GB2232596A - Spring tensioned limb support for the disabled - Google Patents

Abstract

A portable limb balancer assists a disabled user to perform various tasks and functions which demand that such limbs be raised and/or lowered but supported at a tangent to the body trunk or torso. It comprises a spring-return torsion mechanism 19 supporting a cable and sling 21, on a sectionalised lightweight stand which can be easily dismantled/erected for portability. Spring mechanism 19 can slide along rail 17 which can pivot about upright 10. <IMAGE>

Description

FLEXI LIE This invention relates to a Flexi Limb.

This Flexi Limb is to assist disabled persons with limited limb movement. For example - To raise and lover the arm and pivot the wrist and elbow.

The lovering and lifting movement of the limb is assisted by a return spring which has a cable attached.

The tension on the unit can be altered by tightening or releasing the spring.

The frame of the unit can be altered in height by sliding the top section up or down inside the lover section.

According to the present invention this unit can easily be dismantlea and is very light in weight.

This unit can be easily transported.

The unit will assist the person in eating, typing, phoning, excercise, operating an electric wheelchair and any movement within arms reach.

A specific embodiment of the invention will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawing which : Figure 1 shows in perspective, the Flexi Limb assembled.

Figure 2 shows in perspective, the Flexi Limb in a constructional position.

Figure 3 shows in perspective, the Flexi Limb shoving directional movement.

Referring to drawing, the Flexi Limb is a unit with 22 unit pieces, as shown in figure 2 on page 5.

The assembly unit in figure 2 is as follows Base fig 2, item 1, is the central base with a locating sleeve to accomodate a vertical tube and 4 horizontal holes to accomodate base support arms, items 2,3,4, and 5.

The central sleeved hole in item I is to accomodate item 6.

At the top of item 6 is a bush rubber ring and lock nut, items 7,8,and 9.

To hold item 10 to the required height, the bend, item 13, is held in position with a steel connector, item 11, and a grub screw, item 12.

The overhead support rail, item 17,is secured to bend, item 13, by a connector, item 15 and two grub screws, item 14 and 16.

A clamp, item 18, is fixed to head rail, item 17, to secure spring tensioner, item 19. At the end of the support wire from item 19 is a pulley, item 20, a leather limb support.

item 22, slides into item 21, to keep it rigid.

The Flexi Limb dismantles into four sections, the longest being 1.2 metres long.

Section items 2,3,4,5,6,10 and 17 are tubular sections. the dismantling points are 1,6,10 and 11.

To use the Flexi Limb. For example :- The arm is placed into the leather holder item 21, and attached by item 20, to the straining wire, from the spring tensioner item 19. the tension can be increased in two ways; by moving itezr 10 upwards or by putting more tension on the spring, item 19. To release tension, move in opposite direction.

This unit called a Flexi Limb has been used by h.rs Kaigg who is severely disabled. her arm movements were only 100mm and now, with the aid of the Flexi Limb, she can lift her hand up to her eyes.

Claims (5)

1 A portable limb balancer comprising a sectionalised adjustable stand, an overhead mobile support rail, a spring tensioner with a supporting cable, attached to a sling, to support and assist limb movement through raising, lowering, and/or pivoting a limb, wherein the user has limited natural limb movement.

2 A portable limb balancer as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the sections comprise a base, 4 tubular feet, 2 tubular sections to form the stand, 1 tubular bend connector to link the stand and mobile support rail, 1 tubular mobile support rail, 1 spring return mechanism to produce the required tension, 1 cable to support the limb sling, and 1 limb sling, all of which can be dismantled and of such weight as to be deemed portable.

3 A portable limb balancer as claimed in Claim 1 & Claim 2 wherein height adjustment is by means of one stand sliding inside the other and secured by a bush, rubber ring and locking nut.

4 A portable limb balancer as claimed in Claim 1 & Claim 2 wherein mobility of the overhead rail is achieved by the tubular bend section having steel sleeved connectors at each end linking overhead rail with top half of stand, where top half of stand is of smaller diameter than bottom half, allowing mobility but held by the bush,rubber ring and lock nut.

5 A portable limb balancer as claimed in Claim 1 & Claim 2 wherein required tension and movement are achieved by adjustment of a locking arrangement on spring return mechanism, for tension, and a pulley, cable and sling, attached to the spring return mechanism and mobile overhead rail, for movement.