Rehabilitation exercise device for lower limb muscles with weight adjustment ability

Abstract

A device has been developed to assist individuals with lower limb weakness in performing resistance exercises to strengthen key muscle groups and improve flexibility and overall functionality. This device features a weight adjustment mechanism for customizing resistance levels, providing stability and reducing pressure on the lower limbs. It consists of a stand and a torque arm mechanism. Plate weights can be added to adjust resistance. The device's chassis is made of a stud profile for easy transportation and installation, with columns welded to the chassis and fences for creating a safe movement corridor. Additionally, holes are included for connecting sports equipment like pilates bands and TRX straps for a variety of exercises. A support vest with cushions and straps ensures safety and comfort, with a carabiner hook for connecting to the device.

Description

Rehabilitation Exercise Device for Lower Limb Muscles with Weight Adjustment Ability

[0001] The device in question provides the ability to perform resistance exercises on all muscles of the lower limb and is used for rehabilitation and increasing the strength of the lower limb of all age groups with major weakness in this part of the muscles.

[0002] This device makes it possible to perform resistance training of the lower limbs for all people who lack static and dynamic balance. Neuropathy and myopathy patients are among this group of people. It is possible to maintain complete balance by wearing a supportive vest and placing the weight, according to the patient's ability, on the physically resistant arm.

[0003] Moreover, with the confidence of wearing this vest and the support provided by holding the gallery fences, the patient is ready to do exercises and can perform exercises such as squats in a greater range of motion. It seems that some patients have some strength to perform some sports movements, but they refrain from performing these exercises due to the fear of losing their balance and falling down.

[0004] A61H 1 / 02 – A63B 21 / 02 – A63B 23 / 04

[0005] CN110200783

[0006] SPORTS REHABILITATION DEVICE FOR EXERCISING UPPER AND LOWER LIMBS

[0007] The invention provides a sports rehabilitation device for exercising upper and lower limbs, which comprises a bed body, a support frame is fixed on the left side of the bed body, an upper limb training device is arranged on a support top, the upper limb training device comprises two sets of big arm support rods and two sets of small arm support rods, the two sets of the big arm support rods are connected with the support frame by a rotating mechanism, and the two sets of the large arm support rods are also connected with two sets of small support rods through the rotating mechanism; a lower limb training mechanism is arranged on the right side of the bed body, the lower limb training mechanism is fixed on a two-degree-of-freedom sliding mechanism, and the two-degree-of-freedom sliding mechanism is fixed on the bottom of the bed body. The invention provides a sports rehabilitation device for exercising upper and lower limbs, mainly used for performing upper limb lower limb exercise forcerebral infarction or post-operative bedridden patients, through rehabilitation training, the systemic blood circulation can be promoted, the residual muscle strength can be restored, and the joint mobility can be improved.

[0008] The mentioned invention is similar to our claimed on since they both provide means of assisted exercise for rehabilitation purposes. However, this one, unlike ours is not specifically designed for lower limbs muscle groups, the exercises are primarily done in horizontal mode and the emphasis is not on resistence training.

[0009] CN207520524

[0010] EXERCISE UPPER LIMBS SPORTS REHABILITATION DEVICE FOR LOW LIMBS

[0011] The utility model discloses an exercise upper limbs sports rehabilitation device for low limbs, include base, ladder and put the thing groove, the upside of base is fixed with the stand, and the downside of stand is provided with the couple, the downside activity of couple is hung and has been put the gyro wheel, and the downside of gyro wheel is connected with and connects the rope, the lower extreme of connecting the rope is fixed with the pull ring, the left side of ladder is provided with the stand, and the inside of ladder is provided with the drawer, be fixed with the handrail on the ladder, and distribute on the upper surface of ladder and have the arch, puts the thing groove and set up in the inside of base, and the inside of putting the thing groove has accomodate the connecting plate, the draw -in groove has been seted up to the upper surface of base. This exercise upper limbs sports rehabilitation device for low limbs is provided with the couple, can take off the gyro wheelabove it, hangs different body -building apparatus of tempering the upper limbs, has increased the device's practicality, is provided with the connecting plate, and the people of seat on the wheelchair also can remove and carry out the upper limbs exercise above the base like this.

