Abstract:
A device to hold one&#39;s foot in a neutral position while sitting in order to aid in healing includes a large plastic panel with a set of parallel plastic strips extending upward. These strips are adjustable upon the surface of the board using a series of small holes and corresponding pins. The strips are thus aligned to match the width of one&#39;s foot being held in a shoe. When aligned upon the floor, the foot, in a normal shoe without the use of a brace, is held in a neutral position which helps prevent contracture of the leg and foot muscles thus promoting faster healing after surgery. Additionally, the current device does not provide for pinching or twisting as commonly occurs with conventional prosthetic braces.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in a notarized Official Record of Invention on Jun. 9, 2008, that is on file at the offices of Montgomery Patent and Design, LLC, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to post-surgical recovery practices, and in particular, to a device for aiding in the stabilization of the lower leg and foot to expedite the post-surgical healing process. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Thousands of persons a year undergo surgery on their feet or legs. Many of these procedures are rather serious, resulting in a temporary loss of function and mobility. Many common devices, such as prosthetic leg braces, are used in an attempt to expedite the healing process. However, many such devices are known to cause problems such as pinching, binding, and other nuisances. Such discomforts prompt the user to respond to unpleasant stimuli in a way that is detrimental to the recovery effort. For instance, pinching may prompt the wearer to twist their leg, when keeping the leg in a neutral position is most advantageous. 
     Various attempts have been made to provide for a means to secure the foot and lower leg in a neutral position to aid in recovery. Examples of these attempts can be seen by reference to several U.S. patents. U.S. Pat. No. 5,645,525, issued in the name of Krivosha, describes a device and method for stabilizing the heel of a patient. The Krivosha device encompasses the user&#39;s ankle area, thereby limiting the field of motion. U.S. Pat. No. 7,066,547, issued in the name of Russell et al., describes a portable foot rest with a stabilizing means. Devices such as the Russell device provide the user a stable platform for a foot to rest upon which can be oriented in a comfortable manner. 
     Additionally, ornamental designs for foot and leg stabilizing devices exist, particularly U.S. Pat. Nos. D 259,675, D 380,267, and D 540,950. However, none of these designs are similar to the present invention. 
     While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives, each of these references suffer from one or more disadvantages. Many of these devices are prone to discomforts, such as shifting, pinching, or binding. Also, many of these devices do not provide for a means to discourage unnecessary movement of the lower leg. Furthermore, many of these devices function in a manner that encourages the user to avoid discomfort by moving in a way which is detrimental to the recovery process. Accordingly, there exists a need for a foot and lower leg stabilizing device without the disadvantages as described above. The development of the present invention substantially departs from the conventional solutions and in doing so fulfills this need. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing references, the inventor recognized the aforementioned inherent problems and observed that there is a need for a device that provides the user with stability for a foot and lower leg in a manner that is comfortable, simple, and which does not encourage detrimental movement on the part of the user. Thus, the object of the present invention is to solve the aforementioned disadvantages and provide for this need. 
     To achieve the above objectives, it is an object of the present invention to provide a board adapted to be placed on the ground while the patient is seated. This board contains a plurality of apertures that are arranged in an evenly spaced matrix of columns and rows, and which are intended for use in securing the foot rails. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a plurality of rails with integral anchors which are removably attached to the board. These rails also include a plurality of apertures intended for use in securing the rails to the board, in a manner which allows these rails to be selectively oriented at alternate positions along the board. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide for a first rail assembly which is removably attached to the board. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide for a second rail assembly which is intended to remain spaced from the first rail. The second rail is adapted to be placed in parallel with the foot of the patient, having a “Y”-shape which includes a bifurcated portion which is angularly offset from the main portion of the rail. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a plurality of pins which are removably connected to the board and rail apertures. These pins are intended to connect the board and rails via the board and rail apertures. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide fasteners which are intended for use with the integral anchors of the rails. These fasteners are intended to be slidably inserted through corresponding anchors, such that the fasteners intersect a metatarsal portion of the patient&#39;s foot. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a method of utilizing the device in a way which allows a user to quickly, easily, and adaptably employ the device for purposes of achieving a neutral position for both foot and lower leg when in a sitting position in a manner that aids and accelerates the post-surgical recovery process. 
     Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a lower leg and foot stabilizer  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2   a  is an environmental in-use view of the lower leg and foot stabilizer  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2   b  is a close-up in-use view of hook-and-loop fastener  50 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3   a  is a side view of a first rail  30 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3   b  is a bottom view of the first rail  30 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4   a  is a side view of a second rail  40 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 4   b  is a bottom view of the second rail  40 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
     
