WO2012137038A1

WO2012137038A1 - Elliptical exercise equipment for people with wide range of physical impairments - kinisiforo

Info

Publication number: WO2012137038A1
Application number: PCT/IB2011/051455
Authority: WO
Inventors: Onisiforos HADJIONISIFOROU
Original assignee: Hadjionisiforou Onisiforos
Priority date: 2011-04-05
Filing date: 2011-04-05
Publication date: 2012-10-11
Also published as: GB201318651D0; GB2504033A; EP2712313A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to elliptical exercise equipment that simultaneously provides exercise to the upper and lower extremities for persons with a wide range of physical impairments. The elliptical equipment provides separate active or passive exercise or active- passive exercise, depending on the user's strength and physical condition. As a first step the user is lifted and supported in a standing position, hanging from a special harness that allows adjustment and control of the weight bearing on the user's lower limbs in all levels of exercise. The pedals movement and range can be adjusted to accommodate different pedal strides according to the individual's characteristics, for both upper and lower extremities. This elliptical exercise equipment contains many offsets and settings in order to be adaptable to the handicapped and people with different disabilities.

Description

TITLE: ELLIPTICAL EXERCISE EQUIPMENT FOR PEOPLE WITH WIDE RANGE OF PHYSICAL IMPAIRMENTS - KINISIFORO.

DESCRIPTION

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. The Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to elliptical exercise equipment providing separate active or passive exercise or active-passive exercise to the upper and lower extremities specifically for persons with various disabilities, the handicapped, or for post-operative and post-traumatic rehabilitation. It can also be used for the cardiovascular fatigue test of handicapped people.

[0004] 2. The Prior S tate of the Art

[0005] in the world market there are currently a number of exercise equipment, designed specifically with regard to handicapped people and people with various disabilities.

[0006] The most popular are various types of bicycles for active or passive cycling of the legs and the axes. A number of such bicycles address the setting of usage (sitting or lying position), but do not address critical issues such as weight distribution and/ or adjustable movement cycle.

[0007] The CPM (continuous passive motion) equipment is a known type of machine that provides continuous passive movement to a specific joint, for example flexion - extension to the knee joint.

[0008] The "Standing Frame", another type of rehabilitation equipment, addresses the needs of a standing position, with full weight bearing on lower limbs when, in an upright 90 degree angle. Adjustment of weight bearing to the extremities is not possible at a specific angle.

[0009] The market has seen recent development in equipment that simultaneously exercises arms and legs in an active way only. However the knees are always in an extended position and while exercising the user has no weight load control on the legs.

[0010] A further device has been designed for gait training. Although it allows the control of the weight load of the legs, only in standing position, it does not allow the adjustment of the walking cycle thus leads to the transfer of the total load on one extremity, without any available adjustments or control on the ankle. litis equipment addresses only the lower extremity.

[001 1] As a result no single exercise equipment has been formulated that addresses the simultaneous training of all four limbs and torso for people with disabilities, with the versatility of cycle adjustment and weight load control amongst other features.

[0012] The invention is referred to in the text of this description as KINISIFORO.

KINISIFORO provides innovative features and differentiates from ail other prior art in that it adjusts and adapts to the individual user characteristics, to provide correct elliptical movement and exercise depending on the needs of a particular disability, for both upper and lower extremities, in active or passive or active -passive mode. It differentiates further from all other types of elliptical equipment for persons with physical impairments in that the user has the ability to choose the weight load percentage on an individual's legs during the exercise through a revolutionary design of counterweights. The counterweight moves simultaneously with the individual in a precise manner allowing for a perfectly symmetrical motion. This elliptical equipment does not produce any shock waves to the user's legs.

[0013] Suggested functions of KINISIFORO for people with disabilities:

• Regulates muscle tone

• Reduces muscle spasm and spasticity

• Increases muscle strength even if low or absent

• Compensates right - left deficits

• Reduces cardiovascular disturbances

• Increases the performance of the heart and circulation

• Increases endurance

• Improves oxygen uptake

• Keeps all joints agile and flexible

• Increases range of motion in all articulation

• Improves digestion

• Reduces weight by burning calories

• Improves urine excretion

• Reduces edema (water in the upper or lower extremities)

• Reduces Constipation

• Activates the entire metabolism and strengthens body condition

• Promotes wound healing

• Reduces pain due to muscle immobility

• Provides protection from osteoporosis

• Improves movement coordination

• Improves balance

• Reduces ataxia

• Exercises simultaneously upper, lower extremities as well as the spine. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] KINISIFORO is a elliptical exercise equipment designed for both children and adults that are physically impaired in some way such as paraplegic, tetraplegic, people with hemiparesis, hemiplegia, cerebral palsy, brain damage, multiple sclerosis, as well as people with ataxia, spasticity or without well coordinated movement and so forth.

