WO2009101442A1

WO2009101442A1 - Apparatus for controlling movement of feet

Info

Publication number: WO2009101442A1
Application number: PCT/GB2009/050139
Authority: WO
Inventors: Richard Rushen
Original assignee: Richard Rushen
Priority date: 2008-02-14
Filing date: 2009-02-12
Publication date: 2009-08-20
Also published as: GB2444861A9; GB0802757D0; GB2444861B; GB2444861A

Abstract

An apparatus for controlling the movement of feet, preferably for controlling the relative movement of two human feet such as anorthosic device for the correction of club foot / club feet deformities primarily in children. It comprises first and second plates A, B connected together by a brace comprising a plurality of struts D, H. The struts D, H may be connected to the plates by means of universal joints C to allow multi-directional free movement of the plates A and B in two dimensions whilst maintaining them in the same relative orientation. The struts D, H may be telescopic to enable the distance between the plates to be adjusted. The struts D, H may have graduation marks on them to aid correct adjustment and orientation. There may be three struts which are positioned in a triangulated form to maintain correct orientation. The device may have interchangeable stops F of varying sizes to limit the amount of travel.

Description

Apparatus for controlling movement of feet

Background of the Invention

This invention relates to an apparatus for controlling the movement of feet, preferably for controlling the relative movement of two human feet.

We will describe a brace to hold a child's feet/foot in the desired position to correct club foot.

Current treatment of club foot in children most frequently involves the use of manipulation and plaster casting, followed by a long period of bracing using a device consisting of a solid bar connected to special shoes. The latter phase of treatment has been demonstrated to be fundamentally important in the maintenance of correction.

Current devices are often solid and limit the child's movement significantly. This in turn can cause frustration, blisters and decreased compliance with treatment. Different types of footwear have been used to attempt to limit this problem.

Description of the Prior Art

A device known as "The Dobbs Brace" has been design by Matthew Dobbs. This only offers movement in one direction, namely up and down. There are a few other devices, for example, Pecheux, but this device is not mobile and works in a different way to the present invention. J. J. Wineheski has designed a brace, but again does not offer the movement of the present invention. Both Zentman and Devens braces are different with little to no movement.

US Patent Specification 5,382,225 shows a so called universal night splint but in which the foot plates 30, 30a are not connected together by a brace which allows for free movement of the foot members in two dimensions whilst maintaining them in the same relative orientation, typically, in parallel with each other. US Patent Specification 4,406,334 shows a foot splint which has a triangulated brace but the struts of the brace are connected to the shoe brackets by means of ball and socket joints (see Figure 6) which allow substantially complete independent movement of the shoe brackets without maintaining them in the same relative orientation, typically, in parallel with one another.

US Patent Specification 4,412,536 shows a foot splint in which the linkage has simple parallelogram links, the bracing arrangement not providing free movement of the foot members in two dimensions whilst maintaining them in the same relative orientation, typically, in parallel with each other.

US Patent Specification 4,249, 523 shows a foot splint in which the linkage has simple parallelogram links, the bracing arrangement not providing free movement of the foot members in two dimensions including backwards and forwards whilst maintaining them in the same relative orientation, typically, in parallel with each other.

US Patent Specification 3,487,829 shows a foot brace which, as with US 4,406,334 utilises ball joints which therefore do not maintain control of the foot plates to provide free movement of the foot members in two dimensions whilst maintaining them in the same relative orientation, typically, in parallel with each other. It seems possible that the foot members may rotate about various angles so that there is insufficient control of the top of the feet.

US Patent Specification 2,936,020 shows a foot brace in which there is insufficient control of the movement of the feet in that there is provided a simple parallelogram brace with ball joints at each end.

US Patent Application Specification 20070142760 shows a simple arrangement in which once again, the apparatus does not provide for free movement of the foot members in two dimensions whilst maintaining them in the same relative orientation, typically, in parallel with each other.

My invention deals with the above limitations by offering free movement in two dimensions independently from each other i.e. forward, backwards and up, down motions, whilst, in the case of a club foot brace at least, maintaining the correct angular horizontal position of the feet as set by the medical consultant at all times, irrespective of what leg movement the child makes in any direction,

Statement of Inven tion

The present invention provides apparatus for controlling the movement of foot members, said apparatus comprising two foot members, said foot members being connected by a brace comprising three struts (each of which may be in the form of a shaft) of adjustable length, the respective ends of which are arranged in a triangulated form to maintain relative orientation of the foot members, and wherein universal joints are provided adjacent each end of each strut for providing free movement of the foot members in two dimensions whilst maintaining them in the same relative orientation, typically, in parallel with each other.

