This bio-mechanical technology relates to the relationship of gravity and the functionality of the body in motion. This invention relates to the field of the biomechanics of running without repetitive impact or deviation cause by gravitational forces which can compromise affiliated body parts. The device relates to an anti-gravity running device that provides a non-impact rehabilitation and training system which eliminates the gravitational impact on the body's joints and bones. The present technology relates to the relationship of gravity and the functionality of the body in motion utilizing bio-mechanical technology. Finally, the invention relates to a simulation system and method with a computer-readable medium for synthesis and analysis of human motion under partial assist from powered exercise devices.
None.
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As far as known, there are no Vertical Running Machine like the one presented herein. It is believed that this product/system is unique in its design and technologies.
People face problems when they have physical restrictions from a debilitating ailment, age, or are rehabilitating from an accident or illness. Short or long term restrictions prevents them from simple walking or running which is characterized as an impact on their joints. This restriction occurs when they attempt to walk or exercise even with the help of a walker or cane. In short, a lot of these people cannot walk or run at all. Such a condition often prevents them from getting the exercise their legs need to prevent further disease or deterioration of the joints. The same condition prevents rehabilitation, improvement and/or return to some state of normalcy with their muscle and skeletal condition. Biomechanical analysis has shown that the most important muscles causing forward progress of the body in running are the hip flexors and hip extensors. Numerous hip strengthening devices have been developed. These hip training devices may be separated into those that are: 1) stationery apparatuses, where the athlete stands or lies in one place and moves the hip against a resistance mechanism, i.e. cable-pulley mechanism with associated weight stack and 2) mobile, where weight is attached to the lower extremity, thereby allowing resistance training of those muscles while the athlete is actually performing a sporting activity such as running. Since about 1970 a multitude of exercise machines have been developed with a wide variety of resistance mechanisms, including isotonic, isokinetic, pneumatic, hydraulic resistance and elastic resistance mechanisms. These machines typically are adapted to train one aspect of performance, such as acceleration or stretch-shortening.
The biomechanics of running involves the stabilization, propulsion, and the breaking of the body's center of gravity as a result of reaction forces between the bottom of the feet and the contact with the ground surface. The muscle activity during exercise includes the hamstrings, hip extenders, rectus femora's, quadriceps, gastrocnemius and the anterior tibia. This is in a field of technology that applies directly with the problems that exists with normal running such as the bodily damages that exists on the joints and bones which experience internal point loads as the body's mass reactions of the forces from impact with the ground surface. The loading leads to joint and bone damage after repetitive impact causing the body's center of mass to become unstable while running. This repetitive impact permits damage to also occur in the ligaments, tendons and cartilage due to excess stress greater and exceeds what than the tissue can handle. This repetitive impact is the result of the body's weight accelerating towards the ground which is caused by the gravitational forces effect on the body.
The new technology in this invention provides a novel solution by alleviating the loads on the joints and the removing the gravitational effect on the body while maintaining the same exercising loads on the muscles experienced during running. The VARRI device also helps to train the muscle fibers of the body outside the detrimental effects of gravity and repetitive impact during rehabilitation. The prior art fails to teach a device such as VARRI which has adequate joint isolation adapted to train for stretch-shortening, acceleration, or both.
A novelty search reveal no prior art like the VARRI-Vertical Running Machine. The search revealed:
None of the devices and systems use the same or similar configuration and features as shown with the VARRI. They all fail to remove the effects of gravity on rehabilitation and impact. None anticipate nor render obvious the method and device Christy employs to monitor and improve the user's reaction at the muscle and skeletal reference points to achieve specific exercise and rehabilitation without impact forces and gravitational pulls during the exercise.
This novel technology is called the VARRI—A Vertical Running Machine—is an acronym for Vertical, Anti-Gravity, Rehabilitation, Recovery, Impact Resistant. This is a uniquely defined bio-mechanical device. It provides a means to assist the human body, at virtually all ages and physical condition, to maintain healthy muscle structure. This is done by providing a non-impact means and method of accelerated rehabilitation/recovery from injury and providing a faster recovery from surgical procedures. In addition it assists in improving the motor skills and joint functions of the elderly without limiting their natural responses. The VARRI affects the three types of muscle groups, the skeletal, the cardiac, and the smooth involuntary muscle groups by programming it (the VARRI) to prescribe the exact kinetic exercise protocol for rehabilitation, maintenance and the enhancement of the exercise targeted specifically applicable to each muscle group.
Another object of the Vertical Running Machine technology is that it has the means and the capability of neutralizing the gravitational load based on the fact that running is a horizontal transfer of body interactions with gravity forces which are eliminated by the function of this technology. By neutralizing gravity during the simulated running, in order to move the body from the support phase to flight phase of running, the body is not having to overcome gravity. This allows the body to develop greater strength in the quads, calves and hamstrings (which are specifically known as the anti-gravitational muscles) which in turn strengthens the core muscles through the specific mechanical programming while the user is in the anti-gravity position on the apparatus. By using the proper training guidelines of this invention, it is possible to elongate the quadriceps and the hamstrings within the anatomy of the upper leg, thereby producing even greater flexibility and a more spontaneous response upon command without impact.
Another feature exemplified in this unique device is that it builds a new concept into the training techniques by increasing the users stride length and stride frequency. By removing the gravitational factor and establishing a controlled rhythmic pattern throughout a series of adjustable guide rods and pulleys, the flexibility of the stride length and the cadence of the stride frequency is directly developed which relates to the extension/contraction principle and which in turn develops a constant repetitive motion. With proper training within the scope of this invention it is possible to alter the genetic pathway of the relationship of the normal 50/50 fast vs slow twitch fibers into a 80/20 fast to slow twitch ratio.
A further object of this invention pertains to the versatility of training for the specific type of running desired by the athlete such as sprinting, middle distance, or long distance, which is accomplished by varying the resistance, the number of sets and repetitions, the time between sets and the pace at which the stride is done. For example, if the athlete wants to increase his speed for sprinting he wants to train the white twitch fibers by using a maximum amount of resistance through a lower number of repetitions for a large number of sets at a fast pace with small intervals of rests. A further attribute is the horizontal positioning of the body reclining on a mechanical platform with both feet affixed to a guided system. The mechanical attachments or harnesses are specifically designed and aligned to facilitate the positioning of the body and legs to replicate the motion of running without impact, without gravity, and without collateral damage to other body parts. Finally, the functionality of the apparatus provides a full range of motion of the controlled leg movement using both anaerobic and aerobic techniques and employing a variable work/energy relationship of weight resistance. This resistance extends or radiates throughout the entire extensor muscles of the hip, knee, and ankle joints (See
The preferred embodiment of the vertical running machine is comprised of: a) a structure framework configured as a group of horizontal, vertical, diagonal and cantilevered tubes interconnected with a means to fasten the ends of each tube to the adjoining tube; b) a movable seat for a user, the seat having a movable back and a group of vertical structural members affixed to the framework at one end and the seat at the opposite end; c) a group of pulleys affixed by a means for removably securing each of the pulley to the structure framework; d) a pair of cables with opposite ends, each cable with a first end removably secured by a means for securing the cable to one of a pair of foot harnesses and each cable at an opposite end removably affixed to a means (winch or hydraulic unit) for tensioning and pulling by a means for securing the cable, whereby the means for tensioning and pulling can then controllably cycle and release each foot harness; e) a programmable computer for engaging the means for tensioning and pulling and for controllably releasing the tension, and the programmable computer for controlling a weight applied, for controlling a speed of cycling the tensioning and release, and for controlling a length/stride of the movement; f) a pair of controller sticks and/or a set of buttons near the user and attached to the seat as a means to control the computer/controller; g) a means for powering the computer/controller; and
h) a control and power cable to interconnect the means for powering (power source), computer and controls at the seat wherein the vertical running machine removes the effect of gravity on the joints and bones while running without impact.
There are several objects and advantages of the VARRI—A Vertical Running Machine such as:
Finally, other advantages and additional features of the present VARRI—A Vertical Running Machine will be more apparent from the accompanying drawings and from the full description of the components and system. For one skilled in the art of exercise and running devices as well as the effects of gravity and impact on joints and muscles, it is readily understood that the features shown in the examples with this product are readily adapted to other types of exercise and rehabilitation devices and systems.
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate an embodiment of the VARRI—A Vertical Running Machine for exercise and rehabilitation. The drawings together with the summary description given above and a detailed description given below serve to explain the principles of the VARRI—A Vertical Running Machine. It is understood, however, that the device and system, called the VARRI is not limited to only the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.
The following list refers to the drawings:
This invention relates to THE VARRI—A Vertical Running Machine which is an acronym for Vertical, Anti-Gravity, Rehabilitation, Recovery, Impact Resistant. This bio-mechanical technology relates to the relationship of gravity and the functionality of the body in motion. This invention relates to the field of the biomechanics of running without repetitive impact or deviation cause by gravitational forces which can compromise affiliated body parts. The device relates to an anti-gravity running device that provides a non-impact rehabilitation and training system which eliminates the gravitational impact on the body's joints and bones. The present technology relates to the relationship of gravity and the functionality of the body in motion utilizing bio-mechanical technology. Finally, the invention relates to a simulation system and method with a computer-readable medium for synthesis and analysis of human motion under partial assist from powered exercise devices.
The advantages for the VARRI—A Vertical Running Machine 30 are listed above in the introduction. Succinctly the benefits are that the device:
The preferred embodiment of the vertical running machine is comprised of: a) a structure framework configured as a group of horizontal, vertical, diagonal and cantilevered tubes interconnected with a means to fasten the ends of each tube to the adjoining tube; b) a movable seat for a user, the seat having a movable back and a group of vertical structural members affixed to the framework at one end and the seat at the opposite end; c) a security belt; d) a group of pulleys affixed by a means for removably securing each of the pulley to the structure framework; d) a pair of cables with opposite ends, each cable with a first end removably secured by a means for securing the cable to one of a pair of foot harnesses and each cable at an opposite end removably affixed to a means (winch or hydraulic unit) for tensioning and pulling by a means for securing the cable, whereby the means for tensioning and pulling can then controllably cycle and release each foot harness; e) a programmable computer for engaging the means for tensioning and pulling and for controllably releasing the tension, and the programmable computer for controlling a weight applied, for controlling a speed of cycling the tensioning and release, and for controlling a length/stride of the movement; f) a pair of controller sticks and/or a set of buttons near the user and attached to the seat as a means to control the computer/controller; g) a means for powering the computer/controller; and h) a control and power cable to interconnect the means for powering (power source), computer and controls at the seat wherein the vertical running machine removes the effect of gravity on the joints and bones while running without impact.
There is shown in
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate an embodiment of the VARRI—A Vertical Running Machine 30 that is preferred. The drawings together with the summary description given above and a detailed description given below serve to explain the principles of the Vertical Running Machine 30. It is understood, however, that the device and system VARRI 30 is not limited to only the precise arrangements and instrumental-ities shown. Other examples of exercise and rehabilitation devices which lessen the effects of impact and gravity are still understood by one skilled in the art of exercise and rehabilitation devices to be readily adapted to features and concepts within the scope and spirit shown here.
For the purpose of establishing an understanding of the principles of the invention and providing it's currently understood best mode of operation, reference will now include the embodiments which will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitations of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, with such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.
Ankle: The anterior tibial F.AT and calf muscles F.C control the rotation of the ankle. The anterior tibial muscle works to dorsiflex the foot upward while the calf pulls the foot downward. A free body diagram 110 showing the muscle forces throughout the running cycle is below. While preparing for initial contact, the anterior tibial F.AT controls which part of the foot sole will make initial contact. In order to generate power for propulsion during the stance phase, the calf F.C becomes the primary active muscle as it creates the force against the ground F.ground by rotating the ankle and pulling the forefoot down against the ground. While the foot is in contact with the ground, the ankle joint will experience increased internal loading due to the ground reaction forces and the body's mass. Once the toe comes off the ground (swing phase), the anterior tibial muscles become more active as they dorsiflex the foot to provide ground clearance.
Knee: A free body diagram 110 of the knee rotation and the muscle forces during running can be found below. The hamstrings F.H and the quadriceps F.Q control the flexion and extension of the knee, respectively. During initial contact with the ground, both the hamstrings and quadriceps contract in order to help absorb the energy of impact with the ground. However, the knee joint will also experience increased internal loading here in order to dissipate the energy from impact. As the body moves through the stance phase, the knee joint will extend due to the quad contracting, increasing the force against the ground. Consequently, the knee joint continues to provide support by internal loading. Once the toe comes off the ground, the hamstrings become more active and cause the knee to flex in order to provide more ground clearance for swinging the leg.
Hip: A free body diagram of the hip rotation and the corresponding muscle forces can be found below. At the hip, the hip extensors F.he and rectus femoris F.rf are responsible for the extension and flexion of the hip. Similarly to the other joints, both muscles are active during initial contact in order to help absorb the impact. Additionally, the hip joint experiences an increased load during impact and while in the stance phase. Both muscles are active during the stance phase, but activity should increase in the hip extensors as the body moves forward and the hip extends back. Once the toe comes off the ground, the rectus femoris contracts in order to flex the hip and move the leg forward.
The
The details mentioned here are exemplary and not limiting. Other specific components and manners specific to describing the VARRI—A Vertical Running Machine 30 may be added by a person having ordinary skill in the field of exercise, running and rehabilitation devices and systems and still be within the scope and spirit of this disclosed device 30.
The VARRI—A Vertical Running Machine 30—has been described in the above embodiment. The manner of how the device operates is described below. One notes well that the description above and the operation described here must be taken together to fully illustrate the concept of the Vertical Running Machine 30. The preferred embodiment is the vertical running machine 30 comprised of: a) a structure framework 59, 60, 62, 64, 66 configured as a group of horizontal, vertical, diagonal and cantilevered tubes interconnected with a means to fasten the ends of each tube to the adjoining tube; b) a movable seat 49 for a user 100, the seat having a movable back 50 and a group of vertical structural members 53 affixed to the framework at one end and the seat 49 at the opposite end; c) a group of pulleys 51 affixed by a means 52 for removably securing each of the pulley to the structure framework; d) a pair of cables 55 with opposite ends, each cable with a first end removably secured by a means 47 for securing the cable to one of a pair of foot harnesses 41 and each cable 55 at an opposite end removably affixed to a means (winch 43 or hydraulic unit 44) for tensioning and pulling by a means for securing the cable 55, whereby the means for tensioning and pulling can then controllably cycle and release each foot harness 41; e) a programmable computer 70 for engaging the means 43, 44 for tensioning and pulling and for controllably releasing the tension, and the programmable computer 70 for controlling a weight applied, for controlling a speed of cycling the tensioning and release, and for controlling a length/stride of the movement; f) a pair of controller sticks 73 and/or a set of buttons near the user and attached to the seat as a means to control the computer/controller 70; g) a means 76 for powering the computer/controller; and h) a control and power cable 75 to interconnect the means for powering 76 (power source), computer 70 and controls 73 at the seat 49 wherein the vertical running machine 30 removes the effect of gravity on the joints and bones while running without impact.
One of the main concepts of this innovation is to remove the effects of gravity on the joints and bones of the body while duplicating the act of running. This is accomplished by a mechanical designed device 30, as referenced in the illustrations. The user sits 100 down on an automatic reclining chair 49 and steps into the foot attachments 41. The user 100 or the operator presses the first button (on controls 73) connected to the the computer 70 (by control line 75) which activates the electronic weight resistance system, or the pneumatic free weight system 45, which also adjusts the foot attachment 41 to the size of the user 100 and simultaneously converts the chair 49, 50 into a horizontal platform (lowers the back 50) while raising the legs into vertical running position (i.e. horizontal and essentially parallel to the floor). The user 100, or the operator presses the second button (on controls 73) on the computer 70 which selects or enters the program to accommodate the physical dimensions or conditions of the user 100 and activates or enters the prescribed program for that specific user.
The parts and component were shown in
The problem with normal running is that the joints, as well as bones, experience internal loads as a result of the body's mass and the resulting reaction forces from impact with the ground. This can lead to joint and bone damage after repetitive impacts over time or from a single excessive impact load. Furthermore, if the body's center of mass becomes unstable while running (i.e. falling), damage may occur in the ligaments or tendons due to stresses greater than the tissues can handle. This problem becomes especially significant in older people and people with previous musculoskeletal injuries. A solution must involve alleviating the loads on the joints and while maintaining the same loads on the muscles experienced during running. The loads experienced in the joints are a result of the impact of the body's mass with the ground. This impact is the result of the body's weight accelerating towards the ground, which is primarily due to gravity. Therefore, by removing the vertical effects of gravity on the joints, the internal loads in the joints will be highly reduced. The main concept of this innovation is to remove the effects of gravity on the joints and bones while maintaining the act of running. In order to do so, the device shown in
Additionally, the muscle activity has been included in
Uses and embodiments for the VARRI are now understood based on the description and operation provided in the preceding sections. One embodiment of the novel technology relates to the relationship of gravity and the functionality of the body in motion utilizing the bio-mechanical technology designed within the scope of the invention. Another embodiment provides a method and means of creating a unique anti-gravity running device, affording a non-impact rehabilitation and training system eliminating gravitational impact on the body's joints and bones. A further embodiment incorporates the VARRI as applied to Physical Therapy procedures in the field of health and fitness and in reference to a safer and faster methodology of recovery from surgery and athletic injuries without impact and stress. A still other use of this invention is as a designed device that can be adaptable to the bedridden patients in hospital beds following the same functionality guidelines for rehabilitation of the sick and elderly who cannot bear weight on their skeletal muscle groups. Another important function of the VARRI focuses on the prevention of injuries by strengthening the hamstrings and quadriceps as well as increasing the ability of the tendons and ligaments of the knee joint. These are the protective tissues that keep the bones in place and prevents them from grinding against each other. By training on this non-impact and gravity free apparatus, injuries can be reduced by eliminating stress on the skeletal muscles as illustrated in the Muscle Forces and Joint Reaction Forces as proven on the Charts accompanying this application and disclosure. Another use of the VARRI is as an apparatus which is designed specifically to train the body's muscle fibers in such a manner as to make a change in the fiber constituents. This change is accomplished without impact, deviation, or compromise of other affiliated body parts. This is especially focused on the users desire to change the muscular fibers in order to rehabilitate or maximize his or her own potential in any desired field of health and fitness or athletic performance.
With this description it is to be understood that the VARRI—Vertical Running Machine 30 is not to be limited to only the disclosed embodiment of product. The features of the VARRI 30 are intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the description.
While certain novel features of this invention have been shown and described and are pointed out in the annexed claims, it is not intended to be limited to the details above, since it will be understood that various omissions, modifications, substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the device illustrated and in its operation can be made by those skilled in the art without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention. Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention.
Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which these inventions belong. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also be used in the practice or testing of the present inventions, the preferred methods and materials are now described above in the foregoing paragraphs.
Other embodiments of the invention are possible. Although the description above contains much specificity, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. It is also contemplated that various combinations or sub-combinations of the specific features and aspects of the embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of the inventions. It should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes of the disclosed inventions. Thus, it is intended that the scope of at least some of the present inventions herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above.
The terms recited in the claims should be given their ordinary and customary meaning as determined by reference to relevant entries (e.g., definition of “plane” as a carpenter's tool would not be relevant to the use of the term “plane” when used to refer to an airplane, etc.) in dictionaries (e.g., widely used general reference dictionaries and/or relevant technical dictionaries), commonly understood meanings by those in the art, etc., with the understanding that the broadest meaning imparted by any one or combination of these sources should be given to the claim terms (e.g., two or more relevant dictionary entries should be combined to provide the broadest meaning of the combination of entries, etc.) subject only to the following exceptions: (a) if a term is used herein in a manner more expansive than its ordinary and customary meaning, the term should be given its ordinary and customary meaning plus the additional expansive meaning, or (b) if a term has been explicitly defined to have a different meaning by reciting the term followed by the phrase “as used herein shall mean” or similar language (e.g., “herein this term means,” “as defined herein,” “for the purposes of this disclosure [the term] shall mean,” etc.). References to specific examples, use of “i.e.,” use of the word “invention,” etc., are not meant to invoke exception (b) or otherwise restrict the scope of the recited claim terms. Other than situations where exception (b) applies, nothing contained herein should be considered a disclaimer or disavowal of claim scope. Accordingly, the subject matter recited in the claims is not coextensive with and should not be interpreted to be coextensive with any particular embodiment, feature, or combination of features shown herein. This is true even if only a single embodiment of the particular feature or combination of features is illustrated and described herein. Thus, the appended claims should be read to be given their broadest interpretation in view of the prior art and the ordinary meaning of the claim terms.
Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers or expressions, such as those expressing dimensions, physical characteristics, etc. used in the specification (other than the claims) are understood as modified in all instances by the term “approximately.” At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the claims, each numerical parameter recited in the specification or claims which is modified by the term “approximately” should at least be construed in light of the number of recited significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques.
The present invention contemplates modifications as would occur to those skilled in the art. While the disclosure has been illustrated and described in detail in the figures and the foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only selected embodiments have been shown and described and that all changes, modifications and equivalents that come within the spirit of the disclosures described heretofore and or/defined by the following claims are desired to be protected.
This application claims the benefit of United States Provisional patent application with Ser. No. 62/547,285 filed Aug. 18, 2017, by Jack D. Christy and entitled “The VARRI—A Vertical Running Machine—Vertical, Anti-Gravity, Rehabilitation, Recovery, Impact Resistant”.
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20190054342 A1 | Feb 2019 | US |
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62547285 | Aug 2017 | US |