CA2030873A1 - Therapeutic exercise device for arms - Google Patents
Therapeutic exercise device for armsInfo
- Publication number
- CA2030873A1 CA2030873A1 CA 2030873 CA2030873A CA2030873A1 CA 2030873 A1 CA2030873 A1 CA 2030873A1 CA 2030873 CA2030873 CA 2030873 CA 2030873 A CA2030873 A CA 2030873A CA 2030873 A1 CA2030873 A1 CA 2030873A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- arm
- secured
- shaft
- support means
- frame
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 230000001225 therapeutic effect Effects 0.000 title description 3
- 230000001737 promoting effect Effects 0.000 abstract description 4
- 230000000284 resting effect Effects 0.000 description 5
- 210000003414 extremity Anatomy 0.000 description 4
- 210000003205 muscle Anatomy 0.000 description 4
- 210000000245 forearm Anatomy 0.000 description 3
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 3
- 210000002435 tendon Anatomy 0.000 description 3
- 206010003694 Atrophy Diseases 0.000 description 2
- RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N Copper Chemical compound [Cu] RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 208000002193 Pain Diseases 0.000 description 2
- 206010033799 Paralysis Diseases 0.000 description 2
- 230000037444 atrophy Effects 0.000 description 2
- 210000000707 wrist Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- 208000008035 Back Pain Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 208000005392 Spasm Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 208000020339 Spinal injury Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 208000006011 Stroke Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 208000007536 Thrombosis Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 206010003246 arthritis Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 210000000988 bone and bone Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 230000006866 deterioration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000006260 foam Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000006261 foam material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 210000001503 joint Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 230000007774 longterm Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 201000006417 multiple sclerosis Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 201000006938 muscular dystrophy Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 230000002441 reversible effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000007779 soft material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 108010003641 statine renin inhibitory peptide Proteins 0.000 description 1
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 210000000623 ulna Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 238000010626 work up procedure Methods 0.000 description 1
Landscapes
- Rehabilitation Tools (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
This invention relates to a device for promoting health and rehabilitation through exercise by way of providing motion to one's arms. The device comprises a frame, support means secured to the frame and means to rotate the support means 90° about a horizontal axis with respect to the frame. A motor is carried by the support means. A shaft is rotatably driven about its axis by the motor when in operation. The shaft extends outwardly from the support means. An elongated crank arm is secured to the shaft to rotate therewith. An arm holder means is secured to an end of the crank arm and pivotable therewith about an axis parallel to that of the shaft or at some adjustable finite angle thereto.
This invention relates to a device for promoting health and rehabilitation through exercise by way of providing motion to one's arms. The device comprises a frame, support means secured to the frame and means to rotate the support means 90° about a horizontal axis with respect to the frame. A motor is carried by the support means. A shaft is rotatably driven about its axis by the motor when in operation. The shaft extends outwardly from the support means. An elongated crank arm is secured to the shaft to rotate therewith. An arm holder means is secured to an end of the crank arm and pivotable therewith about an axis parallel to that of the shaft or at some adjustable finite angle thereto.
Description
2~30~73 iB CXt:ROUND OF TH13 I~JVE:N'r:l:ON
This invention relates to a device ~or promoting health and rehabilitation through exercise by way of providing motion to one's arms. More particularly, the present invention relates to such a device which gives a rotary motion to the arms of a user while those arms are in a passive state in such a way that motion is trar.smitted to the shoulder and also the trunk of the user.
Rotary, health promoting, powersd exercise machines have long been known for providing helpful exercise and therapeutic treatment for children and adults who have different degrees of di~abilities. Individuals who have su~fered partial paralysis, e.g. spinal injury, strokes, arthritis, chronic back pain, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy and the like have the need to exercise or range their unused or underused muscles or limbs.
Failure to do so can result in stiffened joints and tendons, and atrophy of the muscles leading to a generalized limb pain as well as a general deterioration of the cardi.ovascular system including increased susceptibility to blood clots. on the other hand, the therapeutical value of even strictly passive limb exercise is quite indisputable for helping to counteract the effects of long term immobilization. Such~exercise tends to make joints more flexible, helps prevent atrophy of muscles and tendons, increases circulation thus removing the causes of pain in a limb, increases circulation thereby enabling the heart to work more e~iciently, and gives rise to a general feeling o~ well being.
