U.S. patent application number 11/965726 was filed with the patent office on 2009-07-02 for rehabilitation leg press apparatus and method.
Invention is credited to Caldwell Scott McMullen.
Application Number | 20090170672 11/965726 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40799205 |
Filed Date | 2009-07-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090170672 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McMullen; Caldwell Scott |
July 2, 2009 |
REHABILITATION LEG PRESS APPARATUS AND METHOD
Abstract
An apparatus for rehabilitation of a patient sitting in a
wheelchair, the apparatus having a passive support, an active
support, a vertical motion restricting device, a wheelchair
securing device, a horizontal motion device with respect to the
passive support, and a horizontal motion device with respect to the
vertical motion restricting device. Also, a method for
rehabilitation of a patient when the patient is sitting in a
wheelchair, the method having the steps of passively supporting the
wheelchair, actively supporting the wheelchair, vertically
restricting motion of the wheelchair, securing the wheelchair, and
horizontally moving the wheelchair.
Inventors: |
McMullen; Caldwell Scott;
(Sagel, ID) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MICHAEL RIES
318 PARKER PLACE
OSWEGO
IL
60543
US
|
Family ID: |
40799205 |
Appl. No.: |
11/965726 |
Filed: |
December 27, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/129 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 71/0009 20130101;
A63B 22/203 20130101; A63B 23/0405 20130101; A63B 2071/0018
20130101; A63B 23/03525 20130101; A63B 69/0064 20130101; A63B
21/068 20130101; A63B 21/0552 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/129 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/04 20060101
A63B021/04 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for rehabilitation of a patient sitting in a
wheelchair, the apparatus comprising: a means for passive support;
a means for active support; a means for restricting vertical motion
of the means for active support; a means for securing the
wheelchair; a means for horizontal motion with respect to the means
for passive support; and a means for horizontal motion with respect
to the means for restricting vertical motion of the means for
active support.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the means for passive support
comprises the means for restricting vertical motion of the means
for active support.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the means for active support
comprises the means for securing the wheelchair.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the means for active support
comprises the means for horizontal motion with respect to the means
for passive support.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the means for active support
comprises the means for horizontal motion with respect to the means
for restricting vertical motion of the means for active
support.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus further
comprises a means for dynamic resistance and a means for static
resistance; and wherein the means for dynamic resistance is
provided between the means for passive support and the means for
active support.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein apparatus further comprises a
means for dynamic resistance and a means for static resistance; and
wherein the means for static resistance is provided between the
wheelchair and the means for active support.
8. An apparatus for rehabilitation of a patient sitting in a
wheelchair, the apparatus comprising: a support structure; a
carriage; a carriage vertical motion restrictor device; a receiver
for the wheelchair; a first rolling device for horizontal motion
with respect to the support structure; and a second rolling device
for horizontal motion with respect to the carriage vertical motion
restrictor device.
9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the support structure
comprises the carriage vertical motion restrictor device.
10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the carriage comprises a
selected one of the receiver for the wheelchair and the first
rolling device for horizontal motion with respect to the support
structure.
11. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the entire apparatus is at an
angle so that the lower plate is disposed at an incline and so that
the wheelchair rolls back and forth in a direction that is not
horizontal.
12. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the carriage comprises the
second rolling device for horizontal motion with respect to the
carriage vertical motion restrictor device.
13. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the apparatus further
comprises a dynamic resistance device and a static resistance
device; and wherein the dynamic resistance device is provided
between the support structure and the carriage.
14. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the apparatus further
comprises a dynamic resistance device and a static resistance
device; and wherein the static resistance device is provided
between the wheelchair and the carriage.
15. A method for rehabilitation of a patient when the patient is
sitting in a wheelchair, the method comprising the steps of:
passively supporting the wheelchair; actively supporting the
wheelchair; vertically restricting motion of the wheelchair;
securing the wheelchair; and horizontally moving the
wheelchair.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the step of passively
supporting the wheelchair comprises the step of a selected one of
horizontally and vertically restricting motion of the
wheelchair.
17. The method of claim 15, wherein step of actively supporting the
wheelchair comprises the step of securing the wheelchair.
