US20100099540A1

US20100099540A1 - Physical therapy and exercise system

Info

Publication number: US20100099540A1
Application number: US12/515,879
Authority: US
Inventors: Mary Ann Himmer
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-12-05
Filing date: 2007-11-30
Publication date: 2010-04-22
Also published as: WO2008070550A2; WO2008070550A3

Abstract

A physical therapy and exercise system is provided having a base, a tower disposed on the base, at least one arm having at least one first end and second end where the first end is connected to the tower, and at least one seat connected to the second end of the arm. The base and tower rotate to provide a system operator with access to various patients. A control panel is electrically connected. A system operator programs the system with the control panel to rotate to various degrees, speeds, and time intervals. The system is adjustable to accommodate patients of various heights and weights and patients with varying needs.

Description

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field
The present disclosure generally relates to the equipment for physical therapy and exercise, and more particularly, to a system configured to allow a physical therapist or physician to provide exercise and physical therapy on multiple patients using the same system.
2. Background of Invention
Elderly persons, disabled persons, and person recovering from injury or surgery may require exercise and physical therapy. Physical therapy can provide patients the opportunity to restore movement and functional ability after the occurrence of an injury or disease. Additionally, physical therapy may also provide relief where movement and function are threatened by the process of ageing.
Many people may require physical therapy for a variety of reasons. Physical therapists or physicians may provide these services. Physical therapists are health care professionals who treat people with health related problems and conditions that cause a limitation on their ability to move and function normally during everyday life. Physical therapists may also help prevent conditions associated with loss of mobility. Physical therapists are in demand in a variety of settings including hospitals and physical therapy clinics.
Persons requiring physical therapy demand personal attention and time from a physical therapist. Traditionally, a physical therapist can only attend to one patient at a time. This makes a physical therapist's time in demand because it is difficult for a physical therapist to work on more than one patient at a time. Therefore, it is desirable to have a physical therapy and exercise system that would allow a physical therapist to work on multiple patients with one system. It would also be desirable to have a physical therapy and exercise system that could be rotated according to which patient a physical therapist is working with. It would also be desirable to have a physical therapy system that could accommodate patients of varying weights and heights.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, a physical therapy and exercise system is disclosed for use with multiple patients in need of physical therapy and/or exercise. This and other advantages of the disclosure are accomplished by providing a rotating base and tower that allows a physical therapist to rotate the physical therapy system and adjust the system to accommodate a wide variety of patients of different weights and heights.
In one particular illustrative embodiment, a physical therapy and exercise system is provided, in accordance with the principals of the present disclosure. The physical and exercise system includes a base, a tower, at least one arm, and at least one patient seat. The base and tower rotate to provide access to various patients. Additionally, the patient seat rotates to provide easy access to a variety of patient heights and weights. This configuration advantageously provides a physical therapy system that allows a physical therapist to move between different patients easily, while allowing continuous therapy for all patients.
According to one illustrative embodiment, a patient seat can be adjusted to fit a variety of individuals. In one illustrative embodiment, a physical therapist can adjust the seat height based on the physical characteristics of the patient so that there is a certain distance between the ground and the chair. Each seat can be adjusted individually making it possible to provided physical therapy to a variety of patients at the same time.
In another embodiment, the physical therapy and exercise system includes a control panel to control the rotations of the system. The physical therapy and exercise system can be turned on a off using the control panel and the control panel can interface with a computerized software program. Additionally, the system can rotate 360 degrees and can be programmed at various speeds, rotations, and time intervals.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The objects and features of the present disclosure, are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The present disclosure, both as to its organization and manner of operation, together with further objectives and advantages, may be best understood by reference to the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side view of the system of one embodiment of as physical therapy and exercise system, in accordance with the principals of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the system of one embodiment of a physical therapy and exercise system, in accordance with the principals of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The exemplary embodiments of the physical therapy and exercise system and methods of operation are disclosed and discussed. Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, which are illustrated in the accompanying figures.
Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, there is illustrated a physical therapy and exercise system shown generally as 2, constructed in accordance with the principals of the present disclosure. System 2 includes a base 4, a tower 6 disposed on base 4, at least one arm 8 including at least a first end and a second end where the first end is connected to tower 6, and at least one patient seat 10 connected to the second end of arm 8. In one embodiment, base 4 is circular revolving platform. Optimally, base 4 is about 25 to 35 feet in diameter. Base 4 can be configured to fit into a variety of controlled settings including physical therapy clinics and rehabilitation departments in hospitals.
