Aid and method for improving someone's mobility

Abstract

The present invention relates to an aid (1) and associated method for improving someone's mobility, more specifically for by means thereof performing so-called fascia therapy, the aid (1) comprising: - one or more flexible reclining elements (3, 4) which form a lying surface (2) for, viewed in a height direction (H), a person to lie on top thereof; - a first transverse element (5) for supporting the lying surface (2), under the shoulders of the person; - a second transverse element (6) for supporting the lying surface (2), under the pelvis of the person; and - a third transverse element (7) for supporting the lying surface (2), under the lower legs of the person; wherein the transverse elements (5, 6, 7) extend along a longitudinal direction (L), at right angles to the longitudinal direction of the lying surface (2), and the first transverse element (5) and / or the third transverse element (7) is tiltable about a rotation axis (R) which extends at right angles to the longitudinal direction (L) and at right angles to the height direction (H), and wherein the transverse elements (5, 6, 7) are adjustable in height with respect to each other in such a way that the second transverse element (6) is positionable above the first transverse element and above the third transverse element.

Description

[0001] AID AND METHOD FOR IMPROVING SOMEONE’S MOBILITY

[0002] The present invention relates to an aid for improving someone’s mobility, comprising: a flexible lying surface which extends substantially in a longitudinal direction and, viewed in a height direction, on top of which a person can lie; one or more reclining elements, wherein the one or more reclining elements form the lying surface; a first transverse element which extends substantially along a longitudinal direction, at right angles to the longitudinal direction of the lying surface, to support a first end zone of the lying surface, for supporting the shoulders of the person; a second transverse element which extends substantially along a longitudinal direction, at right angles to the longitudinal direction of the lying surface, to support a central zone of the lying surface, for supporting the pelvis of the person; and a third transverse element which extends substantially along a longitudinal direction, at right angles to the longitudinal direction of the lying surface, to support a second end zone of the lying surface, for supporting the lower legs of the person; wherein the first transverse element is tiltable with respect to the other transverse elements about a first rotation axis which extends at right angles to the longitudinal direction of the first transverse element and at right angles to the height direction and / or wherein the third transverse element is tiltable with respect to to the other transverse elements about a second rotation axis which extends at right angles to the longitudinal direction of the third transverse element and at right angles to the height direction.

[0003] More specifically, the present invention relates to an aid for by means thereof performing what is referred to as fascia therapy.

[0004] In addition, the present invention relates to a method for improving someone’s mobility using such an aid.

[0005] Fascia therapy is a therapy in which a therapist typically treats the body of a person in order to remedy physical and / or mental symptoms. In this case, the therapist focuses on the performance of connective tissue (fascia) in the body. Typically, this is a manual therapy in which the fascia is loosened up by the therapist and its performance is thus optimized.

[0006] In addition, sports people often perform fascia exercises to train the fascial network in order to increase the elastic spring force of the body so as to reduce the risk of injuries. It is known to use, for example, a so-called fascia roller as an aid in this case.

[0007] The physical and / or mental symptoms for which fascia therapy can be used are very diverse and include circulatory disturbances, blocked joints, functional digestive disorders, headache, fibromyalgia, psychological distress, depression, irritability, hypersensitivity, impaired concentration and perception disorders, stress, traumas, etc.

[0008] In practice, there are quite a large number of adjustable beds and massage tables and examination tables with a lying surface to accommodate a person in a reclining position, in which said transverse elements are adjustable in order to allow a person lying on the table to assume various positions.

[0009] Thus, in WO2014 / 149395A1 a bed is described and illustrated by means of which the human body can be tilted to the left or to the right in order to prevent undesirable conditions, with gradations between the feet and the head, as can also be seen in the various illustrated embodiments.

[0010] US2021 / 282999A1 describes and shows a vibrating massage table, wherein cushions for supporting various body parts are height-displaceable with respect to each other and are tiltable in order to arrange various parts of a body at a higher or lower level and wherein cushions for supporting the ankles and feet may vibrate.

[0011] US2017 / 0258655A1 describes and shows a bed in which the head end can be tilted upward and / or the foot end can be tilted upward, as is the case with conventional hospital beds.

[0012] These known adjustable beds and massage tables and examination tables are not suitable for improving the mobility of people by performing said fascia therapy. WOOO / 57828A1 describes and shows a bed which is adapted to be able to rotate a human body about the three axes indicated in Fig. 1. With the bed as illustrated in Figs. 11-12, the feet may be twisted with respect to the pelvis and the upper body may be twisted with respect to the pelvis, in this case by using a complicated mechanism.

[0013] This bed is not optimal for improving the mobility of people by performing said fascia therapy.

[0014] The object of the present invention is to improve someone’s mobility in a controlled manner, for example in order to perform said fascia therapy, by providing an aid which is suitable for this purpose and an associated method for improving someone’s mobility.

[0015] This object of the invention is achieved by providing an aid for improving someone’s mobility, comprising: a flexible lying surface which extends substantially in a longitudinal direction and, viewed in a height direction, on top of which a person can lie; one or more reclining elements, with the one or more reclining elements forming the lying surface; a first transverse element which extends substantially along a longitudinal direction, at right angles to the longitudinal direction of the lying surface, to support a first end zone of the lying surface, for supporting the shoulders of the person; a second transverse element which extends substantially along a longitudinal direction, at right angles to the longitudinal direction of the lying surface, to support a central zone of the lying surface, for supporting the pelvis of the person; and a third transverse element which extends substantially along a longitudinal direction, at right angles to the longitudinal direction of the lying surface, to support a second end zone of the lying surface, for supporting the lower legs of the person; wherein the first transverse element extends substantially along a longitudinal direction and is tiltable with respect to the other transverse elements about a first rotation axis which extends at right angles to the longitudinal direction of the first transverse element and at right angles to the height direction, and / or wherein the third transverse element extends substantially along a longitudinal direction and is tiltable with respect to the other transverse elements about a second rotation axis which extends at right angles to the longitudinal direction of the third transverse element and at right angles to the height direction, and wherein the transverse elements are adjustable in height with respect to each other in such a way that the second transverse element is positionable above the first transverse element and above the third transverse element.

