WO2020119838A1

WO2020119838A1 - Exercise apparatus and a bed containing the exercise apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2020119838A1
Application number: PCT/CZ2019/050059
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jan HRBACEK; Lubos Sobotka
Original assignee: Fakultni Nemocnice Hradec Kralove
Priority date: 2018-12-12
Filing date: 2019-12-03
Publication date: 2020-06-18
Also published as: CZ2018701A3; CZ308177B6

Abstract

Exercise apparatus for exercising on bed (50), said apparatus comprising - a push-off assembly designed for being pushed off by foot sole or soles of a lying user, - a travel mechanism attached to the push-off assembly, - a guiding assembly for guiding the motion path of the travel mechanism between a start position and an end position, the travel mechanism being adapted for traveling the push-off assembly along a linear path from the start position to the end position and back.

Description

EXERCISE APPARATUS AND BED CONTAINING THE EXERCISE APPARATUS

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to an exercise apparatus for workout and rehabilitation of lower extremities, abdominal muscles and lumbar muscles in persons confined to bed. In particular, those persons are concerned who are confined to bed for prolonged periods of time due to a disease and/or due to the necessity of being connected to medical devices. According to the invention, both a mobile version, which is intended for being used as a temporary bedside exercise apparatus for a period of time necessary for the rehabilitation, and a fixed version are contemplated, the latter version constituting an integral factory-made part of a bed.

Use of the above mentioned apparatus during a rehabilitation treatment shall prevent any critical loss of musculature from occurring and enable new musculature to develop. In fact, a sufficient amount of muscle mass is necessary for leaving the bed during subsequent stage of treatment and for improving the quality of life after discharge from hospital.

Moreover, the equipment can be used in the course of a home exercise program.

Background of the invention

At the present time, workout and rehabilitation of lower extremities, abdominal muscles and lumbar muscles are inadequate as far as persons confined to bed are considered. Although several different rehabilitation methods are available, workout and rehabilitation of the above mentioned anatomical regions of the body is far from being satisfactory with regard to the needs of ill people.

At the present time, movable splints, also known as motorized splints, are only available. Such equipment makes it possible to mobilize muscular and articular regions in the course of the rehabilitation following orthopaedic surgeries or neurological diseases.

Nowadays, a relatively large number of various motorized splints is available, such splints being designed both for passive workout and rehabilitation methods and for active ones covering almost all joints and muscles of upper and lower extremities. The main drawback of such devices consists in a relatively complicated mode of use thereof. Motorized splints must be installed onto a bed and only a particular muscle group affected by a surgical intervention or a neurological disease is treated at a time. Although movability of the affected regions can be mostly improved when using such equipment, it is not possible to regain physical strength and fitness by means of the same.

SUBSTITUTE SHEETS (RULE 26) As far as regaining muscular strength and, in general, recovering physical strength is concerned, devices imitating the motion being carried out by extremities during cycling or during the use of exercise bike are usually indicated and employed. Such devices make it possible to regain muscular strength both in the upper extremities and in the lower ones, the latter case being more common. However, such equipment is rather large, heavy and complex and hence cannot be carried over by a single person and used at frequent time intervals during the day. A long-term or permanent integration of such equipment with a bed is not possible either. Actually, it is often necessary to relocate such equipment between the individual beds, hospital rooms and hospital wards which is relatively difficult due to the dimensions and weight of the equipment. Thereby, a wide-spread use of the equipment for an adequate number of patients is often put at disadvantage or even made impossible. The necessity of relocating large and heavy equipment between hospital rooms and wards often poses an issue that is particularly serious when patients are concerned who either may constitute a source of infection or, on the contrary, may be affected by a risk of getting infected. Furthermore, the above mentioned devices are relatively expensive.

In order to ensure a continuous recovering therapy for the majority of patients (particularly for those who are in serious condition), an equipment should be provided that will enable the exercises to be carried out in regular time intervals, preferably in accordance with the clinical condition of the individual patients. In the most favourable case, such equipment should be permanently available for the ill person. Such equipment may either form an integral part of the respective bed, or it can be promptly and easily placed onto the bed with an ill person whenever during the day. Alternatively, an equipment may be concerned which can form a temporary part of the respective bed in the course of a particular period of time that is necessary for the rehabilitation.