[0015]KINISIFORO allows for simultaneous exercise of lower extremities, upper extremities and torso, in active or passive or active -passive mode.

[0016] KINISIFORO is comprised of three main sub systems: [0017] (i) System for lifting and supporting the user at the correct exercising position;

[0018] This system allows full control of weight distribution and load on the legs throughout the exercise cycle, elliptical movement (pedal stride). This is achieved by the means of counterweights that adjust in a continuous manner.

[0019] (iii) System for interfacing the upper and lower extremities;

[0020] This system is composed of 4 mechanical bases, 2 for holding the legs and 2 for holding the arms, designed to fit to all body types by adjusting different settings according to the size or abnormality of the limbs (such as for example legs with spasticity, varum or valgum knees, vara or valca hips, drop foot, legs of uneven length and so forth). The mechanical base of the axes can be adapted for arms with spasticity or rigidity of the fingers, wrist, elbow, shoulder, as well as arms with ataxia, etc.

[0021] (iii) System producing elliptical motion.

This system produces a stable and symmetrical motion without any acceleration and vibration during all the stages of the elliptical cycle. In addition this system is fully adjustable to adapt to the user's characteristics. The speed of motion and resistance can be controlled while exercising.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] FIG.K is a plan, side and front view of the complete assembly of KINISIFORO;

[0023] FIG.KA is the plan, side and front view of the system for production of elliptical motion;

[0024] FIG.KAA is the plan, side and front view of the frame of KA;

[0025] FIG.KAB is the plan, side and front view of the Active - Passive driving system;

[0026] FIG.KACD is the plan, side and front view of the mechanism producing elliptical motion;

[0027] FIG.KACD 1 is a close up of the plan, side and front view of the carrier traveling in Y direction labeled (1) in FIG.KACD;

[0028] FIG.KACD2 is a close up of the plan, side and front view of the carrier traveling in X direction labeled (2) in FIG.KACD;

[0029]FIG.KACD3 is a close up of the plan, side and front view of the adjustable axis driving carrier in Y direction labeled (3) in FIG.KACD; [0030]FIG.KACD4 is a close up of the plan, side and front view of the adjustable axis driving carrier in Y direction labeled (4) in FIG.KACD;

[0031]FIG.KB is the side view of the system for lifting and supporting the person at the correct exercise position;

[0032] FIG.KB1 is a close up of the plan, side and front view of the frame labeled (1) in FIG. KB;

[0033]FIG.KB2 is a close up of the plan, side and front view of the wagon for vertical movement labeled (2) in FIG.KB;

[0034]FIG.KB3 is a close up of the plan, side and front view of the axis labeled (3) in FIG.KB;

[0035]FIG.KB4 is a close up of the plan, side and front view of the wagon for horizontal movement labeled (4) in FIG.KB;

[0036]FIG.KB5 is a close up of the plan, side and front view of the counter weight axis labeled (5) in FIG.KB;

[0037]FIG.KB6 is a close up of the plan, side and front view of the electric linear actuator labeled (6) in FIG.KB;

[0038]FIG. KB7 is a close up of the plan, side and front view of the lower pulley driving system labeled (7) in FIG.KB;

[0039]FIG.KB8 is a close up of the plan, side and front view of the upper pulley labeled (8) in FIG.KB;

[0040]FIG.KBS is the side view of the three exercise positions KBS 1, KBS2, KBS3;

[0041] FIG.KBSl is the side view of the lower position (starting position) for lifting the person;

[0042] FIG.KBS2 is the side view of the top position for lifting the person;

[0043] FIG.KBS3 is the side view of the final position for lifting and supporting the person; [0044]FIG.KG1 is the plan, side and front view of the system of interfacing upper extremities;

[0045]FIG.KG2 is the plan, side and front view of the system of interfacing Lower extremities.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0046] KINISIFORO FIGS.K, KA, KB, KG together represent the elliptical exercise equipment specifically designed for people with disabilities. It allows people with orthopedic, neurological, musculoskeletal disorders to simultaneously exercise their upper and lower extremities as well as their trunk.

