Devices for promoting labour and methods of use

Abstract

Devices and methods are provided for promoting labour. An example device includes a platform and an upper portion. The platform includes a substantially level upper surface to receive a first foot of the user. The platform is substantially rigid to support the user's weight. The upper surface defines a height that provides an elevation differential between the first foot and a second foot of the user. The elevation differential can cause an uneven gait when the user walks while wearing the device. The upper portion is attached to the platform for releasably securing the platform to the first foot of the user. An example method involves positioning a first foot of a user on an upper surface of a platform device, securing the platform device to the first foot; and walking with the platform device secured to the first foot and a second foot of the user being free.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A wearable device to promote labour, the device comprising:
 a platform including a substantially level upper surface to receive a first foot of the user, the platform being substantially rigid to support the user's weight, the upper surface defining a height that provides an elevation differential between the first foot and a second foot of the user, the elevation differential causing an uneven gait when the user walks while wearing the device; and   an upper portion attached to the platform for releasably securing the platform to the first foot of the user.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the height of the upper surface is in the range from about 3 inches to about 6 inches. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the height of the upper surface is about 5 inches. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the platform comprises at least a first layer and a second layer, the second layer being detachably attached to an underside of the first layer. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the upper portion is adjustable for accommodating a range of shoe sizes. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the upper portion comprises a toe strap fixedly attached to a distal portion of the platform for securing a forefoot portion of the user. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the upper portion comprises a bridge strap fixedly attached to a middle portion of the platform for securing a midfoot portion of the user. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the upper portion comprises a plurality of straps. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 8 , wherein the plurality of straps comprises a heel strap fixedly attached to the middle portion of the platform for securing a hindfoot portion of the user. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the upper portion comprises hook and loop fasteners. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the upper surface of the platform is agnostic to the first foot being a left foot or a right foot. 
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein a perimeter of the upper surface of the platform is sufficiently large to accommodate a range of shoe sizes. 
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the platform includes a substantially level lower surface to engage with the ground. 
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 13 , wherein the substantially level lower surface is textured for increasing friction when in contact with the ground. 
     
     
         15 . A method for promoting labour, the method comprising:
 positioning a first foot of a user on an upper surface of a platform device, the platform device being substantially rigid to support the user's weight, the upper surface being substantially level;   securing the platform device to the first foot; and   walking with the platform device secured to the first foot and a second foot of the user being free, the platform device providing an elevation differential between the first foot and the second foot that causes an uneven gait as the user walks.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising:
 releasing the platform device from the first foot;   positioning the second foot on the upper surface of the platform device;   securing the platform device to the second foot; and   walking with the platform device secured to the second foot and the first foot of the user being free.   
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the elevation differential provided by the platform device is in the range from about 3 inches to about 6 inches. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 15  comprising adjusting the elevation differential provided by the platform device by adjusting a height of a base of the platform device. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein adjusting the height of the base of the platform device comprises removing at least one layer of a plurality of layers from the base of the platform device. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein adjusting the height of the base of the platform device comprises adding at least one layer to the base of the platform device.