SUPPORTIVE EXERCISE MACHINE
An exercise support machine configured to support at least a portion of a user's weight is provided. The exercise support machine can include a frame portion having a plurality of frame members defining an interior region of the machine. The machine can further include two vertical support members extending upward from the frame portion and a lever arm pivotally connected to the upper ends of the vertical support members. The lever arm can include a seat connected to a first end of the lever arm and positioned within the interior region of the machine. The machine can further include a lifting mechanism connected to the frame portion and the second end of the lever arm. The lifting mechanism can control the vertical movement of the seat to provide weight bearing support for the user of the machine.
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/304,031, filed on Mar. 4, 2016, to Jeffery T. Lefkovitz et al., entitled “Supportive Exercise Machine,” currently pending, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONSupportive exercise machines can be used to provide mechanical support to assist a user with physical limitations, particularly walking and standing limitations, when performing many different kinds of exercises. The mechanical support component of such a device can protect the user from falling and enable the user to use various types of exercise equipment. These supportive exercise machines are commonly configured with partial weight bearing components that can assist a patient during training, where the weight of the user is all or partially supported by the machine. The weight bearing components are also commonly adjustable so that the amount of weight relief provided to the user can be gradually reduced as the user regains strength and recovers from his or her physical limitations. These supportive exercise machines or devices are also commonly used by hospitals, nursing homes, physical therapy clinics, rehabilitation facilities and outpatient centers to provide weight relief to patients having walking disorders and require retraining.
Supportive exercise machines currently known in the art generally require the use of a hoist by either a cable suspended from the ceiling or a cable suspended from an upper portion of the device. The cable has a harness attached to one end that is placed around the patient for support. The hoist can then be adjusted for the appropriate weight support desire by the user.
However, these commonly-known supportive exercise machines have several limitations that inhibit the user's/patient's ability to use the machines effectively. For example, such machines are typically not wheelchair accessible, do not allow for ambulatory functions, require assistance from another person, such as a trainer, to enter and use the machine, place stress on the user's body due to the harness, and are not efficient at allowing the user to effectively regain strength due to the lifting forces of the weight bearing relief components of the machine.
Accordingly, a need exists for a supportive exercise machine capable of easily and effectively allowing a user with physical limitations to regain strength and mobility. A need also exists for such a machine that is wheelchair friendly, allows for use while standing, walking and sitting, and does not require suspension lifting forces for weight bearing relief the inhibit effectiveness and place unnecessary stress on the user.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention is directed generally to a supportive exercise machine configured to provide body weight support or relief to a user of the machine while exercising in either a standing or sitting exercising position. The machine can be used to assist the user when performing exercises, either independently, such as natural walking, or through the use of other exercise equipment, such as a treadmill. The machine can include wheels to allow the machine to be easily transported across a floor or other surface and to be moved for use with other exercise or training equipment. The machine can include brakes, clamps or other similar components for allowing the machine to maintain a fixed position. The machine can include attachment components that allow the machine to connected, attached or otherwise secured to other exercise or training equipment, such as a treadmill.
The machine can include a frame portion and a weight supporting portion connected to the frame portion. The frame portion can be configured with one or more frame members that define a frame perimeter. According to an exemplary embodiment, the frame portion includes two spaced apart longitudinal frame members and a transverse frame member extending between the longitudinal members to form a rectangular frame with one open end.
The weight supporting portion can be mounted or connected to the frame portion. The weight supporting portion can include a lever arm positioned above the frame portion of the machine and lifting means for controlling the movement of the lever arm. The lifting means can be configured as any suitable type of lifting mechanism for controlling the movement of the lever arm, including but not limited to: a winch, an actuator, a screw lift, a pneumatic cylinder actuator, an electromechanical actuator or other mechanism capable of allowing and restricting movement of the lever arm.
