WO2012101574A2

WO2012101574A2 - Mobilization and exercise device

Info

Publication number: WO2012101574A2
Application number: PCT/IB2012/050320
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jacob GABEL; Adi Wolfenfeld
Original assignee: Walk-Care Ltd
Priority date: 2011-01-24
Filing date: 2012-01-24
Publication date: 2012-08-02
Also published as: WO2012101574A3

Abstract

A mobilization and exercise device comprising: a mobility mechanism for moving the device from one location to another; a base; a control system for a user to control device functions of device; a user-support arrangement including a seat with a back rest and a buttock and thigh support portion; a user/device positioning mechanism for positioning the device and user between standing, seating and prone positions; and a pneumatic arrangement comprising a body holding mechanism attached to the seat and adapted to secure the user in the device whether in a sitting, a standing or a horizontal position and adapted to allow the user to secure him/her-self without assistance.

Description

MOBILIZATION AND EXERCISE DEVICE

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

[001] This application claims priority from provisional patent application

US 61/435,357 entitled "Mobilization and exercise device", filed on January 24, 2010, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[002] The present invention relates to mobilization and exercise devices, in particular, such devices designed to aid disabled persons.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[003] It is believed that the following publications represent the state of the art: US 4,119,164 (Fogg et al); US 4,390,076 (Weir); US 5,366,036 (Perry); US 5,701,968 (Wright-Ott et al); US 6,125,957 (Kauffmann); US 6,154,690 (Coleman); US 2004/267,175 (Harnois); US 7,815,209 (Porcheron); and US 2007/173,380 (Gabel et al). SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[004] The present invention relates to a device that enables paraplegic, motorically handicapped people and people in need of walking rehabilitation, to move about and to perform exercises, more specifically to perform passive and active walking exercises for rehabilitation and mobilization purposes.

[005] The present mobilization and exercise device is typically electrically powered and permits self-operated mobility. The device also comprises features to support the user and to allow mobility in both the sitting and upright positions. A specially designed elevation mechanism enables a high degree of dynamic stability and allows the user to shift from seated to an upright position and vice versa, without assistance, either when static, or while moving at maximum speed. The device also enables a full prone (horizontal) position, which helps safe and convenient transfer of the user between the device and bed and vice versa, as well as enabling paraplegic females to discretely urinate using a special catheter.

[006] In addition to mobility and shifting between seated and upright positions, the device is provided with an electrically driven exercise unit, which allows the user, while in the upright position, to practice walking exercises with no need for assistance, according to user's need and ability. The exercise device includes a removable active foothold component and allows actual walking movement of the feet for all levels of disability. The exercise unit can be removed to allow walking rehabilitation users to practice actual walking directly on the floor. The removable exercise unit is designed to also be usable separately, for the purpose of strengthening the muscles of the legs.

[007] The device includes the following important features:

[008] (1) A user-support arrangement which supports the user in an upright position, by means of a specially designed saddle component (buttocks support) in the seat. The device also includes thigh- supports that combine with the saddle component to form a standard seat for the sitting position but which folds back (downward) when switching from the sitting to upright position. The design of the saddle is based on actual positioning of a user in a seat sling in order to produce a model (template or base) for the saddle; and then providing appropriate cushioning on that base.

[009] (2) A pneumatic arrangement for securing the user against the backrest of the chair and the saddle, particularly in the upright position, in a manner similar to that used in modern roller-coasters. The arrangement secures the user in a more physiologically compatible way as compared to straps. Straps are the standard manner to secure paraplegics to a device of this nature and the pneumatic arrangement is a significant deviation from previous solutions. This pneumatic arrangement prevents rapid blood pressure drops during change from a sitting to an upright position. This pneumatic arrangement allows the user to secure him/her-self without assistance; and quicker than by traditional straps arrangements.

[010] The above two features are typically used in combination to provide a totally secure but mobile environment for the user.

[011] (3) The pneumatic arrangement has a plurality of inflatable and deflatable cells or pockets to help reduce the chance of pressure wounds or contact sores (e.g. bed sores), which are particularly problematic for paralyzed or partially paralyzed users.

[012] (4) A weight-load adjustment mechanism that permits gradual weight-load adjustment on the user's legs from 0-100% body weight load (i.e. including partial weight-load on/by the user's legs). This permits, upon removal of the above-mentioned thigh support, actual walking on the floor, which is an important feature in walking rehabilitation as weight-bearing exercise is helps strengthen bones.