[0016] By tilting the first transverse element about the first rotation axis and / or the third transverse element about the second rotation axis, the body of a person who is lying on his back on the lying surface can be subjected to torsion in a controlled manner. The spine will then assume a helical shape. In this way, it is possible to subject the body of this person to a specific torsion (torsion to the left or torsion to the right).

[0017] Subjecting the body of a person to specific torsions may assist in loosening up the fascia of this person and to optimize its performance.

[0018] In addition, in this case, the second transverse element may, if desired, also be provided so as to be tiltable with respect to the other transverse elements about a respective rotation axis which extends at right angles to the longitudinal direction of the second transverse element and at right angles to the height direction.

[0019] The flexible lying surface of this aid may deform in accordance with flowing movements. In this case, the lying surface will be bent on the transverse elements under the weight of the person lying thereon, in which case the body of the person will also passively follow this movement. When a person is lying on his back on the lying surface, the back can be subjected to a torsion.

[0020] If desired, one or more of the transverse elements may to this end additionally be provided so as to be tiltable about a further respective rotation axis, which extends along the longitudinal direction of the respective transverse element in order to always be able to bring about flowing movements of the person. In order to also subject the body of a person to an extension and / or an abduction, the transverse elements are furthermore adjustable in the height direction with respect to each other, in such a way that the second transverse element is positionable above the first transverse element and above the third transverse element. The second transverse element may in this case be provided so as to be adjustable in height and / or the first transverse element and the third transverse element may in this case be provided so as to be adjustable in height.

[0021] By positioning the second transverse element in such a way above the other transverse elements (by displacing the second transverse element and / or by displacing the first transverse element and the third transverse element), the pelvis of a person who is situated on the lying surface can be positioned above his shoulders and lower legs.

[0022] When a person is lying on his back on the lying surface, the back can be subjected to an extension. When a person is lying on his side on the lying surface, the body of this person may thus be subjected to lateral bending (abduction to the left or abduction to the right).

[0023] Preferably, the transverse elements are adjustable in height with respect to each other in such a way that the second transverse element is also positionable below the first transverse element and below the third transverse element. As a result thereof, the back can also be subjected to an inflection.

[0024] By adjusting the transverse elements in height in a well thought-out manner and allowing the body of a person to follow the movements of the flexible lying surface formed in this case, the fascia of this person can then also be loosened up and the performance thereof can be optimized.

[0025] The transverse elements preferably extend at least across the entire width of the flexible lying surface, so that they support the lying surface across the entire width.

[0026] In a simple embodiment, an aid according to the invention comprises only said three transverse elements. In alternative embodiments, the aid may also comprise one or more additional transverse elements, wherein: one or more transverse elements are arranged on the other side of the first transverse element than the side where the second transverse element and the third transverse element are arranged; and / or one or more transverse elements are arranged between the first transverse element and the second transverse element; and / or one or more transverse elements are arranged between the second transverse element and the third transverse element; and / or one or more transverse elements are arranged on the other side of the third transverse element than the side where the first transverse element and the second transverse element are arranged.

[0027] In a particular embodiment, the aid is in this case provided with several transverse elements analogously to a slatted base being provided with slats.

[0028] The one or more additional transverse elements are in this case preferably provided so as to also be height-displaceable in order to be able to bring about, together with the displacements in height of the second transverse element and / or the first transverse element and the third transverse element, a flowing deformation of the lying surface.

[0029] The flexible lying surface may come in a large variety of forms.

[0030] In a simple form, this flexible lying surface may be formed by a matrass as said reclining element and / or a panel as said reclining element which may be manufactured in plastic or metal or cardboard or wood, etc. Alternatively, it is for example also possible to form this flexible lying surface from a plurality of said transverse elements which may also fulfil the function of said reclining elements.

[0031] The flexible lying surface as such may be formed by such a reclining element or may also be formed by a combination of such reclining elements. Thus, for example, a flexible panel element may be provided on the transverse elements as a reclining element, on top of which a matrass is arranged as a reclining element in order to increase the comfort of a person when improving their mobility. This matrass will in this case form said lying surface.

[0032] Such a matrass may be arranged on top of the panel element in a detached manner. If desired, attachment means may be provided for releasably attaching such a matrass on top of the panel element.

[0033] Still alternatively, the matrass may be provided on the flexible panel element in a fixed manner, in which case the flexible panel element may, for example, also be provided at the bottom of the matrass.

[0034] The flexible lying surface is preferably configured to be easy to clean. Said matrass may to this end be provided, for example, with a cleanable cover. Said cardboard or wooden panel may to this end, for example, be provided with a coating in order to render this panel easily cleanable. Alternatively, it is for example possible to provide a flexible metal panel as (part of) the lying surface, such as for example an aluminium panel, or a flexible plastic panel, such as for example a panel made of polycarbonate or of composite material, etc.

