Abstract:
An apparatus according to the present invention provides a portable, adjustable limb support mechanism for use in physiotherapy or occupational therapy. The support may be clamped to various supporting structures, and the support mechanism may be capable of being positioned throughout a substantially hemispherical field of positioning once clamped to a supporting structure. A kit according to the present invention includes one or more of a selectable support base, selectable shaft length, selectable handle size, selectable color combinations, and/or selectable support accessories. A method according to the present invention includes providing a support shaft mechanism, including a grip, having substantially hemispherical positioning, stabilizing the grip in a desired position, and positioning a limb of a person against the grip so that the person may use the grip as a point of stability to facilitate improved motor accuracy.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/130,287, filed 29 May 2008, and entitled “Portable Therapeutic Support Handle,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    A device according to the present invention relates generally to supportive structures, and more particularly to a portable therapeutic support handle for use in physiotherapeutic or postural assistive applications. A method according to the present invention relates generally to physiotherapy and occupational therapy, and more particularly to a method of assisting patients in maintaining limb positioning, posture or exercising. 
         [0003]    It is thought that lifelong physical therapy for some persons, such as those having neuro-motor disorders and moderate to severe one side or total body involvement including impairments of dystonia, athetosis, and spasticity, is critical to maintaining muscle tone and preventing dislocation of various joints. Furthermore, posture correction or maintenance as related to functional outcomes is often a desirable goal. 
         [0004]    Various devices have heretofore been employed for the exercise and therapy of a person&#39;s limbs, and correction and/or maintenance of posture. For instance, simple weight systems and stretching apparatus have been developed for exercise purposes. Further, harnesses have been employed to maintain posture. However, there is still room for improvement in adjustable limb stabilization and for use in improving body core stability. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    An apparatus or method according to the present invention provides an improved therapeutic support handle with improved adjustable limb stabilization that may be utilized to work towards improved body core stability. 
         [0006]    According to an embodiment of a support apparatus according to the present invention, the apparatus includes a longitudinal shaft portion formed along a shaft axis and including a first shaft end and a second shaft end. A support bracket having a clamping mechanism is operatively coupled to the first shaft end. A handle is operatively coupled to the second shaft end. The handle has a grip coupled to a handle head, where the grip is formed about a grip axis. A relative positioning of the grip axis and the shaft axis is adjustable. 
         [0007]    According to an aspect of an embodiment of a support apparatus according to the present invention, the grip axis is rotatable around the shaft axis. In addition to or in exclusion to being rotatable around the shaft axis, the grip axis may be positioned at an angle relative to the shaft axis. The angle may be greater than or equal to zero degrees and less than or equal to ninety degrees. 
         [0008]    According to an aspect of an embodiment of a support apparatus according to the present invention, the grip may be removably coupled to the handle head. For instance, the grip may have a threaded aperture which is adapted to engage with a threaded stud extending from the handle head. 
         [0009]    According to an aspect of an embodiment of a support apparatus according to the present invention, the handle head may have a threaded aperture which is adapted to engage with a threaded stud extending from the longitudinal shaft second shaft end. 
         [0010]    According to an aspect of an embodiment of a support apparatus according to the present invention, the longitudinal shaft includes a first shaft member including the first shaft end and a second shaft member including the second shaft end. The second shaft member may be disposed at least partially coaxially and in a telescoping arrangement with the first shaft member. For instance, the first shaft member may include a hollow tube, wherein at least a portion of the first shaft member is disposed circumferentially around at least a portion of the second shaft member. The longitudinal shaft portion may further include a threaded adjustment collar. The adjustment collar may be movable to a first position which allows the second shaft member to slide within the first shaft member and movable to a second position which substantially prevents the second shaft member from sliding within the first shaft member. 
         [0011]    According to an aspect of an embodiment of a support apparatus according to the present invention, the longitudinal shaft may be provided with a discrete length locking mechanism in addition to or exclusive of the adjustment collar. The discrete length locking mechanism may include an outer throughbore diametrically formed through the first shaft member, the outer throughbore being formed along an outer throughbore axis. The discrete length locking mechanism may further include a first inner throughbore diametrically formed through the second shaft member, the first inner throughbore being formed along an inner throughbore axis. Further, a pin may be provided which is adapted to be inserted into at least a portion of the outer throughbore and at least a portion of the first inner throughbore. The pin may be coupled to the support bracket. 
