Method and apparatus for rehabilitation of damaged limbs

Claim 1

Apparatus for simulating the operation characteristics of different tools for rehabilitation of damaged limbs to use such tools, said apparatus comprising: (a) a plurality of accessories of different sizes and configurations, each accessory having at least one handle of the size and shape of the handle of a tool being simulated; (b) a coupler element; (c) frame means interconnecting the handle to the coupler element in a manner such that movement of the handle through the path of movement of the tool handle being simulated produces rotation of the coupler element, the frame means for each accessory being different according to the tool being simulated and a coupler element of each accessory being of the same construction; (d) a brake controlled shaft mounted for rotation about a fixed axis; (e) a brake arranged to produce a predetermined resistance to rotation of the shaft; (f) a cooperative accessory coupler on one end of the shaft to receive the coupler elements of the accessories, to support the accessories, and to communicate their movements to the shaft, the coupler element of each accessory being removably connectable to the accessory coupler such that the accessory is supported by the shaft; and (g) the shaft and brake being mounted on a bracket extending between a pair of side plates, with a pivot shaft extending between the side plate and through the bracket, the side plates having aligned, curved slots therein with their axes of curvature coincident with the pivot shaft, and clamping bolts extending through the bracket and the slots.