Patent Grant
7918773
This invention relates in general to an exercise apparatus generally used for exercise, physical therapy, and/or rehabilitation.
There is a wide range of exercise machines and devices that provide strength and endurance exercises that are also known as anaerobic and aerobic exercise. Previous exercise machines have been attempted to simulate the motion and effort of rowing. Exercise machines of this type are typically called “rowers” and are designed to be operated with single or multiple handles which are pulled toward the chest with reciprocating strokes in an approximate linear or curvilinear path and these motions are resisted by a resistance mechanism. For the operator, these strokes are fundamentally all pulling strokes and are intended to utilize body muscles typical of those required in actual rowing.
Because of its alternating power stroke, continuous action and focus on exercising muscles of the upper body, a kayak is known to provide a superior anaerobic and aerobic exercise. However, using an actual kayak for exercise is inconvenient for most people, because of the need for storage space and a suitable body of water.
Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a portable exercise device for a simulated kayak-based exercise.
Several preferred embodiments of the present invention will be provided, by way of examples only, with reference to the appended drawings, wherein,
It should be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless limited otherwise, the terms “connected,” “coupled,” and “mounted,” and variations thereof herein are used broadly and encompass direct and indirect connections, couplings, and mountings. In addition, the terms “connected” and “coupled” and variations thereof are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings. Furthermore, and as described in subsequent paragraphs, the specific mechanical configurations illustrated in the drawings are intended to exemplify embodiments of the invention. However, other alternative mechanical configurations are possible which are considered to be within the teachings of the instant disclosure. Furthermore, unless otherwise indicated, the term “or” is to be considered inclusive.
As will expanded upon below with reference to the figures, there is provided, in an embodiment, an exercise device, comprising an elongate member, the elongate member having a pair of end regions. A pair of opposed end portions are each associated with a corresponding end region. Each end portion has a body and each body has one of a pair of opposed first end faces. At least a pair of first weighted segments is provided, each for removable attachment to the elongate member and/or a corresponding end portion in an operative position. The first weighted segment has a second end face, the first and second faces abutting one another in the operative position. Each anchor portion has a first exterior surface region and each first weighted segment has a second exterior surface region which, in the operative position, is complementary with the first exterior surface region.
The second surface region may be configured to form with the first exterior surface, a substantially continuous outer surface region, though other configurations may also be used if desired. For instance, the second surface may be larger but provide a smooth transition with the first surface, for instance.
As discussed below, an embodiment further comprises two or more elongate resilient portions, each to be joined with a corresponding body, at least one remote anchor portion to anchor the resilient portions to a fixed object, the resilient portions having a length sufficient for enabling the elongate member, in an operative position, to travel though a range of travel to enable a user to simulate a kayak paddling motion therewith.
As discussed below, an embodiment further includes anchor portion for removably securing the at least one resilient portion therewith. The anchor portion may be provided in the form of a including a cut out region formed in the body and a web centrally located therein, though anchor portions of other configurations may also be used if desired.
The weighted segment may be coupled with the end portion in a number ways, including by way of a threadably engaged with the end portion and/or the body. To this end, the body and/or the end region of the elongate member may include a first threaded projection, while the weighted segment may include a first threaded passage to engage the projection.
The projection may also include, in some examples, a second threaded passage. In this case, a threaded fastener may be associated with the weighted segment for engaging the second threaded passage for securing the first weighted segment in the operative position. The first and second passages may be provided with opposite threads as an added locking benefit.
In an embodiment, the anchor portion and/or the end portion of the elongate member include a threaded passage and a threaded fastener is associated with the weighted segment for securing the first weighted segment in the operative position.
In another embodiment, there is provided an exercise device, comprising an elongate bar, the bar having a pair of end regions, a pair of opposed end portions each associated with a corresponding end region, each end portion having a body, each body having one of a pair of opposed first end faces, a plurality of weighted segments, each for removable attachment to the bar and/or a corresponding end portion in an operative position, each body having a second end face, the first and second faces abutting one another in the operative position, each body having a first exterior surface region, each weighted segment having a second exterior surface region, the second exterior surface region being configured to be complementary with the first exterior surface region, the first end face including at least one first surface formation, each weighted segment including a second surface formation complementary with the first surface formation, in order for the weighted segment and the end portion to form a positive engagement at the abutting first and second end faces.
The first formation may include a recess and/or a projection, while the second formation including a corresponding projection and/or recess, though other formation arrangements may also be employed. As will be described below, in an embodiment, each weighted segment further comprises a third end face opposite the second end face, the third end face including a recess to receive a projection of an adjacent weighted segment.
In an embodiment, the end portion and/or the weighted segments made of ferromagnetic material and the device further comprises a holding portion for holding at least one segment in the operative position with the end portion, the holding portion including a magnet element located near one of said surface formations for drawing the end portion together with the weighted segment.
An embodiment further comprises a holding portion for holding at least one segment in the operative position with the end portion, the holding portion including a harness extending along at least a portion of the weighted segment and the end portion. The harness is removably attached to the end portion or the corresponding weighted segment and, in one example, includes a distal portion to engage a third end face on an outermost weighted segment and a plurality of straps extending from the distal portion to the end portion. The end portion may include a plurality of coupling portions for coupling with the straps, such as by the way of posts extending outwardly from the exterior surface. The end portion includes an end panel to engage the third end face and a side panel extending along a peripheral region on the outermost weighted segment.
In another embodiment, an exercise device is provided which includes an elongate bar, the bar having a pair of opposed end portions, a plurality of weighted segments, each for removable fixed installation on the end portions, each anchor portion having a first outer profile, each weighted segment having one or more second profiles which are complementary with the first outer profile to form a substantially continuous outer surface region, at least one elongate resilient member joined with each end portion, the at least one resilient member including a remote anchor portion to anchor the resilient member to a fixed object, the at least one resilient member having a length sufficient for providing the elongate bar, in an operative position, to travel though a range of travel to enable a user to simulate a kayak paddling motion therewith.
In another embodiment, there is provided a physical fitness exercising apparatus comprising at least one bar with threaded ends, a plurality of weighted members threadably engagable with the threaded ends; at least one elastic member coupled at each threaded end, the elastic member having an anchor portion to anchor the elastic member to a stationary location.
In another embodiment, there is provided an exercise device, comprising an elongate member, the elongate member having a pair of opposed end portions, a plurality of weighted segments, each for removable fixed installation on the end portions, each anchor portion having a first outer profile, each weighted segment having one or more second profiles which are complementary with the first outer profile to form a substantially continuous outer surface region, at least one elongate resilient member joined with each end portion, the at least one resilient member including a remote anchor portion to anchor the resilient member to a fixed object, the at least one resilient member having a length sufficient for providing the elongate member, in an operative position, to travel though a range of travel to enable a user to simulate a kayak paddling motion therewith.
In yet another embodiment, there is provided a physical fitness exercise comprising;
In still another embodiment, there is provided a method of upper body physical therapy comprising:
In yet another embodiment, there is provided a method of upper body physical therapy for a user to exercise his/her arms, comprising;
Referring now to the figures, particularly
As shown in
As shown in
Referring now to
As shown in
Now referring to
Referring to
Alternatively, the resilient member 18 may be slidably held within the clip member 58 as shown in
Thus, the disk 32 provides a fixed point in which to anchor the device. The clip member 58 may be considered a fixation point in which to anchor the resilient member, either by way of a loop as shown in
When the fixation point is coupled to both resilient arm portions 56, as is the case in
Alternatively, as shown in
The exercise device 10 may be used by a person for physical therapy and/or exercise of his/her arms and shoulders in the following manner. The first step is for the user to decide if to load the weighted segments 16 or to attach the resilient member 18. If not the user then grasps the bar 12 at a pair of locations a little wider than shoulder width apart. With the bar 12 in hand, the user extends their arms outward and draws the bar 12 toward their body in an elliptical motion to reproduce a kayak paddling motion.
If desired, the user may add weighted segments 16 to each corresponding end portion to obtain a desired overall weight. The user attaches the anchor bolt 44 to make sure that the weighted segments 16 do not come off as might other wise occur by random contact between the edge of the weighted segments 16 with the floor, or by the force exerted by the kayak paddling motion. The user may then attach the resilient member 18 on each end portion of the bar 12, and then anchor the free end of each resilient member to a remote location. As described above, the user may then grasp the bar 12 in this case at locations a little wider than shoulder width. The user with the bar 12 in hand, then extends their arms outward; and draws the bar 12 towards their body in an elliptical motion again to reproduce a kayak paddling motion.
There are several alternatives to the exercise device 10 and its use. The preceding examples explain the user using one configuration to simulate the kayak paddling motion. Alternatively, the user may use more resilient members, or a bar that is not segmented. Further, the user may have a pair of smaller bars, one for each hand, each having end portions with detachable weighted segments and each being operable to couple with the resilient member and being anchored in the above mentioned motion.
The exercise device 10 may also be provided in a kit, having the bar, several weighted segments of different heaviness, which may also include resilient members of different resistance. There may be different anchor portions for use with different operative locations, for example such as a channel to engage an edge portion of a door. Another example may be to have a permanent anchor for attachment to a floor in the form of a screw and ring assembly.
In an alternative embodiment the exercise device has an elongate axis, each anchor location is operable to swivel about the elongate axis, according to bidirectional arrow C in dashed lines in
The exercise device 10 provides, in one form, a paddle simulator that is useful for providing rehabilitation for upper body injuries, such as for recovery from shoulder injuries or surgeries. The exercise device 10 may be particularly useful for both competitive athletes and recreational water sport enthusiasts (kayak, canoe etc.), by providing, in one example, several overall health benefits of water sports like kayaking and while enhancing shoulder strengthening and endurance.
The exercise device 10 may be suitable, in some cases, as a cross training activity for the upper body even without the need to rehabilitate from an injury, by providing benefits for endurance training, core strengthening, and cardiovascular conditioning. Some of these benefits may be available, for example, in workouts spanning 10 to 15 minutes and involving approximately 1000 repetitions.
The exercise device 10 may, in some forms, present repetition advantages of spin cycling for the legs and cardiovascular system but applied to the upper body. The advantages of the device from an exercise point of view may be considered similar to swimming but more time efficient than swimming and performed in a range of motion more suitable for long term rotator cuff function than swimming and many forms of weight training or shoulder rehabilitation.
With the general aging of the baby boom generation with arthritis of the knees and hips preventing activities such as running, there would be a huge population health benefit if a suitable upper body exercise could be developed that was simple, time efficient, and effective at strengthening, cardiovascular conditioning, and weight loss. The exercise device 10 may be capable of helping to address this pressing population health issue.
Examples of possible uses of the exercise device 10 include:
Thus, the exercise device 10 may be considered portable, simple to use, and simple to produce. It may provide versatile exercise benefit that includes not only shoulder benefits but also core conditioning and cardiovascular conditioning. It may provide time efficient exercise for achieving shoulder rehabilitation. The exercise device 10 may be used in some cases to exercise all of the muscle groups using both concentric (muscle shortening) and eccentric (muscle lengthening) loading patterns.
From a rehabilitation point of view the exercise device 10 may provide feedback to the user of how the injured side is performing relative to the non injured side and encourages the user to achieve equal strength and conditioning in both the injured and non injured side.
The exercise device 10 may thus utilize one or more weights positioned at the ends of the device to have the benefit of feeling heavier (apparent weight) due to the rotational nature of the exercise and the need to accelerate the peripheral weights through a cyclical or elliptical motion, though there may be other benefits available without the need for additional weights in some cases. For example, the exerciser may experience a sensation that the harder an exerciser attempts to exercise with the exercise device 10, the exercise increases in resistance and difficulty.
The exercise device may be used in multiple postures such as sitting, standing, kneeling, sitting on an exercise ball, in lunge position with the knee up, in the lunge position with the knee down. This allows simulation of multiple types of athletic movement. For instance sitting on an exercise ball simulates the balance, core stability, and upper limb loading of kayaking. While standing with the feet together the device exaggerates the load through the core muscles and simulates the upper limb movement and core stability requirements of running.
The exercise device 10 may be seen to operate under two broad concepts:
When a user lifts weights traditionally for the sake of conditioning the movement is generally a straight line or arc and the forces involved are described by Newton's second law which states that;
F=ma
Where F=force
In this situation the acceleration is described as the initial velocity of the object subtracted from the final velocity of the object divided by the time of the movement (v2−v1)/time. If an exerciser wishes to increase the resistance they need to accelerate the weight or change the amount of weight. In either case there is a linear relationship between the force and the changes. In other words if one doubles the weight then one doubles the force or if one doubles the speed of movement then one doubles the force.
If one looks at Newton's law as it applies to circular motion the relevant force equation is still F=ma but it needs to be adjusted for circular motion/acceleration. The relevant equation then becomes;
F=v squared/R where v=velocity and R=the radius of the movement
This equation for circular motion then becomes;
Force=(M4π2R)/T2
Where T=period of movement around the circle.
