Patent Application
20220304840
The field of the disclosure relates generally to devices and systems used for the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders of the lower limb, and more particularly to, an orthopedic device used to facilitate exercising and actively stretching the plantar fascia and the Achilles tendon.
Various orthopedic devices have been used for the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders of the lower limb, including for example, Achilles tendonitis, Plantar fasciitis, and muscle fatigue. Plantar fasciitis is the strain and inflammation of the plantar fascia connecting the calcaneus bone and the metatarsals, resulting in pain and discomfort at the bottom of the foot. Achilles tendinitis is typically caused by an overstretching or overuse of the tendon connecting the calf muscles to the calcaneus, resulting in pain and swelling in the heel and along the rear of the leg. At least some known orthopedic devices attempt to alleviate pain and discomfort associated with these disorders by isolating movement of the foot relative to the lower leg, through splinting for example, to stretch and to prevent contracture of soft tissue structures, i.e., tendons, ligaments, musculature, and fascia, within the foot. For example, at least some known orthopedic devices passively stretch the Achilles tendon and the plantar fascia by positioning the foot in a fixed dorsiflexed position wherein the forward portion of the foot is flexed upwardly such that the toes are positioned closer to an anterior side of the lower leg. Arranging the foot in such a fixed position maintains the fascia and the Achilles tendon in a stretched position, wherein the fascia and Achilles tendon are each elongated.
Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, also referred to as neuromuscular stretching or active stretching, has been shown to enhance active and passive ranges of motion. This treatment includes iteratively placing a muscle and/or tendon in a stretched position with simultaneous isometric contraction of the muscle, followed by a period of relaxation of the stretched muscle and/or tendon. At least some known devices passively retain the foot in a fixed dorsiflexed position and as such, may be generally categorized as splints or braces. Moreover, at least some of such devices are recommended to be worn primarily while the user is sleeping. In such devices, developmental stretch is achieved by positioning and securing the foot in discrete, predetermined fixed angles of dorsiflexed positions. Notably, because the foot is secured in a fixed position, the wearer cannot selectively reposition (e.g., flex or extend) to reposition their foot in other angles of dorsiflexed and/or plantarflexed using muscle activation to control the amount of stretch and/or to selectively stretch and relax the soft tissues structures of the lower limb. Over time, isolated movement of muscle and/or tendon may actually start to weaken the strength of the muscle or tendon.
As such, at least some other treatment devices, known as exercise devices, include resistance bands that are oriented to oppose a user's muscle forces. Although such devices enable a user to actively stretch and strengthen their muscle and/or tendon, such devices do not provide support to the wearer and do not provide controlled rotation of the ankle and/or toes.
Accordingly, a need exists for devices and systems that facilitate alleviating pain and discomfort associated with lower limb musculoskeletal disorders including Achilles tendonitis, Plantar fasciitis, and muscle fatigue, without requiring prolonged isolation of the muscle and/or tendon.
This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of art that may be related to various aspects of the disclosure, which are described and/or claimed below. This discussion is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that these statements are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art.
In one aspect, an orthopedic device including a leg portion, a foot portion, and a leg portion is provided. The leg portion includes a leg shell including an upper end and a lower end. The leg shell at least partially defines a leg portion cavity sized to receive at least a portion of a user's lower leg. The leg portion includes a leg axis extending between the upper end and the lower end. The foot portion includes a foot shell including a heel end and a toe end. The foot shell at least partially defines a foot portion cavity sized to receive at least a portion of a user's foot. The foot portion includes a foot axis extending between the heel end and the toe end. The foot portion is rotationally coupled to the leg portion at an ankle joint. An ankle angle defined between the foot axis and the leg axis, is selectively positionable in at least one of an acute ankle angle and an obtuse ankle angle. The toe portion includes a toe shell including a first end and a second end. The toe shell at least partially defines a toe portion cavity sized to receive at least a portion of a user's toes. The toe portion includes a toe axis. The toe portion is rotationally coupled to the foot portion at a toe joint such that a toe angle define between the foot axis and toe axis may be selectively positioned in at least one of an acute toe angle and an obtuse toe angle.
