Therapeutic exercise device with adjustable frame for wheelchair users and standard four legged chair users

Abstract

A leg exerciser for the wheelchair user or standard four legged chair user that includes an adjustable frame to suit the users size. The frame includes a two section longitudinal center member which can be elongated or shortened then locked in a selected position by a detent pin inserted into holes formed in the sides of both sections of the center member. The adjustable frame supports at least one radius arm with foot pedals attached by a connecting rod. A shock absorbing damper and elastic bands are provided for leg exercise resistance arid return force. The adjustable frame has a square tubular end member attached horizontally for retaining tire leg exerciser to the wheelchair or chair. Retaining plates are provided at opposing ends of the horizontal end member preventing separation of tire exerciser from the chairs. Retaining plates may have bracing and contouring.

I claim:  
     
         1 . A frame for a leg exerciser for the wheelchair bound comprising a two section longitudinal center member and two end members. Said two section longitudinal center member is adjustable to be legnthened or shortened to suit the users leg legnth. First section of said two sectiion longitudinal center member has a series of longitudinally spaced transvers circular holes formed through the opposing verticle side portions its square tube shape is narrower than the second section and is inserted into the second section of the two section center member in a sleeve like manner both said sections of the two section longitudinal are locked in a fixed position of desired legnth by a detent pin inserted into a circular hole in the verticle side portion of the frame. The said frame from a top view has the form of an elongated I, the two end members are parallel opposing each other and the two section center member is centered between the two end members. When positioned with a wheelchair for exercising the end member at the near end of the wheelchair fits behind the front wheels of the said wheelchair and in front of the large rear wheels, the said end member that fits behind the front wheels has retaining plates attached at opposing ends of said end member. These said retaining plates are proportionately spaced to make contact with the two small front wheels of the wheelchair and serve as retaining means for the exercise apparatus with the wheelchair. The said frame is designed to serve as a supporting entity for a leg exercise apparatus for the wheelchair user.  
     
     
         2 . A leg exerciser for the wheelchair user comprising a frame leaving a two section longitudinal center member and two end members. The said two section longitudinal center member is adjustabe to be legnthened or shortened to suit the uses leg legnth. The first section of the said two section longitudinal center member has a series of longitudinally spaced transverse circular holes formed through the opposing verticle side portions its square tube outside shape is narrower than the second section and is inserted into the second section of the two section longitudinal center member in a sleve-like manner, both said sections of the two section longitudinal center member are locked in a fixed position of desired legnth by a detent pin inserted into a circular hole in the verticle side portion of the frame. The said frame from a top view has the form of an elongated I, the two end members are parrellel opposing each other and the two section centers member is centered between the two end members. When position with a wheelchair for exercising the end member at the near end of the wheelchair fits behind the front wheels of the said wheelchair and in front of the large rear wheels, the said end member the fits behind the front wheels has retaining plates attached at opposing ends of said end member. These retaining plates are proportionately spaced to make contact with the two small front wheels of the wheelchair and serve as retaining means for the exercise apparatus with the wheelchair; A radius arm pivotally mounted respective section of said two section longitudinal center member; foot pedal means attached to said radius arm by a connecting rod, attached to top of said radius arm at the center point of said connecting rod; a shock absorber attached between said radius arm and respective section of the two section longitudinal frame member for causing resistance against the compression caused by pressure on said foot pedals; and elastic bands connected between said frame and said radius arm for generating a return force and exercise resistance against said foot pedal means; a longitudinal center section frame member that is moveable which supports said foot pedal means.  
     
     
         3 . The exerciser of  claim 2  whereas the elastic bands are removeable and replaceable with elastic bands of varying degrees of resistance and return force.  
     
     
         4 . The exerciser of  claim 2  whereas the exerciser may include a handle for positioning the exerciser.  
     
     
         4 . The exerciser of  claim 2  whereas the retaining plates may include triangular bracing  
     
     
         5 . The exerciser of  claim 2  wherein the foot pedals may include heal-braces and straps.  
     
     
         6 . The exerciser of  claim 2  wherein section  3  of the two section longitudinal may include more than six transverse circular holes for increase longitudinal elongation.  
     
     
         7 . The exerciser of  claim 2  wherein the exerciser may include two radius arms and two shock absorbers.  
     
     
         8 . The exerciser of  claim 2  wherein foot pedals are pivotally attached  
     
     
         9 . The exerciser of  claim 2  wherein the force exerted on said footpedals causes a portion of the front wheels of wheelchair to securely engage said retaining plates  
     
     
         10 . The exerciser of  claim 2  wherein the exerciser used during a recovery prosess may be used with a basic four legged chair.  
     
     
         11 . The exerciser of  claim 2  wherein the force exerted on said foot pedals causes the two front legs of a basic four legged chair to securely engage said end member  4   
     
     
         12 . A leg exerciser for the disabled that may be used with a wheelchair or basic four legged chair comprising: frame means for supporting a leg exerciser; said frame means including an end member utilized as a retaining means attached to said frame means for retaining a portion of the front wheels of a wheelchair or the two front legs of a basic four legged chair to be retained therein, resistance means attached to said frame means for providing resistance to the legs of a person; return force means attached to said resistance means and to said frame means for generating a return force to return said resistance means to an initial position and foot pedal means attached to said frame means and to said resistance means and said return force means for supporting the feet of a person; and adjustment means integrated into sais frame means to suit the various legnths of different users legs.  
     
     
         13 . The exerciser of  claim 12  wherein an end member includes a moveable section or sections for positioning the apparatus for exercising.