~ ~ ?, ~ ~3 7 3 Patents of general background interest relating to exercise devices providing ro~ary motion to a user's arms include Canadian Patent No. 891,657 of McGuire issued January 25, 1972;
Canadian Patent No. 1,140,181 of Reynolds issued January 25, 1983;
Canadian Patent No. 1,177,503 of Peters issu~d November 6, 1984;
Canadian Patent No. 1,255,709 of gopnic~y issued June 13, 1989;
U.S. Patent No. ~,615,335 of Searcy issued October 7, 198~;
U.S. Patent No. 4,717,146 of Nohara issued January 5, 1988; and U.S. Patent No. 4,863,157 of Mendel et al issued September 5, 1989.
Arm exercise devices for passive axms which provide a rockex motion to the arms are taught in U.S. Patent No. 4,773,399 of Richardson issued September 27, 1983 ~nd U.S. Patent No.
4,869,494 of Lambert issued September 26, 1989~
Such known devices have been subject to a number of disadvantages. For sxample, those providing rotary motion for the user's arms have provided a fixed amplitude for a crank arm extending from an axle, to an arm holder and the user's arm. This means that unless the amplitude chosen is very small, the device cannot be used by children or adults with a small range of non-~0 painful movement such as would occur after an accidPnt, operation or a~ter a long period of inactivlty. In such cases, it is desirable to start off with a small range of movement and work up to larger amplitudes of orbital motion as flexibility in the joints, muscles and tendons is restored.
Another limitation is concerned with the allowable planes of operation. Such prior machines limit themselves to orbiting the arm in a vertical plane. This limits the range o~ movements that 2 ~3 ...?, ~
can be induced in the user's arm, shoulder and trunk. As well, such known devices confine themselves to a mode of operation where the axis of rotation of the arm holder is always the same as or parallel to the axis of rotation of the crank This also limits the range of motion available for the arm, shoulder, trunk system.
Another limitation is concerned with the method used to attach the user's arm to the machine. While many of the prior art devices require the user to grip a rotating handle at the end of the crank arm, others, such as that of Peters Canadian Patent No.
1,177,503 orbit the arms in a vertical plane by clamping the arm into a rigid arm support having an elongated forearm nesting portion ending a few inches short of a tube around which the fingers may be curled. Such a handgrip results in the radius and ulna, the long bones in the forearm, being in a crossed position, which in some cases increases the possibility of spasm if the arm happened to be paralysed.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a device for exercise of passive arm through rotative or orbital motion thereof, which overcomes these above-noted disadvantages.
_U~MARY OF THE INVE~TION
In accordance with the present invention a device is provided for exercising passive arms of a person. The device comprises a frame, support means secured to the frame and means to rotate the support means 90 about a horizontal axis with respect to tha frame. A motor is carried by the support means. A shaft is ~3~
rotatably driven about i~s axis by the motor when in operation.
The shaft extends outwardly from the support means. Means are provided for securing an elongated crank arm to the shaft to rotate therewith. An arm holder means is secured to an end of the crank arm and pivotable therewith about an axis parallel to that of the shaft or at some adjustable finite angle thereto.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the support means is secured to the ~rame so as to rotate between a position in which the shaft is vertically orientated to extend above the support means, and a position in which the shaft is horizontally oriented. ~ counterweight is adjustably secured to the end of the crank arm opposite from the arm holder means to provide assistance to the motor when the support means is operated with the shaft horizontally oriented. The crank arm is preferably secured to the shaft by way of a bracket secured to the counterweight. As well, the crank arm is preferably slidably positioned with respect to the counterweight and locking means are provided to releasably secure the crank arm at a desired position with xespect to the shaft.
Using the device of the present invention, with a simple adjustment of the orientation of the support means with respect to the ~rame, the motor driven arm holder means may be operated in any desired plane of operation, from horizontal to vertical. As well, as will be described in more detail subsequently, the device of the present invention is relatively inexpensive to construct and simple and effective in use.
