Abstract:
An active and passive motion device for therapeutic exercise of upper and lower extremities, in the form of a pedaling device for therapy of leg and associated articulations. The device comprises a combination exercise stand and active/passive pedaling device that enables users with and/or without motor skills to remain generally stationary and seated in a chair or wheel chair and use their legs to actively pedal the device or have their legs moved by the pedaling device. Disclosed in an aspect thereof is an improved ankle strap sandal for use in such therapy. A lift enables the pedaling device to be vertically positioned relative to the wheelchair user when atop the support stand.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/903,435, filed Feb. 26, 2007, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to active and passive motion devices for therapeutic exercise of upper and lower extremities, and more particularly, to a pedaling device for therapy of leg and associated articulations. More particularly, this invention relates to a combination exercise stand and active/passive pedaling device that enables users with and/or without motor skills to remain generally stationary and seated in a chair or wheel chair and use their legs to actively pedal the device or have their legs moved by the pedaling device. Even more particularly, this invention relates to an improved ankle strap sandal for use in such therapy 
         [0004]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0005]    When human limbs are immobilized for prolonged periods of time, whether due to paralysis or to encasement in a cast, a condition known as osteoporosis can occur. Osteoporosis is a deossification with absolute decrease in bone tissue resulting in, among other things, structural weakness of the bone. 
         [0006]    Further, rehabilitation and treatment of injured joints can be expedited by use of active and continuous passive motion (CPM) of the joint. Continuous passive motion entails inducing movement of certain limb portions without requiring muscle coordination, strength, or coordination by the patient. Studies have shown that CPM of the different limbs and joints accelerates healing, and very importantly results in a fuller range of motion of the joint at the end of the course of therapy. Passive exercise provides needed exercise for individuals with other non-permanent injuries such as fracture. The recovery cycle from a muscular skeletal injury progressively moves from a passive involvement to an active involvement range of motion. 
         [0007]    Preferably, in many situations a device for therapeutic treatment of joints/limbs should enable the use by patients whether seated in a wheel chair or regular chair. Further, the device should also provide the patient with both a passive mode, in which the device exercises the limb, and an active mode, in which the patient uses the device to exercise the limb and joints once they become healthy enough. 
         [0008]    Furthermore, patients have different leg lengths and foot requirements, and may have different seating requirements; the therapeutic device should be adjustable wherein to provide a range of horizontal and vertical motion to accommodate these different patient needs and requirements. 
         [0009]    Various exercise and therapy devices wherein the patient is in operable relation with a pedaling device have been proposed. By way of example, attention is drawn to pedaling devices disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,312,312, issued May 17, 1994 to Fernandez et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,179,746, issued Jan. 30, 2001 to Delman; U.S. Pat. No. 6,520,892, issued Feb. 18, 2003 to Hassler; U.S. Pat. No. 5,860,941, issued Jan. 19, 1999 to Saringer et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,837,831, issued Jan. 4, 2005 to Lee; and D 462,099, issued Aug. 27, 2002 to Chen; and U.S. Pat. Publication US 2003/0092536, published May 15, 2003 to Romanelli et al. 
         [0010]    An arrangement wherein a chair is associated with an exercise apparatus is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,570,927, issued Feb. 18, 1986 to Petrofsky et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 5,472,396, issued Dec. 5, 1995 to Brazaitis. 
         [0011]    Arrangements wherein a wheel chair is associated with an exercise apparatus is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,928,673, issued May 29, 1990 to Heneger and U.S. Pat. No. 6,755,768, issued Jun. 29, 2004 to Garcia-Rill et al. 
         [0012]    Finally, motorized pedal exercisers are commercially available. One such pedal exerciser, sold under the name OxyCycle, is specially designed for those that have a hard time sitting on a regular bike and may be used from a regular chair or wheelchair. 
         [0013]    However, while the above noted approaches are believed have provided a suitable solution to the problem(s) then needing a solution, there is an ongoing need for improvements in active/passive pedaling apparatus. 
