Patent Application
20250135263
In an aspect, the present disclosure is directed to, among other things, a multi-axis strengthening system including an extendable and articulated cervical positioning assembly; a head affixing assembly configured to secure to a head of a user; and a multi-exercise system.
In an embodiment, the multi-axis strengthening system may further include: a spinal resistance assembly including at least one resistance component configured to resist rotation about a first axis; and a device securing assembly configured to physically anchor the device to an anchoring structure. In an embodiment, the at least one resistance component comprises of at least one of a mechanical component, an electromagnetic component, a magnetic component, an electromechanical component, a hydraulic component, or a pneumatic component.
In an embodiment, the extendable and articulated cervical positioning assembly is configured to removably couple the head affixing assembly to the multi-exercise system. In an embodiment, the extendable and articulated cervical positioning assembly includes one or more articulation elements configured to allow maneuverability and repositioning a head affixing assembly. In an embodiment, the extendable and articulated cervical positioning assembly includes one or more components connected by a ball and socket mechanism that allows the cervical positioning assembly to be positioned relative to the multi-exercise system.
In an embodiment, the extendable and articulated cervical positioning assembly is configured to removably couple to the head affixing assembly via an arm-shaft interface assembly at a first end, and to the multi-exercise system via an arm-shaft interface assembly at a second end. In an embodiment, the extendable and articulated cervical positioning assembly includes one or more telescopic elements configured to allow maneuverability and repositioning of the head affixing assembly relative to the multi-exercise system.
In an embodiment, the extendable and articulated cervical positioning assembly includes a telescopic cylinder including a series of nested tubes of different diameters. In an embodiment, the extendable and articulated cervical positioning assembly includes at least one articulation element and at least one telescopic element configured to allow maneuverability and repositioning of the head affixing assembly with respect to the multi-exercise system.
In an aspect, the present disclosure is directed to, among other things, a strengthening device including a cervical positioning assembly; a head affixing assembly operably coupled to a first end of the cervical positioning assembly; and a multi-exercise system operably coupled to a second end of the cervical positioning assembly.
In an embodiment, the strengthening device may further include a device chassis; a resistance mechanism; a drivetrain; and an output shaft. In an embodiment, the cervical positioning assembly may include at least one articulation element configured to allow maneuverability and repositioning of the head affixing assembly with respect to the multi-exercise system. In an embodiment, the cervical positioning assembly includes at least one telescopic element configured to allow maneuverability and repositioning of the head affixing assembly with respect to the multi-exercise system.
In an embodiment, the cervical positioning assembly is configured to removably couple to the head affixing assembly via an arm-shaft interface assembly at a first end. In an embodiment, the cervical positioning assembly is configured to removably couple to the multi-exercise system via an arm-shaft interface assembly at a second end. In an embodiment, the cervical positioning assembly includes one or more components connected by a ball and socket mechanism that allows the cervical positioning assembly to be positioned relative to the multi-exercise system. In an embodiment, the multi-exercise system includes at least one of a mechanical resistance component, an electromagnetic resistance component, a magnetic resistance component, an electromechanical resistance component, a hydraulic resistance component, or a pneumatic resistance component.
In an aspect, the present disclosure is directed to, among other things, a device including a multi-exercise system including a spinal resistance assembly including at least one of a mechanical resistance component, an electromagnetic resistance component, a magnetic resistance component, an electromechanical resistance component, a hydraulic resistance component, or a pneumatic resistance component, configured to resist rotation about a first axis; a head affixing assembly configured to secure to a head of a user; a cervical positioning assembly configured to removably couple to the head affixing assembly via an arm-shaft interface assembly at a first end, and to the multi-exercise system via an arm-shaft interface assembly at a second end; and a device securing assembly configured to physically anchor the device to an anchoring structure. In an embodiment, the cervical positioning assembly includes at least one articulation element and at least one telescopic element configured to allow maneuverability and repositioning of the head affixing assembly with respect to the multi-exercise system.
