Biomechanical Balance System and Technique

Abstract

To provide a wearable apparatus designed to address improper neuromuscular activation patterns that can result in asymmetrical biomechanical balance by providing a programmed neuromuscular resistance pattern to movement while the user performs certain repositioning or retraining exercises, which results in activating and inhibiting key muscle groups on the body. The apparatus also includes a bolster pad or structure that can be permanently or temporarily attached to the upper section of the apparatus underneath the thigh, which is crucial to be able to isolate the hamstring muscle during certain repositioning exercise by pushing down on the bolster while performing the exercise. After using the apparatus during repositioning and retraining exercises, the apparatus is removed and the user is more biomechanically balanced, thus allowing for an increase in the user's speed, strength and agility, and a decrease in any joint pain, during subsequent functional and sports activities.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to an apparatus and method for providing neuromuscular repositioning and retraining to influence proper biomechanical balance and gait.

In the preferred embodiment, a controlled concentric resistance is provided as part of an attachment system that is worn on the left leg only. A unique type of concentric resistance program and apparatus design provided along with the method of application, results in an isolation of key muscles during function that control; the position of the left pelvis, the length-tension ratio of key muscles, changes in gait, and changes in the musculoskeletal system throughout the body. This then influences proper biomechanical balance which can result in reduced joint and muscle pain, and an increase in strength, speed and agility. The attachment system is worn prior to and after activities that can cause improper muscle activation patterns, such as walking, running, swimming, biking, skating, sports specific training or working out in the gym. This ensures that the user is biomechanically balanced prior to their activity, and helps the user regain biomechanical balance after an activity that can promote an imbalance.

Conventional equipment like weights, springs, or elastic bands in the related field are not biomechanically functional and use a combination of concentric and eccentric resistance, meaning resistance is applied when the user's muscle is contracting (concentric) and extending (eccentric). This type of equipment is non-functional, and cannot isolate and inhibit key muscle groups through gait activities.

The resistance provided with conventional training equipment causes both a concentric and eccentric contraction that cannot be isolated during gait, for instance, after moving the leg through flexion and the leg reverses direction into extension, than due to weight or spring/elastic band action, an eccentric resistance is applied during extension to unwanted muscle groups through the range of motion.

In fact, gravity based or spring/rubber band apparatus's may cause these unwanted contractions in the muscles, which can actually reinforce an unbalanced muscle activation pattern. These apparatuses are examples of typical exercise equipment used by health and fitness centers, gyms, or for sports specific training. This can become a serious problem to the general users who believe they are getting in better condition, but could actually be causing a major muscle imbalance that can affect their performance or just everyday activities. These imbalances can result in reduced functional strength, speed, and agility, along with possible pain or discomfort, along with a risk of injury depending on the severity of the imbalance.

Another method of controlling pelvic position is through manipulation or adjustment of the skeletal system of the body through chiropractic techniques. These techniques, while they may give temporary relief of pain by correcting the skeletal position, do nothing to isolate and activate the key muscles that actually hold the skeletal system in proper position. So as the person continues to perform the activity that promotes this imbalance, they need to keep returning to the chiropractor for continued manipulation or adjustment.

