The present invention generally relates to physical therapy and/or general fitness devices utilizing resistance bands.
Balance is foundational to any and all age groups, whether athletes or not. From a baby learning to walk and gaining their balance, to the gifted athlete or seniors, all can benefit from improved balance. Statistically, falls account for the death every 20 minutes of an older person in the United States. 76% of these falls are lateral or sideways falls, according to the Center for Disease Control. Falls are the top cause of fatal injuries in older adults, and many falls are preventable. One-third of adults aged 65 or older fall each year, while 95% of all hip fractures are caused by falling. Fallers typically have less muscular strength in their lower extremities than non-fallers, according to the American Council on Exercise (On et al. 2008). Falling one time doubles your chance of falling again. Falls presently cost our U.S. health care system over $50 billion annually. Current demographics show an acceleration in the elderly population, which is the group most at risk of falls, with attendant health care costs only increasing.
Optimizing balance and fall prevention requires strengthening the foot and leg muscles, including the hip flexors, hip extensors, hip abductors, knee flexors, knee extensors, ankle dorsiflexors and ankle plantar flexors. Strengthening these leg muscles results in a statistically significant improvement in balance (Journal of Physical Therapy Science 26: 1771-1774, 2014). However, seniors often struggle with balance, as they lose muscle mass with advancing age, while also becoming more afraid of a fall as they age.
Resistance bands have been used to optimize balance and increase leg strength. However, while these bands are excellent tools, they can be dangerous. First, they can easily slip out from under the users' foot and snap up and hit the exerciser. Second, standing on an exercise band is not recommended as the wear and tear from shoes onto the tubing can cause the tubing or band to fray, weaken and break. Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide a physical therapy and fitness device that enhances balance and strengthens leg muscles, while avoiding these problems encountered with resistance bands.
The objects mentioned above, as well as other objects, are solved by the present invention, which overcomes disadvantages of prior physical fitness devices using resistance bands, while providing new advantages not previously associated with them.
In a preferred embodiment, a physical therapy and fitness device is provided which may, but need not, include a pair of handles, each graspable by a user's hand, and one or more balance pedals (preferably a pair), adapted to removably support a user's foot of the user. In the particularly preferred embodiment, the balance pedal(s) are slidable along one or more resistance bands attached, directly or indirectly, to the handles. The bands may be elastic or inelastic, but are preferably elastic.
In one preferred embodiment, the balance pedal(s) stay connected to the user's feet due at least in part to upward forces generated by the user's hands acting upwardly on the band(s) and therefore the pedal(s), and not because it is necessary to tie in or otherwise attach the user's feet to the pedals.
The balance pedal(s) may include an aperture or cavity through which the band(s) pass, thereby permitting the balance pedal to be slidable relative to the band(s) when a lateral force is exerted on the pedal by a user's foot. Preferably, the aperture or cavity is adapted for relatively frictionless sliding contact between the aperture or cavity and the band(s) passing through it.
In one preferred embodiment, a top surface of the balance pedal(s) may include opposing projecting lips or ledges, to facilitate holding a user's foot in place during use of the device. In another embodiment, the distance between the projecting lips may be adjusted. Top and/or bottom surfaces of each balance pedal may also include frictional grooves adapted to provide a gripping action between the top surface of each balance pedal and a user's foot, and between the bottom surface of each balance pedal and the ground.
Preferably, the length of the pedal(s) is less than the length of a user's foot, thereby enabling the foot to rock back-and-forth relative to the pedal during use of the device, further enhancing the stability exercise.
In yet another preferred embodiment, the bands may color-coded to denote different lengths for seating or standing use and/or differing resistances.
In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the physical therapy and fitness device may include only one or more balance pedals, adapted to removably support a foot of the user during use of the device. The one or more balance pedals may be slidable along one or more resistance bands. As an example, two balance pedals may be slidable along a single resistance band. Also, one or a pair of graspable handles may be connected or attached to the one or more resistance bands and may, but need not, be used.