B~IE~ D~SCRIP~ION OF T~E DRAWING~
These and other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon referring to the drawings in which:
FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a device according to the present invention set up for rotation of a user's arm in a horizontal plane:
FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of the device of FIGURE 1 set up for orientation of a user's arm in a vertical plane; and FIGURE 3 is an exploded, perspective, paxtial view of the arm holder means of the device of FIGURES 1 and 2.
While the invention will be described in conjunction with an illustrated embodiment, it will be understood that it is not intended to limlt the invention to such an embodiment. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
DBTAILED DE~CRIP~ION OF THE INVENTION
In the drawings similar features have been given similar reference numerals. ~
~ Turning to FIGURES 1 and 2 there is illustrated a device 2 for exercising the passive arms of a person by giving a rotary motion to a user's arms. Device 2 has a frame 4 comprising an upright post 6 Which is telescopically slidable and lockable for ~ , , , :- .
2~3~73 ~ 6 --height adjustment within lower post 8. Lower post 8 is removably attached to a U-shaped stand 10 which has two wheels 12 permanently in contact with the ground to facilitate transportation.
Frictional contact with the ground is provided by rubber stops 14 secured to stand 10 at points spaced from wheels 12 as illustrated.
Pivotally secured to the upper post 6 of frame 4 is a support mean~
16 in the form of a box which houses a geared motor 18. A bracket 20 is secured to housing 16 and is connected to post 6 by means of a threaded shaft 22 having a horizontal axis adjustment arm 24 which screws onto threaded rod 22 and tightens bracket 20 against post 6 when a desired orientation of bracket 20 and housing 16, through pivoting on threaded shaft 22.
Motor 18, within housing 16, is connected through gears (not illustrated) to a shaft 26 which is rotatably driven about its axis by motor 18 during operation of the device~ Shaft 26 extends outwardly from housing 16 in a perpendicular fashion and defines the axis of rotation of crank arm 28 secured thereto.
A power pack 30 is mounted at one end of housing 16 as illustrated to 5Upply power to motor 18.
Crank arm 28 is secured to shaft 26 by means of counterweight 32 (which is also provides assistance to motor 18 when device 2 is used in the vertical pl~ne, as will be described in more detail hereinafter). A hole i5 drilled through the centre of counterweight 32 to receive one end of crank arm 28. A threaded hole in the side of counterweight 32 takes a wing bolt 34 which engages a flattened portion 36 of crank arm 28 (FIGURE 3)~ Crank arm 28 is slidably mounted in the centred hole of counterweight 2~3~3 32, the flat portion 36 on arm 28 ensuring that a given relative positioning of the arm 28 with respect to counterweight 32 can be maintained when wing bolt 34 is tightened. By loosening wing bolt 34, the amount of crank arm 2~ protruding from counterweight 32 can 5be adjusted to achieve, as will be described in more detail hereinafter, variable amplitude for a person's orbiting arm during operation of the device.
As can be seen in FIGURE 3, counterweight 32 and hence crank arm 28 are bolted to shaft 26 and rotate therewith, by means 10of bracket 35 secured to counterweight 32.
At the other end 38 of arm 28 is a U-chann 1 element which forms a threaded clevis 40. This clevis is attached ko and rotatably mounted on end 3~ of crank arm 28 by means of a bolt 42, adjustment as to the angle of rotation of clevis 40 being provided 15by means of a plurality of holes 44 through clevis 40 and a pin 45 which is spring mounted to the end of arm 2~ as illustrated.
An arm holder means 48 is attached to a pedal 50 which is rotatably attached to an axle 52, the end of which is threaded to fit into threaded clevis 40.
20Arm holder~48 comprisas a curved ~orearm resting portion 50 lined with a soft foam material 52 as illustrated. Spaced a short distance ~e.g. 2 inches) from each end of this resting portion 50 are narrow pieces of flat steel 54 covered with a soft material such as foam and curved in a semicircle. The useris wrist 25i5 placed in the curved resting portion 50 and held in position by an elastic strap 56 which is secured to the base 58 of arm holder 48 and, at its free end, is releasably securable to resting portion ~'' '.
