Portable device for exercising bedridden patients

Abstract

The invention refers to a portable device than can be coupled in beds for the rehabilitation of bedridden patients, by strengthening mainly the legs muscles by working against a counterforce. The device (1) comprises: a longitudinal guide (2) and a platform (3) for the patient to rest his feet on the platform (3), wherein the platform (3) is mounted on the guide (2) and it is displaceable along the guide (2). The device comprises: an electric motor (5) and a gearbox (6) coupled to the shaft of the electric motor (5), and an electronic controller for controlling torque and rotation direction of the shaft of the electric motor. The platform (3) is mechanically engaged with the gearbox (6), and the controller is adapted to operate the drive unit such that displacement of the platform (3) towards the extended position is carried out against a counterforce exerted by the drive unit.

Description

[0001] PORTABLE DEVICE FOR EXERCISING BEDRIDDEN PATIENTS

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0004] The present invention refers to a portable device for the rehabilitation of bedridden patients, by strengthening the muscles and secondarily improve joints stability of the body, especially the lower limb thereof, by working against a counterforce.

[0005] An object of the invention, is the provision of a portable device for muscle strengthening of bedridden patients with the following main features: adaptable to any bed, adjustable in strength, ergonomic, easy to handle, and that can be manufactured at a low cost.

[0006] The invention is especially useful for hospitalized patients, as well as for patients in nursing homes, retirement homes and in private homes, or in any other place where patients spend long periods of time in bed.

[0007] STATE OF THE ART

[0008] One of the biggest challenges in the care of bedridden patients in hospitals, is the prevention of functional deterioration resulting from bed rest caused by hospitalization. Periods of physical inactivity have negative consequences, not only in elderly patients, but for patients of all ages.

[0009] Immobility resulting from hospitalization has negative health consequences, because each day while bedridden, about 2% of muscle mass is lost. It is estimated that 14 days of bed rest is sufficient for rapid skeletal muscle loss, to the extent that fitness is compromised.

[0010] Furthermore, during periods of physical inactivity, there is a reduction in protein synthesis and a drastic loss of muscle mass, thus decreasing functional capacity, that can result in injuries and falls. Therefore, it is necessary to prevent or at least reduce this loss of muscle mass by an increase in protein intake and incorporating physical exercise whenever the patient is able to exercise.

[0011] To accelerate the recovery of bedridden patients, there are different types of rehabilitation medical devices. There are different types of commercially available devices to perform quadriceps strength exercises, such as: electrostimulation devices, dynamic tilt tables, cycloergometers and elastic bands. However, the price of some of these devices on the market ranges between 5.000 € - 10.000 € which is prohibitive for many users, and other cheaper options such as the elastic bands, have very limited rehabilitation capabilities.

[0012] Furthermore, commercially available devices promote mainly aerobic exercises which is not enough to prevent reduction of muscle loss, or do not maintain constant and controlled strength. None of them record the patient's strength values.

[0013] DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The invention is defined in the attached independent claim, and provides a portable device, that can be carried or transported by hand, for exercising bedridden patients for their rehabilitation. The device is especially designed to strength the quadriceps, as well as other muscles essential for walking.

[0015] The device is adapted in shape and dimensions to be placed on any type of bed, that is, the device can entirely rest on the bed, such that a patient resting on the bed in semi-incorporated position can exercise his / her legs with the device by extending and flexing the legs.

[0016] More specifically, the invention refers to a portable device for exercising bedridden patients, comprising a longitudinal guide and a platform for the patient to rest his feet on the platform, wherein the platform is mounted on the guide and it is displaceable along the guide between an extended position at one end of the guide, in which the patient's legs are extended, and a retracted position at the other end of the guide, in which the patient's legs are retracted, when the patient is exercising with the device.

[0017] Preferably, the degree of inclination the platform relative to the guide is adjustable.

[0018] The device further comprises a drive unit formed by an electric motor and a gearbox coupled to the shaft of the electric motor. An electronic controller is provided for controlling torque and rotation direction of the shaft of the electric motor.

[0019] The platform is mechanically engaged with the gearbox, and the controller is adapted to operate the drive unit such that a patient can move the platform towards the extended position, by overcoming a counterforce exerted by the drive unit. The counterforce can be adjusted according to the patient's condition and ability.

[0020] The controller is further adapted to operate the drive unit such that displacement of the platform towards the retracted position, is assisted by the drive unit. This active return feature of the device, aids a patient and avoid contraction efforts of the legs.

[0021] The portable device further comprises a guiding system coupled with the guide carriage such that, the guide carriage is rectilinearly movable in both directions along the guiding system. The platform is attached to the guide carriage, so that the platform and the guide carriage can move together.

[0022] The portable device further comprises a toothed belt engaged with the gearbox and with the guide carriage, so that rotation of the electric motor's shaft, causes displacement of the guide carriage along the guiding system.

[0023] Preferably, the guiding system includes two straight rods parallel to each other, and the guide carriage has two circular apertures with bushings so that the guide carriage can moves linearly guided along the two rods.