According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the weight supporting portion can include a support structure that can include a crossbar member extending between the frame and support columns extending upward from the crossbar member. The weight supporting portion can further include a rotatable lever arm positioned between the support columns and coupled to the columns by a pivot or pin connection. The lever arm can be configured to rotate about an axis perpendicular to the support columns. The lever arm can include a first end centrally located above the frame perimeter that has a seat connected thereto and a second opposing end connected to a lifting mechanism. According to one exemplary embodiment, the lifting mechanism can be configured as an actuator that includes a lower portion connected to the frame portion and an extension arm portion connected to the second end of the lever arm. The machine can include a lifting mechanism control and operating system and a machine control device configured to operate the lifting mechanism and allow a user to control the machine.
According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the machine can include side supports configured as handrails positioned along the sides of the machine in order to assist a user of the machine.
According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the machine can include leg supports configured for preventing a user's legs from moving too far forward and into the mechanical components of the machine when the user is positioned on the seat of the machine.
According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the machine can include a front support component configured with handles and a chest protection pad to prevent the user's torso from moving too far forward and into the mechanical components of the machine when the user is positioned on the seat of the machine.
The machine can operate by restricting the downward movement of the seat based on a desired body weight support amount selected by the user. The lifting mechanism can be configured to control the downward movement of the seat by restricting rotation of the lever arm. The lifting mechanism can be connected to the second end of the lever arm and prevent upward movement of the second end of the lever arm (thereby preventing the downward movement of the first end of the lever arm and the seat connected thereto) unless a downward force is applied to the seat by the user that is greater than the selected body weight support amount. The machine can include a control device that can be configured to allow the user to variably select the body weight support amount provided by the lifting mechanism.
According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the lifting mechanism can be configured as an actuator that can restrict extension of the extension arm connected to the second end of the lever arm, which can then prevent the upward movement of the second end of the lever arm, and thus the downward movement of the seat end of the lever arm. A user can use the machine by using the control device to select a desired amount of body weight support. The control device, in conjunction with the lifting mechanism operating system, can then adjust the body weight support force provided by the lifting mechanism to an amount that prevents downward movement of the seat end of the lever arm unless the user applies more body weight than the selected body weight support amount force. The user can then position himself or herself onto the seat end of the lever arm and begin exercising.
Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings figures.
In the accompanying drawing, which forms a part of the specification and is to be read in conjunction therewith in which like reference numerals are used to indicate like or similar parts in the various views:
The invention will now be described with reference to the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout. For purposes of clarity in illustrating the characteristics of the present invention, proportional relationships of the elements have not necessarily been maintained in the drawing figures.
The following detailed description of the invention references specific embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. The embodiments are intended to describe aspects of the invention in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Other embodiments can be utilized and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The present invention is defined by the appended claims and the description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense and shall not limit the scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.
Referring to the figures, the present invention is directed generally to a supportive exercise machine 10 that can be used by a patient or user with physical impairments when exercising. Machine 10 can provide supportive weight relief to the user while performing exercises in either a standing or sitting position by reducing the amount of body weight the user must support with his or her legs as described in greater detail herein. Machine 10 can be configured for assistance during ambulatory exercise, such as natural walking or walking on a treadmill, and for assistance during seated exercise. Machine 10 can be configured to be used as a standalone device or in connection with other exercising or training equipment, such as a treadmill. Machine 10 can include connecting components that can allow machine 10 to be secured to other exercising or training equipment. Machine 10 can further be configured for wheel chair accessibility in certain embodiments of the present invention.
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Support columns 32 can be connected to crossbar member 30 at an intermediate and/or central location of crossbar member 30 using any suitable type of fixed connection. As shown in
Lever arm 26 can be connected to support columns 32 near upper ends 34 by a pivot connection 36, such as a pin connection, that extends through both support columns 32 and lever arm 26. As best shown in
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According to one embodiment of the present invention, weight supporting portion 14 and lifting mechanism 28 can further be configured to allow the user of machine 10 to adjust the elevation of seat 42. Lifting mechanism 28 can be configured to selectively move second end 40 of lever arm 26 in an upward direction an extension length in order to move seat 42 (via first end 38 of lever arm 26) downward to a desired elevation. Similarly, lifting mechanism 28 can be configured to selectively move second end 40 of lever arm 26 in a downward direction a retraction length in order to move seat 42 (via first end 38 of lever arm 26) upward to a desired elevation. According to an exemplary embodiment, lifting mechanism 28, via control system 50, can control the extension and retraction of extension arm 48 relative to lower base portion 46 in order to move second end 40 of lever arm 26 in an upward or downward direction to control the elevation of seat 42. Such a configuration can allow the user of machine 10 to selectively adjust the elevation of seat 42 to his or her preference.