Various exercise apparatuses are disclosed in the documents EP2771079 and

EP 1791606. Their common drawback consists in that they are not adapted for exercising carried out patients confined to bed.

Summary of the invention

The aim of the invention is to provide rehabilitation for patients during their stay in bed. The invention eliminates the above mentioned drawbacks of prior art. Thus, the invented exercise apparatus for exercising in bed contains:

- a push-off assembly designed for being pushed off by foot sole or soles of a lying user, - a travel mechanism attached to the push-off assembly,

- a guiding assembly for guiding the motion path of the travel mechanism between a start position and an end position,

the travel mechanism being adapted for traveling the push-off assembly along a linear path from the start position to the end position and back, for both extremities together or for each extremity alone.

According to a preferred embodiment, the push-off assembly is formed by a push-off element or comprises a push-off element.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the exercise apparatus may further comprise a biasing element for biasing the push-off assembly along with the travel mechanism to the initial position. Thus, the biasing element, when attached to the exercise apparatus, constantly pulls or pushes the push-of element or travel mechanism towards the initial position.

The apparatus may also comprise an underlying element.

The biasing element is preferably selected from a group consisting of

- a resilient rope or spring or strap, preferably a pair of resilient ropes, springs or straps, each having one end attached to the push-off assembly and the other end attachable to the guide assembly or to another part of the exercise apparatus or to the bed,

- at least one pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder with a piston adapted to act as a

spacing element between the travel mechanism and another part of the exercise apparatus or the bed,

- a rope or strap having one end attached to the push-off assembly, the respective other end being adapted for attaching a weight, the portion of said rope or strap extending between the first and second ends thereof being led over a pulley attached to another part of the exercise apparatus or to the bed,

- a motor for forcing the travel mechanism along with the push-off assembly into the initial position and for driving the travel mechanism to travel from start position to end position and back.

A preferred embodiment of the exercise apparatus further comprises a carrying element, to which the push-off element and travel mechanism are attached, wherein the travel mechanism contains at least one pair of wheels. Further, the exercise apparatus comprises a supporting element for supporting heels of the user. An apparatus for fixing the soles may be attached to the supporting element. The travel mechanism makes it possible to move both extremities together or each alone.

Preferably, the underlying element is formed by an underlying plate to be laid on a mattress of a bed. Said underlying plate is provided with a pair of lateral delimiters, which are arranged in parallel to each other and delimit the motion path of the travel mechanism therebetween.

According to a preferred embodiment, the guide assembly comprises two pairs of guide rods, each pair of the guide rods extending in parallel to each other along the lateral delimiters, wherein at least one wheel of the travel mechanism is provided with a

circumferential groove and arranged in a manner enabling rolling motion thereof between one pair of the guide rods, the guide rods engaging with the corresponding circumferential groove of the individual wheel.

According to a different embodiment, the exercise apparatus comprises a pair of guiding rails in the form of C profile or U profile for guiding the motion path of the wheels of the travel mechanism.

The push-off surface of the push-off element and the surface of the underlying plate include and angle 90°to 180°.

Preferably, the exercise apparatus further comprises a rear end stop for defining the end position of the travel mechanism or push-off assembly and/or a front end stop for defining the start position of the travel mechanism or push-off assembly.

Arranging the exercise apparatus on a bed: The underlying plate is laid on the mattress and attached by means of at least one attaching assembly for attaching the exercise apparatus to the bed frame such, that the longitudinal axes of the bed is in parallel to the direction of movement of the travel mechanism from the start position to the end position and back, which is delimited by the guiding assembly for guiding the path of motion of the travel mechanism; the apparatus may be attached to a bed also by means of at least one fixing assembly for fixing the exercise apparatus to the bed frame.

The range of the motion path of the travel mechanism, i.e. the spacing between the real end stop and front end stop is preferably between 60 and 120 cm.

