Methods for manufacturing exercise aids and shoes

Abstract

This product provides an improved exercise aid that enhances walking function in patients with equinus deformity palsy through a simple method of wearing it, and also contributes to improving athletic performance and preventing and improving sports injuries in the field of sports. [Solution] A new tension-starting device is installed above the knee of the exercise aid, and the above-knee device and the shin brace, and the shin brace and the shoe are connected with elastic bands to assist the knee and ankle joints as a set, thereby reducing the risk of slippage and resolving issues such as hyperextension of the knee and difficulty climbing and descending stairs. Furthermore, it cushions the impact load on the knee during soccer shots, volleyball jump landings, and hiking downhill.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention is an improved invention of an exercise assist device for patients with equinovarus foot contracture that does not fix the ankle, which is an invention of the applicant. The basic patent of the present invention is a support-type device that keeps the ankle joint in the dorsiflexion position while withstanding the strong resistance to return to the equinovarus position of patients with equinovarus foot contracture without fixing the ankle, and it has already been put into practical use in the medical field. However, by further improvement, (1) the support function for those with difficulty walking is enhanced, (2) the performance of various sports competitions is improved, (3) the competitive active life of the weak in movement due to aging, congenital factors, and injuries is extended, (4) the prevention and improvement of sports disorders during the growth period represented by Osgood-Schlatter disease are achieved, (5) the fear of slopes and stairs that troubles those with difficulty walking is eliminated, and the risk of falling is reduced. The present invention relates to an improved exercise assist device and the manufacturing technology and connection method of various footwear for enhancing the functions of the present assist device.

Background Art

[0002] As a conventional device for dealing with equinovarus foot contracture, mainly the prescription of an AFO device that fixes the ankle joint with plastic has become the norm. However, it has been pointed out that fixing the ankle has various adverse effects such as the deterioration of ankle joint contracture and genu recurvatum. In order to solve this problem, the applicant invented a lower limb device that does not fix the ankle and received a patent examination. From the voices of more than 400 monitors and 70 users, it was visualized with numerical evidence that the life of patients with paralysis of grade 2 or more of the lower limb disorder with not-so-strong adduction would be greatly improved, and the improvement mechanism was proven. However, there is room for improvement in the patented examination device. It has been found through monitoring and quantification that by making the specification assist the knee joint as well as the ankle joint, many advantages are born, not limited to the improvement of walking function. Welfare devices that solve the knee buckling phenomenon and genu recurvatum that trouble patients with equinovarus foot contracture, and sports shoes focusing on the decline in the bracing function of the ankle and knee have not been popularized so far. Various supporters have been developed to treat sports injuries such as Osgood-Schlatter disease in growing children, and jumper's knee, which frequently occurs in sports involving repeated jumping, such as volleyball, and can end an athlete's career. These injuries involve inflammation or rupture at the junction of tendons and bones. However, in cases of recurrent Osgood-Schlatter disease, talented athletes continue to be forced to give up their sport, and there is a strong need for the development of more effective treatment devices. [Prior art documents]