         [0014]    The above references are listed in recognition of the duty of disclosure of related subject matter which may be relevant as prior art under 37 CFR 1.56. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0015]    An object of this invention is the provision of active/passive pedaling apparatus that is adjustable, both as to the relation of a pedaling device relative to the user chair and the pedaling device relative to the pedals wherein to accommodate feet or legs in order that the user may work out the legs. Desirably, such active/passive pedaling apparatus may be personalized to accommodate different users and provide a user with low impact work out or therapy exercise that is easy on the joints, promotes circulation, and is adjustable to provide different speeds to progressively strengthen arms and legs. 
         [0016]    Another object of this invention is the provision of orthopedic shoe-like member that may be mounted to the pedal of a pedaling apparatus to make the fitment of the foot of the user relative to the pedal more comfortable 
         [0017]    As an aspect of this invention, an object is the provision of a foot securement member that improves the ability of the leg to move through a therapy regimen that requires the leg to bend and be vertically disposed and extends outwardly and is horizontally disposed. 
         [0018]    A further object of this invention is a therapy exercise arrangement adapted to adjustably position the feet of a user seated in a wheelchair with the pedals of an active/passive pedaling apparatus, the pedaling apparatus being stationary or movable both towards and away and/or vertically upwardly and downwardly relative to a platform upon which the wheelchair is secured. 
         [0019]    A further object of this invention is the provision of a passive exercise system for inducing a cycling motion in the limbs or extremities of patients who have little or no motor control of their legs. 
         [0020]    A further object of this invention is the provision in a passive exercise device of a foot securement arrangement that is adjustable to ensure that the feet of the patient are maintained in alignment with the cycling motion. 
         [0021]    According to this invention and in fulfillment of the above and other objects, there is provided an exercise apparatus for providing both active and continuous passive motion of lower body extremities or legs of a user, comprising 
         [0022]    a pedaling exerciser, said exerciser including a frame, a crankshaft having opposite ends, a pair of foot pedals, and a motor for rotating the crankshaft, said crankshaft mounted for rotation relative to the frame, and said foot pedals mounted on a respective end for rotation relative thereto, 
         [0023]    a support stand to support a chair above and away from said exerciser and to position the feet and legs of the user relative to the pedals of said exerciser while seated in the chair, and 
         [0024]    a pair of ankle strap sandals, said sandals respectively for one and the other of said pedals and restraining a respective foot of the user, each said sandal being connected to a respective of the pedals and selectively positionable relative to the axis of rotation of the pedal relative to the crankshaft end. 
         [0025]    According to this invention, each ankle strap sandal comprises 
         [0026]    a longitudinally elongated platform for supporting the base of the foot and an upstanding back for nesting the ankle of the foot relative to the platform, 
         [0027]    restraining means for securely fastening the foot and ankle relative to the platform and the back in a manner that the mid-point of the foot is disposed between the opposite longitudinal ends of the platform, and 
         [0028]    means for connecting the sandal to the pedal in a manner that the mid-point of the foot may be positioned where desired relative to the axis of rotation of the pedal wherein to orient the base of the foot and leg of the user in a manner to optimize the force transmitted to the leg and to exercise same upon rotation of the crank either actively by the user or passively by the motor. 
         [0029]    In an embodiment thereof, the means for connecting comprises provision of a multi-chambered connector base, the base depending from the bottom of the platform, and said chambers being spaced in side-by-side relation and extending laterally of the platform. The chambers are adapted to be slipped over and about a respective pedal and, so mounted, orient the longitudinal axis of the platform to be orthogonal to the axis of the crankshaft end. Depending on the chamber selected, the mid-point of the foot may be centered atop the crankshaft end, or longitudinally forward or rearward thereof. 
         [0030]    Further, the apparatus includes a controller for selectively disabling the motor to permit a user to physically rotate the crank, and actively exercise their legs, without motor assistance, and enabling the motor to rotate the crank and passively exercise the legs of the user. 
         [0031]    Additionally, because of the difference in users body types, height, and the like, and whether confined to a wheel chair or other chair, the apparatus preferably includes means for positioning the pedaling exerciser relative to said support stand and the pedal crankshaft relative to the chair. 
         [0032]    According to this aspect of the invention, 
         [0033]    the support stand defines a first support surface for supporting the chair, which support surface is vertically above a horizontal ground plane, and 
         [0034]    the means for positioning comprises a lift, and means for securing said exerciser atop said lift, said lift being disposed on and movable vertically relative to said ground plane. 