- : :
. . ' 2 ~ 7 ~
50 by means of hook and pile fasteners 60. One of narrow bands 54 forms a forearm rest while the user's fingers are wrapped around the other. This design ensures that any desired position of the hand can be achieved ranging from palm in, palm down, to palm facing out. The symmetrical design of the arm holder means 48 also ensures that the arm unit can be used for either arm o~ a user.
It will be understood that, in addition to adjustment of arm holder means 4~ to oparate in a horizontal plane (FIGURE 1) or a vertical plane (FIGURE 2) by rotation of housing 16 and bracket 20 about shaft 22, a third type of adjustment may be made. By adjusting clevis 40 through selection o~ a particular hole 44 with pin 46, the angle of arm holder means 48 with respect to the plane of rotation of crank arm 28 may be also adjusted, providing a greater range of movement to a user's arm and torso during operation of the device. Also, by adjusting the amount by which crank arm 28 protrudes ~rom counterweight 32, the offset~of arm holder means 48 with respect to its axis of rotation governed by shaft 26 may be adjusted, to provide an appropriate radius of orbit of the user's arm.
Power for the motor 18, derived from power pack 30, may be controlled with an on/off control 66, speed control 68 and forward and reverse~switch 70 being located on a remote control unit 72 which can be patient operated.
~ In operation, device 2 is wheeled up to a patient seated in a wheelchair or lounge chair. The appropriate height of arm holder means 48, by adjustment of post 6 is obtained, and the appropriate orientation of arm holder means 48, by rotation o~
7 ~
bracket 20 about the horizontal axis of shaft 22 is obtained. As well, by loosening wing bolt 34 on counterweight 32, the desired orbit of arm holder 48 can be secured by appropriately sliding crank arm 28 within counterweight 32. Finally, if necessary, clevis 40 may be adjusted to provide an appropriate angle of arm holder means with respect to the plane of rotation of crank arm 28.
Arm support strap 56 is used to secure the patient's wrist into the padded, curved resting portion 50 and the patient~s fingers may be curled over the appropriate support bar 5~. Motor 18 is then activated and speed control 68 rotated until the motion begins.
Once the desired speed is attained, the length of time in operation is patient determined.
Thus it is apparent that there has been provided in accordance with the invention a rotary health and rehabilitation promoting exercise apparatus that fully satisfies the objects, aims and advantages set forth above. While the invention has been described in conjunction with a specific embodiment thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations as fall within the spirit and broad scope of the invention.
This invention relates to a device ~or promoting health and rehabilitation through exercise by way of providing motion to one's arms. More particularly, the present invention relates to such a device which gives a rotary motion to the arms of a user while those arms are in a passive state in such a way that motion is trar.smitted to the shoulder and also the trunk of the user.
Rotary, health promoting, powersd exercise machines have long been known for providing helpful exercise and therapeutic treatment for children and adults who have different degrees of di~abilities. Individuals who have su~fered partial paralysis, e.g. spinal injury, strokes, arthritis, chronic back pain, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy and the like have the need to exercise or range their unused or underused muscles or limbs.
Failure to do so can result in stiffened joints and tendons, and atrophy of the muscles leading to a generalized limb pain as well as a general deterioration of the cardi.ovascular system including increased susceptibility to blood clots. on the other hand, the therapeutical value of even strictly passive limb exercise is quite indisputable for helping to counteract the effects of long term immobilization. Such~exercise tends to make joints more flexible, helps prevent atrophy of muscles and tendons, increases circulation thus removing the causes of pain in a limb, increases circulation thereby enabling the heart to work more e~iciently, and gives rise to a general feeling o~ well being.
~ ~ ?, ~ ~3 7 3 Patents of general background interest relating to exercise devices providing ro~ary motion to a user's arms include Canadian Patent No. 891,657 of McGuire issued January 25, 1972;
Canadian Patent No. 1,140,181 of Reynolds issued January 25, 1983;
Canadian Patent No. 1,177,503 of Peters issu~d November 6, 1984;
Canadian Patent No. 1,255,709 of gopnic~y issued June 13, 1989;
U.S. Patent No. ~,615,335 of Searcy issued October 7, 198~;
U.S. Patent No. 4,717,146 of Nohara issued January 5, 1988; and U.S. Patent No. 4,863,157 of Mendel et al issued September 5, 1989.