         [0012]    According to an aspect of an embodiment of a support apparatus according to the present invention, the support apparatus may further include a limb support mechanism coupled to and extending radially from the longitudinal shaft portion. The limb support mechanism may be spaced from the handle grip. The limb support mechanism may include a support pad including a formed plate and a soft resilient pad attached to the plate. The limb support mechanism may further include a first support rod and a second support rod, both of which are coupled to the plate. A first shaft collar may be adapted to releasably secure the first support rod to the longitudinal shaft portion, such as the first shaft member, and a second shaft collar may be adapted to releasably secure the second support rod to the longitudinal shaft portion, such as the second shaft member. 
         [0013]    According to an aspect of an embodiment of a support apparatus according to the present invention including a limb support mechanism, the limb support mechanism may further include a strap, at least a portion of the strap being selectively detachably coupled to the formed plate. 
         [0014]    According to an aspect of an embodiment of a support apparatus according to the present invention, the longitudinal shaft portion may be translatable through at least a first substantially hemispherical range of motion with respect to the clamping mechanism and the handle grip is translatable through at least a second substantially hemispherical range of motion with respect to the longitudinal shaft portion. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0015]      FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a portable therapeutic support handle according to the present invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 1B  is a perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1A , further including an optional discrete length adjustment mechanism and an optional rotation-prevention mechanism. 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  is a first perspective view of a second embodiment of a portable therapeutic support handle according to the present invention in a first position. 
           [0018]      FIG. 3  is a second perspective view of the second embodiment of  FIG. 2  in the first position. 
           [0019]      FIG. 4  is a third perspective view of the second embodiment of  FIG. 2  in the first position. 
           [0020]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the second embodiment of  FIG. 2  in a second position. 
           [0021]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a portable therapeutic support handle according to the present invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a portable therapeutic support handle according to the present invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a portable therapeutic support handle according to the present invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a limb support strap according to the present invention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a support pad and associated mounting structure according to the present invention. 
           [0026]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a support pad and associated mounting structure according to the present invention. 
           [0027]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the second embodiment of  FIG. 2  in use. 
           [0028]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the fourth embodiment of  FIG. 7  in use. 
           [0029]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the fifth embodiment of  FIG. 8  in use. 
           [0030]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of an embodiment of an alternate support bracket according to the present invention. 
           [0031]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of a portable therapeutic support handle according to the present invention in combination with a wheelchair. 
           [0032]      FIG. 17  is a perspective view of the sixth embodiment of  FIG. 16  in combination with a standing frame. 
           [0033]      FIG. 18  is an embodiment of a therapeutic handle kit according to the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0034]    Although the disclosure hereof is detailed and exact to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, the physical embodiments herein disclosed merely exemplify the invention which may be embodied in other specific structures. While the preferred embodiment has been described, the details may be changed without departing from the invention, which is defined by the claims. 
         [0035]    Turning now to the Figures,  FIG. 1A  provides a first embodiment  100  of a portable therapeutic support handle according to the present invention. Generally, the embodiment  100  includes a support bracket  110 , a support shaft  130 , and a handle  150 . The support bracket  110  preferably includes a clamping mechanism  112  for clamping the support bracket  110  to a support structure, such as a table or desk  7 , as shown in  FIG. 12 . The clamping mechanism  112  may be a C-clamp  114  having a clamp body  116  and a clamp engagement member  118 . The clamp engagement member  118  may be provided with a protective pad  120  to assist in protecting the support structure to which the support bracket  110  is clamped. The protective pad  120  may be formed of a rubber or cork material, for example. The support bracket  110  may also include a handle  122 , which may be coupled to the clamping mechanism  112 , such as by being formed integrally therewith. A suitable support bracket  110  is a Panavise® Model 311 Bench Clamp Base Mount, available from Panavise Products, Inc., of Reno, Nevada. Coupled to the support bracket  110  is a support platform  124 , which is preferably a substantially planar plate including mounting apertures (not shown). 
