U.S. patent application number 10/750980 was filed with the patent office on 2004-10-14 for exercise apparatus and a brake mechanism therefor.
Invention is credited to Andreasen, Knud.
Application Number | 20040204293 10/750980 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26069049 |
Filed Date | 2004-10-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040204293 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Andreasen, Knud |
October 14, 2004 |
Exercise apparatus and a brake mechanism therefor
Abstract
An exercise apparatus, preferably for rehabilitative exercise,
allows resisted linear movement combined with resisted rotational
movement of a user's feet, for example. Pedals may be mounted on
shafts 8 attached to a chain 11 extending around sprocket wheels
12-16 provided with a first braking mechanism 17, for instance a
first electrical motor 17, connected to the chain 11 for exerting a
variable resistance against movement to and fro of the chain with
the pedals attached thereto. The shaft 8 is adapted for rotation
against the influence of second braking mechanism, for instance a
second electrical motor for exerting a variable resistance against
rotation to and fro of the shaft with the pedals attached
thereto.
Inventors: |
Andreasen, Knud; (Naerum,
DK) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KLEIN, O'NEILL & SINGH
2 PARK PLAZA
SUITE 510
IRVINE
CA
92614
US
|
Family ID: |
26069049 |
Appl. No.: |
10/750980 |
Filed: |
January 2, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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10750980 |
Jan 2, 2004 |
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PCT/DK02/00476 |
Jul 8, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
482/52 ; 482/51;
482/70 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/00181 20130101;
A61H 2201/14 20130101; A61H 1/0262 20130101; A61H 2201/5007
20130101; A63B 21/154 20130101; A63B 22/0046 20130101; A63B 2208/12
20130101; A63B 21/00178 20130101; A61H 2201/1676 20130101; A61H
2201/164 20130101; A63B 2208/0238 20130101; A61H 1/0255 20130101;
A63B 23/0417 20130101; A63B 21/015 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/052 ;
482/070; 482/051 |
International
Class: |
A63B 022/00; A63B
022/04; A63B 071/00; A63B 069/18 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 6, 2001 |
DK |
PA 2001 01061 |
Oct 11, 2001 |
DK |
PA 2001 01502 |
Claims
1. An exercise apparatus, preferably portable and preferably for
rehabilitative use by a person in a sitting, reclining or lying
position, the apparatus comprising: a housing comprising an
interior compartment communicating with the surroundings through
one or more apertures, mechanical activation means for being
activated by a limb portion of a person, said activation means
extending from the interior of said compartment to the surroundings
through said one or more apertures, first braking or resistance
means for exerting a first resistance against a first force applied
to said activation means by said limb portion and arranged in said
compartment and connected to said activation means, and at least
one second braking or resistance means for exerting at least one
second resistance against at least one second force applied to said
activation means by said limb portion and arranged in said
compartment and connected to said activation means.
2. An exercise apparatus according to claim 1 and further
comprising: first varying means for varying the magnitude of said
first resistance, and second varying means for varying the
magnitude of said second resistance.
3. An exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said first
force is a linear force and said second force is a rotational force
or torque.
4. An exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said limb
portion is constituted by a foot of said person and said activation
means comprise a pedal for receiving said foot with the
longitudinal dimension of said foot generally perpendicular to a
transverse dimension of said pedal.
5. An exercise apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said
activation means are adapted for allowing said pedal to move to and
fro along a linear path determined by said at least one aperture in
said housing under the influence of said first force and for
allowing said pedal to rotate to and fro around an axis generally
parallel to said transverse dimension under the influence of said
second force.
6. An exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said at
least one aperture in said housing includes a slit extending in a
generally horizontal direction.
7. (canceled)
8. An exercise apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said at
least one aperture includes slits extending in a generally
horizontal direction, and wherein said activation means comprise a
first endless drive element arranged inside said housing and
extending around at least two mutually spaced first wheels
rotatably arranged in said housing, said endless drive element
being attached to said pedals such that linear movement of said
pedals along said slits causes rotation of said first wheels by
means of said first endless drive element.
9. An exercise apparatus according to claim 8, wherein at least one
of said first wheels and said first endless drive element is
connected to first adjustable braking or resistance means adapted
and arranged so as to apply a variable braking force to said one of
said first wheel and said first endless drive element.
10. An exercise apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said pedal
is pivotably mounted on a shaft located coincidental with said axis
and connected to second adjustable resistance or braking means
adapted and arranged so as to apply a variable braking force to
said shaft.
11. An exercise apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said
activation means comprise a second endless drive element arranged
inside said housing and extending around at least two mutually
spaced second wheels rotatably arranged in said housing, said
endless drive element being attached to said pedals such that
rotational movement of said pedals around said axis causes rotation
of said second wheels by means of said second endless drive
element.
12. An exercise apparatus according claim 11, wherein at least one
of said second wheels and said second endless drive element is
connected to second adjustable resistance or braking means adapted
and arranged so as to apply a variable braking force to said one of
second wheel and said second endless drive element.
13. An exercise apparatus according to claim 11, wherein at least
one first wheel is connected to a corresponding second wheel by
means of third adjustable resistance or braking means adapted for
braking relative movement between said at least one first wheel and
said corresponding second wheel such that movement of said first
endless drive element causes a rotational force to be exerted on
said corresponding second wheel, the magnitude of said rotational
force being determined by the braking effect of said third
resistance or braking means.
14. An exercise apparatus according claim 1, wherein said
resistance or braking means comprise a mechanical friction
brake.
15. An exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said
resistance or braking means comprise a motor selected from the
group consisting of an electrical motor and a hydraulic motor.
16. An exercise apparatus according to claim 15 and further
comprising computer controlling means for controlling the power
output of said motor according to one or more pre-determined
sequences or algorithms, and power supplying means for supplying
power to said motor and said to said computer controlling
means.
17. An exercise apparatus according to claim 15, wherein said
mechanical friction brake is arranged for braking the rotation of
one of said first and second wheels and comprises a braking body,
having a plane surface and arranged for rotation around the axis of
rotation of said wheel, said axis being perpendicular to said
surface, and a braking pad arranged for being pressed against said
surface and for movement between a first position and a second
position, the distance of said pad from said axis being larger in
said second position than in said first position.
18. An exercise apparatus according to claim 17, wherein a biasing
means is provided for biasing said braking pad from said second
position to said first position.
19. An exercise apparatus, preferably portable and preferably for
use by a person in a sitting, reclining or lying position, the
apparatus comprising: a housing comprising an interior compartment
communicating with the surroundings through one or more apertures,
mechanical activation means for being activated by a certain
portion of said person such as a foot or a hand, said activation
means extending from the interior of said compartment to the
surroundings through said one or more apertures, resistance means
for exerting a resistance against a first force applied to said
activation means by said person and arranged in said compartment
and connected to said activation means, first varying means for
varying the magnitude of said resistance, computer controlling
means for controlling said first varying means for varying said
resistance according to one or more sequences or algorithms, and
power supplying means for supplying power to said first varying
means and said computer controlling means.
20. An exercise apparatus according to claim 19 and further
comprising: force exertion means for exerting a second force on
said activation means such that said activation means may transmit
said second force to said portion of said person connected to said
activation means, second varying means for varying the magnitude of
said second force, said computer controlling means being adapted
for controlling said second varying means for varying said second
force according to one or more sequences or algorithms.