         [0035]    In some applications, the means for positioning further is configured that the lift may be movable back and forth, generally horizontally, towards and away from said support stand. Such horizontal and vertical control of the position of the pedaling exerciser enables the pedals and the users feet to be more appropriately located for maximum therapy. 
         [0036]    Desirably, the therapy system of the wheelchair being disposed above the pedaling exerciser enables vertical movement of the leg, as opposed to horizontal translation. In this regard, the removable foot sandal further complements the orientation of the leg and foot of the user relative to the pedal crank of the exerciser. 
         [0037]    As an aspect of this invention, the ankle strap sandals, the back is generally V-shaped, to nest the ankle of the user, and securement straps are provided to secure the ankle firmly to the back and the foot firmly atop the platform. 
         [0038]    The present invention will be more clearly understood with reference to the accompanying drawings and to the following Detailed Description, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts and where: 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0039]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of exercise apparatus including a support stand supporting a wheel chair in operable relation to an active/passive pedaling exerciser fitted with specially configured sandals for exercising the legs of a user, according to this invention; 
           [0040]      FIG. 2  is perspective view looking down at the active/passive pedaling exerciser as shown in  FIG. 1  and an ankle strap sandal positioned for assembly to a respective of the exerciser pedals; and 
           [0041]      FIG. 3  is perspective side elevation view of the ankle strap sandal according to this invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0042]    Turning now to the drawings,  FIG. 1  illustrates exercise apparatus for providing both active and continuous passive motion of lower body extremities or legs or feet of a user, the apparatus being generally indicated by the reference numeral  10 . The apparatus  10  includes a support stand  12  adapted to position a wheelchair or chair  14  relative to a pedaling exerciser  16 . The wheelchair  14  is conventional and includes a pair of rear wheels  18 , a pair of front wheels  20 , and a seat portion  22 . 
         [0043]    In the embodiment illustrated, the support stand  12  includes a support surface  24  that supports the wheelchair  14  vertically above and slightly away from the pedaling exerciser  16 . A securement rod  26  extends through the wheels  20  and has opposite ends thereof connected to respective brackets  28  on opposite lateral sides of the stand  12  wherein to secure the wheelchair  14  atop the support stand and position the lower front of the wheelchair in operable relation with the exerciser  16 . While a rod  26  is shown, separate clamps and the like and associated brackets may be used to grip the wheels  18  and  20  and position the wheelchair  14  atop the support stand  12 . 
         [0044]    In some arrangements, one or more ramps  30  may be provided to permit the user to push the wheelchair  14  atop the stand  12 . Other conventional wheelchair elevating apparatus may be used, depending on the installation. 
         [0045]    The pedaling exerciser  16  includes a frame  32 , a crankshaft  34  mounted for rotation to the frame, and a motor (not shown) for rotating the crankshaft. The crankshaft  34  has a pair of opposite ends  35  and a foot pedal  36  mounted on each respective end for rotation relative the connection. The pedals  36  and crankshaft  34  are arranged, much like a conventional bicycle. The ends  35  are in the form of generally axially elongated offset shafts that orbit about the axis of rotation “A” of the crankshaft. The pedals  36  are generally flat and rectangular in shape and have a center portion mounted for rotation relative to their respective end  35 . That is, the pedal supporting ends  35  define axes of rotation “P1” and “P2” for the respective pedals  36 , which axes are parallel to and radially spaced from the axis of rotation “A” of the crankshaft  34 . 
         [0046]    Important to this invention is that the active/passive apparatus  10  be adjustable, as to location of the pedaling exerciser  16  relative to the wheelchair  14  and the location of the feet of the user relative to the pedals  36  of the pedaling exerciser  16  wherein to accommodate feet or legs of different users in order that the user may work out the legs. That is, the active/passive apparatus  10  may be personalized to accommodate different users and provide a user with low impact work out or therapy exercise that is easy on the joints, promotes circulation, and is adjustable to provide different speeds to progressively strengthen arms and legs. 
