LOWER LIMB FUNCTION TRAINING DEVICE

Information

  • Patent Application
  • 20100222180
  • Publication Number
    20100222180
  • Date Filed
    December 02, 2009
    14 years ago
  • Date Published
    September 02, 2010
    14 years ago
Abstract
A lower limb function training device which the user themselves can use safely with no sense of fear, which is used to prevent thrombophlebitis known as economy syndrome, which allows the user to select the type of exercise, and which enables to train own lower limbs in the narrow area is provided with a foot rest bar (501), in which both the feet are put on, a supporting structure (502) of the foot rest bar that has repulsive force which can be extended, a storage device (503) of said supporting structure and said foot rest bar, a pivot axis (504) of which load device (507) which enable to set the device to detect the number of times, speed to move and brake is mounted and a set up structure (506) for the supporting structure of the foot rest bar to a case (505).
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention is related to offering of a training device for avoiding thrombophlebitis known as economy syndrome in case of being obliged to keep seated position for long time in airplanes and so on.


BACKGROUND TECHNOLOGY

In the case of disorders where someone has a disability as a result of hemiparesis after apoplexy, a decline of muscular strength of the lower extremities is caused by the rupture of the Achilles' tendon and/or disabilities of the range of motion in the joint of a leg or knee originating in a bone fracture of the lower extremities and other conditions if left untreated, an ankle or knee becomes a contracture and chronic disabilities of the lower extremities have been originated.


Therefore, these functional disorders become the training or exercise for the needed recovery.


Also, in case of being obliged to keep seated for long time and no exercises can be performed, it is subject to thrombophelebitis known as economy syndrome.


As its solution, it is common to show a video of the lower limb exercise and to ask passengers to perform it.


However, since its effect of the training with no equipment is limited, more effective training device is needed.


This exercise concept, which was named “JIKOTADOUUNDOU” by the research of this application inventor and the others, is proposing to the existing rehabilitation medicine and is decided the “MOTIVATIVE” exercise as an English notation and papers were presented at academies.


It is a tentative name from the Japanese word “JIKOTADOUUNDOU”.


For example, exercise and/or training corresponding to the muscular strength of a disabled person become necessary in order to rehabilitate a decline in the function of the lower extremities and disabilities of the range of motion in the joints of legs or knees.


Hereon, for example in the intension of the lower extremities' muscle the plantar flexion exercise causes the foot tip to be inflected to the reverse side from the ankle shrinking the quadriceps, extending the anterior tibial muscle and shrinking the gastrocnemial muscle and Achilles' tendon and dorsiflexion exercise causes the foot tip to be inflected upwards towards the ankle extending the quadriceps, shrinking the anterior tibial muscle and extending the gastrocnemial muscle and the Achilles' tendon.


In the case that there is no ability to exercise oneself, the dorsiflexion and plantar flexion exercise mentioned were performed as a stretch exercise by the movement of the other persons power as a passive exercises by a physical therapist or another person.


There was the Dorsi-Plantar Flexion exercise device of the model utility right U.S. Pat. No. 2,004,587 for the plantar flexion and dorsiflexion exercise of the ankle and knee in order to rehabilitate a disabled person who is able to maintain the sitting position with subjective muscular strength for doing those exercises.


There was the Dorsi-Plantar Flexion exercise device of the design Pat. No. 997,739 for the plantar flexion and dorsiflexion exercise of the ankle and knee in order to rehabilitate a disabled person who is able to maintain the sitting position with subjective muscular strength for doing those exercises.


The Dorsi-Plantar Flexion training devices can perform the motivative exercise any time at one's convenience.


By the way, the Dorsi-Plantar Flexion exercise device of the model utility right No. 2,004,587 has adapted means to move several proper casters and rotate freely under a foot rest bar that keeps both feet on it and also has adapted securing tools to keep the feet on the upper surface of the foot rest bar and to allow the feet to detach freely.


Also, a lower extremities function training device of design Pat. No. 997,739 has adapted the means that has a spring under a foot rest bar and it is possible for both feet to be kept on and to detach freely on the upper surface of the foot rest bar.


However, in the case of a disabled person who prepares the above patents for the home training plantar flexion and dorsiflexion exercises with their own personal intention, the Dorsi-Plantar Flexion training device and the lower limb function training device exerted the opposite effect sometimes due to exercising as much as he or she can do while expecting early recovery.


Also in the cases that a director or caregiver are not close by, the disabled person who does not keep the caregivers instruction of the exercise repetitions and exceeds the equivalent range of the suited exercise by many times will not achieve the expected improvement.


Although, muscular-strength reinforcement became the purpose of training to the disabled person with whom the improvement progressed, a load is not applied at the time of exercises and it was not able to be used for muscular-strength reinforcement.


In the same time the heavily disabled person could not move the Dorsi-Plantar Flexion exercise device of the model utility right Pat. No. 2,004,587, a device of motionlessness condition, by a subjective movement of lower extremities of his or her own healthy side.


The Dorsi-Plantar Flexion exercise device of the model utility right Pat. No. 2,004,587 was not used widely.


The previous invention described above is for patients to perform MOTIVATIVE exercise


The invention provide for people on airplanes, buses to move long distance and/or patients in the hospital for avoiding thrombophlebitis known as economy syndrome.


The invention is used to solve the subjects mentioned above and to aim at offering a lower limb function training device, which can prevent thrombophlebitis known as economy syndrome.


And it is the secondary purpose to offer a lower limb function training device, which can perform two kinds of exercises.


And also, it aims to offer a lower limb function training device, which can motivate people to exercise and enables exercise two kind of movement.


There is no report that economy syndrome went out even if airlines have introduced the exercise by stretching legs and the Dorsi-Plantar Flexion exercise with no equipment.


A lower limb function training device provides two kinds of exercises.


One is a Dorsi-Plantar Flexion exercise device and the other is a stretch exercise.


People can use it as a Dorsi-Plantar Flexion exercise device by putting toes on the device with heels on the ground surface and can do a bilateral movement in one time training.


People can use it as a stretch exercise device by putting sole of feet and/or heels on the device not to touch those the ground surface and can do a bilateral movement in one time training.


If the symptoms progress, it may become pale by compression of arterial blood flow. Also, it may cause thrombophlebitis of lower limb.


Moreover, if thrombus which caused this venous inflammation lodges in pulmonary artery, it may lead the sudden death because of the pulmonary embolism.


The news that a Japanese famous soccer player was hospitalized because of the pulmonary embolism and the venous inflammation is well known. He received a medical treatment to dislodge the thrombus by administration of anticoagulant drugs.


This invention, training with the device, enables to give stimulus that could not be obtained from the exercise with no device and improves the flow of the vein even if it is obliged to keep seated for long time. Moreover, this will prevent and avoid the risks mentioned above.


DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

A lower limb function training device of this invention assembles a chair, desk and/or table and a foot rest bar, in which both the feet are put on, a supporting structure of the foot rest bar that has repulsive force which can be extended, a storage device of the foot rest bar and a pivot axis for the supporting structure of the foot rest bar to be mounted in a case.


There is a case that is a foot rest bar and a structure is composed in integrated combination of a device


A structure is free to draw and/or shrink in a said foot rest bar.


There is a case that said storage device is composed of a structure and a storage device by actuators.


A storage device and a structure are arranged both side of said foot rest bar but it is not necessary to keep said foot rest bar by the both side.


Magnets are used for the storage device (506) of the foot rest bar to a case.


When tied with a string, only necessary is to anchor a string to the case by hooking on or any others.


And there is a case where a number detection devices on a said pivot axis which detects the number of times of reciprocating motion in a cross direction of the foot rest bar assembles, which the round trip movement based on pendulum motion.


Said number detection devices detect a value of times and reaching a set value of times.


And there is a case where a lower limb function training device assembles load devices, which weights a load to a reciprocating movement in the cross direction.


A load device which detects the number of times of reciprocating motion of pivot accis of the foot rest bar assembles, which the round trip movement, based on pendulum motion, number detection devices detected, reaches a set value of times.