[013] (5) A position-switching mechanism, or user/device positioning mechanism, that enables safe and self-operated elevation of the user from a seated to an upright position and vice-versa. A particularly important feature of this position- switching mechanism is that the user's body is not raised forward, rather, the user's body is propelled upward and the user's feet are moved under the body to keep the user away from being positioned in the front portion of the device, and preferably more or less in the middle of the device, which provides for more stability and less chance of tipping. The position-switching mechanism is associated with the user-support arrangement whereby when the patient is raised from a seated to a standing position, comfortable and substantially uninhibited leg movement and exercising in the standing position is facilitated.

[014] (6) A removable foothold that enables securing the feet of the user to the exercise portion in a detachable manner to avoid potential strain-induced damage. The foothold has a particular design so that it is removably held in a track of the exercise portion. This removable foothold can be considered as a safety feature to avoid damage to the legs by stretching when switching from a sitting to an upright position or when user is lifted to reduce his body weight on his feet.

[015] (7) A track arrangement of the exercise portion has a curved upper surface thereby conforming to the actual walking pattern of user's. The curved surface can be positioned so that there is neither tension nor pressure on the user's legs (in particular, no tension or pressure transmitted upward toward the hips).This curved inclination is designed to induce a total leg movement resembling walking and with an automatic positioning of the foothold when switching from sitting to upright position or vice versa by moving both legs together backwards for sitting and keeping them away for standing.

[016] (8) A foothold movement feature wherein the foothold is driven back and forth in the exercise track, typically by an electrical mechanism, to thereby induce movement in paralyzed legs.

[017] (9) Compactness: the device is collapsible into a compact structure

(e.g. approx. 70 cm high) to fit into a standard station wagon, for example. [018] Accordingly, per embodiments of the present invention there is provided a mobilization and exercise device comprising: a mobility mechanism for moving the device from one location to another; a base; a control system for a user to control device functions of device; a user-support arrangement including a seat with a back rest and a buttock and thigh support portion; a user/device positioning mechanism for positioning the device and user between standing, seating and prone positions; and a pneumatic arrangement comprising a body holding mechanism attached to the seat and adapted to secure the user in the device whether in a sitting, a standing or a horizontal position and adapted to allow the user to secure him/her-self without assistance.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[019] The present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the appended drawings in which:

[020] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a mobilization and exercise device of the present invention;

[021] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the device in an elevated position;

[022] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the device in a horizontal position;

[023] Fig. 4 is a perspective view illustrating the seat design of the device;

[024] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a plaster mold upon which a pelvic support area of the device's seat is based;

[025] Fig. 6 is a side view of the device in a compact folded position;

[026] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a removable footholds in a foothold track of the device; and [027] Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing more details of the removable foothold of Fig. 7.

[028] The following detailed description of embodiments of the invention refers to the accompanying drawings referred to above. Dimensions of components and features shown in the figures are chosen for convenience or clarity of presentation and are not necessarily shown to scale. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings and the following description to refer to the same and like parts.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[029] The present invention relates to a device that enables paraplegic, motorically handicapped people and people in need of walking rehabilitation, to move about and to perform exercises, more specifically to perform passive and active walking exercises for rehabilitation and mobilization purposes.

[030] The following description of embodiments of the invention refers to the accompanying drawings. Dimensions of components and features shown in the figures are chosen for convenience or clarity of presentation and are not necessarily shown to scale. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings and the following description to refer to the same and like parts. The embodiments of the invention are illustrative. In the interest of clarity, not all features/components of an actual implementation are necessarily described.

[031] Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a mobilization and exercise device according to the present invention, in a seated position, comprising a mobility mechanism 10 for moving the device from one location to another (including tracks or wheels 12 connected to a base 14 having a power and transmission unit resting thereon or housed therein (not visible); a user/device positioning mechanism 16 (for example comprising a pair of telescoping arms 18 which can be operated for example by actuators, not visible) as a position switching mechanism (or portion thereof) for positioning the user to and from the seated position (Fig. 1), the upright position (Fig. 2) and the horizontal position with an out drawn leg/foot support 19 (Fig. 3); a device control system or user-device interface system 20 having an operation/control feature that is operable, for example, by one or a combination of voice commands, a button, joy stick, blow pipe, a touch pad or screen or the like - exemplified by a combination of a joy stick 22 and a touch pad 24. User-device interface system 20 is typically positioned on an armrest 26 or a utility tray 28.