Weight supporting portion 14 of machine 10 can further include a control device 52 (as best illustrated in
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A user can use machine 10 by entering the interior region 22 surrounded by the perimeter of frame portion 12 and positioning his or her body so that his or her torso is directly above seat 42. Machine 10 can be positioned over a static surface or any type of exercise or training equipment, such as a treadmill, as desired by the user. Using control device 52, the user can then select the desired amount of body weight support to be provided by machine 10. As described above, control device 52 can operate lifting mechanism 28 and operating system 50 to adjust the force provided by lifting mechanism 28 to lever arm 26 to prevent movement of lever arm 26 (and seat 42) until the user-selected body weight support amount is exceeded by the user. After setting the body weight relief amount, the user can then engage seat 42 by lowering his or herself onto seat 42 or by lifting or lowering seat 42 via control device 52.
Exemplary EmbodimentMachine 10 according to one exemplary embodiment will be described in greater detail. According to such an embodiment, machine 10 can include a frame portion 12 and a weight supporting portion 14 as described above. As best shown in
Support columns 32 can be connected to crossbar member 30 at an intermediate and/or central location of crossbar member 30 using any suitable type of fixed connection. As shown in
Lever arm 26 can be connected to support columns 32 near upper ends 34 by a pivot connection 36, such as a pin connection, that extends through both support columns 32 and lever arm 26. As best shown in
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Actuator 28 can be configured to control the elevation of seat 42 by restricting the rotation of lever arm 26. Actuator 28 can restrict rotation of lever arm 26 by controlling the elevation of second end 40 of lever arm 26 via the extension arm 48. By restricting the rotation of lever arm 26, and thus the elevation of seat 42, actuator 28 can generate the desired body weight support for a user positioned on seat 42.
According to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, actuator 28 can provide the body weight support to seat 42 in the following manner. When the length of extension arm 48 is increased as it is forced out of housing portion 44, it causes second end 40 of lever arm 26 to move upward, which in turn causes seat 42 and first end 38 of lever arm 26 to move downward. As a result, controlling the extension length of extension arm 48 can allow machine 10 to control the elevation and movement of seat 42. In order to provide body weight support to a user of machine 10, machine 10 can be configured to control the extension of extension arm 48 from base portion 46. The extension (or retraction) of extension arm 48 can be controlled by the drive screw of actuator 28 (or the pressure of the compressed gas located within actuator 28 in the case of a pneumatic actuator). As the drive screw moves out, the extension arm 48 extends away from base portion 46. As the drive screw moves in, extension arm 48 retracts toward base portion 46. The drive screw, via the motor within base portion 46 can be configured to prevent extension of extension rod 48 unless an upward force greater than the body weight support force generated by the actuator 28 is applied to the end of extension arm 48. Because the free end of extension arm 48 is connected to second end 40 of lever arm 26, and seat 42 is connected to the opposing first end 38 of lever arm 26, a downward force applied to seat 42 transfers to an upward force pulling on the free end of extension arm 48. As a result of this configuration, a downward force (e.g., the user's body weight force) must be applied to seat 42 (that transfers along lever arm 26 to second end 40 and then to extension arm 48) that is greater than the body weight support force generated by the actuator 28 in order for the extension length of extension arm 48 to increase and cause seat 42 to move downward.
According to one exemplary embodiment, actuator 28 can be configured to (i) restrict movement of seat 42 based on a selected body weight support amount by controlling the rotation of lever arm 26 (via the extension of extension arm 48 relative to base portion 46) and (ii) selectively control the elevation of seat 42 by moving extension arm 48 to rotate lever arm 26. This can enable the user to adjust the height of seat 42 to his or her preference.
