Range of motion system

• US 9,320,669 B2
• Filed: 06/23/2014
• Issued: 04/26/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 08/12/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Bonutti Research Incorporated (Bonutti IP LLC)
• Original Assignee: Bonutti Research Incorporated (Bonutti IP LLC)
• Inventors: Bonutti, Peter M., Phillips, Glen A., Beyers, Justin E.
• Primary Examiner(s): Thanh, Quang D
• Application Number:
  US14/311,879
• Publication Number:
  US 20140303527A1
• Time in Patent Office: 673 Days
• Field of Search: 601/5, 601/23, 601/24, 601 26- 35, 601/40, 601/97, 601/98, 601/101, 601/104
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2005/0137 with two parallel pivots
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2005/0139 geared
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2005/0153 combining rotational and stretching movements
• 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 5/013 for the arms, hands or fingers A61F5/0118 takes precedence
• 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 1/0218 Drawing-out devices
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 1/0237 for the lower limbs
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 1/0274 for the upper limbs
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 1/0296 Neck
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/1607 Holding means therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2023/006 for stretching exercises
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/00 Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body A63B22/00 takes precedence; force-resisting aspects A63B21/00; electric or electronic controls therefor A63B24/00; devices for exercising or strengthening of fingers, or arms in teaching operation of keyboards G09B15/06

Abstract

The application is directed to devices and methods useful for expanding the range of motion of joints based on principles of stress relaxation and creep. Expanded range of motion is achieved by placing body parts near the joint in positions that stretch tissue around the joint. Even when the device is in any one position, it can impart forces on the body members to urge them to stretch surrounding tissue even further.

Claims

1. A device for increasing the range of motion of a tissue in a body of a patient, the device comprising:

a first arm member configured to couple to a first body portion;

a second arm member configured to couple to a second body portion;

a control assembly operatively connected to the first and second arm members and configured to selectively move the second arm member relative to the first arm member, the control assembly comprising

a drive assembly operable to drive movement of the second arm member relative to the first arm member, and

a force application assembly configured to apply a force to the second arm member to urge movement of the second arm member relative to the first arm member, the force application assembly including

a slip member movable relative to the drive assembly and operatively connected to the second arm member such that movement of the slip member relative to the drive assembly imparts movement of the second arm member relative to the first arm member,

a spring operatively connecting the drive assembly to the slip member and configured to transmit force from the drive assembly to the slip member during operation of the drive assembly, and

a connector extending from the slip member, wherein the connector movably connects the slip member to the drive assembly.

2. The device for increasing the range of motion of a tissue in a body of a patient as set forth in claim 1, wherein the drive assembly includes a drive member.

3. The device for increasing the range of motion of a tissue in a body of a patient as set forth in claim 1, wherein the connector is fixedly connected to the drive assembly.

4. The device for increasing the range of motion of a tissue in a body of a patient as set forth in claim 1, wherein the spring is interposed between the drive assembly and the slip member.

5. The device for increasing the range of motion of a tissue in a body of a patient as set forth in claim 1, wherein the connector comprises a plurality of connectors.

6. The device for increasing the range of motion of a tissue in a body of a patient as set forth in claim 2, wherein the drive member is threaded.

7. The device for increasing the range of motion of a tissue in a body of a patient as set forth in claim 1, wherein the force application assembly is capable of applying the force to the second arm member independent of the operation of the drive assembly.