And there is a case that the supporting structure of the foot rest bar may have repulsive force which can be extended.


A lower limb exercise device which is attachable to a chair or a desk consists of a foot rest bar,


a structure of a free to draw and/or shrink said foot rest bar on the straight line,


Also, a lower limb function training device may assemble a drive unit that makes a foot rest bar move in a reciprocating motion in a cross direction by functions of the pivot axis.


And then there is a case when a brake device brakes a foot rest bar of a reciprocating movement in the cross direction if the average value of the movement speed in the cross direction of the foot rest bar requires more time to perform.


Although the lower limb exercise equipment is placed inside the storage but it can be placed outside. It can be attached directly to a chair or a desk without the storage device.


For its use, plantar and dorsal flexion exercises of ankles are carried out if heels are put on the floor. If feet are put on the foot rest bar with their heels free, flexing and extending exercises of knees and bending and stretching exercises of feet are carried out.


And, there is a case that a foot or both feet are kept on a foot rest bar.


It is available to perform alternatively, a reciprocating motion in the cross direction or to rock in the vertical direction.


The feet move as focusing on the heel that put on the floor with the feet.


Also, there is a case that a foot rest bar, which both feet are kept on is available to perform alternatively, a reciprocating motion in a cross direction with no feet on the floor.


There is a case that a foot rest bar, which both feet are kept on is available to rock in a vertical direction in a direction of order, since a foot rest bar is available to rock in a vertical direction and a pivot axis, which is your own heel put on the floor, for the rocking is able to perform a reciprocating motion.


Furthermore, there is a case that a round trip movement, based on pendulum motion, number sensing device that detects a number of reciprocating motions in a cross direction and a pivot movement number detection device that detects the number of rocking movements of a foot rest bar are prepared.


Moreover, there is a case that a drive device, which makes a foot rest bar rock in the vertical direction. The feet move as focusing on the heel that put on the floor with the feet.


A round trip movement, based on pendulum motion, number sensing device detects the number of the round trip movement of the cross direction of a foot rest bar and when the number of the round trip movement that the round trip movement number sensing device detected reaches a setting value a brake device brakes on the movement of the cross direction of its pivot axis.


Therefore, it can be prevented that users exercise more than a set value of the number of times of a reciprocating motion. Consequently, preventing the excessive exercise of any user can be possible.


Any user can do an exercise freely by setting number of one's intention in the case the foot rest bar is a round trip movement.


An exercise that adds a load is available, in the case that the lower limb function training device is equipped with a load device that adds a load on the movement of a cross direction of a foot rest bar.


A compulsive exercise is available, in the case that a lower limb function training device is equipped with a drive unit that causes the movement that makes a foot rest bar a reciprocating motion toward a cross direction by its pivot axis.


Consequently, excessive exercise of a patient can be prevented.


Data for research and management of the momentum of a patient can come to hand easily, in the case that a lower limb function training device is outputting one of detected data by a round trip movement number sensing device and a movement speed detection device in the outside at least.


A contact sensor that assembles the surface of a foot rest bar is prepared, and an investigation of the angle of lower extremities with contracture in other words the grade of contracture is available in the case that the contact sensor is available to detect feet contacted four points of a foot rest bar simultaneously.


And multiple-exercises are available to do with one machine in a case that a foot rest bar, which both the feet are kept on is available to perform alternatively a reciprocating motion or to rock of the vertical direction of the direction of order.


And also multiple-exercises are able to be performed with one machine in a case that a foot rest bar is able to perform alternatively, a reciprocating motion in a cross direction and to rock in a vertical direction in a direction of order due to a foot rest bar, which both the feet are kept on is able to rock in a vertical direction and a pivot axis for rocking is available to perform a reciprocating motion.


Furthermore, to obtain various kinds of data is available easily in the case that the round trip movement number sensing device, which detects the number of times of reciprocating motion and a pivot movement number detection device, which detects the number of the rocking movement of a foot rest bar are prepared.


And, to obtain various kinds of data is available easily in the case that the movement speed detection device, which detects the movement speed of the cross direction of a foot rest bar and a rocking speed detection device, which detects the rocking speed of a foot rest bar are prepared.


And a foot rest bar, which both the feet are kept on is available to rock of the vertical direction, a contact sensor that assembles for the surface of a foot rest bar and a foot joint data acquisition mean, which obtains the data of the condition of the joints of the lower extremities that is set on a foot rest bar are prepared and there is a case that the foot joint data acquisition mean obtains the data of the condition of the joints of the lower extremities when the contact sensor detects feet contacted four points of a foot rest bar simultaneously.


In such a case, investigation of an angle of lower extremities with contracture in other words a grade of contracture can be automated.


Furthermore, the excessive exercise of a patient can be prevented in the case that a foot rest bar, which both the feet are kept on is available to rock in a vertical direction, a pivot movement number detection device that detects the number of the rocking movements of a foot rest bar and the brake device that brakes on the rocking movements when the number of the rocking movements that the pivot movement number detection detected the number of the rocking movements reach a set value, are prepared.


Adding a load at pleasure is available for an exercise, in the case that a load device, which applies load to rocking of a foot rest bar, is equipped.


Moreover, a compulsive exercise is available, in the case that a drive unit, which makes a foot rest bar rock of the vertical direction is equipped.


Furthermore, the excessive exercise of a patient can be prevented in the case that a foot rest bar, which both the feet are kept on is able to rock in a vertical direction and a brake device, which brakes on the rocking movements in a vertical direction of a foot rest bar when a longer time is needed for a foot rest bar to rock in a vertical direction, are equipped.


Furthermore, the excessive exercise of a patient can be prevented in the case that a foot rest bar, which both the feet are kept on is able to rock in a vertical direction and a rocking speed detection device, which detects the rocking speed of the foot rest bar and a brake device, which brakes on the rocking movement of the foot rest bar when either the rocking speed detection device detects a speed in a vertical direction around the mean value of the rocking movement speed or becomes a maximum speed value of the movement inside a regular interval set smaller than a set value, are equipped.


And, there is a case that a foot rest bar, which both the feet are kept on is available to rock in a vertical direction, at least one of a pivot movement number detection device that detects the number of the rocking movements of the foot rest bar or a rocking speed detection device rocking, which detects the rocking speed of a foot rest bar are prepared and at least one of detected data that the round trip movement number sensing device or the movement speed detection device detect may output in the outside.


In such a case, Data for research and management of the momentum of a patient can come to hand easily.





BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING


FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a lower limb function training device of the first embodiment.



FIG. 2 is a front view of FIG. 1.



FIG. 3 is a rear view of FIG. 1.



FIG. 4 is a A-A cross section view of FIG. 2.



FIG. 5 is a side view while using, which sets and fixes the two legs.



FIG. 6 is a side view showing the state of performing Plantar Flexion exercise.



FIG. 7 is a control circuit diagram.



FIG. 8 is a flowchart in case, which the connection between a wheel and a motor are cut.



FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a foot rest bar of the 2nd embodiment.



FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a foot rest bar Move Stand of the 2nd embodiment.



FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the 2nd embodiment.



FIG. 12 is a side view of the 2nd embodiment.



FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the 2nd embodiment in a usage state.



FIG. 14 is a side view of a lower limb function training device of the 3.sup.rd embodiment.



FIG. 15 is a perspective view of FIG. 14.



FIG. 16 is a side view while in use, which sets and fixes the two legs.



FIG. 17 is a side view of the modification of the 3rd embodiment,


(a) is a view of the first modification,


(b) is a view of the second modification.



FIG. 18 is a plane view of a lower limb function training device of this embodiment.



FIG. 19 is a elevation view of a lower limb function training device of this embodiment in the case of the case penetrated.



FIG. 20 is an elevational view and an explanation diagram of this embodiment



FIG. 21 is an elevational view and an explanation diagram of this embodiment



FIG. 22 is a perspective view and an explanation diagram of the fourth embodiment,





DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

I explain the first embodiment of a lower limb function training device in this invention by using FIG. 1 and FIG. 8.



FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a lower limb function training device of the first embodiment.



FIG. 2 is a front view of FIG. 1.



FIG. 3 is a rear view of FIG. 1.



FIG. 4 is a A-A cross section view of FIG. 2.



FIG. 5 is a side view while using, which sets and fixes the two legs.



FIG. 6 is a side view showing the state of performing Plantar Flexion exercise.



FIG. 7 is a control circuit diagram.



FIG. 8 is a flowchart in case, which the connection between a wheel and a motor are cut.


Furthermore, the drawing of a rear wheel support of a right and left part is omitted in FIG. 2.


Also, the drawing of the front wheel support parts is omitted in FIG. 3.


A foot rest bar (1) is formed with wood in midair with a plane abbreviation rectangular (when necessary another material can be used in place of wood, such as plastic).


The foot rest bar (1) is having an area of sufficient width that can put both feet (51a, 51b) (for example, the size of the side from approx 20 cm to approx 25 cm, length).


Therefore, a disabled person can set both feet (51a) and (51b); a foot (51a) with disability, which has hemiparesis of lower extremities of a nerve, decline of the lower limbs extremities muscular strength that originates from a plasmotomy of Achilles' tendon K of any of the lower extremities, a disability of a range of motion, etc. of an ankle (ro), and also a knee (i) of any bone fracture etc. and a foot (51b) of the other healthy foot without any disability in the condition of sitting on a chair.


A slip stopper (1a) assembles in the upper surface of a foot rest bar (1) if needed.


The slip stopper (1a) is formed by pasting up the rubber sheet, for example, when a foot rest bar (1) is formed by plastic etc., it can be formed in the upper surface of a foot rest bar (1) at one.


Although a foot rest bar (1) is a hollow structure, if an information transmission route (14) can be assembled that is composed of electric wire etc, within the hollow space.


A heel support part (4), which is formed by belt like straps, such as plastic, skin and cloth, for example, is almost shaped like a letter C shown in a plane view and then is fixed with tack wear, nail wear, screw, etc. impedes a movement to the rear of the heel of two feet (51a, 51b) if the two feet (51a, 51b) keep on the surface of a foot rest bar (1).


Furthermore, in the case that the heel support part (4) is formed from plastic, it may form a unit to a foot rest bar (1).


And also, a setting band (3) that the edge department of the right and left was adhered to a foot rest bar (1) is set up both with the interval from this heel support part (4) to the front and in the omission central position of the long hand direction of a foot rest bar (1).


A setting band (3) is adhered to under the surface of a foot rest bar (1) as for the center, both end parts which pass the plane Japanese letter character form conducive brackets (2a,2b) respectively that assemble in each right and left aspect of a foot rest bar (1) of each and are keeping upward of a foot rest bar (1).


And both right and left end parts (3a, 3b) of band setting band (3) are overlapped mutually and are engaged by a proper engaging means such as a velvet fastener, snapshot, hook, etc easily.


However, the setting band (3) is composed of one setting band, it is available to compose of two setting bands, the end parts of which are fixed in a foot rest bar (1).


The setting band (3), which covers insteps of both feet (51a, 51b) from upper side is impeding the movement of both feet (51a, 51b) from the upper and front side.


Securing tools (3,4) that hold both feet (51a, 51b) in a foot rest bar (1) are composed by the heel support part (4) and the setting band (3).


The structure, material, etc. of securing tools (3,4) are possible to change suitably if both feet (51a, 51b) can be kept and set on a foot rest bar (1).


Furthermore, at the condition that a patient recovered and strength of each foot can be applied to both legs, securing tools (3,4) to both legs may be unnecessary.


Rear wheel support parts (5, 6) that freely rotate horizontally around a center perpendicular axis (8) are attached to each side, right and left at the lower back part of the foot rest bar (1).


And a left side rear wheel (9) is attached and rolls freely on a wheel support part (5) on the left side and the speed sensor (16) as a movement speed detection device that detects the rolling speed of the rear wheel (9) and brake (17) as a brake device that brakes the rotation of the left side rear wheel (9) assembly.


A right side rear wheel (9) is attached and rolls freely on a wheel support part (6) on the right side and a number-of-times sensor (18), a round-trip movement number sensing device, that detects the number of round trip movements of the rear wheel (9) and brake (17) a brake device that brakes a rotation of the right side rear wheel (9) assembly.


Although, the rear wheels (9) move in a cross direction while rolling and are also capable of moving around while inclining right and/or left in a cross direction due to the rear wheel support parts (5,6) pivoting right and/or left.


The wheel support parts (5,6) are regulated in range (for example, approx 10 degrees right and left in both directions) and are not able to move in a side-to-side direction.


Also, a front wheel support part (7) is attached to the front lower part of the foot rest bar (1) and pivots freely around a center perpendicular axis (8).


The right and left front wheels (11) are attached to a front wheel support part (7) and roll freely with a motor (19) that drives the front wheels (11) and a brake (17) as a brake device that brakes a rotation of the front wheel (11) assembly.


Front wheels (11) move around a cross direction while inclining right and left due to the front wheel support part (7) pivoting right and left; same as the rear wheels (9).


The front wheel support part (7) is regulated in range (for example, approx 10 degrees right and left in both directions) and are not able to move in a side-to-side direction.


Thus, this explains the reason for pivoting of the front wheels (11) and rear wheels (9) that were regulated in the condition that a side-to-side motion is directed.


This lower limb function training device needs to restrict the movement of a side-to-side direction in order to detect an exercise of cross direction and to use the data.


However, the forward direction of an exercise tends to deflect, in the same direction, of a foot (51a) with a disability because of the power of another healthy foot (51b) without any disability is strong due to setting both a foot (51a) with a disability and another healthy foot (51b) without a disability.


In this case, it becomes a corrective exercise instead of a natural exercise by readjusting to move completely straight, and then the continuation of training and exercise might be difficult due to big loads applied to a foot (51a) with a disability.


Thereupon, this regulates the right and left pivoting movement angles of the front (11) and rear wheels (9) that can move crosswise in a line with an angle of about 10 degrees right and left from center, the middle empirically in order that the difficulty of continuation of such training and exercise are eliminated.


Furthermore, when the training leader admits necessity and a corrective exercise (the body parts that cause abnormality by becoming contracture is corrected by exercise) is necessary, it is possible to use a corrective exercise due to making wheels (11,9) impossible to pivot in the side-to-side direction and move only as a fixed wheel which moves only in the cross direction of order.


And, a control unit (20) that is composed of a microcomputer etc. attaches to a lower limb function training device and a speed sensor (16) and also a number-of-times sensor (18), are connected to the input end through an information transmission route (14), on the other hand, a brake (17), a motor (19) and an output device (91) are connected through an information transmission route (14) on the side output.


Furthermore, an output device (91) is not necessarily needed to assemble; detecting values of a speed sensor (16) and a number-of-times sensor (18) can be placed in the outside by this output device (91).


A speed sensor (16) detects turning speed of rear wheels (9) in other words the movement speed of a foot rest bar (1).


Although, a foot rest bar (1) reciprocates and the direction of movement is changed alternately, speed sensor (16) is outputting the absolute value of the movement speed of the foot rest bar (1).


A timer (20a) is built in the control unit (20), and the average value for every interval of detected speed (for instance, each specified time and the movement of a foot rest bar (1) during forward movement) by the speed sensor (16) can be computed.


Furthermore, the lowest value of the mean value of movement speed of a foot rest bar (1) can be set up by a speed setting switch (5b) to the control unit (20).


Also, the maximum value of the reciprocating movement of a foot rest bar (1) can be set up to control unit (20) by a reciprocating motions setting (6b).


According to condition of a patient, an increment of 5 cm from the speed of 5 cm a second to the speed of 30 cm a second and that an increment of 10 cm from the speed of 30 cm a second to the speed to of 50 cm a second can be set up by a speed setting switch (5b) to the control unit (20).


