US3318304A

US3318304A - Mechanical device for reducing blood clotting in legs

Info

Publication number: US3318304A
Application number: US309713A
Authority: US
Inventors: Gurewich Vladimir
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1963-09-18
Filing date: 1963-09-18
Publication date: 1967-05-09
Anticipated expiration: 1984-05-09

Description

V. GUREWICH May 9, 1967 MECHANICAL DEVICE FOR REDUCING BLOOD CLOTTING IN LEGS 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Sept. 18, 1963 INVENTOR VLADIMIR GUREWICH /ATTORNEY f M, W ////V y 1967 v. GUREWICH 3,318,304

EVICE FOR REDUCING BLOOD CLOTTING IN LEGS MECHANICAL D Filed Se t. 18, 1965 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 R O T N E V N VLADIMIR GUREWICH M ATTORNEYS.

United States Patent Office 3,318,304 Patented May 9, 1967 3,318,304 MECHANICAL DEVICE FOR REDUCING BLOOD CLOTTING IN LEGS Vladimir Gurewich, 1165 Park Ave., New York, N.Y. 10028 Filed Sept. 18, 1963, Ser. No. 309,713 13 Claims. (Cl. 12825) This invention relates to a mechanical device for reducing blood clotting in legs and more particularly to a foot and leg exerciser for reducing blood clotting in legs. Most particularly the present invention relates to a power operated foot and leg exerciser which is adapted to oscillate the feet of a bedridden patient in order to operate the calf pumps and thereby reduce blood clotting in the patients legs.

It has been recognized since the 1940s that post-operative and other bedridden patients show a marked tendency to form blood clots in the lower legs due to the stagnation of leg blood flow. Such clotting carries the danger of fatal pulmonary embolism and of chronic pulmonary hypertension. In post-operative patients, it has been believed up until recently that walking reduces this danger. However, recent studies tend to discount the prophylactic value of early ambulism as far as prevention of thrombosis is concerned. An example of such studies is that of N. L. Browse, British Medical Journal, 1962, 32, 1721.

It is also well recognized that the alternate flexing and relaxing of the calf muscles serves as a pump for the venous blood flow in the leg. As good blood flow is the antithesis of blood stagnation, operation of the calf pump shows a strong tendency to combat clotting.

It is therefore one object of the present invention to provide an apparatus attachable to a hospital bed, which apparatus will cause the flexing and relaxing of the calf muscles to thus operate the calf pump and reduce blood stagnation.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for oscillating the feet of a patient to cause the flexing and relaxing of the calf muscles to thus operate the calf pump and reduce blood stagnation.

Still a further object of this invention is to provide an apparatus which is readily attachable to a bed and which is detachably connected to the feet of a bedridden patient for oscillating the feet whereby to flex and relax the calf muscles to operate the calf pumps and thus reduce blood stagnation in the legs.

The foregoing object and other features and advantages of this invention are attained by a foot exerciser comprising essentially a base for supporting the same on the mattress of a bed. Means in the form of adjustable positioning bars are provided to effect adjustment of the exerciser to a given patient or bed. A foot pedal, including means for securing ones foot thereto is pivotally connected to the base. A power operated means carried' on the base is operatively connected to the foot pedal so as to forceably induce the leg and foot of a patient secured thereto to be exercised in a manner to enhance circulation of the blood through the leg. Means are also provided to effect independent adjustment of both the stroke and speed of the foot pedal.

A feature of this invention resides in the provision that the body exerciser is relatively simple in construction, can be readily fabricated, and is positive in operation.

Another feature of this invention resides in the provision that both the stroke and speed of the exerciser can be controlled by a single adjustment.

Still another feature of this invention resides in the provision that the exerciser can be readily adjusted to the size of the patient or to the bed.

Other features and advantages will become more readily apparent when considered in view of the drawings, and the specification in which:

FIGURE 1 is a side elevation view of the body exerciser of this invention shown in an operative position adjacent the foot end of a bed;

FIGURE 2 is a rear elevation view of the exerciser of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the exerciser of FIG. 1; and

FIGURE 4 is a side elevation view of a modified form of the invention.

Referring to the drawings, there is shown the foot and leg exerciser 10 of this invention. The exerciser 10 comprises essentially a base member or plate 11 which forms the support for the exerciser 10 on the mattress 12 of a bed. Accordingly the exerciser 10 is located adjacent the foot end 13 of the bed. Pivotally connected to each side of the base plate 11 and adjacent to the front end thereof is a positioning bar 14 by which the base of exerciser is secured to the foot rail 13A of a bed. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the positioning bars 14 comprises a pair of nested, telescoping

members

14A, 148 which are suitably extended and retracted to adjust the position of the exerciser 10 with respect to the foot of the bed or patient, as the case may be.

