EP1865908B1 - Stretching device for physiotherapy - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a stretching device for therapeutic gymnastics with a holder for the feet of a patient and a lifting device with which the height position of the holder is variable such that a connected to the holder patient from a sitting or lying position can be converted into a head-hanging position, according to the preamble of claim 1 or claim 2.

Such a device is known from GB 2 152 381 A known. The feet of the patient are in the known construction jedoh rigid connected to the rocker with the result that the patient's body in head-hanging position of the oscillating vertical movement of the rocker forcibly follows and there is no way to attenuate abrupt reversal direction as well as accelerations or decelerations of the vertical movement , The therapeutic effect of the known equipment is therefore limited accordingly, since only individually adjustable to the body of the patient.

A device of this kind is from the FR 2 562 429 known. In this device, the foot holder is connected to a fixed rope, which is guided over a plurality of pulleys. One of the pulleys is lockable, so that a suspended with the feet on the bracket patient is held upside down in the hanging position. In this hanging position in particular the spine is relieved and the blood supply to the brain is increased. The achievable with this device therapeutic effect is also limited accordingly.

The invention is therefore based on the object, the stretching device of the type mentioned in such a way that with the stretching device an improved, d. H. a stronger therapeutic effect is achieved.

According to the invention this object is achieved by a stretching device with the features of claim 1 and of claim 2 and, alternatively, by a stretching device with the features of claim 11 or 12. Further improvements of the invention and preferred embodiments are given in the subclaims.
It is therefore essential for the invention that the rocker device comprises an elastic band or a helical tension spring, which is connected on the one hand to the holder and on the other hand to the lifting device. As a result, the patient, who is upside down, can be put into a gentle rocking or swinging movement. Jerky loads on the patient and the patient's spine are avoided.

The invention has the advantage that the circulation is relieved, whereby the outflow of venous blood from the legs, the pelvis, the pelvic belly, especially the liver and the spleen is facilitated. Furthermore, the arteries are distended in the neck. It comes to an improved blood supply to the brain through the improved oxygenation of the blood. In addition, the brain is supplied with both quantitatively and qualitatively upgraded blood.

In order to improve the respiratory function, the diaphragm is widened to the diaphragm by pressure of the abdominal organs, whereby the liver and the venous blood are gently squeezed out through the portal circulation and bile. These functions are optimized by the invention enabled rhythmic swinging of the body in the hanging position. Here, the exhalation is facilitated, with residual air can be exhaled maximum. Stagnant liquids and residual air are mobilized. In addition, the formation of mucus in the bronchi can be carried out more easily.

Improving blood flow to the brain also improves blood flow to the eyes and the auditory balance organ. Vision and hearing can thus improve. In addition, the improved brain circulation improves brain performance, especially memory and learning ability.

In the hanging position, of course, the lymph can flow away relieved.

Particularly advantageous, the invention affects the supportive and musculoskeletal system. In particular, there is a physiological relief of the spine. By gently swinging in the hanging position, undernourished disc tissue can recover. The nutrition of the intervertebral discs by the train-pressure-suction force is improved, wherein in the hanging position, the train-suction forces predominate, while the organism is otherwise increasingly exposed to the pressure forces. As a result, the ability to recover the entire organism from the influence on the attitude in light scoliosis forms, postural weaknesses such as rounded back by the suction-pressure effect on large joints, such as knee, hip or ankle improved. Also, it comes to a metabolically improved recreational opportunity. In the swinging hanging position, malpositions of the spine balance out under the influence of physiological forces. By swinging or vertical rockers in the hanging position, the entire body cell structure is toned and relieved. Thereby a compensation of electrostatic charge takes place.

Overall, act by the present invention enabled vertical rocking movement or vertical swinging dynamic forces on the body, which enhance the therapeutic effect against a static hanging position.