         [0036]    The support shaft  130  generally includes a first shaft member  132  formed about a shaft axis  133 . The first shaft member has a support end  134 , which is coupled to the support platform  124 , and a distal end  136  extending away from the support platform  124 . While the handle  150  could be coupled directly to the first shaft member  132 , the support shaft  130  preferably includes a second shaft member  138  disposed in a coaxial sliding relationship with the first  132 . For instance, the first shaft member  132  may be a hollow shaft member into which the second shaft member  138 , of smaller diameter than the first  132 , is inserted. The second shaft  138  may, but preferably does not, rotate within the first shaft  132 . The second shaft  138  may be provided with a longitudinal groove along at least a portion of an outside surface thereof, to engage a dimple formed on an interior surface of the first shaft  132 , so as to at least substantially prevent rotation of the second shaft  138  within the first shaft  132 . Such arrangement is described below with respect to  FIG. 1B . The distal end  136  of the first shaft member  132  may be threaded to accept a threaded adjustment collar  140  surrounding a compression ring (not shown), which may be metal, plastic or rubber. When loosened, the threaded adjustment collar  140  allows the second shaft member  138  to slide telescopingly at least partially within the first shaft member  132 , thus translating the handle  150 , which is coupled to a distal end  142  of the second shaft member  138 , in a first adjustment direction  144 , thereby moving the entire handle  150  between a first position  801   a  closer to and a second position  801   b  further away from the support platform  124 . 
         [0037]    In addition to or alternatively to the adjustment collar  140 , the shaft  130  may be provided with other adjustment or support mechanisms. For instance, as shown in  FIG. 1B , the first shaft  132  and the second shaft  138  may be formed with a discrete length locking mechanism  180 . The discrete length locking mechanism  180  may include an outer throughbore  181  diametrically formed through the first shaft  132  along an axis  182  and one or more inner throughbores  183  diametrically formed through the second shaft  138  along an axis  184 . Where a plurality of inner throughbores  183  is provided, the respective axes  184  along which they are formed are preferably at least substantially parallel, but they may be skew. The locking mechanism  180  may further include a pin  185  that is adapted to be inserted through the outer throughbore  181  and one of the inner throughbores  183 . Thus, after adjustment and insertion of the pin  185 , coaxial rotation and longitudinal movement of the second shaft  138  within the first shaft  132  is at least substantially prevented. The pin  185  is preferably tethered to either the support bracket  110  or the shaft  130 . The pin  185  may have a retainer ring  186  operatively coupled thereto, such as a coiled ring  186  threaded through an aperture provided through the pin. A tether strap  187 , such as a plastic cord, may be operatively coupled to the ring  186  at one end and at the other end it may be secured to the support bracket  110  by a threaded fastener. 
         [0038]    In addition or alternatively to preventing axial rotation of the second shaft  138  within the first shaft  132  after adjustment, it may be desirable to prevent coaxial rotation during adjustment. That is, with the pin  185  removed and the collar  140  loosened, it may be desirable to prevent coaxial rotation so as to maintain substantially parallel alignment of the outer throughbore axis  182  with one or more inner throughbore axis  184 . One mechanism for preventing coaxial rotation of the second shaft  138  within the first shaft  132  during adjustment is by cooperating longitudinal guide slot  188  provided on one shaft  138  or  132  with a guide peg  189  disposed on the other shaft  132  or  138 , respectively. The guide slot  188  is preferably provided along a length of the second shaft  138 , and the guide peg  189  is preferably provided as an inwardly projecting dimple formed in the first shaft  132 . 