Preferably, the front end stops and / or the rear end stops may be fixed in several positions.

Brief description of the drawings Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are schematically illustrated in the accompanying drawings wherein Fig. 1 shows a front view and Fig. 2 shows a side view of the first embodiment of the exercise apparatus, Fig. 3 shows the second exemplary embodiment in a perspective view, Fig. 4 shows the embodiment of Fig. 3 in a front elevation view with added push-off elements, and Fig. 5 indicates a bed comprising the exercise apparatus as shown in Fig. 3.

Description of exemplary embodiment of the invention

The exemplary embodiment of the exercise apparatus according to the invention, which is shown in Figs. 1 and 2, comprises a push-off assembly which, in turn, comprises a supporting element 1 and a push-off element 2, either element having the form of a plate in this particular embodiment.

The supporting element 1 extends in a substantially horizontal direction and the push- off element 2 is arranged such, that the surface of the push-off element, which is intended for supporting foot soles, intersects the surface of the supporting element 1, which is intended for supporting the heels, at an angle of approximately 110°; in general, the angle of intersection of the elements 1, 2 may range between 90° and 180°, most preferably between 100° and 140°, the inclination of the push-off element 2 with respect to the supporting element 1 being preferably adjustable and arrestable in multiple positions.

The push-off element 2 may also assume the form of a triangular prism made of a light-weight material, such as plastic, polystyrene etc., and may comprise a fixation device (e.g., in the form of straps or a shoe) for the foot. The aforesaid push-off element 2 may be fixed to the carrying element in a detachable manner.

The exercise apparatus, which is shown in the drawings, further comprises a carrying element 4 that is provided with vertical lateral carriers 5.

According to the aforesaid embodiment, the position of the push-off element 2 is secured by means of a pair of braces 11 appropriately spaced between the push-off element 2 and the carrying element 4.

A travel mechanism is attached to the carrying element 4 and comprises at least one pair of guide wheels 3 rotatably attached to the lateral carriers 5. In the illustrated

embodiment, two pairs of such guide wheels 3 are provided.

The first pair of the guide wheels 3 is arranged beside the supporting element 1 and the other one is arranged substantially on beside the area extending beneath the push-off element 2, the spacing of the second pair of the guide wheels 3 being identical with that of the first pair.

The illustrated exercise apparatus further comprises an underlying element 6 having the form of an underlying plate that is provided with lateral delimiters 7 extending in parallel to each other.

Each lateral delimiter 7 is adjoined by a pair of guide rods 18, said rods extending in parallel to each other and being mutually spaced such that the above mentioned guide wheels 3 are guided therebetween, the guide wheels having their axial section for example in the shape of an H.

Alternatively, such guide rods 18 can form an integral part of the bed 50 selected for the installation of the exercise apparatus. In such case, the underlying plate can be omitted.

In the illustrated embodiment, the guide rods 18 can be attached by means of a fixing assembly comprising a spacing element 19 secured by means of retaining nuts 20.

According to another embodiment, the guide rods 18 can be replaced by guide rails, such as guide rails having a C- or U- or J-shaped profile and extending along either lateral delimiter 7 or replacing the lateral delimiter 7, wherein such guide rails define the path of motion of the guide wheels 3 and, thereby, also that of the carrying element 4 and/or the push- off element 2 (as explained with reference to Figs. 3 and 4 hereinafter).

Similarly to the embodiment shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the underlying plate may be replaced by an underlying frame comprising a pair of mutually parallel guide rails for guiding the motion of the travel mechanism and of the guide wheels 3 Again, the profiles of the guide rails can be C-shaped, U-shaped or J-shaped, adapted to define the motion path of the guide wheels 3. Any guide wheels 3 or supporting wheels 3 A arranged in the central portion of the push-off element can move on the central section of the frame 72.