Preferably the apparatus comprises an orthosic device for correction of club foot/feet, and the foot members of the apparatus each comprise a platform for mounting a shoe. The apparatus allows free movement of each platform forwards and back and up and down but keeping the patient's (usually child's) feet properly aligned at all times (e.g. not twisting with respect to one another). One end of each of the three struts is preferably mounted in a plate forming part of or connected to a platform in the triangulated spacing which is preferably a right angle triangulated spacing, and the other end of each of the three struts is similarly mounted.

Preferably the struts are formed of telescopic stints which are preferably provided with graduation marks to aid correct adjustment and orientation. By varying the length of all the struts by a similar amount, the spacing between the platforms may be adjusted, and by varying the length of different struts differently the relative angular position of the two platforms may be varied.

Preferably there is provided one or more stops for limiting the amount of movement of the platforms as desired or as determined by the medical consultant.

Preferably the apparatus is adapted for positioning behind the heel and/or substantially above the sole of the patient's feet, thereby allowing crawling or walking with minimal interference. In some circumstances, the apparatus may be positioned behind and below the patient's feet (where, for example, the patient is a crawling baby or when the device is only used at night) which minimises the possibility of the device contacting the patient's foot or legs.

Brief Description of the drawings

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:-

Fig 1 shows a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the invention,

Fig 2 shows a front view of the apparatus of Fig 1,

Fig 3 shows the front view of Fig 2 but with one platform moved upwards with respect to the other platform.

Fig 4 shows a plan view of the apparatus of Fig 1,

Fig 5 shows a plan view of the apparatus with one platform moved forwards with respect to the other platform,

Fig 7 shows a front view of the apparatus with the telescopic rods adjusted so the two platforms are pitched towards one another. Fig 7 shows an axial section of the apparatus in the position of Fig 1 showing details of a stop for limiting movement of the struts, and

Fig 8 shows details of the adjustment struts.

Detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the invention.

This device is made up from 7 main parts items A, B, C, D, E, F and H, see Fig l.

Platforms A and B are made from aluminium plate anodized for strength and resistance to wear. These platforms A and B may be formed by means of CNC (computer numerical controlled) press, providing a square hole X for shoe fixings and three square holes Y for universal joint fixings. As will be seen from Figs 1 and 7 particularly, the three holes Y are arranged in right angle triangulated spacing, one of the holes Y being provided substantially vertically below a second hole Y and substantially horizontally behind the third hole Y. A square hole is used to maintain a positive fixing and to stop unwanted rotation of both shoe fixing and universal joint rotation, as it is important that the universal joints are aligned correctly to operate freely. The plates are bent to 90 degrees (as is clear from Fig 1, to provide a generally horizontal part and a generally upright part), bent one way for the left side platform A, and the other for the right side platform B. The fixing and position of the shoes may be changed depending on the customer needs. This will need to be requested before manufacture.

Items C and E are universal jointed shafts. Universal joints are defined as - see Oxford Concise Dictionary - as a joint which can transmit rotary power by a shaft at any selected angle, - which in practice is limited by the design. As is clear from Fig 1, 3 and 5, the shafts are formed with a universal joint at or adjacent each end, made from aluminium, anodized for strength and resistance to wear. These universal joints may be machined using CNC. The short side of the universal joints have threaded holes for fixing to the upright part of the relevant platform A or B using a square end to locate into the square hole Y in relevant platform A or B. This will be held on by a screwed fixing. The long side of each universal joint has a hole machined in the centre to accept adjustment shafts D or H. The hole will extend the length of the shaft up to the universal joint's pivot. A threaded hole will be located at point G, see Fig I, to fix items D or H in the desired position by a screwed fixing.

Items D and H are adjustment shafts. These may be made from stainless steel or aluminium on a CNC machine. These will fit inside items C and E. Adjustment shaft D has measurement grooves cut into the shaft at 10mm spacings to aid adjustment and orientation. Adjustment shaft H has measurement grooves cut into the shaft at 5mm spacings, this is to aid adjustment, alignment and to gauge the amount of lift of the outer edge of the platforms A and B (angular horizontal position, see Fig 6) for the feet by shortening the upper adjustment shaft H more than the length of adjustment bar D. Both adjustment bars D and H have flats machined along one side, see Fig 8. The flats should be aligned to fixings G in both item C and E. This will aid alignment of the brace for free operation.

Items C and E are universal joints made from aluminium anodized for strength and resistance to wear. These universal joints may be machined using CNC. One side of each universal joint has a threaded hole for fixing it to item A or B along with a square end to locate into the square hole in the upright part of the relevant platform A or B. This is held on by a screwed fixing. The other side of the universal joints will have a hole machined in the centre to accept adjustment bars D or H. A threaded hole will be located at point G of Fig 1 to fix item D or H in position.

Items C, D, E, G and H form three struts extending between the platforms A and B to form a brace.