Prior Art apparatus's that do attach to limbs of the body have several disadvantages, including; 1) no resistance, or 2) resistance that causes an eccentric contraction or 3) resistance that does not provide the correct intensity at specific positions through the range of motion, 4) an attachment system that is bulky and not easy to attach quickly, 5) a frame that does not include the needed bolster pad pressure to perform the repositioning exercises correctly, and 6) connecting arms to the center axis of the apparatus that do not allow for the movement of the center of axis of the apparatus in relation to the center of knee axis, thus creating movement of the cuff against the thigh.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide a novel apparatus and technique for neuromuscular reeducation and gait training by activating key muscle groups while inhibiting over-activation of opposing muscle groups.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a novel neuromuscular training technique by which an apparatus is attached only to the left leg to isolate key muscles that control the position of the left pelvis, therefore influencing the musculoskeletal system throughout the human body.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a novel apparatus that through use of the apparatus with certain repositioning exercises at certain resistance to movement levels throughout the flexion range of motion, provides neuromuscular repositioning, which influences the position of the left pelvis, and therefore influences the rest of the skeletal position.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a novel apparatus that through use of the apparatus walking at certain resistance to movement levels throughout the flexion range of motion, provides neuromuscular retraining, which influences a positive change in gait, even after the apparatus is removed.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a novel apparatus that through repositioning exercises, and functional isolated muscle activation, influences proper muscle length-tension ratios.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a novel apparatus that includes a removable or permanent bolster pad or structure attached to the back part of the attachment frame above the knee and underneath the thigh, designed to allow the user to push into the pad or structure during certain repositioning exercises, which reinforces isolation of the hamstring muscles and inhibition of the hip flexor muscles.

It is still a further object of the invention to provide a novel apparatus that only attaches to the left leg to influence proper biomechanical position throughout the whole body, and such apparatus is specifically designed to go on the left leg and not the right by providing permanent length differences between the cuff structure that rests on the medial ankle versus the lateral ankle, as the medial ankle is slightly higher up the leg in relation to the middle axis of the knee versus the lateral ankle.

It is still a further object of the invention to provide an apparatus attached to the leg with a central area of rotation to allow bending at the knee joint, that includes the ability to set a resistance to motion around at least one central area of rotation that has two extended arms attached to the central area of rotation, in which one of the arms is attached to the leg above the knee and the other arm is attached to the leg below the knee. Said apparatus has the capability to increase the resistance of said arm movement from essentially no resistance to at least 12 in/lbs of resistance through the 0 to 30° range of motion, and increasing to at least 18 in/lbs through 30-60 degrees range of motion, and increasing to at least 24 in/lbs through 60-90 degrees range of motion.

It is a further object of the invention to show a novel way to adjust the attachment structure of the apparatus to the left leg to accommodate for various leg lengths, along with the differences in circumferences from the thigh to the calf, and then to the ankle.

It is a further object of the invention to provide an apparatus where the resistance is applied through an exoskeleton means that allows complete freedom of functional movements, applies only resistance to concentric muscle contraction that can be varied based on a neuromuscular program curve, and the resistance to movement is not affected by speed of movement or gravity, which allows for the absolute isolation of key muscles while inhibiting others.

It is a further object of the invention to provide apparatus that includes various methods to control resistance to movement in the flexion direction versus the extension direction.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a method of attaching an exoskeleton system to the left leg with just a thigh and ankle cuff, thus allowing the resistance modules to float around a central axis, but not be held to one central point, thus reducing the movement of the thigh cuffs against the leg during movement.

SUMMARY OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a side view of the assembled apparatus attached around the left leg.

FIG. 2 shows a side view of the assembled apparatus attached around the left leg with optional calf strap attached.

FIG. 3 shows a 3D view of the assembled apparatus.

FIG. 4 shows a side view of the Assembled Apparatus.

FIG. 5 shows a top view of the assembled apparatus.

FIG. 6 shows a bottom view of the assembled apparatus.

FIG. 7 shows a bottom view of the partially unassembled apparatus.

FIG. 8 shows a top view of the partially unassembled apparatus.

FIG. 9 shows a side view of the partially unassembled apparatus.

FIG. 10 shows a 3D view of the partially unassembled apparatus.

FIG. 11 shows a detailed and labelled 3D view of the partially unassembled apparatus.

FIG. 12 shows a detailed and labelled side view of the partially unassembled apparatus.

FIG. 13 shows a detailed and labelled top view of the partially unassembled apparatus.

FIG. 14 shows a detailed and labelled bottom view of the partially unassembled apparatus.

FIG. 15 shows a detailed and labelled 3D view of the components of the resistance modules FIG. 16 shows a half split detailed and labelled 3D view of the components of the resistance modules.