In yet another embodiment, both the guide rods 18 and the guide rails 30 are completely omitted, the path of the motion of the guide wheels 3 and that of the linear motion of the carrying element 4, respectively, is defined by the lateral delimiters 7 of the underlying element 6 in that the track of the guide wheels 3 corresponds, with a reasonable play, to the mutual spacing of the lateral delimiters 7. Accordingly, the wheels 3 travel directly on the surface of the underlying element 6 and the carrying element 4 is arranged on the underlying element 6 such, that the lateral carriers 5 and the lateral delimiters 7 extend parallel to each other, thereby defining the path of motion of the guide wheels 3.

Obviously, the carrying element 4 may be omitted, provided that said at least one pair of guide wheels 3 is attached directly to the supporting element 1 and/or to the push-off element 2 or, a s the case may be, that the supporting element 1 and/or the push-off element 2 simultaneously serves as the carrying element 4.

In general, the push-off assembly may comprise:

i) a carrying element 4, a supporting element 1 attached to the carrying element 4, and a push-off element 2, the push-off surface of the latter intersecting the plane of motion of the travel mechanism and that of the supporting surface of the supporting element 1 at an angle between 90 and 180°, or

ii) a supporting element 1 and a push-off element 2, the working surface of the latter intersecting the plane of motion of the travel mechanism and that of the supporting surface of the supporting element at an angle between 90 and 180°, or

iii) a push-off element 2, the working surface of the latter intersecting the plane of motion of the travel mechanism at an angle between 90 and 180°, or

iv) a carrying element 4 and a push-off element 2 arranged thereon, the working surface of the latter intersecting the plane of motion of the travel mechanism at an angle between 90 and 180°, or

v) a carrying element (4) and a supporting element (1) attached to the carrying element (4) and having a push-off surface.

The supporting element 1 and the push-off element 2 may also form a single integral part. Alternatively, the supporting element 1 may be formed by a stepped portion of the push- off element 2.

Obviously, the second pair of the guide wheels 3 may be replaced by a single guide wheel 3 or supporting wheel 3 A, or even by a single sliding element adapted for being slidably moved along the surface of the underlying element 6.

In case that the exercise apparatus does not constitute an integral part of the bed 50, there is no need to attach the former to the bed 50 in a special manner. The apparatus is simply placed on the bed 50 so that the lateral delimiters 7 extend in parallel to the direction of motion of the user’s lower extremities, most commonly parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bed.

In case that a biasing element is used for developing a force, which must be overcome by the ill person, an adequate supplementary fixing device should be used, as well. In such case, the underlying element 6 may be provided with at least two fixing assemblies, particularly with four fixing assemblies in accordance with the illustrated embodiment, for providing a fixed connection between the underlying element 6 and the bed 50 when the former is placed on the latter. According to the present exemplary embodiment, the fixing assembly comprises a tie rod 8 having its one end connected, preferably by means of a screw, to the respective lateral delimiter 7 and its other end provided with a threaded portion, said other end carrying a retaining shackle 9 adapted for being attached to the respective sideboard of the bed 50, said retaining shackle being slid onto said other end and secured by a clamping nut 10.

Nevertheless, different structural arrangements of the fixing assemblies are also possible. Such fixing assemblies may, for example, comprise tie rods and/or fixing yokes for attaching the assemblies to the headboard of the bed 50 or, in general, to any part of the frame of the bed 50, such tie rods alternatively having the form of resilient ropes or elastic straps. Alternatively, the fixing assemblies can be completely omitted, which is particularly the case when the lateral delimiters 7 extend from the working planar surface of the underlying element 6 not only upwards for defining the range of motion of the travel mechanism but also downwards so that the mattress 51 of the bed 50 is substantially clamped between said delimiters after the underlying element 6 has been placed onto said mattress 51.

Advantageously, at least one rear end stop 12 for delimiting the end position of the carrying element 4 or, as the case may be, that of the supporting plate 1 , is arranged on the underlying element 6 or on the guide assembly, said rear end stop being preferably made of a rubber material. Additionally, the underlying element may be provided also with front end stops (not shown in Figs. 1 and 2) for delimiting the initial position of the carrying element 4 or, as the case may be, that of the supporting element 1. Advantageously, such end stops are fixed in a detachable and/or adjustable manner.