Another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a system for exercising the lower limb. The system includes a leg portion sized to receive at least a portion of the user's leg, a foot portion sized to receive at least a portion of the user's foot, and a toe portion sized to receive at least a portion of the user's toes. The leg portion includes a leg axis. The foot portion includes a foot axis and is rotationally coupled to the leg portion such that an ankle angle between the foot axis and the leg axis may be selectively positionable in a plurality of ankle angles such that the foot portion may be arranged in at least one of plantarflexed position and dorsiflexed position with respect to the leg portion. The toe portion includes a toe axis and the toe portion is rotationally coupled to the foot portion such that a toe angle between the foot axis and the toe axis may be selectively positionable in a plurality of toe angles such that the toe portion may be arranged in at least one of plantarflexed position and dorsiflexed position with respect to the foot portion.
Yet another aspect of the presented disclosure is directed towards a method of fabricating an orthopedic device. The method includes providing a leg portion that includes a leg shell having an upper end, an opposite lower end, and a leg axis extending between the upper and lower ends. Providing a foot portion including a foot shell including a heel end, an opposite toe end, and a foot axis extending between the heel and toe ends. Providing a toe portion that includes a toe shell including a first end, an opposite second end, and a toe axis extending between said first and second ends. Rotationally coupling the leg portion to the foot portion at an ankle joint such that an ankle angle defined between the foot portion axis and the leg portion axis is selectively positionable in one of an acute ankle angle and an obtuse ankle angle. Rotationally coupling the toe portion to the leg portion at a toe joint such that a toe angle defined between the foot portion axis and toe portion axis is selectively positionable in one of an acute toe angle and an obtuse toe angle.
Various refinements exist of the features noted in relation to the above-mentioned aspects of the present disclosure. Further features may also be incorporated in the above-mentioned aspects of the present disclosure as well. These refinements and additional features may exist individually or in any combination. For example, various features discussed below in relation to any of the illustrated embodiments of the present disclosure may be incorporated into any of the above-described aspects of the present disclosure, alone or in any combination.
Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.
Leg portion 12 includes an upper end 42 and a lower end 44. Device 10 is oriented such that lower end 44 is adjacent to foot portion 14 and upper end 42 is spaced a distance L12 from lower end 44. Distance L12, also known as leg length, is variably selected depending on a length (not shown) of the user's or wearer's lower leg. In exemplary embodiment, an axis of symmetry A12 extends between upper end 42 and lower end 44.
Leg portion 12 includes a medial side 46 including a medial edge 48, and an opposite lateral side 50 including a lateral edge 52. Edges 48 and 52 define, at least partially, a leg opening 54 that is sized and shaped to enable a user to insert their leg through opening 54 such that their leg may be positioned, as described in more detail below, within leg portion cavity 24. When device 10 is worn by a user leg axis A12 may be generally aligned with and/or is substantially parallel to an anatomical axis (not shown) extending through user's lower leg, e.g., a tibia axis. Additionally, during use of device 10, medial edge 48 is oriented adjacent to a medial side of user's leg and lateral edge 52 is oriented adjacent to a lateral side of user's leg, and at least a portion of an anterior side of the user's leg may be exposed from leg opening 54.
Foot portion 14 includes a heel end 56 and a toe end 58 that is a distance L14 from heel end 56. Distance L14, also known as foot length, is variably selected depending on a length (not shown) of user's foot. Heel end 56 is arranged in proximity to leg portion 12 lower end 44 and an axis of symmetry A14 extends between heel end 56 and toe end 58. Foot portion 14 includes a foot base 60, a foot medial side 62 and an opposite foot lateral side 64. Foot medial side 62 and foot lateral side 64 extend substantially perpendicularly from foot base 60. Medial and lateral foot sides 62 and 64 have a medial foot edge 66 and a lateral foot edge 68, respectively, which defines a foot opening 70. Foot opening 70 is sized and shaped such that a user may insert their foot through foot opening 70 such that their foot may be positioned, as described in more detail below, within foot portion cavity 32. When device 10 is worn by a user, axis A14 may be generally aligned with and/or substantially parallel to an anatomical axis (not shown) of foot, e.g., an axis extending through the midline of user's foot. Additionally, during use of device 10, the bottom or lower surface of the user's foot may rest on foot base 60 and foot medial side 62 may be adjacent to a medial side of user's foot. Likewise, foot lateral side 64 is adjacent to a lateral size of user's foot and at least a portion of top of user's foot may be exposed from foot opening 70.
