Stimulus training system and apparatus to effectuate therapeutic treatment

• US 7,997,007 B2
• Filed: 09/17/2007
• Issued: 08/16/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 09/15/2006
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Early Success, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Early Success, Inc.
• Inventors: Sanabria-Hernandez, Lillian
• Primary Examiner(s): PATTERSON, MARIE D
• Application Number:
  US11/856,717
• Publication Number:
  US 20080066343A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,429 Days
• Field of Search: 36/1, 361/36, 361/14, 361/37, 361/38
• US Class Current: 36/1
• CPC Class Codes: A43B 3/34 with electrical or electronic arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: A43B 3/36 with light sources
• CPC Class Codes: A43B 3/50 with sound or music sources
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 19/0038 Sports

Abstract

The invention provides a compactly contained multiple-component sensing device for detecting toe-walking and other physical conditions and providing repetitive positive reinforcement stimuli to correct the same. A comprehensive software system enables therapeutic management of the sensing and stimulus device and easy changes in therapy, stimulus content, stimulus frequency and other factors. A variety of circuit and housing arrangements allow adaptability to manufacture, user, and treatment professional demands.

Claims

1. A stimulus training system, for treating a selected walking gate of a user, said stimulus training system comprising:

(a) housing means in an insole for containing a plurality of interconnected operational components for generating a stimulus to said user during an operational use;

said plurality of interconnected operational components comprising;

(i) micro-controller operating system means for providing an operational control of said stimulus training system; and

(ii) sensing-switch means for sensing said walking gate of said user;

(b) power supply means for supplying an electrical power to conduct said operational use of said simulated training system enabling said operational use upon a selected walking gate of said user;

(c) communication means for electronically communicating with said micro-controller operating system means, whereby said micro-controller system may be electronically updated from an external source and store data for download by said external source; and

(d) stimulus means for providing a training stimulus to said user, said training stimulus being at least one of an auditory stimulus, a physical stimulus, and a visual stimulus, a combination of audio, physical or visual stimulus, and an electrical stimulus to a user of said therapeutic device, whereby during said operational use said micro-controller operating system means enables the generation of said training stimulus at every stepping activity of said user thereby enhancing treatment of said user.

2. A stimulus training system, according to claim 1, wherein:

said sensing-switch means further comprises at least one pressure sensitive switch pad operationally connected to said micro-controller operating system means and generating a signal representative of a pressure status to said micro-controller operating system upon said operational use by said user.

3. A stimulus training system, according to claim 2, wherein:

(a) said insole includes said; and

(b) said sensing-switch member is positioned in one of a toe portion and a heal portion of said insole.

4. A stimulus training system, according to claim 3, wherein:

said sensing-switch member is positioned in both said toe portion and said heal portion of said insole, whereby said operational use by said user enables said generation of said signal of said pressure status to said micro-controller operating system.

5. A stimulus training system, according to claim 1, further comprising a computer connection portal means in said means for electronically communicating with said micro-controller operating system means;

and wherein said computer connection portal means is an electrical memory transmission connection selected from one of a group comprising;

(a) a wired connection portal; and

(b) a wireless connection portal,

whereby said at least one computer connection portal means enables an update of said training stimulus for improved training.

6. A stimulus training system, according to claim 2, wherein:

said sensing-switch member is positioned in one of a toe portion and a heal portion of said insole.

7. A stimulus training system, according to claim 6, wherein:

said sensing-switch member is positioned in both said toe portion and said heal portion of said insole, whereby said operational use by said user enables said generation of said signal of said pressure status to said micro-controller operating system.

8. A stimulus training system, according to claim 1, wherein:

said power supply means for supplying an electrical power to conduct said operational use of said simulated training system comprises at least one battery.

9. A stimulus training system, according to claim 8, wherein:

said power supply means further comprises at least a second battery.

10. A stimulus training system, according to claim 9, wherein:

said first battery and said second battery have a relative position to each other within said housing enabling operation as a portion of sensing-switch means for sensing said walking gate of said user.

11. A stimulus training system, according to claim 9, wherein:

said first battery and said second battery have a relative position to each other in said housing;

said relative position enabling at least one of an elastically hingable connection and an elastically compressible connection between said first battery and said second battery, whereby during said operational use by said user said walking gate of said user enables said at least one connection, whereby said power supply means enables said first battery and said second battery to operate as elements of said sensing-switch means for sensing said walking gate of said user.

12. The stimulus training system according to claim 1, wherein said insole is replaceable.