Furthermore, the illustrated exercise apparatus comprises a pair of biasing elements 13 formed by resilient ropes or elastic straps. Each lateral carrier 5 of the carrying element 4 is provided (preferably on its respective outer side) with a first lug 14 for holding the

corresponding biasing element 13. Similarly, each of the lateral delimiters 7 of the underlying element 6 is provided (preferably on its respective inner side) with a second lug 15 for holding the corresponding biasing element 13, the second lugs 15 being arranged within the area faced by the push-off element 2 and within the area of the front end stops, respectively.

The exercise apparatus, which is shown in Figs. 1 and 2, is intended to be used in the following manner: first, the underlying element 6 of the exercise apparatus is placed onto the mattress 51 of the bed 50 so that the lateral delimiters 7 extend parallel to the sideboards of the bed 50 (i.e., parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bed), the rear end stops 12 being arranged within the area adjoining the footboard of the bed 50. Subsequently, the exercise apparatus is secured to the bed 50 by means of the fixing assemblies.

Subsequently, the resilient biasing elements 13 are laterally fixed to the first attachment point 14 and to the second attachment point 15, respectively, thereby causing the carrying element 4, along with the supporting element 1 and the push-off element 2, to be forced into the initial position, i.e., into the position where the push-off element 2 is placed farthest from the footboard and nearest to the headboard of the bed, which means nearest to the front end stops. The user, who is lying with bent legs on the mattress 51, has his/her foot soles rested on the push-off element 2. The, the user starts to develop pressure acting onto the push-off element 2 which is thereby moved, along with the supporting element 1 and carrying element 4, by means of the travel mechanism in a linear direction toward the respective rear end stop 12, i.e., away from the user’s trunk. During such movement, the biasing 13 is being strained, thereby exerting a force acting against the push-off force exerted by the user of the apparatus. Upon reaching the end stop 12, the user eases the force being exerted, such that the carrying element 4 may return to the initial position by the action of the elastic force of the biasing element 13. By repeating the aforesaid procedure the movability of the extremities, particularly the flexion capability of ankle, knee and hip joints, may be improved and the muscular strength, particularly the strength of sural, femoral and abdominal muscles increased. The exercise apparatus may comprise a plurality of biasing elements 13 for adjusting the resistive force by interchanging the existing biasing elements 13 or by attaching additional biasing elements 13.

According to an alternative embodiment, which is not shown in the accompanying drawings, the biasing element 13 is not resilient but assumes the form of a rope, strap or chain, the second attachment point 15 being composed of a pulley over which the biasing element 13 is led. The first end of such biasing element 13 is fixed to the first attachment point 14, the second end being loose and adapted for holding a weight. Thereby, the carrying element 4 is permanently pulled towards its initial position by the force exerted by the weight and carried over by means of the pulley. Again, the exercise apparatus preferably comprises multiple weights which can be added or interchanged in order to adjust the force that is necessary for moving the push-off element 2.

And, in yet another embodiment, which is not shown in the drawings, the biasing element 13 is fixed to the underlying element 6 on the side defined by the end stop 12, said biasing element being formed, for example, by an assembly consisting of a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder and a corresponding piston, said assembly acting against the movement of the carrying element 4 and the push-off element 2, respectively, oriented towards the end stop

12 and simultaneously providing the force that is necessary for reversing the movement of the carrying element 4 or the push-off element 2, thereby causing the latter to move away from the end stop 12 and to re-assume its initial position.

In still another embodiment, the biasing element 13 may be omitted in the exercise apparatus.

Advantageously, the material of the underlying element 6, the carrying element 4 and the fixing assemblies is a metallic one, preferably aluminium, duraluminium, stainless steel, or a plastic or composite one, provided that such materials are washable, or, as the case may be, a combination of the above materials.

Advantageously, the supporting element 1 and/or the push-off element 2 is provided with a removable washable or wipeable cover. Furthermore, the side of the supporting element 1 and/or the push-off element 2, which is intended to come in contact with the user’s body, can be advantageously provided with a cushioning pad.