Toe portion 16, includes a first toe end 80 and a second toe end 82. First toe end 80 is adjacent to toe end 58 of the foot portion 14, such that first toe end 80 is spaced a distance L16 from second toe end 82. Distance L16, also known as the toe length, is variably selected depending on a length (not shown) of the user's toes. In the exemplary embodiment, an axis of symmetry A16 extends between first toe end 80 and second toe end 82. Toe portion 16 includes a medial toe side 84 and a lateral toes side 86 that are arranged on each side of a toe plate 88. During use of device 10, axis A16 may be aligned with an anatomical axis (not shown) of a user's toes. Additionally, during use of device 10, user's toes may rest on toe plate 88 and medial toe side 84 may be adjacent to medial side of a user's toes, i.e., hallux, and likewise, lateral toe side 86 is adjacent to lateral side of user's toes, i.e., outermost toe. Additionally, the top of user's toes may be exposed from toe portion cavity 40.
In some embodiments, leg length, foot length, and toe lengths, respective distances L12, L14, and L16, may be customizable, i.e., variably selected, to correspond to the lengths of a user's leg, foot, and toes, respectively, or alternatively, these lengths may be selected based on anthropometric data for lower limb segments.
With reference again to
Ankle joint 90 and toe joint 96 enables leg portion 12, foot portion 14, and toe portion 16 to be selectively arranged in a plurality of different positions. For example, a user may selectively position ankle angle α90 in an acute angle such that foot portion 14 is in dorsiflexed position 92 relative to leg portion 12 while, simultaneously arranging toe angle α96 in an obtuse angle such that toe portion 16 is in plantarflexed position 99 relative to foot portion 14. Alternatively and/or additionally, a user may selectively arrange both ankle angle α90 and toe angle α96 in an acute angle such that foot portion 14 is in dorsiflexed position 92 relative to the leg portion 12 and toe portion 16 is in dorsiflexed position 98 relative to the foot portion 14.
In some embodiments, device 10 includes an ankle locking mechanism (not shown) used to secure ankle joint 90 in a fixed position. Locking mechanism may be used to secure the ankle joint 90 at any suitable ankle angle that enables a user to walk while wearing device 10. For example, locking mechanism may be used to selectively secure ankle joint 90 such that ankle angle α90 is fixed at approximately 90° . In some exemplary embodiments, device 10 includes a toe locking mechanism (not shown) capable of locking toe joint 96, thereby fixing toe angle α96. Ankle and toe locking mechanisms may include any suitable mechanisms, for example and without limitation, a pin, ratchet hinge, and the like.
In an alternative embodiment, ankle locking mechanism and/or toe locking mechanism may include a spring retractable pin (not shown) including a pull ring (not shown). Angle joint 90 and/or toe joint 96 may also include engagement features (not shown) that are oriented such that when spring retractable pin engages engagement features, ankle joint 90 and/or toe joint 96 are locked. The ankle locking mechanism and/or toe locking mechanism may include a plurality of engagement features oriented to enable the locking mechanisms to lock ankle joint 90 in plurality of ankle angle α90 or to lock toe joint 96 in a plurality of toe angles α96. In some embodiments, leg portion 12, foot portion 14, and toe portion 16 may include secondary engagement features (not shown). The spring retractable pin may engage the engagement features and/or the secondary engagement features to cause leg portion 12 to be locked relative to foot portion 14. Likewise, foot portion 14 and toe portion 16 may include secondary engagement features that are oriented such that when the spring retractable pin engages the engagement features and/or the secondary engagement features, foot portion 14 is locked relative to the toe portion 16. Additionally, locking at least one of ankle joint 90 and/or toe joint 96 enables a user to walk while wearing device 10. In some exemplary embodiments, foot outer surface 30 and/or toe outer surface 38 may include traction features (not shown) that provide a gripping surface between device 10 and the ground. The locking mechanism may also be used to lock or secure the ankle joint 90 at any angle, e.g., an acute angle or an obtuse angle, to facilitate stretching.
