EP0106304A2 - Orthopaedic device - Google Patents

Abstract

The orthopaedic device for reversing the force of gravity acting on the body of the user, in particular for relieving the load on the spinal column, in particular the intervertebral discs and small vertebral joints, for relaxing the muscles, tendons and ligaments, for relieving veins and lymph vessels, and for unblocking joints, comprises a foot-securing arrangement for suspending the user essentially vertically by the feet, and is characterised by a movable bearing of the foot-securing arrangement, in such a way that it can be moved, by the user shifting his centre of gravity, essentially in an arc from a lower position, in which the user is essentially standing, into an upper position, with the user suspended by the feet, and with the body of the user preferably hanging free, and then back into the lower position.

Description

The invention relates to an orthopedic device according to the preamble of claim 1.

Known for about 10 years and until now continuously on the market is a so-called "steep slope couch", which "alleviates intervertebral disc damage" and in which the foot holder is attached approximately at head height and is therefore difficult to reach by the user who laboriously "hangs up" on a frame for the foot holder, which, in the rest of inexperienced users, does not succeed at all. In the suspended position, the user is essentially leaning on a cushion ("lounger") with his back and buttocks.

Also available for a long time is an even more difficult-to-use, almost acrobatic talent-demanding device for hanging the body of the user on the feet, which also poses considerable risks of accidents and requires an assistant for the user. In addition, this device must be separately z. B. be installed in a door opening.

Last but not least, a device with an electric motor drive is offered to pull the user up, which is obviously not without problems, particularly in the event of a power failure.

All of these known devices, however, have not been able to assert themselves because of their obvious shortcomings, despite a long-standing need.

• - mit dem die therapeutischen Wirkungen gemäß dem Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 1 erzielbar sind und
• - das (trotzdem) vor allem sehr bequem und unfallsicher benutzbar ist,
  - d.h. ohne Hilfsperson selbst von körperlich Ungeübten, die gerade wegen ihrer oft sitzenden Tätigkeit unter orthopädischen Beschwerden leiden, nach nur Minuten dauernder Einweisung,
• - das zugleich (überraschend) einfach und damit kostengünstig aufgebaut ist,
  - so daß sein Preis in der Größenordnung von dem für Surfbretter (Stehsegler) liegt, und
• - das deshalb als wirklicher Massenartikel geeignet ist.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide an orthopedic device for reversing the force of gravity acting on the body of the user,

• - With which the therapeutic effects according to the preamble of claim 1 can be achieved and
• - which (above all) is very easy to use and safe against accidents,
  - ie without help even from physically inexperienced people who suffer from orthopedic complaints because of their often sedentary work, after only a few minutes of instruction,
• - which is (surprisingly) simple and therefore inexpensive,
  - so that its price is on the order of that for surfboards (standing sailors), and
• - Which is therefore suitable as a real mass article.

This object is achieved by the teaching according to claim 1.

Since the body of the user preferably hangs freely in the high position, i.e. is not leaning against a couch or the like, as is known in the prior art, the orthopedic device according to the invention allows in particular (slight) pendulum movements that rhythmically load and relieve the spine bring about with improved nutrient diffusion in the intervertebral discs. In this way, the user can be immediately relieved of annoying spinal, joint and muscle pain by simply unhooking and swinging and thus also relax his psyche.

In special cases, e.g. B. in extremely weakened condition of the user due to illness, but the additional provision of a (connected to the foot holder) couch or the like. Support may be recommended, in which case the user may not be in the low position but rather (horizontal), from which it is rotated by only approx. 90 ° into the high position.

Advantageous embodiments of the invention, which obviously promote the solution of the problem, are specified in the subclaims.

The design of the rotatable carrier according to claim 4 is in no way limited to the preferred teaching according to claim 20 in the form of tires (with cross bars), but it can also in particular in the form of a (possibly not closed to a full circle, material-saving) cylindrical outer surface, take place laterally like a wheel over spokes of tires or the like.

The training according to claims 6 and 7 (1st alternative) is particularly favorable for easy rotation of the carrier by the user by shifting from its center of mass, that according to claim 7 (2nd alternative) allows the device to be adjusted to the body size of the User.