And, a control unit (20) actuates all brakes (17) breaking and suspending the rear wheels (9) and front wheels (11) in the case that the average speed that is calculated with control unit (20) fell below the speed that was set up by a speed setting switch (5b).


And, it is not possible to exercise once again, because the brakes (17) are not disarmed if a release switch (7i) is not operated.


Number-of-times sensor (18) that detects the number of the reciprocating movement of a rear wheel (9) in other words the number of the reciprocating movements of a foot rest bar (1) outputs the detected number to the control unit (20).


This control unit (20) actuates all the brakes (17) breaking and suspending the rear wheel (9) and front wheel (11) in the case that detecting value of number-of-times sensor (18) reaches a set value of reciprocating motion setting (6b) by comparing the number of the reciprocating movements from number-of-times sensor (18) to the value that is set.


And, it is not possible to do an exercise once again, because the brake (17) is not disarmed if a release switch (7i) is not operated.


An exercise number that should be accomplished for each increment of 10 times, a standard from 10 times minimum to 50 times maximum is set by the reciprocating motion setting (6b) to the control unit (20).


Furthermore, the arrangement and structure of the parts of a control unit that make it possible to induce a proper change can arrange speed sensor (16) and a number-of-times sensor (18) with mixed loading to the same unit


A power switch (7b), a coercive speed setting switch (7f), a coercive setting reciprocating motion switch (7j), an addition resistivity control switch (7e) and a release switch (7i) for all of control releasing are assembled in a front wheel support part (7).


A lower limb function training device of the first embodiment has the function as an assistive passive exercise device due to assembling a battery storage part (7c) as a battery, a load device of a front wheel (11) and a motor (19) as a drive unit in a front wheel support part (7).


The speed in increments of 5 cm from the minimum speed of 5 cm a second to the maximum speed of 30 cm a second set up by a coercive speed setting switch (7f) and also a number of the reciprocating movements of a foot rest bar (1) for each standard increment of 10 times, from a minimum 10 times to a maximum 50 times is set up by a coercive reciprocating motion setting switch (7j) to the control unit (20).


Then, the control unit (20) drives the motor (19) and makes a foot rest bar (1) reciprocate at a set speed and makes a foot rest bar (1) suspend by motor (19) suspending at the number of reciprocating movements become a set value.


Thus, we can make patients exercise automatically.


Furthermore, a connection has cut the transmission system between motor (19) and front wheel (11) with a clutch. and the load of motor (19) is not transmitted in the case that motivative exercise is done.


Even the power source of the others such as the engine is good, although a drive unit is a motor (19).


Also a battery storage part (7c) serves to be used by the battery or other power supplies that are sufficient as a battery.


In the case that training is started from the condition without resistivity and the necessity to load for training is recognized due to the improvement of a patient function is seen, control unit (20) loads a resistivity that as a load etc. is born from the turn of motor (19) on the basis of this set value to the front wheel (11) due to the set up of increments 0.5 kg from 0.5 kg to 2.5 kg is available with an additional resistivity control switch (7e) to the control unit (20).


For example in the case that there are hemiparesis after apoplexy, a decline of muscular strength of the lower extremities is caused by the rupture of the Achilles' tendon (K) and/or disabilities in the range of motion of ankle (ro) originating in a bone fracture of the lower extremities, both feet (51a, 51b) are set and fixed in a foot rest bar (1) by setting together the Heels (A1) of both foot (51a) and foot (51b), foot (51a) with disability and another healthy foot (51b) without any disability to heel support part (4) and attaching foot tip (A2) by setting band (3) strapping both feet (51a, 51b), fitted in the sitting position because of the first embodiment of lower limb function training device is composed like this (Refer to full line and also dashed line of FIG. 5).


Thus, it is easily able to set and put on both feet (51a, 51b) with the upper surface of a foot rest bar (1) corresponding to the size of a disabled person's feet, because it is good that [the]


Herewith, the training and also bending and stretching exercises of knee (i) and flexion and dorsiflexion of ankle (ro) are done from solid line and also dashed line of FIG. 2 due to making a foot rest bar (1) move in a cross direction horizontally with wheels (9,11) rotated by gradually adding power while controlling subjective movement and making lower extremities extend and contract and muscular strength of lower extremities reinforce and also expand a range of motion of ankle (ro) in order that foot (51b) without any disability assist foot (51a) with a disability by not increasing a burden.


In other words, in the case that a foot rest bar (1) that sets and fixes both feet (51a, 51b) move forward as drawing of FIG. 6 knee (i) opens from almost 90 degrees and extends, quadriceps (L) as lower extremities muscles shrink, the anterior tibial muscle (M) extends, both the gastrocnemial muscle (N) and Achilles' tendon (K) shrink and ankle (ro) flexes to plantar Flexion.


In the case that a foot rest bar (1) moves in a cross direction by expansion and contraction of both knee (i) and ankle (ro), so that the burden of both feet (51a, 51b) decreases due to no side vibration but stable transfer and both feet (51a, 51b) tightened with the setting band (3) and heel support part (4) as a means to hold are held on a foot rest bar (1) and also a slip stopper (1a) assembly on a foot rest bar (1), both feet (51a, 51b) do not slip on a foot rest bar (1) but move with a foot rest bar (1).


Although effect of the exercises mentioned are conducive to improve disabilities, the number of the exercise performed (step 3) will stop automatically (step 5) and it is conducive to improvement of disabilities due to the number of exercises detected with number-of-times sensor (18) (step 1 of FIG. 8) and also the number of exercises that should be performed is previously set up to 10 times as a minimum and 50 times as a maximum in order that the disabled persons who have a desire to recover early as possible and who do exercises exceeding the equivalent range, which exceed exercises best suited to them, will not get the expected improvement or is nonexistent.


Although there is a difference in the speed of movement for every person, usually speed decreases due to fatigue from a constant speed at the time of use.


Thereupon, it is conducive to improve disabilities, in the case that the detected movement speed of a foot rest bar (1) with speed sensor (16) (step 2) and the average speed are detected under setting speed (step 4) by setting up an increment of 5 cm in the minimum range 5 cm a second to the maximum speed of 30 cm a second to the control unit (20) previously, that it stops by the work of a brake system in accordance with judging fatigue.


The range of users spread more and more and a high effect is obtained because when necessity is admitted for training to adding resistivity for exercise and starting from the condition without resistivity and improvement has been seen in the function of a patient, adding resistivity in increments of 0.5 kg from 0.5 kg to 2.5 kg of load resistivity that are borne from the turn of motor (19) by an addition resistivity control switch (7e) to an axle (11) is available.


Furthermore utility of it rose remarkably by having the devices alternate functions as a passive exercise in the case that heavily disabled persons cannot move the device and motionlessness conditions of the lower extremities of the healthy side cannot perform the motivative exercise because it functions as an assistive passive exercise device and was given due to an exercise performed automatically at the speed of 5 cm increments from the speed of 30 cm a second to a speed of 5 cm a second with the minimum that was set up with a coercive speed set switch (7f) and a control unit that stops by itself within the designated number of times that is set up at increments of 10 from the minimum of 10 times, to the maximum of 50 times with a coercive reciprocating motion setting switch (7j) being set up.


Next, I explain the second embodiment by using FIG. 9 to FIG. 13.



FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a foot rest bar of the second embodiment.



FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a foot rest bar move stand of the second embodiment.



FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the second embodiment.



FIG. 12 is a side view of the second embodiment.



FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the second embodiment in a usage state.


Furthermore, I omit the detailed explanation of composition elements parity to the first embodiment by putting the same mark in the explanation of the second embodiment.


The second embodiment consists of a foot rest bar (1) and a foot rest bar cart (22) as a measuring instrument, and the similar functions to the first embodiment are realized by combining a foot rest bar (1) and a foot rest bar cart (22).


Same as the first embodiment, both a heel support part (4) and setting band (3) assemble a foot rest bar (1) of this embodiment.


Several wheels (21) that may move toward the right and left freely assemble an undersurface of a foot rest bar (1).