In some embodiments, at least one of leg, foot, and toe inner surfaces 20, 28, and 36, respectively, is selectively coupled to at least one cushion (not shown). Cushion enhances comfort to the user and may be used to customize the fit during wear and use of device 10. In some embodiments, a thickness or hardness of the cushion may be varied, such as possible with an inflatable cushion. Cushion is generally sized and shaped to conform to the shape of leg, foot, and toe inner surfaces 20, 28, and 36, respectively. Cushion and foot, leg, and toe inner surfaces 20, 28, and 36, respectively, may include suitable fasteners, such as VELCRO®, clasps, fasteners, and the like, that enable the cushion to be selectively coupled and uncoupled from device 10. Any of leg shell 18, foot shell 26, and/or toe shell 34 may be made of a hard material, such as plastic, while the cushion is fabricated from a softer material such as silicone, foam (e.g., polyurethane foam) and/or the like. In some embodiments, the cushion may include a pneumatically actuated bag (not shown). Moreover, a hand pump (not shown) may be used to selectively inflate bags to facilitate customizing and/or tightening the fit of device 10 about the user's lower leg, foot, and toes. Additionally, and/or alternatively, a hand pump may be used to selectively deflate bags to facilitate customizing or loosening the fit of device 10 about a user's lower leg.
In the exemplary embodiment, band stiffness, e.g., the elastic stiffness of the band 102, and/or its resistance to stretching (elongating) under a load, is variably adjustable. In the exemplary embodiment, at least a portion of resistance band 102 is coupled to a tensioning knob 108 to enable a user to variably adjust a resistance of device 10. More specifically, in the exemplary embodiment, knob 108 is rotationally coupled to leg portion 12 and first end 104 of resistance band 102 is coupled to knob 108. In other embodiments, first end 104 and knob 108 are coupled to leg strap 72. Alternatively, knob 108 may be rotationally coupled to foot portion 14 and second end 106 of resistance band 102 coupled to knob 108. Rotations of knob 108 facilitates increasing band stiffness. Generally, increases in band stiffness require a greater force to stretch or elongate resistance band 102. In the exemplary embodiment, a user may selectively adjust band stiffness by rotating tensioning knob 108 clockwise and/or counterclockwise to selectively increase and/or selectively decrease band stiffness. Alternatively, and/or additionally, band stiffness may be selectively adjustable using any other suitable mechanisms, for example, but not limited to a turn buckle mechanism, a ratchet mechanism, a series of zippers, and/or any other device that facilitates a user selectively adjust the band resistance.
Resistance system 100 includes any suitable number of resistance bands 102 that provide a desired amount of resistance to rotation of ankle joint 90 and/or toe joint 96. More specifically, resistance bands 102 provide resistance in rotating ankle angle α90 or toe angle α90 from a first angle, e.g., a dorsiflexed position, to a second angle that is greater than first angle, e.g., a planter-flexed position. In some exemplary embodiments, resistance band 102 may extend between medial side 46 and foot medial side 62. Alternatively, and/or additionally, resistance band 102 may extend between lateral side 50 and foot lateral side 64. In addition, in some embodiments, resistance bands 102 may extend between leg strap 72 and toe end 58 of foot portion 14. Alternatively, or in addition, resistance band 102 may extend between the leg strap 72 and toe portion 16. In some embodiments, second end 106 of resistance bands 102 may include an attachment feature (not shown) oriented such that second end 106 may be selectively coupled to any location on foot portion 14 and toe portion 16. Known attachment features may include clasp, clips, carabiners, and/or any other feature that enables resistance system 100 to function as described herein. Foot portion 14 and toe portion 16 may include a plurality of engagement features, such as, but not limited to, openings, hooks, clasps, and/or the like, such that an attachment feature associated with second end 106 may be selectively coupled to engagement features associated with foot portion 14 and/or toe portion 16. Accordingly, a user may selectively adjust the position and alignment of resistance bands 102. For example, a user may adjust or readjust the position of resistance band 102 using the attachment features to selectively couple and/or uncouple resistance band 102 to foot portion 14 and/or toe portion 16. A user may adjust or readjust the position and/or alignment of resistance band 102 to accommodate various user's foot and toes shapes and sizes, including for example, users with bunions, bunionette, and/or arthritis, may selectively reposition resistance band 102 such that resistance band 102 is prevented from inadvertently rubbing against selected portions of the user's leg, foot, and/or toes.