[0047] KINISIFORO is composed of three subsystems:

(i) System for lifting and supporting the person at the correct exercise position, FIG.KB;

(ii) System for the production of elliptical motion able to vary the displacement in both X, Y axis, FIG.KA;

(iii) System for interfacing the upper and lower extremities FIGS.KG1, KG2. [0048] Subsystem 1 FIG.KB consists of:

• frame FIG.KB 1 ;

• wagon for vertical movement FIG.KB2;

• axis FIG.KB3;

• wagon for horizontal movement FIG.KB4;

• counter weight axis FIG. KB 5;

• electric linear actuator FIG. KB6;

• lower pulley driving system FIG.KB7;

• upper pulley FIG.KB8.

[0049]Functional description FIG.KB:

[0050] Using the electric wire remote control the electric linear actuator FIG.KB(6) extends causing the lower pulley driving system FIG.KB(7) to move upwards resulting in the loss of tension in the metal wire FIG.KB(9) that links to the wagon for vertical movement FIG.KB(2) through the upper pulley FIG.KB(8). This causes the downward movement of the wagon FIG.KB(2) until the tension in the metal wire FIG.KB(9) is retained back. The same movement is experienced by the axis FIG.KB(3) and the wagon for horizontal movement FIG.KB(4) which are attached to wagon FIG.KB(2). The final lower position of the lift system is shown in FIG.KBS1. At this position the person in the wheelchair is attached via a special belt to the wagon for horizontal motion FIG.KB(4).

[0051]Using the electric wired remote control the electric linear actuator FIG.KB(6) contracts causing the lower pulley driving system FIG.KB(7) to move downwards resulting in the increase of tension in the metal wire FIG.KB(9) that links to the wagon for vertical movement FIG.KB(2) through the upper pulley FIG.KB(8). This causes the upward movement of the wagon FIG.KB(2) as a long increase in tension exists in the metal wire FIG.KB(9). The final top position of the lift system is shown in FIG.KBS2.

[0052] At this position with the help of the wagon for horizontal movement FIG.KB(4) the person is transferred to the exercise position as shown in FIG.KBS3.

[0053] The electric linear actuator FIG.KB(6) that actually holds the lift in upwards/downwards position is pivoted on the counter weight axis FIG.KB(5) thus the amount of the person's weight that the lift can take is proportional to the weight added to the end of this axis. In this way the amount of the persons weight his/her legs experience during exercise can be chosen and held constant as the counterweight axis FIG.KB(5) is floating and can track the person's position changes during exercise.

[0054] Subsystem 2 FIG.KA consists of:

• frame FIG.KAA;

• active - passive drive system FIG.KAB;

• mechanism producing elliptical motion FIG.KACD.

[0055] Technical description for active -passive drive system FIG.KAB:

[0056] In reference to FIG.KAB the electric motor (1) drives the flywheel (7) which is supported by a system of bearings through the belt (2). The mating plate (6) and sprocket (3) are pressed on the flywheel (7) by the compressed spring (4). The magnitude of this pressing force is proportional to the position of the nut (5) which defines the extent to which the spring (4) is compressed.

[0057] Thus the power that can be transferred from motor (1) to the sprocket (3) is controlled by the position of the nut (5). This arrangement permits the power transfer from motor (1) to sprocket (3) acting as one passive system or from sprocket (3) to motor (1) acting as an active drive system.

[0058] Technical description for mechanism producing elliptical motion FIG.KACD:

[0059] Consists of:

• carrier traveling in Y direction FIG.KACD(l);

• carrier traveling in X direction FIG.KACD(2);

• Adjustable axis driving carrier FIG.KACD(l) in Y direction FIG.KACD(3);

• Adjustable axis driving carrier FIG.KACD(2) in X direction FIG.KACD(4);

[0060] Referring to FIG.KA the adjustable axis FIG.KACD(3) and FIG.KACD(4) are synchronized through a system of sprockets and chains to the driving system FIG.KAB by driving carrier FIG.KACD(l) through the axis FIG.KACD(3) in Y direction at the same time as the axis FIG.KACD(4) drives the carrier KACD(2) in X direction.