[0012] This mentioned invention shares a purpose with our proposed one in their function of rehabilitative exercise. However, the designs and methods of exercise as well as comprising elements are quite different. For instance, this one does not feature a torque arm mechanism, a ramp or adjustable weight unit like ours, and It does not focus on resistence training.

[0013] CN116712292

[0014] REHABILITATION EXERCISE DEVICE

[0015] The invention provides a rehabilitation exercise device. The rehabilitation exercise device comprises an upper limb exercise structure, a supporting structure and a lower limb exercise structure. The stretching assembly is in sliding connection with the frame body and does lifting motion relative to the frame body, and the rotating assembly is rotationally connected with the frame body and does circumferential rotation in the vertical direction; the lower limb exercise structure is connected with the supporting structure and used for conducting rehabilitation exercise on the legs of the patient. The problems that an existing rehabilitation exercise device is inconvenient to conduct rehabilitation exercise on arms and legs of a patient at the same time, and multi-directional rehabilitation exercise is difficult to conduct are solved.

[0016] This mentioned design shares common ground with our claimed one in terms of providing rehabitational care device, but their overall function and purpose are different. As this patent aims to provide multi-directional exercise device while ours focuses primarily on lower limb muscle groups.

[0017] CN113616989

[0018] LIMB WEIGHT-BEARING EXERCISE DEVICE FOR REHABILITATION EXERCISE OF BEDRIDDEN PATIENT

[0019] The invention belongs to the field of rehabilitation training, particularly relates to a limb weight-bearing exercise device for rehabilitation exercise of a bedridden patient, and provides the following scheme aiming at the problems that an existing rehabilitation training device used in the market is tedious in weight adjustment and not accurate enough in weight adjustment. The limb weight-bearing exercise device comprises a movable frame and a box shell, a supporting column is fixedly connected to the upper surface of the movable frame, a guide rod is fixedly connected to one side of the supporting column, two sliding plates are movably connected into the guide rod, two leg supports are fixedly connected to the bottoms of the sliding plates, the leg supports are symmetrically distributed, and one end of the guide rod is fixedly connected with a first fixing frame. According to the invention, the elasticity of a spring can be adjusted by operating an adjusting mechanism, operation is simple, rapid and accurate, the device adapts to different patients, meanwhile, the legs of the patients can be massaged during training, the rehabilitation speed of the patients is increased, the device and a sickbed can be rapidly fixed, and the stability of the device is improved.

[0020] While this invention and our claimed patent have similarities in function and comprising elements such as weight adjustment plates, they also have differences in design and the exercise methods. For instance, this one emphasizes accuracy and speed whereas ours prioritizes comfort and convenience of patients of all age groups and physical activity levels.

[0021] CN211658662

[0022] NOVEL LOWER LIMB REHABILITATION EXERCISE DEVICE

[0023] The utility model discloses a novel lower limb rehabilitation exercise device. The lower limb rehabilitation exercise device structurally comprises a lower limb rehabilitation exercise device body, alimiting ring, a control holding rod, supporting legs, universal wheels and a battery pack. A limiting ring is arranged in the middle of the lower limb rehabilitation exercise device body; a control holding rod is welded to the front portion of the lower limb rehabilitation exercise device body. Natural latex buffer pads are bonded to the two sides of the top of the limiting ring. Solar panels arearranged on the two sides of the rear portion of the limiting ring. A battery pack is arranged in the middle of the bottom of the lower limb rehabilitation exercise device body, a Bluetooth connecting module is arranged on the left side of the front portion of the lower limb rehabilitation exercise device body, loudspeakers are arranged on the two sides of the lower limb rehabilitation exercise device body, a seat cushion is arranged at the bottom of a limiting ring, and pedals are welded to the two sides of a connecting shaft. The novel lower limb rehabilitation exercise device is beneficialto rapid rehabilitation of a lower limb patient, has multiple functions, saves energy, protects the environment and is beneficial to pedaling rehabilitation exercise of the patient.