[0003] [Patent Documents] [Patent Documents] Patent Application No. 2020-043519 granted by the applicant for this case, for exercise aid. [Non-patent literature] [Non-patent literature] https: / / www.korobander.com / [Non-patent literature] https: / / www.hiroshima-u.ac.jp / system / files / 52305 / b-3hama.pdf [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0004] In filing this application, the applicant conducted a monitoring program using his self-invented walking aid, patent number 7125580, which does not fix the ankle, with over 400 people with walking difficulties, including those with equinus deformity paralysis. He also gathered feedback on short leg braces from actual users and from an information exchange site where hemiplegic patients gather. As a result, several issues need to be addressed in therapeutic braces prescribed in equinus deformity rehabilitation medicine. While the applicant's invention was highly praised by over 70 people with walking difficulties, room for improvement was still found. Furthermore, it was found that sports equipment such as supporters, which are sold for the purpose of extending the athletic careers of athletes with limited athletic ability and preventing and improving sports injuries, need to be improved to enhance their effectiveness. The following lists the issues identified through comparative testing of the monitor product with conventional products and user feedback. (1) The problem is that appropriate orthotic devices have not been prescribed to each individual patient in light of the degree of equinus deformity palsy. Among patients with equinus deformity palsy, there are many who have a mild degree of palsy and complain that fixing the ankle makes it more difficult to walk, but the orthotic devices prescribed by doctors have routinely been AFO orthotics that fix the ankle. (2) Insufficient support for going up and down stairs, steps, and slopes. Many patients who develop equinus deformity palsy find it difficult to go up and down stairs or steps, often resorting to holding onto handrails and going up and down sideways. However, this problem has not been adequately addressed. (3) The lack of a brace that addresses both ankle dorsiflexion and knee buckling simultaneously. When patients with equinus deformity palsy wear an AFO (ankle-foot orthosis) to stabilize their ankles while walking, knee buckling and hyperextension of the knees are common problems. However, there has been no widespread availability of orthoses that comprehensively address both walking and knee buckling issues for patients with equinus deformity palsy. (4) Insufficient measures to address ankle joint contractures in patients with equinus deformity When patients develop equinus deformity and require the use of ankle braces to immobilize their ankles, gradually progressing ankle contracture becomes a major concern. However, self-rehabilitation for ankle contracture is difficult, and patients often rely on specialized therapists. (5) The problem of the patented orthotic device invented by the applicant still slipping down. The orthotic device invented by the applicant exhibits resistance to slipping down even in sports that involve repeated jumping and footwork, such as volleyball and basketball, for people weighing over 100 kg. However, it has been found that in patients with equinus deformity, the calf muscles atrophy and soften, causing the device to slip down. (6) The challenge is that shoes that extend the playing careers of sports enthusiasts who require stability in their pivot foot, such as golf and bowling, due to aging or illness, have not been widely available. When the peroneal nerve is damaged due to conditions such as spinal stenosis, the reins function of the tibialis anterior muscle, which stabilizes the ankle, deteriorates. This weakens the stability of the supporting leg, causing the body to move up and down during impact, resulting in an unstable swing and reduced distance, which can lead to golfers giving up the sport. However, golf shoes that focus on the bracing function of the tibialis anterior muscle have not been widely adopted to this day. (7) Challenges in improving sports equipment and corresponding footwear to prevent and improve sports injuries Osgood-Schlatter disease and jumper's knee in growing children are troublesome conditions that are difficult to predict and cause headaches for medical professionals and coaches. Various support products have been developed to alleviate the load on the affected area. However, even today, talented athletes are forced to give up their sport, and for the same reason, knee injuries due to strain on the knees of hiking enthusiasts contribute to retirement or long-term problems. While there is much room for improvement in hiking boots that could help prevent or improve these conditions, they have not been widely adopted. Furthermore, in order to effectively utilize this invention, it was necessary to establish processing techniques for various types of shoes, including methods for creating Velcro shoes for patients with paralysis in one hand who cannot tie shoelaces. Means to solve the problem

[0005] A pocket 4 is provided in the thigh area above the knee, using a thick fabric 1 such as Velcro with excellent shape retention properties. A pad-shaped molded object 2 made of hard urethane or plastic is inserted into this pocket to create a strong starting point that can withstand downward pulling forces. This is then connected to the knee joint with an elastic band 10 and a supporter (Figure 4) with a patented exercise aid invented by the applicant, or a supporter with a tubular or wrap-around design. Furthermore, the invention provides the effect of connecting an elastic rubber cord 11 extending from the patented walking aid to various types of footwear.