In an exemplary embodiment, tower 6 is disposed on base 4. Base 4 can be circular member as shown in FIG. 2. Tower 6 can be disposed on the center of base 4. Tower 6 is configured to rotate and move with base 4. As shown in FIG. 2, system 2 is configured to rotate 360 degrees. System 2 can be configured to rotate at various speeds by a control panel 16. It is contemplated within the scope of the disclosure that the control panel can be interfaced with a computerized software system.
At least one arm 8 is connected to tower 6. Arm 8 extends outward from tower 10. Optimally, arm 8 is adjustable. This allows arm 8 to be adjusted in a variety of different positions with respect to tower 6 and base 4 to conform to the needs of each individual patient. Arm 8 is configured to move with rotations of tower 6 and base 4. A patient seat 10 is rotatably connected to arm 8. System 2 can include one or more seats depending on the needs of the hospital or facility. This configuration allows seat 10 to rotate with system 2. Optimally, seat 10 is height or weight sensitive and can be adjustable according to the height and weight of the patient and the specific program that system 2 is set for. This allows system 2 to be configured to accommodate a variety of patients with various weights and height. The weight and height setting determine the height of arm 8 and seat 10 so that the patient is a specific distance from the ground. This also allows system 2 to accommodate a variety of patients with variable weights and heights. The weight and height settings determine the height of arm 8 and seat 10 so that the patient is a desirable distance from the ground. The system 2 accommodates different patients with varying physical therapy needs due to the adjustable seat 10.
Additionally, seat 10 can be configured to rotate. This rotation allows a patient to easily access seat 10. A rotating seat 10 allows a patient to enter seat 10 from a variety of angles and positions making it easy to access depending on the patient's disability and needs. A locking mechanism (not shown) can be incorporated into seat 10. A locking mechanism provides a way to lock seat 10 into place ensuring that the seat 10 will not move when the system is in use. In one illustrative embodiment the locking device is a mechanical controlled lever that the therapist controls by locking the seat 10 into place by insertion of the lever into a swivel mechanism.
Seat 10 is configured from a rigid material that can support the weight of a variety of users. This material may include metal, wood, polymeric materials, fabric or the like. Seat 10 may also included padded material and a soft cover for added comfort of patients. It is contemplated within the scope of the disclosure that the seat 10 may be replaced with a harness (not shown). The harness allowing a patient to be rotated within the system 2 in a upright position. In one illustrative embodiment a body harness is made of a polymeric material wherein said body harness affixes to the rotating seat 10.
In addition to seat 10 locking mechanism, a number of other safety features can be implemented. For example, seat 10 can include a safety belt to ensure that a patient is secure in seat 10. Also, a harness can be coupled to seat 10 to also ensure that a patient is securely positioned in seat 10. It is contemplated within the scope of the disclosure that a control button can be placed proximate to the seat 10 allowing a patient to stop the rotation of the system 2.
A control panel 16 can be configured to control system 2. System 2 can be programmed to rotate to various degrees and speeds by using control panel 16 in electronic communication with a rotating motor (not shown). The control panel 16 can be further interfaced with a computerized software system. The computerized software system will allow the operator to program system 2 to a desired speed and set rotations to a specific time interval.
A system operator can program system 2 in a variety of different ways. For example, system 2 can be set to about 60 rotations in a one hour time period or about one rotation per minute using control panel 16. System 2 could also be programmed for constant rotations which would engage system 2 in 360 degree rotations for a specific time frame set by the system operator. Additionally, the system operator can program system 2 for partial rotations where partial rotations of less than 360 degrees could be engaged for a specific time setting. Alternatively, the system operator can program system 2 for constant or partial rotations set with different time durations. Therefore, system 2 could be set to full or partial rotations that are to occur in specific intervals of time. Likewise, system 2 can be programmed for constant or partial rotation with a resting time, meaning that the contact or partial rotation are set for a specific degree of rotation and time duration with a programmed resting time between rotation periods.
A system operator can also program control panel 16 to control height of seat 10 or height of arm 12 based upon physical characteristics of the patient. This will ensure that there will be a specific distance between the ground and seat 10. An operator can also lock seat 10 by programming control panel 16.
Control panel 16 can also be configured to include several safety emergency features which can lock system 2 in place. Similarly, control panel 16 can include emergency shut off buttons that will immediately stop system 2 from any movement in the event of an accident or emergency.
System 2 can include a variety of accessories to help patients perform a variety of different exercises and rehabilitation programs. These accessories can include soft fabric harness, metal reinforced harness, metal braces, physical therapy shoes and the like.
Although the illustrative embodiment shows a physical therapy carousel having a seat rotating from a center positioned rotating arm, it should be contemplated by those skilled in the art that the physical therapy seat can be rotated by a above or below mounted track that guides a physical therapy seat. Likewise, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the above or below mounted tracts can directed the physical therapy seat in a path of any geometric shape.
The above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplification of the various embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the claims appended hereto.

