U.S. patent application number 14/282246 was filed with the patent office on 2015-11-26 for balance training apparatus.
The applicant listed for this patent is Gary Piaget. Invention is credited to Gary Piaget.
Application Number | 20150335933 14/282246 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54555314 |
Filed Date | 2015-11-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150335933 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Piaget; Gary |
November 26, 2015 |
BALANCE TRAINING APPARATUS
Abstract
A therapeutic and/or exercise apparatus is provided for use in
connection with structured, multiaxial, multi-pattern movement that
aids in rehabilitation or enhances conditioning. The apparatus
generally includes a base and a support bar that is attached to and
extends upwardly from the base. The support bar is affixed to a top
surface of the base and can be removable or collapsible for ease of
storage. The top surface of the base also includes one of a variety
of balance training devices such as a stepping blocks, balance
beams, soft surfaces and/or other proprioceptive tools. This
feature provides a much more balanced exercise process while also
naturally working the entire set of muscle groups related to the
exercise rather than simply isolating a single motion or
muscle.
Inventors: |
Piaget; Gary; (East Sound,
WA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Piaget; Gary |
East Sound |
WA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
54555314 |
Appl. No.: |
14/282246 |
Filed: |
May 20, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/34 ; 482/142;
482/52 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 4/00 20130101; A63B
23/0458 20130101; A63B 2225/093 20130101; A63B 1/00 20130101; A63B
6/00 20130101; A63B 17/04 20130101; A63B 21/00047 20130101; A63B
21/4033 20151001; A63B 21/4047 20151001; A63B 21/4037 20151001;
A63B 22/16 20130101; A63B 23/04 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63B 17/04 20060101
A63B017/04; A63B 23/04 20060101 A63B023/04; A63B 21/00 20060101
A63B021/00; A63B 4/00 20060101 A63B004/00; A63B 22/16 20060101
A63B022/16 |
Claims
1. An exercise apparatus comprising: a base portion having a top
surface; a support bar affixed to the base portion and extending
upwardly therefrom; at least one proprioceptive tool affixed to
said top surface of said base portion, wherein said proprioceptive
tool is adapted to enhance a user's balance.
2. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein said proprioceptive
tool is a soft surface.
3. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein said proprioceptive
tool is a plurality of stepping blocks.
4. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein said proprioceptive
tool is a balance beam.
5. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein said proprioceptive
tool is a balance board.
6. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein said proprioceptive
tool can move relative to said base.
7. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a first
proprioceptive tool on one side of said support bar; and a second
proprioceptive tool on a second side of said support bar.
8. The exercise apparatus of claim 7, wherein said first and second
proprioceptive tools are selected from a group consisting of: a
plurality of stepping blocks, a balance beam and a balance board.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to a device for use
in connection with rehabilitation therapy and general exercise.
More specifically, the present invention relates to an exercise
platform that includes a varied and interchangeable user interface
mounted to a base platform that facilitates proper exercise support
and positioning while simultaneously working a broad range of
muscle groups.
[0002] It is well known in the art that therapeutic exercise is
important and is widely accepted as a means for treating and
relieving a variety of human disabilities. Additionally, exercise
plays a crucial role in the rehabilitation of patients suffering
from various injuries. A physical therapist's role in such a
rehabilitative context is to provide rehabilitative professional
care that individually tailors exercise programs to meet a
patient's needs. These tailored rehabilitative exercise programs
differ depending on the type and amount of damage to the injured
area, stage of tissue healing, age of the person, and prior level
of function of the individual prior to injury.
[0003] Some of the most common early rehabilitation methods consist
of isometric exercise, continuous passive motion (CPM) machines
and/or active assisted range of motion (ROM) performed by a
therapist on a patient. While isometric exercise is a good way to
initiate strength into newly repaired tissue, the benefits are
limited in that such fixed motion therapies as are provided through
CPM are too concentrated requiring that ROM exercises also be
implemented in order for the patient to normal or pre-surgical
levels of movement. The problem with therapist implemented ROM,
however, is that such therapy is labor intensive, costly and
infrequent. This then requires a return to a set of limited
exercises being given to patients for a home program that consists
usually, but not solely, of isometric muscle setting exercises.
These exercises generally do not involve sufficient ranges of joint
movement and therefore have limited benefit in the rehabilitative
setting. Additionally, exercises that are usually instituted later
in the rehabilitation process utilize a resistive band and may
provide less stability to the joint making them generally less
comfortable, therefore, usually yielding less patient compliance.
Finally, patients may be given a variety of exercises that involve
open and closed chain activity. These can place an unwanted
compressive or shear force on the joints should they be performed
incorrectly.
