Improvements relating to invalid mobility apparatus

Abstract: An apparatus for enabling a disabled or injured person to exercise his limbs has a frame formed by a number of generally upright, elongate members 1 interconnected at their upper end by part circular, cushioned frame member 2 and interconnected at their lower ends by a similarly shaped frame member which carries castors for ease of movement of the apparatus. The castors are provided with braking devices. The upper frame member 2 may be closed by a detachable arcuate member 3. A square-shaped seat 9 and a cross-shaped seat 12 are provided, these having fastening elements to enable them to be detachably secured to ring-shaped elements on the elongate frame members 1. A flexible and resistant band or belt 14 may be passed through the ring shaped elements to surround and support a user of the apparatus. The apparatus provides support for a user whilst enabling the user to exercise his limbs.

Description: The present invention relates to an apparatus for the functional recovery of people with injuries which temporarily prevent normal use of arms and legs. Many people, particularly older people, who suffer from various illnesses, brain deterioration and fractures due to falling are obliged to remain in bed for a relatively long time. As a result of this, the poor circulation of blood often causes bed sores and other, similar effects. It is therefore necessary for them to be moved constantly by those looking after them and this in turn makes it difficult for them to carry out exercises necessary to their recovery. GB-A-2,163,057 discloses a walking aid apparatus comprising a frame defined by a number of studs generally inclined in respect to a vertical axis, the leaning of which studs would not prevent the structure from overturning whenever inclined during its usage. US-A-4,953,851 discloses a safety mobliser walker defined by four vertical support legs mounted on wheel assemblies and related by four brace members which could possibly make difficult to use the walker. Accordingly, the present invention provides apparatus for functional recovery, made to facilitate the practice of corporal exercises, of the kind that includes a rigid frame made of a metallic tubular structure, defined by a number of straight studs (1) which hold in their upper end a cushioned member (2) having an incomplete round shape and in their lower end a stiff member (6) of the same shape provided with castors and braking devices, the top member (2) being completed as a circle by a curved element (3) also cushioned and having detachable fastening means (4) at its ends to be secured to the top member ends (5), characterised in that said straight studs (1) are provided at their lower end regions with inclined support members (8) for supporting said apparatus in an inclined attitude. Use of the apparatus according to the present invention allows a person who is temporarily disabled to exercise his body and arms and legs to enhance blood circulation without requiring the assistance of others. In some instances, the person can get up from the bed or seat without the assistance of another person, walk and carry out the exercises. The preferred form of apparatus is dimensioned to allow a user to pass without difficulty through a door opening. The present invention is further described hereinafter, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of apparatus according to the present invention, with its accessories; Figure 2 shows a person affected by a physical injury when practising recovery exercises with the help of the apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows use of the apparatus of Figure 1 by a person injured in his lower and upper limbs; and Figure 4 shows the apparatus of Figure 1 in an inclined position in order to assist entry of the injured person into it, whilst at the same time preventing him from falling. The drawings show an apparatus for assisting recovery from injury which comprises a series of elongate members 1, for example four in number, comprising a generally upright, metallic tubular frame or structure which at its upper end carries an arcuate member 2, the latter being provided with padding or cushioning. The member 2 has a cooperating, second arcuate member 3 which is engagable with the arcuate member 2 to form a complete circular member. The free ends of the members 2 and 3 have cooperating coupling members to enable the two members to be secured together, the coupling members being, for example, bolts, buckles, hooks and fasteners. When the two members 2 and 3 are secured together they provide a circular, flexible or resilient support which can be held by a user. The lower ends of the elongate members 1 are secured to a third arcuate or part circular shaped frame member 6 which serves as a stiff base for the frame and is provided with castors 7 for ease of movement of the apparatus. The castors are conveniently provided with brakes or braking devices. Projections 8 extend downwardly and forwardly from the lower end regions of the elongate members 1 so as to provide a support for the apparatus when the latter is inclined to enable a person to get into the apparatus. When the apparatus is in an upright position the projections 8 are clear of the ground. Accessories shown in Figure 1 facilitate use of the apparatus. A cushioned seat 9 has at its end and its lower surface some means 10 such as hooks, bolts or fasteners which cooperate with rings 11 secured to the elongate members 1 to enable the seat 9 to be detachably secured to the frame and allow a user to rest seated in the apparatus and move different parts of his body. A cushioned, cross-shaped seat member 12 is also provided with fasteners 13 at its ends and allows a user to move his legs, to walk and also to rest. A band or belt 14 made of a flexible and/or resilient material may be passed through the rings 11 to hold the body of a user and allow him to walk or rest on the band.

Claims: Apparatus for functional recovery, made to facilitate the practice of corporal exercises, including a rigid frame made of a metallic tubular structure, defined by a number of straight studs (1) which hold in their upper end a cushioned member (2) having an incomplete round shape and in their lower end a stiff member (6) provided with castors and braking devices, the top member (2) being completed as a circle by a curved element (3) also cushioned and having detachable fastening means (4) at its ends to be secured to the top member ends (5), characterised in that said stiff member (6) is of the same shape as the cushioned member (2) and said straight studs (1) are provided at their lower end regions with inclined projections (8) for supporting said apparatus in an inclined attitude. Apparatus for functional recovery as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a flexible, cushioned seat member (9) having fastening means (10) for enabling said seat member to be detachably secured to said elongate members (1), provided with ring members (11). Apparatus for functional recovery as claimed in claim 2 wherein said seat member (9) is square-shaped. Apparatus for functional recovery as claimed in claim 2 wherein said seat member (9) is cross-shaped (12) and is provided with fasteners (13) at its ends. Apparatus for functional recovery as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising a flexible and resistant band (14) engagable in ring elements (11) on said elongate members (1) for surrounding and supporting a user of the apparatus.

Inventors: GRACIA ISABEL VERDUGO, GRACIA, ISABEL VERDUGO
Applicants: VERDUGO GRACIA ISABEL, GRACIA, ISABEL VERDUGO
Application year: 1991
Main classification: A61H3
IPC codes: A61H1, A61H3