[0035] The lying surface may be made as a single piece, but may also be constructed from several partial surfaces, as long as these offer sufficient support to a person lying thereon by means of the reclining elements and transverse elements.

[0036] At least one said reclining element is preferably arranged on top of the first transverse element in a detached manner and is preferably arranged on top of the third transverse element in a detached manner.

[0037] At least one said reclining element is in this case then preferably attached to the second transverse element, for example by means of modified fastening means, such as for example Velcro for securing a matrass or bolts for securing a panel element, so that this reclining element cannot slide with respect to this second transverse element. Alternatively and / or additionally, one or more limiting elements may be provided in order to limit the lateral displacement of the one or more reclining elements.

[0038] Alternatively and / or additionally, one or more reclining elements may also be attached to one or more transverse elements, in which case the attachment then preferably allows a tolerance in the longitudinal direction of the lying surface (at right angles to the longitudinal direction of the transverse element), so that this attachment does not impede a flowing bending of the flexible lying surface.

[0039] The second transverse element is preferably of a panel-shaped design. The width of this panel-shaped transverse element (i.e. the dimension at right angles to the longitudinal direction of the second transverse element, in which this second transverse element substantially extends and at right angles to the height direction) and the thickness thereof (i.e. the dimension according to the height direction) are in this case chosen wisely in order to be able to offer sufficient support at the location of the bottom of a person who positions himself on the lying surface, wherein the necessary bending of the body of this person is not impeded. This second transverse element preferably also has to be able to provide the required support, so that a person can position himself on the aid or get off the aid at the location of this second transverse element.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, all transverse elements are of a panel-shaped design.

[0041] In a further specific embodiment, the first transverse element may comprise a convex surface on which a said reclining element is arranged. Analogously, the third transverse element may comprise a convex surface on which a said reclining element is arranged.

[0042] More specifically, the first transverse element may to this end, for example, be of a rod-shaped design and / or the third transverse element may be of a rod-shaped design.

[0043] Still more specifically, such a rod-shaped transverse element may be designed, for example, as a hollow rod, i.e. tubular. In a specific embodiment, at least one said transverse element is supported as a height-adjustable transverse element on a first lateral side of the aid by a first height- adjustable element, such as a height-adjustable leg, and / or on a second lateral side of the aid by a second height-adjustable element, such as a height-adjustable leg.

[0044] Such a height-adjustable element may comprise, for example, a telescopically adjustable leg, a mechanically adjustable rod assembly, a pneumatic or hydraulic piston and / or similar height-adjustable configurations.

[0045] More specifically, this height-adjustable element may to this end comprise a base part with respect to which a displaceable part is arranged so as to be displaceable in a guiding manner. Still more specifically, the base part and the displaceable part are in this case arranged telescopically inside one another, in which case such a height- adjustable leg is then designed as a telescopically adjustable leg. Alternatively, it is however also possible to provide such a displaceable part on an outer side of the base part so as to be height-displaceable, with this base part being provided with a guide element for guiding the displacement with respect to the base part. The base part may then be designed, for example, as a base profile, in which case the displaceable part is designed as a displaceable profile which is arranged parallel to the base profile and which is provided with a guide element, which is guided by the base profile during the displacement.

[0046] In an alternative embodiment, at least one said transverse element may, on at least one of its ends, for example, also be suspended on a lateral side of the aid, in which case this end of the transverse element can then be provided so as to be height-displaceable by means of a hoisting system.

[0047] Of course, many other ways are conceivable for providing one or more transverse elements so as to be height-displaceable and for providing the first transverse element so as to be tiltable and / or for providing the third transverse element so as to be tiltable and, if desired, for providing the second transverse element and / or any additional transverse elements of an aid according to the present invention so as to be tiltable. Or in this case only at least one end of the first and / or the third transverse element may be provided on a lateral side of the aid so as to be height-displaceable in order to be able to tilt this first and / or third transverse element with respect to one or more other transverse elements which may be arranged at a fixed height. In addition, it is possible to provide the first and the third transverse element on both lateral sides of the aid so as to be height-displaceable in order to displace these vertically with respect to the second transverse element, which may be arranged at a fixed height. Alternatively or additionally, it is possible to provide the second transverse element so as to be height- displaceable in order to be able to displace this second transverse element vertically with respect to the other transverse elements.

[0048] Preferably, each of the transverse elements is provided on at least one end on a lateral side of the aid so as to be height-displaceable. More specifically, this may be done by means of said height-adjustable elements or by means of said hoisting systems, etc. Preferably, each of the transverse elements is in this case provided so as to be individually height-displaceable.

[0049] Using several height-adjustable transverse elements, quite a large number of flowing movements may be carried out in a controlled manner. In a particular embodiment, eight transverse elements suffice to carry out a large number of controlled movements in a simple manner.

[0050] With embodiments having at least one said height-adjustable transverse element which is height-adjustable by means of one or more height-adjustable elements, the at least one said height-adjustable transverse element is preferably attached to the first height- adjustable element so as to be hingeable about a first longitudinal hinge pin, which is parallel to the lying surface and which extends at right angles to the longitudinal direction of said transverse element, the at least one said height-adjustable transverse element is also attached to the second height-adjustable element so as to be hingeable about a second longitudinal hinge pin, which is parallel to the lying surface and which extends at right angles to the longitudinal direction of said transverse element. Furthermore, the at least one said height-adjustable transverse element is preferably attached to the second height-adjustable element so as to be slidable along the longitudinal direction of said transverse element. In addition, this at least one said height-adjustable transverse element may optionally also be attached to the first height-adjustable element so as to be slidable in the longitudinal direction of said transverse element.