[0006] In this invention, the addition of another starting point above the knee reduces the risk of slippage in patients with equinus deformity palsy whose lower leg muscles have atrophied, which was a problem in patent no. 7125580. Furthermore, by improving the design to assist the ankle and knee joints together, the elastic rubber cord 11 supplements the function of the tibialis anterior muscle to support the ankle joint, and the elastic band 10 supplements the strength of the quadriceps femoris muscle, reducing instability in the lower limbs. Many users have reported that this reduces fear as they can brace themselves when going up and down stairs and slopes. In addition, jumping and bracing power have increased, improving the athletic performance of various athletes. Golf swings have become more stable and distance has increased. Moreover, it has been found through practical testing and user feedback that it has a preventative and ameliorative effect on sports injuries such as Osgood-Schlatter disease by mitigating the impact on the bone-tendon boundary around the patella during jump landings and on the supporting leg in soccer.

[0007] Because of its configuration, this invention addresses the issue of discrepancies in understanding between patients and healthcare professionals, which has been limited to orthoses prescribed to patients with equinus deformity that rigidly fix the ankle with plastic. By providing a new medical option that does not fix the ankle, this invention helps to resolve that issue.

[0008] This invention has the potential for widespread use as a simple device to support walking not only for conditions such as equinus deformity, Parkinson's disease, and osteoarthritis of the knee, but also for walking and rehabilitation in cases of ankle ligament injuries and knee meniscus injuries resulting from sports or accidents.

[0009] This invention provides golf shoes that stabilize swings and scores and increase driving distance in a simple way, for people who are losing their enjoyment of playing golf due to age or illness and are on the verge of giving up the sport. It also reduces the risk of knee injuries, which has been a problem for hiking enthusiasts, thereby extending their active lifespan. Furthermore, it can be provided as an exercise aid to prevent and improve sports injuries such as Osgood-Schlatter disease and jumper's knee in growing children, which are difficult to prognose and pose a challenge for medical and sports professionals, and can be offered as a set with suitable footwear. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1]This is a view of a knee brace worn above the knee, seen from an oblique angle. [Figure 2] This is a view of the fixing and reinforcing band of a knee brace, seen from an oblique angle above. [Figure 3] This is a view of a type of orthosis that wraps around the lower leg, seen from an oblique angle above. [Figure 4] This is a front view of the shin guard pad. [Figure 5] This is a view from the left side of the device in its installed state. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Below, we will explain the embodiments of the present invention, focusing on specific solutions to each of the problems listed in the section on problems the invention aims to solve, based on feedback from over 400 monitors, approximately 70 heavy users, and approximately 30 quantifiable evidence points. (1) The problem is that appropriate orthotic devices have not been prescribed to each individual patient in light of the degree of equinus deformity paralysis. When this invention is introduced into rehabilitation medicine, it will create a range of detailed prescription options tailored to individual symptoms, such as using a specification that does not immobilize the ankle for mild paralysis, using it in combination depending on the situation for moderate paralysis, and combining it with an AFO brace for severe paralysis. (2) Insufficient support for going up and down stairs, steps, and slopes. Many users reported that they were able to climb and descend stairs with more confidence, their fear of stairs diminished, and they were able to look forward. To support this, we collected numerical evidence using a stopwatch and measuring tape, under the supervision of a physical therapist and functional training manager. The improvement mechanism was clearly demonstrated, particularly in the numerical values ​​for climbing and descending stairs and standing on one leg with the affected limb. Implementation period: March 2022 - July 2024 Location: Ikeda Osteopathic Clinic, Mishuku Hospital, and others TIFF2026058951000002.tif50159TIFF2026058951000003.tif25156(3) The challenge of the lack of orthotic devices that address both ankle dorsiflexion and knee buckling (hyperextension) as a set. The present invention was developed aiming at two-joint assistance for the ankle joint and the knee joint. The elastic band 11 supplements the function of the tibialis anterior muscle that pulls up the toes of the ankle joint and enhances the fixing force of the ankle at the midriff, and the elastic band 10 straddling the knee joint supplements the function of preventing knee flexion of the quadriceps femoris muscle, and it has been proven by the voices of users and the above numerical values that the pushing force and stability of the lower limbs are increased by the synergistic effect. (4) Problem that the countermeasure for ankle joint contracture of patients with equinovarus spasm was insufficient In the present invention, by not fixing the ankle, the muscles of the tibia and calf that support the ankle joint are connected to the prevention and improvement of disuse atrophy during daily life, and it has been found from the voices of users and the attending therapist that the dorsiflexion movement of the ankle joint that has conventionally relied on experts enables self-rehabilitation. (5) Problem of falling off even with the patent number 7125580 invented by the applicant In the present invention, by additionally installing a starting point that withstands the tension of slipping off above the knee, even in patients with equinovarus spasm with atrophy of the calf muscles, the resistance of the tension starting point is ensured to reduce the risk of slipping off. (6) Problem that shoes for extending the player's lifespan of sports enthusiasts who require axis foot stability such as golf and bowling due to aging or disease have not been popularized The present invention supplements the function of the tibialis anterior muscle that fixes the loose ankle in a midriff posture, and by increasing the fixing force of the knee, it prevents the up and down movement and wobbling at the moment of impact in golf, and voices from users who have actually tried hitting show that the flying distance has increased and the shot has become stable. (7) Necessity for improvement of sports equipment for countermeasures against sports injuries, and problems in manufacturing shoes corresponding to the present invention The present invention absorbs the impact load applied to the boundary between the bone and tendon at the time of landing on the axis foot in soccer or jumping in volleyball by two elastic bands, and exhibits effects at a different level from conventional supporters and the like in preventing recurrence of sports injuries typified by Osgood-Schlatter disease. Also, by the same mechanism, it is expected to reduce the burden on the knees of hikers, extend the hobby lifespan, and reduce the risk of sequelae after retirement. Several types of shoes have been completed according to the production manual for shoes corresponding to the present invention suitable for the degree of each injury and the intended use, and the effectiveness has been proven by monitors. TIFF2026058951000004.tif61158 Below are comments from a user whose life has been greatly improved since encountering the assistive device of the present invention. TIFF2026058951000005.tif227157 [Explanation of symbols] [Explanation of symbols]