21. An exercise apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the
resistance means comprise an electrical generator connected to said
activation means such that movement of said activation means
rotates said electrical generator.
22. An exercise apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the
resistance means is a rotary device selected from the group
consisting of a hydraulic rotary motor and a pump connected to said
activation means such that movement of said activation means
rotates said rotary device.
23. An exercise apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the force
exertion means comprise an electrical motor connected to said
activation means such that movement of said activation means
results from rotation of said electrical motor.
24. An exercise apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the force
exertion means comprise a rotary device selected from the group
consisting of a hydraulic rotary motor and a pump connected to said
activation means such that movement of said activation means
results from rotation of said rotary device.
25. An exercise apparatus according to claim 21, wherein said
electrical generator is connected to power uptake means for taking
up electrical power generated by said generator.
26. An exercise apparatus according to claim 25, wherein said power
uptake means comprise a variable electrical resistance, said
variable electrical resistance being adapted for being varied by
said computer controlling means.
27. An exercise apparatus according to claim 26, wherein cooling
means are provided for cooling said electrical resistance.
28. An exercise apparatus according to claim 25, wherein said power
uptake means comprise an electrical conduit for connecting said
generator to the power mains or an external electrical energy
consuming means.
29. An exercise apparatus according to claim 19 and for use for
exercising foot and/or leg muscles and joints of said person,
wherein said apertures in said housing are constituted by two
slits, said activation means comprising two connection members each
adapted for connecting a foot receiving means or pedal with a
mechanism arranged inside said compartment, each of said connection
members extending through one of said slits for allowing said pedal
to move in a reciprocating, generally linear manner and in a
reciprocating rotational manner.
30. An exercise apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the
housing is provided with a smooth surface.
31. An exercise apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the
housing is provided with fastening means for fastening attachment
means for attaching the housing to means for accommodating a person
utilizing the apparatus.
32. An exercise apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the
housing is provided with fastening means for fastening supporting
means for supporting the housing in a stable position on a
horizontal surface.
33. An exercise apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the
housing is provided with gripping means for being gripped by a user
of the apparatus for stabilizing the apparatus during use
thereof.
34. A brake mechanism for braking the rotation of a body,
preferably for use as a braking or resistance means in an exercise
apparatus, said mechanism comprising: a first disc and a second
disc having mutually facing and spaced first planar surfaces and
being mounted on a common shaft perpendicular to said surfaces, the
second disc being mounted so as to be rotatable and axially
displaceable with respect to said shaft, biasing means, operatively
associated with said discs, for biasing said second disc axially
towards said first disc and for biasing said second disc from a
first rotational position relative to said first disc towards a
second rotational position relative to said first disc, pairs of
mutually facing and registering annular grooves provided in said
first surfaces and extending concentric with said shaft, a groove
of a pair in one first surface registering with the other groove of
said pair in the other first surface, at least one sphere with a
diameter larger than the maximum distance between said first
surfaces received in each pair of grooves, the combined depth of
the grooves in a pair being larger at one end of the grooves than
at the other end of the grooves, a fixedly arranged body having a
planar second surface facing and spaced from a third planar surface
of said second disc parallel to and opposed to said first surface
of said second disc, a braking pad arranged between said second and
said third surface and displaceable between a first position at a
certain distance from the axis of said shaft to a second position
at a larger distance from said axis, and a biasing means for
biasing said braking pad from said second position to said first
position.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to an exercise apparatus,
preferably portable and preferably for rehabilitative use by a
person in a sitting, reclining or lying position for rehabilitation
purposes.
[0002] An exercise apparatus of this type is known from U.S. Pat.
No. 4,946,162. Two hydraulic cylinders interconnected over an
adjustable needle valve are connected to two foot pedals,
respectively. A person sitting in a chair exercises by
alternatingly depressing each hydraulic cylinder, the resistance
against the compression of the cylinders and thus the exercise
intensity being varied by adjusting the needle valve.
[0003] GB 2 347 873 discloses a rehabilitative exercise apparatus
for exercising legs of a bedridden patient where a combination of
linear movement (bending the knee) and rotational movement (bending
the ankle) is utilised, a variable braking of the linear movement
being utilised to vary the force necessary to perform the linear
movement.
[0004] It has been shown that it is important that as many muscle
groups and joints as possible be exercised against a resistance
that can be varied such that a development programme for the
ongoing exercise may be implemented.
[0005] A main object of the present invention is to provide an
exercise apparatus whereby at least two different groups of muscles
and at least two different joints may be exercised at the same time
on the same apparatus with the intensity of the exercise for all
muscles and joints involved may be varied.
[0006] According to the invention, this object is achieved by the
apparatus comprising
[0007] a housing comprising an interior compartment communicating
with the surroundings through one or more apertures, preferably
slits in said housing
[0008] mechanical activation means for being activated by a limb
portion of a person, for instance a foot, a hand, a knee or an
elbow of said person, said activation means extending from the
interior of said compartment to the surroundings through said one
or more apertures,
[0009] first braking or resistance means for exerting a first
resistance against a first force applied to said activation means
by said limb portion and arranged in said compartment and connected
to said activation means, and
[0010] at least one second braking or resistance means for exerting
at least one second resistance against at least one second force
applied to said activation means by said limb portion and arranged
in said compartment and connected to said activation means.
[0011] Preferably, the exercise apparatus further comprises first
varying means for varying the magnitude of said first resistance,
and second varying means for varying the magnitude of said second
resistance.
[0012] In the currently preferred embodiment, said first force is a
linear force and said second force is a rotative force or torque,
and said limb portion is constituted by a foot of said person and
said activation means comprise a pedal for receiving said foot with
the longitudinal dimension of said foot generally perpendicular to
a transverse dimension of said pedal
[0013] Advantageously, said activation means are adapted for
allowing said pedal to move to and fro along a linear path
determined by said slit in said housing under the influence of said
first force and for allowing said pedal to rotate to and fro around
an axis generally parallel to said transverse dimension under the
influence of said second force.
[0014] In the currently preferred embodiment, said activation means
comprise a first endless drive element in the form of an endless
chain, band, ribbon, belt or the like arranged inside said housing
and extending around at least two mutually spaced first wheels or
pulleys rotatably arranged in said housing, said endless drive
element being attached to said pedals such that linear movement of
said pedals along said slits causes rotation of said first wheels
by means of said first endless drive element.
[0015] Preferably, at least one of said first wheels and/or said
first endless drive element is connected to first adjustable
braking or resistance means adapted and arranged so as to apply a
variable braking force to said first wheel and/or said first
endless drive element.
[0016] Advantageously, said pedal is pivotably mounted on a shaft
located coincidental with said axis and connected to second
adjustable resistance or braking means adapted and arranged so as
to apply a variable braking force to said shaft.
[0017] In the currently preferred embodiment, said activation means
comprise a second endless drive element in the form of an endless
chain, band, ribbon, belt or the like arranged inside said housing
and extending around at least two mutually spaced second wheels or
pulleys rotatably arranged in said housing, said endless drive
element being attached to said pedals such that rotational movement
of said pedals around said axis causes rotation of said second
wheels by means of said second endless drive element, and at least
one of said second wheels and/or said second endless drive element
is connected to second adjustable resistance or braking means
adapted and arranged so as to apply a variable braking force to
said second wheel and/or said second endless drive element.