FIG. 17 shows various labelled views of the adjustment cap 20 and release mechanism 21.

FIG. 18 shows various labelled views of the optional calf cuff 2B and calf strap 6B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1-18 show detailed and labelled views of the Biomechanical Balance System and includes the following components: 1A and 1B are resistance module housings which hold the resistance module components (see FIGS. 11-12 for resistance module breakdown). The resistance modules resist movement in the flexion direction by creating combined available resistance between 0 and 120 in/lbs of resistive force that varies throughout the flexion range of motion. 2A, 2B, and 2C are flexible cuffs that go around the thigh, under the calf, and around the ankle. 3A, 3B and 3C are foam pads that are used to provide cushion between the cuffs and the leg, and they can be attached to the cuffs with Velcro, glue, tape or other means. 4A and 4B are the right and left side lower arms respectively. 5A and 5B are the right and left upper arms respectively. All arms (4A, 4B, 5A, 5B) were designed with an angle to the back of the leg to attach to all cuffs, allowing the resistance modules to float and not be held to one central point for the arms to rotate around. 6A and 6C are the attachment straps to control the circumference of cuffs 2A and 2C around the leg. An optional strap (FIG. 18-6B) can be added to the calf cuff 2B to reduce the movement or “Float” of the resistance modules if desired. 7 is the removable bolster pad. 8 is the ankle extension piece that interlocks with 9A, the calf base extension, to control the length of the apparatus between the knee and the ankle of the left leg. 9A is the calf base extension, and 9B is the calf base cover. 10A and 10B are the thigh base and thigh base cover respectively. Component 11 represents various screws which attach 9A to 8, 9A to 9B, 9A to 2B, 8 to 2C, 10A to 10B, and 10A to 2A.

FIGS. 15 and 16 shows full and half views of the preferred resistance modules which includes the following components: Component 1 is the module housing that holds the resistance module components. Component 19 is a bearing type disk made of High Density Polyethylene (although other materials can be used) that goes between lower arms 4A and 5A and the upper arms 4B and 5B, to allow lower arms 4A and 4B to move freely in the extension direction without significant friction in relation to upper arms 5A and 5B (not shown on this sheet). Component 18 is a retaining ring made of Plastic (although other material can be used), which holds lower arms 4A and 4B together respectively with upper arms 5A and 5B, and the bearing disk 19 between the arms. The retaining ring 18 is secured to the lower arms 4A and 4B by screws 11. Component 16 is the clutch hex which resides within the module housing 1 and is secured by clutch cover 15 which is secured to lower arm 4 by screw 11. Clutch hex 16 is also keyed to friction washers 14 (3 per module in this embodiment) which move with the clutch hex 16. Clutch Hex 16 and friction washers 14 moves in relation to lower arm 4 in the flexion direction only. Clutch washers 13 (4 per module in this embodiment) are keyed to module housing 1, so the clutch washers always move with the module housing. The module housing 1 which has the clutch washers 13 keyed to it, is secured to upper arm 5 with screws 11, while the clutch hex 16 which has friction washers 14 keyed to it, is secured to lower arm 4. Therefore, as lower arm 4 moves in the flexion direction in relation to upper arm 5, resistance to movement is generated by compressing the clutch washers 13 against the friction washers 14 by means of adjustment cap 20 which pushes down against the clutch and friction washers as it is screwed down onto module housing 1. In contrast, since clutch hex 16 only moves with lower arm 4 in the flexion direction, no significant resistance is generated in the extension direction, which is key to avoiding activation of certain muscles that promote an improper muscle firing pattern. Although various other methods can be used to engage resistance one direction versus the other, such as a silent clutch, a ramping system, or control through turning adjustment cap 20, in our preferred embodiment, this is accomplished through the use of dog latch 17 which engages with clutch hex 16 in the flexion direction to move clutch hex 16 with lower arm 4, so resistance is engaged in the flexion direction as lower arm 4 moves in relation to upper arm 5 as this causes friction washers 14 to move against clutch washers 13. In the extension direction, dog latch 17 is not engaged with clutch hex 16, thus allowing lower arm 4 to move in the extension direction in relation to upper arm 5 without creating resistance, as this causes the friction washers 14 to not move against clutch washers 13. In addition, to vary the resistance to movement through the range of motion, adjustment cap 20 is secured by release mechanism 21, which is secured to lower arm 4, which causes adjustment cap 20 to tighten as lower arm 4 moves in the flexion direction in relation to upper arm 5, and loosen as lower arm 4 moves in the extension direction in relation to upper arm 5. This has the effect of varying the resistance through the range of motion in the flexion direction. In another embodiment, resistance can be varied through the range of motion by using a varied amount of electrical current and electromagnetism to vary the adjustment cap 20 pressure based on position within the range of motion. Still, in another embodiment, resistance to motion through the range of motion can be varied by the use of angled disks that move against each other during motion to create more or less space between the disks, which then could adjust the pressure against the friction disks depending where the user is within the range of motion.