18. The method of claim 15, wherein the entire apparatus is at an
angle so that the lower plate is disposed at an incline and so that
the wheelchair rolls back and forth in a direction that is not
horizontal.
19. The method of claim 15, the method further comprising steps of
providing dynamic resistance to the wheelchair; providing static
resistance to the wheelchair; and attaching a means for dynamic
resistance between a passive support means and a means for active
support.
20. The method of claim 15, the method further comprising steps of
providing dynamic resistance to the wheelchair; providing static
resistance to the wheelchair; and attaching a means for static
resistance between the wheelchair and a means for active support.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND
[0001] The present invention relates, in general, to an apparatus
for strengthening and rehabilitating the lower portion of the human
body. More specifically, the present invention relates to a
rehabilitation leg press apparatus, useable with a wheelchair, such
that people that use and need wheelchairs can exercise and
rehabilitate their lower bodies while remaining seated in a
wheelchair with minimum risk.
[0002] The prior art discloses various apparatuses in which the
wheelchair functions as a support seat for the exercise apparatus.
The wheelchair is often static or stationary. In many cases, the
wheelchair is fastened to pedal assemblies for a bicycle-type of
exercise. Many prior exercise apparatuses make accommodations for a
wheelchair in upper body exercise equipment, or include a
wheelchair treadmill-type exercise apparatus, in which the
wheelchair rolls on rollers when the operator pushes the large
wheels of the wheelchair for upper body exercise. Some prior
exercise apparatuses are provided for passive exercises for the
lower body and dynamic upper body exercises, apparently since most
wheelchair users have lower body handicaps or are paralyzed. None
of the prior art devices includes the wheelchair as a moving part
of the exercise apparatus.
[0003] Although many devices have been proposed for accommodating a
patient in a wheelchair, none of these prior devices are
particularly suited for use with bariatric rehabilitation patients
who are regaining the ability to stand and walk, where the patient
can stay in the wheelchair while exercising their legs, where the
wheelchair is stabilized during exercise and prevented from
tipping, especially tipping backward, where the patient can
exercise in a manner that simulates and develops sit-to-stand
motions and ability in patients, and where the patient can exercise
so as to strengthen muscles and achieve a cardiovascular
workout.
[0004] The apparatus and method of the present invention may
comprise one or more features, which address one or more (or all)
of the above-referenced problems and deficiencies in the prior art.
Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention
will be apparent from the accompanying drawings, and from the
detailed description that follows below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] The objects, features, and advantages of the present
invention will be apparent from the following detailed description
of an embodiment of the invention with references to the following
drawings.
[0006] FIG. 1 is a side view of an embodiment of the present leg
press apparatus with a wheelchair positioned in an operative
position in the apparatus.
[0007] FIG. 2 is a side view of an embodiment of the present leg
press apparatus.
[0008] FIG. 3 is a front view of an embodiment of the present leg
press apparatus with a wheelchair positioned in an operative
position in the apparatus.
[0009] FIG. 4 is a front view of an embodiment of the present leg
press apparatus.
[0010] FIG. 5 is a partial top view of a wheelchair positioned in a
carriage of the leg press apparatus in an embodiment of the present
leg press apparatus.
[0011] FIG. 6 is a partial side view of a linear motion assembly of
the leg press apparatus in an embodiment of the present leg press
apparatus; and
[0012] FIG. 7 is a side view of an embodiment of the present leg
press apparatus.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
[0013] The present invention is an exercise apparatus for people
who use wheelchairs or are wheelchair bound. The present invention
is particularly suited for use with bariatric rehabilitation
patients who are regaining the ability to walk. The patient can
stay in the wheelchair while exercising their legs. The apparatus
stabilizes the wheelchair during exercise and prevents the
wheelchair from tipping, especially tipping backward. Also, the
apparatus allows the therapist to monitor patient activity without
manually assisting in the activity (line-of-sight supervision). The
apparatus permits exercise that simulates and develops sit-to-stand
motions, activity tolerance and sit-to-stand ability in patients.
This type of exercise both strengthens muscles and provides a
cardio-vascular workout.
