Patent Application
20230109901
Aspects, features, and concepts described herein relate to supplemental equipment for exercise and rehabilitation devices, and particularly to equipment known as unweighting, antigravity, or differential air pressure (DAP) enclosures, systems and related methods for exercise or rehabilitation devices. More particularly, the subject matter described herein relates to height-adjustable seal frame structures and related devices, systems and methods that can be integrated with, or integrated as components of, or used with a differential air pressure (DAP) system.
Systems for unweighting individuals for rehabilitation and fitness training have been a popular modality. Traditional methods have included aquatic training and using a hoist to lift a person or animal off a walking surface. Harness and hoist systems provide benefits related to their historical use in that they are well-known and can also allow for precise and granular unweighting, but become significantly uncomfortable at off-loading greater than about 25% of normal body weight. Further, aquatic systems can be difficult to control in terms of degree of off-loading, and arc cumbersome to use along with having large space and resource requirements.
Systems that create a pressure differential can vary pressure differentials more precisely and are easier to use allowing for a wide range of unloading in small steps. One benefit of this is in the case of rehabilitation, for which it has been shown that increments as small as 1% of normal body weight can effectively determine and bypass a pain threshold below which a user can exercise pain free. More recently, systems creating a pressure differential across a portion of a user have been developed and are generally in commercial use in the rehabilitation and training centers around the world. These systems apply a pressure difference at a portion of the user's body with a net force at the center of pressure. If the net pressure differential is oriented parallel with the force of gravity and located near the user's waist, this off-loading force acts approximately directly counter to the force of gravity and therefore minimally alters the users natural gait patterns.
DAP systems have been commercialized by companies like Showa Denki in Japan, Sasta Fitness of the UK, Vacuwell of Poland, and AlterG Inc. in the US. While these systems offer benefits, they are expensive, large, non-adjustable, require specialized power sources, or are generally limited in access to the market because of the high cost and space burden, or general discomfort in design for users of different body types or heights.
Conventional DAP systems rely on the use of a shell placed around an existing treadmill or similar exercise device. A completely separate chamber is formed that encompasses a base portion of the exercise equipment including the running belt/rollers/deck of a treadmill or the seat and pedals of a stationary bicycle placed inside. These structures duplicate the framing of the combined system and therefore increase the cost, size, shipping hulk, part count, and overall complexity of the system. Further, such conventional DAP systems limit user adjustment of the corresponding exercise device including modifying incline or tilt settings, which impact the pressure differential of conventional DAP systems.
In addition, conventional DAP systems develop substantially vertical and lateral forces in the thousands of pounds in the DAP chamber during use due to conventional unweighting designs exposing large surface areas to unweighting pressures. These systems include supplemental reinforcements and structural additions for the corresponding exercise equipment, which typically is not designed to accommodate such extreme external loading. The elevated forces developed by such conventional systems include outboard expansion forces exerting lateral forces and upward/downward expansion forces applying vertical loads against nearby components of the exercise equipment or applying torque to the framing that can impact lifetime and function of the exercise equipment. Further, even though safety mechanisms and system can reduce and mitigate risks of failure and user injury in conventional DAP systems within low probability ranges, the extreme forces involved, and potential harms inflicted in the event of failure nonetheless amount to significant design risk.
Height adjustment and modification mechanisms for conventional DAP systems operate by cumbersome adjustments of the corresponding frame structures, reinforcements and structural additions, which can further concentrate the high forces of conventional systems and direct forces toward weakened locations, which can pose increased risks for the user. In view of the high forces involved, many conventional DAP systems are unable to modify or line-tune height settings. Conventional DAP systems that provide height adjustability involve complex, geared high torque drive mechanisms for driving height adjustments and have fixed connections between height adjustable frame members and the seal frame, in which the user is unable to manually disconnect or change a height of the seal frame in the event of power loss during use. As such, a user is required to physically climb out of the seal frame at the usage height to exit the DAP system in the event of power loss during use. In addition, competing interests for providing upward unweighting and withstanding operating forces in conventional DAP systems and user seal structures for the same unduly restrict natural gait movements for the user during use.
Thus, a need exists for overcoming drawbacks and limitations of conventional DAP systems, reducing usage risks, and simplifying user-adjustments and customizations of DAP systems.
This summary introduces certain aspects of the embodiments or example arrangements described herein to provide a basic understanding. This summary is not an extensive overview of the inventive subject matter, and it is not intended to identify key or critical elements or to delineate the scope of the inventive subject matter.
According to aspects and features of inventive subject matter described herein, a floating seal frame structure usable with a DAP exercise system and enabling seal frame height adjustment during use thereof includes a seal frame, a pair of vertical lifts, a first tensile restraint, and a second tensile restraint. The DAP exercise system includes an inflatable enclosure having a base secured to a support platform and an opposite top portion defining a user port configured for a portion of a user's body and a user seal worn by the user to extend therethrough and create an airtight seal with the enclosure, wherein during use, air pressure within the inflatable enclosure applies upward force on the top portion and unweighting force on the user.