The lower limb function training device needs to restrict the movement in the right-and-left direction in order to detect the movement in a cross direction.


However, same as the first embodiment, the progression of an exercise tends to deflect the foot (51a) with a disability because of the strength of another healthy foot (51b) without any disability is strong due to setting both a foot (51a) with disability and another healthy foot (51b) without any disability.


In this case, it becomes a corrective exercise instead of a natural exercise by readjusting to move forward completely, and then the continuation of training and exercise might be difficult due to big loads applied to foot (51a) with disability.


Thereupon, wheels (21), which roll side-to-side, assemble on a foot rest bar (1) in order to eliminate the difficulty of the continuation of such training and exercise.


And, two pieces of the front side wheel (21) assemble and install in a wheel bearing (23a) on the front side of a foot rest bar cart (22), and two pieces of the rear side wheel (21) assemble and install in a wheel bearing (23b) on the front side of a foot rest bar cart (22).


The number of wheels (21) selection is available, if it is effective to move right and left.


The embodiment can be used as a corrective exercise when a training leader admits and a corrective exercise is necessarily needed.


A foot rest bar cart (22) consists of a box unit (22a), a top surface which is opened, wheel bearings (23a, 23b), a movable belt (24) with infinite form to cross direction movement, to which wheel bearings (23a, 23b) assemble, a derivation roller (25b) that guides the movable belt (24) and is supported to a box unit (22a) with a driving roller (25a) that drives the movable belt (24) and is supported to a box unit (22a) with available rotation, a speed sensor (26) (Parity to a speed sensor (16) of the first embodiment) as movement speed detection device, a number-of-times detection sensor (27) (Parity to a number-of-times sensor (18) of the first embodiment) as a round-trip movement number sensing device, a movable belt brake roller (28a), a brake (28) (Parity to a brake (17) of the first embodiment), a motor (29) (Parity to a motor (19) of the first embodiment) as a drive unit, a power switch (29a), an addition resistivity control switch (29b) (Parity to an addition resistivity control switch (7e) of the first embodiment), a coercive movement speed setting switch (30a) (Parity to a coercive movement speed setting switch (7f) of the first embodiment), a coercive reciprocating motion setting switch (31a) (Parity to a coercive setting reciprocating motion switch (7j) of the first embodiment), a speed setting switch (32a) (Parity to a speed setting switch (5b) of the first embodiment), an output device (32b), a reciprocating motion setting (33a) (Parity to a reciprocating motion setting (6b) of the first embodiment), a reciprocating motion output device (33b), a battery set part (34), a release switch (34a) (Parity to a release switch (7i) of the first embodiment) for all of control releasing, external power terminal (34b), an information transmission route (35) (Parity to an information transmission route (14) of the first embodiment) and control unit (20).


Furthermore, every part of the second embodiment effects similar process of parity parts of the first embodiment and details of process are omitted.


Although a box unit (22a) is made of plastic, however, wood or metal are substitutes, in which the part such as rollers (25) assemble inside, and any material of sufficient strength that is possible to protect the inside on the occasion of movement and application, is released without covering the upper part that is similar to a rectangle, is formed approximately to the height of 30 centimeters, 60 centimeters to the right and left, 1 meter long and is accommodated with a measuring instrument inside.


A movable belt (24) is composed with twelve movable belt derivation rollers (25b) and a movable belt driving roller (25b) to roll freely, makes a foot rest bar (1), which assembles to move in a cross direction horizontally on wheel bearings (23a, 23b) that were established to a movable belt (24) move in a cross direction and foot (51b) without any disability reinforce a foot (51a) with a disability by making lower extremities bend and stretch like the first embodiment, trains and also exercises knee (i) extension and ankle (ro) flexion and dorsiflexion by expanding a range of motion of knee (i) and ankle (ro)


A motivative exercise, assistive-passive exercise and a resistive exercise are realized.


A movable belt (24), which has durability, is formed with material that moves freely by movable belt derivation roller (25b) and movable belt driving roller (25a) by rolling.


Also, a brake roller (28a) contacts a movable belt (24) and is made to stop for braking, although, ordinarily, it is not contacting a movable belt (24).


A drive unit may be connected with a metallic chain structure, although a movable belt (24) is a synthetic fiber, which is weaved of metal.


Also, a movable belt (24) is good or any material that is transmitted or transmits rolling to a movable belt derivation roller (25b) and a movable belt driving roller (25a) by friction such as leather or fiber.


Twelve derivation rollers (25b) are assembled and rotate following a cross direction movement, which is moved by a foot rest bar, of a movable belt (24).


A speed sensor (26) assembles into one of the derivation rollers (25b) and a number-of-times detection sensor (27) assembles into another one of the derivation rollers (25b).


Furthermore, a brake (28) assembles into a movable belt brake roller (28a) and a brake is composed with a movable belt brake roller (28a) and brake (28).


In this enforcement either speed sensor (26), a number-of-times detection sensor (27) and brake (28) is assembled and divided into three rollers, but a speed sensor (26), a number-of-times detection sensor (27) and a brake (28) are possible to assemble in one roller.


A movable belt driving roller (25a) is connected to a motor (29), and the movable belt driving roller (25a) rolls by the operation of the motor (29), and a movable belt (24) and a foot rest bar (1) move in a cross direction along with the rolling of the movable belt driving roller (25a) and the assistive-passive exercise and a resistive exercise have been realized as in the first embodiment


A speed sensor (26), which is a parity to a speed sensor (16) of the first embodiment, detects the movement speed of a foot rest bar (1) by detecting a derivation roller (25).


A speed output device (32b) is a socket that outputs detecting value of speed sensor (16) to the outside.


A structure of a serial port for DOS/V is made, but any kind of terminal is good if it is able to detect output value to the outside in the second embodiment.


A number-of-times detection sensor (27) detects a number of reciprocating movements of a foot rest bar (1) by detecting one piece of movement of derivation roller (25b).


A reciprocating motion output device (33b) is a socket that outputs detecting value by a number-of-times detection sensor (27) to the outside.


A structure of a serial port for DOS/V is made, but any kind of terminal is good if it is able to detect output numerical value of the number to the outside in the second embodiment.


A brake (28) for putting a movable belt (24) brake on and for making it stop is released by the signal from a release switch (34a).


Therefore, the brake (28) is not canceled, unless release switch (34a) is operated and the patient is not able to exercise once again.


A speed sensor (26) and also number-of-times detection sensor (27) are connected to the input side of a control unit (20) through an information transmission route (35) and a brake (28), a motor (29) and output device (32b, 33b) are connected to the output side through an information transmission route (35).


Also, an addition resistivity control switch (29b), a coercive movement speed setting switch (30a), a coercive reciprocating motion setting switch (31a), a speed setting switch (32a), a reciprocating motion setting (33a) and also a release switch (34a) are connected to a control unit (20).


And, the similar operation is performed, although it is different between the point that the movement of a foot rest bar (1) is carried out with a movable belt (24), while it is carried out with wheel (9,11) in the first embodiment.


It is not only a training device for effective motivative exercise, assistive-passive exercise and a resistive exercise available as the first embodiment, but also the structure to output value for available research, because it is able to detect an exact value about the movement around a reciprocating movement in a cross direction by using a movable belt (24) due to the obliqueness line being restricted in connection with detection value regarding reciprocating movement.


As mentioned above, lower limb function training device assemblies with a foot rest bar (1), wheels (21) that are composed in the lower surface and move and roll toward the right and left, wheel bearings (23a, 23b) that accept the wheels (21) in the condition of its movement is available toward the right and left and can make a reciprocating movement in a cross direction, a speed sensor (26) that detects the movement speed of the wheel bearings (23a, 23b) and brake devices that brake on the movement in the cross direction of wheel bearings (23a, 23b) when the mean value of the movement speed of direction, which speed sensor (26) detected or becomes a value of movement smaller than a maximum speed inside a regular interval set.


Therefore, the excessive exercise of a patient can be prevented, in case a patient gets tired due to setting a movement in the cross direction of a foot rest bar (1) to brake.


