Abstract:
Devices, apparatus, systems and methods of providing therapy and exercise to the leg, ankle, and foot of a patient/occupant preferably laying down on a bed. The device can include a clamp that attaches about a footboard/headboard of a bed, with an elongated member extending out from the clamp. Pivotally attached to the end of the member can be a backward L-shaped bar, and a foot pad can be pivotally attached to the lower horizontal leg of the L-shaped bar. Springs can pull the top of the L-shaped bar toward the clamp. The user can push their foot and pivot the footpad so that the springably biased pivotally attached L-shaped bar constantly pushes back against the foot. The ankle can be rotated and the leg extended and the foot moved for therapy and exercise. An additional spring can hold the foot pad in a pivoted position so that an ankle can be further exercised.

Description:
This invention relates to therapy and exercise, in particular to devices, apparatus and methods of providing therapy and exercise treatments for muscles and tendons and nerves on feet, ankles and legs. 
   BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART 
   Over the years, accidents and conditions such as arthritis have resulted in muscle, tendon and nerve damage to one&#39;s feet and ankles. Ankle type fractures have been treated by immobilizing the body part in a cast and the like, where removal after many weeks or months can result in other serious complications. For example, an immobilized patient can experience a loss of muscle tone that can include muscle atrophy as well as the threat of blood clots by constant immobilization. The sixty degrees of articulation that is required in one&#39;s ankle can be seriously effected by such immobilization. Thus, there is a need to provide therapy and exercise treatment to the body parts to allow for enhancing blood flow by moving the body parts so that the muscles, tendons and nerves properly heal. 
   Various types of devices have been proposed over the years for providing treatment to the lower extremities of the body. Some of these devices have required the body parts such as the lower legs and/or feet to be securely strapped in place. See for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,509,793 to Thompson; 4,474,176 to Farris et al.; 6,206,807 to Cowan et al.; 6,709,369 to Jacobs; and U.S. Patent Application Publication 2006/0251067 to Terry. However, these devices are both cumbersome to use and require extra time to attach and remove from the patient that is not desirable for long term use. 
   Other devices have limited exercise and therapy capability since they fail to treat and articulate one&#39;s ankle. See for example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,887,180 to Berman. 
   Still other devices have been proposed that are complex, expensive, not easy to assemble and disassemble and not practical for use outside of a hospital, and cannot be easily used by most patients without a doctors prescription and/or a therapist to use. See for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,340,666 to Johanson; 4,637,379 to Saringer; 6,270,445 to Dean, Jr. et al.; and U.S. Patent Application publication 2006/0064044 to Schmehl. 
   Many devices require the patient be in a sitting or prone position that can be both uncomfortable and also require the patient to control the device with one&#39;s hand which can require the patient to be in an uncomfortable position for long periods of time. See for example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,872,186 to Branch et al. as well as U.S. Pat. No. 6,206,807 to Cowans et al. Additionally, just sitting in a seated position does not allow for the legs to receive any therapy and exercise which is also not desirable, which can be the result of other devices such as U.S. Pat. No. 7,008,357 to Winkler. 
   Thus, the need exists for solutions to the above problems with the prior art. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   A primary objective of the present invention is to provide a therapy and exercise apparatus, device and method for use with a bed and the like, for stimulating blood circulation in the lower extremities by movement of various muscles, tendons and joints, that can treat legs, ankles and feet of a patient. 
   A secondary objective of the present invention is to provide therapy and exercise apparatus, device and method for use, that is compact and easily adaptable for use with either a headboard or foot board on a bed, and can be easily installed and removed without any tools or loose fasteners. 
   A third objective of the present invention is to provide therapy and exercise apparatus, device and method for use, for one&#39;s lower leg, ankle and foot, that allows the patient to control the flexing and stretching pressures and tensions when being used. 
   A fourth objective of the present invention is to provide therapy and exercise apparatus, device and method for use, for allowing a patient to safely and effectively articulate their foot relative to their lower leg. 
   A fifth objective of the present invention is to provide therapy and exercise apparatus, device and method for use, for allowing a patient to control and adjust articulation of their foot relative to their lower leg. 
   A sixth objective of the present invention is to provide therapy and exercise apparatus, device and method for use, for allowing a patient to safely and effectively move and stimulate their ankle. 