The balance pedal(s) may each include an elongated slot running longitudinally along a bottom surface of the balance pedal, and adapted to receive the resistance band, thereby permitting the resistance band to be slidable within the elongated slot of the balance pedal when a lateral force is exerted on the pedal by a foot of a user of the device. In one preferred embodiment, the elongated slot is ovoid in cross-sectional shape, and may have smooth outer edges providing relatively frictionless sliding contact between the slot and the resistance band passing through it.
Preferably, the balance pedals remain in contact with a user's foot due at least in part to upward forces generated by the user's hands acting upwardly on the one or more bands and the one or more pedals, and not due to tying in or otherwise attaching the user's feet to the pedals.
In a preferred embodiment, a top surface of each balance pedal includes opposing projecting raised ledges which facilitate holding a foot of a user of the device in place during use of the device. In one embodiment, the distance between the raised ledges may be adjusted.
A top surface of each balance pedal may include frictional grooves or pads adapted to provide a gripping action between the top surface of each balance pedal and a user's foot. Alternatively, or in addition, a bottom surface of each balance pedal may include frictional grooves or pads adapted to provide a gripping action between the bottom surface of each balance pedal and the ground.
In one embodiment, a top surface of the balance pedal has a convex curvature in cross-section, sized to accommodate a foot of a user of the device. Further, opposing ends of the elongated slot, or a longitudinal trough, may be tapered to facilitate guiding of the resistance bands into the elongated slot. Preferably, the width of the elongated slot is less than the untensioned diameter of the resistance band, to keep the band in place within the balance pedal's slot.
Preferably, the elongated slot is positioned at or closely adjacent to a center-of-mass location of the pedal.
As an example, a preferred embodiment of the balance pedal can support up to about 1,000 pounds before failing.
The balance pedals may be made of materials including ABS, polycarbonate, or a blend of each. Each balance pedal may have a lattice structure and is relatively lightweight, at about or less than 6 ounces each.
In an alternative embodiment, no break in the bottom surface of the balance pedal exists, so no elongated slot or longitudinal trough is formed. This will provide an even stronger version of the balance pedal.
The terms used in the claims of the patent are intended to have their broadest meaning consistent with the requirements of law. Where alternative meanings are possible, the broadest meaning is intended. All words used in the claims are intended to be used in the normal, customary usage of grammar and the English language.
“Balance pedal” means a foot support, slidable along a resistance band. Each balance pedal may but need not be connected by a resistance band to a handle.
“Resistance band” means a band, rope or cord, including but not limited to physical fitness devices commonly known as “resistance bands” or “resistance cords” or “fitness bands” or “fitness cords.” (The “resistance band” need not be elastic or stretchable; as a non-limiting example, a nylon band is included within the term “resistance band” here.)
The novel features which are characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, together with further objects and attendant advantages thereof, can be better understood by reference to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:
The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present invention. In the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.
Set forth below is a description of what are believed to be the preferred embodiments and/or best examples of the invention claimed. Future and present alternatives and modifications to this preferred embodiment are contemplated. Any alternatives or modifications which make insubstantial changes in function, in purpose, in structure, or in result are intended to be covered by the claims of this patent.
Referring first to
Referring to
Referring to
While
In another embodiment, multiple (two or more) resistance bands may be connected or attached to each pedal 20, providing the user with more tensioning and strength-building options.
Additionally, while elements 15, 16 and 17/17a are provided in the preferred embodiment, in another embodiment handle 12 may simply be attached via a strap or otherwise directly to cord/band 18. In yet another embodiment, handles need not be used at all, and a continuous loop-type resistance band may be used. Still other attachment and connection elements and mechanisms will be understood to those of ordinary skill in the art.
Various other types of handles and/or connectors for the resistance bands may be used with the present invention. As non-limiting examples, the following handles may also be used: adjustable Escalade Sports Lifeline (single band and multi-band); Fitness Insanity resistance bands (stackable, 5-piece exercise bands); and Theraband resistance band handles. Continuous loop resistance bands (without a handle) may also be used with the balance pedals of the present invention, such as ChampionPlus Pull Up Assist Bands, or Yes4All Power Bands (exercise resistance loop bands). In fact, any type of resistance band, including rubber or elastic bands or cords, or nylon straps, may be connected directly to the balance pedals without using a handle, and the band itself can be held by the exercise user.
The BalanceBand™ has been found to overcome problems associated with resistance bands used alone. The unique design, with the elastic tubing running through relatively frictionless apertures in the pedal, keeps the tubing healthy and safe. The wide design of balance pedal 20 distributes the user's weight evenly and avoids the possibility of slipping. Further, a beginner to the BalanceBand™ may use it while seated in a chair, providing enhanced safety. Virtually all of the exercises using the BalanceBand™ can be performed seated or standing.
Balance pedal 20 allows the user to place a foot securely on the pedal, which distributes the weight evenly on the pedal, which is very different—and much safer—than when a user steps directly on an exercise band. Further, the pedal's unique design, in which the elastic band, cord or tubing runs directly through the pedal's (e.g.) nylon-lined cavity or aperture provides a relatively frictionless connection with the pedals, which maintains the health and integrity of the resistance band, providing it with a longer useful life.
Three exercises in particular have been found to best strengthen the necessary leg muscle groups required to optimize balance: lateral side stepping, glute kickbacks, and lateral leg lifts:
A person of ordinary skill will recognize that each of these exercises can be performed using physical fitness device 10 of the present invention. The BalanceBand™ is unique in the manner in which it allows a user to strategically pinpoint these muscles important to balance, and to perform the movements as described above. Further, the pedal design with the ledges is designed to position the user's foot in an optimum position to properly target these muscles for optimal balance muscle strengthening. In addition to the general overall strengthening of lower extremity muscles through the use of the present invention, the pedals also provide an additional benefit: as the foot is not fully supported, but rather is permitted to rock back and forth on the pedal, these perturbations or disturbances require the user to continuously seek to regain stability, which further enhances balance. Thus, referring to
Referring to
In an alternative embodiment, shown in
The BalanceBand™ enables users to exercise from their own home, while improving your balance at a very low cost. It has great flexibility, too, as the youngest athlete can use it to improve their game, while the oldest adult can use it to strengthen their legs and reduce the risk of falling. Further, because balance pedals 20 can be slid up and down the band, they can be moved to the side, or they can be removed completely, and the elastic band can be used for a number of additional exercises, such as triceps strengthening. Triceps are considered a “go-go” muscle by the exercise community, as they are needed to push ourselves up to get out of a chair. (If a user can't get out of a chair, he/she is house-bound, equating to a loss of independence). The BalanceBand™ also enables users to perform triceps extensions, further empowering users and allowing them to maintain their independence.
Different elastic bands or cords may be color-coordinated to facilitate use. For example, yellow (e.g., 23-inches in length) may be used for seated balance/strength work. Other colors for bands/cords may be used for standing work (e.g., 40-inches in length), with different colors denoting different band/cord thicknesses (and thus differing resistances) selected for the level of the user (e.g., green for beginners, red for intermediate users, and blue for advanced users). Each colored band/cord is preferably interchangeable with the comfort grip handle system.
In a less preferred embodiment, the pedal(s) could be affixed to the band(s), so that the pedal(s) do not slide along the band(s). With this embodiment, the band(s)' width could be widened or thickened in the area adjacent the pedal(s), to strengthen the band(s)/pedal(s) connection.
In yet another alternative embodiment, shown in
Referring to
Rubberized grooves 22 may be provided on the upper surface of the pedal (
The balance pedals offer wide, safe and stable foot placement. This reduces the risk of dangerous snapping or breaking of bands that can occur with direct foot placement on traditional exercise bands. The raised side ledges on the balance pedals allow for secure foot placement, while permitting quick and safe step-out.