[0024] The above mentioned design is similar to ours in overall purpose since it offers a solution for lower limbs rehabilitative exercises. However, their methods and comprising elements are completely different. For example, this one features solar panels and a battery while ours does not because it operates in a mechanical manner.

[0025] The claimed lower limb muscle rehabilitation exercise device includes a stand and a torque arm mechanism that can adjust the force of the person's weight. The torque arm mechanism consists of a drive arm and a resistance arm connected at a 90-degree angle. A shaft forms the axis of rotation, with bearings at both ends screwed onto a cross bridge on top of the stand. Plate weights can be adjusted on the resistance arm, providing different levels of resistance for the exerciser. A supporting vest is connected to the driving arm, reducing the force of weight and allowing for safer movements such as squats and lunges.

[0026] The device chassis is made of stud profile and designed for easy transportation and installation. The columns of the device are welded to the chassis, with a transverse bridge connecting the columns at the top. The device includes fences to provide support and a corridor for the practitioner. Eyebolts on the stand and chassis allow for the attachment of sports equipment for resistance exercises.

[0027] The stud piece on the chassis is adjustable for different exercises and distances from the training area. A ramp is installed at the entrance of the device gallery to facilitate wheelchair access. The supporting vest used in the device includes foam cushions for comfort and safety, with straps to secure it to the practitioner's body. The vest is connected to the torque arm mechanism with a carabiner hook, allowing for height adjustments based on the practitioner's height.

[0028] People who suffer from severe lower limb weakness due to old age, neuromuscular diseases, and other factors face significant challenges when it comes to engaging in resistance exercises that require standing. The force of gravity and the lack of strength in their lower limbs make it difficult for them to maintain balance and properly target the muscles needed for an effective workout. As a result, these individuals may not be able to fully strengthen and tone their lower body muscles, leading to further mobility issues and decreased quality of life.

[0029] In response to this problem, a new invention has been designed to address the unique needs of individuals with lower limb weakness. This device features a weight adjustment mechanism that allows users to tailor the resistance level to their specific abilities, ensuring a safe and effective workout. By reducing the pressure on the lower limbs and providing added stability, this invention enables users to perform standing exercises with confidence and minimized risk of injury.

[0030] The primary goal of this innovative device is to empower individuals with lower limb weakness to engage in resistance training that targets key muscle groups, ultimately improving strength, flexibility, and overall functionality. By enabling these individuals to safely and effectively strengthen their lower body muscles, this invention has the potential to significantly enhance their independence and quality of life.Solution of Problem

[0031] In today's society, factors such as old age, neuromuscular diseases, sports injuries and dangerous accidents can cause weakness and disability in the lower limbs of a group of people. According to the statistics reported in each of these factors, the number of people struggling with such issues is increasing. Decreased ability in the lower limbs causes a decrease in the quality of life, an increase in fatigue and the need for support from others in people's personal affairs, which ultimately affects their mental and social health. As a result, it becomes more important to pay attention to improving or maintaining the remaining ability in these people.

[0032] In past studies, it has been proven that resistance exercises play a significant role in increasing muscle strength, balance and improving the condition of patients and disabled people, therefore, an important part of rehabilitation exercises should be devoted to this type of exercises. Indeed, rehabilitation is care that can help people restore, maintain or improve the abilities they need in their daily lives.

[0033] Many of these people go to occupational therapy centers for rehabilitation. According to the equipment available in occupational therapy centers, the exercises of these people are usually in the form of open and single-joint kinetic chain. In open kinetic chain exercises, the distal part of the limb is free, but in closed kinetic chain exercises, the end of the limb (distal part) is placed on the ground or a surface. The characteristics of closed kinetic chain exercises include increasing joint compressive forces, increasing joint homogeneity and thus creating stability, reducing shear forces and stimulating deep sensory receptors and increasing dynamic and static stability, all of which are associated with weight bearing, so these types of exercises It can play an important role in the rehabilitation of these people. Performing this type of exercise requires sufficient strength to overcome the force of gravity and maintain balance during exercise, so it is not possible to perform it for people with weak lower limb muscles.

