Range of motion device

• US 7,452,342 B2
• Filed: 09/21/2006
• Issued: 11/18/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 03/08/2004
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Bonutti Research Incorporated (Bonutti IP LLC)
• Original Assignee: Bonutti Research Incorporated (Bonutti IP LLC)
• Inventors: Bonutti, Peter M., Bonutti, Boris P., Phillips, Glen A., Ruholl, Kevin R.
• Primary Examiner(s): Brown; Michael A.
• Application Number:
  US11/533,839
• Publication Number:
  US 20070055190A1
• Time in Patent Office: 789 Days
• Field of Search: 602/5, 602/20, 602/21, 602/23, 602/16, 601/5, 601/27, 601/32, 601/33, 601/34, 601/40, 482/45.907
• US Class Current: 602/16
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2005/0139 geared
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 5/0102 specially adapted for correcting deformities of the limbs or for supporting them; Ortheses, e.g. with articulations
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 5/0125 the device articulating around a single pivot-point
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 1/008 Apparatus for applying pressure or blows almost perpendicular to the body or limb axis, e.g. chiropractic devices for repositioning vertebrae, correcting deformation
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 1/02 Stretching or bending or torsioning apparatus for exercising
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 1/024 Knee A61H1/0255 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 1/0244 Hip A61H1/0255 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 1/0266 Foot
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 1/0277 Elbow
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 1/0281 Shoulder
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 1/0285 Hand
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2001/0207 Nutating movement of a body part around its articulation
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2001/027 Toes
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/5043 Displays
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2203/00 Additional characteristics concerning the patient

Abstract

The present invention provides an orthosis for stretching tissue around a joint of a patient between first and second relatively pivotable body portions. The orthosis includes a first arm member affixable to the first body portion and including a first extension member extending therefrom. A second arm member affixable to the second body portion is also included and has a second extension member having an arcuate shape extending therefrom. The second extension member is operatively connected to the first extension member and travels through the first extension member along an arcuate path when the second arm member is moved from a first position to a second position relative to the first arm member.

Claims

1. A device for increasing the range of motion of a joint, comprising:

a first arm member including a first extension member extending therefrom;

a first support member affixable to the first arm member, wherein the first support member is affixable to a first body portion;

a second arm member including a second extension member having an arcuate shape extending therefrom, the second extension member is operatively connected to the first extension member so that relative movement between the first and second affixable members is determined by movement along the arcuate shape; and

a second support member articulatingly mounted to the second arm member, the second support member including a sliding base member slidably mounted to the second arm member;

a fixed base plate fixed to the sliding base member; and

a pivotable base plate pivotably connected to the fixed base plate such that the pivotable base plate can arcuately pivot with respect to the fixed base plate and the second arm member,

wherein the second support member is affixable to a second body portion and wherein the joint is interposed between the first and second support members.

2. A device for increasing the range of motion as set forth in claim 1 further comprising a first hand pad removably attached to the pivotable base plate.

3. A device for increasing the range of motion as set forth in claim 2 further comprising a second hand pad, the first hand pad configured and dimensioned to support a body portion in a first position and the second hand pad configured and dimensioned to support a body portion in a second position opposite the first position.

4. A device for increasing the range of motion as set forth in claim 1 wherein the first support member is adjustable mounted to the first arm member.

5. A device for increasing the range of motion as set forth in claim 1 wherein the arcuate shape associated with the second extension member is convex.

6. A device for increasing the range of motion as set forth in claim 5 wherein the arcuate shape has a constant radius of curvature.

7. A device for increasing the range of motion as set forth in claim 1 wherein the arcuate shape has a variable radius of curvature.

8. A device for increasing the range of motion as set forth in claim 1 wherein the arcuate shape defines an arcuate path such that the arcuate path and the joint lie in a plane substantially orthogonal to an axis of rotation of the joint.

9. A device for increasing the range of motion of a joint, comprising:

a first arm member including a first extension member extending therefrom;

a first support member affixable to the first arm member, wherein the first support member is affixable to a first body portion;

a second arm member including a second extension member having an arcuate shape extending therefrom, the second extension member is operatively connected to the first extension member so that relative movement between the first and second affixable members is determined by movement along the arcuate shape; and

a second support member articulatingly mounted to the second arm member, wherein the second support member is affixable to a second body portion;

the joint is interposed between the first and second support members;

the arcuate shape of the second extension member is a cam surface, and wherein the first extension member comprises cam followers that control the relative movement between the affixable members.

10. A device for increasing the range of motion as set forth in claim 9 further comprising a first strap connected to the first support member, wherein the first strap is fastenable about the first body portion tightly enough so that the first arm member applies a force to the first body portion.

11. A device for increasing the range of motion as set forth in claim 10 wherein the first strap is welded to the first support member.

12. A device for increasing the range of motion as set forth in claim 9 further comprising a second strap connected to the second support member, wherein the second strap is fastenable about the second body portion tightly enough so that the second arm member applies a force to the second body portion.

13. A device for increasing the range of motion as set forth in claim 12 wherein the second strap is welded to the second support member.

14. A device for increasing the range of motion as set forth in claim 9 further comprising a drive assembly on the first extension member, the drive assembly engaging the second extension member for selectively moving the second arm member with respect to the first arm member.

15. A device for increasing the range of motion as set forth in claim 14 wherein the drive assembly includes a gear rotatably mounted in the first extension member.

16. A device for increasing the range of motion as set forth in claim 15 wherein the second extension member includes a plurality of teeth for engaging the gear.

17. A device for increasing the range of motion as set forth in claim 16 wherein the gear is manually rotatable for selectively moving the second arm member with respect to the first arm member.

18. A device for increasing the range of motion as set forth in claim 15 further comprising a motor-operated drive assembly in communication with the arcuate shape of the second extension member;

and

a programmable control system capable of automatically cycling relative movement between the first and second arm members according to predetermined parameters.

19. A device for increasing the range of motion as set forth in claim 14 wherein the drive assembly includes a worm gear rotatably mounted therein and wherein the worm gear is manualably rotatable for selectively moving the second arm member with respect to the first arm member.