Pneumatic variable resistance rehabilitation/therapy apparatus
US5312315A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 21, 1990 |
| Grant date | May 17, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 21, 2010 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA63B2220/17
- WIPO fieldFurniture, games
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A pneumatic variable resistance rehabilitation/therapy apparatus for the balanced strengthening of musculature surrounding injured, weakened, and post-operative ligaments associated with the major joints of the lower extremities. In a preferred embodiment, a leg press machine is provided comprising a frame, a foot rest assembly including a foot rest pad, and a reciprocating carriage having a patient supporting bed surface thereon. A pneumatic circuit comprising a cylinder having a reciprocating piston therein, an accumulator, an air supply and a pressure regulator is provided for the variable progressive resistance against the movement of the carriage during the working stroke (where the patient straightens his/her leg(s)). The reciprocating piston rod is linked to the reciprocating carriage by a cable and pulley system to provide a longer and more physiologically tolerable working stroke. The accumulator volume, being roughly equal to the cylinder volume, supplements the system volume to provide a resistive force rate similar to a mechanical spring system. The rod end of the cylinder is also provided with a bleed valve to prevent plunger resistance due to vacuum effects during the…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.