[0034] In occupational therapy and sports medicine facilities, there are no tools or devices that can create the possibility of performing these exercises (taking into account the ability level of people and maintaining safety and balance) for these people. According to the mentioned issues, the present lower limb muscle rehabilitation device was designed and built with the ability to adjust the force of the person's weight. This device consists of a stand and a torque arm mechanism.

[0035] The torque arm mechanism consists of a drive arm and a resistance arm, and these two arms are connected (welded) at the end with a 90 degree angle. Under the junction of these two arms, a shaft is welded, which is the axis of rotation of this mechanism, which finally forms a solid body. Two bearings are installed at both ends of this shaft, which are placed inside their bearings. These bearings are screwed to the cross bridge that is placed on top of the stand and form the first type of lever (like an inverted crowbar).

[0036] At the beginning of the resistant arm, a circular plate is connected with a threaded shaft in the center of the circle (perpendicular to the circle). Plate weights (standard used in sports centers) are placed on this shaft and then a special nut is fastened on the thread of the shaft to keep the weights in place. The amount of weights placed on the machine can be changed according to the ability level of the person exercising.

[0037] A hook is welded at the beginning of the driving arm to which the supporting vest (harness) is connected by two carabiner hooks. The supporting vest is worn by the exerciser and the force resulting from the torque of the resistant arm by this vest reduces the force of weight (the force exerted by the person on the ground) by producing an anti-gravitational force. When the force of the person's weight is reduced, the exerciser can perform movements that he is not fully able to perform in the desired range of motion (such as squats, lunges and movements that require maintaining balance on one leg) with safety and balance.

[0038] The chassis of the device is made of stud profile. This chassis is made in two pieces for easy transportation and installation in desired places. The columns of the device are welded to the chassis, and in the upper part of the columns, the transverse bridge of the device is connected to the plates on the column by screws. The transverse bridge is where the bearings of the torque arm mechanism are installed. Also, there are fences at the appropriate height on both sides of the chassis that form the corridor (gallery) of the device. This corridor is the location of the practitioner, and by using the fences, he can use his hands to help him move around and be in the training place. There are also holes on the stand and chassis of the device. In these holes, the eyebolt screw is closed, and sports equipment such as pilates bands, TRX straps, etc. are connected to the eyebolts. These sports equipment provide the exerciser with the possibility of variety of resistance exercises.

[0039] The stud piece is adjustable on the chassis of the device and is connected transversely with a screw. This stud is also made movable for the variety of exercises and also to change its distance from the training place.

[0040] At the entrance of the machine gallery, a ribbed sheet is installed as a ramp. This ramp facilitates the movement of the wheelchair into the device gallery.

[0041] The support vest (harness) is an auxiliary device to maintain balance and transfer the force resulting from the torque applied by the resistant arm weights to the exerciser. This device is available in most medical-sports equipment stores and according to the available variety, it should be selected based on the need and type of use. The support vest used in this device consists of foam cushions on the chest, back, shoulder and groin area. These cushions are for greater safety and applying anti-gravity force on a larger surface as a result of less pressure. A protective vest is sewn on the body inside the shell. This vest is fixed on the practitioner's body by straps, and is connected to the drive arm of the device's torque arm mechanism with a carabiner hook, which has the ability to adjust the height based on the height of the practitioner.Advantage Effects of the Invention

[0042] • Performing lower limb resistance exercises with safety and stability for lower limbs

[0043] • Rehabilitation of the lower limb using closed and open kinetic chain exercises

[0044] • Adjustable weight mechanism based on the person's ability

[0045] • Providing support for performing deep squat and lunge exercises

[0046] • Providing assistance for performing resistence exercises

[0047] • Mechanical weight adjustment mechanism

[0048] • Rehabilitative training for all age groups and people with special needs

[0049] • Easy to assemble and install even in small spaces

[0050] • Convenient and user-friendly

[0051] • Suitable for walking exercises or upper limbs training via the gallery

[0052] Shows an exploded view of the device and its comprising parts.

[0053] Depicts a general view of the device in assembled form.

[0054] Displays views of the device from multiple angles.