Advantageously, the exercise apparatus is arranged in a manner that enables the guide assembly to be kept in the horizontal position during an exercise, which means that the travel mechanism along with the push-off element 2 is moved in a horizontal plane.

According to an embodiment, which is not shown, the travel mechanism may travel along an inclined path upwards (instead of a horizontal movement) between the start and end positions. When the travel mechanism is guided along such inclined path, the biasing element

13 may have the form of a weight that can be attached to the travel mechanism or to the push- off element 2 on the side facing away from the user, i.e., on the side facing away from the working surface of the push-off element 2.

The push-off element 2 may be provided with a shape element for defining the supporting surface for the user’s foot sole or soles. According to an exemplary embodiment, said shape element may have the form of a sole-shaped recess or, as the case may be, the form of an area delimited by a circumferential bounding rib, the contour of the latter corresponding to that of a foot sole, etc.

The push-off element 2 may be provided also with a fixation element for fixing the feet.

The biasing element 13 may be also constituted by a motor that forcibly restores the initial position of the travel mechanism along with the push-off element 2 and that to a partial or to the full extent drives the travel mechanism, thereby enabling the latter to repeatedly carry out the reciprocating motion between the start and end positions. In this particular case (but without any limitation to such case) the push-off element 2 is preferably provided with a fixation element (not shown) for fixing the foot soles to the push-off element 2.

In another embodiment, which is shown in Figs. 3 and 4, a single push-off assembly comprising a travel mechanism is replaced by a pair of push-off assemblies, the individual assemblies being arranged side by side and movable in mutually parallel directions, i.e. the carrying element 4, the supporting element 1 and the push-off element 2 may be divided, so that there is a left carrying element 4A, a left supporting element 1 A and a left push-off element 2A intended for the left foot, and a right carrying element 4B, a right supporting element IB and a right push-off element 2B intended for the right foot.

As clearly shown in Fig. 3, the push-off assembly does not need to comprise any push- off element 2 when the push-off surface is provided on the supporting element 1 A, IB or, alternatively, on the carrying element 4 A, 4B.

According to the embodiment, which is shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the underlying element 6 has the form of an underlying frame, which comprises lateral delimiters 7, interconnecting rails 71 for maintaining the mutually parallel positions of the lateral delimiters 7 and a central rail 72, which extends in parallel to the lateral delimiters 7.

Simultaneously, guide rails 30 are arranged on the lateral delimiters 7, have a C-shaped cross- sections and extend in parallel to each other. The longitudinal open sides of the guide rails face to each other.

Each carrying element 4A, 4B is provided with a pair of in-line guide wheels 3 arranged on the outer lateral side of the respective carrying element, i.e. on the side thereof adjoining the respective guide rail 30, the motion of said wheels being guided by said guide rail 30. In addition, each carrying element 4A, 4B is provided with a supporting wheel 3A, 3B (or with a pair of supporting wheels 3A, 3B), said wheels being arranged on the other lateral side of the carrying element in order to support the same in the course of its motion guided by the respective guide rail 30, the direction of said motion being parallel to the extension of the guide rails 30.

The central rail 72 may be replaced by a pair of mutually parallel guide rails having upward facing grooves for guiding the supporting wheels 3 A.

Furthermore, each carrying element 4A, 4B is provided both with a supporting element 1A, IB, the embodiment of Fig. 4 is provided also with a separate push-off element 2A, 2B, the latter being adjustable to assume a position in which its push-of surface intersects the top surface of the supporting element 1A, IB or that of the carrying element 4 A, 4B, at an angle ranging between 90° and 180°, preferably between 100 and 140°. There are two mutually opposite rear end stops 31 for defining the end positions of the guide wheels 3 and two mutually opposite front end stops 32 for defining the initial positions of the guide wheels 3 of the carrying elements 4 A, 4B arranged in the guide rails 30.

Alternatively, the end stops 31, 32 may be arranged on the underlying element 6, particularly on the interconnecting rails 71.

In either case it is advantageous, when at least some of the end stops 31, 32 can be arranged in an adjustable manner which means that such end stops can be fixed in multiple positions.