         
         
           
               10  lower leg and foot stabilizer 
               20  board 
               30  first rail embodiment 
               35  first rail 
               40  second rail embodiment 
               45  second rail 
               46  bifurcated portion 
               50  hook-and-loop fastener 
               55  anchor 
               60  board aperture 
               65  rail aperture 
               70  pin 
               80  foot 
               90  lower leg 
           
         
       
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 4   b . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     The present invention describes a device and method for a lower leg and foot stabilizer (herein described as the “apparatus”)  10 , which provides a means for holding a patient&#39;s foot  80  and lower leg  90  in a stable neutral position, thereby preventing contracture of muscles and accelerating a post-surgery healing process. Said apparatus  10  comprises a board  20 , a pair of first rail embodiments  30 , a second rail embodiment  40 , a hook-and-loop fastener  50 , a plurality of board apertures  60 , a plurality of rail apertures  65 , and a plurality of pins  70 . One (1) first rail embodiment  30  and the second rail embodiment  40  are both utilized in conjunction to support the side portions of a patient&#39;s foot  80  and the apparatus  10  accommodates either the right or left foot  80 . This adaptable apparatus  10  is an alternative to other prosthetic devices which may cause pain and discomfort to the patient. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a perspective view of the apparatus  10  and  FIG. 2   a , an environmental view of the apparatus  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. The apparatus  10  comprises a board  20 , thereby providing a platform means for placing and positioning of the patient&#39;s feet  80  and thereto insert an appropriate rail embodiment  30 ,  40 . The board  20  is intended to be placed on a level ground surface while the patient is in a sitting position. The board  20  is fabricated from a plastic material in an injection mold process and is approximately one-eighth (⅛) of an inch to one-forth (¼) of an inch thick, thereby allowing the patient to place the apparatus  10  beneath a chair firmly securing it while in use or placing the apparatus  10  it in front of the chair while in use. Said board  20  is also appropriate length and width dimensions for adaptability to a variety of sized feet  80  and situations. 
     The board  20  comprises a plurality of board apertures  60 , thereby providing the rail embodiments  30 ,  40  with an insertion means. Said board apertures  60  are evenly spaced in a matrix of columns and rows at right angles on an entire top portion of the board  20 , thereby providing a variety of foot  80  positions for the patient to utilize. Said board apertures  60  are approximately a half-of-an-inch (½) in diameter and are appropriate depths thereto partially accept a desired amount of user inserted pins  70  (see  FIGS. 3   a  and  4   a ). 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2   b , a close-up view of hook-and-loop fastener  50 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The apparatus  10  comprises a common removably attachable hook-and-loop fastener  50  and each rail embodiment  30 ,  40  comprises an integral anchor  55 . The hook-and-loop fastener  50  and anchors  55  operate collectively, thereby providing a securing means for the patient&#39;s foot  80  to the board  20 . Each end portion of the common hook-and-loop fastener  50  is slidably inserted therethrough an anchor  55 , thereby intersecting a metatarsal portion of the foot  80 . Said hook-and-loop fastener  50  preferably utilizes two (2) anchors  55  for proper securing means. The anchors  55  are “U”-shaped fasteners and are preferably attached to an intermediate top location of each rail embodiment  30 ,  40  therein a plastic injection mold process, yet other attachment means may be incorporated such as, but not limited to: adhesives, bolts and nuts, or the like.
         Referring now to  FIG. 3   a , a side view of the first rail embodiment  30  and  FIG. 3   b , a bottom view of the first rail  30  embodiment, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. The apparatus  10  comprises a pair of first rail embodiments  30 , thereby providing a straight bracing means thereto the patient&#39;s foot  80  and/or lower leg  90 . A top portion of the first rail  35  comprises the abovementioned anchors  55  and a bottom portion comprises a plurality of rail apertures  65 . Said rail apertures  65  provide a mating means therewith a desired amount of pins  70  and the board  20 . The mating means is accomplished therewith interference fitting at least two (2) pins  70  thereinto the rail apertures  65 . After an appropriate amount of pins  70  are mated thereto said first rail  35  then the first rail embodiment  30  is mated thereto a desired portion of the board  20 , parallel to the patient&#39;s foot  80 , by means of the board apertures  60 . The first rail  35  is approximately one (1) to two (2) inches in height and is preferably a variety of lengths, thereby providing usage to patients therewith a variety of sized feet  80 . The first rail embodiment  30  is fabricated from a plastic material similar thereto the abovementioned board  20 .       

