EP1925276A1 - Device for the biomechemical stimualtion - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has a base unit, where a pedestal is fixed on the base unit and extends upwards. A connecting unit is arranged on a guide track on the pedestal such that the connecting unit is moved along the pedestal infinitely vertically relative to the base unit. A cylindrical stimulation unit (6) contains a drive motor and is connected to the connecting unit such that the stimulation unit makes a circular or elliptical movement around an axis which is different from the cylinder axis during operation and consequently undergoes a parallel displacement.

Description

The present invention relates to an improved device for the selective biomechanical stimulation of certain body parts.

Biomechanical Stimulation (BMS) was developed in the late 1970s and was used primarily in the field of competitive sports. The BMS is based on a purely mechanical action on the human body with vibrations in a particular frequency and a certain amplitude, which are selected according to the desired application. The vibrations that resemble and mimic the body's natural ones act on strained or stretched muscles along the muscle fiber. By selectively influencing the body's own vibration parameters, the BMS thus generates positive effects on, for example, the circulatory and lymphatic systems.

Thus, due to a caused by BMS increase in muscle movements to a significantly increased blood flow to the muscle or the corresponding body part. This can be used to treat diseases such as peripheral circulatory disorders.

On the other hand, with the help of the BMS but also targeted muscle building can be operated, which in the field of sports, but also in the health sector - for example, in muscle building in the context of rehabilitation - applies.

In addition, the BMS can be used in the cosmetic field, for example against wrinkling or cellulite.

In the prior art devices for performing the BMS are already described, for example in the DE-A-199 44 456 , of the DE-U-201 16 277 or the DE-U-202 19 435 , Here, the BMS is carried out with the help of randomly generated vibrations in more or less linear (vertical) direction. It comes to a hub, which adversely affects the user. In addition, the devices are designed so that only a limited Number of body parts, for example, only the leg or arm area - the BMS can be subjected.

Improved devices for biomechanical stimulation are in the EP-1 537 844 A1 . EP-1 555 006 A1 as well as the EP-1 637 117 A1 described. These devices are already able to perform the optimal stroke-free circular or elliptical motion for biomechanical stimulation. Especially in the EP-1 537 117 A1 is proposed a cylindrical stimulation unit for performing the biomechanical stimulation. However, the device is the EP-1 537 117 preferably designed as a compact and mobile device for the sports and fitness area. For the treatment of patients with a permanent physical, mobility-impairing disability, such as a paralysis of the legs, which binds the patient to a wheelchair, but also for paraplegic, bedridden patients, it is only partially suitable.

Thus, there has been a need for a biomechanical stimulation device which is also suitable for use by people with permanent physical disability, such as wheelchair-bound patients, who partially or fully restrict mobility.

This object is achieved by a device according to claim 1.

It has been found by the present applicant that the BMS can be advantageously performed when the stimulation is generated by a uniform circular or elliptical motion. In contrast to the devices of the prior art, the device according to the invention thereby exerts not only a vertical force but also a substantially parallel pulling force. This leads to a significantly improved biomechanical stimulation of the body part located on the device, in which the treated cells are not only compressed, but also stretched, massaged and streaked. The device according to the invention transmits mechanical vibrations to nerve, connective and muscle tissue with frequencies which correspond to the natural muscle tone. This principle allows It allows users to effectively train strength, agility, and coordination with minimal effort and effort.

In the EP-1 537 844 A1 . EP-1 555 006 A1 as well as the EP-1 637 117 A1 Devices are already described which are based on the above stimulation principle. In this case, frequencies of preferably 5-50 Hz are transmitted by means of an absolutely forced movement of the device to the corresponding part of the body. However, due to their structure, these devices are only conditionally suitable for use in severely physically disabled patients.

In contrast, according to the present invention there is provided a biomechanical stimulation device comprising a base unit, a pedestal fixedly mounted on the base unit and a height-extending pedestal, a connection unit which is either fixed or on the pedestal or at least one guide rail on the pedestal in that it is steplessly height-adjustable along the base relative to the base unit, and a cylindrical stimulation unit which contains a drive motor and is connected to the connection unit such that during operation it makes a circular or elliptical movement about an axis different from the cylinder axis , and exercises a parallel shift.