         [0039]    Returning to  FIG. 1A , the handle  150  preferably includes a grip  152  formed about a grip axis  153 . The grip  152  is coupled to a handle head  154 . The grip  152  preferably includes a free end  156  oppositely disposed from a support end  158 . The handle head  154  preferably includes a ball and socket adjustment mechanism  160 . The ball and socket mechanism  160  may be comprised of a two-piece housing  162 , which may be secured about a ball  164  and spin collar  166  by a threaded adjustment bolt  168 . The threaded adjustment bolt  168  is shown as having a knob  169  to allow for quick adjustment. If a more secure adjustment is desired, the knob  169  may be eliminated and only the bolt  168 , in the general form of a set screw, may be used to prevent inadvertent adjustment or to improve safety. The spin collar  166  is provided with a threaded aperture (not shown) to receive a threaded stud (not shown) extending from the first shaft member  132 , the second shaft member  138 , or the extension shaft  239 . The grip  152  may include a threaded aperture (not shown) provided in the support end  158  that cooperates with a threaded stud (see  FIG. 18 ) extending from the ball and socket mechanism  160 . In this manner, the grip  152  may be adjusted in at least a substantially hemispherical range of motion when the threaded adjustment bolt  168  is loosened sufficiently to allow such motion. A preferred combination support shaft  130  and handle head  154  is provided-in the Model 883-T Dual Option Telescoping Mount, available from Panavise Products. 
         [0040]    The support shaft  130  is coupled to the support platform  124 . While the support shaft  130  may be coupled stationarily directly to the support platform  124 , variable positioning of the shaft  130  relative to the platform  124  may be desirable. Variable positioning of the support shaft  130  relative to the platform  124  may be provided by a preferred support base  170 . The support base  170  may comprise a support having three-axis adjustment and a single locking mechanism as is known, including a base housing  172 , a carrier  174 , and a split bushing  176  (seen in  FIG. 5 ) situated at least partially within the carrier  174 . The support base  170  is coupled to the support platform  124  and generally receives the support end  134  of the first shaft member  132  of the support shaft  130 . An adjustment knob  178  is provided, which loosens the locking mechanism, thereby allowing the first shaft member  132  to spin within the bushing  176 , allowing the carrier  174  to rotate within the base housing  172 , and allowing the support shaft  130  to articulate as shown in  FIG. 3 . A preferred support base  170  that may be used is a Model 400 Heavy Duty Base, available from Panavise Products, the operation of which is described in U.S. Pat. No. 2,898,068, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Although the knob  178  may be provided to allow for quick and easy adjustment, a more secure positioning may be desirable. If a more secure adjustment is desired, the knob  178  may be eliminated and a bolt (not shown), in the general form of a set screw, may be used to prevent inadvertent adjustment or to improve safety. 
         [0041]    In addition to what has been mentioned, above, regarding materials, a majority of the components comprising the clamping mechanism  110 , the support shaft  130 , the handle  150 , and the support base  170 , are formed from a material having desired strength characteristics for the expected use of the device. Materials that may be sufficient include various metals or plastic, with steel or aluminum being preferred for the majority of components. The handle grip  152  is preferably a plastic material, and any adjustment knobs, such as the top of the adjustment bolt  168  and the adjustment knob  178 , may be plastic as well. 
         [0042]    Turning now to  FIG. 2 , a second embodiment  200  of a portable therapeutic support handle according to the present invention is shown. Largely the same as the first embodiment  100 , the second embodiment  200  includes a support shaft  230  that further includes an extension shaft  239 , which may be threadably engaged with the second shaft member  138  and stationarily supported thereby. The handle  150  may then be supported by the extension shaft  239 . 
         [0043]    While the handle  150  may be fixedly coupled to the support shaft  130 , or an extension  239  thereof, at a desired angle, the handle grip  152  is preferably translatable in a second direction  802  from at least a third position  802   a,  which is substantially perpendicular to the support shaft  130  or extension  239 , to at least a fourth position  802   b,  which is substantially coaxial to the support shaft  130  or extension  239 . The grip  152  may be further translatable along a continuation of the second direction  802  to an alternate fourth position  802   c,  which is substantially perpendicular to the support shaft  130  or extension  239 , extending generally radially opposite from the third position  802   a.  The grip axis  153  may thus be positioned at a desirable angle  810 , such as greater than or equal to zero degrees and less than or equal to ninety degrees with respect to the shaft axis  133 . 
         [0044]      FIG. 3  depicts a preferred translation of the handle grip  152  in a third direction  803  radially about the distal end  142  of the support shaft  230 , from at least a fifth position  803   a  to at least an sixth position  803   b.  Preferably, the handle grip  152  is rotatable and positionable through a full  360  angular degrees in the third direction  803 . 