     Referring now to  FIG. 4   a , a side view of the second rail embodiment  30  and  FIG. 4   b , a bottom view of the second rail embodiment  30 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. The apparatus  10  comprises a second rail embodiment  40 , thereby providing another positioning means for the patient&#39;s foot  80  and lower leg  90 . Similarly to the first rail embodiment  30 , a top portion of a second rail  45  comprises an intermediately located anchor  55 , a bottom portion comprises a plurality of rail apertures  65 , and it is placed in parallel therewith the patient&#39;s foot  80 . In contrast to the first rail embodiment  30 , the second rail embodiment  40  is “Y”-shaped, comprising a bifurcated portion  46  which allows for a slightly angled positioning means for the patient foot  80  and lower leg  90 . At least two (2) pins  70  are utilized for mating and securing the second rail  45  and bifurcated portion  46  thereto the board  20 . The second rail  45  and bifurcated portion  46  are also preferably one (1) inch to two (2) inches in height, constructed in a variety of lengths thereto fit a variety of sized feet  80 , and fabricated from a plastic material similar thereto the board  20   
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the apparatus  10 , it would be installed as indicated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
     The method of installing and utilizing the apparatus  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: acquiring the apparatus  10 ; placing the board  20  on a flat level surface at the foot  80  location of a patient while in a sitting position; placing a desired foot  80  thereon the board  20 ; inserting an appropriate amount of pins  70  thereinto the rail apertures  65  of a desired rail embodiment  30 ,  40 ; aligning the appropriate rail embodiments  30 ,  40  against one (1) side portion of the patients foot  80 ; inserting the pre-pinned  70  embodiments  30 ,  40  thereinto the board apertures  60 , thereby mating the pins  70  and the board apertures  20 ; inserting an appropriate amount of pins  70  thereinto another embodiment  30 ,  40 ; aligning the embodiment  30 ,  40  against the patients foot  80  on the opposite side of the previously installed embodiment  30 ,  40 ; inserting and fastening one (1) end portion of the hook-and-loop fastener  50  therethrough an anchor  55  on a previously inserted embodiment  30 ,  40 ; inserting and fastening an opposite end of the fastener  50  therethrough the opposite anchor  55  and securing the foot  80  to the board  20 ; remaining in the secure position for a desired amount of time; unfastening the hook-and-loop fastener  50 ; removing the rail embodiments  30 ,  40  from the board  20 ; removing the patients foot  80  from the board  20 ; repeating if necessary and/or repeating with the opposite foot  80 ; and, eliminating pain and discomfort from the patient. 
     An alternative embodiment of the present invention  10  comprises an undersized version thereto accommodate wheelchairs. 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.