[0014] In the present invention, a wheelchair exerciser assembly is
provided which supports a person in a wheelchair while performing
dynamic compound lower body exercises, especially leg press type or
simulated sit-to-stand exercises. To achieve this function, the
present invention includes structure to stabilize a wheelchair and
to restrict the movement of the wheelchair to one direction or
plane. Thus, the present invention includes a one-directional or
single-plane slide-platform assembly to which the front wheels of a
wheelchair are fixedly engaged. Although the terms "horizontal" and
"vertical" may be used to describe the present apparatus, it is
understood that the apparatus may be provided in any suitable
configuration which performs the functions described herein. For
example, the terms horizontal and vertical may describe the planes
in which portions of the apparatus are disposed, but are not
intended to limit the configuration of the apparatus to strictly
horizontal and vertical configurations. The entire device may be
provided at an angle so that the direction of back-and-forth motion
is along an inclined plane.
[0015] Further, the present invention includes a pushing-platform
that the patient pushes with his feet and resistive apparatus that
provide resistive force against which the patient must push. The
wheelchair exerciser is designed to accommodate a large variety of
wheelchair sizes. The present invention is designed to be
especially used in a physical therapy or physical rehabilitation
setting.
[0016] FIG. 1 is a side view of an embodiment of the present leg
press apparatus 10 with a wheelchair 12 positioned in an operative
position in the apparatus 10. The apparatus 10 has a base structure
(or support chassis or support structure) 16. The base structure 16
may be made of one-piece construction or multiple components as
shown. The base structure 16 may be made of any suitable material,
such as wood, plastic or metal or a combination of wood, plastic
and/or metal. If the base structure 16 is provided with multiple
components as shown, the components may be connected using any
suitable means of connection, such as screws.
[0017] The base structure may comprise a lower plate 16a, a pair of
lower beams 16b on the lower plate 16a, a pair of middle plates 16c
on the lower beams 16b, a pair of upper beams 16d, and a pair of
upper plates or restrictor plates 16e on the pair of upper beams
16d. As detailed in FIG. 4, the lower plate 16a may be connected
with a cross beam 17, which is provided between the pair of lower
beams 16b.
[0018] The base structure 16 may be provided with a vertical
support member 18 and may be stabilized with the aforementioned
cross beam 17 and a corner support member 19. The support members
18 and 19 may be constructed in a manner similar to that of the
base structure 16 described above. For example, the vertical
support member 18 may be formed of plywood and attached to base
structure 16 with screws and with a corner support member 19 formed
of metal, plastic, PVC or the like. The corner support member 19
may also be attached with any suitable means for connection, such
as screws. In the illustrated embodiment, the corner support member
19 is triangular in shape and comprises a horizontal piece, a
vertical piece and an angled cross piece between the horizontal and
vertical pieces, where the horizontal piece is attached to the base
structure 16 and the vertical piece is attached to the vertical
support member 18, and where the angled cross piece is integrated
into a one-piece construction with the horizontal and vertical
pieces.
[0019] Referring, for example, to FIG. 2, a press board 14 may be
attached between the vertical support member 18 and the base
structure 16. Specifically, the press board 14 may be provided at
an angle A with respect to the vertical and attached at a top of
the vertical support member 18 and to a top side of the lower plate
16a. In operation, a patient places his or her feet against the
press board 14. It has been found than the angle A should be less
than about 45 degrees with respect to the vertical, preferably
between about 15 degrees and about 30 degrees, and even more
preferably between about 20 degrees and about 25 degrees. It has
been found that by positioning of the press board 14 at the angle A
within the ranges specified above, an optimal position is provided
for the patient during exercise. The press board 14 may be provided
such than angle A may be adjustable for individual preference.
[0020] The press board 14 may further comprise a foot support 20.
The foot support 20 may also be adjustable in any direction on the
press board 14 and may be adapted to receive the feet of the
patient during exercise or individualized to meet the needs of a
particular patient.
[0021] A means for resistance 26 may be attached at any suitable
position on the apparatus 10. For example, in an example of a
relatively simple type of construction, the means for resistance 26
may be attached to the press board 14 using stays, eyelets or loops
15. The stays, eyelets or loops 15 could be screwed into the press
board 14 or attached using any suitable means. The stays, eyelets
or loops 15 may be made of suitable material such as metal, wood,
plastic or the like.
