| Step width increaser -> Monitor Keywords |
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Step width increaserRelated Patent Categories: Exercise Devices, GymnasticStep width increaser description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060105884, Step width increaser. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] Not Applicable STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT [0002] Not Applicable REFERENCE TO A SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISC APPENDIX [0003] Not Applicable BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0004] This invention relates to rehabilitation equipment for the physical therapy field. More specifically, it relates to a portable apparatus which can be used in a clinic and/or a patient's home to assist in attempting to increase the step width of the patient. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0005] As a Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant in Massachusetts, I have spent a few years gait training the elderly using assistive devices (e.g. walkers and canes). Many of them ambulated with a very narrow base of support, or worse, displayed a scissoring gait pattern (this happens when the patient's feet cross over each other during gait as opposed to normal gait with the feet being parallel to each other). This could be caused by a few problems such as weak hip abductors, poor range of motion or spasticity in the hip adductors, internal hip rotation due to spasticity or tightness, or hemiplegia following a stroke. A crude (and unsafe) method of trying to prevent this occurrence during gait training is to place the foot of the therapist between the feet of the patient as he or she walks. This method, although used quite often, is not the safest. The patient is at risk for tripping and the physical therapist is assisting the patient with less than optimal stability. [0006] I have created a device which would facilitate a normal step width during ambulation without disturbing the patient's balance or putting the physical therapist in a position of compromised stability. The device would have a fixture placed between the patient's ankles to maintain a normal step width (7-10 cm) as he or she walked. It would prevent the patient's step width from decreasing to less than 7-10 cm. The device would only be used during gait training with a licensed Physical Therapist or Physical Therapist Assistant. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS (PHOTOGRAPHS) [0007] The objectives and benefits of this apparatus will become apparent by referring to the following figures. [0008] FIG. 1 is a view of 2 of the interlocking rubber mats with the Velcro.RTM. strip and 2 unfastened step width "separators" (bottom view and side view) of different widths: approximately 23/4 inches (7 centimeters) and 11/2 inches (4 centimeters). [0009] FIG. 2 is a top view of 2 joined interlocking rubber mats along with the 23/4 inch step width "separators" attached. [0010] FIG. 3 is a closer view of 2 joined interlocking rubber mats along with the 23/4 inch step width "separators" attached. [0011] FIG. 4 is a rear view of the Step Width Increaser being used at home by a "patient" with a rolling walker. The width of the separator being used in this photograph is approximately 23/4 inches (approximately 7 centimeters). [0012] FIG. 5 is a side view of the Step Width Increaser being used at home by a "patient" with a rolling walker. The width of the separator being used in this photograph is approximately 23/4 inches (approximately 7 centimeters). [0013] FIG. 6 is a front view of the Step Width Increaser being used at home by a "patient" with a rolling walker. The width of the separator being used in this photograph is approximately 23/4 inches (approximately 7 centimeters). [0014] FIG. 7 is a rear view of the Step Width Increaser being used at home by a "patient" with a rolling walker. The width of the separator being used in this photograph is approximately 11/2 inches (approximately 4 centimeters). [0015] FIG. 8 is a front view of the Step Width Increaser being used at home by a "patient" with a rolling walker. The width of the separator being used in this photograph is approximately 11/2 inches (approximately 4 centimeters). OPERATION OF THE INVENTION [0016] To use the apparatus, a user (e.g., a physical therapist) would connect the interlocking 2' by 2' mats together on the floor (or between the parallel bars) to provide the desired distance. Then, the step width separators are attached by Velcro.RTM. to the interlocking mats. The width of the separators used will be chosen by the physical therapist on a patient by patient basis. The patient will then line up at one end of the mat placing the left foot on the left side of the separator and the right foot on the right side of the separator (so the separator is between the patient's feet). Depending on the patient, he or she may have his or her wheelchair placed at one end of the mat and can be assisted to stand by the therapist. The patient's assistive device will then be given to the patient to use while keeping the feet separated by the step width separator. Use of a gait belt would also be recommended for this patient population during this gait training. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Continue reading about Step width increaser... Full patent description for Step width increaser Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Step width increaser 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. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Step width increaser or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Transfer case with variably controlled torque coupling device Next Patent Application: Keep-fit imitative mountain climbing & foot massage machine Industry Class: Exercise devices ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Step width increaser patent info. IP-related news and info Results in 0.19883 seconds Other interesting Feshpatents.com categories: Tyco , Unilever , Warner-lambert , 3m 174 |
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