   A seventh objective of the present invention is to provide therapy and exercise apparatus, device and method for use, for allowing a patient to safely and effectively move and stimulate their calf muscles. 
   An eighth objective of the present invention is to provide therapy and exercise apparatus, device and method for use, for allowing a patient to safely and effectively move and stimulate muscles and tendons in their feet. 
   A preferred embodiment has the device clamped to the headboard or footboard of a bed by a clamp so that a patient/user laying on the bed can use the device. The device can include a foot pad for fitting against the bottom of a foot, which can be pivotally attached to the bottom of a backward L-shaped bar. The top of the bar can have a spring which can be attached by two springs to the clamp. A mid-section of an upper part of the L-shaped bar can be pivotally attached to a rod, the opposite end of which is fixably attached to the clamp. The user/patient can exercise their ankle, foot and leg by pushing on the pivotal footpad which also allows the L-shaped bar to pivot against the rod while the springs constantly push back against the foot. 
   Further objects and advantages of this invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the presently preferred embodiments which are illustrated schematically in the accompanying drawings. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective front footpad side view of the exercise and therapy device. 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective rear clamp side view of the device of  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 3  is a side view of the device of  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 4  is a rear end view of the device of  FIG. 3  along arrow X 1 . 
       FIG. 5  is a front end view of the device of  FIG. 3  along arrow X 2 . 
       FIG. 6  is a top view of the device of  FIG. 3  along arrow Y 1 . 
       FIG. 7  is a bottom view of the device of  FIG. 3  along arrow Y 2 . 
       FIG. 8  is a side view of the device of the preceding figures clamped to a bed board, and a user about to use the device. 
       FIG. 9  is another view of the device and user of  FIG. 8  after the user stretches their leg. 
       FIG. 10  is an enlarged view of a user&#39;s foot pivoting the L-shaped bracket of the device. 
       FIG. 11A  is an enlarged view of a foot tip pushing forward pivoting the device footpad. 
       FIG. 11B  is an enlarged view of a foot bottom pushing forward pivoting the footpad. 
       FIG. 12A  is a side view of another embodiment of the device with extra spring(s) for the pivoting footpad with supported foot. 
       FIG. 12B  is the foot bottom of  FIG. 12A  pushing forward against a spring biased footpad. 
       FIG. 12C  is the foot top of  FIG. 12A  pushing forward against the spring biased footpad. 
   

   DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   Before explaining the disclosed embodiments of the present invention in detail it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its applications to the details of the particular arrangements shown since the invention is capable of other embodiments. Also, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. 
   A description of the components will now be described.
     Device  1     Cradle/footpad  10     Base plate  12     Left sidewall  14     Bottom curved wall  16     Right sidewall  18     First cradle bracket  22     Cradle back upper mounting holes  23     Cradle back pivoting bar and fasteners  25     Cradle back middle mounting holes  27     Cradle back lower mounting holes  29     Second cradle bracket  28     Backward L-shaped bar  30     Side leg upper mount hole  31     bottom leg  32     end of bottom leg  34     pivoting fastener  35     middle mount hole  35     side leg  36     middle of side leg  37     upper end of side leg  38     Side leg lower mount hole  39     Elongated member/bar  40     Upper end flanges of bar  42     Bottom of bar  48     Clamp  50     Front pair of downwardly protruding members  52 ,  54     Top of clamp  55     Rear pair of downwardly protruding members  56 ,  58     Clamp bar bracket  60     Turn knob  62     Screw head  64     First bar spring  70     Second bar spring  80     Footpad spring(s)  90     Bed  100     Footboard/headboard  110     User/patient  200     Upper leg of user  210     Knee  220     Lower leg  230     Ankle  240     Foot  250     Foot tip  252     Foot base/heel  258     

     FIG. 1  is a perspective front footpad side view of the exercise and therapy device.  FIG. 2  is a perspective rear clamp side view of the device of  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 3  is a side view of the device  1  of  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 4  is a rear end view of the device  1  of  FIG. 3  along arrow X 1 .  FIG. 5  is a front end view of the device  1  of  FIG. 3  along arrow X 2 .  FIG. 6  is a top view of the device  1  of  FIG. 3  along arrow Y 1 .  FIG. 7  is a bottom view of the device  1  of  FIG. 3  along arrow Y 2 . 