The seal frame is configured for attachment to the top portion about the user port and defines a first and a second restraint connector at opposite lateral sides thereof. The pair of vertical lifts include a first lift and a second lift each configured for securely connecting with the DAP system located at opposite lateral sides thereof and at a corresponding longitudinal position along the DAP system proximate the user port, in which each of the first and second lifts are configured for driving movement of a corresponding vertically drivable carriage to adjust a height of the carriage. The first tensile restraint has a first end configured for securely attaching to a first carriage connector of the first lift and a second end configured for securely attaching to the first restraint connector. The second tensile restraint has a first end configured for securely attaching to a second carriage connector of the second lift and a second end for securely attaching to the second restraint connector. When installed on the DAP exercise system, during system use, each of the first and second tensile restraints define a restraint length between the corresponding carriage connector and the corresponding restraint connector, and the seal frame is retained in a floating arrangement such that the seal frame is forced upward solely by pneumatic force applied by the enclosure top portion on the seal frame and fully restrained downward against the upward pneumatic upward force at a seal frame height by the first and second tensile restraints attached to the carriage connectors. A user seal boundary region is defined by regions of the enclosure top portion framed by the seal frame in the floating arrangement and extending inward to the user seal. The seal frame height can determine a boundary region height and a user seal height.
Implementations can include one or more of the following features. The seal frame structure, from a top view, defines a two-dimensional hoop-like shape about a top view, two-dimensional shape of the user port, and from a front, cross-sectional view corresponding with a front, cross-sectional view of the DAP system, the seal frame defines an arch-like, two-dimensional contoured shape having a middle region centrally arranged about a middle region of the user port, in which the middle region is elevated an offset height from the opposite first and second restraint connectors. The two-dimensional hoop-like shape and the arch-like, two-dimensional contoured shape can correspond with a transverse curvature and a contoured shape of the enclosure top portion. At least one of the offset height for the arch-like, two-dimensional contoured shape and a transverse width of the two-dimensional hoop-like shape between the first and second restraint connectors can be customized according to a feature for use of the seal frame structure with the DAP system, which can include one of the following: a height of the pair of lifts; a height of a structure connected to the pair of lifts; a height of a pair of handlebars supported by the pair of lifts; a carriage height; the carriage height range; the seal frame height; the seal frame height range; user freedom of movement in or more directions; user arm swing; inflatable enclosure wear, pinch or bind risk during use including during height adjustments; height adjustment controls; height adjustment performance; system or component stresses; seal frame integrity; user safety including emergency releasability of the seal frame; user ease of access including entry into and withdrawal from the seal frame, the user seal or the user port; and manipulation, handling or control of the seal frame before, after or during use.
Further, during use, the offset height can be configured such that a height of an upper portion of the user seal boundary region and the user seal height are higher than a height of the first and second restraint connectors of the user frame and heights of each of the first and second carriage. A seal frame transverse width between the first and second restraint connectors can be configured such that each of the first and second restraint connectors extends laterally away from the seal frame middle region and beyond lateral extents of the enclosure top portion when the seal frame height is disposed at a maximum height, and each of the first and second restraint connectors is disposed adjacent to the corresponding carriage connector.
In addition, the seal frame further can include: first and second pairs of side arms, first and second wing arms, and a pair of middle members. The first pair of side arms can laterally extend away from the seal frame middle region to a first side region of the user seal in a horizontally converging, vertically downward orientation, and the first wing arm can connect the first pair of side arms to each other at the first side region. The second pair of side arms can laterally extend away from the seal frame middle region to the second side region of the user seal in a horizontally converging, vertically downward orientation, and the second wing arm can connect the second pair of side arms to each other at the second side region. The pair of middle members can connect the left pair of arms to the right pair of arms at opposite fore-aft regions of the seal frame middle region. In some implementations, the first pair of side arms can each define an intermediate bend in a vertical angular direction opposite a downward vertical angle of the first pair of side arms to form substantially horizontal distal end portions, and the second pair of side arms can each define an intermediate bend in a vertical angular direction opposite a downward vertical angle to the second pair of side arms to form substantially horizontal distal end portions.
In some implementations, the seal frame structure can include a first lateral shaping member and a second lateral shaping member. Each of the first and second shaping lateral shaping members can be oriented substantially parallel with the DAP system longitudinal direction and, during use, each can be configured to engage and bridge across the corresponding first and second pair of side arms and interfere with a region of the enclosure top portion proximate a longitudinal gap between the corresponding first or second pair of side arms. Each first and second lateral shaping member can extend an interference length greater than the corresponding longitudinal gap at an interference location for the corresponding first and second pair of side arms. Each first and second lateral shaping member can also be configured to be attached to the inflatable enclosure top portion proximate the interference location without being affixed to the seal frame.
In some implementations, the pair of middle members can be longitudinally spaced apart and vertically below a corresponding adjacent lore and aft portion of the user seal by a longitudinal gap and a longitudinal drop defining a fore and an aft boundary region portion each having a matching slope and a matching extent. The interference location for each first and second lateral shaping member can be horizontally spaced apart and vertically below a corresponding adjacent first and second side region of the user seal by a lateral gap and a lateral drop defining a first and a second lateral boundary region portion each having a matching slope and extent. The lateral gap and the lateral drop, and the matching slope and extent of the first and second lateral boundary region portions can be greater than the longitudinal gap and the longitudinal drop, and the matching slope and extent of the fore and aft boundary region portion. The first and second lateral boundary region portions and the fore and aft boundary region portions can cooperate with each other to enhance for the user, arm swing clearance space, mobility during use and transverse user freedoms of movement during ambulation.
