  30  is used to adjust the relative angular orientation of the upper leg platform  28  relative to the lower leg support  25 , including the lower leg support frame  25  and the lower leg platform  29 . 
     FIG. 1  also shows that in the preferred embodiment, the angle adjustment mechanism  30  is comprised of at least one ball-ratchet mechanism  36 , and the height adjustment mechanism  16  is comprised of at least one telescopic leg  35 . The upper leg adjustment mechanism  22  is also comprised of at least one telescopic leg  35  in the preferred embodiment of the present invention. A ball-ratchet mechanism  36  and a telescopic leg  35  are described in greater detail in reference to  FIGS. 8 and 9  below. 
   Referring again to  FIG. 1 , the leg elevator  11  can also include a foot support  37  that is connected to and extends from the lower leg support  15 , particularly the lower leg support frame  25  at the first end  26 . The foot support  37  is adapted to engage and position the foot when the heel portion of the foot is resting on the lower leg platform  29  of the lower leg support  15  with the toe portion of the foot positioned above the heel portion of the foot. In other words, the ankle is in a flexed position with the heel resting on the lower leg platform  29  and the toes extending up into the air. The foot support  37  is useful in preventing or correcting dorsiflexion (foot drop) of the foot, whereby the foot does not maintain an upright, generally perpendicular position in relation to the rest of the leg, and instead falls to one side so that the toes are pointing sideways instead of upwards. Thus, while the present invention can be used without the foot support  37 , the preferred embodiment includes a foot support  37  that keeps the foot at a relatively perpendicular angle to the rest of the leg and that can be removed if desired. 
     FIG. 2  is an end view of the leg elevator  11  from at position at the lower leg end  13  of the base  12 . From the closest portion of the leg elevator  11  depicted in  FIG. 2  moving toward the opposite end of the leg elevator  11  in the view,  FIG. 2  shows the lower leg end  13  of the base, a first telescopic leg  38 , a second telescopic leg  40 , the first end  26  of the lower leg support frame  25 , the foot support  37 , the lower leg support platform  29 , a first ball-ratchet mechanism  45 , a second ball-ratchet mechanism  46 , the upper leg platform  28 , a third telescopic leg  42 , and a fourth telescopic leg  44 . 
   More specifically,  FIG. 2  shows a first telescopic leg  38  between the lower leg end  13  of the base  12  and the first end  26  of the lower support frame  25 . A first telescopic leg is used to adjust a height of the lower leg support  15  above the base  12 . A second telescopic leg  40  is positioned between the lower leg end  13  of the base  12  and the first end  26  of the lower leg support frame  25 . A second telescopic leg  40  is used to adjust the height of the lower leg support  15  above the base  12 . A third telescopic leg  42  and a fourth telescopic leg  44  are used to adjust the distance between the upper leg end  14  of the base  12  and the lower leg platform  29  which is attached to the lower leg support frame  25 . A third telescopic leg  42  is connected to the upper leg end  14  of the base  12 , and a fourth telescopic leg  44  is also connected to the upper leg end  14  of the base  12 .  FIG. 2  also shows that a first ball-ratchet mechanism  45  is connected between the second end  27  of the lower leg support frame  25  and a third telescopic leg  42 . A second ball-ratchet mechanism  46  is connected between the second end  27  of the lower leg support frame  25  and a fourth telescopic leg  44 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the upper leg platform  28  is operably connected between a third telescopic leg  42  and a fourth telescopic leg  44 . 
     FIG. 3  is an end view of the leg elevator  11 , looking at the leg elevator  11  from at position at the upper leg end  14  of the base  12 . From the closest portion of the leg elevator  11  depicted in  FIG. 3  moving toward the opposite end of the leg elevator  11  in the view,  FIG. 3  shows the upper leg end  14  of the base, an alternative embodiment of the upper leg platform  28  comprising a length of material  48 , a third telescopic leg  42 , a fourth telescopic leg  44 , a first ball-ratchet mechanism  45 , a second ball-ratchet mechanism  46 , the lower leg support platform  29 , the first end  26  of the lower leg support frame  25 , the foot support  37 , a first telescopic leg  38  and a second telescopic leg  40 . 