[0018] Preferably, at least one first wheel is connected to a
corresponding second wheel by means of third adjustable resistance
or braking means adapted for braking relative movement between said
at least one first wheel and said corresponding second wheel such
that movement of said first endless drive element causes a
rotational force to be exerted on said corresponding second wheel,
the magnitude of said rotational force being determined by the
braking effect of said third resistance or braking means.
[0019] Said resistance or braking means may comprise a mechanical
friction brake and/or an electrical motor and/or a hydraulic
motor.
[0020] So as to be able to vary the exercise programme during each
stroke, during each session and from session to session, it is
advantageous that the apparatus further comprises computer
controlling means for controlling the power output of said
electrical motor or hydraulic motor according to one or more
pre-determined sequences or algorithms, and power supplying means
for supplying power to said electrical motor or hydraulic motor and
said to said computer controlling means.
[0021] In the currently preferred embodiment, said mechanical
friction brake is arranged for braking the rotation of one of said
first or second wheels and comprises a braking body, preferably a
disc, having a plane surface and arranged for rotation around the
axis of rotation of said wheel, said axis being perpendicular to
said surface, and a braking pad or block arranged for being pressed
against said surface and for movement between a first position and
a second position, the distance of said pad from said axis being
larger in said second position than in said first position, and
preferably a biasing means is provided for biasing said braking pad
from said second position to said first position.
[0022] A further main object of the invention is to provide an
exercise apparatus which has a great degree of flexibility as
regards the exercise intensity and also is suited for use in
various positions without any major risk that objects may be
damaged by being pinched or caught by the mechanism of the
apparatus.
[0023] According to the invention, this object is achieved by the
exercise apparatus comprising a housing comprising an interior
compartment communicating with the surroundings through one or more
apertures, mechanical activation means for being activated by a
certain portion of said person such as a foot or a hand, said
activation means extending from the interior of said compartment to
the surroundings through said one or more apertures, resistance
means for exerting a resistance against a first force applied to
said activation means by said person and arranged in said
compartment and connected to said activation means, first varying
means for varying the magnitude of said resistance, computer
controlling means for controlling said first varying means for
varying said resistance according to one or more sequences or
algorithms, and power supplying means for supplying power to said
first varying means and said computer controlling means.
[0024] Hereby, a very flexible apparatus is achieved whereby
exercise of many different types may be attained by means of the
variation of the resistance means according to the algorithm best
suited to the needs of the person utilising the apparatus. Because
of the housing communicating with the surroundings through the
apertures, the risk of objects being pinched or caught in the
apparatus is greatly reduced.
[0025] In connection with children or weak, paralysed or
handicapped persons or for other reasons it is often desirable that
even more features be available for exercising.
[0026] According to the invention this is achieved by the exercise
apparatus further comprising force exertion means for exerting a
second force on said activation means such that said activation
means may transmit said second force to said portion of said person
connected to said activation means and second varying means for
varying the magnitude of said second force, said computer
controlling means being adapted for controlling said second varying
means for varying said second force according to one or more
sequences or algorithms.
[0027] Hereby, limbs too weak to move the activation means may be
exercised by the apparatus exerting a force on the limbs in
question, perhaps only under a certain phase of the exercise cyclus
or during the whole cyclus. This may be of use also after
operations where it is necessary to move legs and arms so as to
avoid blood clots even though the operated person is unconscious or
unable to move the limbs in question for some other reason.
[0028] In the currently preferred embodiment of the exercise
apparatus according to the invention, the resistance means comprise
an electrical generator connected to said activation means such
that movement of said activation means rotates said electrical
generator. Hereby a simple and easily controlled resistance is
available for varying the exercise programme.
[0029] Alternatively or additionally, the resistance means may
comprise a hydraulic rotary motor or pump connected to said
activation means such that movement of said activation means
rotates said hydraulic motor or pump.
[0030] In the currently preferred embodiment of the exercise
apparatus according to the invention, the force exertion means
comprise an electrical motor connected to said activation means
such that movement of said activation means results from rotation
of said electrical motor. Hereby a simple and easily controlled
activation means is available for varying the exercise programme.
The electrical motor may be the same as or different from the
electrical generator utilised for providing a variable
resistance
[0031] Alternatively or additionally, the force exertion means may
comprise a hydraulic rotary motor connected to said activation
means such that movement of said activation means results from
rotation of said hydraulic motor.
[0032] In the currently preferred embodiment of an exercise
apparatus according to the invention, said electrical generator is
connected to power uptake means for taking up electrical power
generated by said generator. Hereby, the power uptake means may be
controlled so as to vary the resistance provided by the electrical
generator, and said power uptake means preferably comprise a
variable electrical resistance, said variable electrical resistance
being adapted for being varied by said computer controlling
means.
[0033] In the currently preferred embodiment of an exercise
apparatus according to the invention, cooling means are provided
for cooling said electrical resistance.
[0034] Hereby, build up of heat is avoided so that the apparatus
does not become uncomfortably hot.
[0035] In cases where the cooling means arranged on or in the
apparatus cannot function properly, for instance if the person
using the apparatus is bedridden and needs to be covered by a
blanket, then it is advantageous that said power uptake means
comprise an electrical conduit for connecting said generator to the
power mains or an external electrical energy consuming means such
as a heater, a battery recharger or the like. Hereby the generated
electrical power and location of the resulting heat or power
dissipation is transported away from the vicinity of the
apparatus.
[0036] Although the apparatus may be used for exercising many
different portions of the human body, such as arm, wrist, elbow and
so on, the currently preferred use is for exercising foot and/or
leg muscles and joints of said person, said apertures in said
housing being constituted by two slits, preferably generally
rectilinear, said activation means comprising two connection
members each adapted for connecting a foot receiving means with a
mechanism arranged inside said compartment, each of said connection
members extending through one of said slits for allowing said
connection members to move in a reciprocating, preferably generally
rectilinear, manner.
[0037] So as to render the apparatus comfortable to use and not
prone to hooking and pinching objects in the vicinity thereof, the
housing is preferably provided with a smooth, preferably resilient,
surface.
[0038] So as to be able to use the exercise apparatus according to
the invention in many different situations, the housing is
preferably provided with fastening means for fastening attachment
means for attaching the housing to a chair, a table, a bed, a wheel
chair or any other means for accommodating a person utilising the
apparatus, and advantageously the housing may be provided with
fastening means for fastening supporting means for supporting the
housing in a stable position on a horizontal surface such as a
floor or a table top.
[0039] In a further aspect, the present invention relates to a
brake mechanism for braking the rotation of a body, preferably for
use as a braking or resistance means in an exercise apparatus
according to the invention, said mechanism comprising
[0040] a first disc and a second disc having mutually facing and
spaced first planar surfaces and being mounted on a common shaft
perpendicular to said surfaces, the second disc being mounted
rotatable and axially displaceable with respect to said shaft,
[0041] biasing means, preferably tension springs attached to said
discs, for biasing said second disc axially towards said first disc
and for biasing said second disc from a first rotational position
relative to said first disc towards a second rotational position
relative to said first disc,
[0042] pairs of mutually facing and registering annular grooves
provided in said first surfaces and extending concentric with said
shaft, a groove of a pair in one first surface registering with the
other groove of said pair in the other first surface,
[0043] at least one sphere with a diameter larger than the maximum
distance between said first surfaces received in each pair of
grooves,
[0044] the combined depth of the grooves in a pair being larger at
one end of the grooves than at the other end of the grooves,
[0045] a fixedly arranged body having a planar second surface
facing and spaced from a third planar surface of said second disc
parallel to and opposed to said first surface of said second
disc,
[0046] a braking pad or block arranged between said second and said
third surface and displaceable between a first position at a
certain distance from the axis of said shaft to a second position
at a larger distance from said axis, and
[0047] a biasing means for biasing said braking pad from said
second position to said first position.