[0012] 1. Thick Velcro belt for thighs. Female. 2. Rigid urethane pad 3. Velcro (male) 4 padded pockets 5. Thick Thigh Reinforcement Belt 6. Thick Velcro belt for lower leg. Female. 7. Velcro (male) 8 Shin guard pads 9. Tension adjustment stopper 10 Elastic band for connecting the tension source above the knee and the shin. 11. Elastic rubber cord for connecting the starting point of the shin to the footwear. 12 Connecting carabiner clips 13. Elastic rubber cord fray prevention cover 14. Long lower leg support brace

Claims

1. An improved invention of a lower leg walking aid for equinus deformity patients, patent no. 7125580, which does not fix the ankle, resolves the issues of slippage and knee buckling identified through user feedback, while improving motor function and safety, expanding applications, and increasing added value. This is an exercise aid characterized by the synergistic effect of (1) improving lower limb motor function, (2) cushioning impact, and (3) enhancing bracing power by connecting a device that can withstand the tension of an elastic body and an exercise aid for the lower leg, patent no. 7125580, across the knee joint with an elastic body, thereby resolving the issues of slippage and knee buckling identified through user feedback, while improving motor function and safety, expanding applications, and increasing added value.

2. A method for manufacturing and connecting various types of footwear to enhance the safety and functionality of the exercise aid of claim 1, wherein for patients with severe equinus palsy who cannot use one hand, the female part of the buckle is attached closer to the toes to create a Velcro type fastener; for volleyball and basketball, which are played in teams, an elastic band is directly connected to the shoelaces in anticipation of the feet being stepped on; thus, a (1) shoe manufacturing and processing technique and (2) connection method that are more suitable in light of individual symptoms and intended use.

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