DESC:Field of Invention
The present invention relates to the technical field of medical and orthopedic nursing devices, and more particularly to an adjustable orthopedic nursing apparatus for patients with foot drop and lower limb dysfunction, featuring integrated therapeutic support and massage functions to aid in rehabilitation and patient care.
Background of the Invention / Prior Art
Foot drop is a common orthopedic and neurological condition characterized by the inability to lift the front part of the foot, often resulting from nerve injuries, muscular disorders, or neurological diseases. Patients with foot drop face significant challenges in maintaining proper foot positioning, which can lead to abnormal gait patterns, reduced mobility, and an increased risk of falls. Effective management typically requires the use of supportive devices that maintain the foot in a functional position to prevent further complications and assist in rehabilitation.
In current clinical and home care settings, various orthopedic support devices and braces are used to assist patients with foot drop. These existing devices are generally designed to hold the foot in a fixed position, often using rigid footboards or splints that lack flexibility and adjustability. Although such devices can provide basic support, they frequently suffer from significant limitations.
Firstly, the inability to adjust the angle of the footrest to suit individual patient needs limits their therapeutic effectiveness. Since every patient may present varying degrees of foot drop and associated muscle weakness, fixed-angle devices often fail to offer personalized support, which can delay recovery or cause discomfort.
Secondly, most conventional devices lack integrated therapeutic functions, such as massage or dynamic pressure adjustment, which are essential for promoting blood circulation, reducing muscle stiffness, and preventing pressure sores during prolonged use. The absence of such features may reduce patient compliance and hinder the overall rehabilitation process.
Moreover, comfort and ease of use are often neglected in existing devices. Rigid frames and non-adaptable straps may lead to skin irritation or poor fit, especially when worn for extended periods. This can negatively impact the patient's willingness to use the device consistently, thereby diminishing its intended benefits.
Therefore, there is a pressing need for an improved orthopedic nursing device that not only provides stable and adjustable foot support but also incorporates therapeutic massage functionality, thereby addressing the shortcomings of existing technologies and enhancing both the comfort and effectiveness of foot drop management and rehabilitation.
Objects of the Invention
An object of the present invention is to provide an orthopedic nursing device for foot drop patients that offers adjustable foot support to accommodate varying degrees of foot drop and patient-specific anatomical needs.
Another object of the invention is to enable easy adjustment of the foot support angle, thereby enhancing therapeutic effectiveness and ensuring proper alignment of the foot during rehabilitation and daily activities.
A further object of the invention is to incorporate a therapeutic massage function using an integrated inflatable airbag system, which helps to improve blood circulation, reduce muscle stiffness, and prevent pressure-related injuries, thereby supporting faster recovery and improving patient comfort.
An additional object of the invention is to provide a user-friendly and comfortable design, including soft, ergonomic components and secure locking mechanisms, ensuring that the device can be easily applied and adjusted by patients or caregivers without causing discomfort or skin irritation.
Another object of the invention is to offer a versatile nursing apparatus that can be effectively used in both clinical and home care settings, assisting healthcare providers in delivering high-quality care to patients with foot drop and other lower limb conditions.
Finally, an object of the invention is to provide a durable, reusable, and cost-effective solution, reducing the need for frequent replacement and making it accessible for long-term patient care.
Summary of the Invention
The present invention provides an orthopedic nursing device specifically designed for patients suffering from foot drop and other lower limb dysfunctions, combining adjustable mechanical support with therapeutic massage functionality. This device addresses the limitations of existing foot drop support devices by offering a personalized, adjustable, and comfortable solution to aid in rehabilitation and daily care.
The nursing device comprises a first arcuate (curved) plate and a second arcuate plate that can be securely fastened around the patient’s lower leg. A footrest plate (foot support board) is pivotally connected to the first arcuate plate, and its angle can be manually adjusted via an L-shaped screw rod mechanism, allowing the caregiver or patient to adjust the foot position according to specific therapeutic needs. This adjustable foot support ensures proper foot alignment, enhances comfort, and accommodates different stages of foot drop severity.