         [0045]      FIG. 4  depicts a preferred translation of the handle  150  in a fourth direction  804 , from at least a seventh position  804   a,  in which the support shaft  230  is at least substantially perpendicular to the support platform  124 , to at least a sixth position  804   b,  in which the support shaft  230  is at least substantially parallel to the support platform  124 . The support shaft  230  is preferably positionable at any desirable position through an angle  820  of about ninety degrees. 
         [0046]      FIG. 5  depicts a preferred translation of the handle  150  in a fifth direction  805 , from at least a ninth position  805   a  to at least a tenth position  805   b . In both positions, the support shaft  230  is depicted at the same angle relative to the support platform  124 , but rotated 180 degrees in a plane parallel to the support platform  124 . Thus, the translations depicted in  FIG. 4  and  FIG. 5  combine to provide movement of the support shaft  130  or  230  through at least a substantially hemispherical range of motion with respect to the support bracket  110 . 
         [0047]      FIG. 6  provides a third embodiment  300  of a therapeutic support handle according to the present invention. Comprising generally the second embodiment  200 , this embodiment  300  further includes a limb support mechanism  380 . The limb support mechanism  380  generally comprises a limb support pad  382  coupled to the support shaft  230 . The limb support pad  382  preferably comprises a formed plate (not shown), a soft, resilient pad (not shown), such as neoprene, disposed on a surface of the plate, and a cover material, such as leather or vinyl. Marine vinyl has been found to work sufficiently for the cover material of the limb support pad  382 . The support pad  382  is supported upon the shaft  230  by at least one, but preferably a plurality of support rods  384 , each being coupled to a shaft collar  386 , perhaps by being threadingly engaged therewith. Disposing at least one shaft collar  386  on either side of the telescoping mechanism, such as the adjustment collar  140  of the support shaft  230 , further helps to stabilize the device  300 . The formed plate (not shown) may be a steel plate that is bent or otherwise machined or formed to provide a concave surface onto which the resilient pad (not shown) is placed, to be covered by the leather or vinyl covering. The support rods  384  and shaft collars  386  are preferably formed from a sturdy material, such as a metal, e.g. aluminum or steel, or a strong plastic. 
         [0048]      FIG. 7  provides a fourth embodiment  400  of a therapeutic support handle according to the present invention. Comprising generally the third embodiment  300 , this embodiment  400  further includes at least one, but preferably a plurality of a first embodiment of limb stabilizing straps  488 , each strap having an engagement surface  489 . The engagement surface  489  may be provided with the loop side of a hook and loop fastener, and the hook side ( 383  in  FIGS. 10 and 11 ) may be disposed on the limb support pad  382 . This embodiment  488  of limb stabilizing straps thus assists in maintaining a desired portion of the limb against the limb support pad  382 . The stabilizing straps  488  are preferably formed from a neoprene material, as such is generally being available in a variety of colors and having desirable stretch characteristics. 
         [0049]      FIG. 8  provides a fifth embodiment  500  of a therapeutic support handle according to the present invention. Comprising generally the third embodiment  300 , this embodiment  500  further includes a second embodiment of limb stabilizing strap  590 , as is shown in  FIG. 9 . The second limb stabilizing strap  590  includes a support tab  592 , a limb support portion  594  and two restraint tabs  596 , the tabs  592 , 596  protruding from the limb support portion  594  in a general Y-shaped configuration. This embodiment  590  of a limb stabilizing strap thus provides limitation not only against movement away from the limb support pad  382 , but also lateral movement in at least one direction across the limb support pad  382 . Thus, when placed as shown in  FIG. 8 , the limb support portion  594  may engage and support a desired part of the limb, such as an elbow. The restraint tabs  596  may be extended up and over the limb, such as the forearm, perhaps crossed, and then fastened, preferably removably, to the limb support pad  382 . If desired, at least one of the first embodiment of limb stabilizing strap  488  may be utilized in conjunction with the second embodiment  590  to provide greater support of a limb against the pad  382 . 