Individual resistance bands 102 may be individually coupled to a respective tensioning knob 108, such that a band stiffness of each resistance band 102 may be selectively adjusted independently of other bands 102. Additionally, and/or alternatively, a plurality of resistance bands 102 may be coupled in a group to a single tensioning knob 108 and the band stiffness of that grouping of bands 102 may be adjusted simultaneously.
A length L120 of each resistance band 102 increases, stretches, or elongates, with increases in angle ankle α90 and/or increases in toe angle α96. For example, in reference to
Similarly, in embodiments wherein band second end 106 is coupled to toe portion 16, when toe angle α96 is positioned at the first toe angle α96i (e.g., toe portion 16 is in a dorsiflexed position 98 relative to foot portion 14), resistance band 102 is at the first length L96i, as shown in
The band stiffness may be selected such that, under passive ankle flexion, i.e., under no muscle activation, foot portion 14 and/or toe portion 16, may be oriented in dorsiflexed position 92, 98 wherein a stretch is induced to soft tissue structures of a user's lower leg, foot, and/or toes. In this passive position, each resistance band 102 has a length L102 that is longer than its unloaded length. During use, a user may secure toe joint 96, e.g., using locking mechanism, at any position relative to device 10 such that each resistance band 102 having its second end 106 coupled to toe portion 16, provides resistance to rotation of ankle joint 90, as opposed to providing resistance to rotation of toe joint 96. Additionally, ankle joint 90 may be secured in position, e.g., using the locking mechanism, to isolate resistance of resistance band 102 to toe joint 96.
A wearer may use muscle activation to selectively position ankle angle α90 and/or toe angle α96 (e.g., flexion and/or extension of foot and/or toes). A user may selectively flex their foot and/or toes to decrease ankle angle α90 and/or toe angle α96. A user may selectively extend their foot and/or toes to increase the ankle angle α90 and/or toe angle α96. Muscle activation may be used to counter the resistance of each resistance band 102 to selectively position the ankle angle α90 and/or toe angle α96 or muscle activation can be used to maintain ankle angle α90 and/or toe angle α96 in a fixed position. Accordingly, device 10, including resistance system 100, is enabled to provide resistance to isotonic contractions of a muscle, in which the muscle changes lengths, for both concentric contractions (muscle contractions in which a muscle shortens while generating a force) and eccentric contractions (muscle contractions in which a muscle elongates while generating a muscle force). Additionally, resistance system 100 provides resistance for isometric contractions in which a muscle generates a force without changing the length of the muscle.
In the exemplary embodiment, device 10 includes at least one leg pad 206 coupled to leg portion 12 and at least one foot pad 208 coupled to foot portion 14. Each TENS units 204 on leg pad 206 are coupled to leg inner surface 20 and are biased such that at each leg pad 206 and each TENS units 204 remains in contact a wearer's leg. Likewise, foot pad 208 is coupled to foot inner surface 28 such that at least a portion of foot pad 208 and each TENS units 204 remains in contact with a user's foot.