[0055] Shows an exploded view of the device components and the connection between its parts which are:

[0056] 1) Chassis of the device: its base is made of a wooden frame with stud profile. Its shape is rectangular with dimensions of 1100 x 3000 mm. The columns and fences of the device are welded on it and are reinforced by lakhi. The height of the columns is 2700 mm and it is made of 2 inch size pipe. On top of each of the columns, a rectangular plate with dimensions of 20 x 150 x 150 mm is welded to connect the transverse bridge. The set of these parts make up the device's chassis or stand.

[0057] 2) Torque arm mechanism: This mechanism consists of two driving and resistant arms that are welded to each other at an angle of 90 degrees, under which the rotation axis shaft is connected (welded). At the beginning of the resistant arm, a circular plate is connected in the center of which a threaded shaft is welded, which is the location of the standard plate weights. A hook is installed at the beginning of the driving arm to connect the supporting vest (harness). The sum of these parts form a rigid body, which we call the torque arm mechanism.

[0058] 3) Entrance ramp for wheelchair traffic: It is made of ribbed sheet with a thickness of 6 mm and is installed at the beginning of the machine chassis to facilitate wheelchair movement.

[0059] 4) M6 cabinet head screw to connect the ramp to the chassis of the device (5 pieces).

[0060] 5) M12 screw for connecting the cross bridge to the top plate of the columns and connecting the torque arm bearings to the bottom of the cross bridge (12 pieces).

[0061] 6) M12 nut related to the connection of the transverse bridge to the top plate of the columns (8 pieces).

[0062] 7) M10 screw which is used to fix the shaft between two bearings.

[0063] 8) Transverse movable stud to create variety in the type of exercise, which is connected to the base of the machine with two screws to the places desired by the exerciser.

[0064] 9) The shaft connecting the two bearings of the torque arm mechanism. This shaft passes through the holes installed under the bearing and is fixed in place by two M10 screws.

[0065] 10) The bearing of the torque arm, in which the bearings of the rotation axis of the mechanism are installed, which is connected to the cross bridge by 2 screws for each bearing.

[0066] 11) The bearing related to the rotation axis of the torque arm, which is a spherical ball type with two Z sides. The inner diameter of the hole is 40 mm, the outer diameter is 80 mm, and its width is 20 mm.

[0067] 12) Inside spring bar to fix the ring inside the bearing.

[0068] 13) The transverse bridge of the device that connects the columns on both sides of the device and the bearings of the torque arm mechanism are connected under it. The transverse bridge is made of a steel sheet with dimensions of 20 x 150 x 1150 mm, which is connected to the two plates above the two columns by screws, and the torque arm mechanism set is installed under it by two bearings with the corresponding screws.

[0069] 14) E-bolt for connecting the pilates band and other sports equipment, which is closed on the movable stud of the device.

[0070] 15) Special nut for fixing and fixing the standard plate weights on the resistant arm of the torque mechanism.

[0071] Shows a general view of the device when the above mentioned parts and connection pieces are assembled.

[0072] Displays three different views of the assembled device from multiple angles including top and sides.Examples

[0073] One of the modes of using the claimed device is squat training. Usually, people with lower limb weakness are not able to perform this movement in full range. To perform this movement, first the person is placed in the specified area of the device's gallery. It should be noted that the use of this device is possible for ambulatory individuals or patients who may not be able to walk and use a wheelchair, but may be able to stand. After the person is placed in the specified place of the device, he stands and puts on the protective vest. After tightening the straps of the vest, the trainer puts the weight on the resistant arm according to the person's ability. After placing the appropriate weight according to the lever system of a type of torque arm mechanism, the force of the weight of the exerciser is reduced. In this situation, the person is asked to perform the squat movement. The device is designed in such a way that as the exerciser moves towards the ground with the squat movement, the length of the resistant torque arm increases and the person benefits from more support from the driving arm and subsequently from the supporting vest. Therefore, the practitioner can perform this movement with complete stability in the required range of motion. Resistance exercises can be done in a progressive manner and by increasing the training load, so the exerciser can increase the number of movements or reduce the amount of weights. It should be noted that in order to increase the training load with the amount of weight, it is enough to reduce the amount of weights of the resistant arm during the training period so that over time the exerciser can perform this exercise even without the antigravitational force of the resistant arm.

