Abstract:
A standing-up trainer, in particular for use in rehabilitation for mobilizing persons having limited mobility. In order to adjust a seat base between a sitting position and a standing position, a positioning unit that is adjustable by a drive is provided, and at least one securing device for securing the convalescent is provided.

Description:
[0001]    This nonprovisional application is a continuation of International Application No. PCT/DE2013/100072, which was filed on Feb. 25, 2013, and which claims priority to German Patent Application No. DE 10 2012 102 699.8, which was filed in Germany on Mar. 29, 2012, and which are both herein incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to a standing-up, for example, sit-to-stand, trainer, particularly for mobilizing convalescents with limited mobility in the rehabilitation sector, whereby to move a seat base between a sitting position and a standing position, a positioning unit movable by a drive is provided and at least one securing device for securing the convalescent is provided. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Background Art 
         [0005]    Convalescents, who have limited mobility due to illness, for example, stroke patients, are often confronted with the problem that they must relearn motion sequences necessary for daily life. In particular, the coordination of movements that are associated with a shifting of the body&#39;s center of gravity often poses great problems for these convalescents. Thus, for example, they must relearn how to stand up and sit down. This motion sequence makes high demands on coordination abilities. Thus, when standing up, the shoulders must first be shifted forwards in the direction of the toes. The center of gravity is then shifted further forwards in that the lower legs are tilted over the ankle joint, as a result of which the knees are also shifted forwards. This then results in a slight lifting of the thighs and buttocks from the seat base. The convalescent is then brought into the standing position by extending the legs and a simultaneous movement back of the shoulder section and thereby also of the center of gravity. With these shifts in the center of gravity, there is always the risk, however, that the center of gravity is shifted too far, which leads to a considerably increased risk of falling. There is the problem, moreover, that the muscle strength of the convalescents is often not sufficient to be able to perform the motion sequence independently. 
         [0006]    For this reason, when the standing up process is being relearned, a supervising attendant must always be present, who supports the convalescent and takes him actively from the sitting position to the standing position. The associated effort has the result that the reintegration of these convalescents into daily life is highly care-intensive and thereby also very cost-intensive. In other respects, these exercises are physically very strenuous not only for convalescents, but also for the assistants, particularly if the assistant is much lighter in weight. 
         [0007]    DE 20 2009 013 889 U1 discloses an adjustment device, in which by means of a electromotive adjustment, which is realized by a spindle drive, a seat base can be taken from a horizontal position to a vertical position. However, the use of such a device is associated with the problem that a spindle drive often cannot stand up to stress, particularly in the case of overweight patients, as a result of which the lifetime of the device is appreciably shortened. In addition, there is no guidance for the positioning unit, which has a negative effect on the stability of the adjustment device. 
         [0008]    Furthermore, EP 1 716 834, which corresponds to U.S. Pat. No. 7,601,104, discloses a sit-to-stand device in which the standing up motion is supported by a counterweight. A drive and a seat base are omitted, however, so that a forced movement is not possible. Furthermore, the user must be awkwardly attached to the device because of the lack of a seat base. 
         [0009]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,440,046 B1 discloses a training device for disabled persons, particularly for wheelchair users. In this case, a seat base is taken from a horizontal position to a vertical standing position by means of an air spring adjustable with a lever. A motorized adjustment of the seat base is not provided, however. Furthermore, the sit-to-stand training of the user is not the main focus here. Rather, the standing position is used to enable the user to perform a positively controlled walking motion of the legs, which is initiated via handles by a movement of the arms, similar to a cross trainer. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    It is therefore an object of the present invention to reduce the above-mentioned disadvantages in a sit-to-stand trainer of the aforementioned type. 