[0061]Carrier FIG.KACD(2) (X direction) is sliding on the carrier FIG.KACD(l) thus experiences the effect of both displacement in X and Y direction simultaneously.

[0062] This combined effect that carrier FIG.KACD(2) experiences is an elliptical motion.

[0063] The displacement in X or Y direction can be adjusted through the adjustable axes FIG.KACD(3) and FIG.KACD(4) without affecting one another assuring stable and symmetric elliptical cycle. [0064] This subsystem consists of two identical mechanisms producing an elliptical motion to the same driving system.

[0065]System of interfacing upper extremities FIG.KG 1:

[0066] The system of interfacing upper extremities FIG.KG 1 consists of two identical mechanisms, one for each limb.

[0066] Referring to drawings FIG.KG and FIG.K these mechanisms are pivoted on axis (9) and linked through a retractable link (5) to the carrier FIG.KACD(2) respectively thus performing a forward reverse movement about pivot during operation of the machine.

[0067] Depending on the body shape and possible special disorders of the individual the following settings can be obtained in order to have the correct interfacing of upper extremities to the machine.

• Height of handles through adjustment (2);

• Distance between handles through adjustment (4);

• Height of pivot through adjustment (6).

[0068] System of interfacing lower extremities FIG.KG2:

[0069]The system of interfacing lower extremities FIG.KG2 consists of two identical mechanisms one for each lower limb.

[0070] Referring to drawings FIG.KG2 and FIG.K2 these mechanisms are supported on the carrier FIG.KACD(2) thus performing stable and symmetrical elliptical motion (see description of mechanism producing elliptical motion).

[0071] Depending on the body shape and possible special disorders of the individual the following settings can be obtained in order to have the correct interfacing of the lower extremities to the machine:

• set the host of the tread;

• set position of the heel;

• set distance between pads;

• set distance between legs;

• set pivot point for the tibia support mechanism;

• set tilt for foot;

• set the point where tibia support mechanism is supported.

[0072] KINISIFORO is equipped with a portable computer /screen set located in front of the exercising person FIG.KB(IO). It can be used for viewing 3D virtual reality movies with the aid of special goggles. [0073] Interfacing it to the exercising person via a wireless probe, information like heart rate and calories burned can be displayed and recorded as well many other personal details concerning the individual. This info can be recalled any time in the future so the progress of the individual can be judged.

Claims

1. An elliptical exercise apparatus specifically designed for people with a wide range of physical impairments (such as orthopedic, neurological, musculoskeletal disorders and other disorders) as well as for post-operative and post-traumatic rehabilitation and as a cardiovascular fatigue test for handicapped people that provides simultaneous exercise of the upper and lower extremities (with appropriate range of motion of the hip, knee, ankle, shoulder, elbow and wrist flexion/extension) and torso.

2. The exercise apparatus as recited in Claim 1 that is motorized and that allows passive or active or passive-active exercise at the same time, wherein: An electric motor (1) drives the flywheel (7) which is supported by a system of bearings through a belt (2). A mating plate (6) and sprocket (3) are pressed on the flywheel (7) by the compressed spring (4). The magnitude of this pressing force is proportional to the position of the nut (5) which defines the extent to which the spring (4) is compressed. Thus the power that can be transferred from the motor (1) to the sprocket (3) is controlled by the position of the nut (5). This arrangement then permits the power transfer from the motor (1) to the sprocket (3) acting as one passive system or from the sprocket (3) to the motor (1) acting as an active drive system.

3. The elliptical exercise apparatus as recited in Claim 2 that produces a stable, symmetric and balanced motion in all stages of the elliptical movement (without any acceleration during pedal strides), in contrast to all other elliptical exercise equipment that produce unstable and non symmetric movement, wherein: a) the adjustable axes are synchronized through a system of sprockets and chains to the driving system by driving the carrier through the axis in Y direction at the same time the axis drives the carrier in X direction. The carrier in X direction is sliding on the carrier in Y direction and thus experiences the effect of both displacement in X and Y direction simultaneously. This combined effect that the carrier experiences is an elliptical motion; b) The displacement in X or Y direction can be adjusted through the adjustable axes without affecting one another assuring a stable and symmetric elliptical cycle;

c) This subsystem consists of two identical mechanisms producing elliptical motion to the same driving system;

4. The elliptical exercise apparatus as recited in Claim 3 that allows adjustment to accommodate the user's characteristics. The range of motion in the X and Y axes of the elliptical cycle is recorded during the exercise and can be adjusted according to each individual's body type characteristics.