   The upper leg platform  28  can be comprised of a variety of materials. The preferred embodiment shown in  FIG. 1  utilizes a substantially rigid material that is formed to receive the leg. However, the upper leg platform  28  can also be comprised of a length of material  48  that is supported by the upper leg adjustment mechanism  22 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , an alternative embodiment of the upper leg platform  28  comprising a length of material  48  that is supported by the upper leg adjustment mechanism  30 , forms a sling to receive and support the upper leg portion of the patient using the leg elevator  11 .  FIG. 2  also shows that the length of material  48  that forms the upper leg platform  28  in the alternative embodiment is connected between a third telescopic leg  42  and a fourth telescopic leg  44  which comprise the upper leg adjustment mechanism  30 . Preferably the length of material  48  is adapted such that it wraps around the third telescopic leg  42  and the fourth telescopic leg  44  and attaches to the underside of the length of material  48  that forms the upper leg platform  28  using means such as a hook and loop fabric system commonly referred to as “Velcro.” 
   However, other means of attaching the upper leg platform  28  to the upper leg adjustment mechanism  22  could be utilized with the leg elevator  11 . The upper leg platform  28  can be attached to the upper leg adjustment mechanism  22  in any manner that allows the upper leg adjustment mechanism  22  to support the upper leg platform. An alternative attachment mechanisms for the length of material  48  could include snaps or a buttons that are located on the underside of the length of material  48  or snaps or rivets that are located on the upper leg adjustment mechanism  22 . If the upper leg platform  28  is of the rigid type, the attachment mechanism could be means such as rivets, clamping devices, or rigid straps that are formed to connect the upper leg platform  28  to the upper leg adjustment mechanism  22 . 
   The lower leg platform  29  is similar to the upper leg platform  22  in that the lower leg platform  29  can also be formed of a variety of materials. The lower leg platform  29  is adapted to receive and support the calf portion of the leg.  FIG. 4  shows a cross section of the lower leg support frame  25  and an alternative embodiment of the lower leg platform  29  that utilizes a length of material  47  that is suspended from the lower leg support frame  25  and is adapted to form a sling to receive and support the lower leg.  FIG. 4  also shows the angle adjustment mechanism  30 . 
   The lower leg platform  29  can be attached to the lower leg support frame  25  by a variety of means that are operable with the leg elevator  11 . For example, if the lower leg platform  29  is of the rigid type (as shown in FIGS.  1  and  2 ), the lower leg platform  29  can be attached to the lower leg support frame  25  by rivets, clamping devices, or straps that are adapted to connect the lower leg platform  29  to the lower leg support frame  25  or to encircle the sides of the lower leg support frame  25 . Alternatively, the lower leg support frame  25  and the lower leg platform  29  can be constructed in a manner as to make them a single part of the leg elevator  11 , forming a unitary lower leg support  15 . Thus, instead of having a separate lower leg platform  29  connected to the lower leg support frame  25 , the lower leg support  15  can be formed out of one piece, thereby combining two parts of the leg elevator  11  into a single part and eliminating the need for a means of connecting the lower leg platform  29  to the lower leg support frame  25 . Additionally, if the lower leg platform  29  is made of a length of material  47 , the material  47  can be adapted to encircle the lower leg support frame  25  and attach to the underside of the length of material  47  or to the lower leg support frame  25  using a hook and loop fabric system such as “Velcro” or by other means such as the snaps or button closure described above in relation to the upper leg platform  28 . 
   Turning now to  FIG. 5 , the leg elevator  11  is shown in use with a leg positioned on the leg elevator  11 .  FIG. 5  is a side view of the leg elevator  11  that demonstrates, using dashed phantom lines, different positions that the leg elevator  11  can be adjusted to in order to provide the desired elevated position.  FIG. 5  also shows that an elongated pad  50  can be positioned on top of the upper leg platform  28  and the lower leg platform  29  of the lower leg support  15  and below the person&#39;s leg to receive and cushion the leg. While the leg elevator  11  can be utilized without the elongated pad  50 , the preferred embodiment includes the elongated pad  50  to provide greater patient comfort when using the leg elevator  11 . The elongated pad  50  can be comprised of any cushioning material. The elongated pad  50  of the preferred embodiment is comprised of egg-crate foam that is commonly used on top of mattresses. The egg-crate foam has elevated portions and depressed portions that provide cushioning, while also providing a means for ventilation, which makes the material desirable for the elongated pad  50  of the present invention. In one alternative use of the leg elevator  11  (not shown), the patient places the entire leg elevator  11  under a mattress, using the mattress as the cushioning material to receive the leg. Another alternative use of the leg elevator  11  (not shown) involves placing the leg elevator  11  under a mattress, such that the leg elevator  11  is used to elevate the upper portion of a person&#39;s body in a semi-reclining position. 