[0051] In a specific embodiment, at least one said height-adjustable transverse element is furthermore also attached to the first height-adjustable element so as to be hingeable about a transverse hinge pin which extends parallel to the longitudinal direction of this transverse element, and this transverse element is also attached to the second height- adjustable element so as to be hingeable about this transverse hinge pin which extends parallel to the longitudinal direction of this transverse element. Such a hingeability about a transverse hinge pin is particularly useful if the transverse element does not comprise said convex surface.

[0052] An aid according to the present invention is furthermore preferably provided with one or more actuators for tilting the first transverse element and / or for tilting the second transverse element. These one or more actuators are preferably provided additionally for adjusting the height of the transverse elements with respect to each other. Several actuators may optionally be driven synchronously in this case. Alternatively and / or additionally, it is possible to achieve several displacements, such as one or more rotations and / or one or more height displacements, using the same actuator, wherein the required mechanical coupling for transmitting the displacements.

[0053] More specifically, each height-adjustable element may be provided with an actuator for adjusting the height of this element. In a simple embodiment in which the second transverse element is provided so as to be height-displaceable, actuators of the height- adjustable elements which support the second transverse element can be driven synchronously. In preferred embodiments, each actuator is separately controllable, in which case the speeds of the various actuators may vary. More specifically, an electric motor may be chosen as such an actuator. Alternatively, a significant number of other types of actuators may also be used to produce alternative embodiments of an aid according to the invention, such as pneumatic, hydraulic, mechanical and / or electrical actuators. Whether a person may benefit from an aid according to the invention depends on the degree to which the intermediate distances between the transverse elements correspond to the dimensions of this person, so that the first transverse element can offer the required support for the shoulders, the second transverse element can offer the required support for the pelvis, and the third transverse element can offer the required support for the lower legs.

[0054] It is possible to provide aids of different dimensions which can be used for a group of people having dimensions within certain limits. Thus, for example, such an aid may be provided for improving the mobility of babies, such an aid may be provided for improving the mobility of children, and such an aid may be provided for improving the mobility of adults. In this case, yet further subdivisions are possible.

[0055] With embodiments having more than three of said transverse elements, wherein several transverse elements are of a height-adjustable design, it may be provided that various transverse elements are used alternatively as a first transverse element and / or alternatively as a second transverse element and / or alternatively as a third transverse element, depending on the dimensions of a person who has to be aided by means thereof.

[0056] In a preferred embodiment, the aid comprises adjustment means for adjusting the distance between the first transverse element and the second transverse element and / or adjustment means for adjusting the distance between the second transverse element and the third transverse element. By means of such adjustment means, it is possible to adjust the aid more specifically to the dimensions of a person.

[0057] These adjustment means may be configured to be mechanical, with the distance between the first transverse element and the second transverse element and / or the distance between the second transverse element and the third transverse element being adjustable manually, or may be designed to be automatically adjustable, wherein one or more additional actuators are provided for adjusting these adjustment means.

[0058] In order to control the actuators for adjusting the height of the height-adjustable elements and / or the one or more additional actuators for adjusting the adjustment means, an aid according to the invention may furthermore be provided with an operating device. Such an operating device may be designed in a large variety of known manners in the form of one or more push-buttons and / or one or more turning knobs and / or a touchscreen, etc.

[0059] Thus, for example, push-buttons may be provided to adjust the direction of controlling the height-adjustable elements and turning knobs to adjust the control speed of the height-adjustable elements.

[0060] Furthermore, a storage device may be provided in order to store one or more therapies therein, which each consist of a series of instructions for controlling the actuators. These actuators may in this case be controlled to achieve desired combinations for a certain treatment or to maintain a position for a certain amount of time, to move at a certain speed for a certain time, and to start and slow down at a certain acceleration.

[0061] The operating means may then furthermore be provided to make a selection between therapies which are stored on the storage device in order to control the actuators in accordance with these therapies.

[0062] The object of the present invention is in addition also achieved by providing a method for improving someone’s mobility, wherein an abovementioned aid according to the invention is provided and wherein the first transverse element is tilted about the first rotation axis and / or the third transverse element is tilted about the second rotation axis in order to subject the body of a person who is situated on the lying surface to a desired rotation.

[0063] In embodiments in which the aid is provided with of one or more of said actuators, this may be achieved by controlling the one or more actuators to adjust the height of the transverse elements with respect to each other.

[0064] In embodiments of an aid according to the present invention wherein the transverse elements are height-adjustable with respect to each other, the transverse elements are adjusted in height with respect to each other in a specific method according to the invention in such a way that the second transverse element is positioned above the first transverse element and above the second transverse element.

[0065] Furthermore specifically, the transverse elements may be adjusted, in this case, to reach a first position with respect to each other, to be held in this first position with respect to each other for a certain first period of time, to gradually be adjusted to reach a second position with respect to each other for a certain second period of time and to be held in this second position with respect to each other for a certain third period of time. In order to reach the first position with respect to each other, in this case one or more heights between the transverse elements with respect to each other can be adjusted and / or the first transverse element can be tilted and / or the third transverse element can be tilted. In order to reach the second position with respect to each other, in this case one or more heights between the transverse elements with respect to each other are adjusted analogously and / or the first transverse element can be tilted and / or the third transverse element can be tilted.

[0066] Preferably, both the possible heights of the transverse elements with respect to each other and the possible tilting of one or more transverse elements at a specific speed are adjusted. Still more preferably, the adjustment is also performed to define a repetitive movement.