Although the biasing elements are not shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the apparatus according to the embodiment shown in Fig. 3 is provided with anchoring holes 54 for securing the biasing elements 13 to the carrying elements 4 A, 4B. The locking openings 51, which are described below, may be also used for anchoring the biasing elements 13. According to the latter example, the biasing elements 13 may be secured to the respective lateral delimiter 7 or to the underlying element 6.

The aforesaid embodiment of the exercise apparatus is considered to be particularly advantageous since legs may be moved in an alternating manner or a single leg may be worked out separately while the other leg is resting in a relaxed or bent position. Besides that, the desired force of the respective biasing element 13 can be separately adjusted for each of the legs.

Furthermore, it is advantageous when the exercise apparatus comprising a pair of travel mechanisms is provided with an adjustable rear end stop 31 for each of the travel mechanisms, wherein the rear end stop 31 may be fixed in at least two, preferably in at least three positions, and/or an adjustable front end stop 32 for each of the travel mechanisms, wherein the from end stop 32 may be fixed in at least two, preferably in at least three positions. Thereby, the range of motion can be adjusted separately for either leg.

Nonetheless, the exercise apparatus according to the illustrated embodiment is provided with an interconnecting mechanism 74 for interconnecting the carrying elements 4A, 4B. The interconnecting mechanism 74 may be formed by a cavity in one of the carrying elements 4A, 4B and by a pin on the other carrying element, said pin being slidably insertable into the cavity and lockable therein when the carrying elements are arranged side by side.

The above described locking device, when combined with the fixing elements for fixing the foot soles to the push-off elements 2A, 2B makes it possible to work out both legs using force developed by just one of the legs. The exercise apparatus, which is shown in Figs. 3 and 4, is further provided with a locking mechanism for temporarily preventing movement of the carrying element 4 A, 4B. Such locking mechanism may comprise at least one locking opening 51 formed in the guide rail 30 or in the lateral delimiter 7 and at least one locking element 52 secured to the respective carrying element 4 A, 4B and provided with a lug 53 which may be aligned with the locking opening 51, and a pin (not shown). When it is necessary to inhibit the motion of the carrying elements 4A, 4B (including the push-off elements 2A, 2B) and to lock those elements in a given position, the carrying elements 4A, 4B are both placed side by side and locked in such mutual position by means of the interconnecting mechanism 74. Subsequently, said elements are moved together into a position where the locking opening 51 and the lug 53 are aligned with each other, such that a pin (not shown) may be inserted into the interlocking opening 51 through the lug 53. Advantageously, a plurality of locking openings 51 can be provided, so that the carrying elements 4A, 4B may be locked in multiple positions.

In yet another embodiment (not shown), the exercise apparatus may comprise a guide assembly comprising a lateral guide rod at each side of the apparatus, and respective push-of assemblies, wherein each of the push-off assemblies s provided with at least one supporting wheel 3 A for traveling on the underlying element 6 and a pair of lateral guiding tubes, which are arranged coaxially and mutually spaced apart one after the other, provided with a sliding layer and slipped on the lateral guiding rod.

Although multiple exemplary, particularly advantageous embodiments are described above, it is obvious that those skilled in the art would easily appreciate further possible alternatives to those embodiments. Flence, the scope of the protection to the above exemplary embodiments and is rather defined by the appended patent claims.

Industrial applicability

The exercise apparatus according to the present invention is particularly usable for recovering the movability and muscular strength of lower extremities and abdominal regions, especially in patients who are confined to bed or in those whose ability to move is

significantly constrained. The exercise apparatus according to the invention can constitute an integral part of the bed 50 or can be conceived as a portable device that is installed on different beds 50 as required.

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS

1. Exercise apparatus for exercising on bed (50), said apparatus comprising

- a push-off assembly designed for being pushed off by foot sole or soles of a lying user,

- a travel mechanism attached to the push-off assembly,

the travel mechanism being adapted for traveling the push-off assembly along a linear path from the start position to the end position and back.

2. The exercise apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the exercise apparatus further comprises a biasing element (13) for biasing the push-off assembly along with the travel mechanism to the initial position.