Additionally, an integrated inflatable airbag (massage system) is positioned along the inner surfaces of the arcuate plates and footrest plate. The airbag can be inflated or deflated using a connected latex squeeze ball and air pipe system, providing gentle compression and massage to the lower leg and foot. This function promotes blood circulation, reduces the risk of pressure ulcers, relieves muscle stiffness, and enhances the overall rehabilitation experience for the patient.
To ensure safety and ease of use, locking mechanisms (buckle locks) are provided to secure the device around the patient’s limb, while ergonomic handle grips and protective rubber covers make adjustments smooth and comfortable. The inner surfaces of the arcuate plates feature wave-shaped textures (wave patterns) to prevent displacement of the airbag and improve overall device stability during use.
In summary, the invention offers a multifunctional, adjustable, and therapeutic orthopedic nursing apparatus, solving key problems in conventional foot drop management, such as the lack of adjustability, absence of therapeutic massage, and discomfort in prolonged use. The design improves patient safety, comfort, and rehabilitation outcomes, making it suitable for both clinical settings and home-based care.
Brief Description of Drawings
Figure 1 illustrates the structural schematic diagram of the orthopedic nursing device as per the present invention.
Figure 2 is an enlarged schematic view of area A in Figure 1, showing detailed components of the adjustment and connection mechanism.
Figure 3 is a top sectional view of the orthopedic nursing device, illustrating the internal arrangement of components including the inflatable airbag system.
Detailed Description of the Invention
The following detailed description is provided to enable a person skilled in the art to make and use the invention. The preferred embodiments and examples are illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
Referring to Figures 1 to 3, the present invention discloses an orthopedic nursing device designed to assist in the management of foot drop and related lower limb disorders, offering both adjustable support and therapeutic massage functions.
Structural Components
As illustrated in Figure 1, the device comprises a first arcuate plate (1) and a second arcuate plate (8), designed to encircle and stabilize the lower leg. These arcuate plates are shaped to fit the natural curve of the leg, ensuring stable positioning during use.
A footrest plate (2) is pivotally connected to the top end of the first arcuate plate (1), providing a platform to support the patient's foot. The pivotal connection allows the footrest plate (2) to be adjusted to various angles to accommodate individual therapeutic needs and foot positions.
To adjust the angle of the footrest plate (2), an L-shaped screw rod (4) is provided. One end of the screw rod (4) is inserted into a groove (3) formed on one side of the footrest plate (2), while the threaded portion engages with a nut (5) fixed to the first arcuate plate (1). By rotating the L-shaped screw rod (4) using a grip section (13), the footrest plate (2) can be moved up or down to set the desired angle. A rubber sleeve (15) on the grip section (13) ensures comfort during operation.
Both the upper and lower ends of the first arcuate plate (1) are connected to fixing blocks (6), which house rotating shafts (7). These shafts (7) are fixed to the second arcuate plate (8), enabling it to pivot open and close, allowing easy application and secure attachment of the device around the leg.
For secure fixation, matching buckle locks (9) are installed between the first arcuate plate (1) and the second arcuate plate (8). These locks allow the caregiver or patient to lock the device firmly in place around the limb.
Therapeutic Massage Function
A key feature of the present invention is the integrated inflatable airbag (10), which runs along the inner surfaces of both arcuate plates (1, 8) and the footrest plate (2). This airbag (10) provides a massage effect to promote blood circulation and relieve muscle tension.
As shown in Figure 3, the airbag (10) is connected to a latex squeeze ball (12) via an air pipe (11). By manually squeezing the latex ball (12), air is pumped into the airbag (10), inflating it and applying gentle pressure to the leg and foot. A release valve (16), connected to the lower end of the airbag (10) and fitted with a plug (14), allows controlled deflation to adjust pressure or release air completely.
Surface Design and Stability Enhancements
To prevent slipping and ensure the airbag (10) remains stable inside the plates during use, wave-shaped patterns (17) are formed on the inner surfaces of both the first and second arcuate plates (1, 8). These patterns increase friction and improve grip on the airbag.