In some implementations, the first and second lateral shaping members can be located within the inflatable enclosure and affixed to an interior side of the top portion via a longitudinal stitch line along at least one side of each lateral shaping member, in which each longitudinal stitch line can define a fold line along a proximate region of the enclosure top portion at a corresponding side region of the corresponding first and second lateral shaping member. The fold lines can enhance arm swing clearance space and transverse user freedoms of movement during use. The seal frame can define a plurality of interference locations disposed along an extent of each first and second pair of side arms for the corresponding first and second lateral shaping member. The interference location for each first and second lateral shaping member can be selected from the corresponding plurality of interference locations for customizing at least one performance parameter that can include: reducing potential tears or damage to the inflatable enclosure; reducing inflatable enclosure infiltration into opposing seal frame lateral regions for at least a portion of the user seal range of heights; enhancing arm swing clearance; customizing the user seal boundary region proximate the seal frame lateral regions; and adjusting characteristics of the user seal boundary region for enhancing user movement freedom during ambulation.
In some implementations, the seal frame first restraint connector can include a forward first restraint connector at a forward location of the first side region of the seal frame and a rearward first restraint connector at a rearward location of the first side region of the seal frame. The seal frame second restraint connector can include a forward second restraint connector at a forward location of a second side region of the seal frame and a rearward second restraint connector at a rearward location of the second side region of the seal frame. The first tensile restraint can include a first pair of tensile restraints each having a first end configured for securely attaching to the first carriage connector and a second end for securely attaching to a corresponding one of the forward first restraint connector and the rearward first restraint connector. The second tensile restraint can include a second pair of tensile restraints each having a first end configured for securely attaching to the second carriage connector and a second end for securely attaching to a corresponding one of the forward second restraint connector and the rearward second restraint connector.
In some implementations, at least one of the first restraint connector of the user seal and the first carriage connector of the first lift can include a first quick disconnect, at least one of the second restraint connector of the user seal and the second carriage connector of the second lift can include a second quick disconnect, and each of the first quick disconnect and the second quick disconnect can be configured for rapidly releasing attachment of the corresponding tensile restraint from one of the user seal and the carriage when disconnected. In some implementations, each first and second quick disconnect can include a withdrawable pin extending through a connector channel and arranged for quickly disconnecting the corresponding tensile restraint connector when pulled out of the connector channel, and user disconnection of the tensile restraint connectors can enable manual disconnection of the user frame from the pair of lifts and lowering of the seal frame by the user when disconnected for exiting the DAP system with the seal frame lowered in the event of power loss.
According to aspects and preferences described herein pertaining to seal frame structures, a seal frame structure usable with a DAP exercise system and enabling seal frame height adjustment during use thereof can include a seal frame configured for attachment to the top portion about the user port or top opening, in which the seal frame defines a first and a second lift connector at opposite lateral sides thereof The structure can also include a pair of vertical lifts including a first lift and a second lift each configured for securely connecting with the DAP system located at opposite lateral sides thereof and at a corresponding longitudinal position along the DAP system proximate the user port. The structure can also include a first carriage connected to the first lift and vertically drivable by the first lift, in which the first carriage has a first carriage connector configured for securely coupling with the seal frame. The structure also includes a second carriage connected to the second lift and vertically drivable by the second lift, in which the second carriage has a second carriage connector configured for securely coupling with the seal frame. The structure also includes a user-releasable coupling configured to maintain a secure connection between the seal frame and at least one of the first carriage connector and the second carriage connector while disposed in a reinforcement arrangement corresponding with DAP exercise system use, in which the user-releasable coupling is configured to disconnect the secure connection upon user release from the reinforcement arrangement. Each vertical lift can include one of a vertically lockable lift and a non-backdrivable lift configured to maintain a height setting for the respective first and second carriage connector and for the seal frame securely connected thereto until each lift is vertically unlocked or driven under electrical power. The structure can be configured such that user release of the coupling from the reinforcement arrangement causes disconnection of the secure connection between the user seal and the at least one of the first and second carriage connectors. The structure can also be configured such that in the event of power loss for the DAP exercise system, user release of the coupling enables manual modification of the seal frame height setting for facilitating user withdrawal from seal frame and DAP exercise system.
In some implementations, the seal frame structure can include: a coupling passage defined through at least one of the first lift connector, the first carriage connector, the second lift connector and the second carriage connector, in which the coupling passage is configured for receiving and retaining a portion of the coupling when in the reinforcement arrangement; and a sensor configured to detect presence of the portion of the coupling extended through the coupling passage in the reinforcement arrangement and further sense withdrawal of the portion of the coupling at least partially from the coupling passage; such that user release of the coupling from the reinforcement arrangement can include removal of the portion of the coupling at least partially from the passage, and the sensor can be configured to send an immediate alert notification to a control device of the DAP system for performing urgent actions. The urgent actions can include: interrupting one or more operations of the DAP system or the exercise device, disconnecting power to the DAP system or the exercise device, and activating an alert notification including a visible or audible alert. The user-releasable coupling can include at least one engagement member including: a pin; a bolt; a shackle; a lock ring; a detente pin, a spring-loaded clip; a hook and loop interface; a coaxial interface between support members; a buckle; a post; a pivotable or rotatable lock member; an over-center lock linkage; a rigid interface structure; mated pairs of structural members; multi-member assemblies; combinations of rigid interface members; and combinations of the at least one engagement member with one or more engagement members or fixed supports.