   Referring still to  FIG. 5 , the leg elevator  11  is for use with a person sitting or lying prone with the leg elevated in a position such that the underside of the calf and the underside of the thigh are resting on the upper leg platform  28  and the lower leg platform  29  of the leg elevator  11  and the foot of the person extends upward from the lower leg platform  29  and rests against the foot support  37 . The upper leg adjustment mechanism  22  should be moved to a position that places the angle adjustment mechanism  30  generally under the knee joint of the person when the leg elevator  11  is in use. 
     FIG. 5  shows the lower leg support frame  25 , which has a first end  26  above the lower leg end  13  of the base  12  and a second end  27  near the angle adjustment mechanism  30 . The second end  27  of the lower leg support frame  25  is connected to the second end  34  of the angle adjustment mechanism  30 . The upper leg adjustment mechanism  22  is connected to the upper leg end  14  of the base  12 . The upper leg adjustment mechanism  22  is also connected to the first end  32  of the angle adjustment mechanism  30 .  FIG. 5  also shows (using phantom lines) that the elevation of the leg elevator  11  can be varied by adjusting the height adjustment mechanism  16 . The distance between the lower leg platform  29  and the lower leg support frame  25 , which comprise the lower leg support  15 , and the upper leg end  14  of the base  12  can be adjusted by changing the position of the upper leg adjustment mechanism  22 . Finally, the phantom lines in  FIG. 5  show that the relative angular orientation of the lower leg support  15  and the upper leg platform  28  can be varied by adjusting the angle adjustment mechanism  30 . 
     FIG. 6  is plan or top view of the leg elevator  11  in a collapsed position that is relatively flat and is useful for storage or transport of the leg elevator  11 . To achieve this substantially flat position of the leg elevator  11 , the height adjustment mechanism  16 , which in the preferred embodiment is comprised of a first telescopic leg  38  and a second telescopic leg  40 , can be disengaged. The first substantially hollow section  52  of a telescopic leg  35  is separated from the second substantially hollow section  58  of a telescopic leg  35 , and the angle adjustment mechanism  30  is moved to a position such that the angle is relatively flat. Therefore, the leg elevator  11  as a whole is substantially flat, which makes storage and transport easier. 
     FIG. 6  also shows that the first substantially hollow section  52  of a telescopic leg  35  has a first end  54  and a second end  56 . The second substantially hollow section  58  also has a first end  60  (not shown in this view) and a second end  62 , with the second end  62  of the second substantially hollow section  58  defining an opening  63  to telescopically receive the second end  56  of the first substantially hollow section  52 . A telescopic leg  35  of the preferred embodiment also includes a means for retaining the first substantially hollow section  52  in a desired position relative to the second substantially hollow section  58 . Referring still to  FIG. 6 , from top to bottom, the upper leg adjustment mechanism  22 , the upper leg end  14  of the base  12 , the upper leg platform  28 , the angle adjustment mechanism  30 , the second end  27  of the lower leg support frame  25 , the lower leg support platform  29 , the first end  26  of the lower leg support frame  25 , the lower leg end  13  of the base  12 , and the plurality of apertures  76  in the second substantially hollow section  58  are also depicted. 
     FIG. 7  is a side view of the leg elevator  11  in a collapsed position as shown in FIG.  6 .  FIG. 7  illustrates that the leg elevator  11  is substantially flat when collapsed.  FIG. 7  also shows, from left to right, the first end  54  and the second end  56  of the first substantially hollow section  52 , the first end  60  and the second end  62  of the second substantially hollow section  58 , the lower leg end  13  of the base  12 , the lower leg support frame  25 , the second end  34  and the first end  32  of the angle adjustment mechanism  30 , the second end  24  and the first end  23  of the upper leg adjustment mechanism  22 , and the upper leg end  14  of the base  12 . 
   Referring now to  FIG. 8 , a cut-away view of a telescopic leg  35  is shown. A telescopic leg  35  of the preferred embodiment includes a first substantially hollow section  52  that has a first end  54  and a second end  56 . A telescopic leg  35  also has a second substantially hollow section  58  with a first end  60  and a second end  62 . The second end  62  of the second substantially hollow section  58  defines an opening  63  to telescopically receive the second end  56  of the first substantially hollow section  52 . Also, the telescopic leg  35  includes a means for retaining the first substantially hollow section  52  in a desired position relative to the second substantially hollow section  58 . 
