Patent Publication Number: US-9427370-B2

Title: Kit for rehabilitation apparatus

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The invention relates to a kit for assembling an apparatus intended to be operated by a human user for the purpose of facilitating the conditioning or rehabilitation of nerve and muscle stimulation of a limb or muscle of the user by repetitive or continuous activity of the user, wherein the weight a body part of the user or an energy storage device can be utilized. 
     2. Description of Related Prior Art 
     U.S. Pat. No. 2,928,675 discloses a therapeutic apparatus. The therapeutic apparatus includes a pivotally supported platform, means for imparting a seesaw motion to the platform while the latter supports a recumbent patient thereon, and a pair of longitudinal rails in spaced relation with the platform and connected thereto. The principal object of the therapeutic apparatus is the provision, in connection with an angularly shiftable platform which supports a patient in a recumbent position, of adjustable stop members at the ends of the platform for preventing sliding of a patient&#39;s body in a longitudinal relation with the platform while the latter makes teeter or seesaw motions. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In summary, the invention is a kit for assisting a disabled person in rehabilitation. The kit includes a frame. The kit also includes at least one loop mounted on the frame. The loop defines a first opening. The kit also includes a flexible elongate member extending between first and second opposite ends. The flexible elongate member is selectively receivable in the at least one loop. The kit also includes first and second attachment members. The first and second attachment members can be connected at one of the first and second opposite ends of the flexible elongate member or at some point between the first and second opposite ends. Each of the first and second attachment members is operable to form an opening of variable size to receive and releasably tighten around a limb of the disabled person. Further this apparatus can reduce or eliminate the need of expensive electro-mechanical machines and/or a second person to facilitate rehabilitation of an injured person who needs to move a limb in a desired path and/or a repetitive motion. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment of the invention in a first configuration; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a second exemplary embodiment of the invention in a first configuration; and 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a third exemplary embodiment of the invention in a first configuration. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
     A plurality of different embodiments of the invention is shown in the Figures of the application. Similar features are shown in the various embodiments of the invention. Similar features have been numbered with a common reference numeral and have been differentiated by an alphabetic suffix. Also, to enhance consistency, the structures in any particular drawing share the same alphabetic suffix even if a particular feature is shown in less than all embodiments. Similar features are structured similarly, operate similarly, and/or have the same function unless otherwise indicated by the drawings or this specification. Furthermore, particular features of one embodiment can replace corresponding features in another embodiment or can supplement other embodiments unless otherwise indicated by the drawings or this specification. 
     The invention, as demonstrated by the exemplary embodiment described below, provides a rehabilitation apparatus. Embodiments of the invention can be useful for people generally, but can be particularly beneficial to a person having one or more impaired limbs, such as a person in a wheel chair or a person afflicted by a stroke or other debilitating illnesses or injuries. Exemplary embodiments, for example, can allow a person in a wheel chair to move an impaired limb with a limb capable of movement. In this activity, the “moving” or force-exerting limb is beneficially exercised. The impaired or “moved” limb enjoys improved circulation and the movement repairs nerve systems in order to “teach” the limb to respond to signals from the brain to move in a desired way. Exemplary embodiments can also allow a person in a wheel chair to exercise limbs along two transverse axes without having to change position. For example, an arm can be exercised by lifting the other arm or by lifting one of the legs. While one pulley may be used for simple vertical motion, two or more pulley may be utilized in a configuration that permits an injured limb to be moved in any desired direction or path. The injured limb may be returned to its initial position through gravitational force or by way of mechanical advantage such as springs, weights, and the like. Embodiments of the invention can be an apparatus that is free standing or fixed to a support such as a wall, floor, chair or bed. The apparatus can be collapsible for ease of storage or in the alternative can be a permanent structure. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the invention in first configuration. A rehabilitation apparatus  10  according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention can include components combined in a kit. The assembled rehabilitation apparatus  10  can be used for rehabilitation by a person having an impaired limb. Other embodiments of the invention can be used by a person who is bedridden. Generally, at least some embodiments of the invention can be used by a disabled person in exercise without requiring that the person move from the person&#39;s primary supporting structure. However, the invention is not limited to such embodiments. 