Each TENS unit 204 is coupled to leg and foot inner surfaces 20 and 28 with a suitable biasing mechanism (not shown) that biases TENS units 204 to maintain contact with user's leg and foot during use of device 10. More specifically, the biasing enables each TENS unit 204 to flex inwardly and/or to extend outwardly relative to adjacent units 204 and relative to leg portion 12 and/or foot portion 14 such that contact is maintained with the user's leg and/or foot. Additionally, and/or alternatively, units 204 may flex side-to-side relative to adjacent units 204, e.g., a portion of unit 204 may move towards or away from adjacent units to ensure that contact is maintained with leg and/or foot. The biasing may be accomplished using any known biasing mechanism including, but not limited to, memory materials, springs, magnets, and or displaceable gels.
In an alternative embodiment, TENS unit 204 may include a plurality of cylindrical openings that each contain a rod (not shown) therein. In such embodiments, each rod includes a tip (not shown) that transmits electrical nerve stimulation to a user wearing device 10. Each rod is translatable relative to the cylindrical opening, and each tip may extend outwardly from the cylindrical opening. The biasing mechanism may include a spring, that is also contained in the cylindrical opening. The spring forces the rod upwardly relative to the cylindrical opening, thus forcing the tip out of the cylindrical opening and into engagement with the user's leg, foot, or toes.
In other alternative embodiments, the TENS unit 204 may be a commercially-available TENs system that is used to treat nerve related pain conditions via electrical stimulations.
In some embodiments, pads 202 are coupled to leg portion 12 and/or foot portion 14 such that pads 202 may be selectively attached and/or detached from the respective leg portion 12 and/or foot portion 14. For example, in one embodiment, a user may selectively reposition the pads 202 to a plurality of different positions on either leg portion 12 and/or foot portion 14. Accordingly, a user may selectively position pad 202 to facilitate nerve stimulation to a selected target area on user's leg and/or foot. For example, pads 202 may be positioned to deliver electrical nerve stimulation to the Achilles tendon or to a ball or mid region of a base of user's foot.
Pads 202 may be operably connected to a battery supply (not shown) and a controller (not shown). Controller includes suitable components enabling a user to turn on and/or off pads 202, or to adjust the intensity of electrical stimulation of pads 202.
In the exemplary embodiment, massager roller 302 includes a leg massager 316 and a foot massager 318. Foot massager 318 is adjacent to foot portion 14 and may roll and/or translate relative to foot portion 14 in a direction substantially parallel to foot axis A14. Leg massager 316 is adjacent to leg portion 12 and may roll and/or translate relative to leg portion 12 in a direction substantially parallel to leg axis A12. Wheels 312 of foot massager 318 roll against foot base 60, and wheels 312 of leg massager 316 roll against leg inner surface 20. Shaft 306 of foot massager 318 is coupled to foot base 60 via at least one biasing element 320. Biasing element 320 enables foot massager 318 to move relative to foot base 60.
A pair of bands 322 and 324 are coupled to foot massager 318 and to leg massager 316. Specifically, bands 322 and 324 are coupled to the respective shaft 306 of foot massager 318 and leg massager 316. Accordingly, in the exemplary embodiment, foot massager 318 and leg massager 316 are tethered together such that motion of foot massager 318 causes motion of leg massager 316 via bands 322 and 324. Similarly, motion of leg massager 316 causes motion of foot massager 318. In the exemplary embodiment, bands 322 and 324 are substantially the same length (not shown) and are substantially inelastic, and each has a limited ability to stretch or elongate.
In the exemplary embodiment, massage system 300 includes a pair of medial pulleys 326 and a pair of lateral pulleys 328. Alternatively, system 300 may include more or less than two medial pulleys 326 and/or lateral pulleys 328. Each medial and lateral pulley 326 and 328 is rotationally coupled to device 10. First pair of medial pulleys 326 includes a first medial pulley 326a that is rotationally coupled to foot medial side 62, and a second medial pulley 326b that is rotationally coupled to medial side 46. Second pair of lateral pulleys 328 includes a first lateral pulley 328a that is rotationally coupled to foot lateral side 64 and a second lateral pulley (not visible) that is rotationally coupled to lateral side 50. First band 322 is operably engaged with each medial pulley 326a and 326b, and second band 324 is operably engaged with each lateral pulley 328.