   In the preferred embodiment, the means for retaining the first substantially hollow section  52  in a desired position relative to the second substantially hollow section  58  is a U-shaped member  66  that is positioned inside the second end  56  of the first substantially hollow section  52 . The U-shaped member  66  has a first end  68  and second end  70 . The first end  68  of the U-shaped member  66  has a raised portion  72 , and the second end  70  of the U-shaped member  66  is adapted to frictionally engage an inside surface of the second end  56  of the first substantially hollow section  52 . In the preferred embodiment, the first substantially hollow section  52  also includes an aperture  74  near the second end  56  of the first substantially hollow section  52 . The aperture  74  in the first substantially hollow section  52  receives the raised portion  72  of the U-shaped member  66 . In the preferred embodiment, the second substantially hollow section  58  has a plurality of apertures  76  along a length of the second substantially hollow section  58 . The plurality of apertures  76  in the second substantially hollow section  58  receive the raised portion  72  of the U-shaped member  66  which extends through the aperture  74  in the second end  56  of the first substantially hollow section  52 . As shown near the bottom of  FIG. 8 , a spring  78  can be positioned inside the telescopic leg  35 . The spring  78  moves the telescopic leg  35  into an extended position when the first substantially hollow section  52  and the second substantially hollow section  58  are telescopically engaged. 
   In the present invention, at least one telescopic leg is used for the height adjustment mechanism  16  and for the upper leg adjustment mechanism  22 . Although the leg elevator  11  is operable with telescopic leg  35  acting as the height adjustment mechanism  16 , the preferred embodiment utilizes a first telescopic leg  38  for adjusting a height of the lower leg support frame  25  above the base  12  and a second telescopic leg  40  for adjusting the height of the lower leg support frame  25  above the base  12 . Using two telescopic legs for the height adjustment mechanism  16  provides the leg elevator  11  with more strength and stability in holding the proper elevation positions. In the preferred embodiment, the upper leg adjustment mechanism  22  includes a third telescopic leg  42  for adjusting a distance between the upper leg end  14  of the base  12  and the lower leg support frame  25  and a fourth telescopic leg  44  for adjusting a distance between the upper leg end  14  of the base  12  and the lower leg support frame  25 . Each telescopic leg  35  is comprised as detailed above and is operated as described below. 
   To adjust a telescopic leg  35  the raised portion  72  of the U-shaped member  66  is moved to a position near the first end  70  of the U-shaped member  66 , creating tension in the U-shaped member  66  by placing the first end  68  and the second end  70  of the U-shaped member  66  in close proximity to one another. The raised portion  72  of the U-shaped member  66  should be depressed far enough to disengage the raised portion  72  of the U-shaped member  66  from one of the plurality of apertures  76  in the second substantially hollow section  58 . A telescopic leg  35  can then be repositioned by sliding the first substantially hollow section  52  in a linear telescopic fashion relative to the second substantially hollow section  58  until the raised portion  72  of the U-shaped member  66 , which extends from the aperture  74  defined by the second end  56  of the first substantially hollow section  52 , engages another aperture in the plurality of apertures  76  in the second substantially hollow section  58 . The spring  78 , positioned inside a telescopic leg  35 , can be used to help move the first substantially hollow section  52  in a telescopic fashion relative to the second substantially hollow section  58  when the telescopic leg  35  is adjusted. 
   Turning now to  FIG. 9 , the ball-ratchet mechanism  36  is shown in an exploded, detailed view. The angle adjustment mechanism  30  of the leg elevator  11  includes at least one ball-ratchet mechanism  36  as shown in FIG.  9 . In the preferred embodiment, the angle adjustment mechanism  30  includes a first ball-ratchet mechanism  45  and a second ball-ratchet mechanism  46 . Each ball-ratchet mechanism is formed in the manner detailed below. 
   A ball-ratchet mechanism  36  of the preferred embodiment includes an elongated threaded connector  80 , a first grooved member  82 , a second grooved member  92  and a knob  102 . The first grooved member  82  has an outer side  84  and an inner side  86 . The first grooved member  82  also has a first plurality of grooves  88  formed on the inner side  86  of the first grooved member  82 . A first threaded opening  90  originates at the inner side  86  of the first grooved member  82  and extends through the first grooved member  82 . The first threaded opening  90  receives the elongated threaded connector  80 . The second grooved member  92  has an outer side  94  and an inner side  96  (indicated by an arrow, but not shown). The second grooved member  92  also has a second plurality of grooves  98  formed on the inner side  96  of the second grooved member  92 . The second plurality of grooves  98  is adapted to engage the first plurality of grooves  88 . A second threaded opening  100  originates at the outer side  94  of the second grooved member  92  and extends through the second grooved member  92  to the inner side  96  of the second grooved member  92 . The second threaded opening  100  receives the elongated threaded connector  80 . The knob  102  is attached to the elongated threaded connector  80  for rotating the elongated threaded connector  80  as the elongated threaded connector  80  engages the first threaded opening  90  and the second threaded opening  100 . The knob  102  is used to move the elongated threaded connector  80  between a locking position where the first plurality of grooves  88  and the second plurality of grooves  98  are held in engagement with each other and an unlocked position where the first plurality of grooves  88  and the second plurality of grooves  98  can be angularly adjusted with respect to each other. 