Means in the form of sleeve or coupler 15 is utilized to fixedly secure the nested sections 14A, 14B of the positioning bars 14 in their adjusted position.

As shown, one end of each positioning bar 14 is pivotally connected to the side edge of the base plate 11. The other end of the positioning bar 14 has connected thereto a split clamp 16 by which it is secured to the upper rail 13A of the foot end of the bed. A suitable screw means 17 is provided for securing the split clamp 16 to the frame of the bed.

An adjustable strut 18 is interconnected between each of the positioning bars 14 intermediate the ends thereof and the base plate 11. As shown, the respective struts 18, like the positioning bars, are formed of nested telescoping

tubular members

18A, 18B which can be fixedly adjusted with respect to one another by means of a friction clamp or sleeve 19. Each strut 18 is pivoted at one end to an intermediate portion of its corresponding positioning bar and is pivoted at its other end to the side of the base plate 11 adjacent the rear end thereof.

A foot pedal 20 is hingedly connected to the front end of the base plate by a suitable hinge construction 21. The arrangement of the foot pedal 20 is such that it can pivot about its hinge with a to and fro movement. As best seen in FIG. 2, the foot pedal 20 comprises a single plate to which both feet of a patient are secured. Means in the form of straps 22 are provided for securing each foot of the patient to the foot pedal 20. If desired, a floating heel support 23 may be provided to position the persons foot with reference thereto.

The means for power operating the foot pedal, as disclosed in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 comprises an electro-mechanica'l linear actuator or solenoid 24 which has a reciprocating plunger 25. As shown one end of the solenoid or actuator is pivotally mounted about a pivot 26 on a fixed bracket 27. The free end of the plunger is pivotally connected to the foot pedal by means of a pin 28 inserted through aligned apertures in the end of the plunger 25 and a bifurcated lug 29 secured to the foot pedal 20. Suitable control means 30 are connected in circuit with the electro-magnetic linear actuator or solenoid to control the speed of the plunger and foot pedal connected thereto. Also, means 31 are provided for adjusting the stroke of the plunger.

With the exerciser described, a patient recovering from a surgical operation can be exercised without requiring the patient to leave his bed. This is attained by positioning the' patient on his bed so that his feet can be readily secured to'the foot pedal 20 in a manner so that in the non-operative position of the device, the patients knees are slightly flexed. Therefore, upon energizing the electro-mechanical linear actuator 24, the pedal 20 connected to the plunger thereof is forcibly oscillated in a continuous and uniform back and forth movement. Such movement will cause the patients legs to be exercised in a manner which will enhance circulation of the blood through the legs of the patient. By; properly controlling both the speed and stroke of the plunger 25 .of the actuator 24, the movement of the foot pedal 20 can be regulated accordingly so as to attain maximum benefit with minimum uncomfort. Once the exerciser has been adjusted to a given patient and the actuator energized, the presence of an attendant is no longer necessary.

If desired, a suitable means for timing the duration of the actuator 24 may be incorporated in the circuit controlling the same.

While the embodiment of the invention disclosed in FIGS. 1 to 3 discloses .a foot .pedal 20 in which the patients two feet are secured to a single pedal so as to require that both feet be moved in unison, it will be apparent that if desired, the foot pedal may be made in two parts, each actuated by its own actuating means so as to alternately oscillate the same so that one leg extends as the other leg of the patient is. being flexed.

FIGURE 4 illustrates a modified embodiment of the invention. In this form of the invention, the exerciser 40 comprises a base plate 41 which is adjusted to the bed 42 or the patientby means of the positioning bars 43 and supporting studs 43 similar to the corresponding construction described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. Pivotally connected .to the front end of the base plate 41 is a foot pedal 44 to which the patients foot is secured. In this form of the invention, a broad foot strap 45 is provided for securing each foot of the patient to the foot pedal.

The actuating means 46 in this form of the invention comprises an electric motor 47 which is energized by any suitable electrical power source. Connected to the arma ture or spindle 48 of the motor 47 is a drive means in the form of a wheel 49 fixed to rotate with the motor spindle 48. An actuating arm 50 or linkis interconnected between the drive Wheel 49 and the pedal 44. The link 50 has one end pivotally connected-to the foot pedal and has its other end connected eccentrically to the wheel 49. It will therefore be noted that upon energizing of the motor 47, the rotation of the wheel 49 connected to the motor spindle 48 will impart an oscillatory motion to the actuat-. ing arm 50 which translates the rotary motion of the drive wheel 49 into an oscillation motion to rock the foot pedal to and fro.