[0067] By subjecting the body of a person to a repetitive movement at a specific speed and by subjecting it to the required inflections, extensions, torsions and / or abductions: stress may be lowered by: o gaining trust in a slow, repetitive and unpredictable movement of the body; o directing the attention to the slow, repetitive and unpredictable movement of the body in order to stimulate the process of the body becoming aware; and

[0068] - back symptoms may be treated by: o activating the parasympathetic nervous system by means of the slow movement, resulting in the inherent bodily intelligence starting to heal the symptoms. The present invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the following detailed description of some embodiments of an aid and methods according to the present invention. The sole aim of this description is to give illustrative examples and to indicate further advantages and particulars of the present invention, and can therefore by no means be interpreted as a limitation of the area of application of the invention or of the patent rights defined in the claims.

[0069] In this detailed description, reference numerals are used to refer to the attached drawings, in which:

[0070] - Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of an aid according to the invention in perspective;

[0071] - Fig. 2 shows the aid from Fig. 1 in side view with an indication of the heights of the transverse elements;

[0072] - Fig. 3 shows the circled part D of the aid from Fig. 1 in greater detail;

[0073] - Fig. 4 shows the first transverse element of the aid from Fig. 1 separately in longitudinal section, with its associated fastening means;

[0074] - Fig. 5 shows the aid from Fig. 1 in side view;

[0075] - Fig. 6 shows the aid from Fig. 1 in front view;

[0076] - Fig. 7 shows a second embodiment of an aid according to the invention in perspective;

[0077] - Fig. 8 shows the aid from Fig. 7 in side view, with an indication of the heights of the transverse elements;

[0078] - Fig. 9 shows the aid from Fig. 7 in front view;

[0079] - Fig. 10 shows the circled part E of the aid from Fig. 7 in greater detail;

[0080] - Fig. 11 shows the height-displaceable part of a telescopic leg of the aid from Fig. 7 separately;

[0081] - Fig. 12 shows the part of a telescopic leg of the aid from Fig. 7 whose height is fixed separately;

[0082] - Fig. 13 shows a transverse element of the aid from Fig. 7 separately in bottom view.

[0083] The illustrated aids (1) for improving someone’s mobility are passive mobilisation tables. The mobilisation table (1) from the first illustrated embodiment (Figs. 1-6) comprises a flexible panel element (3) as a first reclining element and a matrass (4) as a second reclining element.

[0084] The flexible panel element (3) is made from a sufficiently thin panel to be able to ensure the required flexibility for the desired deformations. To this end, the flexible panel element (3) may be manufactured from a large number of suitable materials, such as for example from metal or plastic, such as polycarbonate or a composite or from ash wood, etc.

[0085] To this panel (3), the matrass (4) is attached which is provided with a cleanable cover. The matrass (4) comprises a lying surface (2) for a person to lie on.

[0086] In the illustrated embodiment, a first end zone (A) of the panel (3) is supported by a first transverse element (5), a central zone (B) is supported by a second transverse element (6), and a second end zone (C) is supported by a third transverse element (7).

[0087] In alternative embodiments, the aid may also comprise additional transverse elements, in which: one or more transverse elements are arranged on the other side of the first transverse element (5) than the second transverse element (6) and the third transverse element (7); and / or one or more transverse elements are arranged between the first transverse element (5) and the second transverse element (6); and / or one or more transverse elements are arranged between the second transverse element (6) and the third transverse element (7); and / or one or more transverse elements are arranged on the other side of the third transverse element (7) than the first transverse element (5) and the second transverse element (6).

[0088] The additional transverse elements may in this case be designed analogously to the three first-mentioned transverse elements (5, 6, 7), wherein several transverse elements may in each case also be provided in order to form the first transverse element (5) in case of an alternative use of the aid, several transverse elements may be provided in order to form the second transverse element (6) in case of an alternative use of the aid and / or several transverse elements may be provided in order to form the third transverse element (7) in case of an alternative use of the aid.

[0089] In a particular embodiment, the aid is in this case provided with several transverse elements (5, 6, 7) analogously to a slatted base being provided with slats.

[0090] The second illustrated embodiment (Figs. 7-13) of an aid (1) is such an aid (1), wherein three additional transverse elements (15) are arranged between a first transverse element (5) and a second transverse element (6), and wherein two additional transverse elements (15) are arranged between the second transverse element (6) and a third transverse element (7).

[0091] In this second embodiment, these transverse elements (5, 6, 7, 15) are designed as slats which simultaneously serve as said reclining elements (17). These reclining elements (17) may in this case together form a flexible lying surface (2) for a person to lie on top of in a height direction (H). In order to increase the comfort of a person who is lying on top thereof, one or more cushions may be arranged on these slats (5, 6, 7, 15), which then together form the lying surface (2). Preferably, a matrass is arranged on top of these slats (5, 6, 7, 15) as a reclining element which then forms said lying surface (2). If desired, one or more flexible panel elements may be provided as additional reclining elements between these slats (17) and such a matrass. If several flexible panel elements are provided, these may be, for example, slidable one over the other.

[0092] The transverse elements (5, 6, 7) are height-adjustable in such a way that the second transverse element (6) can be placed above the first transverse element (5) and above the third transverse element (7). As is illustrated in the figures, it is also possible to place the second transverse element (6) below the first transverse element (5) and below the third transverse element (7). When reference is made to adjusting positions of the first transverse element (5), the second transverse element (6) and the third transverse element (7) with respect to each other, the positions of these additional transverse elements (15) are also adjustable in order not to impede said flowing movements and / or to additionally support them in embodiments with additional transverse elements, such as for example the second illustrated embodiment (Figs. 7- 13).