5. The elliptical exercise apparatus as recited in Claim 4 with adjustable interface system for:

(i) the upper extremities and hands, on the handlebars, which can be adapted and adjusted according to each individual's body type and disorder wherein: a) The system of interfacing upper extremities consists of two identical mechanisms, one for each limb. These mechanisms are pivoted on axis (9) and linked through a retractable link (5) to the carrier respectively thus performing a forward reverse movement about pivot during operation of the machine;

b) Depending on the body shape and possible special disorders of the individual the following settings can be obtained in order to have the correct interfacing of upper extremities to the machine:

• Height of handles through adjustment (2)

• Distance between handles through adjustment (4)

• Height of pivot through adjustment

(6)

and;

) the lower extremities and feet, on the pedals, that can be adapted and adjusted according to each individual's body type and special disorder, wherein: a) The system of interfacing lower extremities consists of two identical mechanisms one for each lower limb;

b) These mechanisms are supported on the carrier thus performing stable and symmetrical elliptical motion as described in Claim 3;

c) Depending on the body shape and possible special disorders of the individual the following settings can be obtained in order to have the correct interfacing of the lower extremities to the machine:

• Set the host of the tread

• Set position of the heel

• Set distance between pads

• Set distance between legs

• Set pivot point for the tibia support mechanism

• Set tilt for foot

• Set the point where tibia support mechanism is supported.

An elliptical exercise apparatus with lift and support system that allows the individual to assume the correct exercise position with continuous control and monitoring of weight transfer on the lower extremities, in all stages of the elliptical cycle, wherein: a) Using the electric wire remote control the electric linear actuator extends causing the lower pulley driving system to move upwards resulting in the loss of tension in the metal wire that links to the wagon for vertical movement through the upper pulley. This causes the downward movement of the wagon until the tension in the metal wire is retained back. The same motion is experienced by the axis and the wagon for horizontal movement which are attached to wagon. The final lower position of the lift system is shown in FIG.KBS1. At this position the person in the wheelchair is attached via a special belt to the wagon for horizontal motion;

b) Using the electric wired remote control the electric linear actuator contracts causing the lower pulley driving system to move downwards, resulting in the increase of tension in the metal wire that links to the wagon for vertical movement, through the upper pulley. This causes the upward movement of the wagon as long as the increase in tension exists in the metal wire. The final top position of the lift system is shown in FIG.KBS2. At this position with the help of the wagon for horizontal movement the person is transferred to the exercise position;

c) The electric linear actuator that actually holds the lift in upwards/ downwards position is pivoted on the counter weight axis thus the amount of the person's weight that the lift can take is proportional to the weight added to the end of this axis. In this way the amount of the person's weight his/her legs experiences during exercise can be adjusted and held constant as the counterweight axis is floating and can track the person's position changes during exercise.

7. The elliptical exercise apparatus as recited in Claim 5 with lift and support system that allows the individual to assume the correct exercise position with continuous control and monitoring of weight transfer on the lower extremities, in all stages of the elliptical cycle, wherein:

a) Using the electric wire remote control the electric linear actuator extends causing the lower pulley driving system to move upwards resulting in the loss of tension in the metal wire that links to the wagon for vertical movement through the upper pulley. This causes the downward movement of the wagon until the tension in the metal wire is retained back. The same motion is experienced by the axis and the wagon for horizontal movement which are attached to wagon. The final lower position of the lift system is shown in FIG.KBS1. At this position the person in the wheelchair is attached via a special belt to the wagon for horizontal motion;

8. Elliptical exercise apparatus according to Claim 7, fitted with a portable computer screen/set located in front of the exercising person that can be used for viewing 3D virtual reality movies with the aid of special goggles or that can be interfaced with the exercising person via a wireless probe, and information like heart rate and calories burned can be displayed and recorded as well many other personal details concerning the individual. This information can be recalled any time in the future so the progress of the individual can be determined.