         [0011]    The object is achieved according to an embodiment of the invention with a sit-to-stand trainer of the aforementioned type in that a support strut for guiding the positioning unit is provided, whereby the positioning unit is formed by a carriage surrounding the support strut. An assistant can essentially be dispensed with because of the use of a positioning unit, which is adjustable by a drive. This has positive effect on the financial expenditures. Thus, the convalescent can be seated, for example, by an assistant in the sit-to-stand trainer and then complete the exercises on his own without the assistant&#39;s help. This means in particular that an assistant can care simultaneously for a number of convalescents, which particularly at larger rehabilitation facilities has a positive effect on the cost situation. It is also provided within the scope of the invention that the force of the drive can be adjusted and thereby adapted to the requirements of the particular convalescent. Thus, it is reasonable that depending on the severity of the illness, the force of the drive can be varied between slight support and a complete drive-controlled shifting of the convalescent between the sitting position and the standing position. Moreover, it is also provided within the scope of the invention that the starting and ending position of the positioning unit can be set, as a result of which the sit-to-stand trainer can be adapted to the mobility of the convalescent. The use of the at least one securing device for securing the convalescent assures that he is secured during the use of the sit-to-stand trainer of the invention and that an assistant can be essentially dispensed with. As a result, the convalescent is given an additional feeling of security and falling is effectively prevented. This also has the critical advantage that a number of sit-to-stand trainers can be attended to by only one assistant. The assistant can thus provide the particular convalescent with a one-time assistance in entering the sit-to-stand trainer, secure him in the sit-to-stand trainer, and then allow him to train alone without the assistant being at risk of neglecting his responsibilities. In addition, the sit-to-stand trainer can also be used by convalescents with only very limited control over their motor abilities. This refers, for example, to convalescents with spasticity or the like. The use of the support strut confers stability on the sit-to-stand trainer of the invention and moreover the position of the positioning unit can be set thereby. It is also provided within the scope of the invention that the positioning unit is realized hydraulically or pneumatically, as a result of which the guidance function of the support strut can be omitted. The position of the connected seat base is always set by the use of a carriage guided on the support strut. 
         [0012]    The at least one securing device for securing the convalescent can be designed as a belt and/or a knee brace. The use of a belt, which within the scope of the invention can be attached to the seat base, holds the pelvic region of the convalescent and this effectively prevents the convalescent from falling out of the sit-to-stand trainer of the invention during its use. Moreover, it is also provided within the scope of the invention that in addition to or instead of the belt, a knee brace is attached to the sit-to-stand trainer that is used to support and guide the knee region of the convalescent when standing up. 
         [0013]    The seat base can be connected to the positioning unit via a seat strut mounted rotatably on the positioning unit and not oriented parallel to the support strut. The lack of parallelism between the support strut and the seat strut assures that movement of the positioning unit along the support strut always induces a torque, which is used for moving the seat base. It is also provided within the scope of the invention that the support strut can be designed like a control cam that presets the trajectory of the seat base directly attached thereto. 
         [0014]    A wheel rolling on the support strut can be provided for guidance support for the positioning unit on the support strut. This has a positive effect on the operational safety of the sit-to-stand trainer. 
         [0015]    A knee lever directly or indirectly connecting the backrest with the support strut can be provided for the positively driven movement of a backrest, a movement that is derived from the motion of the seat base. This assures that the backrest is moved simultaneously with the seat base. The desired trajectory of the backrest can also be specifically defined, moreover, by the shape of the knee lever with the selected leg length. It is also provided within the scope of the invention that the backrest is likewise provided with a securing device for securing the convalescent. This assures that the position of the upper body of the convalescent is firmly determined during use of the sit-to-stand trainer of the invention, which reduces the risk of falling. 
         [0016]    In an embodiment, a chassis is provided for holding a frame comprising two support struts inclined from the vertical and connected together by a horizontal auxiliary strut. The vertically inclined arrangement of the support struts when the positioning unit moves along the support strut inclined toward the seat strut causes a superposition of translation and rotation, which results in a tilting and raising of the seat base. It is naturally also conceivable within the scope of the invention that the support strut is attached vertically and the seat strut not vertically. It is also possible, moreover, that both the seat strut and the support strut are not oriented vertically. In addition, the chassis also provides a mount for the drive and it is assured by the frame that the sit-to-stand trainer of the invention provides sufficient stability also when used by overweight persons. 
         [0017]    The seat base can be connected to the chassis by a leg strut. As a result, the seat base is additionally supported, which has a positive effect on the reliability of the sit-to-stand trainer. If a knee brace is provided as a securing device for securing the convalescent in a sit-to-stand trainer of the invention, then said brace can be mounted on the leg strut, as a result of which the knee region of the convalescent is effectively supported during use of the sit-to-stand trainer of the invention. 
         [0018]    The chassis can be connected to the leg strut for tilting the seat base via a tilting element. This assures that the knees of the user can be shifted forward when standing up, which promotes the support of the natural motion sequence. The tipping element in this case can be formed in the customary manner as a joint or as an elastically deformable part. 
         [0019]    The seat base can be connected to the leg strut for moving the seat base between the sitting position and the standing position via an uprighting joint. As a result, during the movement of the positioning unit, the seat base is moved between a substantially horizontal sitting position and a substantially vertical standing position. 