Arm exercise devices for passive axms which provide a rockex motion to the arms are taught in U.S. Patent No. 4,773,399 of Richardson issued September 27, 1983 ~nd U.S. Patent No.
4,869,494 of Lambert issued September 26, 1989~
Such known devices have been subject to a number of disadvantages. For sxample, those providing rotary motion for the user's arms have provided a fixed amplitude for a crank arm extending from an axle, to an arm holder and the user's arm. This means that unless the amplitude chosen is very small, the device cannot be used by children or adults with a small range of non-~0 painful movement such as would occur after an accidPnt, operation or a~ter a long period of inactivlty. In such cases, it is desirable to start off with a small range of movement and work up to larger amplitudes of orbital motion as flexibility in the joints, muscles and tendons is restored.
Another limitation is concerned with the allowable planes of operation. Such prior machines limit themselves to orbiting the arm in a vertical plane. This limits the range o~ movements that 2 ~3 ...?, ~
can be induced in the user's arm, shoulder and trunk. As well, such known devices confine themselves to a mode of operation where the axis of rotation of the arm holder is always the same as or parallel to the axis of rotation of the crank This also limits the range of motion available for the arm, shoulder, trunk system.
Another limitation is concerned with the method used to attach the user's arm to the machine. While many of the prior art devices require the user to grip a rotating handle at the end of the crank arm, others, such as that of Peters Canadian Patent No.
1,177,503 orbit the arms in a vertical plane by clamping the arm into a rigid arm support having an elongated forearm nesting portion ending a few inches short of a tube around which the fingers may be curled. Such a handgrip results in the radius and ulna, the long bones in the forearm, being in a crossed position, which in some cases increases the possibility of spasm if the arm happened to be paralysed.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a device for exercise of passive arm through rotative or orbital motion thereof, which overcomes these above-noted disadvantages.
_U~MARY OF THE INVE~TION
In accordance with the present invention a device is provided for exercising passive arms of a person. The device comprises a frame, support means secured to the frame and means to rotate the support means 90 about a horizontal axis with respect to tha frame. A motor is carried by the support means. A shaft is ~3~
rotatably driven about i~s axis by the motor when in operation.
The shaft extends outwardly from the support means. Means are provided for securing an elongated crank arm to the shaft to rotate therewith. An arm holder means is secured to an end of the crank arm and pivotable therewith about an axis parallel to that of the shaft or at some adjustable finite angle thereto.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the support means is secured to the ~rame so as to rotate between a position in which the shaft is vertically orientated to extend above the support means, and a position in which the shaft is horizontally oriented. ~ counterweight is adjustably secured to the end of the crank arm opposite from the arm holder means to provide assistance to the motor when the support means is operated with the shaft horizontally oriented. The crank arm is preferably secured to the shaft by way of a bracket secured to the counterweight. As well, the crank arm is preferably slidably positioned with respect to the counterweight and locking means are provided to releasably secure the crank arm at a desired position with xespect to the shaft.
Using the device of the present invention, with a simple adjustment of the orientation of the support means with respect to the ~rame, the motor driven arm holder means may be operated in any desired plane of operation, from horizontal to vertical. As well, as will be described in more detail subsequently, the device of the present invention is relatively inexpensive to construct and simple and effective in use.
B~IE~ D~SCRIP~ION OF T~E DRAWING~
These and other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon referring to the drawings in which:
FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a device according to the present invention set up for rotation of a user's arm in a horizontal plane:
FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of the device of FIGURE 1 set up for orientation of a user's arm in a vertical plane; and FIGURE 3 is an exploded, perspective, paxtial view of the arm holder means of the device of FIGURES 1 and 2.
While the invention will be described in conjunction with an illustrated embodiment, it will be understood that it is not intended to limlt the invention to such an embodiment. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
DBTAILED DE~CRIP~ION OF THE INVENTION
In the drawings similar features have been given similar reference numerals. ~
~ Turning to FIGURES 1 and 2 there is illustrated a device 2 for exercising the passive arms of a person by giving a rotary motion to a user's arms. Device 2 has a frame 4 comprising an upright post 6 Which is telescopically slidable and lockable for ~ , , , :- .