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Similar to as described above, a user can use machine 10 by entering the interior region 22 surrounded by the perimeter of frame portion 12 and positioning his or her body so that his or her torso is directly above seat 42. Using control device 52, the user can then select the desired amount of body weight support to be provided by machine 10. As described above, control device 52 can operate actuator 28 (via operating system 50) to adjust the body weight support force provided by actuator 28 to an amount that prevents extension of extension arm 48 until the user-selected body weight support amount is exceeded by the user. After setting the body weight support amount, the user can then engage seat 42 by lowering his or herself onto seat 42 or by lifting or lowering seat 42 via control device 52.
From the foregoing, it will be seen that this invention is one well adapted to attain all the ends and objects hereinabove set forth together with other advantages which are obvious and which are inherent to the structure. It will be understood that certain features and sub combinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and sub combinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims. Since many possible embodiments of the invention may be made without departing from the scope thereof, it is also to be understood that all matters herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings are to be interpreted as illustrative and not limiting.
The constructions described above and illustrated in the drawings are presented by way of example only and are not intended to limit the concepts and principles of the present invention. Thus, there has been shown and described several embodiments of a novel invention. As is evident from the foregoing description, certain aspects of the present invention are not limited by the particular details of the examples illustrated herein, and it is therefore contemplated that other modifications and applications, or equivalents thereof, will occur to those skilled in the art. The terms “having” and “including” and similar terms as used in the foregoing specification are used in the sense of “optional” or “may include” and not as “required”. Many changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications of the present construction will, however, become apparent to those skilled in the art after considering the specification and the accompanying drawings. All such changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention are deemed to be covered by the invention which is limited only by the claims which follow.
Claims
1. A supportive exercise machine comprising:
- a frame portion providing a frame perimeter; and
- a weight supporting portion comprising: a lever arm pivotally connected to at least one support column extending upward from said frame, said lever arm positioned above said frame perimeter and comprising a first end and a second end; a seat connected to said first end of said lever arm; and a lifting mechanism connected to said second end of said lever arm;
- wherein said lifting mechanism is configured for restricting an upward movement of said second end of said lever arm unless a downward body weight force is applied to said seat that exceeds a variably selected body weight support force provided by said lifting mechanism;
- wherein said variably selected body weight support force may be variably selected by a user of said machine.
2. The machine of claim 1, further comprising side supports connected to said frame portion and located along each side of said machine, each said side support comprising a handrail extending above said frame portion and a support member extending between said handrail and said frame portion.
3. The machine of claim 1, further comprising a leg support member positioned above said frame portion and below said lever arm, wherein said leg support member is connected to said frame portion and configured to restrict a leg of said user from forward movement when said user is positioned on said seat.
4. The machine of claim 1, further comprising a front end frame support portion comprising:
- a first vertical support column member extending upward from one side of said frame portion and a second vertical support column member extending upward from an opposing side of said frame portion;
- a crossbar support member extending between and connected to said first and said second vertical support column members; and
- a chest support member connected to and extending inward from said crossbar support member in a direction toward said seat, said chest support member being configured to restrict forward movement of said user when said user is positioned on said seat.
5. The machine of claim 4, wherein a position of said chest support member is selectively adjustable in both the vertical and horizontal directions.
6. The machine of claim of 1, further comprising a first handle connected to an upper end of said first vertical support column member and a second handle connected to said second vertical support column member.
7. The machine of claim 1, further comprising a lifting mechanism operating system connected to said machine and a machine control device connected to said machine and in electronic communication with said lifting mechanism operating system, said machine control device configured for allowing said user to set said variably selected body weight support force provided by said lifting mechanism to restrict movement of said seat.
8. The machine of claim 1, further comprising one or more wheels connected to said frame for allowing said machine to move across a surface.
9. The machine of claim 1, further comprising a handrail support member extending upward from said frame portion and a handrail connected to an upper end of said handrail support member.