Working Example / Operation
In use, the caregiver or patient places the foot onto the footrest plate (2). The second arcuate plate (8) is rotated into position to encircle the leg and secured with the buckle locks (9). The angle of the footrest plate (2) is adjusted by turning the L-shaped screw rod (4) until the foot is in the desired therapeutic position.
To provide massage and improve blood flow, the latex ball (12) is squeezed to inflate the airbag (10), applying pressure to the leg and foot. When massage is no longer needed, the plug (14) is removed to release the air via the exhaust hole (16).
The device can be adjusted periodically based on the patient's recovery progress and comfort requirements. The adjustable nature and massage function make the device suitable for clinical rehabilitation settings, long-term care facilities, and home care, enhancing patient outcomes.
Key Advantages
1. Adjustable Foot Support: The ability to fine-tune the footrest angle ensures personalized care for varying degrees of foot drop, improving functional positioning.
2. Therapeutic Massage: The inflatable airbag system enhances circulation and comfort, supporting the healing process.
3. Comfortable and Secure: Ergonomic design with rubber-coated handles and internal wave patterns ensures safe and comfortable long-term use.
4. Easy to Use: Simple manual controls allow patients or caregivers to adjust settings without specialized training.
,CLAIMS:Claims
1. An orthopedic nursing device for foot drop patients, comprising:
a first arcuate plate (1) adapted to fit around a patient’s lower leg;
a footrest plate (2) pivotally connected to an upper end of the first arcuate plate (1) for supporting the patient’s foot;
a second arcuate plate (8) pivotally connected to the first arcuate plate (1) via rotating shafts (7) positioned at upper and lower ends of the first arcuate plate (1), enabling the second arcuate plate (8) to open and close relative to the first arcuate plate (1);
characterized in that,
the footrest plate (2) is adjustable in angle via an L-shaped screw rod (4), one end of which is engaged in a groove (3) of the footrest plate (2), with a threaded portion coupled to a nut (5) fixed on the first arcuate plate (1), allowing angular adjustment of the footrest plate (2);
and wherein an inflatable airbag (10) is disposed along the inner surfaces of the first arcuate plate (1), second arcuate plate (8), and footrest plate (2), the airbag (10) connected to a latex squeeze ball (12) via an air pipe (11) for inflation, and provided with an exhaust hole (16) containing a plug (14) for deflation, enabling massage functionality.
2. The orthopedic nursing device according to claim 1, wherein the first arcuate plate (1) and second arcuate plate (8) are provided with matching buckle locks (9) configured to securely fasten the device around the patient’s lower leg.
3. The orthopedic nursing device according to claim 1, wherein one end of the L-shaped screw rod (4) is fixedly connected to a grip portion (13), the grip portion (13) being covered by a rubber sleeve (15) to facilitate manual operation and prevent hand injury.
4. The orthopedic nursing device according to claim 1, wherein the inner surfaces of the first arcuate plate (1) and second arcuate plate (8) are provided with wave-shaped patterns (17) to enhance friction and stabilize the inflatable airbag (10) during use.
5. The orthopedic nursing device according to claim 1, wherein the airbag (10) is adapted to apply pressure to the patient's lower leg and foot when inflated, thereby providing therapeutic massage to improve blood circulation and reduce muscle stiffness.
6. The orthopedic nursing device according to claim 1, wherein the groove (3) on the footrest plate (2) allows the L-shaped screw rod (4) to rotate freely within it during adjustment of the footrest plate (2).
7. The orthopedic nursing device according to claim 1, wherein the rotating shafts (7) connecting the first arcuate plate (1) and second arcuate plate (8) enable the second arcuate plate (8) to pivot between an open position for application and a closed position for secure fixation on the patient’s leg.
8. The orthopedic nursing device according to claim 1, wherein the latex squeeze ball (12) connected to the airbag (10) is manually operable for inflating the airbag (10), and the plug (14) in the exhaust hole (16) is removable to release air, enabling pressure adjustment and massage control.
9. The orthopedic nursing device according to claim 1, wherein the combination of adjustable footrest plate (2) and inflatable airbag (10) allows simultaneous mechanical support and therapeutic massage for enhanced rehabilitation of foot drop patients.