2~3~73 ~ 6 --height adjustment within lower post 8. Lower post 8 is removably attached to a U-shaped stand 10 which has two wheels 12 permanently in contact with the ground to facilitate transportation.
Frictional contact with the ground is provided by rubber stops 14 secured to stand 10 at points spaced from wheels 12 as illustrated.
Pivotally secured to the upper post 6 of frame 4 is a support mean~
16 in the form of a box which houses a geared motor 18. A bracket 20 is secured to housing 16 and is connected to post 6 by means of a threaded shaft 22 having a horizontal axis adjustment arm 24 which screws onto threaded rod 22 and tightens bracket 20 against post 6 when a desired orientation of bracket 20 and housing 16, through pivoting on threaded shaft 22.
Motor 18, within housing 16, is connected through gears (not illustrated) to a shaft 26 which is rotatably driven about its axis by motor 18 during operation of the device~ Shaft 26 extends outwardly from housing 16 in a perpendicular fashion and defines the axis of rotation of crank arm 28 secured thereto.
A power pack 30 is mounted at one end of housing 16 as illustrated to 5Upply power to motor 18.
Crank arm 28 is secured to shaft 26 by means of counterweight 32 (which is also provides assistance to motor 18 when device 2 is used in the vertical pl~ne, as will be described in more detail hereinafter). A hole i5 drilled through the centre of counterweight 32 to receive one end of crank arm 28. A threaded hole in the side of counterweight 32 takes a wing bolt 34 which engages a flattened portion 36 of crank arm 28 (FIGURE 3)~ Crank arm 28 is slidably mounted in the centred hole of counterweight 2~3~3 32, the flat portion 36 on arm 28 ensuring that a given relative positioning of the arm 28 with respect to counterweight 32 can be maintained when wing bolt 34 is tightened. By loosening wing bolt 34, the amount of crank arm 2~ protruding from counterweight 32 can 5be adjusted to achieve, as will be described in more detail hereinafter, variable amplitude for a person's orbiting arm during operation of the device.
As can be seen in FIGURE 3, counterweight 32 and hence crank arm 28 are bolted to shaft 26 and rotate therewith, by means 10of bracket 35 secured to counterweight 32.
At the other end 38 of arm 28 is a U-chann 1 element which forms a threaded clevis 40. This clevis is attached ko and rotatably mounted on end 3~ of crank arm 28 by means of a bolt 42, adjustment as to the angle of rotation of clevis 40 being provided 15by means of a plurality of holes 44 through clevis 40 and a pin 45 which is spring mounted to the end of arm 2~ as illustrated.
An arm holder means 48 is attached to a pedal 50 which is rotatably attached to an axle 52, the end of which is threaded to fit into threaded clevis 40.
20Arm holder~48 comprisas a curved ~orearm resting portion 50 lined with a soft foam material 52 as illustrated. Spaced a short distance ~e.g. 2 inches) from each end of this resting portion 50 are narrow pieces of flat steel 54 covered with a soft material such as foam and curved in a semicircle. The useris wrist 25i5 placed in the curved resting portion 50 and held in position by an elastic strap 56 which is secured to the base 58 of arm holder 48 and, at its free end, is releasably securable to resting portion ~'' '.
- : :
. . ' 2 ~ 7 ~
50 by means of hook and pile fasteners 60. One of narrow bands 54 forms a forearm rest while the user's fingers are wrapped around the other. This design ensures that any desired position of the hand can be achieved ranging from palm in, palm down, to palm facing out. The symmetrical design of the arm holder means 48 also ensures that the arm unit can be used for either arm o~ a user.
It will be understood that, in addition to adjustment of arm holder means 4~ to oparate in a horizontal plane (FIGURE 1) or a vertical plane (FIGURE 2) by rotation of housing 16 and bracket 20 about shaft 22, a third type of adjustment may be made. By adjusting clevis 40 through selection o~ a particular hole 44 with pin 46, the angle of arm holder means 48 with respect to the plane of rotation of crank arm 28 may be also adjusted, providing a greater range of movement to a user's arm and torso during operation of the device. Also, by adjusting the amount by which crank arm 28 protrudes ~rom counterweight 32, the offset~of arm holder means 48 with respect to its axis of rotation governed by shaft 26 may be adjusted, to provide an appropriate radius of orbit of the user's arm.