[0048] The invention will be explained more in detail in the
following in connection with different embodiments of an exercise
apparatus according to the invention shown solely by way of example
in the accompanying drawings, wherein
[0049] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a first embodiment
of an exercise apparatus according to the invention for exercising
muscles, joints and tendons of the legs and/or feet,
[0050] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the exercising
mechanism of the apparatus of FIG. 1,
[0051] FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic illustration of three different
attachments of the foot receiving means of the exercise apparatus
according to the invention,
[0052] FIG. 4 shows an enlarged scale cross section through a
glider assembly of the mechanism shown in FIG. 2,
[0053] FIG. 5 is a schematic partly sectional view in larger scale
of a detail of a second embodiment of an exercise apparatus
according to the invention,
[0054] FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a further embodiment of the
detail shown in FIG. 5,
[0055] FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of a third embodiment
of an exercise apparatus according to the invention for exercising
muscles, joints and tendons of the legs and/or feet,
[0056] FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic illustration of a second embodiment
of an exercising mechanism for use with the embodiments of FIGS. 1,
5 and 7,
[0057] FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic illustration of a third embodiment
of an exercising mechanism for use with the embodiments of FIGS. 1,
5 and 7,
[0058] FIG. 10 is a graph illustrating the desired development of
the braking resistance applied against the forces exerted by leg
muscles by a person utilizing the exercise apparatus according to
the invention,
[0059] FIG. 11 is a diagrammatical elevational partly cut away view
of a brake mechanism according to the invention,
[0060] FIG. 12 is a partial bottom plan view of the upper disc in
FIG. 11, and
[0061] FIG. 13 is a top plan view of the lower disc in FIG. 11 seen
along line A-A in FIG. 11.
[0062] Referring now to FIG. 1, a housing 1 defining an inner
compartment is provided with two elongate apertures or slits 2 and
3 through which hollow rods 4 and 5, respectively extend from the
compartment to the surroundings. Foot pedals 6 and 7 are pivotably
mounted on the rods 4 and 5, respectively, by means of rods 8
pivotably attached to the rods 4 and 5.
[0063] The housing 1 in FIG. 1 contains the mechanism shown in FIG.
2, the rods 4 and 5 being connected to glider assemblies 9 arranged
for gliding displacement along rods 10 fixedly attached to the
inner wall of the housing 1 in a manner not shown, but obvious to
those skilled in the art.
[0064] The glider assemblies 10 are connected to a chain 11 in a
manner to be described in detail below such that the assemblies are
forced to move together with the chain 11.
[0065] The chain 11 is a closed loop chain extending past and
meshing with five sprocket wheels 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 pivotably
attached to the inner wall of the housing 1 in a manner not shown,
but obvious to those skilled in the art.
[0066] The sprocket wheel 16 is connected to an electrical motor 17
by means of a shaft 18 such that the chain 11 may be moved by the
motor 17 or movement of the chain 11 will cause the motor 17 to
function as a generator. The motor 17 may be supplied with
electrical power through an electrical conduit 19 having a plug 20
for being connected to the mains. The conduit 19 is connected to a
switch box 21 connected to the motor 17 through electrical conduits
22 and 23.
[0067] When the motor 17 functions as a generator, an electrical
resistance 24 having cooling fins is supplied with the generated
electrical power through electrical conduits 22 and 23 such that
the generator 17 functions as a mechanical resistance against
movement of the chain 11.
[0068] A control box 25 connected to the motor 17 by an electrical
conduit 26 has display fields for displaying information about the
exercise programme such as work performed, time elapsed, exercise
intensity and so on. In the following a more exhaustive list of
possible displayed information is given. The control box 25 also
contains computer controlling means for controlling the
motor/generator 17 according to a desired algorithm or sequence.
Data transmission means for transmitting data from the control
computer or from the display means to external computing or
registration means may also be provided in the control box 25.
[0069] The glider assemblies 9 are stabilised against tilting by
means of an arm 28 glidingly received in a groove or track 29 in a
rod 30 attached to the inner wall of the housing 1 in a manner not
shown, but obvious to those skilled in the art.
[0070] Referring now to FIG. 4 showing the cross section of glider
assembly 9 in enlarged scale compared to FIG. 2, a generally square
body 31 has a circular section channel 30 for glidingly receiving
the rod 10 and a rectangular section channel 33 for receiving the
chain 11 and a releasable attachment mechanism for attaching the
body 31 to the chain. Said mechanism comprises a pin 34 arranged so
as to be displaceable in a channel 35 by means of a lever 36 with a
fulcrum 37, a spring 38 biasing the pin 34 towards the chain
11.
[0071] The pin 34 has a locking projection 39 that fits between two
links of the chain 11 so as to lock the gliding assembly 9 in a
certain position on the chain when the locking projection is
inserted between two links of the chain as shown in FIG. 4.
[0072] If the lever 36 is pivoted counterclockwise around the
fulcrum 37, the locking projection 39 will be pulled out from
between the two chain links against the force of the spring 38 and
the assembly 9 may be moved to another position on the chain and
locked in said position by releasing the lever 36 whereby the
spring 38 will urge the pin 34 and projection 39 into a new locking
relationship with the chain 11 in said position.
[0073] In use, a person places both feet in the pedals 6 and 7,
and, in the simplest exercise programme, exercises by moving one
pedal away from the person's body whereby the other pedal is moved
towards said body because of the interconnection of the pedals by
means of the chain 11. Hereby, the motor 17 functions as a
generator and exerts a mechanical resistance against movement of
the pedals and chain by the person. Said mechanical resistance is
determined by the setting of the electrical resistance 24 which is
controlled by the computer controlling means in the control box 25.
In the simplest programme, the intensity of the mechanical
resistance is constant during the entire stroke of each pedal to
and fro.
[0074] A more sophisticated exercise programme may be implemented
by the computer controlling means such as for instance varying the
electrical resistance during the stroke of each pedal such that the
resistance is lower at the start and end of a stroke, or the
generator may function as a motor at certain points of the stroke
to help the person perform the stroke. If one or both legs or feet
of a person are paralysed, then the motor may function continuously
according to a pre-set algorithm to exercise the paralysed leg or
legs.
[0075] If the person utilising the apparatus has lost one leg, then
the motor may help the remaining leg by pushing the respective
pedal back as a replacement for the downward stroke of the missing
leg. The pedal corresponding to the missing leg may then be
removed.
[0076] It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that many
different algorithms may be utilised for implementing different
exercise programmes combining the resistance of the motor when it
functions as a generator with the active help from the motor when
it functions as a motor.
[0077] Although the embodiment of FIG. 9 described below is a
purely mechanical embodiment, the mechanical brakes thereof may be
substituted by electrical motors and may function with a computer
as described above with relation to the embodiment of FIG. 2.
[0078] If a person of small stature or a child is to use the
apparatus then the pedals 6 and 7 may be moved relative to the
chain 11 such that the distance to the pedals and the stroke length
thereof is reduced corresponding to the shorter legs of the person
or child. This adaptation is performed easily and quickly by means
of the lever 36 with associated release and locking mechanism shown
in FIG. 4.