         [0050]      FIG. 10  and  FIG. 11  show alternate embodiments of the limb support  380 . The support rods  384  are coupled to the limb support pad  382 , preferably by a plurality of rod clamps  385 , which may be provided with resilient liners. The limb support pad  382  is provided with strap engagement means, such as the hook side of a hook and loop fastener  383 . Any stabilizing straps  488 , 590  used with the limb support tab and having the loop side of a hook and loop fastener may be removably coupled thereto.  FIG. 11  also provides a method of coupling a wrench  387  to the limb support pad  382  for relatively easy access. The wrench  387  may be inserted into an extra rod clamp  385  coupled to the back side of the limb support pad  382 . It may be preferable, however, to provide the hook and loop fastener  383  across the middle portion of the limb support pad  382 , in which case the extra rod clamp would not be positioned as shown, if it is included at all. 
         [0051]    In a method of use, an embodiment of a therapeutic support handle is clamped to a supporting structure, and a limb of a person is placed thereon. For instance,  FIG. 12  shows the second embodiment  200  in use. A person  1  is positioned near a support structure, such as a table  7 , and the device  200  is clamped thereto. The handle  150  is positioned in a desired position. The person  1  may then grasp the handle  150  with her hand  3 , thereby supporting her elbow  5  in a desired position, preferably above the surface of the table  7 . 
         [0052]    The fourth embodiment  400  of a therapeutic support handle according to the present invention may be seen as being utilized in the following method in  FIG. 13 . A person  1  is positioned near a support structure, such as a table  7 , and the device  400  is clamped thereto. The handle  150  is positioned in a desired position. The person  1  may then grasp the handle  150  with her hand  3 , rest a desired portion of her limb, such as her forearm, against the limb support pad  382  and the limb may be secured to the device  400  by limb stabilizing straps  488 . In this manner, positioning of the limb may be more readily maintained for desired purposes, and certain involuntary movements may be limited or constrained. 
         [0053]    The fifth embodiment  500  of a therapeutic support handle according to the present invention may be seen as being utilized in the following method in  FIG. 14 . A person  1  is positioned near a support structure, such as a table  7 , and the device  500  is clamped thereto. The handle  150  is positioned in a desired position. The person  1  may then grasp the handle  150  with her hand  3 , rest a desired portion of her limb, such as. her forearm, against the limb support pad  382  and the limb may be secured to the device  500  by limb stabilizing straps  590 . In this manner, positioning of the limb may be more readily maintained for desired purposes, and certain involuntary movements may be limited or constrained. The use of the second embodiment of a limb stabilizing strap  590  may be desirable where the person  1  has a weakened palmar grasp as the strap  590  aids in supporting the weight of the limb as well as limiting movement of the limb away from the device  500  that may be caused by flexor spasms. Additionally, straps according to the first embodiment of limb stabilizing straps  488  may be used to further aid in limiting the limb movement. 
         [0054]    In addition to the use cases depicted, a plurality of devices, in any embodiment, may be used simultaneously by the same person, thus providing stabilization of more than one limb at the same time, e.g. both arms. 
         [0055]      FIG. 15  shows a portion of a sixth embodiment  600  of a therapeutic support handle according to the present invention. This embodiment  600 , like the first embodiment  100 , includes a support platform  624  and a clamping mechanism  610 . However, this clamping mechanism  610  is adapted to cooperate with a generally cylindrical support member  901 , such as the support tubing  904  commonly found on wheelchairs  902 , as shown in  FIG. 16 , or support tubing  908  commonly found on standing frames  906 , as shown in  FIG. 17 . The clamping mechanism  610  generally comprises at least one, but preferably a plurality of shaft collars  611 . Though generally preferably cylindrical in shape, the collars  611  may have modified portions, such as flattened portions  613 , to interface with the support platform  624 . The collars  611  may be bolted to the support platform  624 . While single split shaft collars may be used, double split shaft collars  611  are preferred for ease of installation. The size of the shaft collars  611  to be used may be correlated to a predetermined diameter of cylindrical support member. 