In an aspect, the present disclosure is directed to, among other things, a multi-axis strengthening system including an extendable and articulated arm-shaft interface assembly; and a head restraint interface assembly.
In an aspect, the present disclosure is directed to, among other things, a multi-axis strengthening system including an arm-shaft interface assembly and a head restraint interface assembly. In an embodiment, the multi-axis strengthening system further includes a spinal resistance assembly including at least one resistance component configured to resist rotation about a first axis; a device securing assembly configured to physically anchor the device to an anchoring structure; and a head affixing assembly physically coupled to the spinal resistance assembly.
In an aspect, the present disclosure is directed to, among other things, a strengthening device including an extendable and articulated arm-shaft interface assembly; a head restraint interface assembly, a device chassis; a resistance mechanism; a drivetrain; and an output shaft.
In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be used, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented here.
Musculoskeletal disorders are the second most common cause of disability worldwide, measured by years lived with disability. Storheim K, Zwart J A Musculoskeletal disorders, and the global burden of disease study. Ann Rheumatic Dis 73:949-950 (2014); see also Hoy D, March L, Brooks P, et al. The global burden of low back pain: estimates from the Global Burden of Disease 2010 study. Ann Rheum Dis 2014; 73:968-74. The most common musculoskeletal disorders are neck and low back pain. Neck pain plagues approximately a quarter of the population at any given time, resulting in increased medical costs, loss of productivity, and adding to the proliferation of pain medications.
Neck pain results from many causes including degenerative conditions, trauma, and sports injuries. Injury and degeneration of the cervical spine have also been shown to cause tension headaches, and nerve injury in the neck. These conditions are still poorly understood, and clinicians are often left with a trial-and-error strategy regarding diagnostic investigation and treatment.
Systematic reviews reveal that existing treatments have only small effects at best, regardless of whether the intervention is based on biological, psychological, or social approaches. Accordingly, there is the potential for better management by implementing effective health promoting actions and evidence supporting the recommendation of preventive measures such as weight loss and exercise for low back pain. Storheim K, Zwart J A Musculoskeletal disorders, and the global burden of disease study. Ann Rheumatic Dis 73:949-950 (2014)
Degenerative disc disease and neck injuries, including whiplash, result in loss of curvature of the spine and decreases in range of motion. The neck moves in multiple planes including flexion, extension, and rotation. Many devices allow strengthening of flexion and extension, however increasing rotational strength and mobility is critical to preventing and recovering from age-related problems, motor vehicle accidents, and sports-related incidents. Recent studies have also shown that increased neck strength decreases the incidence of sports concussions. There is no device currently available which provides a constant resistance in rotation for the cervical spine. Accordingly, the present disclosure details one or more methodologies or technologies that allow users, patients, and athletes to increase rotational strength and improve mobility in multiple axes. Increased neck strength and mobility result in quicker recovery from injury and prevent traumatic neck and head injuries.
In an embodiment, the present disclosure details one or more methodologies or technologies that utilizes a novel approach, employing a variable applied force, to provide controlled resistance to the cervical spine about one or more axes or planes of movement. In an embodiment, this not only allows for strengthening in both the traditional flexion and extension planes, but also uniquely provides constant resistance in the rotational axis.
In an embodiment, the present disclosure details one or more methodologies or technologies including a device configured to provide a distraction movement that can be used to decompress an injured spine. In an embodiment, such complementary exercises result in a balanced strengthening program for the cervical spine which maximizes the neck's range of motion and prevents injury. This is achieved by providing resistance in both Clockwise and Counter-clockwise motion, rather than uni-directional loading resistance (e.g., weight stack resistance).
In an embodiment, the multi-exercise system 100 includes a head affixing assembly 102 removably attachable to multi-exercise system 100, the head affixing assembly 102 configured to secure to a head of a user. In an embodiment, the strengthening system 100 is configured and dimensioned to be portable. For example, in an embodiment, the strengthening system 100 is made from lightweight materials and includes collapsible structures for ease of portability. In an embodiment, the strengthening system 100 is configured for home use.