[0079] The outer surface of the housing 1 is made of a smooth,
preferably pliant plastic material which feels comfortable to
touch, and all corners are rounded to avoid abrasions during
use.
[0080] The control box 25 is arranged outside the housing so as to
be visible by the person using the apparatus. However, it may
naturally be built into the housing in which case a transparent
window is provided in the housing for viewing the display fields
27.
[0081] The housing 1 may be provided with projections or other
fastening means for fastening attachment means such as straps, rods
and the like for attaching the apparatus to a chair, a bed, a
table, a wheel chair or the like. Further more supporting means for
supporting the apparatus on a floor, a table top or the like may be
attached to the housing in various manners.
[0082] The electrical motor 17 may be substituted by a rotary
hydraulic motor/pump, the electrical resistance means 24 being
substituted by a fluid flow resistance means.
[0083] The pedals 6 and 7 are replaceable by other types and sizes
of pedals so that different exercise functions may be accommodated
such as for instance pedals with straps so that the foot is held in
the pedal allowing the person to pull the pedal towards the body
instead of just pushing it away.
[0084] In FIG. 3 it is illustrated that the pedals 6 and 7 may be
attached to the pivotable rods 8 at different points thereof such
that the foot will pivot differently during a stroke of the pedal
according to the location of the attachment point.
[0085] The pivoting of the pedals 6 and 7 is an important exercise
of the ankle joint and of different important leg muscles, and
while the simple embodiment hereof shown in FIGS. 1-3 is effective
for many purposes, more sophisticated exercising programmes for the
ankle joint are desirable in the same manner as described above for
the entire leg.
[0086] Referring now to FIG. 5, the pedal 6 is provided with a
toothed rim 40 meshing with a bevel gear 41 provided at one end of
a shaft 42 extending through rod 5 and at the opposite end provided
with a second bevel gear 43 meshing with a crown gear 44 connected
with a shaft 45 corresponding to rod in FIG. 2, but naturally
pivotably and not fixedly attached to the inner surface of the
housing 1. The crown gear 44 is slidingly connected to shaft 45 by
means of radially inwards extending pins slidingly received in
longitudinal grooves or tracks 47 in the shaft 45.
[0087] The shaft 45 is provided with a gear 48 meshing with a gear
49 on a shaft 49a of an electrical motor 50 connected to a plug 51
for electrical connection to the mains and to a control box 52
corresponding to control box 25 in FIG. 2.
[0088] In use, a pivoting of the pedal 6 around shaft 8 in the
direction of the arrows R1 entails that shaft 45 will pivot in the
direction of the arrows R2 and thus generate an electrical current
in motor/generator 50 which will create a resistance to the
pivoting movement of the pedal by means of not shown connections
between the motor/generator 50 and a not shown variable electrical
resistance corresponding to the resistance 24 in FIG. 2. If power
is supplied to the motor 50 through plug 51 then the motor 50 will
force the pedal 6 to pivot thus enabling an exercise of a wheel or
paralysed ankle joint in a manner very similar to the procedure
explained above in relation to FIG. 2.
[0089] Referring now to FIG. 6, a design alternative to the design
of FIG. 5 with the bevelled gears 41 and 43 and gears 40 and 44 is
shown comprising a chain 60 meshing with a sprocket wheel 61 on the
end of shaft 8 and a sprocket wheel 62 on the end of a shaft 62a of
an electrical motor 63. It will be obvious to those skilled in the
art to supply the rest of the elements corresponding to the
elements in FIG. 5. The chain 60 may be substituted by a double
wire attached to a disc at the end of shaft 8 and at the end of
shaft 62a in a manner obvious to those skilled in the art.
[0090] Referring now to FIG. 7, an exercise apparatus 70 for
exercising leg and thigh muscles comprises a base plate 71 on which
is mounted a housing 72 having a slit 73 in opposed lateral walls.
Pedals 74 for receiving feet of a person utilizing the apparatus 70
are mounted on not shown rods that extend through the slits 73 into
the housing 72 and therein are connected to an exercise mechanism
according to the invention, for instance similar to the mechanism
of FIG. 2 or one of the mechanisms described in the following.
[0091] Referring now to FIG. 8, an exercise mechanism designed for
being installed inside a housing of an exercise apparatus according
to the invention, for instance housing 72 of the FIG. 7 embodiment,
is illustrated schematically as comprising an endless drive element
75 such as a chain or a plastic belt extending around four pulleys
or sprocket wheels 76 rotatably mounted inside the housing 72 and
two pulleys or sprocket wheels 77 rotatably mounted on an elongate
slide member 78 arranged inside the housing such that it can slide
to and fro in the direction of arrows R4.
[0092] The pedals 74 are suspended by means of shafts or rods 79 on
carrier blocks 80 attached to the chain or belt 75 such that force
exerted in the directions R4 (linear forces) and R5 (rotational
forces) on the pedals 74 by the feet of a user will move the pedals
to and fro in said directions R4 and R5, respectively.
[0093] Not shown adjustable braking mechanisms are provided for
applying an adjustable braking force to the wheels 76 and/or the
wheels 77 and or the chain or belt 75 such that an adjustable
resistance is provided against the linear forces exerted on the
pedals 74. Such braking mechanisms may be purely mechanical or
electrical or a combination of mechanical and electrical mechanisms
(for instance such as described above with respect to FIG. 2 or
below with respect to FIG. 9).
[0094] Not shown adjustable braking mechanisms are provided for
applying an adjustable braking force to the shafts 79 such that an
adjustable resistance is provided against the rotational forces
exerted on the pedals 74. Such braking mechanisms may be purely
mechanical or electrical or a combination of mechanical and
electrical mechanisms (for instance such as described above with
respect to FIGS. 5 and 6 or below with respect to FIG. 9).
[0095] The function of the slide element 78 is to adjust the
location of the path of travel and the maximum travel distance of
the pedals 74 in the linear direction R4 by sliding the element 78
in the directions R3 from the middle position where the distance
between the upper pair of wheels 76 and the corresponding wheel 77
is the same as the distance between the opposite lower pair of
wheels 76 and the corresponding wheel 77. In this middle position
of the slide element 78 the pedals 74 may travel from the uppermost
wheel 76 to the opposed nethermost wheel 76, i.e. the maximum
distance of pedal travel allowed by the system.
[0096] When the slide element 78 is in the uppermost position
thereof adjacent the uppermost pair of wheels 76, then the pedal
travel distance is at a minimum and the location of the path of
travel is at the lowermost region of the system while when the
slide element 78 is in its lowest position the location of the path
of travel of the pedals is at the top of the system while the pedal
travel distance is at a minimum. Hereby, the linear movement of the
pedals 74 may be adjusted according to the requirements of the
individual user according to length of legs, position relative to
the exercising apparatus, inhibitions in full use of the leg
muscles and so on.
[0097] Referring now to FIG. 9, an exercise mechanism similar to
the one shown in FIG. 8 is combined with an additional system
comprising an endless drive element and wheels or pulleys so as to
coordinate the rotational forces and consequential rotational
movement of the pedal with the linear forces and consequential
linear movement of same. The further endless drive means such as a
chain or a belt 81 is shown in dotted lines for the sake of
clarity. The chain or belt 81 extends around wheels or pulleys 82
and 83 in a manner very similar to chain or belt 75 and wheels 76
and 77 described above, said description being applicable to the
system shown in FIG. 9. A slide member 84 carries the wheels 83 and
is by means of not shown connection elements constrained to move
together with slide element 78 in the direction of the arrows
R3.
