THEREOF

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to limb function recovery devices and methods of use thereof. More particularly, the present invention relates to a limb function recovery device that in use is worn around the waist or leg of a user wanting to use leg recovery exercises to encourage consistency of hip and leg movement and to a method of using such a limb function recovery device to improve a user's gait.

The present invention further relates to an arm function recovery device that in use is worn on an arm of a user wanting to use arm function recovery exercises to encourage consistency of arm movement and to a method of using the arm correction device to improve a user's arm movements.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many individuals require some limb function recovery or correction such as gait correction whether this be because of neural or physical deficiencies caused by brain injury events, illness or physical injury events. While there are gait correction or assistance devices such as walking frames or aids described in the likes of US 4,729,395 there is relatively little in the market place that provides more challenging limb function recovery or limb movement correction aids.

The present invention aims to provide one or more devices that can be used by a subject requiring limb function recovery or to at least provide the public with a useful choice.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect the present invention provides a limb function recovery device, wherein the device includes a fixing means that in use is fixed either to a limb or proximate the pelvis of a user undergoing limb function recovery and a light source that emits a light beam mounted on said fixing means, wherein in use the user wears the limb function recovery device and directs the light beam onto a fixed position remote from the user as the user moves towards the fixed position.

In another aspect the present invention provides a method of correcting the gait of a user, the method including the steps of:

(a) affixing a leg function recovery device proximate the pelvis of the user,

(b) turning on the light source of the device and directing the light beam on a fixed position remote from the user; and

(c) wherein the user attempts to keep the light beam on or about the fixed position as the user moves towards the fixed position.

In a further aspect the present invention provides a limb function recovery device, wherein the device includes a fixing means that in use is fixed about a leg of a user undergoing limb function recovery and a light source that emits a light beam mounted on said fixing means, wherein in use the user wears the limb function recovery device and directs the light beam on a fixed area remote from the user as the user moves towards the fixed position or area.

In another aspect the present invention provides a method of correcting the gait of a user, the method including the steps of:

(a) affixing a leg function recovery device as defined above to the leg of the user,

(b) turning on the light source of the device and directing the light beam on a fixed position remote from the user; and

(c) wherein the user attempts to keep the light beam on or about the fixed position or area as the user moves towards the fixed position or area. In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a limb function recovery device, wherein the device includes a fixing means that in use is fixed about an arm of a user undergoing arm function recovery and a light source that emits a light beam mounted on said fixing means, wherein in use the user wears the arm function recovery device and directs the light beam onto one or more fixed positions remote from the user.

In another aspect there is provided a method of recovering the arm function of a user, the method including the steps of:

(a) affixing a limb function recovery device as defined above to an arm of the user,

(b) turning on the light source of the device and directing the light beam on a fixed position remote from the user; and

(c) wherein the user repeatedly moves the light beam on or about the one or more fixed positions so as to regain control the arm movements of the user.

The foregoing brief summary broadly describes the features and technical advantages of certain embodiments of the present invention. Further technical advantages will be described in the detailed description of the invention that follows. Novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the invention will be better understood from the detailed description of the invention when considered in connection with any accompanying figures and examples.

However, the figures and examples provided herein are intended to help illustrate the invention or assist with developing an understanding of the invention, and are not intended to be definitions of the invention's scope.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 shows a front perspective view of a limb function recovery device.

Figure 2 shows a left side view of the limb function recovery device shown in Figure 1.

Figure 3 shows a front view of the limb function recovery device shown in Figure 1. Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the limb function recovery device being worn on a user in front of a remote fixed position.

Figure 5 shows an expanded view of region 11 from Figure 4 showing the waist attachment of the limb function recovery device to the user.

Figure 6 shows the rear view of the user in Figure 4 showing the fixed position remote from the user onto which the light beam from the limb function recovery device is directed.

Figure 7 shows the left side view of the user in Figure 4 showing the fixed position remote from the user onto which the light beam from the limb function recovery device is directed.

Figure 8 shows a front perspective view of a second embodiment of a limb function recovery device.

Figure 9 shows a front view of the limb function recovery device shown in Figure 8.

Figure 10 shows a side view of the limb function recovery device shown in Figure 8.

Figure 11 shows a perspective view of the light source/torch used in the embodiment shown in Figure 8.

Figure 12 shows a cross sectional view of the light source shown in Figure 11.

Figure 13 shows a perspective view of the limb function recovery device shown in Figure 8 being worn on a user in front of a remote fixed position and the expanded view of region 12 shows the waist attachment of the limb function recovery device to the user. Figure 14 shows the rear view of the user in Figure 13(a) showing the fixed position remote from the user onto which the light beam from the limb function recovery device is directed.