In contrast to a brake or the like, the preferably provided automatically acting foot support position stabilizing device according to claims 8-11 does not in principle require any operation by the user, who can essentially concentrate on shifting his center of mass. The teaching according to claims 10 and 11 ensures a particularly simple structure.

In the carrier according to claims 12 and 13 (also) material is saved.

The teaching according to claims 14-22 ensures a particularly simple and safe mounting of the rotatable carrier.

Various options are available for the design of the foot holder, in particular the one according to claims 23-27. Particularly advantageous and tried and tested is the foot holder according to claims 23 and 24, which is extremely simple, quick to use and very convenient for the user (because of the nestling, pressure-cushioning cushion rolls) combined with high security (regardless of foot and leg dimensions), with and without shoes.

Basically, no separate grip device is necessary (see claims 28 and 29), since the user can simply support himself on the stationary stand or carrier in order to move the foot holder from the low to the high position and vice versa by moving his center of mass.

But it is also conceivable that in the special cases already mentioned above, for. B. if the user is particularly weak, an assistant turns the user, who is then preferably leaned against a couch (see above), from low to high and back.

For such special cases, the teaching according to claims 32-35 can also be considered.

The teaching according to claims 36 and 37 has the particular advantages that the device is easy to transport and can be assembled and disassembled.

• - ihre stufenlose Einstellbarkeit und damit genaueste Anpassung an die individuelle Fuß- und Beinform des Benutzers und
• - ihre höchste Sicherheit beim Einspannen der Füße des Benutzers gegen unbeabsichtigtes Lösen.

The _F ußhalterung according to claims 38-43 is (again) further developed with respect to the according to claims 23-27 by

• - Its stepless adjustability and thus the most precise adjustment to the individual foot and leg shape of the user and
• - Your highest security when clamping the user's feet against unintentional loosening.

• Fig. 1 ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel des erfindungsgemäßen orthopädischen Geräts in Vorderansicht;
• Fig. 2 das Gerät von Fig. 1 in Seitenansicht;
• Fig. 3 ähnlich Fig. 2 in Seitenansicht, jedoch in hängender Lage des Benutzers;
• Fig. 4 ein zweites Ausführungsbeispiel des erfindungsgemäßen orthopädischen Geräts in Seitenansicht;
• Fig. 5 eine vergrößerte Draufsicht der Fußhalterung in Pfeilrichtung V von Fig. 4;
• Fig. 6 einen Schnitt VI - VI von Fig. 5;
• Fig. 7 einen Schnitt VII - VII von Fig. 5;
• Fig. 8 einen Schnitt VIII - VIII von Fig. 4;
• Fig. 9 ein drittes Ausführungsbeispiel der Fußhalterung;
• Fig. 10 die Fußhalterung von Fig. 9 in Draufsicht; und
• Fig. 11 einen Schnitt XI - XI von Fig. 9.

The invention is explained in more detail, for example, with reference to the drawing. Show it:

• Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of the orthopedic device according to the invention in front view.
• Fig. 2 shows the device of Figure 1 in side view.
• Fig. 3 similar to Figure 2 in side view, but in a hanging position of the user.
• 4 shows a second embodiment of the orthopedic device according to the invention in side view;
• FIG. 5 is an enlarged top view of the foot holder in the direction of arrow V of FIG. 4;
• FIG. 6 shows a section VI - VI from FIG. 5;
• 7 shows a section VII - VII of FIG. 5;
• 8 shows a section VIII - VIII of FIG. 4;
• 9 shows a third exemplary embodiment of the foot holder;
• 10 shows the foot holder from FIG. 9 in a top view; and
• 11 shows a section XI-XI from FIG. 9.

A first embodiment of the device according to the invention according to FIG. 1 - 3 consists essentially of two tires 2 of the same size, connected to one another by crossbars 1, in particular made of steel tube. The tires 2 have two pairs of rotary limit stops 3, 4.

The distance between the rotary limit stops 3, 4 from one another in the direction of rotation is greater than 180 °, preferably approximately 240 °.