[0022] The means for resistance 26 may be made of any suitable
material. For example, the means for resistance 26 may be one or
more means of dynamic resistance, such as elastic bands or bungee
cords. In the illustrated embodiment, three pair of bungee cords
are used, one pair on each side. Multiple resistances could be
achieved by providing elastic bands or bungee cords with different
levels of elastic resistance and/or by providing multiple bands or
cords which together achieve the desired resistance. In any event,
the means for resistance 26 is provided between the wheelchair 10
and the press board 14. In operation, the wheelchair 10 is provided
in a carriage 32 (to be described in greater detail below), and as
the patient presses on the press board 14, the means for resistance
26 provides resistance to the legs of the patient as the carriage
32 moves with the wheelchair 10.
[0023] FIG. 2 is a side view of an embodiment of the present leg
press apparatus 10 without the wheelchair 12. In addition to the
features described above, FIG. 2 also shows wheel receptacles 34
provided in the carriage 32. Although an opening is shown in the
illustrated embodiment, any suitable means for securing the
wheelchair 10 may be provided. For example, the wheel receptacles
34 may be an opening in the carriage 32 (as shown), or the wheel
receptacles 34 could be a wheel cup (not shown) provided in a shape
specifically adapted to receive front wheels 13 of the wheelchair
10. The wheel cup could be made of any suitable material such as
metal, plastic or wood.
[0024] Also, the carriage 32 comprises a pair of upper wheels 36
attached to the carriage 32 with mounting brackets 35. It is noted
that one of the pair of upper wheels 36 is shown in FIG. 2. Both of
the pair of upper wheels 36 are shown, for example, in FIGS. 3, 4
and 6. Although upper wheels 36 are shown, any suitable means of
providing for the horizontal movement of the carriage 32 may be
employed.
[0025] Also, FIG. 2 shows a pair of tracks 30 adapted to receive
and secure a pair of lower wheels 38 (as detailed in FIGS. 3 and
4). Although a pair of tracks 30 are shown, any suitable means of
receiving and securing the lower wheels 38 may be used. The tracks
30 may be made of any suitable material such as metal, wood or
plastic.
[0026] FIG. 3 is a front view of an embodiment of the present leg
press apparatus 10 with a wheelchair 12 positioned in an operative
position in the apparatus 10. In addition to the features shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2, FIG. 3 also shows that the carriage 32 comprises a
pair of lower wheels 38 attached to the carriage 32 with mounting
brackets 37.
[0027] FIG. 4 is a front view of an embodiment of the present leg
press apparatus 10 without the wheelchair 10 including all the
features shown in FIGS. 1-3.
[0028] FIG. 5 is a partial top view of a wheelchair 12 positioned
in a carriage 32 of the leg press apparatus 10 in an embodiment of
the present leg press apparatus 10. As noted above, the means for
resistance 26 may be attached at any suitable position on the
apparatus 10 and elastic bands or bungee cords may be used as the
means for resistance 26. As detailed in FIG. 5, for example, a
first end of a first band or cord may be attached to a first loop,
the first band or cord may be wrapped around a first side of the
frame of the wheelchair 10, and a second end of the first band or
cord may be attached to the same first loop. Then, a first end of a
second band or cord may be attached to a second loop, the second
band or cord may be wrapped around a second side of the frame of
the wheelchair 10, and a second end of the second band or cord may
be attached to the same second loop. Also, a means for static
resistance, such as a fastening strap, stay tether, steel rod or
bar 40 made of woven nylon, rope, metal or any other suitable
material, can be attached between the wheelchair 10 and the
carriage 32. Although any suitable means for static resistance may
be used, as shown in FIG. 5, a first end of the strap or tether 40
can be attached to a first stay, eyelet or loop 33 on one side of
the carriage 32, the strap or tether 40 can be looped through the
frame of the wheelchair 10 and a second end of the strap or tether
40 can be attached to a second stay, eyelet or loop 33 on another
side of the carriage 32. Optionally, a rigid retaining bar may be
used instead of the strap or tether 40.