In this situation there is no longer a linear relationship between force and velocity but rather a quadratic relationship. In other words if one doubles the speed of movement one's force required for the movement increases four times. In addition it is possible to change the force by changing the radius of the movement. In the case of the exercise device 10, the weight may be relatively small, such as in the order of pounds.
However, in one example, the bodies 14a are strategically placed at the far ends of the bar 12 to give an increased resistance that may be varied by changing the speed of the movement or radius of the movement. The magnitude of these changes may be greater using the concept of circular motion and physics. In addition the device may be used either unrestrained so that all resistance is governed by the physics of circular or elliptical motion or it can be used with a resistance tubing yolk to create more of a directional resistance. By doing this it may be possible to recreate the forces involved in activities such as kayaking both in terms of the magnitude of the force as well as the direction of the force. Both the use of the circular motion and weight and the resistance yolk are novel approaches to upper body exercise.
2. The Speed, Range of Motion, and Loading Specificity of Athletic Achievement or Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation
An aspect of athletic conditioning and rehabilitation is that it is both sport specific but more importantly specific to the force, speed, and range of motion of the desired activity. The exercise device allows flexibility to alter force, speed, and range of motion.
The exercise 10 may provide significant benefits to rotator cuff conditioning in that when using a kayaking all components of the rotator cuff as well as the prime movers of the shoulder are equally loaded. In particular the posterior rotator cuff is notoriously weak in many athletes such as swimmers, pitchers, weight lifters because they exercise predominantly with internal rotation of the shoulder and do not load the posterior rotator cuff as much or as often as the anterior elements of the rotator cuff. This leads to functional shoulder instability and often a pain syndrome. The exercise device 10 may provide equal loading of the elements of the rotator cuff both concentrically (muscle shortening) and eccentrically (muscle lengthening). In addition the exercise device 10 may provide exercise for the rotator cuff while remaining below shoulder height which is also critical for injury avoidance due to the “wringing out phenomenon” of the rotator cuff when the arm is elevated above shoulder height. The wringing out of the rotator cuff is actually the dramatically decreased blood supply or flow with shoulder abduction or elevation. By exercising the all of the rotator cuff elements equally, eccentrically, concentrically, and below shoulder the device allows for rapid conditioning and rehabilitation.
Referring to
The first end face 74 includes at least one first surface formation 86 and each weighted segment 76 includes a second surface formation 88 complementary with the first surface formation 86, in order for the weighted segment and the end portion to form a positive engagement at the abutting first and second end faces. In this example, the first formation includes a recess and/or a projection, while the second formation includes a corresponding projection and/or recess.
Each weighted segment further comprises a third end face 90 opposite the second end face 88. The third end face 90 includes a recess 92 to receive a projection 93 of an adjacent weighted segment.
In the arrangement as shown in
In another arrangement, the end portion and/or the weighted segments are made of ferromagnetic material and the holding portion, in this case, may include a magnet element (shown in two alternative locations at 106) located near one of the surface formations for drawing the end portion together with the weighted segment. If desired, the surface formations may also provide a threaded engagement therbetween to secure the weighted segments to themselves and/or to the end portion.
Thus, the device provides a means by which the weighted segments may be nested to hold in place with an anchor cap strapped to the end portion. The weights in this example are thus stackable by virtue of complementary shaping of the first and second end faces, such as by way of male or female formations. The end portion itself has a complementary receiving formation which, in this example is not threaded. Retention of the weighed member(s) may be via a rubberized hood with four point straps that are resilient and distensible. Each strap may be secured individually to the side aspect of the bar on a fixed peg emerging therefrom or using an alternative configuration, for example by providing pegs on the straps to fit with corresponding apertures in the side aspect of the bar. This configuration provides a flexibility of adding weights in small increments and maintaining the ability to fix them to the bar to achieve safety and stop movement.
Referring to
While the present invention has been described for what are presently considered the preferred embodiments, the invention is not so limited. To the contrary, the invention is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.
The applicant claims priority benefit under Title 35,United States Code section 119(e) of U.S. Provisional application Ser. No. 60/924,381 filed May 11, 2007 and entitled PHYSICAL THERAPY REHABILITATION APPARATUS. The entire subject matter of U.S. Provisional application Ser. No. 60/924,381 filed May 11, 2007 and entitled PHYSICAL THERAPY REHABILITATION APPARATUS is incorporated herein by reference.
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