         [0047]    Additionally, a therapy exercise arrangement is provided wherein to adjustably position the feet of a user seated in a wheelchair with the pedals of an active/passive pedaling apparatus, the pedaling apparatus being stationary or movable both towards and away and/or vertically upwardly and downwardly relative to a platform upon which the wheelchair is secured. 
         [0048]    According to this invention, because of the difference in users body types, height, and the like, and whether confined to the wheelchair  14  or other chair, the apparatus  10  preferably includes a lift  38  for positioning the pedaling exerciser  16  relative to the support stand  12  and the pedals  36  of the crankshaft  34  relative to the lower front end of the wheelchair  14 . The exerciser  16  is secured atop the lift  38  by any conventional securement approach, consistent with the frame  32  of the exerciser  16 . 
         [0049]    The lift  38  is disposed on a ground plane “B” vertically below the support surface  24  of the support stand  12  and is movable vertically relative thereto. In some applications, the lift  38  is movable back and forth, generally horizontally, towards and away from the support stand  12 . Such horizontal and vertical control of exerciser position enables the pedals  36  and the users feet to be more appropriately located for maximum therapy. 
         [0050]    Further, and as an important feature of this invention, there is provided a pair of ankle strap sandals  40 , one for each respective pedal  36  of the crankshaft  34 . The sandals  40  are for restraining a respective foot of the user and each is selectively transversely positionable relative to the axis of rotation of the pedal to which attached. The foot restraining or securement arrangement is adjustable to ensure that the feet of the patient are maintained in alignment with the cycling motion. 
         [0051]    According to this invention, each ankle strap sandal  40  comprises a longitudinally elongated planar platform  42  for supporting the base of the foot and an upstanding back  44  for nesting the ankle of the foot relative to the platform. As an aspect of this invention, the back  44  is generally V-shaped, to nest the ankle of the user and shoulder rearward forces occasioned during pedaling and acting to slide the foot longitudinally rearward. The back could be contoured or shaped as desired depending on the foot support desired. 
         [0052]    As shown best in  FIG. 3 , a first and second strap  46  and  48  is provided for restraining and securely fastening the foot and ankle relative to the top surface of the platform  42  and the back  44  in a manner that the mid-point of the foot is disposed between the opposite ends of the platform  42 . The straps secure the ankle firmly to the back  44  and the foot firmly atop the platform  42 . While many possibilities are available and known to those skilled in the art, preferably the straps are flexible bands of hook and loop material, such as commercially available under the tradename Velcro®. The straps  46  and  48  would preferably have connectible free end portions to enable the foot to be firmly fitted and removed easily. 
         [0053]    Importantly, the sandal  40  includes a multi-chambered connector base  48  for connecting the sandal to the pedal in a manner that the mid-point of the foot may be positioned where desired relative to the axis of rotation of the pedal wherein to orient the base of the foot and leg of the user in a manner to optimize the force transmitted to the leg and to exercise same upon rotation of the crank either actively by the user or passively by the motor. The base  48  depends downwardly from the bottom of the platform  42  and, in the embodiment illustrated, includes two chambers  50  and  52  in side-by-side relation and transverse to the longitudinal axis of the platform  42 . The chambers  50  and  52  extend laterally between the side edges of the platform and each is adapted to be slipped over and be disposed in firm captivating engagement about a respective pedal. So fitted, the sandal  40  orients the longitudinal axis of the platform to be orthogonal to the axis of the crankshaft end. Depending on the chamber selected, the mid-point of the foot may be centered atop the crankshaft end, or longitudinally forward or rearward thereof. 
         [0054]    Desirably, the therapy system of the wheelchair  14  being disposed above the pedaling exerciser  16  enables the user to establish a therapy regimen wherein substantially vertical movement of the leg is achieved, as opposed to horizontal translation. In this regard, the removable and positionable foot sandals  40  further complement the orientation of the leg and foot of the user relative to the pedal crank  34  of the exerciser  16 . 
         [0055]    Further, the apparatus  10  includes a controller  54  for selectively disabling the motor to permit a user to physically rotate the crank, and actively exercise their legs, without motor assistance, and enabling the motor to rotate the crank and passively exercise the legs of the user. 
         [0056]    Although the invention has been described relative to specific embodiments thereof, there are numerous variations and modifications that will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced other than as specifically described.