The stretching device according to claim 11 or 12 differs from the stretching device according to claim 1, characterized in how the patient is brought from the rest position in the hanging position. According to claim 1, a lifting device is provided for this purpose, by means of which a patient suspended with his feet in the holder is raised or lowered. According to claim 11 or 12, the stretching device on a pivotally mounted about a horizontal axis chair, wherein the chair comprises a backrest, a seat surface and a foot part, which are each articulated to each other. By this device it is similar to the US Pat. No. 6,243,897 B1 possible to transfer a patient connected to the holder by pivoting and unfolding the chair from a seated position in a hanging position. This stretching device offers even greater comfort for the patient, as it is only rotated when transferring from the seated position to the hanging position. In addition, this stretching device can be easily operated by the patient himself.

As mentioned, the rocker device comprises at least one elastic band, which is connected on the one hand to the holder and on the other hand to the lifting device. This makes it possible in a simple manner, suspended in the holder with the feet patient in a vertical rocking movement or vertical swinging motion to put. This can for example be done manually by a physiotherapist.

Alternatively, the rocker device can also comprise a tension spring, in particular a helical tension spring, which is connected, on the one hand, to the holder and, on the other hand, to the lifting device. This embodiment also offers a simple way of realizing the rocking movement or swinging movement according to the invention.

In a preferred embodiment, the rocker device comprises a drive which is arranged on the lifting device and generates a vertically acting rocking motion. This allows the patient to be automatically put into the rocking motion.

The safety of the stretching device is improved in that a non-elastic safety rope is provided, which connects either the holder with the lifting device or a tether with the lifting device. On the one hand, the safety rope serves as a safety rope for the unlikely event that the elastic band or tension spring breaks. In addition, the non-elastic safety rope limits the deflection of the patient, thus ensuring that the patient does not hit his head on the ground. The variant in which one end of the safety cable is connected to a holding belt and another end of the safety cable to the lifting device, has the additional advantage that the patient is also secured against loosening of the holder or slipping out of the holder.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, a guide surface is provided, on which the patient can be guided from the lying into the suspended position and vice versa. This avoids that the patient is brought when lifting in an uncomfortable situation for him, in which, for example, the head is excessively angled. A smooth and for the patient particularly pleasant transition from the lying in the hanging position can be effected, that the guide surface is curved with a vertical and a horizontally expiring end.

The comfort of the device is further improved when the guide surface has two spaced-apart tracks, between which a clearance for the head of the patient when raising and lowering is formed.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, one end of the guide surface is connected to the lifting device. This means that the guide surface is raised together with the patient. In this case, the distal end of the guide surface of the guide surface is moved over the ground until the patient's hanging position is reached. This means that the patient does not lie directly on the ground when lifting. The inevitable when lifting grinding movement is made by the provided between the patient and the ground guide surface, which is attached at one end to the lifting device and thus follows the change in the altitude of the lifting device.

A particularly pleasant guidance of the patient when lifting is achieved in that the guide surface is flexible, so that it adapts to the changing body position during lifting. A further improvement of this device can take place in that the guide surface is constructed of substantially horizontally extended rollers. This applies both to the flexible guide surface and the stationary guide surface.

Fig.1

ein Ausführungsbeispiel des erfindungsgemäßen Streckungsgerätes, bei dem sich ein Patient in der liegenden Ruhelage befindet;

Fig.2

das Streckgerät nach Fig.1, bei dem der Patient in die Hängelage angehoben ist;

Fig.3

eine perspektivische Darstellung der Führungsflächen

Figuren 4a, 4b, 4c

ein erfindungsgemäßes Ausführungsbeispiel mit einem um eine horizontale Achse schwenkbar gelagerten Stuhl und

Figuren 5a bis 5d

verschiedene Positionen des Hubvorganges bei einem weiteren erfindungsgemäßen Ausführungsbeispiels mit einer flexiblen Führungsfläche, die mit der Hubeinrichtung verbunden ist.