In an embodiment, the multi-exercise system 100 includes a Device Chassis 101. In an embodiment, the Device Chassis 101 includes a device securing assembly configured to physically anchor the multi-exercise system 100 to an anchoring structure. In an embodiment, the Device Chassis 101 is configured to anchor to a static element such a wall, a door, a support structure, or the like. In an embodiment, the Device Chassis 101 is further configured to house electronics, sensors, control systems, cable management, etc.
In an embodiment, the Device Chassis (101) is coupled to a Resistance Positioning Assembly (118), which positions and fixes the orientation of Applied Resistance Assembly (107) in any orientation within a 180-degree arc. Although, as shown in
In an embodiment, the cervical positioning assembly 117 is configured to removably couple to the head affixing assembly 102 via the arm-shaft interface assembly at a first end, and to the multi-exercise system 10 via the arm-shaft interface assembly at a second end.
In an embodiment, the cervical positioning assembly 117 is configured to removably couple the head affixing assembly 102 to the multi-exercise system 100. In an embodiment, the cervical positioning assembly 117 includes one or more articulation elements configured to allow maneuverability and repositioning of the head affixing assembly 102. For example, in an embodiment, the cervical positioning assembly 117 includes one or more articulation elements configured to allow maneuverability and repositioning of the head affixing assembly 102 respective to the multi-exercise system 100.
In an embodiment, the cervical positioning assembly 117 includes one or more arm elements connected by tight-turning articulation joints that allow maneuverability and repositioning. In an embodiment, the cervical positioning assembly 117 includes one or more arm elements connected by tight-turning articulation joints that allow maneuverability and repositioning of the head affixing assembly 102.
In an embodiment, the cervical positioning assembly 117 includes one or more components connected by a ball and socket mechanism that allows the cervical positioning assembly 117 to be positioned in space. In an embodiment, the cervical positioning assembly 117 includes an articulation assembly that enables tilting, swiveling, retracting, extending, or repositioning of the head affixing assembly 102.
In an embodiment, the cervical positioning assembly 117 includes one or more telescopic features. In an embodiment, the cervical positioning assembly 117 includes one or more telescopic elements configured to allow maneuverability and repositioning of the head affixing assembly 102. In an embodiment, the cervical positioning assembly 117 includes a telescopic cylinder including a series of nested tubes of different diameters. In an embodiment, the cervical positioning assembly 117 includes a telescopic joint having an inner and outer barrel that allows extension or retraction of the inner barrel.
In an embodiment, the cervical positioning assembly 117 includes an elastic telescopic rod including springs or constrained sliding tubes. In an embodiment, the cervical positioning assembly 117 includes telescopic boom. In an embodiment, the cervical positioning assembly 117 includes telescopic boom with a single-cylinder system that can have up to seven telescoping sections. In an embodiment, the cervical positioning assembly 117 includes a telescoping mechanism including an arm that extends the head affixing assembly 102, in a particular direction, with respect to the multi-exercise system 100. In an embodiment, the cervical positioning assembly 117 includes telescopic hose.
In an embodiment, the cervical positioning assembly 117 includes at least one articulation element and at least one telescopic element configured to allow maneuverability and repositioning of the head affixing assembly 102 with respect to the multi-exercise system 100.
In an embodiment, the Cervical Positioning Assembly (117) is an extendable and articulating arm assembly that allows adjustment of the axis of rotation for each user. In an embodiment, a Positional Locking Mechanism (114) locks the position for the exercise. In an embodiment, the Cervical Positioning Assembly (117) connects to Head Restraint Assembly (116) which is where a user may secure themselves to the exercise device via a system of straps, buckles, ratchets, cushioning pads, linear bearings, slider plates, and the like. In an embodiment, a dedicated head restraint is designed for each exercise of flexion-extension or lateral bending. In the example of flexion-extension, a user would apply force on a padded cushion within Head Restraint Assembly (116) via the user's forehead (forward motion) and occipital bone (backward motion). The motion is then translated to rotation about the shaft of the Applied Resistance Mechanism (107). By adjusting input current to the electromagnets of the Resistance Mechanism (102). Furthermore, a Rotary Encoder (119) can be used to measure position of the Output Shaft (104) and used as a feedback mechanism as discussed in US Patent Publication No. 2020/0222754 A1, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. In an embodiment, the interface between Head Restraint Assembly (116) and the Cervical Positioning Assembly (117) is such that the head can move 5 degrees up and down in the flexion-extension direction. Importance of such degree of freedom motion is advantageous to the flexion-extension and rotation exercises.
In an embodiment, the ability to adjust the point of rotation around vertebrae C3 is important as each user center of rotation is unique. Notably, failing to do so creates either improper exercise motion or requires extra precise positioning equipment that is not easily available and makes setup of the exercise more complicated leading to error. The aforementioned Cervical Positioning Assembly (117) is an extendable and articulating arm assembly that allows adjustment of the axis of rotation for each user solves this problem.
Referring to
In an embodiment, applied Resistance Assembly (107), connects to two structural components (108) (shown in
In an embodiment, by positioning the device in this way, the disclosed device is a single Applied Resistance Assembly (107) which may be positioned in ways to achieve multiple axes of motion and exercise with supporting head restraint attachments, as seen in
In an embodiment, as shown in
The importance of the ability for the aforementioned device to positionally move about a plane normal to the axis of rotation of the Applied Resistance Assembly (107) is that the intention of the exercise is to move about a pivot point located near cervical vertebrae C3 and C4. This point will vary from patient to patient so the need for adjustability to accommodate each user's unique pivot point/axis of rotation is critical.
The need for a practitioner (such as a physical therapist, chiropractor, etc.) to quickly interchange different restraints or to different mounting points of the same head restraint to fixture the device for different exercises is a key feature. The use of tools to disconnect several screws, bolts, etc. is impractical for use. Thus, a quick release mechanism, which is not only able to connect/disconnect within seconds is critical, but the ability to support forward and reversing torques with no mechanical play (looseness of connection) is key.
In an embodiment, the arm-shaft interface assembly (106) comprises a Quick Release Mechanism that can be tightened (Counterclockwise Rotation) or untightened (Clockwise Rotation) from the Output Shaft (104) to interchange components in support of multiple exercises in different axis of rotation.
In an embodiment, the Output Shaft (104) of the device has a profile such as a cylinder and slot to allow the connection of Locking Pin (201). The Locking Pin (201), is a cylinder with a tapped hole in it, that also connects to Quick Release assembly (203), via a Locking Bolt (202). Quick Release assembly (203) is made of a lower and upper part that can be assembled together. The upper portion has a tapped hole for the Locking Bolt (202) to thread through. The bottom part has a shelf that makes planar contact with Head Restraint Locking Flange (204). Head Restraint Flange connects to the Flexion-Extension Head Restraint (105 or 116), which is not shown in detail in this image. In an embodiment, the underside of this flange (204) that mates with the Quick release assembly (203) is serrated, knurled, abraded, textured roughen, etched, scratched, coated, and the like in such a way as to increase friction.
In an embodiment, when a user rotates 203, it will tighten and secure the head restraint (116 or 105) to the Output Shaft side of an arm-shaft interface assembly (106), by means of the threaded portions in 201 and 203 (acting as a double nut assembly), as well friction from the underside of the locking pin (201) and the arm-shaft interface assembly (106), and Quick Release Assembly (203) and Head Restraint Locking Flange (204)
The subject matter described herein sometimes illustrates different components contained within, or connected with, different other components. It is to be understood that such depicted architectures are merely examples, and that in fact, many other architectures can be implemented that achieve the same functionality. In a conceptual sense, any arrangement of components to achieve the same functionality is effectively “associated” such that the desired functionality is achieved. Hence, any two components herein combined to achieve a particular functionality can be seen as “associated with” each other such that the desired functionality is achieved, irrespective of architectures or intermedial components. Likewise, any two components so associated can also be viewed as being “operably connected,” or “operably coupled,” to each other to achieve the desired functionality, and any two components capable of being so associated can also be viewed as being “operably coupleable,” to each other to achieve the desired functionality. Specific examples of operably coupleable include, but are not limited to, physically matcable, physically interacting components, wirelessly interactable, wirelessly interacting components, logically interacting, logically interactable components, etc.