[0004] In other contexts beyond rehabilitative therapy, regular
exercise is also known to keep the body in good shape, but not all
such exercise is equally effective. In fact, many of the exercise
devices that are marketed or provided in health and athletic clubs,
are actually less effective than people realize. That is not to say
that the majority of the exercise equipment that is provided in
health clubs is not beneficial provided that the user gets proper
instruction under the guidance of a trainer. The primary issue is
that most of the equipment employed in health clubs trains using
predominantly linear, single plane movement and as a result is
limited to isolating one muscle group while allowing other muscle
groups to rest. Examples of this type of exercise can be put into
two categories. The first is the leg press, a closed chain activity
and the second exercise is the leg extension, which is an open
chain exercise. Generally, neither of these exercises is considered
ideal for knee or hip rehabilitation. While, this type of training
may be appropriate for an athlete or one who has a balanced workout
regimen, this type of isolated, open chain, planar movement is not
how the body typically moves in reality.
[0005] Ultimately, in either of the rehabilitative or exercise
contexts it must be understood that the body rarely moves in just
one plane. Often the body must employ multiple muscle groups and
balance them in a cooperative fashion to reach the desired end
result. Further, most body movement involves rotation and diagonal
patterns of movement. For example, taking a step requires combined
movements of plantar flexion, internal hip rotation, foot
pronation/supination, knee extension and hip extension. The
difficulty of the overall problem can be seen in the fact that if
the human body only moved in single planes it would be easy to
construct a mechanical hand, foot or leg that mirrors human
movement. However, it is very difficult to replicate such realistic
human movement because it is not defined through such one or
two-dimensional movements.
[0006] The complex nature of human movement has created a
specialized field of Proprioceptive Neurofacilitation (PNF) within
physical medicine. PNF believes that the best form of
rehabilitation for musculoskeletal injuries is implemented using
diagonal patterns through multiple planes of movement. However,
this treatment technique requires a purely hands-on, manual
approach and is extremely demanding of therapist skill and
training. The therapist presently practicing PNF must personally
take the patient through the motions and provide appropriate
resistance for the patient's need and present physical
limitations.
[0007] Accordingly, there is a need in the therapeutic and/or
conditioning exercise equipment art for an apparatus that provides
structured, multiaxial, multi-pattern movement that aids in
rehabilitation or enhances conditioning. Further, there is a need
for an apparatus that provides structured, multiaxial,
multi-pattern movement that would allow the patient to control for
different muscle patterns and that that can be employed equally by
the average healthy person or someone recovering from hip, knee or
ankle injury. Further still, there is a need for a device that
enables a user to obtain multidimensional exercise that also
provides multiple embodiments and would allow the user to progress
toward full rehabilitation through the isolation of muscle groups
by mirroring the difficulty and complexity of movement.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] In this regard, the present invention generally provides a
therapeutic and/or exercise apparatus that provides structured,
multiaxial, multi-pattern movement that aids in rehabilitation or
enhances conditioning. By using the apparatus of the present
invention an average healthy person or a patient recovering from
hip, knee or ankle injury can equally participate in exercise and
rehabilitation activities targeted to different muscle groups and
exercise patterns. As a result, the apparatus of the present
invention enables a user to obtain multidimensional exercise that
allows the user to progress toward full rehabilitation through the
isolation of muscle groups by mirroring the difficulty and
complexity of realistic human movement.
[0009] The apparatus of the present invention generally includes a
base portion and a handrail or support bar that is attached to and
extends upwardly from the base portion. The support bar is affixed
to a top surface of the base portion and can be removable or
collapsible for ease of storage. The support bar serves to assist
the user in maintaining correct support and/or body alignment
during exercise activities. The base portion interfaces on a bottom
surface with a floor or other stable surface, while the top surface
includes one or more regions that provide a variety of surfaces for
balance training and other proprioceptive tools. This feature of
the present invention provides a much more balanced exercise
process while also naturally working the entire set of muscle
groups related to the exercise rather than simply isolating a
single motion or muscle.
[0010] Further, the present invention provides for attachment
points on the base portion that allow various resistive or constant
motion assemblies to be attached. In this regard, resistive bands,
pulleys, handles, cables and various combinations thereof can be
attached that are employed in various different exercises while the
user is positioned on the base portion. Bands are employed for
constant resistive exercises while a single resistance band may be
used in combination with one or more pulley to create variable
resistance exercises. Further the pulleys and cables may be
arranged in a looped manner that allows a constant motion type
exercise.
[0011] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide a therapeutic and/or conditioning exercise equipment art
for an apparatus that provides structured, multiaxial,
multi-pattern movement that aids in rehabilitation or enhances
conditioning. It is a further object of the present invention to
provide an apparatus that provides structured, multiaxial,
multi-pattern movement that requires the user to employ a full and
free range of motion while performing the required exercises. It is
still a further object of the present invention to provide an
exercise apparatus invention that results in core strengthening
through the use of proprioceptive tools that require that broad
ranges of muscles be involved in each exercise rather than simply
working targeted muscle groups.