And also it can prevent giving the influence of movement in the right and left direction of a foot rest bar (1), so that a speed sensor (26) is detecting the movement in a cross direction of wheel bearings (23a, 23b).


As a result, speed sensor (26) can precisely detect the movement speed in a cross direction of wheel bearings (23a, 23b) or a foot rest bar (1).


Next, I explain the third embodiment by using FIG. 14 and FIG. 17.



FIG. 14 is a side view of a lower limb function training device of the third embodiment.



FIG. 15 is a perspective view of FIG. 14.



FIG. 16 is a side view while in use, which sets and fixes the two legs.



FIG. 17 is a side view of the modification of the third embodiment,


(a) is a view of the first modification,


(b) is a view of the 2nd modification.


A foot rest bar (301) is formed of plastic (or can necessarily be made of wood, etc.) and a space inside with a plane similar to a rectangle.


The foot rest bar (301) has an area of sufficient width that can set both feet shown as FIG. 16 (for example, the size of the side about 20 cm and about 25 cm, length).


Therefore, a disabled person can set both a foot with a disability, which has hemiparesis of lower extremities of a nerve, decline of the lower extremities muscular strength that originates from a plasmotomy of Achilles' tendon of any lower extremity, a disability in range of motion, etc. of an ankle or a knee of any bone fracture etc. and the other healthy foot without any disability in the condition of sitting on a chair, etc.


A heel support part (304) is composed of a foot rest bar (301) as a unit.


It impedes a movement to the rear of the heel of the two feet shown in FIG. 16.


Furthermore, in the case that a foot rest bar (301) is formed of wood, etc., a heel support part (304) can be composed with separated parts.


And also, a setting band (302) that the edge part of the right and left was adhered to a foot rest bar (301) is set up both with the interval from this heel support part (304) to the front and approximately the central position in the long hand direction of a foot rest bar (301).


A setting band (302) sets through the undersurface of a foot rest bar (301), both end parts of which pass conducive brackets (303), which is a plane Japanese letter (ko) character form, respectively, and which assemble in each right and left aspect of a foot rest bar (301) and are kept upward of a foot rest bar (301).


And both right and left end parts (302a) of setting band (302) are overlapped mutually and are engaged by proper engaging means such as a velvet-fastener, snapshot, hook, etc.


Also, the setting band (302) is composed of one setting band, it is able to be composed of two setting bands, end parts of which are fixed in a foot rest bar (301).


The setting band (302) is impeding the movement to both feet from the upper and front side shown in FIG. 16.


This securing tools to hold both feet in a foot rest bar (301) as shown FIG. 16 are composed by the heel support part (204) and the setting band (302).


The structure and material etc. of securing tools (302,304) are possible to change suitably, if both feet can be kept and set on a foot rest bar (301) as shown in FIG. 16.


At the condition that a patient recovered and power of each can be put in to both legs, the securing tools to both legs may be unnecessary.


A load device (305) is composed with the lower part of a foot rest bar (301).


A load device (305) is a material of a spring that can be replaced in the third embodiment.


Spring material as the elastic body of a load device (305) in the third embodiment is a load device, which adapts to a motivative exercise and gives the load repelled by total power (for example, about 20 kg) of weight of the foot (for example, about 15 kg) and power of applying a load in front of the foot (for example, about 4 kg).


The load, for which about 20 kg is exceeded, in the case of non-motivative exercise but a resistive exercise and also muscular strength exercise especially is sufficient according to a patient's situation.


Though a load device of FIG. 14 or FIG. 16 is a compression spring, a load device of FIG. 17(a) is a tensile spring (305a) and a load device of FIG. 17b is a flexible band (305b) such as an elastic cord, which pulls up a foot rest bar (301).


The load device (305) is fixed in three places at a setting concave portion (301a), which is composed almost in the center of an undersurface of a foot rest bar (301), by mounting screws (306).


The other side is fixed in three places at a setting concave portion (314) that is composed in the upper part of a mounting convex protrusion (315) of a lower limb function training device cover (310) by mounting screws (306).


A gradient angle defined supporting device (307) is a cord.


An angle, which is the horizon, of a foot rest bar (301) has a range from 0 degrees of the minimum angle to 37 or 38 degrees of the maximum angle to a desirable angle of a motivative exercise by the gradient angle defined supporting device (307).


And, a foot rest bar (301) becomes possible to move in this range.


The upper part of a gradient angle defined supporting device (307) is glued on a foot rest bar (301).


The lower part of a gradient angle defined supporting device (307) is fixed at the upper part of a mounting convex protrusion (315) of a lower limb function training device cover (310) by mounting screws (308) and it becomes easy to fix a load device (305) by mounting screws (306).


A foot rest bar (301) is held with both a brake storage bearing (311) and a bearing part (316) of a lower limb function training device cover (310) to a foot rest bar turn part (309), which is fixed to out side of a foot rest bar (301) as a unit with the center freely pivoting.


A foot rest bar turn part (309) perforates a brake storage bearing (311) and an accelerometer (312) is assembled at the end of a foot rest bar turn part (309).


As well, a lower limb function training device assembles to control unit (320), which is composed of a microcomputer etc, an accelerometer (312) is composed on the input end of the control unit (320) through information transmission route (313) and in the other hand a brake (321), a motor (322) as a drive unit, a display unit (327), an antenna (332) and an output device (326) are composed on the output end of it through the information transmission route.


In addition, although an antenna (332) and an output device (326) do not necessarily need to be included, the detection value etc. of an accelerometer (312) can be output outside by this antenna (332) and output device (326).


An accelerometer (312) detects the acceleration at the time when a foot rest bar (301) is trodden downward.


The detected acceleration is transmitted to the control unit (320), which consists of a microcomputer, through the information transmission route (313).


In a control unit (320), whenever the signal of acceleration is input from an accelerometer (312), it has counted, and the number of times of rocking of a foot rest bar (301) is generated.


And a control unit (320) memorizes the acceleration, which is input from an accelerometer (312) and the number of times of rocking of a foot rest bar (301) as data in memory department, and outputs it suitably if needed.


Moreover, control unit (320) has the acceleration control function, in the case that the acceleration, which is detected with an accelerometer (312), exceeds the acceleration of a regular standard value that is the setting value set up beforehand (for example, the maximum acceleration for every fixed time) or a switch (331) that was the setting acceleration value set up beforehand outputs an alarm signal and makes an alarm device drive.


For example, it can sound a buzzer or flash an indicator display unit (327) and/or transmit data from antenna (332).


With this alarm, a caregiver can change the strength of the load device (305) into optimum setting.


Furthermore, as mentioned above, control unit (320) is counting the number of times of rocking of a foot rest bar (301), and outputs a stop signal to brake (321) when this number of times of rocking of a fixed standard (for example, about 20 times) or the number, which was set up with a setting switch (329), is exceeded.


If a stop signal is received, brake (321) brakes a foot rest bar turn part (309), and will stop rocking.


In the case of the third embodiment, switch (321a) is operated manually and this brake (321) is canceled.


Because it is used with changing a switch, it is a consideration that patients do not exercise excessively, continually and easily.


An exercise is impossible again, without releasing a brake.


Although a display unit (327) in the third embodiment is a digital display screen, as long as it can display of the number of times of rocking, display of acceleration, warning etc., any kind of display device may be used.


Moreover, any kind of forms is sufficient although an output device (326) in the third embodiment is 10 base T.


Although an antenna (332) outputs the acceleration and the number of times, which were inputted and also can set an acceleration, number of times of rocking etc. to a control unit (320) with a remote control when applying a brake (321).


A battery storage part (323) shows a storage part of a battery.


Moreover, an input part (324) of external electric power is also formed.


A charge method or a non-charging method is also possible for the battery.


And when a battery is used as a charge method, it is possible to charge from an input part (324) of external electric power supply.


Moreover, it is also possible to make a foot rest bar (301) rock compulsorily by a motor (322).