     The rehabilitation apparatus  10  can include a frame  12 . The exemplary frame  12  can be formed from a plurality of releasably connected members  14 . An apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention can be infinitely reconfigurable and positioned through telescoping or releasably fastened structural members with a variety of interconnecting elements. Optionally the structural members can be formed in varying sizes with or without telescoping or other variable configuration features. All useful mechanical features and connections are contemplated by the present invention to facilitate a desired apparatus configuration. Such mechanical features and connections include, but are not limited to elongated slots, apertures, clamps, friction generating devices, resilient mechanisms such as spring loaded protruding members, press fit and loose fit pins, releasable locking features, threaded and non-threaded fasteners, and other equivalent mechanisms. In addition, various apparatus may be made from one or more materials that include but are not limited to metals, woods, plastics, composites, other man-made materials and combinations thereof. The structural members and interconnecting elements may be formed in different cross sectional configurations by way of example and not limitation: circular, square, oval, I-beam, hollow or solid, etc. 
     A kit according to one exemplary embodiment of the invention can include a plurality of members  14  of different length to accommodate a wide variety of configurations for the frame  12 . In the first exemplary embodiment of the invention, each of the members  14  can be L-shaped beams having apertures along at least part of its length to receive a fastener such as a bolt. Each of the members  14  can include apertures along its entire length to maximize the number of possible configurations. Each apparatus  10  in this and other embodiments can have members  14 ,  16 ,  18 ,  20 ,  22 ,  24 ,  26  etc. that can be modified, varied or reconfigured by a user relative to size, shape and length of the members  14 ,  16 ,  18 ,  20 . Alternatively, in some embodiments the members  14 ,  16 ,  18 ,  20 ,  22 ,  24 ,  26  etc. can be fixed in size, shape and length for ease of use with a defined application such as a particular wheel chair model or the like. 
     In the first exemplary embodiment, the plurality of members  14  includes post members  16 ,  18 ,  20  (and one not shown) to substantially define a height of the first configuration. It is noted that in  FIG. 1  the front corner of the frame  12  is omitted to more clearly show a person engaged in rehabilitation. The post members  16 ,  18 ,  20  can be L-shaped beams each having a plurality of apertures, such as aperture  22 . It noted that only a few apertures are shown to enhance the clarity of the other structures shown in the drawings. The post members  16 ,  18 ,  20  can have substantially the same length, however it is noted that this is not necessary for practicing the invention. Post members of different lengths can be used together by appropriately selecting the apertures  22  used in connecting adjacent members  14 . 
     The plurality of members  14  of the first embodiment can also include cross-members  24 ,  26 ,  28 ,  30 ,  32 . The cross-members  24 ,  26 ,  28 ,  30 ,  32  can cooperate to interconnect the post members  16 ,  18 ,  20  and enhance the rigidity and stability of the frame  12 . The cross-member  26  can support a loop  34  defining an opening  36 . The loop  34  can be a carabiner. In the first exemplary embodiment, the kit can in a pulley  38  suspended from the loop  34 . The pulley connection structure can include hooks that are permanently attached to one of the members or releasable connected. Regardless of how the pulley is attached to an embodiment of the invention, the pulley can be moved to an unlimited number of locations depending on how the embodiment is configured. The loop  34  can be permanently mounted to one of the members  14  or releasably mounted. In various embodiments of the invention, the loop  34  can be mounted to one of the members  14  for swiveling movement or the orientation of the opening  36  can be fixed relative to the frame  12 . The exemplary loop  34  can be centered relative to the cross-member  26 . In alternative embodiments of the invention, a loop  34  can be mounted to a member at a position spaced from the midpoint of that member  14 . It should be noted that a kit according to an embodiment of the invention can include a plurality of loops similar to loop  34 . Configurations of the frame  12  can support a plurality of loops and pulleys similar to loop  34  and to pulley  38  to accommodate a plurality of different body motions for rehabilitation. 