Figure 15 shows the side view of the user in Figure 13(a) showing the fixed position remote from the user onto which the light beam from the limb function recovery device is directed.

Figure 16(a) shows a perspective view of a third embodiment of a limb function recovery device on a user's leg.

Figure 16(b) shows a perspective view of a third embodiment of a limb function recovery device.

Figure 17(a) shows a perspective view of the limb function recovery device shown in Figure 16(a) and 16(b) being worn on a user in front of a remote fixed position.

Figure 17(b) shows the rear view of the user in Figure 17(a) showing the fixed position remote from the user onto which the light beam from the limb function recovery device is directed.

Figure 18 shows the side view of the user in Figure 17(b) showing the fixed position remote from the user onto which the light beam from the limb function recovery device is directed.

Figure 19(a) shows a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a limb function recovery device on a user's arm.

Figure 1 (b) shows a side view of a fourth embodiment of a limb function recovery device shown in Figure 19(a) on a user's arm.

Figure 20(a) shows a perspective view of the light source/torch used in the embodiment shown in Figures 19(a) and (b). Figure 20(b) shows a cross sectional view of the light source shown in Figure 20(a).

Figure 21(a) shows a perspective view of the limb function recovery device shown in Figure 19(a) and 19(b) being worn on a user in front of a remote fixed position.

Figure 21 (b) shows the rear perspective view of the user in Figure 21(a) showing the fixed position remote from the user onto which the light source beam from the limb function recovery device is directed.

Figure 22 shows the side view of the user in Figure 22(b) showing the fixed position remote from the user onto which the light source beam from the limb function recovery device is directed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Prior to setting forth the invention in detail, it may be helpful to provide definitions of certain terms to be used herein. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as is commonly understood by one of skill in the art.

The term "light beam" is to be understood as including a focused beam of light or a slit of light.

The term "fixing means" is to be understood as including a means onto which the light source is mounted and which means is further adapted to provide a way of releasably securing the means to a user.

In a first aspect the present invention provides a limb function recovery device, wherein the device includes a fixing means that in use is fixed either to a limb or proximate the pelvis of a user undergoing limb function recovery and a light source that emits a light beam mounted on said fixing means, wherein in use the user wears the limb function recovery device and directs the light beam onto a fixed position remote from the user as the user moves towards the fixed position. In one embodiment the light source is mounted on the fixing means in such a manner to allow for movement of the light beam in an upwards or downwards orientation relative to the fixing means.

In another embodiment the light source is further adapted to provide a focusable beam of light on a fixed position remote from the user.

In another embodiment the light source is further reflected by a mirror to provide a light beam onto a fixed position remote from the user.

In another embodiment the light source is further adapted by providing a colour filter to filter the light source.

In another embodiment the fixing means is mounted to an adjustable belt or band that is designed to extend around the waist or hips of the user.

In another embodiment the fixing means is further supported by a lanyard that in use extends about the neck of a user.

In another embodiment the light source is provided by a LED, incandescent lamps or laser light run by batteries.

In another aspect the present invention provides a method of correcting the gait of a user, the method including the steps of:

(a) affixing a limb function recovery device as defined above proximate the pelvis of the user,

(b) turning on the light source of the device and directing the light beam on a fixed position remote from the user; and

(c) wherein the user attempts to keep the light beam on or about the fixed position as the user moves towards the fixed position.

In one embodiment the method includes the step of the user repetitively walking towards the fixed position and.retreating from the fixed position In a further aspect the present invention provides a limb function recovery device, wherein the device includes a fixing means that in use is fixed about a leg of a user undergoing limb function recovery and a light source that emits a light beam mounted on said fixing means, wherein in use the user wears the limb function recovery device and directs the light beam on a fixed position or area remote from the user as the user moves towards the fixed position or area.

In one embodiment the light source is mounted on the fixing means in such a manner to allow for movement of the light beam in an upwards or downwards orientation relative to the fixing means.

In another embodiment the light source is further adapted to provide a fdcusable beam of light on a fixed position remote from the user.

In another embodiment the light source is further reflected by a mirror to provide a light beam onto a fixed position remote from the user.

In another embodiment the light source is further adapted by providing a colour filter to filter the light source.

In another embodiment the light source is provided by a LED, incandescent lamp or laser light run by batteries.

In another aspect the present invention provides a method of correcting the gait of a user, the method including the steps of:

(a) affixing a limb function recovery device as defined above to the leg of the user,

(b) turning on the light source of the device and directing the light beam on a fixed position remote from the user; and

(c) wherein the user attempts to keep the light beam on or about the fixed position as the user moves towards the fixed position.