         [0020]    The backrest can be provided with at least one spring return element to support the natural physiological motion sequence, by which the back of the convalescent is also given certain degrees of freedom. 
         [0021]    For the versatile use of the sit-to-stand trainer, the chassis can be provided with rollers that are preferably steerable and/or lockable. As a result, the position of the entire sit-to-stand trainer can be changed in a simple way. The lockability of the rollers also assures that the sit-to-stand trainer is always stable during use. Due to the use of rollers, the sit-to-stand trainer can also be used in the home, because when not in use it can be easily moved away. 
         [0022]    The chassis can be provided with a preferably height-adjustable footrest for propping up the soles of a user&#39;s feet. In this way, the sit-to-stand trainer can be adjusted individually to the size proportions of the particular convalescent and provides him with a secure platform for motion sequence training. 
         [0023]    The force transmission of the drive to the positioning unit can be realized by deflection rollers. This assures that the drive must always exert only a tractive force independent of the position of the positioning unit. This is of great advantage for the durability of the drive, as a result which service and maintenance costs are also reduced over the long term. 
         [0024]    The drive can be realized by a motor, particularly by an electric motor. Because such an electric motor is emission-free and moreover runs very quietly, the use of such an electric motor has a positive effect on the user-friendliness and usability of the sit-to-stand trainer of the invention in interior spaces. 
         [0025]    Further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0026]    The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given hereinbelow and the accompanying drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus, are not limitive of the present invention, and wherein: 
           [0027]      FIG. 1  shows a schematic illustration of a person in a sitting position with an illustration of the trajectories forming when standing up and sitting down; 
           [0028]      FIG. 2  shows a schematic illustration of a person in a standing position with an illustration of the trajectories forming when standing up and sitting down; 
           [0029]      FIG. 3  shows a perspective view of a sit-to-stand trainer; 
           [0030]      FIG. 4  shows a schematic illustration of the sit-to-stand trainer in the sitting position; 
           [0031]      FIG. 5  shows a schematic illustration of the sit-to-stand trainer in an intermediate position; and 
           [0032]      FIG. 6  shows a schematic illustration of the sit-to-stand trainer in the standing position. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0033]      FIGS. 1 and 2  in schematic illustrations show the trajectories of individual body parts, which arise when a person, for example, a convalescent, stands up and sits down.  FIG. 1  here shows the person in a sitting position and the person is shown standing in  FIG. 2 . In this case, the trajectories of a shoulder region  40 , a hip region  50 , a knee region  60 , and an ankle region  70  are shown. During a natural movement from the sitting position, which is shown in  FIG. 1 , to the standing position, shown in  FIG. 2 , shoulder region  40  is first shifted forwards. As is evident from a shoulder trajectory  44 , the shoulder region here is also inclined slightly downward in addition. At the same time, knee region  60  according to a knee trajectory  66  likewise tilts obliquely forward and downward in the direction of the soles. This results in a shifting forward of the body&#39;s center of gravity, as a result of which hip region  50  is relieved and can now be moved along a hip trajectory  55  obliquely forward and upward. Shoulder region  40  is now straightened up along shoulder trajectory  44  and knee region  60  is again moved back, so that in the standing position there is a substantially vertical orientation of the person&#39;s shoulder region  40 , hip region  50 , knee region  60 , and ankle region  70 . During the shifting from the standing position back to the sitting position, hip region  50  is essentially first moved obliquely downward, as a result of which shoulder region  40  initially is also lowered. As is evident from knee trajectory  66 , knee region  60  inclines only slightly during the sitting down movement and otherwise remains stationary.  FIGS. 1 and 2  show that hip trajectory  55  and especially shoulder trajectory  44  exhibit a considerable hysteresis behavior. Thus, during the sitting down movement hip region  50  remains upright longer and is moved downward only later in the direction of the seat base. Only ankle region  70  remains stationary during the entire motion sequence. 
