U.S. patent application number 11/418594 was filed with the patent office on 2007-11-08 for exercise device and method.
This patent application is currently assigned to Full Potential, LLC. Invention is credited to Michael McKeown, David A. Walker.
Application Number | 20070259763 11/418594 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38661844 |
Filed Date | 2007-11-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070259763 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McKeown; Michael ; et
al. |
November 8, 2007 |
Exercise device and method
Abstract
An exercise device and method.
Inventors: |
McKeown; Michael;
(Hillsboro, OR) ; Walker; David A.; (Beaverton,
OR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BERKELEY LAW & TECHNOLOGY GROUP, LLP
17933 NW Evergreen Parkway, Suite 250
BEAVERTON
OR
97006
US
|
Assignee: |
Full Potential, LLC
|
Family ID: |
38661844 |
Appl. No.: |
11/418594 |
Filed: |
May 5, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/146 ;
482/147 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/02 20130101;
A63B 21/0083 20130101; A63B 22/14 20130101; A63B 21/005
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/146 ;
482/147 |
International
Class: |
A63B 22/16 20060101
A63B022/16; A63B 22/14 20060101 A63B022/14 |
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.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] 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.
[0002] 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.
[0003] 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
[0004] 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.
[0005] FIG. 1a is a top view of an exercise device according to an
embodiment.
[0006] FIG. 1b is a side view of an exercise device according to an
embodiment.
[0007] FIG. 2 is a side view of a user standing on an exercise
device according to an embodiment.
[0008] FIG. 3 is a diagram of a rotatable member according to an
embodiment.
[0009] FIG. 4 is a diagram of a shaft and torque generating member
for an exercise device according to an embodiment.
[0010] FIG. 5a is a diagram of accessories adapted for use with an
exercise device according to an embodiment.
[0011] FIG. 5b is a diagram of accessories adapted for use with an
exercise device according to an embodiment.
[0012] FIG. 6 is a diagram view of a control panel for use with an
exercise device according to an embodiment.
[0013] FIG. 7 is a cut-away view of an exercise device according to
an embodiment.
[0014] FIG. 8 is a top view of an exercise device according to an
embodiment.
[0015] FIG. 9 is a view of an exercise device coupled to
counterweights according to an embodiment.
[0016] FIG. 10 is a skeletal drawing of a human hip showing various
muscles of the hip.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] 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.
[0018] 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.
[0019] 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.
[0020] 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.
[0021] 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.
[0022] 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.
[0023] 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.
[0024] 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.
[0025] 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.
[0026] 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.
[0027] 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 .theta. 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.
[0028] 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.
[0029] 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.
[0030] 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.
[0031] 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.RTM. 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.
[0032] 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.
[0033] 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.
[0034] 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.
[0035] 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.
[0036] 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.RTM.
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.
[0037] 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.
[0038] 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.
* * * * *