Massage system 300 also includes at least one guide feature 330 that engages with first and second bands 322 and 324 to guide and align first and second bands 322 and 324, respectively. Guide features 330 may include eyelets or apertures that guide first and second bands 322 and 324, respectively. First band 322 is coupled to foot medial side 62 along a medial attachment location 336, and second band 324 is coupled to foot lateral side 64 along a lateral attachment location (not visible). Rotations of foot portion 14 that increase ankle angle α90 causes first and second bands 322 and 324, respectively, to be pulled in a first direction against medial and lateral pulleys 326 and 328, respectively, thus moving foot massager 318 and leg massager 316 in a first direction in which foot massager 318 moves towards heel end 56, and leg massager 316 moves towards upper end 42. In contrast, rotations of foot portion 14 that decrease ankle angle α90 causes first and second bands 322 and 324, respectively, to be pulled in a second direction against medial and lateral pulleys 326 and 328, respectively, thus moving foot massager 318 and leg massager 316 in a second direction in which foot massager 318 moves towards toe end 58, and leg massager 316 moves towards leg portion 12 lower end 44. Biasing element 320 may induce a force on foot massager 318 to bias foot massager 318 and leg massager 316 in second direction.
In some embodiments, a track or guide (not shown) is formed on foot portion 14 and/or leg portion 12, that is sized and shaped to engage with wheels 312 to guide the movement of massager rollers 302. Additionally, guide features 330 that engage first and second bands 322 and 324 to guide and align first and second bands 322 and 324, may also facilitate aligning the position and motion of the massage rollers 302.
With reference again to
In the exemplary embodiment, device 10 is aligned substantially symmetrically about axis A12, axis A14 and axis A16 and as such, device 10 may be used on either the user's left leg or right leg. Additionally, and/or alternatively, device 10 may be shaped such that device 10 may be uniquely used for only left or right foot or leg of a user. For example, the foot medial side 62 of toe portion 16 may be extended and/or curved to accommodate toes of a user.
In some embodiments, various functional components such as, but not limited to, resistance system 100, nerve stimulation system 200, and massage system 300 may be selectively used or combined for use with device 10. These functional components may be used in isolation and/or in combination. Accordingly, device 10 may function in a modular manner, enabling a user to selectively attach/detach the functional components and to thus customize the device 10 to the user. For example, a user may selectively connect nerve stimulation system 200 and resistance system 100 thus enabling a user to perform active stretching exercises while simultaneously electrically stimulating a nerve of the user's foot or leg. Additionally, and/or alternatively, a user may selectively couple massage system 300 and resistance system 100, thus enabling a user to perform active stretching exercises while, simultaneously massaging the planter fascia and the Achilles tendon.
Compared to conventional treatments of musculoskeletal disorders of the lower limb, embodiments of the present disclosure have several advantages. The device enables the user to selectively position their foot and toes in a plurality of positions, including plantarflexed and/or dorsiflexed positions. For example, a user may activate the musculature of their lower limb to facilitate actively controlling the amount of stretch during use of device 10. In embodiments including resistance system 100, device 10 may be used to exercise and strengthen the muscles of the lower limb and to perform active stretching exercises. In embodiments including nerve stimulation system 200, device 10 supplies electrical stimulation to the lower leg and foot. In embodiments including massaging system 300, the massagers may be used to massage the lower leg (e.g., the Achilles tendon) and foot (e.g., Plantar fascia) of a user.
As used herein, the terms “about,” “substantially,” “essentially,” and “approximately” when used in conjunction with ranges of dimensions, concentrations, temperatures or other physical or chemical properties or characteristics is meant to cover variations that may exist in the upper and/or lower limits of the ranges of the properties or characteristics, including, for example, variations resulting from rounding, measurement methodology or other statistical variation.
When introducing elements of the present disclosure or the embodiment(s) thereof, the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. The use of terms indicating a particular orientation (e.g., “top,” “bottom,” “side,” etc.) is for convenience of description and does not require any particular orientation of the item described.
As various changes could be made in the above constructions and methods without departing from the scope of the disclosure, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawing[s] shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