[0024] Furthermore, the portable device comprises a force measurement unit for measuring electric consumption of the electric motor.

[0025] The device is fitted with a constant force spring which exerts a force on the guide carriage, to assist the movement of the guide carriage towards the retracted position.

[0026] The device includes a pair of supports for a patient ankles arranged, so that when a patients feet are placed on the platform, the ankles can rest on the supports, so this avoids maintaining strain due to the weight of the legs, which is not possible with weakened patients.

[0027] The device features a compact design to facilitate transportation and storage, and it can be used in any type of bed.

[0028] Additionally, the device comprises two or more retractable arms, which in an extended position of the arms secure the device on a mattress of a bed, and in a retracted position facilitate transportation of the device. The device includes attaching means for firmly securing the device to the bed, for example, the attaching means may consist of a plurality of belts for attaching the device to a bed.

[0029] The portable device of the invention significantly contributes not only to an early recovery and functional improvement of patients but to prevention of functional impairment in any facility such as: hospitals, nursing homes, retirement homes or even in private homes, and it is affordable for most of the hospitals or rehabilitation centers.

[0030] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] To complete the description and in order to provide a better understanding of the invention, a set of drawings is provided. These drawings form an integral part of the description and illustrate embodiments of the invention, which should not be interpreted as restricting the scope of the invention, but just as examples of how the invention can be carried out. The drawings comprise the following figures:

[0032] Figures 1 to 3.- show several perspective views of the portable device with the platform in an intermediate position.

[0033] Figure 4.- shows in Figure A a top plan view of the device and in Figure B a side elevational view.

[0034] Figure 5.- show two side elevational views of the device, in an extended position (Figure A) and in a retracted position (Figure B).

[0035] Figure 6.- shows another perspective view of the portable device including a protective cover.

[0036] Figure 7.- shows the device in a folded position, in Figure A in a perspective view and in Figure B in a side view.

[0037] PREFEFRRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0038] Figures 1 to 3 show a portable device (1) for exercising bedridden patients according to the invention, that comprises a longitudinal guide (2) and a platform (3) for the patient to rest his feet on the platform (3), so that the platform (3) is mounted on the guide (2) and it is displaceable along the guide (2).

[0039] The portable device (1) includes a guide carriage (4) coupled with the guide (2) such that, the guide carriage (4) is rectilinearly movable in both directions along the guide (2). The platform (3) is attached to the guide carriage (4) so that the platform (3) and the guide carriage (4) can move together.

[0040] In this embodiment, the guide (2) is formed by two straight rods (2a, 2b) parallel to each other, and the guide carriage (4) is provided with two openings, and the rods (2a, 2b) pass respectively through two openings so that the guide carriage (4) can slide on the rods.

[0041] Preferably, the guide (2) has two stops (12a, 12b) coupled to the rods (2a, 2b) that set the limits of the displacement of the guide carriage (4) in a personalized and simple way for each patient depending on the patient's size.

[0042] The portable device (1) has a sensor in each stop (12a, 12b) that detect contact of the guide carriage (4), and generate a sound when the guide carriage (4) contacts with one of the stops (12a, 12b) so that there is an acoustic signal associated with the complete and correct repetition of an exercise by the patient.

[0043] The portable device (1) includes a drive unit formed by an electric motor (5) and a gearbox (6) coupled to the shaft of the electric motor (5), both placed at an end of the guide (2). A toothed belt (7) is engaged with the gearbox (6) and with the guide carriage (4), so that rotation of the electric motor's shaft causes displacement of the guide carriage (4) and also of the platform (3) along the guide (2).

[0044] Furthermore, the portable device (1) includes an electronic controller (not shown) for controlling torque and rotation direction of the shaft of the electric motor (5). In particular, the controller is adapted to operate the electric motor (5), such that displacement of the platform (3) towards the extended position, is carried out against a counterforce exerted by the electric motor (5).

[0045] The portable device (1) has a constant force spring (8) placed at the opposite side of the electric motor (5), and the toothed belt (7) is engaged with the constant force spring (8). The constant force spring (8) exerts a force on the guide carriage (4) to assist the movement of the platform (3) towards the retracted position. This constant force spring (8) aids a patient while bending the legs backwards, a movement that has been identified as more difficult for the patient (especially a debilitated patient).

[0046] The controller is further adapted to operate the electric motor (5), such that displacement of the platform (3) towards the retracted position (Figure 5B) is assisted by the electric motor (5) and by the constant force spring (8).

[0047] Additionally, the controller is adapted to measure the rotation speed of the electric motor, and calculate from the measured speed, the force exerted by the electric motor (5).

[0048] The controller is also adapted to measure and monitor the force and the number of cycles that a patient completes.

[0049] In the embodiment shown in the figures, the portable device (1) has a frame (9) attached to the guide carriage (4), and the platform (3) is coupled to the frame (9). A pair of supports (10) are attached to the frame (9) and are arranged such that when a patients feet are placed on the platform (3), the ankles can rest on the supports (10).

[0050] A couple of arms (11) attached to the guide (2) serves to secure the device (1) on a bed.

[0051] A monitoring system may be provided, including a display (13) and electronics to a fixed part of the device with a user interface panel. The force regulation may be carried out by means of an analogue potentiometer, which is adjusted with a roulette.

[0052] As shown in Figure 6 the portable device (1) includes a protective cover (14) enclosing: the longitudinal guide (2), the electric motor (5), the gearbox (6), the guide carriage (4), the toothed belt (7) and the constant force spring (8). The protective cover (14) has a longitudinal channel (15) for the frame (9) to run along protective cover (14).

[0053] Additionally, the portable device (1) is fitted with an adjustable strap (16) attached at its ends to the free ends of the arms (11), to attach the device to the head of a bed for its fixation and stabilization.

[0054] As represented in Figures 7A & 7B, the portable device (1) can be folded to facilitate its transportation for example from one room to another in a hospital or a similar facility. In the folded position, the arms (11) are retracted towards the protective cover (14), and the frame (9) together with the platform (3) and supports (10), can be also folded towards the protective cover (14). A pair of wheels (17) are installed at one end of the portable device (1) so it can roll on the ground while being held at the other end.

Claims

CLAIMS1.- Portable device (1) for exercising bedridden patients adapted to be placed on a bed such that a patient resting on the bed, can exercise his / her legs with the device (1), wherein the device (1) comprises: a longitudinal guide (2) and a platform (3) for the patient to rest his feet on the platform(3), wherein the platform (3) is mounted on the guide (2) and it is displaceable along the guide (2) between an extended position at one end of the guide (2) in which the patient's legs are extended, and a retracted position at the other end of the guide (2) in which the patient's legs are retracted, when the patient is exercising with the device, a drive unit formed by an electric motor (5) and a gearbox (6) coupled to the shaft of the electric motor (5), an electronic controller for controlling torque and rotation direction of the shaft of the electric motor (5), wherein the platform (3) is mechanically engaged with the gearbox (6), and wherein the controller is adapted to operate the drive unit such that displacement of the platform (3) towards the extended position is carried out against a counterforce exerted by the drive unit.2.- Portable device (1) according to claim 1 , wherein the controller is further adapted to operate the drive unit such that displacement of the platform (3) towards the retracted position is assisted by the drive unit.3.- Portable device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a guide carriage (4) coupled with the guide (2) such that, the guide carriage (4) is rectilinearly movable in both directions along the guide (2), and wherein the platform (3) is attached to the guide carriage(4) so that the platform (3) and the guide carriage (4) can move together.4.- Portable device (1) according to claim 3, comprising a constant force spring (8) placed at the opposite side of the electric motor (5), and the toothed belt (7) engaged with the constant force spring (8), in a way that the constant force spring (8) exerts a force on the guide carriage (4) by means of the toothed belt (7) to assist the movement of the platform (3) towards the retracted position.5.- Portable device (1) according to claim 4, wherein the platform (3) is mechanically engaged with the gearbox (6) by means of the toothed belt (7), which is engaged with the gearbox (6) and with the guide carriage (4), so that rotation of the electric motor's shaft causesdisplacement of the guide carriage (4) along the guide (2).6.- Portable device (1) according to claims 4 or 5, wherein the guide (2) includes two straight rods (2a, 2b) parallel to each other and wherein the guide carriage (4) is provided with two openings and the rods (2a, 2b) pass respectively through two openings, so that the guide carriage (4) can slide on the rods (2a, 2b).7.- Portable device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a force measurement unit adapted to measure force by measuring electric consumption of the electric motor (5).8.- Portable device (1) according to claim 5, wherein the drive unit is placed at an end of the guide (2), and wherein the device further comprises a constant force spring (8) placed at the opposite side of the guide (2), and wherein the toothed belt (7) is engaged with the constant force spring (8) so that, the constant force spring (8) exerts a force to the wheel to assist the movement of the guide carriage (4) towards the retracted position.9.- Portable device (1) according to any of the claims 4 to 8, further comprising a frame (9) attached to the guide carriage (4), and wherein the platform (3) is coupled to the frame (9), and the device includes a pair of supports (10) for a patient ankles, wherein the supports (10) are arranged so that when a patients feet are placed on the platform (3), the ankles can rest on the supports (10).10.- Portable device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the degree of inclination of the platform (3) relative to the guide (2) is adjustable.11.- Portable device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, comprising two or more retractable arms (11), that can be arranged in an extended position in which the arms are deployed in a way that the device can be secured to a bed.12.- Portable device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a plurality of belts for attaching the device to a bed.13.- Portable device (1) according to any of the claims 3 to 12, further comprising two stops (12a, 12b) mounted on the guide (2) to set the limits of the displacement of the guide carriage (4) for each patient.14.- Portable device (1) according to claim 13, further comprising a sensor in each stop (12a, 12b) that detect contact of the guide carriage (4) and generate a sound when the guide carriage (4) contact with one of the stops (12a, 12b) so that there is an acoustic signal associated with the complete and correct repetition of an exercise by the patient.15.- Portable device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the controller is adapted to measure the rotation speed of the electric motor, and calculate from the measured speed, the force exerted by the motor.

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