Claims

1. A physical therapy and exercise system comprising:

a base;

a tower disposed on said base;

at least one arm, including at least a first end and a second end wherein said first end is connected to said tower; and

at least one seat operatively connected to said second end of said at least one arm.

2. The physical therapy and exercise system of claim 1 where said base is circular.

3. The physical therapy and exercise system of claim 1 wherein said tower is substantially cylindrical.

4. They physical therapy and exercise system of claim 1 further comprising a top portion disposed on said tower.

5. The physical therapy and exercise system of claim 1 wherein said tower revolves with said base.

6. The physical therapy and exercise system of claim 1 further comprising a control panel operatively connected to said physical therapy and exercise system.

7. The physical therapy and exercise system of claim 4 wherein said control panel is programmable.

8. The physical therapy and exercise system of claim 1 further comprising a remote configured to engage said physical therapy and exercise system.

9. The physical therapy and exercise system of claim 1 wherein said at least one seat is adjustable based on patient height.

10. The physical therapy and exercise system of claim 1 wherein said at least one seat is adjustable based on patient weight.

11. The physical therapy and exercise system of claim wherein said seat includes a back rest.

12. The physical therapy and exercise system of claim 1 wherein said seat rotates.

13. The physical therapy and exercise system of claim 1 further comprising a safety harness operatively connected to said seat.

14. The physical therapy and exercise system of claim 1 further comprising a safety bar operatively connected to said seat.

15. The physical therapy and exercise system of claim 1 wherein said seat includes a locking mechanism.

16. The physical therapy and exercise system of claim 1 wherein said at least one seat is adjustable according to weight.

17. The physical therapy and exercise system of claim 1 wherein said at said least one arm is adjustable according to height.

18. A physical therapy and exercise system comprising:

a base;

a tower disposed on the base wherein said base and said tower are configured to rotate;

at least one arm including at least one first and one second end wherein said first end is connected to said tower;

at least one seat operatively connected to said second end of said at least one arm; and

a control panel configured to control movement of said base and said tower.

19. A physical therapy apparatus comprising:

a base for supporting the apparatus;

at least one arm, including at least a first end and a second end;

a connector for connecting said base to said first end of said at least one arm; and

at least one seat connected to said second end of at least one arm.

20. A method for physical therapy comprising the steps of:

providing at least one rotating seat, wherein said seat is adjustable and said rotation is variable based upon a computerized software system; and

placing a patient into said seat and accommodating said patients physical characteristics by adjustment of said seat and said computerized system.