For example in the case that there are hemiparesis after apoplexy, a decline of muscular strength of the lower extremities is caused by the rupture of the Achilles' tendon and/or disabilities of the range of motion in ankle originating in a bone fracture of the lower extremities, both feet are set and fixed in a foot rest bar (301) by setting together heels of both feet one with a disability and another healthy foot without any disability to heel support part (304) and attaching foot tip by setting band (302) strapping both feet, fixed in the sitting position because of the third embodiment of lower limb function training device assembled as stated (Refer to FIG. 16).


Thus, it is able to set and put on both feet with the upper surface of a foot rest bar (301) corresponding to the size of a disabled person's feet easily, because it is good that heels are set and put on to heel support part (304), setting band (302) sets and attaches foot tip in order to set and fix both feet with a foot rest bar (301).


Herewith, the training is done with rocking a foot rest bar (301) in the direction as shown with the arrow of FIG. 16 by gradually adding power while controlling subjective movement for making lower extremities expansion and contraction, muscular strength of lower extremities reinforces and flexion and dorsiflexion of lower extremities by expanding a range of motion of those due to healthy foot assisting a foot with a disability by not increasing a burden.


The example shown in FIG. 17(a) shows that it is possible not to load from a lower part like the spring material of the load device (305), but to load a way from the upper part by pulling up.


A frame (317) is a frame body that is able to include a lower limb function training device and a heel setting part is an opening space and is needed in order to use freely.


Moreover, it is good that security materials (319), which are crossed to both side covers of frame (317), are sufficient to have the strength to assemble a load device (305a), for example, about 60 kg in order.


The example shown in FIG. 17(b) is used to install a pillar near heels and it is possible for a load device (305b) to be assembled.


Either one or two pillars (318) are sufficient as long as it has the intensity, which does not break, for example, when it pulls by almost 60 kg in order that it assembles a load device (305b).


In the third embodiment, a load device (305), which is a spring, can be any kind of material, which can apply a load such as oil pressure, air pressure and elastic pressure and also has rebounding power.


The effect of such an exercise is connected to the improvement of disabilities.


However, disabled persons, who desire to recover as soon as possible even one day earlier, exercise many times and then may exceed the range of proper quantity and may exercise.


Therefore, the improvement that is expected may not be sometimes obtained.


So that there is no such case, a number that should be exercised to a proper value is regulated by operating a brake (321) with control unit (320).


The number can be set for approximately 10 times minimum to 50 times maximum into a control unit (320) by operating a setting switch (329).


And, a control unit (320) causes a brake (321) to be operated, when it becomes the setting number and suspends rocking of a foot rest bar (301).


I explain the fourth embodiment of a lower limb function training device in this invention by using FIG. 18 or FIG. 22.


I explain the fourth embodiment of a lower limb function training device in this invention by using FIG. 18 or FIG. 22.



FIG. 18 is a plane view of a lower limb function training device of the fourth embodiment.



FIG. 19 is a cross-section diagram of FIG. 18. It is an elevation view of a lower limb function training device of the fourth embodiment in the case of the case penetrated.



FIG. 20 is an elevation view and an explanation diagram of the fourth embodiment



FIG. 21 is an elevation view and an explanation diagram of the fourth embodiment


Codes which are shown in FIGS. 20 and 21 is the same marks in FIG. 5. “G” shows the floor.



FIG. 22 is a perspective view and an explanation diagram of the fourth embodiment,


ZZ′ shown in FIG. 18 is cross-section symbols of FIG. 19.


A lower limb function training device of this invention assembles to a chair, desk and/or table.


A foot rest bar (501), in which both the feet are put on, a supporting structure (502) of the foot rest bar that has repulsive force which can be extended, a storage device (503) of said supporting structure and said foot rest bar, a pivot axis (504) of which load device (507) is mounted and a set up structure (506) for the supporting structure of the foot rest bar to a case (505).


In this embodiment, a storage device (503a) and a supporting structure (502a) arranges to the inner side of said storage device (503), and has an elastic structure from (503) to (502).


Although the detail is not illustrated, Springs (508) are shown in storage devices (503) and (503a).


Springs which set between said storage device (503) and said storage device (503a), said storage device 503a and said supporting structure (502a) and supporting structure (502a) and supporting structure (502), are giving the pressure of elasticity.


The pressure of said springs are about 4 kg in the extensional direction. Elastic powers of said springs are not limited and possible to make it stronger for sturdy individuals and weaker for shortened individuals on physical strength.


In this embodiment, pressure is adjusted by exchange of a spring.


There is a case that said supporting structure (502) is composed of a supporting structure (502) and a storage device (503) as unite device such as an actuator.


There is a case that is a foot rest bar (501) and a supporting structure (502) is composed in integrated combination of a device


A storage device (503) and a supporting structure (502) are arranged both side of said foot rest bar (501) but it is not necessary to keep said foot rest bar (501) by the both side.


Although it is not illustrated, holding only at one side is also possible.


Magnets are used for a set up structure (506) of the foot rest bar to a case (505).


When said foot rest bar (501) is tied to a case with a string, only necessary is to anchor a string to the case (505) by hooking on or any others.


The Dorsi-Plantar Flexion exercise of ankle is shown in FIG. 20.


The stretching exercise of legs are shown FIGS. 21 and 22


In this embodiment, it is possible not to use a case but to attach this invention to chair directly.


Moreover, not only own chair but a chair ahead can be attached and use by the person sitting a next chair.


And there is a case where a lower limb function training device assembles load devices (507), which weights a load to a reciprocating movement in the cross direction of pivot axis.


A load device (507) which detects the number of times of reciprocating motion of pivot accis of the foot rest bar (501) assembles, which the round trip movement, based on pendulum motion, number detection devices detected, reaches a set value of times.


Moreover, there is a case that a drive device is set in said storage device (503) or another arrangement.


Moreover, there is a case that A number sensing device is set in said load device (507) and/or said storage device (503).


And then there is a case when a brake device including in said load device (507) and/or set to the pivot axis brakes a foot rest bar of a reciprocating movement in the cross direction if the average value of the movement speed in the cross direction of the foot rest bar requires more time to perform.


And there is a case where a number detection devices on a said pivot axis which detects the number of times of reciprocating motion in a cross direction of the foot rest bar assembles, which the round trip movement.


Said number detection devices detect a value of times and reaching a set value of times.


Although the lower limb exercise equipment is placed inside the storage device in this practical example, it can be placed outside.


Also, though the details are skipped, it can be attached directly to a chair or a desk without the storage device. For its use, plantar and dorsal flexion exercises of ankles are carried out if heels are put on the floor.


If feet are put on the foot rest bar with their heels free, flexing and extending exercises of knees and bending and stretching exercises of feet are carried out.


And, there is a case that a foot rest bar, both the feet or one foot are kept on is available to perform alternatively, a reciprocating motion in the cross direction or to rock in the vertical direction.


The feet move as focusing on the heel that put on the floor with the feet.


Also, there is a case that a foot rest bar, which both feet are kept on is available to perform alternatively, a reciprocating motion in a cross direction with no feet on the floor.


A foot or feet on said foot rest bar is available to rock in a vertical direction on own heel put on the floor for pivot axis.


Furthermore, there is a case that a round trip movement, based on pendulum motion, number sensing device in the that detects a number of reciprocating motions by the sensor set in said supporting structure (502) and/or said storage device (503)


Therefore, it can be prevented that users exercise more than a set value of the number of times of a reciprocating motion. Consequently, preventing the excessive exercise of any user can be possible.


Any user can do an exercise freely by setting number of one's intention in the case the foot rest bar is a round trip movement.


An exercise that adds a load is available, in the case that the lower limb function training device is equipped with a load device that adds a load on the movement of a cross direction.


Consequently, excessive exercise of a patient can be prevented.


The example of change of this invention is illustrated below.


(1) In the embodiments mentioned above, although the speed of a foot rest bar is set up by the average value for every fixed interval (for example, during the movement of a foot rest bar forward and every fixed time), it is also possible to compose a brake device which applies brakes if the highest speed for every fixed interval of order movement or rocking becomes below set value.