[0029] FIG. 6 is a partial side view of the carriage 32 of the leg
press apparatus 10 in an embodiment of the present leg press
apparatus 10. FIG. 6 details the pair of upper wheels 36 adapted to
roll against a bottom side of the pair of upper plates or
restrictor plates 16e. Since the pair of upper wheels 36 are
adapted to roll against the bottom side of the pair of upper plates
or restrictor plates 16e, the carriage 32 is restricted from
vertical movement within the apparatus 10. As noted above, the
entire apparatus 10 may be disposed at an angle, and it is
understood that the restrictor plates 16e would still function to
prevent improper or undesired disengagement of the wheelchair 12
from the apparatus 10. Since the wheelchair 10 is attached to the
carriage 32 with a means for static resistance, such as fastening
strap, stay tether, steel rod or bar 40 (see, for example, FIG. 5),
the wheelchair 10, in operation, is restricted by the pair of upper
plates or restrictor plates 16e and is thus prevented from tipping
over or rising off the surface formed by lower plate 16a during
operation. This provides stability to the patient and permits the
patient to engage in a full range of motion and increased force
during exercise thus improving the exercise for the patient.
[0030] FIG. 7 is a side view of the entire apparatus 10 may be
provided at an angle so that the lower plate 16a is disposed at an
incline and so that the wheelchair 12 rolls back and forth in a
direction that is not horizontal. For example, the apparatus 10 may
be disposed at any angle between 0 and 45 degrees. As the angle
increases, the patient would need to increase the force required to
complete a repetition. As such, the leg press apparatus may be
adapted to incorporate the force of gravity into the exercise.
Shown is a control button 50 to drop the apparatus 10 to a level
position.
[0031] In one embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for
rehabilitation of a patient, such as a bariatric patient, sitting
in a wheelchair 12, is provided. The apparatus may comprise a
means, such as support structure 16, for passive support; a means,
such as carriage or slide platform 32, for active support; a means,
such as restrictor plate 16e, for restricting vertical motion of
the means for active support; a means, such as wheel receptacles
34, for securing the wheelchair 12; a means, such as lower wheels
38, for horizontal motion with respect to the means for passive
support; a means, such as upper wheels 36, for horizontal motion
with respect to the means for restricting vertical motion of the
means for active support; a means, such as elastic bands 26, for
elastic resistance; and a means, such as fastening strap, stay
tether, steel rod or bar 40, for static resistance.
[0032] The apparatus may be provided such that the means, such as
support structure 16, for passive support comprises the means, such
as restrictor plate 16e, for restricting vertical motion of the
means for active support.
[0033] The apparatus may be provided such that the means, such as
carriage or slide platform 32, for active support comprises the
means, such as wheel receptacles 34, for securing the wheelchair
12.
[0034] The apparatus may be provided such that the means, such as
carriage or slide platform 32, for active support comprises the
means, such as lower wheels 38, for horizontal motion with respect
to the means for passive support.
[0035] The apparatus may be provided such that the means, such as
carriage or slide platform 32, for active support comprises the
means, such as upper wheels 36, for horizontal motion with respect
to the means for restricting vertical motion of the means for
active support.
[0036] The apparatus may be provided such that the means, such as
elastic bands 26, for elastic resistance is provided between the
means, such as support structure 16, for passive support and the
means, such as carriage or slide platform 32, for active
support.
[0037] The apparatus may be provided such that the means, such as
fastening strap, stay tether, steel rod or bar 40, for static
resistance is provided between the wheelchair 12 and the means,
such as carriage or slide platform 32, for active support.
[0038] In one embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus 10
for rehabilitation of a patient sitting in a wheelchair 12 is
provided. The apparatus 10 may comprise a support structure 16; a
carriage or slide platform 32; a carriage or slide platform 32
vertical motion restrictor device 16e; a receiver or wheel
receptacles 34 for the wheelchair 12; a first rolling device 38,
such as a first wheel, for horizontal motion with respect to the
support structure 16; a second rolling device 36, such as a second
wheel, for horizontal motion with respect to the carriage or slide
platform 32 vertical motion restrictor device 16e; an elastic
resistance device 26; and a static resistance device 40.