In an embodiment, one or more components may be referred to herein as “configured to,” “configurable to,” “operable/operative to,” “adapted/adaptable,” “able to,” “conformable/conformed to,” etc. Such terms (e.g., “configured to”) can generally encompass active-state components, or inactive-state components, or standby-state components, unless context requires otherwise.
The foregoing detailed description has set forth various embodiments of the devices or processes via the use of block diagrams, flowcharts, or examples. Insofar as such block diagrams, flowcharts, or examples contain one or more functions or operations, it will be understood by the reader that each function or operation within such block diagrams, flowcharts, or examples can be implemented, individually or collectively, by a wide range of hardware, software, firmware in one or more machines or articles of manufacture, or virtually any combination thereof. Further, the use of “Start,” “End,” or “Stop” blocks in the block diagrams is not intended to indicate a limitation on the beginning or end of any functions in the diagram. Such flowcharts or diagrams may be incorporated into other flowcharts or diagrams where additional functions are performed before or after the functions shown in the diagrams of this application.
In an embodiment, several portions of the subject matter described herein is implemented via Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), digital signal processors (DSPs), or other integrated formats. However, some aspects of the embodiments disclosed herein, in whole or in part, can be equivalently implemented in integrated circuits, as one or more computer programs running on one or more computers (e.g., as one or more programs running on one or more computer systems), as one or more programs running on one or more processors (e.g., as one or more programs running on one or more microprocessors), as firmware, or as virtually any combination thereof, and that designing the circuitry or writing the code for the software and or firmware would be well within the skill of one of skill in the art in light of this disclosure.
In addition, the mechanisms of the subject matter described herein are capable of being distributed as a program product in a variety of forms, and that an illustrative embodiment of the subject matter described herein applies regardless of the signal-bearing medium used to actually conduct the distribution. Non-limiting examples of a signal-bearing medium include the following: a recordable type medium such as magnetic data storage media, non-volatile memory drive “Solid state drive,” any potable data storage media, a hard disk drive, a Compact Disc (CD), a Digital Video Disk (DVD), a digital tape, a computer memory, etc.; and a transmission type medium such as a program distribution via remote download over any wired or wireless network.
While aspects of the present subject matter described herein have been shown and described, it will be apparent to the reader that, based upon the teachings herein, changes and modifications can be made without departing from the subject matter described herein and its broader aspects and, therefore, the appended claims are to encompass within their scope all such changes and modifications as are within the true spirit and scope of the subject matter described herein. In general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including among other things,” or “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). Further, if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present.
For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to claims containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations).
Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense of the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include among other things systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances, where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense of the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would among other things systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). Typically, a disjunctive word or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms unless context dictates otherwise. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be typically understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”
With respect to the appended claims, the operations recited therein generally may be performed in any order. Also, although various operational flows are presented in a sequence(s), the various operations may be performed in orders other than those that are illustrated or may be performed concurrently. Examples of such alternate orderings includes overlapping, interleaved, interrupted, reordered, incremental, preparatory, supplemental, simultaneous, reverse, or other variant orderings, unless context dictates otherwise. Furthermore, terms like “responsive to,” “related to,” or other past-tense adjectives are generally not intended to exclude such variants, unless context dictates otherwise.
While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments are contemplated. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.
This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 (e) from U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/545,866, filed Oct. 26, 2023, entitled: Multi-Axis, Multi-Exercise, Strengthening Systems, Devices, and Methods; which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63545866 | Oct 2023 | US |