     The rehabilitation apparatus  10  can also include a flexible elongate member  40  extending between first and second opposite ends  42 ,  44 . The flexible elongate member  40  is selectively receivable across the pulley  38 . In one embodiment of the invention not including a pulley, the flexible elongate member  40  is selectively receivable through the loop  34 . 
     The rehabilitation apparatus  10  can also include first and second attachment members  46 ,  48 . Each of the first and second attachment members  46 ,  48  can be connected at one of the first and second opposite ends  42 ,  44  or at some point along the elongate member  40  between the first and second opposite ends  42 ,  44 . Each of the first and second attachment members  46 ,  48  is operable to form an opening of variable size to receive and releasably tighten around a limb of the user of the rehabilitation apparatus  10 . The attachment members  46 ,  48  can be formed from an elastic material to accommodate different sizes, or can include a length of hook and loop fasteners that can be variably positioned with respect to one another, or can include a buckle, or any other releasably locking arrangement. Similarly, the connection between the attachment members  46 ,  48  and the elongate member  40  can be accomplished such that the position of the attachment members  46 ,  48  is variable. The connection arrangement can include hook and loop fasteners, clips, or any other arrangement. 
     In the operation of the first exemplary embodiment, a user can pass the elongate member  40  over the pulley  38 , affix one attachment member on a first wrist, and affix the second attachment member on the other wrist. The user can then lift one arm by moving the other arm and thereby engage in rehabilitation. The movement of the “driving” limb enhances the circulation in the impaired limb. The positions of the user&#39;s arms are shown in solid line and phantom to show corresponding positions over the range of movement. 
     It is noted that kits according to embodiments of the invention can be advantageously used to assemble frames of various sizes, including minimized sizes. For example, in the first embodiment, the frame  12  can be constructed to have a relatively small footprint. The post members  16 ,  18 ,  20  (as well as the omitted post member) can be arranged as close to the user as the user desires. The range of arm motion can extend beyond the envelope defined by the frame  12 . In other words, if the user&#39;s arms with both extended laterally outward, the distance between the user&#39;s hands can be greater than the length of the cross-member  26 . Alternatively, the user may desire a larger frame. For example, the user may desire to engage in different motions requiring loops  34  at more than position about the frame  12 . To obtain a full range of motion, the frame  12  can be assembled to include additional members  14  and be deeper, wider, longer, or any combination of these three dimensions. 
     A kit can also include feet for supporting vertically-extending members  14 . In the first exemplary embodiment, feet  50  can each receive an end of one of the L-shaped beam post members  16 ,  18 ,  20 . The feet  50  can enhance the stability of the frame  12  and prevent damage to the post members  16 ,  18 ,  20  and/or the floor on which the frame  12  is positioned. The feet  50  can include a blind slot or blind aperture shaped to conform to an end of one post members  16 ,  18 ,  20 , such that the slot or aperture receives the end and prevents relative movement between the feet  50  and the end. 
       FIG. 2  shows a second embodiment  10   a  of the invention in a first configuration. In the second embodiment, L-shaped beams have been replaced by tubular members  14   a . Each of the plurality of post members  16   a ,  18   a ,  20   a  can have an adjustable length to vary the height of the frame  12   a .  FIG. 2  shows the exemplary post members  16   a  can include telescoping members  52   a ,  54   a . The telescoping member  52   a  having a diameter referenced at D 1  can be received in the telescoping member  54   a  having a diameter referenced at D 2 , where D 2  is greater than D 1 . 
     The position of one telescoping member  52   a ,  54   a  relative the mating telescoping member  52   a ,  54   a  can be fixed by a locking device. An exemplary locking device  56   a  can include a thumb screw  58   a  and a threaded boss  60   a  on the telescoping member  54   a . The thumb screw  58   a  can be rotated relative to the boss  60   a  until the thumb screw  58   a  engages the telescoping member  52   a  with sufficient force to prevent the telescoping member  52   a  from moving further into the telescoping member  54   a . It is noted that in other embodiments of the broader invention, differently-configured posts can be used together, differently-configured locking devices can be used, and less than all of the posts could include locking devices. Alternate locking features, by way of example and not limitation, can include press indent button, clamps, rod-like structures extended through aligned apertures. 