Means in the form of a co-operating slot and pin connection may be provided between the drive wheel 49 and the link 50 so as to adjustably control the stroke and/or speed of the foot pedal. By radially adjusting the connecting pin 51 of the link 50 in the radial slot 52 of the wheel 49, the speed of the foot pedal 44 can be controlled accordingly.

A longitudinally extending slot 53 in the end of the actuating arm 50 is utilized for adjusting the stroke of the foot pedal. This is readily attained by positioning the pin 51 along the link slot 53. Thus in operation energization of the motor will cause the rotary motion of the drive wheel 'to be translated through the connecting link 50to an oscillating movement of the foot pedal 44 so that the legs and feet of the patient connected thereto will be forcibly exercised to stimulate the circulationor pumping of the blood through the legs of the patient. From the foregoing, the

body exercisers

10, 40 constructed in accordance with this invention are relatively 4 simple in construction, positive in operation and relatively inexpensive to manufacture. The exercisers can be readily adjusted to suit the needs of the patient without requiring the patient to be removed from his bed. Further, the utilization of the exercisers of this invention will greatly increase the efiiciency with which experienced hospital personnel can be utilized.

While the instant invention has been described in detail with reference to several embodiments thereof, it will be understood that variations and modifications thereof may be practiced without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. In combination with a bed, a power operated foot exerciser for inducing blood flow in the leg of a patient confined to the bed comprising,

(a) a base plate,

(b) means for connecting said base plate adjacent the foot of the bed,

(c) an upwardly extending foot pedal,

(d) means for securing a foot of the patient to said foot pedal,

(e) horizontal pivot means extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the bed for connecting said foot pedal to said base plate to impart oscillatory movement to said foot without imparting substantial oscillatory movement to the leg of the patient,

(f) actuating means for pivoting said foot pedal about said pivot means, and

(g) power means for driving said actuating means.

2. The combination of claim 1, further comprising means for securing the other foot of said patient to said foot pedal.

3. The combination of claim 1, further comprising means for adjustably positioing said base plate along said longitudinal axis of said bed.

4. The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein said power means includes:

(a) an electro-mechanical linear actuator having a reciprocating plunger, and

(b) said plunger having its free end connected to said foot pedal whereupon actuation of said plunger effects to and fro movement of said'foot pedal about its pivot.

15. The invention as definedin claim 4 and including,

(a) means for controlling the speed of said acuator.

6. The invention as defined in claim 4 and including,

(a) means to control the stroke of said plunger.

7.'The invention as defined in claim 4 wherein said power means includes:

(a) means to control the speed of said plunger, and

(b) means for adjusting the stroke of said plunger.

8. The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein said power means includes:

(a) an electric motorhaving a spindle,

(b) a driving means connected to the spindle of said motor to rotate therewith,

(c) a link interconnecting said. driving means to said foot pedal,

(d) said link having one end pivotally connected to said foot pedal and having its other end eccentrically pivoted to said driving means whereby rotation of said drive means is translated into an oscillating movement of said foot pedal through said link. 9. A power operated exerciser for use in bed compris- (a) a base plate adapted to rest on a mattress of a bed adjacent the foot end thereof, (b) a pair of positioning bars, (c) means pivotally connecting one end of said positioning bars to said base plate, (d) means connecting the other end of said positioning bars to the foot board of a bed, (e) a strut interconnected between each of said positioning bars and said base plate, said strut being pivotally connected at one end to an intermediate portion of said positioning bar and pivotally connected at its other end to said base plate,

(f) a food pedal hingedly connected to the forward edge of said base plate,

(g) strap means for securing a foot of a person lying in bed to said pedal,

(h) actuating means for oscillating said pedal with ones foot secured thereto about its hinged connection,

(i) said actuating means including a motor with rotating spindle,

(j) a driving wheel connected to the spindle of said motor to rotate therewith, and

(k) a link interconnecting said foot pedal and said driving wheel, one end of said link being pivotally connected to said foot pedal and the other end of said link being eccentrically connected to said 'wheel whereby the rotary motion of said wheel is translated into an oscillating motion of said foot pedal to forcibly effect the exercising of the person having his foot secured to said pedal.