In some implementations, the seal frame structure can include: a first tensile restraint connecting a first carriage connector with a first seal frame connector; a second tensile restraint connecting a second carriage connector with a second seal frame connector; a first and a second vertical drive device each operatively connected to the corresponding first and second lift; and at least one controller operatively connected to the first and second lift. The at least one controller can be configured to control vertical drive operations for the first and the second lift within a range of relative heights between the carriages of each lift without racking between the first and second vertical drive devices or racking between a corresponding lead screw assembly of the vertical drive devices. In some implementations, the range of relative heights for lift operations without the racking can include a vertical offset distance between the carriages of less than fourteen (14) inches.
Other exercise-related support devices, related systems, and components, and/or methods according to embodiments or example arrangements described herein will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon review of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional devices, related components, systems, and/or methods included within this description be within the scope of this disclosure.
For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the aspects, features and principles pertaining to the invention and configurations discussed herein, reference will now be made to the example configurations and arrangements illustrated in the drawings along with language describing the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, and any additional applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated herein, which would occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the invention.
Reference throughout this specification to “one arrangement,” “an arrangement,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the arrangement is included in at least one arrangement of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “one arrangement,” “an arrangement,” and similar language throughout this specification can, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same arrangement, different arrangements, or component parts of the same or different illustrated invention. Additionally, reference to the wording “an arrangement,” or the like, for two or more features, elements, etc. does not mean that the features are related, dissimilar, the same, etc. The use of the term “an arrangement,” or similar wording, is merely a convenient phrase to indicate optional features, which may or may not be part of the invention as claimed.
Each statement of an arrangement is to be considered independent of any other statement of an arrangement despite any use of similar or identical language characterizing each arrangement. Therefore, where one arrangement is identified as “another arrangement,” the identified arrangement is independent of any other arrangements characterized by the language “another arrangement.” The independent arrangements are considered to be able to be combined in whole or in part one with another as the claims and/or art may direct, either directly or indirectly, implicitly, or explicitly.
Finally, the fact that the wording “an arrangement,” or the like, does not appear at the beginning of every sentence in the specification, such as is the practice of some practitioners, is merely a convenience for the reader's clarity. However, it is the intention of this application to incorporate by reference the phrasing “an arrangement,” and the like, at the beginning of every sentence herein where logically possible and appropriate.
As used herein, “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” “is,” “are,” “characterized by,” and grammatical equivalents thereof are inclusive or open-ended terms that do not exclude additional unrecited elements or method steps. “Comprising” is to be interpreted as including the more restrictive terms “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of.”
As used herein, the term “about” when used in connection with a referenced numeric indication means the referenced numeric indication plus or minus up to 10 percent of that referenced numeric indication. For example, the language “about 50” covers the range of 45 to 55. Similarly, the language “about 5” covers the range of 4.5 to 5.5.
As used in this specification and the appended claims, the words “top,” “above,” and “upward” refer to elevation directions away from the ground level of an exercise device in its typical or intended usage orientation at or towards a higher elevation, and the words “bottom,” “below,” “base” and “downward” refer to elevation directions at or towards the ground level of an exercise device at a lower elevation in its typical usage orientation. Thus, for example, the top of a structure for an exercise device that is farthest from the ground level of the exercise device would be the vertical distal end of the structure, and the end opposite the vertical distal end (i.e., the end interfacing with the exercise device closest to ground level) would be the vertical base or bottom end of the structure.
Further, specific words chosen to describe one or more arrangements and optional elements, or features are not intended to limit the invention. For example, spatially relative terms—such as “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” “proximal,” “distal,” and the like—may be used to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element or feature as illustrated in the figures. These spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different positions (i.e., translational placements) and orientations (i.e., rotational placements) of a device in use or operation in addition to the position and orientation shown in the figures. For example, if a device in the figures were turned over, elements described as “below”, or “beneath” other elements or features would then be “above” or “over” the other elements or features. Thus, the term “below” can encompass both positions and orientations of above and below. A device may be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. Likewise, descriptions of movement along (translation) and around (rotation) various axes include various spatial device positions and orientations.
Similarly, geometric terms, such as “parallel,” “perpendicular,” “round,” “curvilinear,” “articulated” or “square,” are not intended to require absolute mathematical precision, unless the context indicates otherwise. Instead, such geometric terms allow for variations due to manufacturing or equivalent functions. For example, if an element is described as “round” or “generally round,” a component that is not precisely circular (e.g., one that is slightly oblong or is a many-sided polygon) is still encompassed by this description.
In addition, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “includes,” “has,” and the like specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, components, etc., but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, or groups.
Unless indicated otherwise, the terms exercise apparatus, device, equipment, systems, and variants thereof, can be interchangeably used.