The invention will be described in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached schematic drawings with further features. In this show

Fig.1

an embodiment of the stretching apparatus according to the invention, in which a patient is in the lying rest position;

Fig.2

the stretching device after Fig.1 with the patient raised to the hanging position;

Figure 3

a perspective view of the guide surfaces

FIGS. 4a, 4b, 4c

an inventive embodiment with a pivotally mounted about a horizontal axis chair and

FIGS. 5a to 5d

various positions of the lifting operation in a further embodiment of the invention with a flexible guide surface which is connected to the lifting device.

Figures 1 and 2 show an embodiment of the stretching device according to the invention, which is used in particular for physiotherapeutic and physiotherapeutic treatment. The device can also be used for fitness purposes, in the spa area as well as in the spa.

The stretching device comprises a holder 1, for example in the form of a shoe-like Aufnehmung, in which the feet of a patient are inserted. Other brackets, such as straps, are possible provided that the bracket provides a secure foot suspension when the patient hangs upside down on the bracket. The holder is connected to a lifting device 2, which may be free-standing or wall-mounted. The lifting device 2 comprises a drive unit 17 which is driven, for example, electrically or hydraulically. The drive unit 17 allows a vertical movement of the lifting device 2 in the direction of in Fig.1 shown double arrow V. The drive unit can for this purpose have a linear electric motor or correspondingly arranged hydraulic cylinder. In the event of a power failure, a crank (not shown) is provided, with which the patient can be lowered manually instead of the electric or hydraulic drive unit. The drive unit 17 is connected to a cantilever beam 18, that is to say with a cantilevered carrier, which is arranged substantially horizontally. In the region of the free end of Kragträgers 18 a rocker 3 is arranged, through which the lifting device 2, in particular the Kragträger 18 and the holder 1 are connected. In the present case, the rocker device 3 comprises an elastic band 4, which can be replaced by a tension spring, in particular a helical tension spring. Further, a rocker drive 5 is arranged at the free end of the cantilever beam 18, which generates a vertically acting rocking motion, whereby the elastic band 4 is excited and put into vertical vibrations.

For physiotherapeutic treatment, a patient is connected to the holder 1 and lifted by moving the lifting device 2 upwards, as in Fig.2 shown. This process is thereby made more pleasant for the patient, who the in Figure 3 shown webs 10, 11 are provided which form a curved guide surface 7. When lifting, but also when lowering the patient is guided along the two tracks 10, 11, which is achieved by the respective horizontally and vertically expiring ends 8, 9 of the tracks 10, 11 a smooth transition from the lying position to the hanging position. The head of the patient is moved freely in the free space 12. The webs may be provided with rollers to reduce friction.

Once the in Fig.2 Hanging position is reached, the lifting device 2 is locked so that the patient hangs freely upside down. Then the rocker drive 5 is activated, which excites the elastic band 4, so that a rocking motion or a swinging movement in the direction of the double arrow W, ie in the vertical direction, is generated. As a result, the suspended in the holder 1 patient is placed in a gentle rocking or swinging motion, whereby the effected by the hanging position therapeutic effect, in particular the relief of the spine but also the therapeutic effect in terms of the circulation, the respiratory function and generally the support - and musculoskeletal system is further improved.

Instead of the rocker drive 5, the patient can also be moved manually rocking.

In the FIGS. 5a, 5b . 5c and 5d a further embodiment of the invention is shown, which comprises a flexible guide surface 7 which is fixed at one end to the lifting device 2. The other, distal end of the guide surface 7 is freely movable. The guide surface 7 is constructed of a plurality of rollers 21, wherein the rollers 21 are each arranged in the horizontal direction. The individual rollers 21 are flexibly connected to each other, so that the guide surface 7 is adapted to the respective posture taken when lifting the patient. This is in the FIGS. 5a to 5d , in particular in the steps I, II, III, IV of the lifting process. In the FIGS. 5a to 5d is also clearly visible that the guide surface 7 of the lifting movement of the lifting device 2 follows.