Item F of Fig 7 is an interchangeable stop made from aluminium anodized for strength and resistance to wear, machined using CNC, Fig 7 shows an axial section of the apparatus in its straight position (i.e. the position shown in Fig 1). As is clear from this Figure, the stop F is mounted on the lower shaft C which is below the upper shaft C and in this position there are gaps between the upper shaft and the adjacent lower shaft (as indicated by "L and M") and the stop F. As one of the platforms A or B is moved up or down the gap is reduced until the top shaft comes into contact with the top of the stop "L", see Fig 3. Likewise as one of the platforms A or B is moved forward or backwards as shown in Fig 5, the gap M between the two lower shafts C is also reduced until the horizontal adjacent shaft C touches the side of the stop F. However, a similar effect may be provided by mounting the three shafts C closer together and/or increasing their diameters. The diameters may be increased by providing an outer sleeve on each. Choosing sleeves of different diameters allow adjustment in the same way as the stops L illustrated.

This interchangeable stop F or outer sleeve will be available in different sizes to restrict the movement of the brace as desired by the medical consultant. The stop is held in place by a fixing screw in threaded bore G. The stop may be changed by releasing the stop fixing and the shaft adjustment fixing, pulling out the shaft, removing the stop and replacing with a stop with a different movement range, see Fig 6 for items G.

Method of use and Advantages

My device offers the following advantages:

• Independent movement in forward, backward, up and down movement of the patient's (e.g. child's) feet/legs, see Fig 3 and Fig 5. This independent movement is allowed by the brace and in particular by the triangulated spacing of the three shafts.

* It maintains the correct angular position of the child's feet (as set by the medical consultant) whilst the child's legs can move in the forward, backward, up and down movement. The correct angular position is maintained by the brace and in particular by the use of universal joints at each end of the three shafts which because they transmit rotaiy motion keep the platforms in the same relative orientation - thus if the platforms A and B are each horizontal and point directly forwards in Figure 1, they remain horizontal and pointing forwards in all movements, see Figs 3 and 5,

• It has an interchangeable stop to limit movement in either forward/backwards or up/down or both as desired, see Fig 1 item F. • It is adjustable in width to accommodate the growing child, as shown in Fig 6.

• The relative angular position of the shoe plates (items A and B) is adjustable in the horizontal plane by shortening or lengthening the top bar, as shown in Fig 6.

• The device is mobile, thus not restricting the child to one place of treatment.

• The device will aid development of the child's legs, by allowing the child to crawl and walk and therefore enhancing mobility.

• It will provide more comfort for the child reducing the risk of blisters, stress on the child and the parents.

• My device reduces the risk of the parents removing the device from the child to relieve stress on the child and therefore prolonging the treatment time. • It reduces the need for expensive shoes as opposed to the use of standard shoes due to the freedom of movement this device provides.

• It can use existing shoes that the NHS (British National Health Service) are currently using, or any other shoe they wish to use by fixing them to the shoe plates (platforms) - see Fig 1, item A and B, either directly via holes X or via an intermediate plate (not shown) affixed to the holes X. The intermediate plates may be angled fixedly or adjustably to provide the necessary angle in any direction necessary for the patient in question.

• The location of the mechanism (which is behind the child's feet) allows the child to crawl or walk with minimal interference. The location of the mechanism can be changed.

• Mounting platforms are provided to accommodate shoes of the consultants choice, see Fig 1, items A and B. The platforms A and B may have a non-slip under surface. The platforms A and B may be, as shown in the drawings, of dimensions to provide a mounting surface for the soles of the shoes, or may be smaller whereby the majority of the sole of the shoes may contact the ground.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. Apparatus for controlling the movement of foot members, said apparatus comprising two foot members, said foot members being connected by a brace comprising three struts of adjustable length, the respective ends of which are arranged in a triangulated form to maintain relative orientation of the foot members, and wherein universal joints are provided adjacent each end of each strut for providing free movement of the foot members in two dimensions whilst maintaining them in the same relative orientation,

2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the apparatus comprises an orthosis device for correction of club foot/feet, and the foot members of the apparatus each comprise a platform for mounting a shoe.

3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein the apparatus allows free movement of each platform forwards and back and up and down but keeping the patient's feet properly aligned at all times.

4. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein one end of each of the three struts is mounted in a plate forming part of or connected to one of the platforms in a triangulated spacing and the other end of each of the three struts is mounted in a plate forming part of or connected to the other platform in a triangulated spacing.

5. Apparatus as claimed in claim 4 wherein the triangulated spacing is a right angle triangulated spacing.

6. Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 5 wherein the struts are formed of telescopic shafts.

7. Apparatus as claimed in claim 6 wherein the shafts are provided with graduation marks to aid correct adjustment and orientation.

8. Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 7 wherein there is provided one or more stops for limiting the amount of movement of the platforms as desired or as determined by the medical consultant,

9. Apparatus as claimed in claim 8 wherein the stop comprises and sleeve surrounding each shaft

10. Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 9 wherein the apparatus is adapted for positioning behind the feet, thereby allowing crawling or walking with minimal interference.