In the direction of rotation between the rotational limit stops 3, 4, a foot holder in the form of buckles 5 and handles 6 is arranged, the buckles 5 being arranged near a pair of rotational limit stops 4 and the handles 6 near the other pair of rotational limit stops 3. The buckles 5 are held on the web 1 running transversely to the tires 2, the arrangement of which includes an angle of more than 180 ° between the low position of the foot holder and the high position (according to FIGS. 2 and 3).

The handles 6 are two brackets arranged approximately parallel to one another, which are angled toward the opposite tire 2, so that an angle of 30 ° is formed between the associated tire 2 and the handle 6.

The handles 6 extend over a relatively large section of the tire in a secant manner, the diameter 8 of the belt device 5 running through the central axis 7 of the tires 2 cutting the handles 6 between their respective fastening points 9, 10.

The rotation limit stops 3, 4 are formed by radially outwardly bent tire parts, as in particular from FIG. 2 and 3 is clearly visible.

The tires 2 are curved in the direction of rotation between the rotation limit stops 3, 4 in an arc of a circle, with the same the radius, while the smaller part of the tire, which does not serve the rotational movement and which is shown in Fig. 2 is shown on the left and runs between the rotary limit stops 3, 4, deviating from the circular arc shape.

The buckles 5 consist in the embodiment of shoes attached to the web 1. Instead of the fixed arrangement of shoes, shoe clamping devices can also be provided, as described, for. B. of skates, roller skates, skates and the like. Are known.

The tires 2 rest on two pairs of bearing rollers 12, 13 fastened on a common base frame 11. The distance between the bearing rollers 12, 13 is chosen so that the tires 2 have no points of contact with the ground, which is at the level of the frame 11.

Furthermore, guides 15 are provided in the immediate vicinity of the rollers 12, 13 which are intended to prevent the tires 2 from migrating sideways. In the exemplary embodiment, the transverse webs 1 are designed as hollow round profile bars, which are pushed onto pins welded to the tire 2 and spinned with them.

Furthermore, each tire 2 itself can also be divided at least in the middle and connected by means of a pin connection, which is also secured by means of split pins or the like.

In Fig. 2 and 3 show the low and high positions of the device with the body 16 of a user.

In the low position according to F i g. 2 the user stands in the device, a stable position being reached due to his body position, which is aligned between the central axis 7 and the connecting line of the rotary limit stops 3, 4.

To move the device from the position shown in Fig. 2 in the position according to F i g. 3, the user attacks with his hands further forward on the handles 6, near their attachment points 9.

His body lies beyond the central axis 7, so that the tire 2 rotates on the rollers 12, 13 about the central axis.

Towards the end of the rotary movement, i.e. when the position according to FIG. 3 is reached, the user releases the handles 6 so that his body forms a secant with respect to the tires 2, which lies between the connecting line of the rotation limit stops 3, 4 and the central axis 7.

This also ensures a stable position here, so that the user can remain hanging in the device for any length of time without carrying out any compensatory movements.

To move back from the position according to Fig. 3 in the position according to F i g. 2 an analog movement is required.

• - Bewegungsbegrenzeinrichtung,
• - Griffeinrichtung,
• - Fußhalterung einschl. deren verstellbarer Befestigung am Träger.

Fig. 4-8 show a second, preferred embodiment of the orthopedic device according to the invention, which essentially differs from the first embodiment in the following assemblies:

• - movement limiting device,
• - handle device,
• - Foot bracket including its adjustable attachment to the carrier.

The relationship between the individual components of the second exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 4 - 8 and those of the first embodiment according to FIG. 1-3, the reference numerals can be easily removed, because in correspondence the reference numerals of the components of the second embodiment are increased by "50", that is, for. B. instead of "6" of the first embodiment "56" in the second embodiment.

The device according to the second exemplary embodiment (cf. initially FIG. 4) has in particular tires 51 which are connected by cross bars 52. The tires 51 are provided with limit stops 53 and 54 in the form of bends.