If the average value of the movement of reciprocating in the cross direction or the rocking of the foot rest bar requires more time to perform, it is good for setting up a brake device that brakes in the cross direction movement or the rocking movement of a foot rest bar, for example, it is also possible to operate a brake when a value of the acceleration becomes smaller than a regular interval set instead of a speed.


Furthermore, it is also possible to apply brakes at the rocking speed of a foot rest bar.


And a rocking speed for applying brakes is set up by the average value for every fixed interval (for example, in every fixed time and under a movement of a foot rest bar to the lower part).


(2) A moveable structure of foot rest bar (1) for a cross direction can be changed suitably.


For example, arrangement and the quantity of wheels can be changed suitably.


However, in order to stabilize a foot rest bar, it is desirable to arrange wheels to the front and rear, right and left of the lower part of a foot rest bar.


(3) An output from an external output unit is possible also by a communication cable or a memory medium.


(4) A load device, which adds a load in the cross direction movement of a foot rest bar (1), can be any structure other than motors (19, 29). For example, it is possible also with a device, which adds friction resistance to a wheel or a movable belt.


(5) A structure and a form of a speed sensor can be suitably changed, if the speed of a foot rest bar (1), especially if the speed of the front are detectable.


For example, it is also possible to detect a speed of a foot rest bar (1) indirectly.


Moreover, the number of times of a reciprocating motion of a foot rest bar can also be calculated by the number of times of change in the direction of speed, which has detected a speed sensor.


In this case, a speed sensor serves as the function of a number-of-times detection sensor.


(6) Warning devices such as a buzzer and a lamp are assembled and when making a brake device operate in case that the number of times and the speed of a reciprocating motion of a feet setter become a set value, it is also possible to operate this warning device.


(7) It is also possible to form drive equipment, such as a motor, which makes a foot rest bar rock.


POSSIBILITY ON INDUSTRY USAGE

This invention is effective when motivative exercise is done for both feet, in the case that there is a disability as a result of hemiparesis after apoplexy, a decline of muscular strength by the rupture of the Achilles' tendon and disabilities of the range of motion in the joint of a leg or knee originating in a bone fracture in one leg, which is the foot with a disability and another healthy foot without any disability, in the sitting position on a chair.


It is an effective training machine, which realizes movements of both a cross direction and vertical direction.


So as to perform a motivative exercise of a disabled lower extremity by a healthy lower extremity, heretofore lower extremities function training devices, which were divided into each training device that could only perform in a cross direction movement or in a vertical direction movement; two kinds of the devices could be summarized to one machine in order to make it positively usable in a narrow house.


In this way, it is easy to treat and data is outputted outside, it becomes easy to perform a medical checkup or to change a training menu by remote control.


Moreover, in order to know a patient's condition conventionally, a physical therapist measured the angle of extremities with a contracture and has measured the patient's body situation.


Therefore, the physical therapist and a patient must be in the same place to perform needed measurement.


In this fourth embodiment, telemetry becomes possible because of the measurement of the angle of the lower extremities, which has a contracture becomes possible by the relation of feet and legs of four points contacting simultaneously.


At once to eliminate the ambiguity by viewing becomes available.


And a brake device brakes on a foot rest bar and can suspend an exercise in the case that a patient gets tired and the movement of a foot rest bar becomes slow; in the case of a brake device braking in a cross direction of a foot rest bar at the time of a reciprocating motion in a cross direction movement of a foot rest bar needs a longer time.


Consequently, too much movement of a patient can be prevented.


And a brake device brakes on a foot rest bar and can suspend an exercise in the case that a patient gets tired and the movement of a foot rest bar becomes slow; in the case of a brake device braking in a cross direction of a foot rest bar at the time of a reciprocating motion in a cross direction movement of a foot rest bar support axis needs a longer time.


Consequently, too much movement of a patient can be prevented.


And a foot rest bar is manually moved by a physical therapist, detection of the feet with contracture occurs by touching the four points of a foot rest bar and it is possible to automate detection of an angle of lower extremities with contracture namely the grade of contracture by outputting the angle.


Data for a research and a management of the momentum of a patient can be obtained easily, in the case that a lower limb function training device is outputting at least single detected data by a round-trip movement number sensing device and a movement speed detection device in the outside.


The previous invention described above is for patients to perform MOTIVATIVE exercise


The invention provide for people on airplanes, buses to move long distance and/or patients in the hospital for avoiding thrombophlebitis known as economy syndrome.


The invention provide for people on airplanes, buses to move long distance and/or patients in the hospital for avoiding thrombophlebitis known as economy syndrome.


The invention is used to solve the subjects mentioned above and to aim at offering a lower limb function training device, which can prevent thrombophlebitis known as economy syndrome.


And it is the secondary purpose to offer a lower limb function training device, which can perform two kinds of exercises.


And also, it aims to offer a lower limb function training device, which can motivate people to exercise and enables exercise two kind of movement.


There is no report that economy syndrome went out even if airlines have introduced the exercise by stretching legs and the Dorsi-Plantar Flexion exercise with no equipment.


A lower limb function training device provides two kinds of exercises.


One is a Dorsi-Plantar Flexion exercise device and the other is a stretch exercise.


People can use it as a Dorsi-Plantar Flexion exercise device by putting toes on the device with heels on the ground surface and can do a bilateral movement in one time training.


People can use it as a stretch exercise device by putting sole of feet and/or heels on the device not to touch those the ground surface and can do a bilateral movement in one time training.


If the symptoms progress, it may become pale by compression of arterial blood flow.


Also, it may cause thrombophlebitis of lower limb.


Moreover, if thrombus which caused this venous inflammation lodges in pulmonary artery, it may lead the sudden death because of the pulmonary embolism.


The news that a Japanese famous soccer player was hospitalized because of the pulmonary embolism and the venous inflammation is well known. He received a medical treatment to dislodge the thrombus by administration of anticoagulant drugs.


This invention, training with the device, enables to give stimulus that could not be obtained from the exercise with no device and improves the flow of the vein even if it is obliged to keep seated for long time.


Moreover, this will prevent and avoid the risks mentioned above.

Claims
  • 1. A lower limb exercise device which is attachable to a chair or a desk consists of a foot rest bar, a structure of a free to draw and/or shrink said foot rest bar on the straight line,said structure of free to draw and/or shrink said foot rest bar with using pressure device anda pivot axis for the supporting structure of the foot rest bar.
  • 2. A lower limb exercise device which is attachable to a chair or a desk consists of a foot rest bar, a structure of a free to draw and/or shrink said foot rest bar on the straight line,a pivot axis for the supporting structure of the foot rest bar anda load device on a said pivot axis pressures foot rest bar reciprocating motion.
  • 3. A lower limb exercise device which is attachable to a chair or a desk consists of a foot rest bar, a structure of free to draw and/or shrink said foot rest bar on the straight line,said structure of free to draw and/or shrink said foot rest bar with using pressure device,a pivot axis for the supporting structure of the foot rest bar anda load device on a said pivot axis pressures foot rest bar reciprocating motion.
  • 4. The lower limb exercise equipment indicated with a storage device in claim 1, 2 or 3.
  • 5. The lower limb exercise equipment indicated with at least one brake device in claim 1, 2, 3. or 4
  • 6. The lower limb exercise equipment indicated with at least power device in claim 1, 2, 3. or 4
Parent Case Info

This is a continuation-in-part application of the application Ser. No. 11/949,089. The application Ser. No. 11/949,089 is a divisional application of the application Ser. No. 10/779,126 and the U.S. Pat. No. 6,780,142, Date of Patent: Aug. 24, 2004.

Divisions (2)
Number Date Country
Parent 10779126 Feb 2004 US
Child 11949089 US
Parent 09581463 Jun 2001 US
Child 10779126 US
Continuation in Parts (1)
Number Date Country
Parent 11949089 Dec 2007 US
Child 12629308 US