The resistance modules may use many embodiments to create the preferred amount of concentric resistance throughout the range of motion in either flexion or extension. In addition, resistance may be provided by either just one resistance module on one side of the knee, or two resistance modules with one on each side of the knee. In the preferred embodiment, the resistance is generated through the use of frictional material moving against another solid material as the lower arms 4A, 4B move in relation to the upper arms 5A, 5B in the flexion direction. The resistance is isolated in one direction by a ratchet or one way clutch mechanism, and can be varied throughout the range of motion through various methods. In the preferred method, an overall resistance range is initially set by turning adjustment cap 20A counter-clockwise to increase the desired setting, and clockwise to decrease the desired setting, and by turning adjustment cap 20B clockwise to increase the desired setting, and counter-clockwise to decrease the desired setting, then resistance through the range of motion is varied by release mechanisms 21A and 21B that varies the pressure of adjustment cap 20A and 20B respectively through the range of motion (see FIG. 17). FIG. 18 shows a close up view of the optional calf cuff 2B and calf strap 6B which is added to increase the security of the attachment of the apparatus to the left leg.

STEPS TO USE THE INVENTION

To use the apparatus, the ankle cuff 2C is wrapped around the user's left ankle and secured with ankle strap 6C to secure and adjust the circumference of the ankle cuff to just above the user's ankle (FIGS. 1 and 2). Adjustment screws are then loosened between the calf base 9A and ankle base 8 so that an initial length adjustment can be made between the ankle and calf of the user. Then after adjusting length so that the resistance modules are in line with the axis of the knee, (optional) calf cuff 2B is secured to the calf by calf strap 6B, and adjustment screws are tightened to set the proper length for the user. This adjustment only has to be performed once per user. Once this has been completed, the user will perform another one-time adjustment by loosening screws between components calf base 9A and calf base cover 9B, along with loosening screws between components thigh base 10A and thigh base 10B. While the screws are loose, user adjusts the width of lower arms 4A and 4B in relation to each other, and the width of upper arms 5A and 5B in relation to each other, and then tightens all screws. Then thigh cuff 2A is secured with thigh strap 6A around the user's left thigh, and the user attaches the removable bolster 7 to the thigh base cover 10B with Velcro. Once all initial length and width adjustment are made, the user will only have to use adjustment straps 6A, 6B, and 6C to attach and remove the apparatus.

Once the apparatus is on, and all initial one-time adjustments have been made, the user then adjusts the resistance program for performing repositioning exercises by pushing down on release mechanisms 21A and 21B while turning the dial on the resistance module caps 20A and 20B to the appropriate setting. The repositioning exercises include doing left leg curls in up to 4 specific positions, including; standing, sitting, supine, and on the stomach. It is key that all repositioning exercises are done properly to isolate the hamstring muscles from the opposing muscles. To help isolate the hamstring, bolster 7 is used to push into during the sitting and supine exercises, and when the user performs the exercise on their stomach, they remove the bolster and place it under the front of their thigh to push into, to once again help isolate the hamstring. The user then performs 10-15 reps of at least 1 of these 4 specific repositioning exercises in a proper position to pull the left pelvis back to a more neutral position, which has the effect of changing skeletal and muscle length position throughout the body.