3. The exercise apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the biasing element is selected from a group consisting of

4. The exercise apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the push-off assembly comprises i) a carrying element (4), a supporting element (1) attached to the carrying element (4), and a push-off element (2), the push-of surface of the push-off element (2) intersecting the plane of motion of the travel mechanism at an angle between 90 and 180°, or

ii) a supporting element (1) and a push-off element (2), the push-of surface of the push-off element (2) intersecting the plane of motion of the travel mechanism or the plane of the supporting surface of the supporting element at an angle between 90 and 180°, or

iii) a push-off element (2), the push-of surface of the push-off element (2) intersecting the plane of motion of the travel mechanism at an angle between 90 and 180°, or iv) a carrying element (4) and a push-off element (2) arranged thereon, the push-of surface of the push-off element (2) intersecting the plane of motion of the travel mechanism at an angle between 90 and 180°, or

v) a carrying element (4) and a supporting element (1) attached to the carrying element (4) and having a push-off surface that intersects the plane of motion of the travel mechanism at an angle between 90 and 180°.

5. The exercise apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises

- a shape element for defining an area for supporting the foot sole or soles, said shape element being arranged on the push-off surface, or

- a fixation element for fixing the foot soles to the push-off assembly.

6. The exercise apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises an underlying element (6) formed by an underlying plate or an underlying frame adapted to be placed onto a mattress (51) of a bed (50), said underlying element being provided with a pair of lateral delimiters (7), the latter being arranged in parallel to each other, thereby delimiting the motion path of the travel mechanism therebetween.

7. The exercise apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that the guide assembly comprises two pairs of guide rods (18), each pair of the guide rods (18) extending parallel to each other along the lateral delimiters (7), and in that the travel mechanism comprises at least one pair of guide wheels (3), each wheel being provided with a circumferential groove and arranged in a manner enabling rolling motion thereof between one pair of the guide rods (18), the guide rods (18) engaging with the corresponding circumferential grooves of the individual wheels (3).

8. The exercise apparatus according to any of the claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the travel mechanism comprises at least one pair of guide wheels (3) and that the exercise apparatus itself further comprises a pair of guide rails (30) for guiding the motion path of the guide wheels (3) of the travel mechanism, the profiles of said guide rails being C- shaped, U-shaped or J-shaped.

9. The exercise apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises a rear end stop (12, 31) for defining the end position of the travel mechanism or push-off assembly and/or a front end stop (32) for defining the start position of the travel mechanism or push-off assembly.

10. The exercise apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises

- a pair of push-off assemblies, each being adapted for being pushed off by one of the foot soles of the lying user,

- a pair of travel mechanisms, each being attached to one of the push-off assemblies and adapted for traveling the push-off assembly along a linear path from the start position to the end position and back,

the guide assembly being adapted for guiding the travel mechanisms along mutually parallel motion paths between the start position and end position in the same direction as well as in the mutually opposite direction.

11. The exercise apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that it further comprises an interconnecting mechanism (74) for connecting the travel mechanisms or push-off assemblies mutually to each the other and for preventing the same from carrying out a relative motion.

12. The exercise apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the travel mechanism comprises at least one pair of guide wheels (3) and at least one supporting wheel (3 A) arranged for supporting the push-off assembly when it is moved between the start position and the end position.

13. The exercise apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the underlying element (6) is an underlying frame which comprises lateral delimiters (7), interconnecting rails (71) for maintaining the mutually parallel positions of the lateral delimiters (7) and a central rail (72), which extends in parallel to the lateral delimiters (7).

14. The exercise apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises a locking device for preventing movement of the push-off assembly with respect to the guide assembly.

15. Bed (50) comprising the exercise apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bed (50) further comprises a mattress (51) having a top loadcarrying surface, the exercise apparatus being placed on the mattress (51) so that the longitudinal axis of the bed (50) extends in parallel to the direction of the motion of the travel mechanism between the start position and the end position, said motion being defined by the guide assembly for guiding the travel mechanism along its motion path.