In this specification, the applicant may refer to an exercise machine and an existing exercise machine. The reader shall note that the distinction is that an existing exercise machine may be already designed prior to consideration for use as a DAP system and an existing exercise machine may be further already installed in the field, for example in a gym, training facility, etc. The reader shall interpret minor modifications of the exercise machine or existing exercise machine for use with a DAP system as still part of the exercise machine and still within the spirit of the scope of the subject matter disclosed.
As used herein, an “independently-supportable” inflatable enclosure refers to an inflatable enclosure formed from a substantially inelastic material defining a base opening configured to be secured to a base support, configured to form an airtight connection with an air supply, and defining a top port configured to form an airtight connection with a user interface such that, when inflated, secured to the air supply, and forming an airtight connection with a user, the inflatable enclosure is capable of independently extending in an upward direction from the base support and providing unweighting forces on the user without requiring a support framework or other attachments or connections to support members regardless of whether the inflatable enclosure makes contact with a supplemental support member. As such, an independently supportable inflatable enclosure forms a hollow, thin-shelled inflatable support enclosure extending from the secure attachment with the base support upward to the top port and user interface.
Referring now to
A user wearing a user seal configured for removably attaching to the enclosure at the top opening extends through the top opening, connects the user seal to the enclosure at the top opening via a user seal interface, and when inflated receives unweighting vertical support while being able to interact with the exercise device (not shown) through the inflatable enclosure and access provided through the platform to the exercise device. Due to the high forces exerted based on pneumatic pressure in the enclosure during use and other challenges, DAP systems typically lack powered or automated height adjustment features overall, and especially for in-use, inflated height adjustments. Rather, conventional DAP systems rely on manually adjusting structural features prior to use for height related modifications, and/or rely on adjustments for the user seal worn by the user or offsetting the interface between the user seal and the inflatable enclosure to accommodate height differences between users. Such options are cumbersome for the user and impact user comfort and performance while using the DAP system based on improper or less than optimal engagement between the user and the inflatable enclosure.
Seal frame structure 2228 can be used with various DAP system arrangements for providing automated or powered height adjustment features. The seal frame structure includes a right vertical lift 2296 and a left vertical lift 2298, each of which are configured for secure attachment with the platform at opposite lateral sides thereof at a middle region of the platform in the longitudinal direction of the DAP system proximate or generally centered or aligned with respect to the top opening user port and, optionally, can be integrated with the platform for enhanced integrity and structural strength. Aligning the lifts with the top opening can avoid having unbalanced or offset, cantilever type forces from being exerted on the lifts during use and enable focused height adjustments for a region of the enclosure proximate and about the user seal interface with the top opening.
Each lift 2296, 2298 is configured for driving a vertically adjustable carriage 2211 attached thereto, which can be controlled by the DAP control system, for performing the height adjustment operations. Each lift can optionally include a non-backdrivable or vertically lockable lift, such that when in the inflated condition pneumatic forces are not transmitted to lift drive mechanisms. Each lift is connected to a seal frame 2232, which is attached to a top portion of the enclosure proximate and extending about the top opening. The seal frame can stabilize a boundary region about the user seal interface extending from the user seal interface to the seal frame, and can provide height adjustment for the user seal interface and the user based on controlling a height of the stabilized user seal boundary region 2237.
As shown in
Referring now to
Seal frame structure 2428 includes a similar arrangement as described above for seal frame structure 2228, but includes flexible tensile restraints 2470 connecting each side region of the seal frame 2432 to a corresponding carriage 2411 along with using a contoured or generally saddle-shaped arrangement for the user seal 2432. The use of flexible tensile restraints 2470 can enable a “floating” seal frame arrangement that can provide various benefits including greater movement flexibility for the user that can provide for a more natural feel and gait during ambulation. Further, in some arrangements, a floating seal frame arrangement can permit customization according to user preferences, such as modifying an inclination of the seal frame like a forward inclination as depicted in
Referring now to
As best shown in
With particular reference to
Seal frame 2832 can further include a pair of lateral extensions or wings 2833, which can each include two or more restraint connectors 2836 formed in each wing as a pair of bends 2836 defined along the outboard extents of each wing. Seal frame 2832 can optionally include a front extension or head 2834, and a rear extension or tail 2835. The head and tail extensions can cooperate to form a natural bias for the seal frame 2832 in an installed state on a DAP System 2840 and enclosure 2810 when the enclosure is inflated based on tail 2835 having a gap defined therein that is filled or covered by a shield 2835′ while head 2834 forms a corresponding gap that can be left open or unfilled. As such, during use when installed on a DAP System 2810, a portion of applied pressure exerted against the enclosure 2810 can be applied against the shield 2835′ and thereby exert an outward or upward force against the tail without a corresponding counteracting force or a lower counteracting force being applied for the open gap at the head. In other words, the tail can be urged upward away from the enclosure and the head can be angled a similar amount downward toward the enclosure. A minor forward pitch bias can thereby be imparted to the seal frame during usage, which can be a desired affect for encouraging the user to exercise harder for the corresponding forward tilt motion. The rear shield can have a greater surface area than the front extension 2834 which may further be used to bias the tilt forward and promote toe strike ambulation.