In one embodiment the method includes the step of the user repetitively walking towards the fixed position and retreating from the fixed position In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a limb function recovery device, wherein the device includes a fixing means that in use is fixed about an arm of a user undergoing arm function recovery and a light source that emits a light beam mounted on said fixing means, wherein in use the user wears the limb function recovery device and directs the light beam onto one or more fixed positions remote from the user.

In one embodiment the light source is mounted on the fixing means in such a manner to allow for movement of the light beam in an upwards or downwards orientation relative to the fixing means.

In one embodiment the light source is further adapted to provide a focusable beam of light on a fixed position remote from the user.

In one embodiment the light source is further adapted by providing a colour filter to filter the light source.

In one embodiment the light source is provided by a LED, incandescent lamp or laser light run by batteries.

In another aspect there is provided a method of rehabilitating the arm of a user, the method including the steps of:

(a) affixing a limb function recovery device as defined above to an arm of the user,

(b) turning on the light source of the device and directing the light beam on a fixed position remote from the user; and

(c) wherein the user moves the light beam on or about the one or more fixed positions to control the arm movements of the user.

With reference to the accompanying, Figures 1 to 3 show a first embodiment of a limb function recovery device 1, including a fixing means 2 onto which is mounted a light source 3. The fixing means 2 is optionally attached to an adjustable belt 4 or alternatively the fixing means is adapted in shape to in use slide over the belt or waist band of a user's pants, skirt or similar clothing to secure the device in place on or about the user's waist or hips. The light source 3, which may be a small LED torch, is mounted on the fixing means 2 and the mounting may be achieved by way of a clamp bracket 5 that is fastened by a threaded fastening means 6. The clamp bracket 5 may be released slightly by loosening the fastening means 6 as depicted in Figure 2 to allow for the upwards or downwards rotation of the light source 3 relative to the waist and height of the user and relative to a target area 9 on a fixed position 7 as shown in Figure 6. Once the correct rotation and/or aim of the light source is achieved, the clamp bracket 5 can be secured by tightening the fastening means 6. As shown in

Figures 4, 6 and 7, the light beam 8 is then focusable to present a small diameter light dot on the target area 9. The diameter of the light dot is varied to suit the distance from a user 10 to the target area 9 and to suit the user's eyesight. In one embodiment the light source 3 may be filtered by a colour filter 8 to vary the colour of the light source so as to make it easier for the user to see the light source on a remote target as needed. The allows for the colour of the light source to be modified to allow for various background colours and to accommodate any colour-blindness or optical needs of the user.

As shown in Figures 4, 6 and 7, the fixed position 7 onto which the light beam 8 is directed by the user, would preferably clearly show a target area 9 to encourage the user 10 to keep the light beam 8 within the target area 9. This provides visual feedback to the user. It is to be appreciated that while the feedback in the above description suggests visual feedback, other feedback such as indirect touch sensation or audio feedback is also envisaged. In the case of a sight impaired user, the target area 9 can include a transducer (not shown) that interprets the position of the light beam 8 on the target area 9 and converts it to an audio signal, the tone and/or volume being proportional to the light beam's position on the target area 9. While the Figures 4, 6 and 7 show a standalone fixed position 7, it is to be appreciated that any fixed position, such as a wall, a door or the like could be used and possibly modified to show a target area, although a suitably positioned, painting or clock or the like could also be used as the target area. In the case of a sight impaired and hearing impaired person, the target area 9 can include a transducer (not shown) that interprets the position of the light beam 8 on the target area 9 and converts it to an electrical signal that is transferred to the user's skin via a conductive pad, the strength and/or position of the electrical signal being proportional to the position of the light beam 8 on the target area 9.

A second embodiment of the invention is shown in Figures 8 to 15. In this embodiment of a limb function recovery device 12, the light beam 13 is provided by an LED source/torch 14 that is also secured to a fixing means 15 that in use secures the light source/torch 14 around a user's waist or hips by way of a belt fastening arrangement 16. The fixing means 15 is shaped and dimensioned to secure the torch 14 in place. In the embodiment shown two straps 17, 18 are provided to wrap around the torch. It is envisaged that many variations of straps or webbing could be used to secure the torch 14 in position. A lanyard 19 is also envisioned as being an optional extra that would help secure the limb function recovery device to the user. In this embodiment there is a filter 20 that includes a mirror (shown in Figure 12) that mounts over the end of the torch 14 that reflects the light beam 13 from the light source 14 perpendicular to the fixing means 15. The torch 14 may be rotated in an upwards or downwards rotation to direct the light beam 13 relative to the waist of the user and dependent on the height of the user and relative to a fixed position 19 as shown in Figure 14. Once the correct rotation and/or aim of the light beam 13 is achieved the user is able to proceed to monitor his/her gait. The light source/torch 14 may be powered by a battery pack 21 mounted on the waistband 16.