[0074] The designed exercise device is specifically intended for use in therapeutic settings, with a primary focus on rehabilitation. It is versatile in its application, as it can be easily installed and utilized in a variety of healthcare facilities such as occupational therapy centers, physiotherapy clinics, medical-sports centers, assisted living facilities, nursing and retirement homes and university laboratories. This widespread usage indicates its effectiveness and utility across various medical and rehabilitative disciplines.

Claims

A device is designed to assist performing lower limb resistance exercises for muscular dystrophy patients and people who have lower limb muscle weakness. This device, operates with a anti-gravity and torque arm mechanisms, provides adjustable weight support and comprises:1.The body and metal structure of the device on which the various components of this training device are installed.2.Torque arm mechanism.3.Supportive vest to maintain balance and apply force by the torque arm to the practitioners.4.A shaft, bearings and spring pin for torque arm mechanism.5.A metal piece or ramp to facilitate the movement of a wheelchair to the inner area and the gallery of the machine to perform exercises.6.A stud-shaped part with the ability to change the location, to perform exercises and a place to install the aerobic equipments for lower limb exercises.7.Standard weights to change the training load.8.Nuts for fixing the weights.According to claim 1, the structure is made of a rectangular metal chassis (base) made of gutters in two pieces for ease of moving and installing the device. Four columns of metal pipe are installed on both sides of the machine chassis to maintain the torque arm. A rectangular sheet is welded on these columns, which connects the two sides of the columns, the upper part of the device and the installation site and supports the bearings of the torque arm mechanism.According to claim 1, on both sides, parallel to the chassis of the device, a tubular piece is installed horizontally at a suitable height, which is used as a handle for the patients to help support the upper limbs and facilitate walking inside the corridor of the device.According to claim 1, the torque arm, which is a type 1 lever, is made of 2 arms (resistant and driving) made of 700 mm long St-37 steel pipes that are welded to each other at a 90 degree angle. At the end of the resistant arm, there is a plate for placing standard weights, and at the end of the driving arm, a hook is installed to connect to the supporting vest. The rotating center shaft of this lever is connected in the connection part of the two arms and under the pipe to solidify the structure.According to claim 1, a support vest made of canvas fabric and foam cushions that includes a wide wearable belt and 2 adjustable straps. This vest is connected to the hook at the end of the driving arm by the carabiner hook, in order to transfer the force applied by the exerciser to the driving arm of the device.According to claim 1, the rigid metal ramp is made of ribbed steel sheet with dimensions of 6 x 900 x 1000 mm, with two bends at an angle of 20 degrees and each about 400 mm long. This ramp is connected to the chassis of the device by 4 cap screws to facilitate the movement of wheelchair to the entrance area.According to claim 1, the device includes a rectangular plate made of steel with a thickness of 20 mm, with another plate is welded on top of it, perpendicular to the said plate and exactly in the middle of it (to strengthen it against buckling). The total of these two sheets form a solid body that connects the columns of the device like a bridge. In the distance between the columns and in the middle, the bearings of the torque arm mechanism are connected to this plate by 4 M12 screws.According to claim 1, two bearings with specifications of 80*40*20-2Z (to ease the rotational force and stabilize the axial force of the torque arm mechanism) are placed in both ends of the shaft of the torque arm mechanism. After being placed on the shaft, the inner ring of the bearing is stabilized and fixed.According to claim 1, 4 and 8, the set of bearings consists of 2 holes in which the ball-rings are placed and two inner springs. The outer ring of the bearings is fixed in place by the inner spur and bearing step. These bearings, which support the torque arm mechanism, are connected to the bottom of the transverse bridge plate by four M12 screws.According to claim 1 and 4, at the end of the resistant arm, a plate is considered for placing standard weights. A threaded shaft is welded in the center of this circular plate on which the weights are mounted. The difficulty level of the exercise can be adjusted using different weights.According to claim 1 and 10, after the weights are in place, they are fixed in place by closing a metal nut with a polyethylene (PE) handle.According to claim 1, the stud piece, which fits the width of the device's chassis, has its two wings cut by 5 cm, and is connected to the device's chassis by a tongue and groove joint and two nuts in order to provide adjustability and exercise variety.

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