         [0034]      FIG. 3  shows a sit-to-stand trainer  1  of the invention, which is used to support a convalescent in the training of the natural motion sequence required for standing up and sitting down and to allow or to enable the trajectories shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . Two positioning units  2  can be seen that are guided on a support strut  3 , which is part of a frame  5  attached to a chassis  4 , and are formed by a carriage  6 , which is guided in addition by a wheel  7  rolling on support strut  3 . Positioning unit  2  is connected in each case via a seat strut  8 , mounted rotatably on wheel  7 , to a seat base  9 . In order to bring about a movement of seat base  9  from a substantially horizontal sitting position to a substantially vertical standing position during the movement of positioning unit  2 , it is necessary that support struts  3  are not arranged parallel to seat strut  8 . In the shown exemplary embodiment, seat struts  8  hereby are arranged vertically and support struts  3  not vertically. Because the two struts are not parallel to one another, during a movement of positioning units  2  along support struts  3 , seat base  9  is not only moved upward but is also uprighted. To increase the stability of sit-to-stand trainer  1  of the invention, seat base  9  is connected to chassis  4  via leg struts  10 . To enable the shifting of the knees in the direction of the toes, the connection of leg struts  10  to chassis  4  is not rigid, but realized by tilting elements  11 , which are designed as joints in the shown exemplary embodiment. The tipping makes it possible that during the movement of seat base  9  from the sitting position to the standing position, the knees are tilted according to the natural physiological motion sequence in the direction of the toes. In order to bring seat base  9  into an upright position during a movement of positioning unit  2 , seat base  9  is connected to leg strut  10  via an uprighting joint  12 . For the positively driven movement of a backrest  13  connected to seat base  9 , a knee lever  14  is provided, which in the shown exemplary embodiment is attached to an auxiliary strut  15 , horizontally connecting the two support struts  3 , and backrest  13 . To support the natural physiological motion sequence, backrest  13  is assigned a spring return element  16 , which in the shown exemplary embodiment is made as a spiral spring. As a result, the natural physiological motion sequence is supported, because the convalescent can always move against the countering spring force. In the shown exemplary embodiment, chassis  4  has rollers  17  that are made steerable and lockable. Sit-to-stand trainer  1  can be easily moved by these, which also promotes the use in the home, because sit-to-stand trainer  1  can be just pushed into a corner when it is not being used. The user of sit-to-stand trainer  1  has the option of placing his feet on a footrest  18 , associated with chassis  4 . For better adaptation to the particular user, it is preferably adjustable in height. The force of a drive  19 , made as an electric motor in the shown exemplary embodiment, is transmitted via deflection rollers  20  to the positioning unit. It is also provided within the scope of the invention that the force of drive  19  can be adjusted. As a result, the support by drive  19  can be adapted to the requirements and weight of the particular convalescent. Thus, in the case of a convalescent who experiences very great impairment of the motion sequence because of a transection of the spinal cord, the necessary force support is much greater than, for example, in a stroke patient who because of his illness suffers only from mild motor disturbances with a possible impairment of the sense of balance. Moreover, the starting and ending position of the positioning unit and thereby the seat base can also be set before the start of training and thereby be adapted to the requirements of the particular convalescent. A securing device  21  for securing the convalescent is also shown in the drawing. In the shown exemplary embodiment, securing device  21  is designed as a belt, which fixes the convalescent in the pelvic area and thereby secures him from falling out of sit-to-stand trainer  1 . 
         [0035]      FIGS. 4 to 6  show schematic illustrations of sit-to-stand trainer  1  of the invention in different positions. In  FIG. 4  sit-to-stand trainer  1  is in the sitting position. In this case, seat base  9  is arranged substantially horizontally and backrest  13  in a substantially vertical position. Knee lever  14  is in a closed position here. If positioning units  2  are now moved along support struts  3 , the situation shown below in  FIG. 5  arises. 
         [0036]      FIG. 5  shows an intermediate position between the sitting position and the standing position. In this case, by moving positioning units  2  and seat base  9  connected thereto, leg struts  10  are inclined forward via tilting elements  11 . As a result, the user&#39;s knees shift in the direction of his toes. Simultaneously, seat base  9  is set upright by the movement of positioning units  2  and backrest  13  and thereby the shoulder region of a user is shifted forward by the opening up of knee lever  14 . This has the result that the user&#39;s center of gravity is likewise shifted forwards. 
         [0037]    In the standing position, which is shown in  FIG. 6 , backrest  13  now forms a substantially vertical plane with seat base  9  and leg struts  10 . The knees of a user are fully extended, as a result of which the user comes to stand vertically. If now the running direction of motor  19  is changed, thus by moving positioning units  2 , leg struts  11  are tilted forwards via tilting elements  11 . As a result, seat base  9  pivots backward and the motion sequence ends again in the sitting position, which represented the starting position. 
         [0038]    The invention being thus described, it will be obvious that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are to be included within the scope of the following claims.