   Referring to  FIGS. 1-7 , a preferred embodiment of the device  1  can include a cradle/footpad  10  pivotally attached to a spring biased backward L-shaped bar, which is pivotally attached to an angled elongated member  40  that protrudes from a clamp  50  that is attached to support members, such as footboards or headboards which will be discussed further below. The main components can be formed from rigid metal such as but not limited to galvanized steel, and the like, with metal springs. 
   The cradle/footpad  10  can include a base plate  12 , with left sidewall  14 , right sidewall  18 , and bottom curved wall  16  therebetween. On the back of cradle/footpad  10  can be mounted by welding, and the like, a first cradle bracket  22  and a second cradle bracket  26  spaced apart from and parallel to one another. On the first and second cradle brackets  22 ,  28  can be plural mounting holes that can include a pair of cradle back upper mounting holes  23 , a pair of cradle back middle mounting holes  27 , and a pair of cradle back lower mounting holes  29 . A pivoting bar with fasteners  25 , such as a screw and nut, can attach the outer end  34  of the bottom side leg  36  of the backward L shaped bar  30  to the first and second cradle brackets  22 ,  28 . 
   The backward L-shaped bar  30  can be pivotally attached to a pair of protruding flanges  42  of angled elongated member  40  by pivoting fastener  35  such as a screw and nut, that is inserted through different located througholes  31 ,  37 ,  39 . 
   A first spring  70  and a second spring  80  can attach the upper end  38  of side leg  36  to respective upper ends of the rear pair of downwardly protruding clamp members  56 ,  58 . The springs  70 ,  80  can biasly hold the upper end  38  of the pivotable backward L-shaped bar  30  toward the clamp  50 , so that pushing against base plate  12  of footpad  10  stretches the springs  70 ,  80 . 
   Clamp  50  can include a top cap portion  55  with the elongated member  40  protruding from an angle therefrom. The clamp can include a front pair of downwardly protruding members  52 ,  54  and a rear pair of downwardly protruding members  56 ,  58  for mounting about a support such as a bed headboard or bed footboard, which will be discussed in greater detail below. A clamp bar bracket welded to lower out ends of the rear pair of downward protruding members  56 ,  58  can have a turn knob  62  that when tightened pushes a screw head  64  against the support that will be described below. 
   Adjustment of the device to modify spring biasing, torque and/or comfort will now be described in reference to  FIGS. 1-7  for both the footpad  10  and the backward L-shaped bar  30 . Locating the pivoting fastener  35  through the lower throughhole  39  causes the user to exert greater amounts of pressure to push against the footpad  10  than locating the pivoting fastener in throughholes  31  and  37 . Locating the pivoting fastener  35  in upper throughhole  31  allows the user to use the least amount of pressure since it allows for the largest amount of leverage to push against footpad  10  and stretch springs  70 ,  80 . 
   Further adjustment of the device  1  can be described by the different mounting positions of the backward L-shaped bar  30  to the outer end  42  of the elongated member  40 . The pivoting fastening bar  25  can be inserted through any pair of the upper mounting holes  23 , pair of middle mounting holes  27  or pair of lower mounting holes  29 , depending on the user. Mounting through the lower pair of mounting holes  29  will allow the user to primarily use the heel of their foot to push against the spring biased backward L-shaped bar  30  as compared to mounting through the middle pair of mounting holes  27  or upper pair of mounting holes  23 . Use of the middle mounting holes  27  and upper mounting holes  23  allow for the user&#39;s ankle to be able to exercised by the user having to push harder against the spring biased backward L-shaped bar  30 . Also, user&#39;s with different sized feet can customize their fit by theusing the different mounting hole pairs  23 ,  27 ,  29 . 
     FIG. 8  is a side view of the device  1  of the proceding figures clamped to a footboard/headboard  110  of a bed  100 , and a user  200  about to use the device  1 .  FIG. 9  is another view of the device  1  and user  200  of  FIG. 8  after the user stretches their leg  210 ,  230 .  FIG. 10  is an enlarged view of a user&#39;s foot  250  pivoting the L-shaped bracket  30  of the device  1 . 