[032] The device further comprises user-support arrangement including a seat 30 with a back rest 32 and buttock and thigh support portion 34. A user can be held into the seat 30 by a body holding mechanism 36, as part of the pneumatic arrangement, comprising, for example, a pair of shoulder holding elements 38 attached to a body holding member 40, which typically interfaces the lower chest or stomach or hip areas of the user - or a combination of those body portions. Body holding mechanism 36 is typically pivotally attached to an upper portion of back rest 32 of seat 30 for convenient raising of the body holding mechanism. Tray 28 is also typically comprises a means being moved or removed out of the way, for example when the device is in the horizontal position or even the upright position.

[033] Shoulder holding elements 38 and body holding member 40 comprise a plurality of air/gel cells 39, which can be expanding/contracting or inflatable cells that can be manipulated, e.g. pneumatically, to expand and contract the cells. For this reason, i.e. to provide a support base for the cells 39, shoulder holding elements 38 are typically rigid or semi-rigid. Analogously, in some embodiments, back rest 32 of seat 30 comprises back rest cells 39a, illustrated in the form of strips, to help prevent bed-sore or pressure wounds. Cells 39 also help suit the size of body holding mechanism 36 to each user and help prevent blood pressure drop when the user is moved between positions, which is especially important when moving from a sitting to a standing position. Furthermore, buttock and thigh support portion 34 of the seat 30 comprise such cells (not seen). These cells 39, 39a may also provide a massage-like effect which may be helpful for rehabilitation.

[034] The device also comprises a leg exercise unit 42 removably attachable to the device, typically attachable to base 14. Leg exercise unit 42 comprises a foothold track 44 and footholds 46 removably positionable in the track.

[035] Footholds 46 preferably have an approximately 90 degree angle at the heel area so that when the user is in the standing position, during walking exercise, when the heel goes back, the user's knee must bend.

[036] Fig. 2 shows the device with detachable/removable leg exercise unit 42 removed therefrom which allows the user to place his/her feet on the ground/floor. Using control system 20, the user can adjust the amount of body weight impacting the floor to an appropriate level and may thus be provided with a device-assisted walking option wherein a desired portion of weight support is provided. In some embodiments, footholds 46 comprise a resistance adjustment mechanism (not shown) to provide varying resistance for users of different levels and for a particular user as the user improves in strength. Alternatively or in combination, a foothold movement mechanism (not visible; e.g. powered by the power and transmission unit or a separate power unit or motor) can provide this resistance. On the other hand, the foothold movement mechanism can be used to move the user's feet, for example if the user is paralyzed or extremely weak.

[037] Removable exercise unit 42 can be separated from the device for use, for example, in iso-kinetic muscle exercise while trying to accelerate or hold against movement of the unit (e.g. typically while the user is holding standard hand-hold rails) and for this purpose the exercise unit comprises its own motor - not visible). This motor can be controlled to affect/activate just one leg if desired. [038] Foothold track 44 is curved so that whether the device is in the seated position or in the upright, the user's leg motion is generally natural without stretching or compaction as there tends not to be axial pulling or pushing on the legs. In some designs the curved track curves upward and backward, as seen in Figs. 1 and 3; and also analogously curves upward and forward (not shown).

[039] Thus, in the sitting position and more particularly in the standing position, footholds 46 can be moved back and forth by the user - or by the device. In addition, while in the standing position, the user can control the height of arms 18 to raise and lower himself/herself to control via control system 20 the amount of body weight supported by the device, if at all; and if not at all, the device provides a stabilizing structure for the user.

With regard to raising and lowering the user, Fig. 4 shows details of buttock and thigh support portion 34 of seat 30. Buttock and thigh support portion 34 comprises a concave pelvic support area 48, typically integrated with a crotch support extension 50; a pair buttock support elements 52 (adapted to support most and typically the vast majority of the weight of the user when in the standing position, in particular in combination with body holding mechanism 36); and a pair of retractable thigh support elements 54. When the user is raised from a sitting position to a standing position, retractable thigh support elements 54 are lowered (see Fig.2) whereby the user has freedom of movement to move his/her legs with little or no interference. This freedom results from a combination of the buttock support provided by concave pelvic support area 48 and buttock support elements 52 (which vertically support the majority, if not virtually all, of the user's weight) with body holding mechanism 36. Body holding mechanism 36 secures the user's mid and upper body to seat 30 and in particular maintains the user's buttocks in concave pelvic support area 48 in order to keep the user comfortably in an upright position. In other words, in the standing position, the user is supported by a combination of body holding mechanism 36 together with concave pelvic support area 48 and buttock support elements 52. It is important to note that body holding mechanism 36 is adapted to hold the user back in a generally horizontal direction and that there is no need for straps, which can be quite uncomfortable and may be difficult to close and adjust, and which may make it impossible for the user to manipulate them alone.