[0039] The apparatus 10 may be provided such that the support
structure 16 comprises the carriage or slide platform 32 vertical
motion restrictor device 16e.
[0040] The apparatus 10 may be provided such that the carriage or
slide platform 32 comprises the receiver or wheel receptacles 34
for the wheelchair 12.
[0041] The apparatus 10 may be provided such that the carriage or
slide platform 32 comprises the first rolling device 38 for
horizontal motion with respect to the support structure 16.
[0042] The apparatus 10 may be provided such that the carriage or
slide platform 32 comprises the second rolling device 36 for
horizontal motion with respect to the carriage or slide platform 32
vertical motion restrictor device 16e.
[0043] The apparatus 10 may be provided such that the elastic
resistance device 26 is provided between the support structure 16
and the carriage or slide platform 32.
[0044] The apparatus 10 may be provided such that the static
resistance device 40 is provided between the wheelchair 12 and the
carriage or slide platform 32.
[0045] The present invention is also directed to a method for
rehabilitation of a patient when the patient is sitting in a
wheelchair 12, the method comprising the steps of passively
supporting the wheelchair 12, for example, with support structure
16; actively supporting the wheelchair 12, for example, with
carriage 32; vertically restricting motion of the wheelchair 12,
for example, with restrictor plate 16e; securing the wheelchair 12,
for example with wheel receptacles 34; horizontally moving the
wheelchair 12, for example, using the carriage 32 with upper wheels
36 and lower wheels 38; providing elastic resistance to the
wheelchair 12, for example, with elastic bands 26; and providing
static resistance to the wheelchair 12, for example, with fastening
strap, stay tether, steel rod or bar 40, where resistance may be
applied to the carriage via eyelets.
[0046] The method may be provided such that the step of passively
supporting the wheelchair 12 comprises the step of vertically
restricting motion of the wheelchair 12.
[0047] The method may be provided such that step of actively
supporting the wheelchair 12 comprises the step of securing the
wheelchair 12.
[0048] The method may be provided such that the step of actively
supporting the wheelchair 12 means comprises the step of
horizontally moving the wheelchair 12.
[0049] The method may further comprise a step of attaching a means,
such as elastic bands 26, for elastic resistance between a passive
support means and a means, such as carriage or slide platform 32,
for active support.
[0050] The method may further comprise a step of attaching a means,
such as fastening strap, stay tether, steel rod or bar 40, for
static resistance between the wheelchair 12 and a means, such as
carriage or slide platform 32, for active support.
[0051] A rehabilitation leg press apparatus 10, the apparatus 10
usable with a wheelchair 12, the apparatus 10 comprising a support
chassis 16; a carriage 32 configured for reciprocating motion
having at least one wheelchair receptacle 34; at least one linear
motion assembly is connected to the carriage; a press board 14; a
means for resistive force that is configured to resist the leg
pushing motion of a wheelchair 12 user; and a means for securing a
wheelchair 12 to the carriage.
[0052] The rehabilitation leg press apparatus 10 may be provided
such that the at least one linear motion assembly comprises at
least one linear motion assembly configured at opposite sides of
the carriage 32 and each linear motion assembly comprises an upper
and a lower track 30; at least one upper track wheel 36; at least
one lower track wheel 38; and a stabilizer piece (not shown).
[0053] The rehabilitation leg press apparatus 10 may be provided
such that the support chassis 16 further includes a vertical
support 18; a base support; and a corner support 19 bracket.
[0054] The rehabilitation leg press apparatus 10 may be provided
such that the press board 14 is adjustable such that the press
board 14 can be configured at different angles to a wheelchair 12
user.
[0055] The rehabilitation leg press apparatus 10 may be provided
such that the press board 14 further includes at least one foot
support 20.
[0056] The rehabilitation leg press apparatus 10 may be provided
such that the at least one foot support is adjustable and can be
configured at different positions on the press board 14.
[0057] The rehabilitation leg press apparatus 10 may be provided
such that the at least one wheelchair receptacle 34 is configured
to receive and support front wheels of the wheelchair 12 such that
the front wheels of the wheelchair 12 are positioned out of contact
with a running surface on which the wheelchair 12 moves.
