Joint flexing apparatus
First Claim
1. A device for flexing and extending a body joint such as a knee or elbow comprising:
- first strap means for completely encircling the body near and on one side of the joint to be exercised;
second strap means for completely encircling the body near and on the other side of the joint to be exercised;
linkage means extending between said first strap means and said second strap means in predetermined relationship with the joint,said linkage means having a first link portion rigidly secured to said first strap means and a second link portion secured to said second strap means and means defining a pivot point connecting said link portions substantially aligned with the pivot axis of a joint to be exercised for permitting relative pivotal motion of said link portions, which motion corresponds with motion of a body portions joined at the joint to be exercised;
fluid drive means connected between said first and second strap means to form the third side of a triangle with said first and second link portions for moving said strap means alternately toward and away from each other to flex and extend a body joint and, with said link portions, for minimizing compressive and extensive forces at the body joint;
a source of fluid under pressure;
valve and control means for controlling the application of fluid from said source to said drive means; and
conduit means for interconnecting said source, said valve means and said drive means.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A flexing apparatus including first and second straps to encircle the body above and below a joint, pivotable links between the straps to maintain alignment between them and piston and cylinder assemblies extending between the straps. Adjustable bleed valves in the cylinder ends provide calibrated leakage to present resistance to flexion and extension of the joint. An air supply and control are attached to the cylinder ends to provide controlled power flexion and extension of the joint for therapy, including a compressor, air filtering, regulating and lubricating devices, a two position solenoid operated valve and an electrical timing and switching circuit for energizing the solenoid.
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Citations
5 Claims
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1. A device for flexing and extending a body joint such as a knee or elbow comprising:
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first strap means for completely encircling the body near and on one side of the joint to be exercised; second strap means for completely encircling the body near and on the other side of the joint to be exercised; linkage means extending between said first strap means and said second strap means in predetermined relationship with the joint, said linkage means having a first link portion rigidly secured to said first strap means and a second link portion secured to said second strap means and means defining a pivot point connecting said link portions substantially aligned with the pivot axis of a joint to be exercised for permitting relative pivotal motion of said link portions, which motion corresponds with motion of a body portions joined at the joint to be exercised; fluid drive means connected between said first and second strap means to form the third side of a triangle with said first and second link portions for moving said strap means alternately toward and away from each other to flex and extend a body joint and, with said link portions, for minimizing compressive and extensive forces at the body joint; a source of fluid under pressure; valve and control means for controlling the application of fluid from said source to said drive means; and conduit means for interconnecting said source, said valve means and said drive means. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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Specification