         [0056]    While any apparatus embodiment according to the present invention may be provided in any desirable size, certain ranges are preferable. For instance, the support shaft  130  is preferably provided in a length of about three inches to about twenty-four inches. If the length of the support shaft  130  is adjustable, it is preferably adjustable from about three inches to about twice as long as the first shaft member  132 . More preferably, the length of the support shaft  130  is adjustable from about five inches to about ten inches. If an extension shaft  239  is used, such extension may be provided in any desirable length, including between about one inch to about twelve inches, and more preferably between about two inches to about four inches. Additionally, a preferred handle grip  152  may be provided in any desirable size, but preferred sizes range from about two inches in length from its support end  158  to its free end  156  to about five inches in length. The handle grip  152  may also have a diameter at its widest point of about one inch to about two inches. 
         [0057]    Two or more components may be provided in a kit form, so as to allow construction of a therapeutic support handle according to the present invention. As  FIG. 18  shows, in the illustrated embodiment, a kit  700  includes an interior tray  702  made from, e.g., die cut cardboard, plastic sheet, or thermo-formed plastic material. The tray  702  may include a plurality of component cavities  704 , in which various components of a therapeutic support handle according to the present invention are disposed. A kit  700  according to the present invention presents its contents in a user-friendly orientation on the tray  702 , to facilitate quick assembly of the handle using straightforward, intuitive steps. The kit  700  may include an inner wrap (not shown), which is peripherally sealed to itself or to the tray  702  by heat or the like, to enclose at least a part of the tray  702  from contact with the outside environment. The kit  700  may alternatively or additionally be wrapped in an outer wrap (not shown) such as a case formed of any desirable material for reuse such as leather, plastic, wood, or the like, and may be provided with a locking mechanism to secure the contents therein. Any kit according to the present invention may also include directions for assembly and/or use of the therapeutic handle. The directions may be provided as written, audio, and/or video instructions, for using the contents of the kit to carry out a desired procedure or method of therapy. 
         [0058]    The comprehensive kit  700  shown in  FIG. 18  includes the support shaft  130 , the support base  170 , and the handle head  154 . Further included in the comprehensive kit  700  is a plurality of different sized handle grips  152   a , 152   b , 152   c,  an extension shaft  239 , a first clamping mechanism  110 , a second clamping mechanism  610 , a limb support  380 , and stabilizing straps  488 , 590 . A first alternative kit may comprise the components to construct the first embodiment  100  described herein. A second alternative kit may comprise the components to construct the second embodiment  200  described herein. A third alternative kit may comprise the components to construct the third embodiment  300  described herein. A fourth alternative kit may comprise the components to construct the fourth embodiment  400  described herein. A fifth alternative kit may comprise the components to construct the fifth embodiment  500  described herein. A sixth alternative kit may comprise the components to construct the sixth embodiment  600  described herein. A seventh alternative kit may comprise the fifth alternative kit and at least one of the first embodiment of a limb stabilizing strap  488 . An eighth alternative kit may comprise the sixth alternative kit and at least one of the first embodiment of a limb stabilizing strap  488 . A ninth alternative kit may comprise the sixth alternative kit and at least one of the second embodiment of a limb stabilizing strap  590 . A tenth alternative kit may comprise the eighth alternative kit and at least one of the second embodiment of a limb stabilizing strap  590 . An eleventh alternative kit may comprise a support base  170 , the support shaft  130 , a handle  150 , and any one or more of the following components: a support platform  124 , 624 , a clamping mechanism  110 , 610 , an extension shaft  239 , a limb support  380 , a first limb stabilizing strap  488 , and a second limb stabilizing strap  590 . 
         [0059]    Further, regarding any combination of components to form any embodiment of a kit according to the present invention, certain components may be provided in coordinated colors. For instance, a majority of the components comprising the limb support  380 , such as the support rods  384 , the shaft collars  386 , and the pad covering, may all be provided as the same color. Also, a first stabilizing strap  488  and/or a second stabilizing strap  590  may be provided in the same color as the majority of the components comprising the limb support  380 . Additionally or alternatively, components may be offered in a variety of colors and provided in a selected color combination. 
         [0060]    The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Furthermore, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described. While the preferred embodiment has been described, the details may be changed without departing from the invention, which is defined by the claims.