As shown in Figures 13, 14 and 15, the fixed position 22 onto which the light beam 13 is directed by the user, would preferably clearly show a target area 23 to encourage the user to keep the light beam 13 within the target area 23. This provides visual feedback to the user. It is to be appreciated that while the feedback in the above description suggests visual feedback, other feedback such as indirect touch sensation or audio feedback is also envisaged. In the case of a sight impaired user, the target area 23 can include a transducer (not shown) that interprets the position of the light beam 13 on the target area 23 and converts it to an audio signal, the tone and/or volume being proportional to the light beam's position on the target area 23. While the Figures 13, 14 and 15 show a standalone fixed position 22, it is to be appreciated that any fixed position, such as a wall, a door or the like could be used and possibly modified to show a target area, although a suitably positioned, painting or clock or the like could also be used as the target area.

In another embodiment the light beam 13 may be filtered by a colour filter to vary the colour of the light source so as to make it easier for the user to see the light source on a remote target as needed. The allows for the colour of the light source to be modified to allow for various background colours and to accommodate any colour-blindness or optical needs of the user.

In the case of a sight impaired and hearing impaired person, the target area 23 can include a transducer (not shown) that interprets the position of the light beam 13 on the target area 23 and converts it to an electrical signal that is transferred to the user's skin via a conductive pad, the strength and/or position of the electrical signal being proportional to the position of the light beam 13 on the target area 23.

A third embodiment of the invention is shown in Figures 16 to 19. In this embodiment of a limb function recovery device 24, the light beam 25 is provided by an LED source/torch 26 that is also secured to a fixing means 27 that in use secures the light source/torch 26 around a user's leg 28 by way of a elasticated fastening arrangement 29. The fixing means 27 is anatomically shaped to fit partially around the user's leg and is also adapted and dimensioned to secure the torch 26 in place. In the embodiment shown a clip 30 is provided to wrap around the torch. It is envisaged that many variations of clips or securement means could be used to secure the torch 26 in position. In this embodiment there is a mirror (as depicted in Figure 12) included in the torch 26 that reflects the light beam 25 from the light source 26 perpendicular to the fixing means 27.

As shown in Figures 17(a), 17(b) and 18 the fixed position 32 onto which the light beam 25 is directed by the user 33, would preferably clearly show a target area 34 to encourage the user 33 to keep the light beam 25 within the target area 34. This provides visual feedback to the user. It is to be appreciated that while the feedback in the above description suggests visual feedback, other feedback such as indirect touch sensation or audio feedback is also envisaged. In the case of a sight impaired user, the target area 34 can include a transducer (not shown) that interprets the position of the light beam 25 on the target area 34 and converts it to an audio signal, the tone and/or volume being proportional to the light beam's position on the target area 34. While Figure 17(b) shows a standalone fixed position 32, it is to be appreciated that any fixed position, such as a wall, a door or the like could be used and possibly modified to show a target area

In another embodiment the light beam 25 may be filtered by a colour filter to vary the colour of the light source so as to make it easier for the user to see the light source on a remote target as needed. The allows for the colour of the light source to be modified to allow for various background colours and to accommodate any colour-blindness or optical needs of the user.

A fourth embodiment of the invention is shown in Figures 19 to 22. In this embodiment of an arm limb recovery device 35, the light beam 36 is provided by an LED source/torch 37 that is also secured to a fixing means 38 that in use secures the light source/torch 37 around a user's arm 39 by way of a elasticated fastening arrangement 40. The fixing means 38 is anatomically shaped and is dimensioned to secure the torch 37 in place. In the embodiment shown a clip 41 is provided to wrap around the torch 37. It is envisaged that many variations of clips or other securement means could be used to secure the torch 37 in position. In this embodiment (shown in Figure 20) the torch 37 does not reflect the light beam 36 from the light source 37 perpendicular to the fixing means 38, but rather the light source is directed directly out of the torch without deflection or reflection.