The balance pedals may be manufactured using a 3-D printing process. Alternatively, for mass manufacturing, an injection molding process may be used.
As shown in
Referring now to
While it is currently preferred to crimp and elongate the band to pass through slot 21,
In yet another embodiment, not shown in the drawings, a lockable sliding door, for example, may be used to provide a temporary opening for band insertion, which may then be closed and locked.
In summary, BalanceBand™ allows you to quickly and easily target and strengthen the exact muscles responsible for your balance: core, hips, legs, ankles, calves and feet. Exercising with the BalanceBand™ for minutes a day will retrain these muscles and will improve your posture, reduce back pain, and enhance performance. The above description is not intended to limit the meaning of the words used in the following claims that define the invention. Persons of ordinary skill in the art will understand that a variety of other designs still falling within the scope of the following claims may be envisioned and used. It is contemplated that these additional examples, as well as future modifications in structure, function, or result to that disclosed here, will exist that are not substantial changes to what is claimed here, and that all such insubstantial changes in what is claimed are intended to be covered by the claims.
This application is a continuation-in-part of parent application U.S. Ser. No. 16/708,070, filed Dec. 9, 2019; where possible, any disclosure in this application, whether express or inherent, claims the priority of this parent filing date. A video in DVD format (see https://getbalanceband.com/how-it-works/) is attached as an Appendix to this application, illustrating the use of the present invention to provide fundamental balance and strengthening benefits. This video is also incorporated by reference into this patent application.
Number | Name | Date | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
2829891 | Ludwig | Apr 1958 | A |
4273327 | Nall | Jun 1981 | A |
5261866 | Mattox | Nov 1993 | A |
5529562 | Glaser | Jun 1996 | A |
6203476 | Wang | Mar 2001 | B1 |
6361516 | Hamel | Mar 2002 | B1 |
6425844 | Azar | Jul 2002 | B1 |
6629913 | Chen | Oct 2003 | B2 |
D482748 | Flynt | Nov 2003 | S |
7387599 | Hsu | Jun 2008 | B1 |
7591763 | Fucci | Sep 2009 | B1 |
7946970 | Garza, Jr. | May 2011 | B2 |
8142336 | Yates | Mar 2012 | B1 |
9011295 | Orenstein | Apr 2015 | B2 |
9962574 | Sperry | May 2018 | B2 |
D910124 | Jaquish | Feb 2021 | S |
11167173 | Cone | Nov 2021 | B2 |
20020198081 | Chen | Dec 2002 | A1 |
20050020418 | Lin | Jan 2005 | A1 |
20050107226 | Monda | May 2005 | A1 |
20060189459 | Hsu | Aug 2006 | A1 |
20070015644 | Aucamp | Jan 2007 | A1 |
20080293550 | Campbell | Nov 2008 | A1 |
20100255966 | Aucamp | Oct 2010 | A1 |
20110312477 | Wiseman | Dec 2011 | A1 |
20130178346 | Lin | Jul 2013 | A1 |
20130239440 | Santos | Sep 2013 | A1 |
20150190679 | Carbone | Jul 2015 | A1 |
20150342297 | Garza, Jr. | Dec 2015 | A1 |
20160171904 | Almarales | Jun 2016 | A1 |
20160206920 | Gillis | Jul 2016 | A1 |
20160339296 | Barel | Nov 2016 | A1 |
20170043211 | Mack | Feb 2017 | A1 |
20170157467 | Strong Crawley | Jun 2017 | A1 |
20180290008 | Avila | Oct 2018 | A1 |
20200086173 | Marti | Mar 2020 | A1 |
20210170216 | Frymire Cone | Jun 2021 | A1 |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
20210170216 A1 | Jun 2021 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
Parent | 16708070 | Dec 2019 | US |
Child | 16995193 | US |