The user climbs into a foot holder 55 and grips a handle 56 so that he then rotates by shifting his center of mass from the low to the high position.

A base frame 61 carries bearing rollers 62 and 63, on which the tires 51 rest, which are prevented from being inadvertently lifted off by securing bolts 66 (cf. FIGS. 4 and 8).

The stops 53 and 54 cooperate with counter-stops 67 and 68 on the base frame 61, as shown directly in FIG. 4 can be seen.

The foot holder 55 has in particular a foot holder frame 70, a tread plate 72, a pair of first cushioning rollers 74, a pair of second cushioning rollers 75 which can be swiveled against it, namely fastened to support arms 76 and 78, the latter being pivotable about a bearing pin 79. To pivot, a spring-loaded (not shown) tooth pawl 84 must be disengaged from a toothed segment 81, which forms the bearing for the support arm 78 with a bearing bracket 82, by means of a disengaging rod 88 with a rod head 89 (see FIGS. 6 and 7). .

The foot holder frame 70 has a crossmember 91 which is screwed to a U-bracket 93 between the tires 51 by means of fastening screws 94 and bores 95 in order to be able to easily adjust the height of the foot holder to adapt the device to the body size of the user.

T-fastening arms 97 on the U-bracket 93 are held in the tires 51 via fastening screws 99 and screw holes 100 (cf. in particular FIG. 5 below) in order to make the position of the foot holder 55 on the circumference easier to move the tires 51 when shifting the center of mass the tire 51 to adjust.

• Mit einer an einem Quersteg 191 der Reifen 151 (Fig. 9, 10) befestigten Trittplatte 172 ist ein Polsterrollen-Träger 178 verschraubt, der aus einem mit einem Befestigungsflansch 212 versehenen Säulenteil 214 und einem mit diesem verschweißten Kragarm 216 besteht, der an seinem freien Ende durch eine mit ihm und einer eine(nicht gezeigte) Polsterauflage besitzenden Trittplatte 172 verschraubte Stütze 218 (Fig. 9, 10) abgestützt ist.

The in Fig. Foot bracket 155 according to a third embodiment shown in FIGS. 9-1 1 differs from the second embodiment of the foot bracket according to FIGS. 4-7 fundamentally in that it only has a pair of cushioning rollers 175 or the like, which is distinguished from one by a crank 188 of a screw transmission circular-shaped shells 173 (FIG. 10), each provided with a foam rubber cushion 174a, a pair of footplate-fixed footrest supports 174 (instead of the second pair of cushion rollers 74 in the second exemplary embodiment) is adjustable. For easier comparison, the reference numerals of the components of the third embodiment are increased by "100" compared to the structurally or functionally corresponding components of the second embodiment, so that, for. B. "175" of the third embodiment corresponds to "75" of the second embodiment. In detail:

• With a tread plate 172 fastened to a transverse web 191 of the tires 151 (FIGS. 9, 10), an upholstered roller carrier 178 is screwed, which consists of a column part 214 provided with a fastening flange 212 and a cantilever arm 216 welded to it, which is attached to its free end End is supported by a bracket 218 (FIGS. 9, 10) screwed to it and to a tread plate 172 having a cushion pad (not shown).

The cantilever arm 216 consisting of a square tube (FIG. 11) forms with its passage 220 a guide for a spindle nut 222 into which bearing axles 224 of the cushion rollers 175 opposite one another are screwed in alignment on the cantilever arm 216, the bearing axles 224 in each case Cut through the elongated hole 226 in the longitudinal direction of the cantilever arm.

The spindle nut 222 forms a screw gear which can be actuated by the crank 188 and has a screw spindle 228 which is provided in the cantilever arm passage 220 and which is rotatable in the cantilever support 218 but is axially secured and on the end of which leads out of the cantilever arm 216 through the support 218 Crank 188 is seated with hub part 232 secured by a split pin 230.

At the end opposite the crank 188, the screw spindle 228 has a screwed-on washer 234 with which it bears against the inner wall of the cantilever arm (FIG. 9).

The shells 173 of the footrest supports 174, which are perpendicular to the tread plate 172, are welded to one another by a crosshead 236, which in turn is screwed to the upholstered roller carrier 178 with a flange 238 provided on its column part 214 (FIGS. 9, 10).

Claims (43)

1. Orthopedic device for reversing the force of gravity acting on the body of the user, in particular for: - relieve the spine, - especially intervertebral discs and small vertebral joints, - relaxation of muscles, tendons and ligaments, - decongesting veins and lymphatic vessels, - Unblocking joints, with a foot holder for hanging the user essentially vertically on the feet,
marked by - a movable mounting of the foot holder, - in such a way that it can be moved - by the user by shifting his center of mass - From a low position with an essentially standing user - on essentially an arc - In the high position with feet hung up with preferably freely hanging body of the user as well - back to the low position. 2. Device according to claim 1, - with a stand,
characterized , - that the foot bracket - In a guide of the stand on the circular arc is essentially rotatable about a horizontal axis. 3. Device according to claim 2, - with a handle device,
characterized , - That the handle device - In a guide of the stand on a circular arc is rotatable about a substantially horizontal axis. 4. Apparatus according to claim 1, - with a support for the foot holder,
characterized , - That the carrier with the foot bracket - Is essentially rotatable on a circular arc about a horizontal axis. 5. Device according to claim 4, - with a handle on the carrier,
characterized , - That the carrier with the handle device - On essentially a circular arc about essentially a horizontal axis is rotatable. 6. Apparatus according to claim 4 or 5,
characterized , - That the carrier with the foot bracket - Is designed such that in the high position of the foot holder (5; 55) - The free-hanging body (16) of the user is offset against the essentially a horizontal axis (7) in the direction away from the circular arc
(Fig. 3; 4). 7. Device according to one of claims 4-6,
characterized , - that the foot bracket (55) - The carrier (51) is adjustable in its circumferential and / or radial direction by means of a fastening device (97, 99, 100 // 91, 93 - 95)
(Fig. 5; 7). 8. Device according to one of the preceding claims,
marked by - A foot support position stabilizer - To automatically stabilize the position of the foot holder in its high position, preferably also in its low position. 9. Apparatus according to claim 8,
characterized by - That the foot bracket position stabilizer - Has a movement limiting device for limiting the movement of the foot holder on essentially the arc. 10. Apparatus according to claim 9,
characterized , - that the movement limiting device has: - at least one stop (53, 54) assigned to the foot holder (55), - Which can be applied to a stationary counter-stop (67, 68), if necessary by friction
(Fig. 4). 11. Apparatus according to claim 10 with claim 4,
characterized , - That the foot bracket (55) associated stop - A radially bent carrier section (53, 54)
(Fig. 4). 12. Apparatus according to claim 11,
characterized , - That the carrier (2; 51) - Is only circular arc-shaped between its stops (3, 4; 53, 54)
(Figs. 1-3; 4). 13. Device according to claim 12,
characterized , - That the carrier (2; 51) - is closed by a substantially straight section
(Figs. 1-3; 4). 14. Device according to one of claims 4-13,
characterized , - That the carrier (2; 51) - Is mounted on bearing rollers (12, 13; 62, 63) on a base frame (11; 61)
(Figs. 1-3; 4-8). 15. Apparatus according to claim 14 with claim 10,
characterized , - That the fixed counter-stop (67, 68) - On the floor frame (61) is provided
(Fig. 4). 16. Apparatus according to claim 14 or 15,
marked by - a carrier fuse - against lifting the carrier (2; 51) from the bearing rollers (12, 13; 62, 63)
(Figs. 1-3; 4-8). 17. The apparatus of claim 16,
characterized , - that the carrier fuse - Has a base frame-fixed guide (15) for the carrier
(Figs. 1-3). 18. Device according to claim 17,
characterized , - That the base frame-fixed guide - Has tabs attached to the base frame (11; 61), - Which also carry the bearing rollers (12, 13; 62, 63)
(Figs. 1-3; 4-8). 19. Apparatus according to claim 18,