In addition, each of the head 2834 and the tail 2835 can also provide benefits for functioning as bloom shields to reduce or prevent potential enclosure ‘bloom’ or bulges from occurring immediately in front of or behind the user. Enclosure bloom or bulges can occur during inflation or use of the DAP System 2810 and at lower height setting, such as in some implementations along hoop or curved edge portions including along a low hoop stress zone extending in the fore-aft direction of the enclosure about the seal frame 2832. For such arrangements, bloom can occur responsive to inward resistance or force being placed against the enclosure along or proximate its hoop or curved edge portions and toward its interior region, and/or responsive to the enclosure encountering point specific inflation limitations along its hoop or curved edge portions. Meridional stress line aspects and features of inflatable enclosures described herein and along with related applications can create regions of low hoop stress that can include series of low hoop stress segments intermixed with compressive tangent stress segments that form a wrinkle or fold in a transverse direction of the enclosure along a curved edge region of the enclosure.
Seal frame 2832 can be attached to the enclosure 2810 along the perimeter of the top port 2830 or at one or more discrete points on the top port via inner loop 2838 and thereby extend around a user during use of the DAP System 2810. The seal frame 2832 extensions, sub-portions and subcomponents including the inner loop 2838, wings 2835, head 2834, and tail 2835 can be formed as a unitary, rigid device, and thereby provide benefits and perform supplemental functions based on the structural strength and integrity of the unitary seal frame. For the example shown along with
For example, contoured or saddle-shaped inner loop can have a pair of front and rear inflection points at central regions of the inner loop that are generally aligned with a lengthwise longitudinal axis of the enclosure when installed thereon during system use. The inner loop can be curved downward toward the enclosure from the pair of front and rear inflection points. Further, the downward curve can correspond with the radius of curvature along a top curved edge region of the enclosure, which can help the top frame remain centered and properly oriented on the enclosure during use along with encouraging the top frame 2832 to float on the enclosure. In addition, the saddle-shaped inner loop can include an opposite lateral pair of lower inflection points around a midlength of the center loop. Each of the lower inflection points can be centered along the side portions of the center ring and perpendicular to the front and rear centered inflection points. The center ring can have bends corresponding with the inflection points to form the saddle shape, which can provide a comfortable interface around the user arranged for providing a floating support for applying unweighting assistance to the user.
The saddle shape can be arranged to conform with the shape and curvature of enclosure 2810 across its width/depth when inflated. Further, the saddle shape can provide a natural reference and visual indicator to the user for maintaining proper alignment and orientation with the enclosure during use, as well as provide a natural interface feel for the user as being integrally connected with the seal frame. In addition, the front curvature can provide easy control access to the user for adjusting orientation and tilt as desired by the user.
With particular reference now to
However, each vertical lift 2896, 2898 can be centered in the fore-aft direction along the seal frame 2832 for acting as a pair of pivots that enable the user to impart pitch rotations of the seal frame 2832. In other words, adjustable restraints lengths, should the restraints be adjustable, in combination with spaced apart wing attachment moment arms allow provide for pre-adjustable tilt or pitch rotation bias to be set according to user preferences or other factors. In addition, centered attachments with each of the vertical lifts, and relatively short spans across each of the vertical lifts separating attachments between each pair of restraints for each lilt, provide ‘pivot’ points allowing the user to modify pitch rotations on demand, or simply provide pitch rotation during natural movement about the vertical lifts acting as a pair of lateral pivots. Further, it is understood that an additional benefit for a zero to low hoop stress zone along a curved, upper edge portion of the enclosure allows for both pre-set pitch rotations and for on demand user-modified pitch rotations.
Wings can be angled on either side of the intended attachment point for the flexible restraints, thus keeping the attachment of the flexible restraints approximately fixed in a known location. The extended length of the wings toward the lilt column can vary from zero (i.e. attached directly to the inner loop of the seal frame and avoiding wings entirely), to proximate the carriage on the lift column, thus putting the flexible restraints in a vertical orientation between their connection to the seal frame and the lift carriage. Several factors can indeed be considered in view of the geometry of the length of the flexible restraints, the extension distance of the wings toward the lift columns, the position and orientation of the carriage. One advantage of a flexible restraint is that in moving the lift carriage down, should an individual such as a technician or a child be stuck underneath the seal frame as it lowered, the vertical displacement play of the flexible restraints, i.e. moving from −45 degrees (not shown) to the 45 degrees shown in
At the same time however, this introduces a vertical movement of the seal frame during setup, whereby the inflated position of the seal frame can be this same distance (say 17″) below where it will end up after inflation. This can make it awkward to connect the user to the system, and thus a method can be introduced whereby the system compensates for this vertical play in the lift system and brings the carriage artificially higher by a certain amount for attachment of the user, and then after confirming attachment, lowers itself back down the correct position for operation of the DAP machine. Aspects and features pertaining to such methods and related actions are described in an application filed on even date herewith incorporated herein by reference and identified above by Docket no. 175198-04-01US and title as “DAP Platform, Integrated Lifts, System and Related Devices and Methods.” In order to avoid massive swings in the vertical play, it can be desirably to make the flexible restraints shorter which would require the wings to be longer. At an extreme, if the wings extend less than to above the lilt carriage, a distance must be bridged horizontally by the flexible restraints. If the flexible restraint length is just equal to this gap, when the bag is inflated, an extremely high tensile stress (like a man on a tightrope) will be induced on the flexible restraints and cause susceptibility to failure of the flexible restraint. With roughly 1000 lbs of vertical restraining load at the lowest position and a deflection angle of the seal frame due to stretch in the flexible member of say 5 degrees, this tensile stress would be 17,000 lbs which is astronomical and would cause failure in the lift restrain over time.