[0093] In the illustrated embodiments, each end of each of the transverse elements (5, 6, 7, 15) is attached to and supported by a height-adjustable element (8), which is more specifically designed as a telescopically adjustable leg (8) here. In alternative embodiments, the height-adjustable elements (8) may obviously also be designed in other ways, such as for example with a mechanically adjustable rod system, a pneumatic or hydraulic piston or another similar height-adjustable configuration.

[0094] In the first illustrated embodiment (Figs. 1-6), the second transverse element (6) is of a panel-shaped design and attached on top of the corresponding height-adjustable elements (8). It extends below the panel (3) along the entire width of this panel (3) and partly extends beyond this panel (3).

[0095] The panel (3) is attached to the second transverse element (6), for example by means of bolts.

[0096] The first transverse element (5) and the third transverse element (7) are both designed as a hollow tube (5, 7). The ends of this hollow tube (5, 7) are in each case arranged in a corresponding fitting cavity (14) in a holder (13). The holders (13) are in this case attached on top of the corresponding height-adjustable elements (8). A first end of this hollow tube (5, 7) is hingedly attached in said fitting cavity (14) by means of a hinge pin (9), while a second end of this hollow tube (5, 7) is provided with a slot (10) through which a sliding pin (11) is arranged which is fitted in the fitting cavity (14) in the holder (13). In this case, this sliding pin (11) also serves as a hinge pin (11). By means of the hinge pin (9), the respective hollow tube (5, 7) is tiltable about a rotation axis (R) which extends at right angles to the longitudinal direction (L) of this hollow tube (5, 7) and at right angles to the height direction (H). In this case, the hollow tube (5, 7) will, by means of the sliding pin (11), analogously also tilt about a rotation axis which extends at right angles to the longitudinal direction (L) of the hollow tube (5, 7) and at right angles to the height direction (H). By means of the sliding pin (11), the hollow tube (5, 7) with the second end is furthermore also attached in the holder (13) so as to be slidable along the longitudinal direction (L) of this hollow tube (5, 7). In this way, this hollow tube (5, 7) is slidably attached to the corresponding height- adjustable elements (8). The holders (13) are arranged on either side of the panel (3) and in this case secure this panel (3) laterally.

[0097] In alternative embodiments, the transverse elements (5, 6, 7) may alternatively be attached to the height-adjustable elements (8) by means of ball hinges.

[0098] The panel (3) is arranged on top of the first transverse element (5) in a detached manner and on top of the second transverse element (7) in a detached manner, in this case secured by said holders (13).

[0099] In the second illustrated embodiment (Figs. 7-13), all transverse elements (5, 6, 7, 15) are of a panel-shaped design, for example in the form of wooden slats. At the bottom of these slats (5, 6, 7, 15), holding elements (21) are attached, for example by means of screws. In this case, various holding elements (21) are distributed over and attached to these slats (5, 6, 7, 15) across the longitudinal direction (L). On a first lateral side of the aid (1), through openings in these holding elements (21), a first hollow tube (22) is arranged so as to be slidable along the longitudinal direction (L), and on the second lateral side of the aid, a second hollow tube (22) is arranged so as to be slidable along the longitudinal direction (L). On the lateral sides of the aid, these hollow tubes (22) are each provided with a hinge pin (9). By means of the hinge pin (9), each hollow tube (22) is arranged in a corresponding fitting cavity (14) in a holder (13) at the top of the corresponding height-adjustable element (8). As a result thereof, the respective hollow tube (22) is in each case tiltable about a rotation axis (R) which extends at right angles to the longitudinal direction (L) of this hollow tube (22) and at right angles to the height direction (H). As a result thereof, the respective transverse element (5, 6, 7, 15) is also tiltable with respect to the corresponding height-adjustable element (8) by means of these hinge pins (9). Due to the hollow tubes (22) being slidable in the holding elements (21) in the longitudinal direction (L), the respective transverse element (5, 6, 7, 15) is also provided so as to be slidable in this longitudinal direction (L) with respect to the corresponding height-adjustable element (8). The illustrated height-adjustable elements (8) in each case comprise a fixedly arranged base part (18) and one or more parts (19) which are arranged so as to be displaceable with respect to this fixed part.

[0100] For each of the height-adjustable elements (8), an actuator (12) is provided for adjusting this height-adjustable element (8). The actuators (12) of the height-adjustable elements (8) which in this case support the second transverse element (6) may be driven synchronously in this case. Alternatively, the height-adjustable elements (8) can also be coupled mechanically in order to move the second transverse element (6) in height synchronously. In preferred embodiments, every actuator (12) is individually controllable, in which case the speeds of the various actuators (12) may differ.

[0101] Each of the transverse elements (5, 6, 7, 15) is height-displaceable by means of the actuators (12). In the illustrated figures, the height of a top point of the respective transverse element (5, 6, 7, 15) is in each case considered, viewed in the height direction, as the height of the respective transverse element (5, 6, 7, 15) in the centre between the lateral sides of the aid (1) with respect to a floor (23) on which the aid (1) is placed. When the actuators (12) of the second transverse element (6) are driven synchronously, the second transverse element (6) in this case continues to extend entirely parallel to the floor (23). In this case, the first transverse element (5) is arranged at an adjustable height Hl with respect to this floor (23), the second transverse element (6) at a height H2, and the third transverse element (7) at a height H3. By adjusting the height Hl of the first transverse element (5) and / or the height of the second transverse element (6), the mutual height AHI between the first transverse element (5) and the second transverse element (6) can be adjusted. Analogously, by adjusting the height H2 of the second transverse element (6) and / or the height of the third transverse element (7), the mutual height AH2 between the second transverse element (6) and the third transverse element (7) can be adjusted.