[040] The design of concave pelvic support area 48 is important and is based on a plaster mold 56 (Fig. 5) produced from an actual user being hung in a buttock sling, the mold then being cut along appropriate lines 58 thereof to design area 48 - as well as buttocks support elements 52.

[041] Control system 20 is used to control the device, for example to activate user positioning mechanism 16 to adjust the position of the seat 30. Arms 18 or suitable equivalent can be moved mechanically (e.g. via a motor or via the power and transmission unit with the aid of gears, pulleys, etc), hydraulically or in any appropriate manner.

[042] As illustrated in Fig. 3, the device can also be controlled to achieve a prone position whereby the user is laying down. This is helpful for transferring the user to and from a bed, examination table or the like, as well as enabling paraplegic females to discretely urinate using a special catheter.

[043] The device can be folded into a relatively compact state, for example, as illustrated in Fig. 6. A hydraulic arm 60, visible in this view, enables a change in the tilt angle of seat 30 forward and backward so that each user can adjust the seat angle as desired.

[044] Figs. 7 and 8 show more details of track 44 and footholds 46.

Footholds 46 comprises one or more track engagement members (e.g. a pair, as shown), exemplified by foothold fins 47 dimensioned to fit in track 44, each foothold having one or more notches 49 adapted to engage with foothold engagement members 51 of track 44. Foothold fins 47 and track 44 are adapted to engage so that the footholds 46 are removable from the track without undue force in order to prevent stress on the user's foot if the user wishes to remove one or both feet or for any other reason, e.g. an emergency. Thus, footholds 46 can be removed without causing undue stress on the user's foot. This removable foothold can be considered as a safety feature to avoid damage to the legs by stretching when switching from a sitting to an upright position or other reasons. In some embodiments the engagement between footholds 46 and track 44 is merely via notches 49 (i.e. no force other than against gravity is required to remove the footholds from the track); whereas in other embodiments the engagement comprises a friction element which can be between the walls of foothold fins 47 and the track, for example, or by another mechanism.

[045] It should be understood that the above description is merely exemplary and that there are various embodiments of the present invention that may be devised, mutatis mutandis, and that the features described in the above- described embodiments, and those not described herein, may be used separately or in any suitable combination; and the invention can be devised in accordance with embodiments not necessarily described above.

Claims

1. A mobilization and exercise device for comprising:

a mobility mechanism for moving the device from one location to another; a base;

a control system for a user to control device functions of device;

a user- support arrangement including a seat with a back rest and a buttock and thigh support portion;

a user/device positioning mechanism for positioning the device and user between standing, seating and prone positions; and

a pneumatic arrangement comprising a body holding mechanism attached to the seat and adapted to secure the user in the device whether in a sitting, a standing or a horizontal position and adapted to allow the user to secure him/herself without assistance.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the pneumatic arrangement comprises shoulder holding elements and a body holding member.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein the shoulder holding elements comprises a plurality of inflatable and deflatable cells.

4. The device of claim 2, wherein the body holding member comprises a plurality of inflatable and deflatable cells, to help prevent bed-sore or pressure wounds.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein back rest of seat comprises back rest cells, to help prevent bed-sore or pressure wounds.

6. The device of claim 1, further comprising a weight-load adjustment mechanism adapted to permit gradual weight-load adjustment on the user's legs and partial weight-load on/by the user's legs.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the position-switching mechanism is adapted to raise the user upward wherein the user's feet are moved under the body whereby the user is not positioned forward to a front portion of the device.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein buttock and thigh support portion of seat comprises a concave pelvic support area integrated with a crotch support extension; a pair buttock support elements; and a pair of retractable thigh support elements, the buttock support elements adapted to allow support of a majority of the user's weight when the device is in an upright position.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein the user/device positioning mechanismcomprises telescopic arms.

10. The device of claim 1, further comprising a removably attachable leg exercise unit.

11. The device of claim 10, wherein the removable leg exercise unit comprises a track and foothold fins adapted to engage so that the footholds are removable from the track without undue force.

12. The device of claim 11, wherein footholds 46 comprise a resistance adjustment mechanism to provide varying resistance.