The cylinder axis is the axis that passes through the center of the base and top surfaces of the basic unit of the stimulation unit.

Compared to the compact device of EP-1 637 117 A1 the device according to the invention is especially designed so that it is wheelchair accessible, ie a patient sitting in a wheelchair can easily approach the cylindrical stimulation unit and thus use the device for biomechanical stimulation of various body parts. For this purpose, the cylindrical stimulation unit is preferably attached to a fixed base in such a way that it is steplessly height-adjustable along the base. This is done according to the present invention via a connection unit which connects the cylindrical stimulation unit to the base, and which is arranged in at least one guide rail on the base.

The base unit is made of a material conventionally used for such components, for example of metal or a suitable plastic.

The base unit usually has at least one plate with sufficient dimensions to ensure a stable installation of the inventive device on a base such as a floor. Preferably, the base unit has such an angled shape that the device is particularly good wheelchair. According to this embodiment, the basic unit comprises two rectangular plates, which are arranged in such a way that they enclose an angle of greater than 90 °. In this way, a space is formed between the plates, in which a physically handicapped patient can move well, even if he sits in a wheelchair.

On the base unit a pedestal is attached. The connection between the base unit and base is fixed in order to ensure a good stability of the device according to the invention also during operation. Typically, the pedestal is mounted on the base unit such that it extends vertically upwards, i. with the floor on which the device is placed, encloses an angle of 90 °. Some deviation from this is possible unless it unduly interferes with the use of the device or its stability after installation.

The base unit extends at least so in height that it can be used by a patient sitting in a wheelchair problem. According to a preferred embodiment, however, the base has such a height that the device can also be used well by a standing person. Thus, the base of the device according to the invention preferably has a height in the range of 1 m to 3.50 m.

In the base, at least one unit for receiving a connection unit is provided according to a preferred embodiment. These are usually at least one guide rail, in which the connection unit is firmly fixed and at the same time is height-adjustable continuously along the base. Preferably, two guide rails are arranged in the base to ensure an even more stable arrangement of the connection unit.

The continuous adjustment of the connection unit according to the invention is preferably carried out by electrical means with the aid of a motor, but can also be realized in a known manner mechanically (hydraulically). In the electrical adjustment by means of a motor, this motor is preferably arranged in the base and can be operated with a control unit, which is located in the base. Optionally or additionally, a separate control unit may be provided in the device according to the invention, which is preferably designed in the form of foot pedals. In this case, the stepless height adjustment can be done easily by pressing the appropriate foot pedal. Such control units are of course known to the skilled person. Of course, embodiments of the present invention are also included in which the device can be operated by means of an external or integrated computer.

However, according to an alternative embodiment, the connection unit can also be firmly attached to the base at a specific, freely selectable height, if the device is intended only for certain applications and patients. A fixed arrangement leads to a cost savings.

The connection unit of the device according to the invention serves to connect the base to the cylindrical stimulation unit. For this purpose, the connection unit in a unit described above for receiving the connection unit in the base is fixed in such a way that it is infinitely height-adjustable along the base. This compound can be accomplished by one skilled in the art in a conventional manner. At its other end, the connection unit is connected to the cylindrical stimulation unit such that the latter can perform the desired circular or elliptical movement during operation. This can likewise be achieved in the usual manner known to the person skilled in the art.

According to the invention, the connection unit and the stimulation unit are preferably connected to one another via the motor arranged in the stimulation unit. In this embodiment, the stimulation unit has an opening through which the motor located in the stimulation unit is connected to the connection unit. In this embodiment, the connection unit thus represents the motor base.

The stimulation unit comprises a cylindrical base body, in the interior of which the drive motor is located. The cylindrical base body is made of a metal conventionally used for such components. It is on its outside completely - with the exception of a possibly provided and described above opening for connection to the connection unit - to which a layer of a soft material such as foam or rubber, textile or plastic wrapped.