[0098] The carrier block 80 to which the shaft 79 of the pedal 74
is attached is attached to a second carrier block 85 by means of a
rod 86, the carrier block 85 being attached to the chain or wheel
81.
[0099] Adjustable braking elements 87 and 88 are connected to one
of the lowermost pairs of wheels 76 and 82, respectively, so as to
apply adjustable braking forces to the movement of the chains or
belts 75 and 81, respectively. The other of the lowermost wheels 76
is connected to the other of the lowermost wheels 82 by means of a
break element 89 for applying a relative braking force between the
movement of said two wheels 76 and 82.
[0100] In use, the brake 87 which is constructed to apply a braking
force to the wheel 76 in both directions of rotation of same, will
exert a resistance against the linear force exerted by the leg
muscles of a user of the apparatus while the brake 88, which also
is adapted to exert a breaking force in both directions of rotation
of the wheel 82 connected thereto, will exert a resistance against
the rotation forces applied to the pedal 74 in both the directions
of the arrows R6 by the foot of a user of the apparatus. The
resistance exerted by the brake 88 is an active resistance, i.e. if
the user does not exert a force to rotate the ankle, the foot will
be pressed into an end position by the pedal, said end position
being determined by the geometry of the pedal system and/or by the
ligaments of the foot and ankle of the user. Therefore the user has
to exert a force to avoid that his or her foot is rotated at the
ankle by the resistance exerted by the brake 88.
[0101] The brake 89 exerts a resistance against rotation of the
corresponding wheel 76 of the linear system relative to the
corresponding wheel 82 of the rotational system such that if the
user of the apparatus wishes to exercise the leg and foot muscles
by rotating the ankle joint in the direction of the arrows R6 then
the brake means 89 will exert a resistance against this rotation
because such rotation will cause relative rotation of the wheels 76
and 82 interconnected by the brake means 89.
[0102] Hereby, a system of linear and rotational movement has been
provided where an adjustable resistance against both linear and
rotational movement of the pedal with resulting exertion of
different muscles of the user's foot and leg in such a manner that
many different combinations of stroke length, stroke location,
necessary linear force and necessary rotational force can be
achieved so as to allow development of an exercise programme for an
individual user or adapting the apparatus for the needs of
different users.
[0103] The brake mechanism applied may be of a purely mechanical
type, for instance as described in the following with relation to
FIGS. 11-13, or may be of the electrical type controlled by a
computer, for instance as described in connection with FIGS. 2 and
5 above.
[0104] In connection with exercise, especially rehabilitative
exercise, of weakened persons it is important that the resistance
against the exercising force is built up to the maximum resistance
gradually with a very low resistance at the start and thereafter an
increasing resistance up to the maximum resistance value. This is
illustrated in FIG. 10, which is a graph with the braking force BR
of the brakes applied to the system or, in other words, the
resistance against the movement plotted along the X-axis and the
travel TR plotted along the Y-axis, the travel being either the
linear travel distance or the degrees of rotational travel.
[0105] Over the first distance d1 the resistance force or braking
force BR increases slowly from a low value and thereafter over the
distance d2 the braking force or resistance increases gradually
until reaching a maximum value max which is applied over the
distance d3 whereafter the end of the linear or rotational travel
has been reached and reversed whereby the resistance falls to the
initial value again and the cycle is repeated.
[0106] In FIG. 10 it is illustrated that the return of the
reistance or braking force BR to the initial value takes place by
the system reversing direction and travelling backwards a distance
d4. This will be explained more in detail in connection with the
detailed discussion of FIGS. 11-13 below.
[0107] Three different maximum values of the braking force are
illustrated with the three curves. This is the ideal development of
the braking force so that motion can be initiated against a small
force which gradually builds up to the maximum. If the resistance
were at the maximum from the start of the motion it would be
uncomfortable and even dangerous for weakened persons to utilise
the exercise apparatus according to the invention.
[0108] Referring now to FIGS. 11-13, a braking mechanism 90
comprises three discs 91, 92 and 93 being circular and concentric
and overlying one another. This brake 90 according to the invention
is designed to provide a braking force which develops in the manner
illustrated in FIG. 10. The disc 91 is maintained in a fixed
position, i.e. cannot rotate and is provided with a braking pad or
block 94 which is pivotably arranged for rotation in the direction
of arrow R8 around a pivot 95 from a first, inactive position 94
shown in full lines to a fully activated position 94b shown in
doffed lines.
[0109] A spring 96 biases the braking pad from the fully active
position 94b to the inactive position 94 abutting a shaft 97 on
which the discs 92 and 93 are pivotably mounted. The discs 92 and
93 are held together by spring elements 98 arranged at the
periphery thereof in a circumferential groove 99. The springs 98
serve to hold the discs 92 and 93 together. The discs 92 and 93
have matching arcuate grooves 100 which extend from a large
deepness to a shallower deepness in disc 93 and extend with the
same deepness in disc 92.
[0110] Balls 101 are located in said grooves in the discs 92 and 93
such that they may roll or slide from one extremity of a groove to
the other when the discs 92 and 93 are rotated relative to one
another thereby exerting a force on the balls 101 thereby urging
the balls to travel from one end of the respective groove 101 to
the other end thereof.
[0111] As the grooves in disc 93 are oblique, i.e. deeper in one
end and shallower at the other, rotation of disc 93 in the
direction of arrow R7 and under the bias of the springs 98 will
cause the balls 101 to move from the position shown in FIGS. 12 and
13 to the opposite end of the grooves 100 thereby forcing the disc
92 axially away from the disc 93 such that, as the disc 93 cannot
be displaced axially in the direction away from disc 92, then disc
92 will be displaced axially towards disc 91 thereby pressing
harder on the brake pad 94.
[0112] Continued rotation of disc 93 will entail that brake pad 94
will pivot in direction R8 from the inactive position 94 to the
active position 94b where the moment arm of the braking force is
larger thereby increasing the breaking effect of the break means 90
corresponding to the development shown in the graph in FIG. 10.
[0113] The braking force corresponding to distance d1 in FIG. 10
corresponds to the force needed to move the balls 101 from one end
of the grooves 100 to the other against the force of the springs 98
while the braking force corresponding to the distance d2 in FIG. 10
corresponds to the braking effect of the brake pad 94 against the
disc 92 during its travel from the inactive position 94 to the
active position 94b. The braking force corresponding to distance d3
in FIG. 10 is the fully developed maximum braking force
corresponding to the active position of the braking pad 94b. When
the direction of rotation R7, R8 is reversed the discs 92 and 93
are separated in the direction of arrow R9 and the braking effect
will be eliminated, the braking pad moving from active position 94b
to inactive position 94.
[0114] When the rotational force causing rotation of discs 92 and
93 relative to one another is relieved, the disc 92 will be rotated
back to the initial position because of the circumferential
component of the biasing force of the springs 98 whereby the
pressure on the braking pad 94b will be relieved and the pad will
revert to the inactive position 94. This is illustrated by the
distance d4 in FIG. 10 which is the distance traveled backwards by
the disc 92.
[0115] Referring now again to FIG. 9 in connection with FIGS.