Then, to help facilitate neuromuscular retraining (which lets the user maintain the proper biomechanical balance after removing the apparatus), the user changes the setting to an appropriate lower level for walking with the apparatus still attached. After walking in a proper manner for a specified amount of time, the user removes the apparatus from the left leg and performs functional activities or sports in a biomechanically correct position, which can provide increased speed, strength and agility, and reduction of joint pain caused by improper biomechanical position.

In the current embodiment the resistance module caps 20A and 20B are adjusted to resist movement of arms 4A and 4B in relation to arms 5A and 5B, in which movement is controlled by mechanical friction to movement means as arms 4A and 4B move in relation to arms 5A and 5B. In a second method, the resistance module (FIG. 15) resists movements of arms 4A and 4B as they move in relation to arms 5A and 5B, which is controlled by a spring or elastic band that increases in resistance as arms 4A and 4B move in relation to arms 5A and 5B in the flexion direction, and then uses a clutch or ratchet to disengage resistance caused by the spring or elastic band when the user reverses limb direction from flexion to extension. In a third method, the resistance module resists movements of arms 4A and 4B as they move in relation to arms 5A and 5B through the use of an electrostatic resistance to movement that is controlled by the amount of electrical input into the resistance modules.

In the current embodiment all arms (4A, 4B, 5A, 5B) were designed with an angle to the back of the leg to attach to all cuffs. This, in conjunction with the removal of the (optional) calf strap, allows the resistance modules to float and not be held to one central point for the arms to rotate around. Prior art braces have arms (or struts) emanating from the center of axis and extending down and up the medial and lateral side of the leg, thus if the calf strap is removed, the resulting position of the center axis of modules may cause the prior art bracing system to not flex properly.

In the current embodiment, adjustment caps 20A and 20B are threaded in the opposite direction (clockwise vs. counter-clockwise) to module housings 12A and 12B respectively to allow the user to reach down and rotate both adjustment caps forward to increase the overall resistance setting and backward to decrease to overall resistance setting.

From the above description, it can be understood that the apparatus of this invention has several advantages, such as: (1) it can provide a programmed amount of precise resistance based on the user's direction of movement (Flexion vs Extension) and where the user is in the range of motion as the user is performing specific repositioning exercises, (2) a floating hinge resulting from arms (4A, 4B, 5A, 5B) being designed with an angle to the back of the leg to attach to all cuffs, allows the resistance modules (FIG. 15) to float and not be held to one central point for the arms to rotate around, (3) through the use of concentric only resistance in the flexion direction and essentially no resistance in the extension direction, the apparatus can isolate key muscles while inhibiting other to influence the correct position of the pelvis, (4) the apparatus includes a removable bolster pad provided to help increase isolation of the hamstring muscles and inhibit the hip flexor muscles which is key to controlling the position of the left pelvis, (5) the apparatus also includes left and right adjustment caps that rotate in opposite directions (clockwise vs counter-clockwise) to allow the user to move both caps in the forward or reverse direction as the user is looking down to the adjustment caps on each side of the knee, thus eliminating the confusion of seemingly turning the caps in different directions to increase or decrease total resistance to movement, (6) the apparatus also provides differences in the ankle cuff to allow for differences in length from the medial ankle bone to the knee axis versus the lateral ankle bone to the knee axis which is different, (7) the apparatus is a wearable functional training system versus a stand-alone non-functional training apparatus.

While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been described with some particularity, many modification and variations in the preferred embodiment can be made without deviating from the invention. Therefore, it can be understood that within the scope of the appended claims the invention can be practiced other than as specifically described.

Claims

1. An apparatus attached to the leg comprising a central area of rotation to allow bending at the knee joint and includes a controlled resistance to movement in at least one of the flexion and extension directions, and a bolster pad that is attached to the apparatus at the back of the thigh and can be removable or permanent.