10. The machine of claim 9, wherein said handrail includes a downwardly depending extension bar slidably receivable into said handrail support member, wherein a height of said handrail is selectively adjustable by sliding said extension bar into and out of said handrail support member.
11. The machine of claim 10, wherein said machine is configured to provide body weight support to a user when said user is using a separate exercise machine.
12. A supportive exercise machine comprising:
- a frame;
- at least one lever support column extending upward from said frame;
- a lever arm having a first end and a second end;
- a pivot connection pivotally connecting said lever arm to said at least one lever support column at an intermediate location between said first and said second ends of said lever arm;
- a seat connected to said first end of said lever arm, wherein said seat and said first end of said lever arm are centrally located above said frame when said lever arm is orientated generally horizontally;
- an actuator having a base portion and an extendable arm extending from said base portion, wherein said base portion is connected to said frame and said extendable arm is connected to said second end of said lever arm; and
- an actuator operating device configured for operating said actuator and controlling an extension distance of said extendable arm and restricting rotation of said lever arm;
- wherein said machine is configured for providing a selectively adjustable body weight support to a user seated in said seat of said machine by restricting rotation of said lever arm unless a downward force applied to said seat is greater than a body weight support force provided by said actuator.
13. The machine of claim 12, wherein said actuator is configured for raising and lowering said seat by adjusting said extension distance of said extendable arm to pivot said lever arm about said pivot connection.
14. The machine of claim 13, wherein said machine is configured for maintaining said seat at a fixed height until said user applies a force greater than said body weight support force to said seat.
15. The machine of claim 12, further comprising a machine control device connected to said machine and in electronic communication with said actuator operating device, said machine control device configured for allowing said user to set a selectively adjustable body weight support amount for said machine that sets body weight support force provided to said seat.
16. The machine of claim 15, wherein said machine control device is further configured for allowing said user to set a desired height of said seat.
17. The machine of claim 12, further comprising selectively adjustable side supports connected to said frame on both sides of said frame, said side supports configured for assisting a user in using said machine.
18. The machine of claim 12, further comprising a leg support member positioned above said frame and below said lever arm, wherein said leg support member is connected to said frame and configured to restrict flexion in a knee of said user when said user is positioned on said seat
19. A supportive exercise machine for providing body weight support to a user in either a standing or sitting position, said machine comprising:
- a frame portion comprising: first and second longitudinal frame members spaced apart from one another and extending generally perpendicular to one another; and a transverse frame member extending between said first and said second longitudinal frame members toward a front end of said frame, wherein said first and said second longitudinal frame members and said transverse frame member form a frame perimeter defining an interior region of said machine;
- a weight supporting lift portion comprising: a crossbar support member connected to and extending between said first and said second longitudinal frame members, said crossbar support member an inward spaced distance from said transverse member; two support columns connected to and extending upward from said crossbar support member, said two support columns arranged with a gap located between said two support columns; a lever arm extending between said two support columns and connected to said two support columns by a pivot connection located at an intermediate position along a length of said lever arm; a seat connected to a first end of said lever arm; and an lifting mechanism having a base portion connected to said crossbar support member and an extension portion connected to a second end of said lever arm; an operating system for operating said lifting mechanism; and a control device in communication with said operating system for controlling said lifting mechanism;
- wherein said control device and said operating system is configured for selectively controlling rotation of said lever arm by controlling an elevation of said second end based on a body weight support force provided by said lifting mechanism;
- wherein said body weight support force provided by said lifting mechanism corresponds to a body weight support amount applied to said seat in order to prevent a downward movement of said seat unless said user applies a downward force greater than said body weight support amount to said seat.
20. The machine of claim 19, wherein said control device and said operating system is configured for controlling an elevation of said seat by adjusting the elevation of said second end of said lever arm.
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 6, 2017
Publication Date: Sep 7, 2017
Inventors: Jeffrey Thomas Lefkovitz (Overland Park, KS), Gabriel Austin Lefkovitz (Overland Park, KS)
Application Number: 15/451,049