The use of roles can also be found in the Figure 3 be shown fixedly arranged guide surface 7 to be realized.

In a further (not shown) embodiment of the invention, the rollers are mounted in a frame which is divided into two parts by a joint, such that a frame part can be folded upwards, ie in the direction of the lifting device 2. The pivot line runs parallel to the rollers. The length of the fold-up frame section corresponds to about 1/3 of the total length of the frame. For moving the patient into the hanging position or for the return of the patient to the lying starting position, the foldable part of the frame is moved upwards so that a gentle transition of the patient from the hanging position to the lying position or vice versa is made possible. The positioning of the hinged frame part upwards can be done automatically with the lowering of the patient.

Further, laterally of the lifting device 2 may be provided substantially horizontally arranged spars, on which the patient can support, so as to enhance the train on the spine. Preferably, the spars are height adjustable, so that their position can be adapted to the respective size of the patient.

In the in Fig. 5d illustrated embodiment, it can be seen that the safety cable 6 has a tether 20 which is applied in the region of the hip of the patient. The hip of the patient is thus connected by the safety cable 6 with the lifting device 2. By a suitable choice of the length of the safety cable 6, the deflection movement during rocking of the patient is limited, so that a beating of the head is prevented on the ground. In addition, the strap 20 has the advantage that the patient is secured when his feet slip out of the holder 1 or the holder 1 dissolves.

It is conceivable that in the FIGS. 1, 2 illustrated safety cable 6, which connects the holder 1 with the lifting device 2, with the in Fig. 5d security cable 6 attached to the bracket 1 limits the deflection movement of the patient and provided with the belt 20 safety cable 6 acts as a collecting means, in the event that opens the holder 1 and the patient from the holder 1 slips out.

In the Figures 4a, 4b and 4c is shown a further embodiment of the invention, which is based on the principle to reinforce the advantages obtainable by the hanging position by means of a rocking motion. This embodiment is characterized in that the patient can bring himself by his own power from the rest position in the hanging position. This device is therefore suitable for home use.

For this purpose, a chair 13 is provided which is pivotally mounted about a horizontal axis. The chair 13 comprises a backrest 14, a seat surface 15 and a foot part 16, wherein the backrest 14 and the seat surface 15 and the foot part 16 and the seat surface 15 are each connected to one another in an articulated manner. In this case, the backrest 14, the seat surface 15 and the foot part 16 can be locked at least in two positions and in the in 4a shown seating position as well as in the Figures 4b and 4c shown unfolded position. The holder 1 is connected to the foot part 16, wherein the foot part 16 is formed in cross-section L-shaped, so that the holder 1 in the in Figure 4c shown Hanging position hangs down. For this purpose, the holder 1 on the in Fig. 4c shown free leg 19 of the foot part 16 attached.

The holder 1 is connected by a rocker 3, for example by an elastic band 4 with the foot part 16, in particular with the leg 19.

In use, the patient takes on the in Fig. 4A Then the patient releases the lock between the backrest 14 and the seat surface 15 and folds the backrest 14 into a horizontal position, so that the backrest 14 and the seat surface 15 are arranged in one plane , The patient then releases the chair's pivot lock and tilts it around the horizontal axis 4B shown partial hanger position. In this position, the foot part 16 is arranged horizontally, wherein the leg 19 is in a vertical position. Then the patient folds the foot part 16 in the vertical position ( 4C ), so that the backrest 14, the seat surface 15 and the foot part 16 are arranged in a vertically extending plane. In this position, the patient hangs freely upside down on the bracket 1 and can put himself into a vertical rocking movement. This can be done in front of the patient in Fig. 4c a fixedly arranged handle may be provided on which the patient holds on.