[0012] These together with other objects of the invention, along
with various features of novelty that characterize the invention,
are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and
forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of
the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects
attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying
drawings and descriptive matter in which there is illustrated a
preferred embodiment of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] In the drawings which illustrate the best mode presently
contemplated for carrying out the present invention:
[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the balance training
apparatus of the present invention; and
[0015] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an alternate arrangement of
the balance training apparatus of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0016] Now referring to the drawings, the apparatus of the present
invention is generally depicted at FIGS. 1 and 2. As can be seen,
the present invention generally provides a therapeutic and/or
exercise apparatus for use in performing structured, multiaxial,
multi-pattern movement that aids in rehabilitation or enhances
conditioning. By using the apparatus of the present invention an
average healthy person or a patient recovering from hip, knee or
ankle injury can equally participate in exercise and rehabilitation
activities targeted to different muscle groups and exercise
patterns. As a result, the apparatus of the present invention
enables a user to obtain multidimensional exercise that allows the
user to progress toward full rehabilitation through the isolation
of muscle groups by mirroring the difficulty and complexity of
realistic human movement.
[0017] Turning to FIGS. 1 and 2, the apparatus 10 of the present
invention can be seen to generally include a base portion 12 and a
support bar 14 that is attached to and extends upwardly from the
base portion 12. The support bar 14 is affixed to a top surface 16
of the base portion 12. More preferably, the support bar 14 is
affixed to the base portion 14 in a manner that allows it to be
easily detached or repositioned for storage. In this regard, the
support 14 bar may be fully removable or hingedly attached to the
base portion 12 thereby allowing it to be folded against the base
portion 12 for storage purposes. The support bar 14 is rigidly
affixed to the base portion 12 of the present invention and serves
as a reliable structural support to assist the user in maintaining
correct support and/or body alignment so that the user can properly
execute the various exercise activities. In addition, it can be
seen that the height of the support bar 14 may also be adjustable
so that the support bar 14 so that it can accommodate users of
differing sizes. In operation, a user may hold onto the support bar
14 or lean their front back or side against the support bar 14 to
perform exercises.
[0018] The base portion 12 interfaces on a bottom surface with a
floor or other stable surface. Ideally the lower surface of the
base portion 12 has a sufficiently wide contact surface that allows
the base portion 12 to remain stable throughout various exercise
activities. Additionally, the bottom surface of the base portion 12
may include a nonslip surface to keep the apparatus from sliding
across the support surface and may further include small feet to
support the four corners of the base portion 12. Further, if feet
are provided, they may be of the leveling type to further enhance
the stability of the base portion 12 when used on uneven support
surfaces.
[0019] The top surface 16 of the base portion 12 includes various
interchangeable balance training features thereon. In the preferred
embodiment, as depicted in the figures, the base along one side of
the support bar 14 may include a soft surface 16 such as foam,
memory foam, rubber or an air bladder. The soft surface 16 requires
that the user exert fine balance motions while performing exercise
thereon.
[0020] In addition to the soft surface 16 region, the present
invention anticipates that other proprioceptive tools can be
employed. For example, along the opposing side of the support bar
14 the base includes stepping blocks 18. The stepping blocks 18 may
be of differing heights or of uniform height and may further be
displaceable a vertical direction. Still further each of the
stepping blocks 18 may have a different resistance to vertical
displacement to require a user that is progressing across the
stepping blocks 18 during the course of an exercise to direct
attention to their posture and balance.
[0021] As can be appreciated other proprioceptive tools may also be
employed as seen in FIG. 2, for example, a balance beam 20 may be
employed alone or installed over the stepping blocks. Similarly, a
pivoting balance board 22 or a rocker board similar to a see-saw, a
ball device or a soft surface may all be employed within the scope
of the invention. These additional tools assist in enhancing
balance while involving various muscle groups in the lower
extremities as well as support related muscles in the back
throughout the exercise process.
[0022] It can therefore be seen that the present invention provides
an exercise and rehabilitation tool that requires the user to
employ a full and free range of motion while performing the
required exercises. This arrangement allows testing and isolation
of certain muscle groups for strength testing while the body is
maintained in a correct anatomical position. Further, the present
invention allows core strengthening in that rather than simply
working targeted muscle groups, the proprioceptive tools require
that broad ranges of muscles be involved in each exercise. For
these reasons, the instant invention is believed to represent a
significant advancement in the art, which has substantial
commercial merit.
[0023] While there is shown and described herein certain specific
structure embodying the invention, it will be manifest to those
skilled in the art that various modifications and rearrangements of
the parts may be made without departing from the spirit and scope
of the underlying inventive concept and that the same is not
limited to the particular forms herein shown and described except
insofar as indicated by the scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *