Hamstrong prosthetic hamstring/ post chain brace

Abstract

The Hamstrong Prosthetic Hamstring/Post Chain Brace is a device that has been invented to assist in the rehabilitation process of a variety of sports/work related injuries, and to aid in sports performance. It consists of a heavy duty belt to be worn above the pelvis, a sturdy buckling system that attaches on the calf muscles and below the knee, and a latex band system that connects to the two points. This system acts as a prosthetic hamstrings muscle group; it pulls against anterior pelvic tilt, and serves as a prevention/rehabilitation tool. The device has adjustable tension by changing either the band resistance or replacing the band. Low Back muscles, hip flexors, and abdominals are also stimulated while wearing the device. The Hamstrong addresses postural alignment, and can strengthen the hamstrings, muscles in the groin, and hip flexors simultaneously. The device is university proven to be effective.

1 . A rehabilitation device, for use by a user, having a body, for rehabilitating, strengthening, and training the body comprising:
 A belt worn above the pelvis, which has a wider point at the back, to ride firmly above the pelvis, and a narrower front, to allow for ease of hip flexion and extension. The belt has multiple adjustable anchor points for the bands to attach, will cover the attachment points of the hamstring muscle groups.   An anchor-point knee strap constructed of similar materials as the belt, with a horizontally fitting nylon strap that will be sewn over a neoprene brace. The horizontal nylon strap will feature an overlapping nylon and Velcro strap used to tighten the device below the knee. Attached to the strap and neoprene brace is an anchor-point for the latex band system. This anchor-point is to be made of the same dimensions and material as the anchor points of the belt. To simulate the insertion of the hamstring to the tibia and the fibula, the system of bands descending from multiple points on the belt will all link to one buckle system behind the knee   A system of resistance bands, that attach from the belt to a strap below the knee that are made of flat latex. The bands will have adjustment lines in or on the latex, for equal and uniform adjustment by the wearer.   
     
     
         2 . The rehabilitation device as sited in  claim 1  to consist of anchor-points at the attachment points of the hamstring groups consisting of two D rings or a locking clip through which the elastic band is threaded and can be adjusted to increase or decrease tension on said band. 
     
     
         3 . The rehabilitation device as sited in  claim 1  to consist of flat elastic bands marked by imprinted lines or molded groves or ridges for equal tension adjustment. 
     
     
         4 . The rehabilitation device as cited in  claim 1  to consist of flat elastic bands of different thicknesses to allow rehabilitation or strengthening of the hamstring muscle groups. 
     
     
         5 . The rehabilitation device as cited in  claim 3  to consist of flat elastic bands that parallel the hamstring muscle groups to allow rehabilitation or strengthening of said group. 
     
     
         6 . The flat elastic bands as cited in  claim 4  to consist of color-coding to indicate various levels of strengths. 
     
     
         7 . The rehabilitation device as cited in  claim 1  to consist of a neoprene brace that will sit firmly right below the knee joint with padding sewn into the brace between the buckle insertion and the back of the leg. 
     
     
         8 . The rehabilitation device as cited in  claim 1  to consist of adjustable rear band anchor point capable of moving both inward and outward to ensure flat elastic bands are parallel to hamstring muscle group. 
     
     
         9 . The rehabilitation device addresses the physical issues of the anterior pelvic tilt, which causes excessive tightness in the hamstring muscle group, and can cause other problems in the low back, hip flexors, and the abdominals. The applied tension of the device physically reduces anterior pelvic tilt when worn.