The base surface or the top surface of the cylindrical base body is preferably designed to be removable. Base and / or top surface also preferably have ventilation slots.

The drive motor is preferably a conventional electric motor with eccentric shaft.

Preferably, both base and top surface are each connected via a ball bearing with the eccentric shaft of the drive motor such that the cylindrical body exerts during operation a circular or elliptical movement about an axis which is different from the cylinder axis, and in this case undergoes a parallel displacement. This movement has already been in EP-1 537 844 A1 . EP-1 555 006 A1 as well as the EP-1 637 117 A1 whose contents are expressly referred to. The movement is substantially characterized in that the stimulation unit experiences virtually no stroke during operation, ie the stroke is usually a maximum of 1-6 mm, preferably 1-4 mm and more preferably about 2 mm.

During operation, the stimulation unit thus experiences a uniform circular or elliptical movement. Thus, in the device according to the invention, the movement as a whole is forced and absolutely uniform. It has been shown that in this way the biomechanical muscle stimulation can be performed much more effectively than when the BMS is done by random and therefore non-uniform movements. In contrast to the devices of the prior art, the device according to the invention thereby exerts not only a vertical force but also a substantially parallel pulling force. This results in significantly improved biomechanical stimulation of the body part located on the platform.

According to the invention, a circular movement is preferred. According to the present invention, a circular movement is understood to mean a movement which does not deviate more than 5% from an ideal circular movement.

According to the invention, the movement of the platform preferably takes place at a frequency of 5 to 50 Hz, preferably 5 to 35 Hz.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the drive motor is at least connected to the base or top surface over several, preferably four to six rubber elements. By this deviating from the conventional approach engine attachment, the device dimensions and manufacturing costs can be reduced.

According to a preferred embodiment, the stimulation unit has an opening through which the motor - after removal of one part of the base unit - is accessible for assembly or maintenance work.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the stimulation unit has a handle on both ends, so that the patient can hold on securely while using the device. The handles can also be used to hang with the arms during use of the device in the same and thus to be able to use the device particularly specific. For this purpose, the handles are preferably loop-shaped as shown in the figures. The inventive device is not limited to this type of handles.

The device according to the invention can be used in the fitness, cosmetics and health sector. Positive effects can be achieved such as improving flexibility and coordination, increasing muscle strength, assisting in rehabilitation, improving metabolism, activating blood circulation, reducing cellulite and increasing bone density. In the fitness area, the emphasis is on building muscle and increasing the user's endurance. In the cosmetics sector, the device can be used for example against cellulite or wrinkling become. In the health sector, the device according to the invention can be used for, for example, the following indications: connective tissue weakness, degenerative rheumatic diseases, migraine, muscle tension or weakness, muscle and musculoskeletal pain, muscular atrophy, muscle degeneration, arthrosis, fractures, joint diseases (eg tennis gulf elbow), joint instability, myelosis, shoulder, back, hip, knee and ankle complaints, circulatory disorders, congestion syndrome (ulcus cruris), edema resorption, neuropathies, metabolic, urinary incontinence, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, Parkinson's disease, Stroke, Arthrogenic (venous) congestion syndrome (Ulcus cruris), circulatory disorders, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, scleroderma, periodontal disease, temporomandibular joint disorders, improved circulation of the optic nerve, strengthening of the eye ring muscles, facial paralysis, forehead u. Maxillary sinus symptoms, chronic rhinitis, tinnitus aurium and osteoporosis.

• Fig. 1 eine bevorzugte Ausführungsform des Geräts der vorliegenden Erfindung
• Fig. 2 eine Seitenansicht der Ausführungsform gemäss Fig. 1
• Fig. 3 die Stimulationseinheit der Ausführungsform gemäss Fig. 1

The present invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to a preferred embodiment with reference to drawings. Show it:

• Fig. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention
• 2 shows a side view of the embodiment according to FIG. 1
• 3 shows the stimulation unit of the embodiment according to FIG. 1

According to one preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the device according to the invention comprises a basic unit consisting of two longitudinal plates 1a and 1b with a dimension of approximately 130 cm × 20 cm × 3 cm in each case. The two plates enclose an angle of about 90 °. At one end, the two longitudinal plates 1a and 1b are connected by struts 2 to the base 3. The struts 2 are firmly welded to the two longitudinal plates 1a and 1b.