11-13, braking elements 87 and 88 may each comprise two sets of
discs 91-93, one set on each side of the wheel 76 and the wheel 82
with the two discs 93 of each set firmly attached to the two
lateral surface of the wheels 76 and 82, respectively, and the two
discs 91 of each set attached to the housing in such a manner that
the discs 91 can not rotate, but can be displaced axially so as to
increase or decrease the axial distance between the disc 91 and the
disc 93 thereby varying the maximum pressure exerted by the
corresponding braking pad 94 on the disc 92 and thereby varying the
maximum braking effect of the respective braking element.
[0116] The attachment means of the discs 91 of the brake elements
87 and 88 are adapted to be adjusted manually from outside the
housing such that the user or a nursing person may adjust said
axial distance between the disc 91 and the disc 93 and thus the
maximum resistance against the linear and rotative movement of the
pedals 74.
[0117] Hereby, braking of the wheels 76 and 88 and thereby the
chains or belts 75 and 81 will take place for linear and rotative
motion of the pedals in both mutually opposed directions.
[0118] The braking element 89 may also comprise two sets of discs
91-93 arranged between the corresponding pulleys or sprocket wheels
76 and 82 with the two discs 91 attached to one another and fixedly
attached to the housing and with the two discs 93 fixedly attached
to the wheels 76 and 82, respectively. The two wheels 76 and 82 are
attached to the housing such that they can rotate and be displaced
axially manually from the outside of the housing. The axial
displacement of one or both of the wheels 76 and 82 will entail an
increase or decrease of the axial distance between the disc 91 and
the disc 93 and thereby a variation of the maximum pressure exerted
by the corresponding braking pad 94 on the respective disc 92 and
thereby varying the maximum braking effect of the braking element
89.
[0119] The brakes of FIGS. 11-13 may also be used instead of the
electrical motors 17, 50 and 63 in FIGS. 1, 5 and 6, respectively,
to create the resistance caused by said motors when functioning as
electrical generators.
[0120] Alternatively, electrical motors may substitute the brake
elements 87-89 in FIG. 9 such that the embodiment of FIG. 9 may
function electrically instead of purely mechanically and can
generate a positive force when functioning as motors in addition to
the resistance generated when functioning as generators such that
the legs and ankles of the user can be activated positively.
[0121] As an important option, the apparatus according to the
invention may be provided with means to register and/or display
and/or electronically transmit data regarding the operation of the
apparatus such that the user and/or the health workers treating the
user (patient) may evaluate different aspects of the training or
rehabilitation process.
[0122] A purely mechanical apparatus according to the invention,
for instance the FIG. 9 embodiment, may be provided with a counting
means for counting the number of linear strokes performed and/or
the number of rotative cycles performed during a given period of
time or since a certain point in time or in total for the
individual user. The number of strokes or tilts per time unit
(speed) may also be of interest to the user or the health
worker.
[0123] In embodiments having electrical resistance and activating
means such as an electrical motor or hydraulic/pneumatic
resistance/activating means perhaps connected to a computer many
other values may be displayed or transmitted to an external
registration or computer means for being analyzed and form the
basis of a patient evaluation and/or a statistical analysis.
[0124] The values may be:
[0125] number of strokes and tilts per time unit, since a certain
point in time, during a certain period of time, in total for a
given patient,
[0126] maximum amount of strokes and/or tilts per time unit or per
time period
[0127] Force times distance (=work performed) during a certain time
period, in total since a certain point in time or in total for a
given patient,
[0128] Force times distance divided by time (=power) as actual
value or maximum.
[0129] In general, the following considerations are important in
connection with a currently preferred embodiment of an exercise
apparatus according to the invention:
[0130] The most effective exercise and rehabilitation of bedridden
and other patients with reduced mobility is achieved by exercising
the large leg muscles, and for this purpose a particular type of
apparatus according to the invention, a leg press, is the currently
preferred embodiment of the invention. The apparatus or leg press
has been developed as three variants or types, each corresponding
to a respective patient group.
[0131] The patients for whom these apparatuses are made can be
divided into three groups according to their condition and needs,
and the exercise which each of these three groups can achieve has
common features, but is nevertheless different on decisive
points.
[0132] Thus, the three patient groups each use one of the three
corresponding leg presses, the three patient groups being
designated group 1, 2 and 3 and the apparatuses correspondingly
type 1, 2 and 3.
[0133] The basic properties such as size, appearance and outer mode
of function are identical as regards the three apparatus types.
They have facilities for being secured to the mattress at the foot
of the bed, on the floor in front of a chair or a wheel chair.
[0134] However, there is a difference between the inner exercising
mechanism of the different types and thus a difference in their
use.
[0135] The groups of patients and types of apparatuses are
described below such that patient group and apparatus type are
described together. Subsequently, the particular conditions
concerning each patient group's use of the apparatus type are
described briefly.
[0136] Patient Group 1 and Apparatus Type 1
[0137] Patient group 1 comprises in particular ill or elderly
walking-impaired people living in their own homes, nursing homes or
the like. Some walking-impaired elderly people sit in a chair or
lie in bed day and night and many of these elderly people are not
well. Their circulative system degrades, they feel pain in the legs
and their difficulty of walking increases. To get up from the chair
is very exhausting and the risk of falling increases the efforts
needed. Naturally, it would be best for their health to take a
walk, but this is not possible for quite many elderly people.
[0138] These patients need upkeep exercise for actual strengthening
of the walking function and the circulative system. Such exercise
will result in upkeep or improvement of the general state of health
and in improved quality of life.
[0139] It must be possible to achieve the exercise in a gentle way,
but nevertheless with the necessary effect. It must be easy to cope
with the difficulty in starting the exercising, and the exercising
must be adapted individually both as regards the extent of the
movements and the strength put into them.
[0140] Furthermore, it is important to the patients that this
exercise takes place in a familiar and natural way.
[0141] Apparatus type 1 is the most, simple apparatus. It is
provided with two pedals formed as individually adjusted foot
supports. They can be moved as a pedal stroke, i.e. in linear
movement along the apparatus, and they can be tilted or rotated
about an axis of rotation in the same manner as a bicycle pedal.
The axis of rotation of this tilting can be displaced to lie in an
arbitrary place between toes and heel and the length of the pedal
stroke is adjustable.
[0142] If the stroke length is adjusted to less than the full
length of the apparatus, it is possible to choose whether the pedal
stroke takes place at the upper or lower end of the apparatus. If
the apparatus is used in bed it will be most convenient if the
pedals are nearest to the patient and if it is used on the floor by
a chair, the pedals should be nearest to the floor.
[0143] The apparatus functions symmetrically as regards the two
pedals both in pedal stroke and tilting. The resistance against
linear pressing down of the pedals can be adjusted from zero to
maximum, which is approximately 30 kg against the linear pedal
stroke and a smaller torque resistance against pedal tilting or
rotation.
[0144] It is possible to set the pedal system such that the
apparatus requires that the foot be tilted as part of the pedal
stroke cyclus.
[0145] Irrespective of the adjustment of the resistance against
pedal movements, the resistance is small at the beginning of the
movement and increases during the movement. This applies even
though the pedal movement has stopped on the way, i.e. it is always
easy to start the pedal movements.
[0146] Patient group 1 and apparatus type 1: The patient will
typically be in surroundings of a familiar kind, either in his own
home or in a nursing home. As the leg press must be available
without great preparations, it will probably stand on the floor
close to the patient's preferred chair. Both as regards appearance
and mode of operation the leg press is made in such a way that it
appears as an attractive piece of furniture in the patient's living
room. It is easy to pull it in front of the chair and it is easy to
place the legs in the foot supports of the pedals.
