US 5,284,131 AGranted

Therapeutic exercise device for legs

OwnerErrol Grayinventor

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Abstract

A device for promoting health and rehabilitation through exercise by way of providing motion to one's legs. The device comprises a frame, with a motor secured to the frame. An axle extends outwardly from the frame to either side and is powered by the motor for rotation about a horizontal axis. The axle drives a pair of crank arms to the free ends of which are secured pedals. The pedals are adjustable so that their axes of rotation are adjustable with respect to the axis of rotation of the axle. Straps or the like associated with each of the pedals to releasably secure a user's foot to the pedal. A flexible leg support strap extends from a portion of the frame. In operation, an end of the strap is wrapped around a leg just behind the knee. The strap is of a length and is positioned so that the leg is free to move as the pedal rotates with one's foot strapped to the pedal while sufficient force is provided by the strap on the leg to prevent unwanted lateral movement of the leg. The device of the present invention in use provides a wobble-like motion to the legs, during operation, to further enhance joint and muscle mobility in the user's legs.

Claims12

Dependent claims

A device for exercising passive legs of a person seated remotely with respect to the device, the device comprising:

(a) a frame;
(b) a motor secured to the frame;
(c) an axle extending outwardly from the frame to either side, the axle powered by the motor for rotation about a horizontal axis;
(d) a pair of crank arms secured to the axle on either side, the crank arms to rotate in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the axle;
(e) adjustment means secured to the free end of each of the crank arms;
(f) a pair of pedals, each secured to a different one of the adjustment means to rotate about its own pedal axis;
(g) means associated with each of the pedals to releasably secure a user's foot to a portion of the pedal;
and
(h) elastic leg support strap means extending from a portion of the frame, in operation an end of the strap means to be wrapped around a leg just behind the knee and the strap means being of a length and positioned so that a leg is free to move as the pedal means rotates with one's foot strapped to the pedal means while sufficient force is provided by the strap on the leg to prevent unwanted lateral movement of the leg,
said adjustment means operable so as to permit selection of a predetermined angle which the pedal axis of rotation makes with respect to the axis of rotation of the angle so that the pedal axis will automatically follow a conical path thereby to permit varying the orientation of the foot and leg of a user as they move on the foot pedal during operation of the device.

7 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 07/846,879Filed 6 Mar 1992 · continuation in part
Priority: CA 203086426 Nov 1990
Granted: 8 Feb 1994
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification7 codes

A61H 1/0214
Stretching or bending or torsioning apparatus for exercising: by rotating cycling movement
A63B 2071/0018
For handicapped persons: for wheelchair users
A63B 2208/12
Characteristics or parameters related to the user or player: specially adapted for children
Y10S 482/904
Exercise devices: removably attached to wheelchair, home furnishing, or home structure