10. The invention as defined in claim 9 including:

(a) means to adjust both the speed and the stroke of said foot pedal.

11. A power operated foot and leg exerciser particularly useful in bed by post-operative patients comprising,

(a) a base plate adapted to rest on a mattress of a bed adjacent the foot end thereof,

(b) a pair of extensible ositioning bars,

(c) means pivotally connecting one end of said extensible positioning bars to said base plate,

(d) means pivotally connecting the other end of said extensible positioning bars to the foot board of a bed,

(e) means for eifecting adjustment of the length of said extensible positioning bars,

(f) means for positively securing said extensible bars in the adjusted position thereof,

(g) an extensible strut interconnecting each of said positioning bars to said base plate, said extensible strut being pivotally connected at one end thereof to an intermediate portion of said extensible positioning bar, and pivotally connected at its other end to said base plate,

(h) means for securing the length of the struts in their respective extended positions,

(i) a foot pedal hingedly connected to the leading edge of said base plate,

(j) strap means for securing a foot of a person lying in bed to said pedal,

(k) actuating means for reciprocating said pedal with ones foot secured thereto about its hinged connection,

(1) said actuating means including a motor,

(m) a driving wheel connected to said motor, said wheel having a radial slot formed therein,

(11) a link interconnecting said foot pedal and said driving wheel, one end of said link being pivotally connected to said foot pedal,

(0) a pin adjustably positioned in said slot for conmeeting the other end of said link eccentrically on said wheel whereby the rotary motion of said wheel is translated into a reciprocating motion of said foot pedal to forcibly effect the exercising of the person having his foot secured to said pedal, and the adjustment of said pin connection in said slot varies the speed of said foot pedal accordingly.

12. The invention as defined in claim 11 wherein,

(a) said link is provided with an elongated slot for receiving said pin so that by adjusting said pin along said slot, the stroke of the foot pedal is rendered adjustable accordingly.

13. A power operated foot and leg exerciser for use in bed by post-operative patients comprising,

(b) a pair of extensible positioning bars, each of said bars being formed of nested telescoping members, (0) means pivotally connecting one end of each of said extensible positioning bars to the side edge of said base plate,

(d) split clamp means connected to the other end of said positioning bars for connecting the same to the foot frame of a bed,

(e) means for securing the adjusted length of said extensible positioning bars, said latter means including an adjustment sleeve,

(f) an extensible strut of nested members interconnecting each of said positioning bars to said base plate, said strut being pivotally connected at one end to an intermediate portion of said positioning bar and pivotally connected at its other end to said base plate,

(g) means for fixing the adjusted length of the respective struts,

(h) a foot pedal hingedly connected to the forward edge of said base plate,

(i) strap means for securing a foot of a person lying in bed to said pedal,

(j) actuating means for reciprocating said pedal about its hinged connection with ones foot secured thereto,

(k) said actuating means including an electro-mechanical linear actuator having a reciprocating plunger,

(1) said plunger having its free end connected to said foot pedal,

(m) means for controlling the speed of said actuator,

(11) and means for adjusting the stroke of said plunger.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,096,646 10/ 1937 Thornton-Norris 128-25 2,226,609 12/1940 Hapman 128-49 X 2,664,886 1/1954 Coffman 2,674,242 4/1954 Bierman 12825 FOREIGN PATENTS 1,073,904 3/1954 7 France.

RICHARD A. GAUDET, Primary Examiner. AW ENCE W- TRAPP, Examiner.

Claims

1. IN COMBINATION WITH A BED, A POWER OPERATED FOOT EXERCISER FOR INDUCING BLOOD FLOW IN THE LEG OF A PATIENT CONFINED TO THE BED COMPRISING, (A) A BASE PLATE, (B) MEANS FOR CONNECTING SAID BASE PLATE ADJACENT THE FOOT OF THE BED, (C) AN UPWARDLY EXTENDING FOOT PEDAL, (D) MEANS FOR SECURING A FOOT OF THE PATIENT TO SAID FOOT PEDAL, (E) HORIZONTAL PIVOT MEANS EXTENDING PERPENDICULAR TO THE LONGITUDINAL AXIS OF THE BED FOR CONNECTING SAID FOOT PEDAL TO SAID BASE PLATE TO IMPART OSCILLATORY MOVEMENT TO SAID FOOT WITHOUT IMPARTING SUBSTANTIAL OSCILLATORY MOVEMENT TO THE LEG OF THE PATIENT,