Power for the motor 18, derived from power pack 30, may be controlled with an on/off control 66, speed control 68 and forward and reverse~switch 70 being located on a remote control unit 72 which can be patient operated.
~ In operation, device 2 is wheeled up to a patient seated in a wheelchair or lounge chair. The appropriate height of arm holder means 48, by adjustment of post 6 is obtained, and the appropriate orientation of arm holder means 48, by rotation o~
7 ~
bracket 20 about the horizontal axis of shaft 22 is obtained. As well, by loosening wing bolt 34 on counterweight 32, the desired orbit of arm holder 48 can be secured by appropriately sliding crank arm 28 within counterweight 32. Finally, if necessary, clevis 40 may be adjusted to provide an appropriate angle of arm holder means with respect to the plane of rotation of crank arm 28.
Arm support strap 56 is used to secure the patient's wrist into the padded, curved resting portion 50 and the patient~s fingers may be curled over the appropriate support bar 5~. Motor 18 is then activated and speed control 68 rotated until the motion begins.
Once the desired speed is attained, the length of time in operation is patient determined.
Thus it is apparent that there has been provided in accordance with the invention a rotary health and rehabilitation promoting exercise apparatus that fully satisfies the objects, aims and advantages set forth above. While the invention has been described in conjunction with a specific embodiment thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations as fall within the spirit and broad scope of the invention.
Claims (16)
1. A device for exercising passive arms of a person, the device comprising:
(a) a frame;
(b) support means secured to the frame;
(c) means to rotate the support means 90° about a horizontal axis with respect to the frame;
(d) a motor carried by the support means;
(e) a shaft rotatably driven about its axis by the motor when operating, the shaft extending outwardly from the support means;
(f) an elongated crank arm;
(g) means securing the elongated crank arm to the shaft to rotate therewith; and (h) arm holder means secured to an end of the crank arm and pivotable therewith about an axis parallel to that of the shaft.
(a) a frame;
(b) support means secured to the frame;
(c) means to rotate the support means 90° about a horizontal axis with respect to the frame;
(d) a motor carried by the support means;
(e) a shaft rotatably driven about its axis by the motor when operating, the shaft extending outwardly from the support means;
(f) an elongated crank arm;
(g) means securing the elongated crank arm to the shaft to rotate therewith; and (h) arm holder means secured to an end of the crank arm and pivotable therewith about an axis parallel to that of the shaft.
2. A device according to claim 1 wherein the support means is secured to the frame so as to rotate between a position in which the shaft is vertically orientated and extends above the support means, and a position in which the shaft is horizontally oriented.
3. A device according to claim 2 wherein a counterweight is provided at the opposite end of the crank arm to the support means to provide assistance to the motor when the support means is operated with the shaft horizontally oriented.
4. A device according to claim 3 wherein the crank arm is secured to the shaft by way of a bracket secured to the counterweight.
5. A device according to claim 1 wherein the arm holder means comprises a base with spaced curved, arm-supporting form extending outwardly from the base, and a strap means for securing a user's arm in position on the arm holder mean positioned between the arm rest.
6. A device according to claim 5 wherein a padded semi-circular arm rest is secured to the base between the arm rests, cooperating with the strap means to secure a user's arm in position on the arm holder.
7. A device according to claim 6 wherein one of the curved arm rest is positioned on the base at a location at which a user's fingers can wrap around it.
8. A device according to claim 3 wherein the arm holder means comprises a base with spaced curved, arm-supporting form extending outwardly from the base, and a strap means for securing a user's arm in position on the arm holder mean positioned between the arm rest.
9. A device according to claim 1 further provided with a remote power control means for the motor for control of the speed and operation of the motor.
10. A device according to claim 1 wherein the support means is secured to the frame by means of a bracket which is rotatably mounted on a horizontal shaft outwardly extending from the frame, and means are provided for securing the support means and the bracket in a desired orientation on the shaft.
