US3976057A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Joint flexing apparatus
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1974-12-23
•
Granted: 1976-08-24
•
Expires: 1994-12-23
Abstract
Abstract A flexing apparatus including first and second straps to encircle the body above and below a joint, pivotable links between the straps to maintain alignment between them and piston and cylinder assemblies extending between the straps. Adjustable bleed valves in the cylinder ends provide calibrated leakage to present resistance to flexion and extension of the joint. An air supply and control are attached to the cylinder ends to provide controlled power flexion and extension of the joint for therapy, including a compressor, air filtering, regulating and lubricating devices, a two position solenoid operated valve and an electrical timing and switching circuit for energizing the solenoid.
Inventors
- 👤 Doltie W. Barclay
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 18:51
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61F; A61F5/00; A61F5/01; A61F5/0102; A61F5/0123; A61F5/0125; A63; A63B; A63B21/00; A63B21/00058; A63B21/00069; A63B21/00072; A63B21/00178; A63B21/008; A63B21/0085; A63B21/0087; A63B21/40; A63B21/4023; A63B21/4025; A61F2005/0132; A61F2005/0169; A63B23/00; A63B23/035; A63B23/04; A63B23/0494; A63B23/12; A63B23/1281
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
244 words
A device for flexing and extending a body joint such as a knee or elbow comprising: first strap means for completely encircling the body near and on one side of the joint to be exercised; second strap means for completely encircling the body near and on the other side of the joint to be exercised; linkage means extending between said first strap means and said second strap means in predetermined relationship with the joint, said linkage means having a first link portion rigidly secured to said first strap means and a second link portion secured to said second strap means and means defining a pivot point connecting said link portions substantially aligned with the pivot axis of a joint to be exercised for permitting relative pivotal motion of said link portions, which motion corresponds with motion of a body portions joined at the joint to be exercised; fluid drive means connected between said first and second strap means to form the third side of a triangle with said first and second link portions for moving said strap means alternately toward and away from each other to flex and extend a body joint and, with said link portions, for minimizing compressive and extensive forces at the body joint; a source of fluid under pressure; valve and control means for controlling the application of fluid from said source to said drive means; and conduit means for interconnecting said source, said valve means and said drive means.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
244 words
A device for flexing and extending a body joint such as a knee or elbow comprising: first strap means for completely encircling the body near and on one side of the joint to be exercised; second strap means for completely encircling the body near and on the other side of the joint to be exercised; linkage means extending between said first strap means and said second strap means in predetermined relationship with the joint, said linkage means having a first link portion rigidly secured to said first strap means and a second link portion secured to said second strap means and means defining a pivot point connecting said link portions substantially aligned with the pivot axis of a joint to be exercised for permitting relative pivotal motion of said link portions, which motion corresponds with motion of a body portions joined at the joint to be exercised; fluid drive means connected between said first and second strap means to form the third side of a triangle with said first and second link portions for moving said strap means alternately toward and away from each other to flex and extend a body joint and, with said link portions, for minimizing compressive and extensive forces at the body joint; a source of fluid under pressure; valve and control means for controlling the application of fluid from said source to said drive means; and conduit means for interconnecting said source, said valve means and said drive means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
50 words
A device according to claim 1 wherein said fluid drive means includes: at least one pneumatic piston and cylinder assembly, the piston thereof being pivotally connected to said first strap means and the cylinder thereof being pivotally connected to said second strap means; and said source comprises an air compressor.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
70 words
A device according to claim 2 wherein said valve and control means includes: a two position, four-way valve for alternately directing air under pressure to one and the other end of said cylinder; solenoid means for moving said valve; a source of electrical energy; timing switch means for selectively energizing said solenoid means; and circuit means for interconnecting said solenoid means, said source of energy and said timing switch means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
128 words
A device according to claim 3 wherein said valve and control means further includes: means for adjusting the pressure of air directed to said cylinder; wherein said solenoid means includes first and second solenoids, said first solenoid being operative, when energized, to move said valve to one of its two positions and said second solenoid being operative, when energized, to move said valve to the other of its two positions; and wherein said timing switch means includes first and second switches connected respectively to said first and second solenoids and to said source of energy to permit energization of said solenoids; a timing motor; adjustable speed control means for controlling the speed of said timing motor to permit alteration of the interval between successive energizations of said solenoids.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
44 words
A device according to claim 2 wherein said piston and cylinder assembly includes: adjustable mechanical stop means for selectably limiting the extent of motion of the piston in the cylinder and thereby limiting the degree of flexion and extension of a joint being exercised.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1979-08-24 | 1980-02-23 | 1980-08-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1983-08-24 | 1984-02-23 | 1984-08-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1987-08-24 | 1988-02-23 | 1988-08-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |