DE102020111111B4 - Training device for improving the mobility of the joints of the lower extremities of persons - Google Patents

Abstract

Training device for improving the mobility of the joints of a person's lower extremity, - wherein the training device has a base support (1) which can be moved at least in its longitudinal direction on a support floor and has wheels (2), rollers or gliders on the underside, - wherein the training device has a pedal (3) with a rear heel bed (4) and a front strap (5) or another fastening device for fixing a foot or shoe (6) thereto, - wherein the pedal (3) is pivotally attached at the front to at least one rocker (8) which is pivotally fixed to a joint (7) on the base support (1) which is arranged in the rear area of the base support (1) and runs transversely to the longitudinal axis of the same, - so that when the base support (1) is pushed forward, the pedal (3) can be raised together with the rocker (8) by the muscle power of the person's lower extremity and can be lowered into the horizontal basic position when it is pulled back, - wherein when the base support (1) moves forward, the pedal (3) with the swing arm (8) can be set up by adjusting the angle of the foot depending on the sliding path by an angle ≤ 90° and when the foot is pulled back the swing arm (8) can be lowered into the basic position with the pedal (3) and - whereby when the base support (1) is moved backwards beyond the basic position the pedal (3) with the heel bed (4) can be set up by an angle ≤ 90° around the front joint (9) on the swing arm (8) depending on the sliding path of the base support (1) and can be returned to the basic position by pulling the base support (1) forward.

Description

The invention relates to a training device for improving the mobility of the joints of the lower extremities of people, wherein the training device has a base support that can be moved at least in its longitudinal direction on a support floor and has wheels, rollers or gliders on the underside, wherein the training device has a pedal with a rear heel bed and a front strap or other fastening device for fixing a foot or shoe thereto, wherein the pedal in the rear region of the base support can be raised about a joint running transversely to the longitudinal axis of the same when the base support is pushed forward by the muscle power of the person's leg and can be lowered into the horizontal basic position when it is pulled back.

From the WO 2015/ 185 792 A1 A training device is known that increases blood circulation and metabolism in the knee. In a sitting position, a pumping movement against a special cradle suspension raises a pedal that is pivoted by means of a hinge attached to the back while the cradle is pushed forwards and lowered when pulled back. The pedal has a heel bed on the back and a strap on the front with which a foot or shoe can be attached. The movement of the training device is limited by storage in a box-shaped housing with a special base.

From the DE 295 00 737 U1 A therapy scooter is known for restoring or improving joint mobility in the leg area, especially in the case of knee joint disorders, which has a base plate in which at least two rollers are mounted, which are mounted in roller holders and are adapted to the width of the base plate. The base plate is equipped with a conical or curved recess in the middle, into which the person can place the heel of their foot in order to be able to move the therapy scooter back and forth.

From the US 2007/0 219 060 A1 A sewing machine type stepping foot trainer is known which has a base frame, a pivoting frame pivotally mounted on the base frame, and two spaced pedals fixed to the pivoting frame so as to be able to pivot simultaneously with the pivoting frame. Furthermore, a damping mechanism is provided between the base frame and the pivot point on the pivoting frame to exert a defined movement damping on the pivoting frame. The user steps on the pedals with both feet simultaneously to move the pedals and exert a force that overcomes the damping force of the damping mechanism to train and strengthen the muscles of both feet and legs of the user.

From the WO 2016/195 322 A1 is a training device for improving the mobility of a person's extremities. This device has two hand levers and two foot supports. The two hand levers have handles at their upper ends. Each of the two hand levers is connected to one of the two foot supports via a respective joint and a respective rod, so that when a hand lever is pushed forwards on its handle, the corresponding foot support is pushed backwards and vice versa. The foot supports each have a pedal with a heel bed. The pedal can be pivoted as a whole via a joint about an axis running transversely to the longitudinal axis of a base support of the respective foot support. The axis is arranged approximately in the middle when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the base support.

From the US 2015/0 343 261 A1 A training device for improving the mobility of the joints of a person's lower extremities is known, which has a base support that can be moved at least in its longitudinal direction on a support floor and has wheels or rollers on the bottom. The training device has a pedal with a rear heel bed and a front strap or other fastening device for securing a foot or shoe to it. The pedal is rigidly attached to the base support.

The invention is based on the task of developing an efficient training device that can be used in particular by people or patients in a sitting position in order to positively influence movement restrictions in the joints of the lower extremities and to restore or improve joint mobility. The training device should be designed in such a way that it can be used in particular after joint diseases and/or surgical interventions in the knee and hip joints and that the regeneration time is significantly shortened through intensive use.

The object is achieved by designing the training device according to the technical teaching specified in claim 1. In this training device, the pedal is pivotally attached to at least one swing arm on the front, which is pivotally fixed to a rear joint on the base support arranged in the rear area of the base support and running transversely to the longitudinal axis of the same. As a result, when the base support is pushed forward, the pedal can be raised together with the swing arm using the muscle power of the person's lower extremities, and when it is pushed back can be lowered into the horizontal basic position by pulling. When the base support is moved forwards, the pedal with the swing arm can be raised by an angle of ≤ 90° by adjusting the angle of the foot depending on the sliding path, and when the foot is pulled back, the swing arm can be lowered into the basic position with the pedal. When the base support is moved backwards beyond the basic position, the pedal with the heel bed can be raised by an angle of ≤ 90° around the front joint on the swing arm depending on the sliding path of the base support and can be returned to the basic position by pulling the base support forwards.

The active forwards and backwards movement of the foot using the training device has a positive effect on both the flexion and the extension of the leg. The training device is usually used while sitting, but it is also suitable for use while standing, with the person standing with one leg and foot on the floor and the other foot on the pedal. Furthermore, the training device can be used with a second training device to move both legs and feet of a person at the same time, both while sitting and standing. Standing is particularly the case when the wheels or rollers provided are subject to braking devices that are suitable for limiting the path of movement of the two training devices in opposite directions. It is clear that the use of a swing arm to which the pedal is pivotably attached causes the joints to move not only when the training device moves forwards, but also when the training device is moved backwards beyond a middle position or basic position, in which the foot is horizontal and parallel to the floor. This makes it possible, for example, to B. the knee joint can be moved up to 140° from a stretched position to a bent position.

Advantageous developments of the invention are specified in detail in the subclaims

To ensure the necessary stability of the training device, at least three wheels, rollers and/or gliders are provided on the underside of the base support, two of which are attached parallel to the back of the base support and at least the third to the front. The wheels, rollers and/or gliders can also be arranged on opposite sides. To achieve optimum stability, however, four wheels, rollers or gliders should be attached, two in pairs at the front and two at the back of the base support. The attachments of the bearings for these wheels, rollers and/or gliders can be provided in various designs on the base support. They can be screwed to the underside or attached to the sides. If the base support has a frame structure, the wheels, rollers or gliders can be attached to cross braces or to longitudinal beams or strips of the frame. They must always be attached so that they come into contact with the floor on which they are installed and can be moved on it.

In order to ensure that the pedal is aligned parallel to the floor in the basic position of the training device, the swing arm and/or the pedal should engage with stops on the base support in the basic position, which ensure the desired alignment and do not hinder the positioning of the pedal or the swing arm with the pedal during the pushing movement.

When using a base support with a frame structure, a further embodiment provides that the base support can consist of two side walls that are connected to one another via at least one cross brace, with the swing arm being arranged between the side walls so that it can pivot with the rear end on an axis and a swivel joint being provided at its front end for pivotally fixing the front end of the protruding pedal. The cross brace can, for example, connect the two side walls to one another at the front and at the same time form the stop for the swing arm or swing arms. The swing arm or swing arms are connected to one another between the side walls at the rear end of the base support, for example via a shaft fixed in the side walls, and are pivotally mounted on this. In principle, the swing arms and the cross brace can also be mounted with the sides swapped. It is also possible to provide a continuous cross brace in the form of a surface element or a front and rear cross brace, whereby the bearings for the swing arms are to be attached in such a way that the swing arms can be raised unhindered and swung back into the neutral starting position. The frame construction can be made of wood, as can the swing arm and the pedal which is in turn pivotably mounted on it. Manufacturing from other materials, in particular plastic or metal, is also possible. Sheet metal or wood can be used for smaller series, and injection-molded parts made of plastic or metal for larger series.

In another embodiment, the base support is U-shaped at least in the area of the rear pivot joint of the swing arm, with the side walls projecting upwards and having bearing points for the pivotable mounting of the swing arm. The wheels or rollers are attached to the underside of the base support in the front and rear areas. The swing arm can be U-shaped at least in the area of the swivel joint on the base support, with its side walls resting on the inner surfaces of the side walls of the base support and the swivel joint consisting of a shaft or axle mounted on the side cheeks of the base support or fastened therein, onto which the swing arm can be plugged using bearing holes in its side walls. The swing arm can also be U-shaped at the front end and have bearing points on the side walls for a swivel joint on the underside of the pedal or on a support element for the pedal.

To enable simple and inexpensive production, the side walls of the base support can also be made of U-profiles, with the side walls of the U-profiles pointing upwards and a U-profile swing arm being inserted into each of these, the outer widths of which are adapted to the clear width of the U-profile of the base support. These U-profiles are pivotally attached to the rear end of the side walls of the U-profile of the base support. On the front side, tabs can be provided on the side walls that protrude upwards or can also be attached to the surface in order to be able to pivotally attach the pedal to them. The pedal can also consist of a U-profile, the side walls of which point downwards or protrude freely upwards in order to be able to give the foot or shoe lateral support in addition to the support provided by the heel bed and the strap.

If, according to a further embodiment, the pedal is not mounted directly on the swing arm so that it can pivot, but on a support element, which can also consist of a U-profile, for example, it is possible to divide the pedal to adapt to a shoe size, namely into a front section and a rear heel section. These two sections can be attached to the support elements of the pedal so that they can be moved lengthways. This can be done in a simple way by making longitudinal slots in the support element through which screws attached to the sections are inserted, so that the attachment can be made using a nut, e.g. a wing nut. This embodiment can also be implemented if the pedal is attached to a support element that is inserted between two swing arms and is pivotably mounted with the pedal at the joint on the swing arms, but also if the support element is designed as a surface element and is mounted with bearing projections on the joint on one or more swing arms.

In order to support the movement sequences when raising and lowering the pedal, a further embodiment provides at least one spring accumulator which acts on the swing arm in such a way that it raises up when not loaded by a person's foot and leg, and that a spring accumulator acts on the pedal in such a way that it also raises up relative to the swing arm when not loaded, and that the spring accumulators are tensioned by the weight of the foot and leg in such a way that they support the movement of the pedal and/or the swing arm when the base support is pushed forwards and backwards. It is clear that in this embodiment, an increased pressure force must be exerted on the pedal in order to ensure the desired raising during the forward movement and tipping up during the backward movement. Controlled settings can also be used to exert different loads on the person's joints during the movement sequences, which can be beneficial for training and mobility. The spring accumulator(s) should therefore be adjustable.

In order to be able to increase or reduce the pushing and pressing force exerted on the training device, a further embodiment provides that an adjustable or fixed braking device acts on at least one wheel or roller on the base support when the base support is moved. This also makes it possible to force the training device onto a curved path when it is moved, for example if only one wheel is braked. In order to enable the training device to be moved sideways and to move forwards and backwards or to be able to travel along curved paths on the installation floor, a further embodiment provides that the wheels or rollers on the underside of the base support are inserted into bearing holders that can rotate about vertical axes, thus enabling the training device to move forwards and backwards as well as in a curved movement and to move sideways on the installation floor. Furniture castors, such as those known from swivel chairs, can be used for this purpose. These can also be provided with braking devices and locking devices to prevent rotation about the vertical axis.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the embodiment shown in the drawings.

• 1 ein Trainingsgerät nach der Erfindung in einer fotoperspektivischen Seitenansicht mit einem Schuh einer nicht dargestellten Person,
• 2 das in 1 dargestellte Trainingsgerät in einer fotoperspektivischen Seitenansicht in einer gegenüber der nicht dargestellten Sitzposition der das Trainingsgerät benutzenden Person vorgeschobenen Position mit aufgestelltem Pedal,
• 3 das in der 1 dargestellte Trainingsgerät in einer fotoperspektivischen Seitenansicht in einer gegenüber einer sitzenden Person zurückgeschoben Position mit vorgekipptem Pedal und
• 4 das in den 1 bis 3 dargestellte Trainingsgerät in einer fotoperspektivischen Seitenansicht mit hochgestelltem Pedal.

The drawings show:

• 1 a training device according to the invention in a photo-perspective side view with a shoe of a person not shown,
• 2 this in 1 shown training device in a photo perspective side view in a position advanced from the sitting position of the person using the training device (not shown) with the pedal raised,
• 3 that in the 1 The training device shown in a photo-perspective side view in a pushed back position compared to a seated person with the pedal tilted forward and
• 4 that in the 1 to 3 The training device shown is a photo-perspective side view with the pedal raised.

The 1 to 4 The embodiment of a training device according to the invention shown consists of a base support 1, which has a frame structure, and is formed from two side walls 10 and 11, which are firmly connected to one another in the front area via a cross brace 12. Wheel bearing holders 14, in which wheels 2 are rotatably mounted, are attached to the undersides of the side walls 10 and 11. The base support 1 stands with these wheels 2 on a floor (not shown), e.g. the floor in a living room, and can be moved lengthwise on this. In the rear area of the base support 1, joints 7 are provided in the side walls 10, 11, e.g. a fixed round axle or a shaft on which the swing arms 8 inserted between the side walls 10, 11 are pivotally mounted. The joints 7 also connect the side walls 10, 11 in the rear area. The rockers 8 have joints 9 on the front, which can also be realized by a shaft or an axle, to which a carrier element 13 is pivotally attached, to which a pedal 3 is attached. The carrier element 13 fits between the two rockers 8 and is covered laterally by the pedal 3. In the basic position in 1 the pedal 3 rests with the lateral projection surfaces on the upper sides of the lateral rockers 8, so that, as can be seen from 1 visible, the front ends rest on the crossbar 12. In this position, the shoe 6 is aligned almost parallel to the floor. The shoe 6 is fixed to the pedal 3 by the heel bed 4 and by the strap 5. The strap 5 can be implemented, for example, by surface zipper elements.

If the training device is placed to the side of a chair on which a person is sitting, and the person puts their foot with or without a shoe 6 on the pedal 3 and fixes it with the strap 5, it is clear that the training device can be moved both forwards and backwards with the muscle power exerted by the leg. The wheels 2 cause the rolling movement and can be replaced by gliders. If the training device is moved forwards, it is clear that the swing arms 8 are automatically raised when the sitting position is maintained, since the inclination of the foot changes when the base support 1 is moved. The pedal 3 is therefore raised around the joint 7. The person's knee is stretched and the foot is pulled in. When the training device is pulled back into the basic position, the knee joint is bent again and the ankle is placed almost at a right angle. If the person now pushes the leg backwards, i.e. reduces the knee angle even further, the pedal 3 tilts into the 3 The ankle is stretched over 90° and the knee joint is brought into an acute angle. Since the shoe 6 is fixed to the pedal 3, the training device can be moved from the 3 The pedal can be pulled forward again to the position shown and the pedal lowers into the horizontal position.

Out of 4 the base support 1 and in particular the joints 7 and 9 as well as the support element 13 on the pedal 3 are clearly visible. 4 also shows that, for example, springs engage under the swing arms 8 and springs can also be installed between the swing arm 8 and the support element 13 if desired in order to support the movements of the training device and those of the pedal by the force of springs.

List of reference symbols:

1

Base carrier

3

pedal

5

belt

7

joint

9

joint

11

Sidewall

13

Support element

2

wheel

4

Heel bed

6

shoe

8th

Swingarm

10

Sidewall

12

Cross brace

14

Wheel bearing holder

Claims (11)

Training device for improving the mobility of the joints of a person's lower extremity, - wherein the training device comprises a movable at least in its longitudinal direction on a support floor adjustable base support (1) with wheels (2), rollers or gliders on the underside, - wherein the training device has a pedal (3) with a rear heel bed (4) and a front strap (5) or another fastening device for fixing a foot or shoe (6) thereto, - wherein the pedal (3) is pivotally attached at the front to at least one rocker (8), which is pivotally fixed to the base support (1) at a joint (7) arranged in the rear area of the base support (1) and running transversely to the longitudinal axis of the same, - so that when the base support (1) is pushed forwards, the pedal (3) can be raised together with the rocker (8) by the muscle power of the person's lower extremity and can be lowered into the horizontal basic position when it is pulled back, - wherein when the base support (1) moves forwards, the pedal (3) can be raised with the rocker (8) by adjusting the angle of the foot depending on the sliding path by an angle ≤ 90° and when By pulling the foot back, the swing arm (8) with the pedal (3) can be lowered into the basic position and - when the base support (1) is moved backwards beyond the basic position, the pedal (3) with the heel bed (4) can be adjusted by an angle ≤ 90° around the front joint (9) on the swing arm (8) depending on the sliding path of the base support (1) and can be returned to the basic position by pulling the base support (1) forward. Training equipment according to Claim 1 , characterized in that at least three wheels (2), rollers and/or gliders are provided protruding from the underside of the base support (1), two of which are fastened to the rear of the base support (1) in parallel and the at least third wheel is arranged at the front or the wheels (2), rollers and/or gliders are arranged sideways. Training equipment according to Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the rocker (8) and/or the pedal (3) in the basic position of the pedal (3) interact with stops on the base support (1) in such a way that a parallel alignment of the pedal (3) to the installation floor is provided. Training equipment according to Claim 1 , 2 or 3 , characterized in that - the base support (1) has two side cheeks (10, 11) which are connected to one another via at least one cross strut (12), - the swing arm (8) is arranged between the side cheeks (10, 11) so as to be pivotable with the rear end on an axis forming the joint (7) and a joint (9) is provided at its front end for pivotably fixing the front end of the protruding pedal (3), or - the swing arm and the cross strut are attached with the sides swapped, or a continuous cross strut in the form of a surface element is provided, or a front and a rear cross strut are provided, - the bearings for the at least one swing arm are attached to the side cheeks or the associated cross strut in such a way that the at least one swing arm can be raised upwards without hindrance and swung back into the neutral starting position. Training equipment according to Claim 4 , characterized in that - the base support is U-shaped at least in the area of the rear pivot joint of the swing arm, - the side cheeks protrude upwards and have bearing points for the pivotable mounting of the swing arm, the wheels or rollers are attached to the underside of the base support in the front and rear areas and the swing arm is U-shaped at least in the area of the pivot joint on the base support or consists of two longitudinal supports, - the side walls or the longitudinal supports rest on the inner surfaces of the side cheeks on the base support and the pivot joint consists of a shaft or axle mounted on the side cheeks of the base support or fastened therein, onto which the swing arm is plugged with bearing holes in its side walls or in the longitudinal supports, - the swing arm is U-shaped at the front end or the longitudinal supports are connected to one another and - the side walls have bearing points for a pivot joint on the underside of the pedal or on a support element for the pedal. Training device according to one of the Claims 1 until 4 , characterized in that the pedal (3) is fastened to a support element (13) which is inserted between two rockers (8) and is pivotally mounted with the pedal (3) on the joint (9) on the rockers (8), or is fastened to a support element (13) which is designed as a surface element or consists of at least one longitudinal support and is pivotally mounted with bearing projections on the joint (9) on one or more rockers (8). Training equipment according to Claim 5 or 6 , characterized in that the pedal (3) is divided for adaptation to a shoe size and consists of a front section and a rear sen section and that the two sections are attached to the support element of the pedal so that they can be moved longitudinally relative to one another. Training device according to one of the above claims, characterized in that - at least one spring accumulator is provided, which acts on the at least one swing arm (8) in such a way that it is raised in the unloaded state by the foot and leg of a person, and - that the pedal (3) or - in the case of reference to Claim 5 , Claim 6 or Claim 7 - a spring accumulator acts on the support element (13) in such a way that this also stands up relative to the swing arm (8) in the unloaded state, and - that for operation the spring accumulators are tensioned by the weight of the foot and the leg in such a way that they support the movement of the pedal and/or the swing arm when pushing the base support forwards and backwards. Training equipment according to Claim 8 , characterized in that the spring accumulators are adjustable. Training equipment according to Claim 1 , characterized in that an adjustable or fixed braking device acts on at least one wheel or roller on the base support when the base support is moved. Training device according to one of the above claims, characterized in that the wheels or rollers on the underside of the base support are mounted in bearing holders which can rotate about vertical axes and this enables both a forward and backward movement and a curved movement as well as a lateral movement of the training device on the installation floor.

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