One way to resolve this would be to extend the wings to the lift columns and flip the lift columns around so the carriage is on the inside surface of the lift columns. However the carriage on the inside can damage the enclosure during to repetitive vertical movement as discussed earlier. Another alternative could be extending the wings out beyond the lift column to an external carriage; however this puts a high bending moment and stress on the wings. Further still, this puts the wings in the proximity of other metal, and because of the flexibility in the restraints, this will likely lead to metal contacting metal and scratching or marring surfaces which can rust over time. Thus, it can be advantageous to keep the wings far enough away from the lift columns such that they cannot contact the lift columns and chip paint or the like. Therefore it can be desirable that the span of the wings is less than the inner distance between the vertical lifts and that the length of the flexible restraints is such that one side of the wings is prevented from contacting its nearest vertical lift due to the opposite restraint reaching its full length and not stretching further.
The connection method to the base as shown can be very strong as discussed in the related, however the flexible restraints plus wings plus inner loop, i.e. the seal frame, can form a second connection that can greatly reduce the loading at the base. This horizontal force loading is carried laterally from one lift column to the other via members in tension. If the wings are extended close to the carriage, the flexible restraints are more vertically oriented and thus cannot help share this lateral load with the base connection of each lift column. Therefore, it is further advantageous to limit the extension of each wing to be inboard of the corresponding lift column, so that a sufficient angle can be formed by the flexible restraint to support lateral loading AND vertical loading without developing too high of a tensile force. As discussed, many angles were tried and while angles between 30 and 60 degrees did produce acceptable results, the optimal loading was developed at approximately an angle of 45 degrees of the flexible restraints.
With specific reference to
Each restraint 2870 can be formed from a flexible, high tensile strength component, such as various synthetic fiber-based ropes, straps, and the like made from a range of materials including polyester, polyethylene, composite and/or metal reinforced fibers. The use of flexible, high tensile strength connections applied across the width of the DAP System and at opposite sides of the seal frame 2832 can provide significant advantages for DAP System arrangements and operations in addition to much reduced cost and manufacturing and assembly complexity. In particular, DAP System 2840 can provide for enhanced freedoms of movement and flexibility for the user during use along with unweighting support, as well as do so in a safe environment and conditions.
Referring now to
With particular reference to
Further, the release mechanism can similarly be located on the carriages as shown or otherwise on the seal frame, or at point in between. For example, each flexible restraint could be split into two pieces that are interlocked with a quick release mechanism like a carabiner. It is preferable that the release be dual action to avoid accidental activation by a third party or the user, but this is not necessarily so, and it is preferable that fewer release mechanisms as possible be activated. Two such release mechanisms are shown in
The release, being activated by a dual action with one hand is preferable as the release can act as a safety mechanism to avoid a situation where the user is stuck in the lift system, with the lifts being non-operable, and the user needing to get out. The release therefore is preferably activated by a third party or by the user. As shown the lift is a pin with detent that captures loops in one end of the vertical restraints. When released, the pin slides out through the loops and immediately the floating seal frame is disconnected from that lift column. The pin can have a tapered end or the loops can have forming reinforcements that keep the loop shape, so that re-formation of the release assembly is quick and easy.
Referring now to
With particular reference to
Thus, a floating seal frame arrangement can provide benefits in terms of safety via the natural vertical displacement that gives a warning to someone accidentally trapped underneath to activate an emergency shutoff, it provides better natural movement for the user, it avoids marring or banging between moving pieces of metal, it can assist in carrying very high lateral forces, and it can allow for tilt angles that can be induced to drive certain desired gait patterns. Multiple flexible restraints have been discussed and depicted, however the user shall also not that having one flexible restraint per side can also provide some or all of these advantages. Thus the number and exact connection location of each flexible restraint need not be limited to the description herein.
Referring now to
Seal frame 4632 can selectively include joint lateral connections at opposite lateral side regions with one or more flexible, high tensile strength restraints 4670 as has been discussed herein for selectively reinforcing the corresponding DAP System (not shown) and/or providing vertical height adjustments for the seal frame. Each of the opposing one or more restraints 4670 can be connected to the seal frame via a quick release pin 4676, which can optionally be tied to an overall system release pin 4676A. System release pin 4676A can be arranged to allow the user to quickly and simply withdraw the system release pin 4676A via withdrawal movement in a forward direction, for example, which can act to release each of the lateral quick release pins 4676 from connections with corresponding restraints 4670. In this manner, all connections between the seal frame 4632 and restraints 4670 can readily be released with a single motion. Alternatively, release pin 4676A can be omitted and each of the quick release pins 4676 can be activated independently to release the seal 4632 from the DAP system.