[0102] The first transverse element (5) and the third transverse element (7) are in this case also tiltable, by driving the actuators (12) of their height-adjustable elements (8) separately and in a different way. It is also possible to provide all transverse elements (5, 6, 7) so as to be tiltable. In the second embodiment, the aid (1) still comprises a housing (16) for laterally protecting the aid (1). The fixedly arranged parts (18) ofthe height-adjustable elements (8) are in this case provided with a fastening element (20) by means of which they are attached to this housing (16), for example by means of screws.

[0103] In order to improve a person’s mobility, this person may lay down on the lying surface (2) of the matrass (4) on his back. In this case, it is intended that the shoulders of the person come to lie at the location of the first transverse element (5), the pelvis at the location of the second transverse element (6), and the lower legs at the location of the third transverse element (7), so that the shoulders, the pelvis and the lower legs are supported.

[0104] In order to allow a person to lay down on op the lying surface (2), the mobilisation table (1) may be adjusted to a position in which this can be done comfortably, such as for example the illustrated position, wherein the height of the second transverse element (6) remains below the height of the first transverse element (5) and below the height of the third transverse element (7).

[0105] Once the person lies with his back on the lying surface (2), it is possible, by adjusting the mutual heights AHI and AH2 between the transverse elements (5, 6, 7) (and any additional transverse elements (15)) and / or by tilting the first transverse element (5) and the third transverse element (7) (together with any additional transverse elements (15)), for the panel (3) to be bent at the transverse elements (5, 6, 7) under the weight of the person lying on top thereof, in which case the matrass (4) and the body of the person will also passively follow this movement.

[0106] The pelvis of this person can be positioned to be above his shoulders and lower legs by adjusting the mutual heights AHI and AH2 in such a way that the second transverse element (6) is positioned above the first transverse element (5) and above the third transverse element (7), in which case any additional transverse elements (15) are also displaced in order to achieve a flowing movement. Thus, the back is extended. In this case, for example an extension of between 10° and 15° may be achieved. If the second transverse element (6) is positioned below the first transverse element (5) and below the third transverse element (7), in which case any additional transverse elements (15) are also displaced in order to achieve a flowing movement, the back can be inflected.

[0107] In this case, an inflection of, for example, between 40° and 60° may be achieved.

[0108] Alternatively, a person can lie on the lying surface (2) on his side, in which case the body may be subjected to an abduction to the left or an abduction to the right by adjusting the mutual height of the transverse elements (5, 6, 7) and any additional transverse elements (15). Thus, it is for example possible to subject the body to an abduction of between 30° and 40°.

[0109] In addition, a person may lie on the lying surface (2) with his back, in which case the first transverse element (5) is tilted and / or the third transverse element (7) is tilted (together with any additional transverse elements (15)) in order to subject the body of this person to torsion to the left or torsion to the right. Thus, it is for example possible to subject the body to a torsion of between 20° and 30°.

[0110] The inflections, extensions, torsions and / or abductions to which the body of a person is subjected have to be determined wisely and on an individual basis.

[0111] The person may in this case sag in various positions on the aid, supported by the reclining elements (3, 4, 17), in order to loosen up the fascia.

[0112] By means of the mobilisation table (1), the body can be made to assume various positions in order to optimize the performance of the fascia by correspondingly controlling the actuators (12) to this end.

[0113] The transverse elements (5, 6, 7, 15) may be adjusted, for example, to reach a first position with respect to each other, to be held in this first position with respect to each other for a certain first period of time, to gradually be adjusted to reach a second position with respect to each other for a certain second period of time, and to be held in this second position with respect to each other for a certain third period of time.

[0114] In order to reach the first position with respect to each other, in this case one or more mutual heights AHI and AH2 may be adjusted and / or the first transverse element (5) may be tilted and / or the third transverse element (7) may be tilted, optionally together with any possible additional transverse elements (15). In order to reach the second position with respect to each other, in this case one or more mutual heights AHI and AH2 may be adjusted and / or the first transverse element (5) may be tilted and / or the third transverse element (7) may be tilted, optionally together with any possible additional transverse elements (15).

[0115] Preferably, in this case both any possible mutual heights AHI and AH2 of the transverse elements (5, 6, 7, 15) and any possible tilting of one or more transverse elements (5, 7, 15) are adjusted at a specific speed. Still more preferably, the adjustment is also performed to impose a repetitive movement.

[0116] In a specific embodiment, the aid (1) may be provided with push-buttons as an operating device to adjust the direction of controlling the actuators (12) of the height- adjustable elements (8) and turning knobs to adjust the speed of controlling the actuators (12) of the height-adjustable elements (8). By operating the push-buttons and turning knobs, the height-adjustable elements (8) can then be controlled to determine the optimum movement (rotation + speed) for every type of patient (height, age, symptoms). The aid (1) may in this case additionally be provided with a microcontroller as a storage device to keep a logbook. Instructions which have already been activated can be stored as desired therapies in this microcontroller.