In connection with the embodiment according to the Figures 1 and 2 described features can with the embodiment of the FIGS. 4a to 4c be combined. This applies in particular to the safety cable and the rocker drive.

reference numeral

1

bracket

2

lifting device

3

rocker device

4

tape

5

Wippantrieb

6

safety rope

7

guide surface

8, 9

The End

10.11

traces

12

free space

13

chair

14

rest

15

seat

16

footboard

17

drive unit

18

cantilever beam

19

horizontal leg of the foot part

20

safety belt

21

roll

Claims (12)

1. A stretching device for physiotherapy, comprising a support (1) for the feet of a patient, a lifting apparatus (2) adapted to change the height level of the support (1) such to transfer a patient, which is linked to the support (1), from a sitting or lying position to a head first hanging position, and a rocking means (3) adapted to move the patient, which is hanging head first to the support, in a vertical rocking manner,
   characterized in that
   the rocking means (3) comprises at least one elastic ribbon (4) connected to the support (1) as well to the lifting apparatus (2).
2. The stretching device for physiotherapy, comprising a support (1) for the feet of a patient, a lifting apparatus (2) adapted to change the height level of the support (1) such to transfer a patient, which is linked to the support (1), from a sitting or lying position to a head first hanging position, and
   a rocking means (3) adapted to move the patient, which is hanging head first to the support, in a vertical rocking manner,
   characterized in that
   the rocking means (3) comprises a tension spring, in particular a screw tension spring, connected to the support (1) as well as to the lifting apparatus (2).
3. The stretching device according to claim 1 or 2,
   characterized in that
   the rocking means (3) comprises a rocking drive (5) which is arranged to the lifting apparatus (2), adapted to excite a vertical acting rocking movement.
4. The stretching device according to one of claims 1 to 3,
   characterized in that
   a non-elastic safety rope (6) is provided for connecting the support (1) to the lifting apparatus (2) or for connecting a strap (20) to the lifting apparatus (2).
5. The stretching device according to one of claims 1 to 4,
   characterized by
   a guiding plane (7) adapted to guide the patient from the lying position to the hanging position and vice versa.
6. The stretching device according to claim 5,
   characterized in that
   the guiding plane (7) is curved and is provided with a vertical and a horizontal outgoing end (8, 9).
7. The stretching device according to claim 6,
   characterized in that
   the guiding plane (7) comprises two tracks (10, 11) separated from each other, in-between of which a clearance (12) is provided for the head of the patient in the course of lifting and lowering.
8. The stretching device according to claim 5,
   characterized in that
   one end of the guiding plane (7) is connected to the lifting apparatus (2).
9. The stretching device according to claim 8,
   characterized in that
   the guiding plane (7) is formed flexible.
10. The stretching device according to one of claims 5 to 9,
    characterized in that
    the guiding plane (7) is made of rolls (21) which essentially extend horizontally.
11. A stretching device for physiotherapy, comprising a support (1) for the feet of a patient, a chair (13) rotatable supported around a horizontal axis, wherein said chair (13) comprises a back rest (14), a seating surface (15) and a foot portion (16) which are linked to each other in an articulated manner, respectively, such that a patient, which is linked to said support (1), can be transferred from a sitting position to a hanging position by means of pivoting and opening said chair (13),
    characterized in that
    the stretching device comprises a rocking means (3) adapted to move the patient, which is hanging head first to the support (1), in a vertical rocking manner, and
    said rocking means (3) comprises at least one elastic ribbon (4), which is connected to said support (1) as well as to the lifting apparatus (2).
12. A stretching device for physiotherapy, comprising a support (1) for the feet of a patient, a chair (13) rotatable supported around a horizontal axis, wherein said chair (13) comprises a back rest (14), a seating surface (15) and a foot portion (16) which are linked to each other in an articulated manner, respectively, such that a patient, which is linked to said support (1), can be transferred from a sitting position to a hanging position by means of pivoting and opening said chair (13),
    characterized in that
    the stretching device comprises a rocking means (3) adapted to move the patient, which is hanging head first to the support (1), in a vertical rocking manner, and
    the rocking means (3) comprises a tension spring, in particular a screw tension spring, which is connected to the support (1) as well as to the lifting apparatus (2).

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