     The rehabilitation apparatus  10   a  can also include at least one loop  34   a  mounted on the frame  12   a  and a pulley  38   a  supported by the loop  34   a . The second exemplary embodiment can also include a second loop  62   a  defining an opening  64   a  and supporting a second pulley  66   a . A first flexible elongate member  40   a  can extend between first and second opposite ends  42   a ,  44   a . The rehabilitation apparatus  10  can also include first and second attachment members  46   a ,  48   a . Each of the first and second attachment members  46   a ,  48   a  can be connected at one of the first and second opposite ends  42   a ,  44   a  or at some point along the elongate member  44  between the first and second opposite ends  42   a ,  44   a . Each of the first and second attachment members  46   a ,  48   a  is operable to form an opening of variable size to receive and releasably tighten around a limb of the user of the rehabilitation apparatus  10   a.    
     In operation, a user can string the elongate member  40   a  across the pulley  38   a  and the pulley  66   a , affix one attachment member on a wrist, and affix the second attachment member on an ankle. The user can then lift a leg by moving an arm and thereby engage in rehabilitative movement. The positions of the user&#39;s arm and leg are shown in solid line and phantom to show corresponding positions over the range of movement. It is contemplated that any limb or a portion thereof may be the motive limb to cause movement in at least a portion of an injured limb. For example, and not by way of limitation, any combination or portions of legs, arms, hands, fingers, feet, toes, head, and neck and may be used to provide or receive motive force for movement about any desired joint. The second exemplary embodiment of the kit can also include a second flexible elongate member  68   a  (shown in phantom), similar to the first elongate member  40   a . Such a kit can also have first and second attachment members, like first and second attachment members  46 ,  48  or  46   a ,  48   a , interconnected with the second flexible elongate member  68   a . In a kit having two or more flexible elongate members, the elongate members can have different lengths. The second elongate member  68   a  can be applied in the second embodiment, for example, by a extending the second elongate member  68   a  through the opening  36   a  of the loop  34   a , affixing one attachment member on the same wrist associated with the attachment member  46   a , and affixing the other attachment member on the opposing wrist. The user can then lift a leg and an arm by moving one arm and thereby engage in rehabilitative movement. Thus, embodiments of the invention can be operable allow a user to engage in rehabilitative movement concurrently in more than one plane. For example, the motion of the user&#39;s leg occurs in a first plane parallel to the plane defined between post members  16   a  and  18   a . When using the second elongate member as described above, the user&#39;s left arm would move in second plane parallel to the plane defined between post members  18   a  and  20   a . The first and second planes would be transverse (perpendicular or less than fully perpendicular) to one another. Of course, the configuration of the second embodiment would allow the user to engage in rehabilitative movement consecutively in more than one plane. The leg could be moved by the right arm and then the left arm could be moved by the right arm. 
       FIG. 3  shows a third embodiment of the invention. A rehabilitation apparatus  10   b  can include a frame  12   b  having a plurality of releasably interconnected members  14   b . Like the first embodiment, the members  14   b  of the third embodiment can be L-shaped beams. The frame  12   b  has been constructed to support rehabilitative movement for a bedridden user. The plurality of members  14   b  includes base members  70   b ,  72   b ,  74   b , post members  16   b  and  18   b , and a cross-member  26   b . A single base member  72   b  is shown extending between the base members  70   b  and  74   b , however, a plurality of members similar to base member  72   b  can extend between the base members  70   b  and  74   b  to increase the weight of the frame  12   b . In the third exemplary embodiment of the invention, the base members  70   b  and  74   b  can be disposed under the user&#39;s bed  76   b.    
     A loop  34   b  can be connected to the cross-member  26   b  and support a pulley  38   b . A exemplary kit for constructing the third embodiment can also include an energy storage structure, such as spring  78   b . The spring  78   b  can include opposite ends that accommodate connection to other structures, such as hook  80   b . In the third exemplary embodiment, the spring  78   b  can be interconnected between the user&#39;s wrist (such as through an attachment associated with the elongate member  40   b  but not referenced to enhance drawing clarity) and a partial table  82   b  adjacent to the user&#39;s bed  76   b.    
     In operation, the user can position the impaired limb such as a left arm on the table  82   b . The user can also affix a first attachment member connected to the elongate member  40   a  (not referenced to enhance drawing clarity) on a first wrist such as the left wrist, connect the spring to the attachment member on the left wrist, extend the elongate member  40   a  over the pulley  38   a , and slip the right wrist through the second attachment member connected to the elongate member  40   a  (not referenced to enhance drawing clarity). The user can then move the impaired arm across the table  82   b  by raising the other arm and thereby engage in rehabilitation. During upward movement of the “driving” limb, the spring  78   b  stores energy. When the driving limb is relaxed and lower, the spring  78   b  expends the stored energy and urges the impaired limb back to an original position. Thus embodiments of the invention can be operable to allow a user to engage in rehabilitative motion without the benefit of gravity. 
     It is noted that the three embodiments have been shown to include squared corners, but alternative embodiments can include interconnection structures allowing connections at angles different than 90°. It is also noted that additional members can be added to the exemplary embodiments to further enhance rigidity and stability if necessary. 
     Embodiments of the invention can be practiced wherein one limb moves a different distance than the other limb. For example, an embodiment of the invention could include a double pulley arrangement. An elongate member can be connect to a limb at one end, extend over a first pulley, over a second pulley, and be fixed at a second end. The second limb can be connected to the second pulley with a second elongate member. Movement of the first limb would cause the second pulley and the second limb to move. Increasing the number of pulleys would increase the ratio of movement between the first limb and second limb. 
     It is also noted that eyebolts could be used instead of pulleys to direct movement of an elongate member in embodiments of the invention. The aperture defined by the eyebolt can be coated in antifriction material, overmolded with a material to reduce friction, or receive an insert to reduce friction experienced by the elongate member during movement through the aperture of the eyebolt. 
     Embodiments of the invention can accommodate different speeds of movement of the disabled limb over the course of movement. For example, an embodiment of the invention can include a cam—cam follower arrangement. The cam can be moved by a first limb and be shaped to induce variable-speed movement of the cam follower. The disabled limb can be operably engaged with the cam follower. 
     The present disclosure provides a rehabilitation apparatus. The rehabilitation apparatus can include a frame having a plurality of pulley connections for permitting variable placement of at least one pulley. The frame can be adjustably configurable among a plurality of different configurations. In some embodiments, the frame can be reconfigurable in size and shape. Alternatively, the frame can be formed with fixed dimensions. The rehabilitation apparatus can also include at least one pulley positioned on the frame. The rehabilitation apparatus can also include a tension cable operably connected to the at least one pulley. The rehabilitation apparatus can also include a pair of limb attachment members connected to opposing ends of the tension cable. The apparatus can be operable to facilitate movement and motive force of one limb to cause an injured limb to move in any desired path. The rehabilitation apparatus can also include a fixed support, wherein the frame is releasably attachable to a fixed support. Structures associated with such a rehabilitation apparatus are disclosed herein and described above. 
     The present disclosure provides an apparatus comprising a structural frame formed in a desired configuration. The desired configuration can be one of a plurality of different configurations. The apparatus can include means for operably connecting an injured limb to the frame. Structural examples of means for operably connecting an injured limb to the frame are described supra. The apparatus can also include means for operably attaching a second limb to the injured limb such that the second limb is capable of moving the injured limb. Structural examples of means for operably attaching a second limb to the injured limb such that the second limb is capable of moving the injured limb are described supra. The apparatus can also include means for defining a desired path of moving the injured limb. Structural examples of means for defining a desired path of moving the injured limb are described supra. The desired path of movement can be altered by modifying the connecting means to the frame in some embodiments. 
     While the invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. Further, the “invention” as that term is used in this document is what is claimed in the claims of this document. The right to claim elements and/or sub-combinations that are disclosed herein as other inventions in other patent documents is hereby unconditionally reserved.