   Referring to  FIGS. 1-10 , a preferred application is to attach the device  1  by slipping the front pair of downwardly members  52 ,  54  and the rear pair of downwardly protruding members about a headboard/footboard  110  of a bed. The device can be fixably mounted in place by rotatably tightening a turn knob  62  that presses a screw head  64  against one side of the headboard/footboard  110 . Next a user/patient can be positioned to lay on their back on a bed  100 , with one of their feet  252  placed in the cradle/footpad  10  so that the lower sole of their foot rests against the base plate  12  and is held in place by sidewalls  14 ,  16  and  18  of the cradle  10 . The user  200  can initially as shown in  FIG. 8  have their upper leg  210  raised and bent at the knee  220  to lower leg  230 . 
   Next, the user can push outward in the direction of arrow P straightening out their upper leg  210  to their lower leg  230  as shown in  FIG. 9 . Here, the backward L-shaped bracket  30  can pivot relative to elongated member and rotate counter-clockwise in the direction of arrow CCW, and stretch springs  80 / 70 . Increasing the tension on springs  70 / 80  can provide exercise and therapy along the muscles and joints of upper leg  210 , knee  220  and lower leg  230 . Pumping the leg back and forth allows for further exercise and therapy to occur as shown in  FIG. 10  so that the L-shaped member  30  moves clockwise in the direction of arrow CW as well as counter clockwise in the direction of arrow CCW. 
     FIG. 11A  is an enlarged view of a foot tip  252  pushing forward pivoting the device footpad  10 .  FIG. 11B  is an enlarged view of a foot bottom/heal  258  pushing forward pivoting the footpad  10 . Referring to  FIGS. 11A-11B , the foot  250  and ankle  240  can be further exercised as the same time or separate from the upper leg  210 , the knee  220  and the lower leg  230 . At the same time or separately, the user  200  can further rotate their foot  250  relative to their ankle  240  by pivoting footpad  10  relative to the backward L-shaped bar  30  by rotating in the clockwise direction of arrow CW or in the counter clockwise direction of arrow CCW. 
     FIG. 12A  is a side view of another embodiment  200  of the device  1  of the proceding figures with extra spring(s)  90  for the pivoting footpad  10  with supported foot  250 .  FIG. 12B  is the foot heel  258  of  FIG. 12A  pushing forward against a spring biased footpad  10 .  FIG. 12C  is the foot top/tip  252  of  FIG. 12A  pushing forward against the spring biased footpad  10 . Here, an upper spring  92  can attach upper portions of the foot pad  10  to the side leg  36  of the backward L-shaped bar  30 , and lower spring  94  can attach the lower portion of the foot pad  10  to the side leg  36  of the backward L-shaped bar  30 . Pushing the foot heel  258  can rotate foot pad  10  in the direction of arrow CW relative to L-shaped bar  30  and stretch spring  92 . Pushing the toe tip  252  outward can rotate foot pad  10  in the direction of arrow CCW and stretch spring  94 . The alternative pushing of the foot tip  252  and foot heel  258  can provide exercise to the foot  250 , and ankle  240 . More springs and/or less springs can be added to adjust the tension and pressure of the device  1  as needed. 
   A prototype of the invention was tested with a patient that had been in a severe automobile accident that resulted in the patient&#39;s pelvis being totally crushed and not possible to pin, screw otherwise secure the pelvis. The patient&#39;s ankle was also fractured in approximately eight places. The doctors had advised that by the time the pelvis was sufficiently healed for the patient to stand, the ankle would have been frozen, and the patient would end up walking with a frozen(stiff) ankle. The patient used the prototype while sitting and reclining on a bed with the prototype attached to the bed footboard. Over a period of time of several months of using the prototype and following a repertoire of self therapy by pushing on the foot pad and rotating their ankle, the patient now walks normally with their foot having free unlimited rotation about their ankle. 
   Although the invention is described as having three sets of mounting holes on the back of the footpad and the backward L-shaped bar, more or less mounting holes can be used as desired to adjust the tension and pressure levels of using the device. 
   While the preferred embodiment is described being formed from metal components, the invention can be formed from other components such as rigid plastic, and the like, and/or combination of metal and plastic. 
   Although the invention is shown and described having the user laying on a bed, the invention can be used with the patient sitting on a chair, a sofa spaced away from a mounted invention, wherein the invention can be mounted off the frontboard of the bed. 
   While the invention has been described, disclosed, illustrated and shown in various terms of certain embodiments or modifications which it has presumed in practice, the scope of the invention is not intended to be, nor should it be deemed to be, limited thereby and such other modification or embodiments as may be suggested by the teachings herein are particularly reserved especially as they fall within the breadth and scope of the claims here appended.