Method and apparatus for manipulating a toe joint
US7874996B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 2, 2005 |
| Grant date | Jan 25, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 27, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61H2201/1676
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Embodiments of the present invention are generally related to the manipulation of a joint to provide therapy. More specifically, some embodiments of the present invention use inflatable members and a three point bending concept to cause flexion in a toe joint for the purpose of increasing the range of motion of the toe joint. In one embodiment, a user's foot is placed in a frame with at least one toe atop a toe bar. An inflatable member is positioned atop the user's foot and held in position with a strap attached relative to the frame. As the inflatable member is inflated, the strap increases in tension urging the toe toward the toe bar and causing actuation of the joint at the base of the toe.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.