2. An apparatus attached to the leg comprising a central area of rotation to allow bending at the knee joint, that includes the ability to set a resistance to motion around at least one central area of rotation that has two extended arms attached to the central area of rotation, in which one of the said arms is attached to the leg above the knee and the other of the said arms is attached to the leg below the knee, whereas said apparatus has the capability to increase the resistance of said arm movement from essentially no resistance to at least 12 in/lbs of resistance through the 0 to 300 range of motion, and increasing to at least 18 in/lbs through 30-60 degrees range of motion, and increasing to at least 24 in/lbs through 60-90 degrees range of motion.

3. An apparatus as in claim 2 that includes a bolster pad that is attached to the apparatus at the back of the thigh structure and can be removable or permanent.

4. An apparatus as in claim 2 that allows for width adjustment of the apparatus at the thigh and calf through the use of adjustable screws that clamp down on the position of the arms within the thigh and calf base, said arms also attached to the central area of rotation.

5. An apparatus as in claim 2 that allows for circumference adjustment of the apparatus around the thigh, calf and ankle through the use of strap means attached to the apparatus.

6. An apparatus as in claim 2 that includes a ratchet means to apply resistance to motion in the flexion direction and essentially no resistance in the extension direction.

7. An apparatus as in claim 2 that includes a silent clutch means to apply resistance to motion in the flexion direction and essentially no resistance in the extension direction.

8. An apparatus as in claim 2 that includes an electromagnetism means to control the amount of resistance to movement throughout the flexion and extension directions.

9. An apparatus as in claim 8 in which said ratchet means includes two dog latches that interlock with the ratchet gear to increase the holding ability of the ratchet means.

10. An apparatus as in claim 2 that includes a spring or elastic band to create resistance in the flexion direction and a silent clutch or ratchet means to eliminate resistance in the extension direction.

11. An apparatus as in claim 2 that includes at least one friction means moving against a solid surface whereas the pressure of the friction means against the solid surface creates the resistance to movement of the arms around the central axis of rotation.

12. An apparatus as in claim 2 that includes pressure adjustment means to apply pressure against said friction means.

13. An apparatus as in claim 2 that includes means to adjust pressure adjustment means against said friction means as the user moves through the range of motion.

14. An apparatus as in claim 13 whereas the pressure adjustment means includes a threaded pressure adjustment cap.

15. An apparatus as in claim 14 whereas means to adjust the amount of resistance to motion which is dependent on the position of the user throughout the range of motion, is accomplished through the use of a release mechanism that engages with a pressure adjustment cap to rotate the pressure adjustment cap during motion which creates more or less pressure on the friction disks.

16. An apparatus as in claim 14 whereas when there is a central area of rotation on each side of the knee that includes resistance to movement means, said adjustment cap is threaded clockwise on one side of the knee, and counter-clockwise on the other side of the knee.

17. An apparatus as in claim 2 that includes means to adjust the length of the apparatus between the calf and the ankle of the user.

18. An apparatus as in claim 2 that includes arms extending from a central area of rotation to the back of the leg above and below the knee, whereas said arms allow for easier movement from an extension position to a flexion position.

19. A method of repositioning the left pelvis by first attaching an apparatus to the left leg with a central area of rotation to allow bending at the knee joint, that includes the ability to set a resistance to motion around at least one central area of rotation, whereas said central area of rotation has two extended arms attached, in which one of the arms is attached to the leg above the knee and the other arm is attached to the leg below the knee, whereas user then performs at least one of four repositioning exercises in which the user performs a leg curl against a certain resistance to motion and for a certain amount of repetitions.

20. A method according to claim 19 that allows for retraining the hamstring muscle to activate properly after performing repositioning exercises in which the user lowers the resistance to movement used for repositioning to accommodate retraining by walking with the apparatus attached for a certain period of time, then removing the apparatus prior to functional or sports activities.