11. A device according to claim 1 wherein adjustable means secure the arm holder means to said end of the elongated crank end to permit adjustment of the orientation of the arm holder means with respect to the crank arm.
12. A device according to claim 11 wherein said adjustable means comprises a clevis secured at one end to the crank arm for a limited pivotal movement out of the plane of rotation of the crank arm, the arm holder means being secured to the clevis for adjustable movement therewith.
13. A device according to claim 4 wherein adjustable means secure the arm holder means to said end of the elongated crank end to permit adjustment of the orientation of the arm holder means with respect to the crank arm.
14. A device according to claim 13 wherein said adjustable means comprises a clevis secured at one end to the crank arm for a limited pivotal movement out o* the plane of rotation of the crank arm, the arm holder means being secured to the clevis for adjustable movement therewith.
15. A device according to claim 1 wherein the support means is secured to the frame by means of a bracket rotatable about a horizontal axis, means being provided to secure the support means in a desired orientation with respect to the frame.
16. A device according to claim 1 wherein the frame comprises a post vertically mounted on a base, the support means secured to the post and the post being vertically adjustable with respect to the base to permit positioning of the support means at a desired height.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2030873 CA2030873A1 (en) | 1990-11-26 | 1990-11-26 | Therapeutic exercise device for arms |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2030873 CA2030873A1 (en) | 1990-11-26 | 1990-11-26 | Therapeutic exercise device for arms |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2030873A1 true CA2030873A1 (en) | 1992-05-27 |
Family
ID=4146530
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2030873 Abandoned CA2030873A1 (en) | 1990-11-26 | 1990-11-26 | Therapeutic exercise device for arms |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2030873A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5417643A (en) * | 1993-10-27 | 1995-05-23 | Danninger Medical Technology, Inc. | Continuous passive motion exercise device |
| CN113018794A (en) * | 2021-03-02 | 2021-06-25 | 中织健康产业(山东)有限公司 | Rotation stroke limiting device |
-
1990
- 1990-11-26 CA CA 2030873 patent/CA2030873A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5417643A (en) * | 1993-10-27 | 1995-05-23 | Danninger Medical Technology, Inc. | Continuous passive motion exercise device |
| CN113018794A (en) * | 2021-03-02 | 2021-06-25 | 中织健康产业(山东)有限公司 | Rotation stroke limiting device |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| US5284131A (en) | Therapeutic exercise device for legs | |
| US5062633A (en) | Body-building exercise apparatus | |
| US5067479A (en) | Continuous passive motion device | |
| US4640268A (en) | Muscular rehabilitation apparatus for exercising human body appendages | |
| US4651719A (en) | Continuous passive motion shoulder unit | |
| US5244444A (en) | Exerciser | |
| US5609566A (en) | Apparatus for treatment, physical therapy, rehabilitation, recreation and training of spine and other human body parts | |
| US6461284B1 (en) | Spherical back exerciser apparatus | |
| US4612919A (en) | Adjustable limb support | |
| US5738636A (en) | Continuous passive motion devices for joints | |
| CA1108955A (en) | Massage apparatus | |
| US5626547A (en) | Stretch therapy apparatus for physical fitness, rehabilitation and medical treatment | |
| US5158074A (en) | Rehabilitation patient positioning device | |
| JPH09501575A (en) | Self-supporting rotator cuff development device | |
| US5545177A (en) | Apparatus for applying acupressure | |
| US5050589A (en) | Isokinetic knee table | |
| US5033736A (en) | Passive exercise bicycle | |
| US5099828A (en) | Passive exercise apparatus for entire body | |
| US5254060A (en) | Motorized exerciser for human limbs | |
| US20040082885A1 (en) | Combination pro/supination and flexion therapeutic mobilization device | |
| CA2073069A1 (en) | Portable traction apparatus | |
| US5031898A (en) | Ambulatory lumbar traction device | |
| US4773399A (en) | Exercising device | |
| US20230027314A1 (en) | Extender for a percussion massage device | |
| US20030148863A1 (en) | Neck strengthening apparatus utilizing isometrics |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |