Exercise device and method

Abstract

An exercise device and method.

Description

BACKGROUND

Individuals may benefit from physical exercise including muscle training in maintaining a healthy lifestyle especially as they get older. Exercise and muscle training can assist in rehabilitation of injured muscles and improve outcomes after injuries, illnesses and surgical procedures.

There are four main categories of muscle contractions that occur in everyday movement as well as in muscle training and exercise. Eccentric contractions typically involve lengthening of a muscle while contracting, such as, for instance occurs with the downward release of a dumbbell in a bicep curl. Concentric contraction typically occurs when a muscle shortens in length during contraction such as occurs with an upward motion of a bicep curl. Isometric contraction typically occurs when a muscle is held at a constant length while contracting, such as when an individual holds an object in place. Passive stretching typically occurs when a muscle lengthens when not contracting, such as when one is performing various stretching exercises.

Exercise machines have been utilized to facilitate exercise and muscle training. Exercise machines may be useful in helping individuals isolate particular muscles or muscle groups for targeted training and/or exercise of such muscles or muscle groups.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments will be described with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various figures unless otherwise specified.

FIG. 1a is a top view of an exercise device according to an embodiment.

FIG. 1b is a side view of an exercise device according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a side view of a user standing on an exercise device according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of a rotatable member according to an embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram of a shaft and torque generating member for an exercise device according to an embodiment.

FIG. 5a is a diagram of accessories adapted for use with an exercise device according to an embodiment.

FIG. 5b is a diagram of accessories adapted for use with an exercise device according to an embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram view of a control panel for use with an exercise device according to an embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a cut-away view of an exercise device according to an embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a top view of an exercise device according to an embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a view of an exercise device coupled to counterweights according to an embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a skeletal drawing of a human hip showing various muscles of the hip.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, various embodiments will be disclosed. For purposes of explanation, specific numbers, materials, and/or configurations are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments. However, it will also be apparent to one skilled in the art that embodiments may be practiced without one or more of the specific details or with other approaches, materials, components, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, and/or operations are not shown in detail and may be described only briefly to avoid obscuring embodiments. Accordingly, in some instances, features are omitted and/or simplified in order to not obscure the disclosed embodiments. Furthermore, it is understood that embodiments shown in the figures are illustrative representations and are not necessarily drawn to scale. Discussion of particular embodiments of an exercise device is meant to be illustrative and is not meant to be limiting in any regard with respect to claimed subject matter.

There are many circumstances where hip and leg muscles may benefit from range of motion and/or conditioning exercises performed in a normal position of upright weight bearing. For instance, the ability to tone and increase flexibility of hip and leg muscles may be beneficial for many athletic undertakings such as for instance, martial arts, ice skating, golfing, running and fencing. Such a “normal position of upright weight bearing,” referred to herein, may include positions that put some or all of the weight of an individual's body on the muscles being exercised, such as, standing on one leg in an upright position.

Additionally, individuals with disorders of the hip, leg and foot (which may or may not involve musculature) may benefit from range of motion and/or conditioning exercises performed in a normal position of upright weight bearing. Such disorders may include, but are not limited to, piriformis syndrome, transient osteoporosis of the hip, inflammatory arthritis of the hip, muscle injury, tendon injury and recovery after surgery.

Piriformis syndrome is characterized by a dysfunction of the piriformis muscle 1100 depicted in FIG. 10. Here, piriformis muscle 1100 may work with the quadratus femoris 1111 to abduct and laterally rotate the thigh at the hip. Piriformis syndrome may develop after an injury or with aging, for example. Piriformis syndrome may cause sciatica pain due to pressure on the sciatic nerve caused by the piriformis muscle. Treatment for piriformis syndrome may include a combination of range of motion and/or conditioning exercises and steroid injections.

Transient osteoporosis of the hip (TOH) is a disorder of the hip that is common in women. Osteoporosis is typically progressive and painless, however, TOH is reversible and painful. Treatment of TOH may include range of motion and/or conditioning exercises and administration of pain relievers.

Inflammatory arthritis of the hip (IAH) is characterized by an inflammation of the hip joint. Some causes of IAH are rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and systemic lupus erythematosus. Treatment of IAH may include administration of various mediations such as anti-inflammatory, corticosteroids, and methotrexate as well as range of motion and/or conditioning exercises.

Muscles and tendons of the hip, leg and foot are typically very susceptible to injury especially in athletes. Range of motion and/or conditioning exercises performed in a normal position of upright weight bearing may help prevent such injuries and/or aid in recovery from such injury.

Hip replacement surgery is typically followed by a long convalescence. Range of motion and/or conditioning exercises may help regain muscle tone and flexibility in the hip during and/or following recovery from surgery.

There are numerous muscles of the human body. Many muscles of the human body may generally benefit from exercise, such as, for instance, range of motion and/or conditioning exercises performed in a normal position of upright weight bearing. An example of muscles that may benefit from exercise performed in an upright weight bearing position may include, for example, muscles of the hip, leg and foot. Referring again to FIG. 10, certain muscles of the hip and leg that may benefit from range of motion exercises performed in a normal position of upright weight bearing are illustrated. The superior gemellus 1112, the inferior gemellus 1114, the obturator externus 1115 and the obturator internus 1116 may contribute to rotation of the thigh laterally. Also, the quadratus femoris 1111 may rotate the hip laterally. Additionally, the gluteus medius (not shown) may help rotate the hip both medially and laterally, while the gluteus minimus (not shown) may abduct and medially rotate the hip. The sartorius (not shown) may laterally rotate the hip joint. However, these are merely examples of muscles that may benefit from range of motion and/or conditioning exercises performed in a normal position of upright weight bearing and claimed subject matter is not limited in this respect. Nor is claimed subject matter limited to range of motion and/or conditioning exercises performed in a normal position of upright weight bearing. There are many beneficial exercises that may be performed in other positions, such as, for instance, a position requiring little or no weight bearing as in a foot exercise performed from a sitting position.

FIG. 1a illustrates an exercise device 100 having a motorized shaft at the center point of rotation where a foot may be placed. In a particular embodiment, rotatable member 101 may be capable of rotating 360 degrees about axis point 109. Additionally, rotatable member 101 may comprise an indicator 102 to move across markings 103 to indicate amount of rotation of rotatable member 101. In a particular embodiment, markings 103 may be located adjacent to the periphery of rotatable member 101 on platform 104. According to particular embodiment, markings 103 may indicate a scale for measuring the amount of rotation of rotatable member 101. Such a scale may comprise a variety of symbols or characters such as, for instance, numerals, degrees, radians, letters and/or lines. In another embodiment, a platform may comprise an indicator 102 adjacent to markings 103 on a periphery of rotatable member 101. Additionally, designated foot placement areas 106 and 107 may be positioned on platform 104 such that a user may place a foot in either or both designated foot placement areas 106 and 107 while using exercise device 100. Exercise device 100, including components shown in FIG. 1, may be constructed from various materials, including but not limited to, steel, carbon steel and/or aluminum. However, these are merely examples of a particular embodiments of an exercise device and its accompanying components, and claimed subject matter is not limited in this respect.

FIG. 1b is a side view of rotatable member 101. In a particular embodiment, rotatable member 101 may comprise a foot fastener 110 slidably coupled to rotatable member 101 and capable of elevating a user's foot 109 at an angle θ with respect to a plane parallel to platform 104. In this configuration, a user may isolate and condition and/or exercise various muscles of the lower leg that may not be targeted while a user's foot is parallel to platform 104. However, this is merely an example of a way in which to configure a foot fastener coupled to a rotatable member and claimed subject matter is not so limited.

FIG. 2 illustrates a user 209 standing in a normal position of upright weight bearing on platform 207 of exercise device 210. User 209 may be an individual using exercise device 210 to exercise and/or condition particular muscles of the leg and/or hip. In a particular embodiment, exercise device 210 may comprise platform 207 further comprising a rotatable member 208. When a user 209 is standing in an upright, weight bearing position on platform 207, user 209 may place a foot on rotatable member 208. In a particular embodiment, when user 209 places a foot on rotatable member 208, rotatable member 208 may rotate the foot in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. In another particular embodiment, when user 209 places a foot on rotatable member 208 rotatable member 208 may extend or protract user's foot and leg, relative to the user, in a forward direction 211 or a backward direction 212, or to the left 213 or the right 214. Motion, such as rotation, extension or protraction, may be achieved by user 209 by a variety of methods including contraction and relaxation of internal and/or external rotator muscles located at hip 202 and/or 205, knees 203 and/or 215, ankles 204 and/or 216 or by rotation of pelvis 201. However, these are merely examples of ways in which a user may operate an exercise device and its accompanying components according to a particular embodiment, and claimed subject matter is not limited in this respect.

FIG. 3 illustrates a rotatable member 300 for use in an exercise device 315. In a particular embodiment, rotatable member 300 may be a variety of shapes, such as, for instance, substantially circular, rectangular and or elliptical. However, these are merely examples of shapes a rotatable member may have and claimed subject matter is not so limited. Rotatable member 300 may be incorporated into a platform (e.g. platform 207 depicted in FIG. 2). In a particular embodiment, rotatable member 300 may comprise bearings 301. Bearings 301 may comprise one or more of a variety of materials including, but not limited to, steel, aluminum alloy and carbon. Bearings 301 may also have a variety of shapes including but not limited to round, oval, and/or tubular. Bearings 301 may enable rotatable member 300 to rotate about axis 306. However, in another embodiment, rotatable member 300 may rotate about axis 306 without bearings 301. Additionally, rotatable member 300 may comprise an indicator 309 to correspond to markings 304 on platform 310, enabling user to monitor or evaluate a range of motion during use. In a particular embodiment, a user (not shown) may place a foot in fastening member 308 along longitudinal axis 307 and rotate rotatable member 300 clockwise or counterclockwise. User's range of motion may be measured using markings 304 as the user rotates rotatable member 300 with a foot. Also, in a particular embodiment, rotatable member 300 may be coupled to a torque generating member 303 via a shaft 302. Torque generating member 303 may comprise a variety of devices, such as, for instance, a coil, a spring, a motor, a clutch and/or a magnetic particle brake. Shaft 302 may be capable of translating torque generated by torque generating member 303 to rotatable member 300. However, these are merely examples of ways in which a rotatable member may be configured according to a particular embodiment and claimed subject matter is not limited in this respect.

FIG. 4 depicts a torque generating member 400 (also illustrated in FIG. 3 as element 303). As discussed above, torque generating member 400 may comprise a variety of devices, such as, for instance, a coil, a motor, a clutch and/or a magnetic particle brake. In a particular embodiment, torque generating member 400 may be coupled to shaft 401 which may be coupled to a rotatable member 402. According to a particular embodiment, torque generating member 400 may rotate shaft 401 in a clockwise and/or counterclockwise direction. Shaft 401 may exert torque on rotatable member 402 in a clockwise and/or counterclockwise direction. In a particular embodiment, torque generating member 400 may be coupled to a controller 403 capable of adjusting the amount of torque supplied to shaft 401 by torque generating member 400. In a particular embodiment, torque generating member 400 may comprise a magnetic particle brake having a torque proportional to current. According to a particular embodiment, controller 403 may comprise a potentiometer (not shown) for controlling current supplied to torque generating member 400. In a particular embodiment, torque may be applied to rotatable member 402 in the clockwise and/or counterclockwise direction and may enable a user to exercise and/or train muscles with concentric and/or eccentric contractions. However, this is merely an example of a torque generating member, shaft and controller which may operate according to a particular embodiment and claimed subject matter is not limited in this respect.

FIG. 5a depicts a stabilizer 500 that may be coupled to a platform, such as platform 207 shown in FIG. 2, for example. There may be some instances where it may be difficult for a user of an exercise device 315, illustrated in FIG. 3, to stabilize the pelvis, hip and knee. In a particular embodiment, a girdle 501 may be coupled to support member 502. Support member 502 may be constructed from one or more of a variety of materials such as, for instance, steel, iron or plastic. Girdle 501 may be constructed from one or more of a variety of materials such as, for instance, cotton, polyester and/or wool. Girdle 501 may be secured to a user by any number of fasteners 504, such as for instance snaps, zippers, Velcro® and/or ties, as examples. Girdle 501, when worn by a user, may stabilize in stabilizing some portion of the user's body while using exercise device 315, as discussed above in FIG. 3. This may be useful, for instance, in preventing twisting of the entire hip or pelvic structure while exercising or training muscles located in the leg, such as, for instance, the piriformis muscles.

Additionally, in another particular embodiment, rather than a girdle 501, a wrap 503 may be coupled to support member 502 to position wraps 503 about a user's knee. This may stabilize a user's knee while using an exercise device 315, as described above. Additionally, a user's entire upper torso and knee may be stabilized by using exercise device 315 from a sitting position. A seat member 504 may enable a user to sit down while using exercise device 315. For example, this may enable a user who does not have the strength required to use exercise device 315 in a normal upright position of weight bearing to use the device to condition some of the muscles of the leg. However, these are merely examples of ways in which a girdle, a wrap, a seat and a support member may be configured with respect to an exercise device according to a particular embodiment and claimed subject matter is not limited in this respect.

In a particular embodiment a user may isolate and exercise various groups of muscles. Rotation of rotatable member 300, as illustrated in FIG. 3, with stabilization of pelvis, hip or knee, may enable a user may isolate and exercise and/or condition smaller muscles such as, the piriformis muscle. Although a particular user may be able to lock the pelvis, hip or knee without assistance, such locking may be enabled by use of girdle 501, wrap 503 or seat 504 shown in FIGS. 5a and 5b. Additionally, rotation of rotatable member 300, as illustrated in FIG. 3, without stabilizing or locking any portion of the body may enable a user to exercise larger muscles that may be utilized during rotation of rotatable member 300 when the pelvis and the hip are both moving.

FIG. 6 depicts a control panel 600 for controlling settings, use and operation of an exercise device, described above in FIGS. 1-5. In a particular embodiment, a user may fully or partially rotate a rotatable member, as discussed above. During conditioning and/or exercise a user may repeat such rotations of a rotatable member. A control panel 600 may be used to program a torque generating member controller (not shown) to allow a user to set a number of repetitions. According to a particular embodiment, repetitions may be set using first digital thumbwheels 601. The number of repetitions may be indicated in a first display 604. Additionally, clockwise resistance (torque) and counterclockwise resistance (torque) may be set with second and/or third digital thumbwheels 602 and 603, respectively. An amount of resistance may be indicated in second and third displays 606 and 607. A set/clear button 605 may allow setting and clearing of repetition and resistance values. In a particular embodiment, a repetition counter (not shown) may count total repetitions accomplished by a user. The number of repetitions counted may be displayed in first display 604. In a particular embodiment, the repetition counter may be set and an audible tone may sound or a light may flash to indicate when the set number of repetitions has been performed. Additionally, either or both the counterclockwise resistance (torque) or the clockwise resistance (torque) may be set to zero. “On/off” button 608 may activate the exercise device (not shown). A “Start” button 609 may set the exercise device to start a function according to settings indicated on control panel 600. In a particular embodiment, a user may evaluate his/her range of motion by measuring the angle of rotation to which a user is capable of rotating a rotatable member 101, as illustrated in FIG. 1, with respect to a starting position (e.g. zero degrees). An angle of rotation may be measured visually by a user inspecting an indicator 102 and markings 103 or rotatable member 101 may have sensors capable of measuring an angle of rotation. According to a particular embodiment, an angle measured by sensors on rotatable member 101 may be displayed in a fourth display window 610, as illustrated in FIG. 6. Additionally, the angle of rotation may be set by a variety of methods including fourth digital thumbwheels 612. An angle of rotation may be displayed in a fourth display window 610 and may be set for the clockwise and/or counterclockwise direction with fourth digital thumbwheels 612. However, these are merely examples of ways in which an electronic control panel and controller for an exercise device may control operation of and display information about an exercise device according to a particular embodiment and claimed subject matter is not limited in this respect.

FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate a side and top view of an exercise device 700. FIG. 7 is a cutaway view of an exercise device 700. In a particular embodiment, a torque generating member 701 may apply a torque to a shaft 702 to rotate shaft 702 in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, or resist rotation of shaft 702 in the clockwise or counterclockwise directions. Shaft 702 may rotate a rotatable member 703 on the surface of a platform 710 in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. In a particular embodiment a user may employ a rotatable member 703 as a conditioning device by placing a foot in a first foot fastener 706 which is adapted to stabilize the foot during rotation. Rotation of rotatable member 703 may enable a user to perform a variety of exercises, such as, for instance, concentric exercise, concentric associated with eccentric exercise and/or eccentric exercise. In a particular embodiment, torque generating member 701 may be associated with at least one controller, as discussed with reference to FIG. 6, enabling a user to program torque generating member 701 to various resistance levels and/or to various angles of rotation. Additionally, sensor 707 may measure the angle of rotation of rotatable member 703 with respect to zero degrees. A user may change resistance levels and angles of rotation via a control panel (e.g. control panel 600 discussed in FIG. 6). Platform 710, additionally, may comprise a second foot fastener 708 and a third foot fastener, as illustrated in FIG. 8, in the surface. Second foot fastener 708 and third foot fastener as illustrated in FIG. 8, respectively, may assist a user with foot placement during use of exercise device 700. Second and third foot fasteners may have a variety of forms, such as, for instance, grooves, buckles, belts, slots and/or bindings. However, these are merely examples of foot fasteners and claimed subject matter is not limited in this regard.

FIG. 8 is top view of platform 710. In a particular embodiment, platform 710 may comprise second foot fastener 708 and third foot fastener 709 that may enable a user to securely stand on platform 710 and may direct a user to place his/her feet for use of platform 710 during exercise or training of muscles. First foot fastener 711, second foot fastener 708 and third foot fastener 709 may comprise a variety materials and styles, such as, Velcro® straps, non-slip tape or pads, bindings, and/or plastic slots, for instance. However, these are merely examples of varieties of materials and styles of foot fasteners and claimed subject matter is not limited in this regard. In a particular embodiment, platform 710 may comprise a visible scale 703 that, in a particular embodiment, may mark angles of rotation of rotatable member 703. In a particular embodiment, rotatable member 703 may further comprise a spring fastener 717 that may enable a user to attach a spring 718 to rotatable member 703. Spring 717 may impart torque to rotatable member 703. However, this is merely an example of a way in which to impart torque to a rotatable member and claimed subject matter is not so limited.

FIG. 9 illustrates a view of a platform 900 comprising a rotatable member 906 coupled to resistance member 901. In a particular embodiment, a resistance member 901 may comprise a variety of devices capable of imparting resistance to rotation of rotatable member 906. Such devices capable of imparting resistance to rotation of rotatable member 906, may comprise, at least one spring, at least one counterweight and/or at least one hydraulic cylinder, for instance. However, these are merely examples of devices that may impart resistance to rotation of a rotatable member and claimed subject matter is not limited in this regard. In a particular embodiment, resistance member may comprise a counterweight device (counterweights not shown). According to a particular embodiment, arm 902 of resistance member 901 may be positioned such that a pulley 903 at an end of arm 902 may be coupled to a connecting member 904. Connecting member 904 may be coupled to a fastening member 905 on rotatable member 906. Coupling rotatable member 906 to connecting member 904 may impose a resistance force on rotatable member 906 in the direction of arrow F through tension on connecting member 904. However, this is merely an example of a way in which to impart resistance to a rotatable member and claimed subject matter is not so limited.