Referring now to
Release pins 4776 differ from other arrangements in that a single rotatable ‘hook’ or similar joining release 4776A is arranged on the seal frame 4732 at each lateral side for quickly releasing connections at each lateral side with one or more flexible, high tensile strength restraints 4770 connected thereto. In this manner and/or similar arrangements readily accessible to the user, selective connections established between the seal frame 4732 and left or right vertical lifts (not shown) can readily be disconnected. Such a release system can act as a gate latch or other latching system so that no pins are removed from the DAP system which might get lost. The release pin 4776, upon release, pivots away from the joining release 4776A, or latch, and one released from the latch, allows the restraints 4770 to slide off, thus disconnecting the seal frame from the DAP system.
Referring now to
Seal frame structure 3328 includes a pair of opposing lifts 3396, 3398 that can be integrated into and/or secured to a corresponding DAP platform along opposite lateral sides thereof and attached at a midregion of the platform in the longitudinal direction of the DAP system. Each lift includes a carriage 3311 that can be vertically driven under control of the DAP system. A seal frame is connected at opposite lateral end regions to a corresponding lift and carriage via user-releasable couplings 3376, such as a user-releasable pin. Seal frame structure 3328 differs from seal frame structures described above in that the seal frame is rigidly connected with each carriage instead of via the use of flexible restraints. Further, the seal frame has contoured shape in the transverse direction such that a middle region of the seal frame is vertically offset from the carriage connectors at opposite side regions of the seal frame, which can conform well with an enclosure having a curved shape at a top portion of the enclosure and provide performance benefits during use. For instance, the vertical offset of the middle region can provide greater arm swing for the user. In addition, the middle region is configured for attachment to the enclosure about the enclosure top opening and user seal interface attachment location at an offset distance from the user seal attachment location. As discussed further below along with aspects and features of additional examples of seal frames and seal frame structures, offset spacing from the user seal interface can enable greater freedoms of movement for the user during ambulation.
As shown, seal frame 3332 can be released by the user in the event of power failure during use. The opposite end region carriage connectors of the seal frame include downward open or downward oriented U-shaped or C-shaped channels as can be seen in
As depicted in
Referring now to
Seal frame 3432 is configured to be attached to a top portion of the enclosure in a spaced apart arrangement with respect to the top opening and the user seal interface instead of having a close proximity arrangement as intended for seal frame 2832, which is configured to be attached in close proximity to the top opening and the user seal interface therewith. This is accomplished in part based on the offset height arrangement of the middle portion 3427 with respect to opposite edge regions of the wings 3433 and the restraint connectors 3436, and further based on the use of shaping members attached to the enclosure as discussed hereafter. In addition, as discussed along with
With reference to
However, as shown in
As can be seen in
Referring now to
Referring now to
Referring now to
Referring now to
The subject matter described above is provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed as limiting. Various modifications and changes can be made to the subject matter described herein without following the example embodiments or arrangements and applications illustrated and described, and without departing from the true spirit and scope of the arrangements or embodiments of the concepts and technologies disclosed herein.
Although various embodiments or arrangements have been described as having particular features and/or combinations of components, other arrangements or embodiments are possible having a combination of any features and/or components from any of arrangements or embodiments as discussed above. Aspects have been described in the general context of exercise devices, and more specifically supplemental lifting, unweighting or differential air pressures mechanisms, devices, systems, and methods for exercise devices, but inventive aspects are not necessarily limited to use with exercise devices.
This application is related to copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/351,236 filed on Jun. 18, 2021, entitled “Unweighting Exercise Equipment”, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/016,340 filed on Jun. 22, 2018, entitled “Unweighting Exercise Equipment” (now abandoned), which claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/523,363 filed on Jun. 22, 2017 (expired). This application is also related to copending U.S. nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 17/688,890 tiled on Mar. 7, 2022, entitled “DAP System Adjustments Via Flexible Restraints and Related Devices, Systems and Methods,” which claims priority to U.S. provisional patent No. 63/159,697 tiled Mar. 6, 2021, entitled, “ DAP System Adjustments Via Flexible Restraints and Related Devices, Systems and Methods.” This application is further related to co-pending U.S. nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 17/540,225, filed on Dec. 1, 2021, entitled “Unweighting Enclosure, System and Method for an Exercise Device.” Further, this application is related to the following U.S. nonprovisional patent applications filed on even date herewith identified by title and docket no. including the following: Docket no. 175198-04-01 US entitled “DAP Platform, Integrated Lifts, System and Related Devices and Methods;” and Docket no. 175198-05-01US entitled “DAP System Control and Related Devices and Methods.” In addition, this application is related to the following co-pending U.S. provisional patent applications: U.S. app. No. 63/254,969 filed on Oct. 12, 2021, entitled “DAP System, Platform, Integrated Lifts and Related Devices and Methods” (Docket no. 175198-01-04USPROV); U.S. app. no. 63/254,972 filed on Oct. 12, 2021, entitled “DAP System, Enclosure, Seal Frame and Related Devices and Methods” (Docket no. 175198-01-05USPROV); and U.S. app. No. 63/255,001 filed on Oct. 12, 2021, entitled “DAP System, Enclosure, Controls and Related Devices and Methods” (Docket no. 175198-01-06USPROV). Each of the above applications is hereby specifically incorporated by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63254972 | Oct 2021 | US | |
| 63254969 | Oct 2021 | US |