   While the preferred embodiment utilizes a ball-ratchet mechanism  36  for the angle adjustment mechanism  30 , other mechanisms such as a hinge, a rotatable T-connector that is secured by a pin, or a clamping device could be utilized in the leg elevator  11  of the present invention. The ball-ratchet mechanism  36  is preferable, though, because it can be adjusted without requiring the patient to remove his or her leg from the leg elevator  11 , and adjustment of the angle adjustment mechanism  30  can be performed by the patient without additional assistance. Furthermore, using the ball-ratchet mechanism, the relative angle of the upper leg platform  28  and lower leg support  15  can be adjusted without varying the height adjustment mechanism  16  or the upper leg adjustment mechanism  22  of the leg elevator  11  due to the independence of the angle adjustment mechanism  30  relative to the height adjustment mechanism  16  and the upper leg adjustment mechanism  22 . The ball-ratchet mechanism  36  is also preferred due to the ease it provides in varying the position of the elevator and in reproducing a preferred or physician specified angular orientation of the upper leg platform  28  to the lower leg platform  29 . Alternatively, the patient can simply adjust the leg elevator  11  to position the leg in any manner that is comfortable to the patient. To further aid in achieving a desired position of the angle adjustment mechanism  30 , a ball-ratchet mechanism  36  preferably includes a plurality of markings  104  on the outer side  84  of the first grooved member  82  and a plurality of markings  106  on the outer side  94  of the second grooved member  92 . The plurality of markings  106  on the outer side  94  of the second grooved member  92  can be adapted to align with the plurality of markings  104  on the outer side  84  of the first grooved member  82 . 
   To adjust a ball-ratchet mechanism  36  as shown in  FIG. 9 , the knob  102  is turned such that the elongated threaded connector  80 , which is threadably engaged with the first grooved member  82  via the first threaded opening  90  and with the second grooved member  92  via the second threaded opening  100 , moves away from the first grooved member  82 . Turning the knob  102  as described will cause the first plurality of grooves  88  on the inner side  86  of the first grooved member  82  and the second plurality of grooves  98  on the inner side  96  of the second grooved member  92  to disengage. This is the unlocked position. While in the unlocked position, the first grooved member  82  can be twisted relative to the second grooved member  92 , thereby adjusting the relative angle of the upper leg platform  28  and the lower leg platform  29 . When the desired angle has been achieved, the knob  102  is turned in the opposite direction, causing the elongated threaded connector  80  to re-engage the first threaded opening  90  in the first grooved member  82 . Turning the elongated threaded connector  80  as described will bring the first grooved member  82  closer in proximity to the second grooved member  92  such that by turning the knob  102 , the first plurality of grooves  88  will be held in engagement with the second plurality of grooves  98 , and the angle adjustment mechanism  30  will be held in a stable position. 
   The preferred embodiment of the leg elevator  11  is comprised of lightweight plastic tubing such as PVC (polyvinyl chloride) pipe. Using PVC pipe to manufacture the leg elevator  11  of the preferred embodiment creates a leg elevator  11  that is relatively inexpensive and easy to manufacture, which allows the device to be affordable for use in a home setting. However, other material could be used to construct the leg elevator  11 . For example, lightweight aluminum could be substituted for the PVC pipe without altering the material features of the present invention. Additionally, the lightweight plastic parts of the telescopic leg  35  of the leg elevator  11  can be formed of round tubing or alternatively, of square or octagonal-shaped pieces. 
   Many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. For example, although the preferred embodiment utilizes a base  12  and support platforms  28 ,  29  which are adapted to be wide enough to support one leg at a time, the leg elevator  11  could be adapted such that the leg elevator  11  is wide enough to accommodate the support of both legs at one time. Therefore, within the scope of the appended claims, the present invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described, and the present invention has been described in an illustrative manner only. It is to be understood that the terminology that has been used is intended to be in the nature of words description rather than of limitation. It will be understood by those skilled in the art the various changes and modifications can be made about departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.