[0147] As the resistance against movement is always low at the
beginning, it is not exhausting to get going. If the continuation
of the pedal movement is too exhausting, the patient stops and
continues when he is ready again.
[0148] The patient decides the speed, and the stroke length of the
pedals is adjusted such that it corresponds to the patient's leg
length, the height of the chair and the placement and slope of the
leg press.
[0149] The cyclus can be adjusted such that either a powerful
tilting of the pedal must be made before it can be pressed down or
that the pedal is tilted during the pedal stroke. This ensures that
the venous pump of the calf is activated.
[0150] The patient cannot fall and the avoidance of pinching
injuries has been taken into consideration. It has also been
anticipated that the interest of children in what is going on can
lead to small fingers getting too near to the apparatus in
operation. Similarly, prevention of pinching injuries in this
connection have been taken into consideration.
[0151] The apparatus is provided with a counter such that the
patient can keep up to date as regards the extent of the exercise.
In addition, the public health service or other persons can read
more data on total energy input, maximum effect etc. perhaps by
means of special equipment. These data can be provided with
information on points in time, as this type of information may be
useful. By means of these data a more objective picture is achieved
of the patient's condition as well as regarding positive or
negative development of the patient since the last time read-outs
were made.
[0152] The best results are obtained when the patient's perception
of improved quality of life is in accordance with the measurements
of his or her physical condition. In case of discrepancies nurse or
physiotherapist can alter the exercise programme somewhat by
adjusting the apparatus and thus achieve a more distinct
development in the patient's own perception of his or her quality
of life.
[0153] Patient Group 2 and Apparatus Type 2
[0154] Patient group 2 comprises patients who have to continue
rehabilitation after discharge from a hospital after disease,
operation, accident, thrombus, cerebral haemorrhage etc.
[0155] The patients are in their own homes or transferred to
convalescent homes or the like, and the exercise is typically aimed
at reconstructing strength and condition and it is a question of
supporting and preferably accelerating the recovery process
[0156] The rehabilitation aims at bringing the patient back to a
condition as close to the previous one as possible.
[0157] Some patients in this group, for instance some aphasia
patients, are one-sided paralysed persons, and for several reasons
they will have a great need for exercising both legs, also the
paralysed one. A quick return to a normal life depends on
persistent efforts in re-training both legs. Exercise of the
paralysed leg is done by means the apparatus. Thus, exercise of
one-sided paralysed patients will to a great degree take place in
the same way as for non-paralysed patients.
[0158] Some patients will benefit from the exercise obtained by
being encountering resistance against bending the legs, i.e.
pulling at the pedal. This can be combined with the general
exercise performed by leg stretching, i.e. pressing down the pedal,
if the press prevents leg streching until a certain pull at the
other pedal is registered. Combined exercises of this kind will be
particularly suitable for patients in this group.
[0159] Like the one-sided paralysed patients the one-sided leg
amputees have a great need for exercise. Also for these patients it
is important to get going as soon as possible. The quickly
initiated exercise gives the best long-term results and for these
patients it is a particular problem to get sufficiently all-round
and extensive exercise.
[0160] Apparatus type 2 has some unsymmetrical functions as it is
also used by one-sided paralysed or amputated persons.
[0161] It is equipped like apparatus type 1, but the return
movement of a pedal can be performed by the apparatus itself. This
means that exercising a one-sided paralysed patient or a person
with a missing or very weak leg can take place more or less in the
same way as for persons without this handicap.
[0162] Furthermore, the apparatus can be adjusted to offer a
separately adjustable resistance against a pulling of one or both
pedals.
[0163] Adjustments of various combinations of conditions and
movements can be made such that the patient exercises as much as
possible with the available muscular activity.
[0164] The apparatus is provided with a control means enabling the
patient to monitor and control the exercise when assisted exercise
is used, for instance for one-sided paralysed patients. The
apparatus can be stopped immediately if a movement does not feel
comfortable.
[0165] The measuring and registration equipment of the apparatus is
more comprehensive than the equipment of apparatus type 1. Apart
from data readable on the display of the apparatus, data can be
read out by means of a data collection device which can be
connected directly or by telephonic data transmission.
[0166] The attending physician can use some of these measurements
or physiotherapist for registering the patient's condition, both in
absolute terms and relative to previous measurements. This
information can be used when planning the further development of
the rehabilitation.
[0167] Patient group 2 and apparatus type 2: Patients in this group
may be bedridden initially, typically in their own homes, and later
to an increasing extent out of bed. Therefore, at the beginning of
this part of the rehabilitation, the leg press will be used in bed
and later by a chair, possibly a wheel chair.
[0168] As a great deal of data relating to the patient's condition
is measured and registered in connection with the type 2 apparatus,
the rehabilitation can be optimized considerably.
[0169] As one-sided paralysed patients are often involved, it is a
particular advantage that the walking function can be retrained
without risk of falling. Experience shows that exercise of the
healthy leg also improves the paralysed leg. Furthermore, if the
patient is able to exercise the paralysed leg, assisted by motors
of the leg press, it is to be expected that the total activity
involved will promote the recovery. The concentration and the
efforts in this connection will probably promote the rehabilitation
and as the load can be reduced it is possible to exercise and thus
concentrate on the muscular activity of the legs for quite a long
time without risk of overloading muscles and joints.
[0170] Patient Group 3 and Apparatus Type 3
[0171] Patient group 3 comprises hospitalized patients beginning
rehabilitation immediately after the operation.
[0172] These patients need apparatuses with a special degree of
flexibility as their exercise will be hampered partly by reduced
freedom of movement, partly by the fact that at the beginning there
will be pain in connection with movement.
[0173] For these patients the exercise apparatus must be able to
follow and assist the patient's often small improvements. Is
functions must be extremely sensitive such that the patient's
attempts to exercise are exploited as much as possible. This
applies in particular during the first period of time after an
operation, accident or other violent incident.
[0174] After discharge from the hospital the further rehabilitation
of the patient will often take place at the premises of a
practising physiotherapist and accordingly as for patient group 2
in this connection. It will be possible to continue the
rehabilitation as described for this group.
[0175] Apparatus type 3 is intended for all the applications
mentioned in type 1 and in type 2
[0176] The measuring and registration equipment is more
comprehensive and contains more registrations for statistical
use.
[0177] This type of apparatus will form part of the further
development of methods of better rehabilitation of patients after
incidents that have changed the patient's mobility violently for a
short or long time.
[0178] Patient group 3 and apparatus type 3: The patients are
typically bedridden. Furthermore, their freedom of movement can be
limited by bandages, infusion devices and the like, and under these
circumstances heavy demands are made to the flexibility and the
possibilites of adjustment of the leg press when in use.
[0179] The apparatus may be in the patient's bed day and night, but
more probably it will mainly only be in bed when used. Of course,
the patient needs help in connection with displacing the leg press,
but the patient can manage the exercise itself alone. This means
that exercising can take place at times where the patient is ready
for it. The assistance which must rendered by others is to an
extent corresponding to most other acts of the nursing and it can
be rendered by anyone participating in this nursing function.
[0180] Therefore, the rehabilitation of the more active patients
can be much more intense and effective than is possible with prior
art exercise and rehabilitation devices and even for less active
patients great improvements of the rehabilitation can be achieved
by using a type 3 leg press according to the invention.
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