While certain features of claimed subject matter have been illustrated as described herein, many modifications, substitutions, changes and equivalents will now occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such embodiments and changes as fall within the true spirit of claimed subject matter.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising:

an exercise device comprising a platform;

at least one substantially rotatable member coupled to said platform; and

said at least one substantially rotatable member coupled to a torque generating member.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said at least one substantially rotatable member further comprises at least one foot fastening member.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said at least one foot fastening member is slidably coupled to said at least one substantially rotatable member and further wherein said at least one foot fastening member is capable of elevation at an angle with respect to a plane perpendicular to said platform.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said platform further comprises at least one marking.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said at least one substantially rotatable member further comprises at least one marking.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said torque generating member is capable of generating an adjustable torque.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said torque generating member is coupled to a controller.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said controller is coupled to a control panel.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, and further comprising a control panel.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said control panel further comprises:

at least one display window; and

at least one thumbwheel for adjusting settings for said exercise device.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said at least one substantially rotatable member is coupled to a shaft.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said shaft is further coupled to said torque generating member.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said torque generating member comprises a motor.

14. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said torque generating member comprises ball bearings.

15. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said torque generating member comprises a magnetic particle brake.

16. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said torque generating member comprises at least one coil.

17. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said torque generating member comprises at least one spring.

18. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said torque generating member comprises a hydraulic system.

19. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said torque generating member comprises a mechanical system.

20. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said torque generating member comprises a pneumatic system.

21. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said platform is coupled to a support member.

22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein said support member is coupled to a girdle.

23. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein said support member is coupled to a wrap.

24. An apparatus comprising:

an exercise device comprising a platform;

at least one substantially rotatable member coupled to said platform;

said at least one substantially rotatable member further comprising a fastening member; and

said fastening member coupled to at least one resistance member.

25. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein said resistance member comprises at least one spring.

26. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein said resistance member comprises at least one hydraulic cylinder.

27. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein said resistance member comprises at least one counterweight.

28. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein said resisting member is capable of generating an adjustable resistance.

29. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein said resisting member is coupled to a controller.

30. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein said controller is coupled to a control panel.

31. The apparatus of claim 24, and further comprising a control panel.

32. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein said control panel further comprises:

at least one display window; and

at least one thumbwheel for adjusting settings for said exercise device.

33. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein said platform is coupled to a support member.

34. The apparatus of claim 33, wherein said support member is coupled to a girdle.

35. The apparatus of claim 33, wherein said support member is coupled to a wrap.

36. A method comprising:

exercising small muscles of a leg and a hip;

stabilizing said hip;

rotating said leg at said hip against a torque;

lengthening said small muscles of said leg and said hip using eccentric contractions; and

shortening said small muscles of said leg and said hip using concentric contractions.

37. A method comprising:

exercising large muscles of a leg and a hip;

rotating said leg at said hip against a torque;

lengthening said large muscles of said leg and said hip using eccentric contractions; and

shortening said large muscles of said leg and said hip using concentric contractions.

38. An apparatus comprising:

a means for exercising small muscles of a leg and a hip;

a means for stabilizing said hip;

a means for rotating said leg at said hip against a torque;

a means for lengthening said small muscles of said leg and said hip using eccentric contractions; and

a means for shortening said small muscles of said leg and said hip using concentric contractions.

39. An apparatus comprising:

a means for exercising large muscles of a leg and a hip;

a means for rotating said leg at said hip against a torque;

a means for lengthening said large muscles of said leg and said hip using eccentric contractions; and

a means for shortening said large muscles of said leg and said hip using concentric contractions.