As shown in Figures 21(a), 21(b) and 22 the fixed position 42 onto which the light beam 36 is directed by the user 43, would preferably clearly show one or more target areas 44 to encourage the user 43 to direct the light beam 36 to one or more target areas 44. This provides visual feedback to the user. It is to be appreciated that while the feedback in the above description suggests visual feedback, other feedback such as indirect touch sensation or audio feedback is also envisaged. In the case of a sight impaired user, the one or more target area 44 can include a transducer (not shown) that interprets the position of the light beam 36 on the target area 44 and converts it to an audio signal, the tone and/or volume being proportional to the light beam's position on the target area 44.

While Figure 21(b) shows a standalone fixed position 42, it is to be appreciated that any fixed position, such as a wall, a door or the like could be used and possibly modified to show one or more target areas In another embodiment the light beam 25 may be filtered by a colour filter to vary the colour of the light source so as to make it easier for the user to see the light source on a remote target as needed. The allows for the colour of the light source to be modified to allow for various background colours and to accommodate any colour-blindness or optical needs of the user.

MANUFACTURE

It is anticipated that the limb function recovery devices will be made from a plastics fixing means that is adapted in shape and size to fit comfortably in front of the waist/hip region of a user or in the case of the third and fourth

embodiments the fixing means are anatomically shaped to fit against a leg or arm of a user. The fixing means has to be sufficient to support the light source. In the case of the first embodiment, the fixing means can be adapted to either slide over an existing belt or waist band worn by the user or alternatively the fixing means is adapted to be engageable with a nylon or similar plastic webbing belt of an adjustable length and including the likes of a quick release clip to allow engagement around the hip/waist region of the user.

In the case of the third or fourth embodiments the fixing means can be elasticated bands fixed to the light source mountso the user slides their arm or leg into it, alternatively the fixing means is adapted to be engageable with a nylon or similar plastic webbing belt of an adjustable length and including the likes of a quick release clip to allow engagement around the arm or leg of the user or alternatively a Velcro™ fastening means. The battery powered LED light source with focusing mechanism is also the preferred light system. It is also possible that a remote battery pack could be used to keep the light source lightweight and therefore more responsive to the user's body movement. The orientation and aim of the light source would be achieved by providing a a plastic clamp that can be adjusted manually by way of a clamping screw knob.

USE OF THE LIMB FUNCTION RECOVERY DEVICES

The limb function recovery devices are designed to use the consistency of limb movements from side to side in 3 -dimensional space, with feedback, to facilitate the improvement of gait for a person with neural or physical deficiencies as a result of brain injury, illness or physical injury.

As an example of the utility of the device, in the case of a stroke or traumatic brain injury (TBI), the neural deficiency of a user can manifest itself as an asymmetrical gait pattern. A typical one sided hemiparesis stroke affected user swings his/her hips upwards and forwards on the affected side so the affected foot on the affected side clears the ground, and moves forward, without the effort involved in bending the knee and positioning the leg and foot in the normal manner. This results in an asymmetrical movement of the pelvis. When an unaffected user fits this device, the light beam can be held within a 500mm diameter target circle at 5 metres. A stroke or TBI affected user with

asymmetrical gait cannot achieve this level of control and needs to work repetitively to improve and correct his or her gait.

The device is designed to position the light source proximate and evenly across the user's pelvis/hip/waist region 1 1 as shown in Figures 4 and 5 or Figure 14. Once the limb function recovery device is fitted to the user the user stands bolt upright and facing the remote fixed position. The user or a user's assistant then centres the light beam in the left/right position on the target area by adjusting the device position relative to the user's body. The vertical position of the light beam on the target area is then adjusted by rotating the light source up or down in the clamp bracket 5 as described above for the first embodiment or by rotating the torch upwardly or downwardly as described above for the second embodiment. While the user is in the stationary position, the light beam will now be centred on the target area.

The user then walks towards the fixed position attempting to keep the light beam within the target area, while trying to maintain an even in-line stride length. In use, the exercise is repeated as many times as necessary until sufficient gait improvement is achieved.

In the case of the arm recovery device shown in the fourth embodiment described above, the arm recovery device is fitted to the user and the user faces the remote fixed position. The user then directs the light beam at the one or more target areas on the remote fixed position to control the arm movement as required to encourage limb recovery of the controlled movement of the arm. The arm exercise can be repeated as many times as necessary until controllable arm movement is achieved.

The present invention and its embodiments have been described in detail.

However, the scope of the present invention is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments of the invention described in the specification. Various modifications, substitutions, and variations can be made to the disclosed material without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention. Accordingly, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from the disclosure that later modifications, substitutions, and/or variations performing . substantially the same function or achieving substantially the same result as embodiments described herein may be utilized according to such related embodiments of the present invention. Thus, the following claims are intended to encompass within their scope modifications, substitutions, and variations to the embodiments of the invention disclosed herein.