characterized , - That the base frame-fixed guide - Has adjacent guide elements, in particular bolts (66), sheets
(Fig. 4, 8). 20. Device according to one of claims 4 - 19,
characterized , - that the carrier - has two parallel tires (2; 51), - which are preferably connected, - in particular by cross bars (1; 52)
(Figs. 1-3; 4-8). 21. Device according to claim 20,
characterized , - That the base frame-fixed guide - In the bearing rollers (12, 13; 62, 63) formed longitudinal grooves - Has essentially tire width
(Figs. 1-3; 4-8). 22. Apparatus according to claim 21,
characterized , - That the base frame-fixed guide - Has at least one fixed base roller for each tire (2; 51). 23. Device according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized , - That the foot holder (55) has: - a step plate (72) for the feet, - On the tread plate (72) stationary first cushion rollers (74) .od. the like, - Against the tread plate (72) pivotable, lockable second cushion rollers (75) or the like. For clamping the transition between the foot and leg with the first cushion rollers (74) or the like.
(Figs. 4-7). 24. Apparatus according to claim 23,
characterized , - That the device for pivoting the second upholstery rollers (75) or the like has: - a spring-loaded actuating rod (88), - With a tooth pawl (84) in a toothed segment (81) can be locked
(Figs. 4-7). 25. Device according to one of claims 1-22,
characterized , - that the foot holder has: - Seat belt (5). 26. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 _- 22 and
characterized , - that the foot holder has: - shoe clamps. 27. Device according to one of claims 1-22,
characterized , - that the foot holder has: - A scissor-like device. 28: Device according to one of claims 4 - 27,
characterized , - That the handle device - Is formed by the carrier (2; 51) for the foot holder (5; 55)
(Figs. 1-3; 4-8). 29. Device according to one of claims 4 - 27,
characterized , - That the handle device - Is formed by a (possibly already existing) cross bar (1; 56) on the carrier (2; 51)
(Figs. 1-3; 4). 30. Device according to one of claims 4 - 27,
characterized , - That the handle device - Is formed by bracket (6) on the circumference of the carrier (2)
(Figs. 1-3). 31. Device according to one of claims 4 - 27,
characterized , - That the handle device - On the floor frame (11; .61) is provided. 32. Device according to one of the preceding claims,
marked by - a motor drive - for the foot holder (5; 55). 33. Apparatus according to claim 32 with claim 4,
characterized , - That the motor drive - Via a gear train, in particular a gear transmission, drives the carrier (2; 51). 34. Apparatus according to claim 32 with claim 13,
characterized , - That the motor drive - The bearing rollers (12, 13; 62, 63) drives on the floor frame. 35. Apparatus according to claim 32 with claim 9,
characterized , - That the motor drive - Can be switched off by limit switches on the counter-stops (67, 68)
(Fig. 4). 36. Device according to one of claims 2 - 35,
characterized , - That the stand or carrier - Detachable, in particular pluggable, composed of several individual parts. 37. Device according to claim 20,
characterized , - that the tires (2; 51) - consist of metal tube. 38. Device according to one of claims 1 - 22, 28 - 37,
characterized , - That the foot bracket (155) has: - a step plate (172) for the feet, - First cushion body (174) stationary to the tread plate (172), - Second cushion body (175), movable against the first cushion body (174) for clamping the transition between the foot and leg
(Figs. 9-11). 39. Device according to claim 38,
marked by - a screw gear (188, 222, 228) - To move the second cushion body (175) against the first cushion body (174)
(Figs. 9-11). 40. Device according to claim 38,
characterized , - That the screw gear - Can be actuated by a crank (188)
(Figs. 9-11). 41. Device according to claim 39 or 40,
characterized , - That the second cushion body (175) - are secured to the spindle nut (222) of the screw gear
(Figs. 9-11). 42. Device according to one of claims 38-41,
characterized , - That at least one of the cushion body - is a pair of upholstery rollers (175)
(Figs. 9-11). 43. Device according to one of claims 38-42,
characterized , - That at least one of the cushion body - A pair of shells (173) with padding (174a) adapted to the shape of the foot and leg
(Figs. 9-11).

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