[0058] The rehabilitation leg press apparatus 10 may be provided
such that the at least one wheelchair receptacle 34 can receive and
support front wheels of various sizes of different wheelchairs
12.
[0059] The rehabilitation leg press apparatus 10 may be provided
such that the at least one wheelchair receptacle 34 further
includes a bottom cup portion that is configured in an arc-like
shape, such that front wheels of the wheelchair 12 can be received
and supported by the bottom cup portion.
[0060] The rehabilitation leg press apparatus 10 may be provided
such that the means for resistive force is at least one tension
band or static stay.
[0061] The rehabilitation leg press apparatus 10 may be provided
such that the means for resistive force includes a weight lifting
apparatus such that the operator lifts the weights while pushing
against the press board 14.
[0062] The rehabilitation leg press apparatus 10 may be provided
such that the weight lifting apparatus includes at least one weight
plate; at least one pulley assembly; and at least one cable. The
weight lifting apparatus may also comprise a hydraulic device.
[0063] The rehabilitation leg press apparatus 10 may be provided
such that the means for securing a wheelchair 12 to the carriage 32
is configured to prevent the wheelchair 12 from tipping over during
operation by a wheelchair 12 user.
[0064] The rehabilitation leg press apparatus 10 may be provided
such that the means for securing a wheelchair 12 to the carriage 32
includes a tether and a plurality of tether stays 33 fastened to
the carriage.
[0065] The rehabilitation leg press apparatus 10 may be provided
such that the means for securing a wheelchair 12 to the carriage 32
includes a bar and a plurality of bar fixtures fastened to the
carriage.
[0066] In another embodiment of the present invention, a
rehabilitation leg press apparatus 10 is provided usable with a
wheelchair 12 comprising a wheelchair 12; a support chassis 16
further including a vertical support 18, a base support, and a
corner bracket 19; a carriage 32 configured for reciprocating
motion having at least one wheelchair receptacle 34; where the at
least one wheelchair receptacle 34 is configured to receive and
support front wheels 13 of the wheelchair 12 such that the front
wheels 13 of the wheelchair 12 are positioned out of contact with a
running surface for the wheelchair 12; at least one linear motion
assembly configured at opposite sides of the carriage, each linear
motion assembly further including an upper track (not shown), a
lower track 30, at least one upper track wheel 36, at least one
lower track wheel 38, and a stabilizer piece (not shown); an
adjustable press board 14 further including an adjustable foot
support 20 such that the foot support 20 can be configured at
different positions on the press board 14; at least one tension
band 26 that is configured to resist the leg pushing motion of a
wheelchair 12 user; a means for securing the wheelchair 12 to the
carriage, such that the wheelchair 12 will not tip over during
operation by a wheelchair 12 user; and the means for securing the
wheelchair 12 to the carriage 32 further includes a tether 40 and a
plurality of tether stays 33 fastened to the carriage 32.
[0067] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a method
of using a rehabilitation leg press apparatus 10 is provided, the
method comprising positioning a wheelchair 12 into the leg press
apparatus 10; positioning front wheels 13 of the wheelchair 12 in
at least one wheelchair receptacle 34 of a carriage 32, such that
the front wheels 13 are positioned out of contact with a running
surface on which the wheelchair 12 moves; securing the wheelchair
12 to the carriage 32, such that the wheelchair 12 will not tip
over during operation by a wheelchair 12 user, by threading a
tether 40 through a frame of the wheelchair 12 and fastening
opposite sides of the tether 40 to two stays 33 at opposite sides
of the carriage 32; connecting the wheelchair 12 to a resistive
force assembly configured to resist the leg pushing motion of a
wheelchair 12 user; and operating the leg press assembly 10, which
further includes alternating a leg press motion and a leg retract
motion, where during the leg press motion, a wheelchair 12 user
pushes with a forward push force of a lower body of the user
against a press board 14 to move the wheelchair 12 rearward, and
during the leg retract motion, a wheelchair 12 user allows the
resistive force to overcome the rearward push force of the lower
body to move the wheelchair 12 rearward.
[0068] Although the present invention has been described in terms
of specific exemplary embodiments, it will be appreciated that
various modifications and alterations might be made by those
skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of
the invention as set forth in the following claims.
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