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Lower extremity stretch deviceRelated Patent Categories: Exercise Devices, For Foot Or AnkleLower extremity stretch device description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070219071, Lower extremity stretch device. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
[0001] Reference: U.S. 60/764,662 Provisional application Feb. 3, 2006 BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] One aspect of the present invention relates to an exercise device that is used to stretch the lower extremity while fixating the ankle. [0004] 2. Background Art [0005] When participating in sports there is a need to stretch prior to the activity to decrease the risk of injury. In the rehabilitation setting, stretching of the lower extremity is used to maintain range of motion in normal structures and to gain range when restricted. [0006] There are a number of devices on the market that are designed to assist in the stretching of the lower extremity, more specifically the ankle joint made up of the junction between the talus and the mortise resulting from the tibia and fibular bones proximally, in addition to the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles. For example, Rehab Wood Works LLC (appendix 1) offers the `Slant` product witch is a stationary wedge upon which the person to be stretched places their foot or feet on the incline of the wedge and performs the appropriate stretch. Another product offered is the `Pro stretch` (appendix 2) which has a rocker base and a foot holder, so stretching can be performed via the rocker action. The devices described do not have adjustable angles of stretch in two planes and do not provide fixation of the ankle to prevent the heel lifting during the stretch. [0007] In light of the foregoing, what is needed is a lower extremity stretch device that can be adjusted to provide a number of angles of stretch both in the sagital and frontal planes with the ability to fixate the heel during the stretch. OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION [0008] The main object and purpose of the invention is to provide a means to effectively stretch the ankle joint and posterior structures of the lower leg. The stretching of these structures are required for sporting activities to decrease the chance of injury and in rehabilitation to restore normal range of motion. [0009] Another object is to provide an effective means of holding the heel and foot down during the stretch. The normal calf stretch can be performed in two ways. The first being specific to the soleus muscle where the foot is flat and the knee is bent and moves forward over the foot to create a stretch at the back of the lower leg. The second is specific to the gastrocnemius where the knee is straight when the knee is moved forward over the foot. The invention allows these to occur by restricting the heel from lifting off the floor during the stretch, which is a common problem with stretching with out the invention. [0010] Another object of the invention is to provide a variety of positions for the angle of the foot during the stretch. This allows the stretch to be graduated from (a) flat foot parallel to the floor. (b) 15 degrees of dorsi flexion and (c) 25 degrees of dorsi flexion (foot pointing up). [0011] Another object of the invention is to provide a selection of angles of the fixation force about the ankle and in particular the talus bone. This will allow the user to choose the most effective for the desired purpose either stretching or rehabilitation. [0012] Another object of the invention is to provide a means of stretching the ankle joint and posterior structures of the lower leg in a multi plane manner. This is achieved by using side blocks, forcing the main platform to go on an angle. This will cause the foot and ankle to go in or out (Inversion/Eversion). SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0013] The proposed invention relates to a portable platform that provides a means of fixating the ankle so that effective stretching of the ankle and the posterior muscles of the lower leg can be achieved. The invention consists of the following components: [0014] 1. A base board on which the rest of the invention is placed. It is longer than the foot plate. The foot plate is large enough to hold the sole of a booted foot. The foot plate may be rectangular in shape, tapered or modified to represent a foot. The base board extends longer than the foot plate to house the pulley system. The base board has a hinged to each side, wedge shaped side supports which are used to adjust the height and angle of the foot plate. The base board can also be placed on an angle to thre floor in the frontal plane by means of attaching a side block under the edge of the base board longitudinally. [0015] 2. The foot plate is made of strong material, such as plastic, aluminum or wood to withstand the stresses applied. The heel end of the foot plate has a `stop` on it to prevent the heel sliding off the foot plate during stretching. [0016] 3. The fixation strap, which is made of webbing, loops around the front of the ankle and holds the talus bone of the ankle down while stretching occurs. It is pulled through the pulley system to provide tension on the fixation strap. The fixation strap holds the foot down while the stretch is being performed as normally the heel tends to raise. [0017] 4. The heel end of the base board has the pulley system made up of a number of small rods under which the strapping can pass. The choice of rod will determine the angle of the fixation force is applied to the ankle. [0018] 5. The fixation strap has a buckle further up the strap and a handle on the end. The handle is pulled by the person being stretched to provide control of the fixation. The buckle is used for adjustment of the height of the handle to the most comfortable position. [0019] These and other aspects of the present invention will be letter understood in view of the attached drawings and following detailed description of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0020] FIG. 1 is a side view of the stretch device with the foot on the foot plate and the fixation strap in place. The foot plate is in the highest of three positions Continue reading about Lower extremity stretch device... Full patent description for Lower extremity stretch device Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Lower extremity stretch device patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. 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