[0117] Additionally, or in a further specific embodiment, a touchscreen may be provided as an operating device, by means of which a choice can be made between therapies stored on such a microcontroller for controlling the actuators. In this case, desired therapies may comprise, for example, instructions for controlling the actuators (12) for 10 to 45 minutes. In this case, every desired therapy may comprise a combination of instructions to hold a position for a specific period of time, to move at a certain speed for a certain period of time, and to start and slow down at a certain acceleration.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Aid (1) for improving someone’s mobility, comprising:- a flexible lying surface (2) which extends substantially along a longitudinal direction and, viewed in a height direction, on top of which a person can lie;- one or more reclining elements (3, 4, 17), wherein the one or more reclining elements form the lying surface (2);- a first transverse element (5) which extends substantially along a longitudinal direction (L), at right angles to the longitudinal direction of the lying surface, to support a first end zone (A) of the lying surface (2), for supporting the shoulders of the person;- a second transverse element (6) which extends substantially along a longitudinal direction, at right angles to the longitudinal direction of the lying surface, to support a central zone (B) of the lying surface (2), for supporting the pelvis of the person; and- a third transverse element (7) which extends substantially along a longitudinal direction, at right angles to the longitudinal direction of the lying surface, to support a second end zone (B) of the lying surface (2), for supporting the lower legs of the person; wherein the first transverse element (5) is tiltable with respect to the other transverse elements (6, 7) about a first rotation axis (R) which extends at right angles to the longitudinal direction (L) of the first transverse element (5) and at right angles to the height direction (H), and / or wherein the third transverse element (7) is tiltable with respect to the other transverse elements (5, 6) about a second rotation axis which extends at right angles to the longitudinal direction of the third transverse element (7) and at right angles to the height direction (H), characterized in that the transverse elements (5, 6, 7) are adjustable in the height direction (H) with respect to each other, in such a way that the second transverse element (6) is positionable above the first transverse element (5) and above the third transverse element (7).

2. Aid (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that each of the transverse elements (5, 6, 7) is provided on at least one end on a lateral side of the aid so as to be height-displaceable.

3. Aid (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that a said reclining element (3, 4) is arranged on top of the first transverse element (5) in a detached manner and on top of the third transverse element (7) in a detached manner.

4. Aid (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of said transverse element (5, 6, 7) is supported on a first lateral side of the aid as a height-adjustable transverse element (5, 6, 7) by a first height-adjustable element (8) and / or is supported on a second lateral side of the aid by a second height-adjustable element (8).

5. Aid (1) according to Claim 4, characterized in that the at least one said height- adjustable transverse element (5, 6, 7) is attached to the first height-adjustable element (8) so as to be hingeable about a first longitudinal hinge pin (9), which is parallel to the lying surface (2), which extends at right angles to the longitudinal direction of the transverse element (5, 6, 7) and which determines the first rotation axis (R), in that the at least one said height-adjustable transverse element (5, 6, 7) is attached to the second height-adjustable element (8) so as to be hingeable about a second longitudinal hinge pin (11), which is parallel to the lying surface and which extends at right angles to the longitudinal direction of the adjustable transverse element (5, 6, 7), and in that the at least one said height-adjustable transverse element (5, 6, 7) is attached to the second height-adjustable element (8) so as to be slidable along the longitudinal direction of the transverse element (5, 6, 7).

6. Aid (1) according to Claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the at least one said height-adjustable transverse element (5, 6, 7) is attached to the first height-adjustable element (8) so as to be hingeable about a transverse hinge pin which extends parallel to the longitudinal direction of the transverse element (5, 6, 7), and is attached to the second height-adjustable element (8) so as to be hingeable about this transverse hinge pin which extends parallel to the longitudinal direction of the transverse element (5, 6, 7).

7. Aid (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the aid (1) is provided with one or more actuators (12) for tilting the first transverse element (5) and / or tilting the third transverse element (7).

8. Aid (1) according to Claims 5 and 7, characterized in that each height- adjustable element (8) is provided with an actuator (12) for adjusting the height of this element (8).

9. Aid (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the aid (1) comprises adjustment means for adjusting the distance between the first transverse element (5) and the second transverse element (6) and / or comprises adjustment means for adjusting the distance between the second transverse element (6) and the third transverse element (7).

10. Aid (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the one or more reclining elements (3, 4) comprise a flexible panel element (3) and comprise a matrass (4) which is arranged on top of the flexible panel element (3).

11. Aid (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the aid comprises several said transverse elements, wherein various transverse elements are provided to alternatively be able to serve as first transverse element and / or wherein various transverse elements are provided to alternatively be able to serve as second transverse element and / or wherein various transverse elements are provided to be able to alternatively serve as third transverse element.

12. Method for improving someone’s mobility, characterized in that an aid (1) according to one of the preceding claims is provided, in that the first transverse element (5) is tilted about the first rotation axis (R) and / or in that the third transverse element (7) is tilted about the second rotation axis, and in that the transverse elements (5, 6, 7) are adjusted in height with respect to each other in such a way that the second transverse element (6) is positioned above the first transverse element (5) and above the third transverse element (7).

13. Method according to Claim 12, characterized in that the aid (1) is an aid (1) according to Claim 7, and in that the one or more actuators (12) are controlled for tilting the first transverse element (5) and / or for tilting the third transverse element (7).

14. Method according to Claim 13, characterized in that the one or more actuators(12) are controlled for adjusting the height of the transverse elements (5, 6, 7) with respect to each other.

15. Method according to one of Claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the transverse elements (5, 6, 7) are adjusted to reach a first position with respect to each other, to be held in this first position with respect to each other for a certain first period of time, to gradually be adjusted to reach a second position with respect to each other for a certain second period of time, and to be held in this second position with respect to each other for a certain third period of time.

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