The base 3 has in this example a height of about 2.30 m has a portion with two guide rails 4a, 4b. In these guide rails is a connection unit 5 (not visible in Fig. 1) fixed so that it is infinitely adjustable in height along the base.

At the other end of the connection unit 5, the biomechanical stimulation unit 6 is arranged. This stimulation unit has a length of about 95-100 cm and has at both ends in each case a handle 7a, 7b.

The device also has a control unit 8 in the form of foot pedals for operating the device.

Fig. 2 shows the device according to FIG. 1 in side view. Here, the connection unit 5 can be seen. In addition, a further control unit 9 can be seen, which is arranged in the base 3.

FIG. 3 shows the stimulation unit 6 of the embodiment according to FIG. 1 in detail. The drive motor 10 has an eccentric shaft 11 at both ends. This is connected via ball bearings 12a and 12b to the bottom 13 and the top surface 14 of the cylindrical base body 15. Furthermore, the motor 10 is connected via six rubber elements 16 to the bottom 13 by means of screws. The cylindrical base body 15 is completely surrounded by a layer 17 of foam except for a recess (not shown here). The recess is present both in the cylindrical base body 15 and in the foam layer 17. By this recess, the motor 10 is connected to the connection unit 5 and accessible from the outside for assembly or maintenance. The cylindrical base body 15 and the layer 17 are screwed together. On the floor 13 and the top surface 14, a respective end plate 19a, 19b is arranged with ventilation slots. At these end plates 19a, 19b, the handles 7a, 7b are attached.

Claims (9)

A biomechanical stimulation device comprising a base unit, a pedestal fixedly mounted on the base unit and an upwardly extending pedestal, a connection unit disposed either fixedly or on the pedestal or in at least one guide rail on the pedestal, relative to the pedestal to the basic unit is infinitely adjustable in height, and a cylindrical stimulation unit, which includes a drive motor and is connected to the connection unit such that it during operation a circular or elliptical movement about an axis which is different from the cylinder axis exerts, and in this case undergoes a parallel displacement , Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the base is arranged vertically on the base unit. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the base has a height in the range of 1 m to 3..50 m. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that two guide rails are provided for stepless height adjustment of the connection unit in the base. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that at each end of the cylindrical stimulation unit, a headband is attached. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the device is controlled with an operating unit, which is arranged in the base and / or in the form of a separate, operable with the feet unit. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the base unit has an angled shape such that the device is wheelchair accessible or suitable for bedridden patients. Use of the device according to any one of claims 1 to 7 for the biomechanical stimulation of muscles. Use according to claim 8, characterized in that the biomechanical stimulation to improve mobility and coordination, increase muscle strength, support in rehabilitation, improvement of metabolism, activation of blood circulation, reduction of cellulite, increase bone density, build muscle, increase the Endurance performance, against cellulite or wrinkles, against weakness of connective tissue, degenerative rheumatic diseases, migraine, muscle tension or weakness, muscle and musculoskeletal pain, muscular atrophy, degenerative processes of discs (arthrosis), fractures, joint diseases (eg tennis-golf elbow ), Joint instability, myelosis, shoulder, back, hip, knee and ankle problems, circulatory disorders, congestion syndrome (ulcus cruris), edema resorption, neuropathies, metabolic, urinary incontinence, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, Parkinson syn stroke, Arthrogenic (venous) congestion syndrome (Ulcus cruris), circulatory disorders, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, scleroderma, periodontal disease, temporomandibular joint disorders, improvement of the optic nerve circulation, strengthening of the eye ring muscles, facial paralysis, sinus or maxillary sinus symptoms, chronic rhinitis, tinnitus aurium or osteoporosis becomes.

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