U.S. patent number RE38,057 [Application Number 09/853,155] was granted by the patent office on 2003-04-01 for combined therapeutic exercise apparatus for the back.
Invention is credited to Raphaele Martini Pandozy.
United States Patent |
RE38,057 |
Pandozy |
April 1, 2003 |
Combined therapeutic exercise apparatus for the back
Abstract
An apparatus and a method for combiningly performing four
important exercises localized to the lower back with the addition
of weight resistance: a) the rotation or torsion of the lower spine
and the lower back muscles; b) the bending of the spine forward and
the exercising of abdominal muscles; c) the bending of the spine
rearward and the exercising of the lumbar and erector muscles; d)
the stretching and self-postural adjustment of the spine. The user
performs the four exercises in the horizontal position with both
legs in raised position. A swinging member accommodates the legs
and allows the swinging, side-to-side motion of the legs. A second
pivotal member helps the bending of the pelvis forward and
rearward. A roller support assembly supports and massages the
entire back during exercises. The user's body rests on an
anatomical cushion support during exercises. The body's user
experiences both the stretching of the intravertebral ligament and
cartilage, while building postural awareness and self-adjusting
spinal posture.
Inventors: |
Pandozy; Raphaele Martini (New
York, NY) |
Family
ID: |
25317949 |
Appl.
No.: |
09/853,155 |
Filed: |
May 10, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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Reissue of: |
854178 |
May 29, 1997 |
06015370 |
Jan 18, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
482/97; 482/137;
482/138; 482/140; 482/142 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B
21/0615 (20130101); A63B 21/08 (20130101); A63B
23/0211 (20130101); A63B 23/0233 (20130101); A63B
21/4035 (20151001); A63B 21/4047 (20151001); A61H
15/00 (20130101); A63B 21/06 (20130101); A63B
23/0227 (20130101); A63B 2023/003 (20130101); A63B
2023/006 (20130101); A63B 2208/0233 (20130101); A63B
2208/0247 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A63B
23/00 (20060101); A63B 21/06 (20060101); A63B
23/02 (20060101); A63B 021/06 () |
Field of
Search: |
;482/94,97,100,176,137,138,140,142 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Mulcahy; John
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Crow P.E.; Morgan L.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A therapeutic exercise apparatus for the back, comprising: a
bench for supporting the user in a reclined position; a leg
swinging mechanism comprising a swinging member having an
intermediate portion pivotally attached a forward end of the bench
for rotation about a first horizontal axis, a lower portion having
means for holding a weight resistance such that swinging movement
of the swinging member is resisted, and an upper portion having a
leg rest for engaging a user's legs behind the knees and a foot
rest for receiving their feet; a pivoting lever having an
intermediate portion pivotally attached to a side of the bench for
rotation about a second horizontal axis transverse to the first, a
forward portion having a second means for holding a weight
resistance such that forward and rearward movement of the pivoting
lever are selectively resisted, and a rearward portion having
handle bars and a pivoting support for receiving the user's
back.
2. The therapeutic exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bench
includes padding at its forward and rearward ends.
3. The therapeutic exercise apparatus of claim 2, wherein the
padding at the forward end of the bench is anatomically shaped.
4. The therapeutic exercise apparatus of claim 1, further
comprising a mechanism for adjusting the position of the foot rest
along the swinging member.
5. The therapeutic exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the foot
rest is pivotally attached to the swinging member.
6. The therapeutic exercise apparatus of claim 1, further
comprising a mechanism for adjusting the distance between the leg
rest and the first axis.
7. The therapeutic exercise apparatus of claim 6, wherein the leg
rest adjusting mechanism comprises a spur gear and a rack.
8. The therapeutic exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein said
means for holding a weight resistance comprises a rod for holding a
stack of weights.
9. The therapeutic exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the
pivoting lever comprises a frame that is pivotally attached to both
sides of the bench.
10. The therapeutic exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the
handle bars are arched.
11. The therapeutic exercise apparatus of claim 1, further
including a mechanism for adjusting the position of the handle bars
along the pivoting lever.
12. The therapeutic exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the
pivoting back support comprises a pivoting frame and a plurality of
rollers attached thereto.
13. The therapeutic exercise apparatus of claim 12, wherein the
rollers are supported by springs.
14. The therapeutic exercise apparatus of claim 12, further
comprising a roller for receiving the neck of the user.
15. The therapeutic exercise apparatus of claim 1, further
comprising a swing member locking mechanism for locking the swing
mechanism in place.
16. The therapeutic exercise apparatus of claim 1, further
comprising a pivoting lever locking mechanism for locking the
pivoting lever in place.
17. The therapeutic exercise apparatus of claim 1, further
comprising a resilient resistance member attached to the pivoting
lever and the bench.
18. The therapeutic exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the leg
rest comprises a padding for engaging a user's legs both behind the
knees and between the knees.
19. The therapeutic exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the
second means for holding a weight resistance comprises a weight
stack holder hinged to the pivoting lever for moving a weight stack
between a rearward position for resisting forward movement of the
lever and a forward position for resisting rearward movement of the
lever..Iadd.
20. A method of abdominal and lumbar exercise comprising the
following steps by a user: providing an exercise machine including
a bench for supporting the user in a reclined position; a leg
swinging mechanism comprising a swinging member having an
intermediate portion pivotally attached a forward end of the bench
for rotation about a first horizontal axis, a lower portion having
means for holding a weight resistance such that swinging movement
of the swinging member is resisted, and an upper portion having a
leg rest for engaging a user's legs behind the knees and a foot
rest for receiving their feet; a pivoting lever having an
intermediate portion pivotally attached to a side of the bench for
rotation about a second horizontal axis transverse to the first, a
forward portion having a second means for holding a weight
resistance such that forward and rearward movement of the pivoting
lever are selectively resisted, and a rearward portion having
handle bars and a pivoting support for receiving the user's back
and wherein the second means for holding a weight resistance
comprises a weight stack holder hinged to the pivoting lever for
moving a weight stack between a rearward position for resisting
forward movement of the lever and a forward position for resisting
rearward movement of the lever; engaging the user's legs on said
leg rest; engaging user's feet with said foot rest; lying on said
bench of said exercise machine in a reclined position; and swinging
the user's legs about said horizontal axis..Iaddend..Iadd.
21. The method abdominal and lumbar exercise according to claim 20
comprising an additional step after the step of lying on said
exercise machine in a reclined position, comprising: elevating at
least a portion of both of the user's legs..Iaddend..Iadd.
22. A method of abdominal and lumbar exercise comprising the
following steps by a user: providing an exercise machine,
including: a bench for supporting the user in a reclined position;
a leg swinging mechanism comprising a swinging member having an
intermediate portion pivotally attached a forward end of the bench
for rotation about a first horizontal axis, a lower portion having
means for holding a weight resistance such that swinging movement
of the swinging member is resisted, and an upper portion having a
leg rest for engaging a user's legs behind the knees and a foot
rest for receiving their feet; a pivoting lever having an
intermediate portion pivotally attached to a side of the bench for
rotation about a second horizontal axis transverse to the first, a
forward portion having a second means for holding a weight
resistance such that forward and rearward movement of the pivoting
lever are selectively resisted, and a rearward portion having
handle bars and a pivoting support for receiving the user's back
and wherein the second means for holding a weight resistance
comprises a weight stack holder hinged to the pivoting lever for
moving a weight stack between a rearward position for resisting
forward movement of the lever and a forward position for resisting
rearward movement of the lever; moving said weight rearward to said
rearward position for resisting forward movement of the lever;
lying on said bench of said exercise machine in a reclined
position; grasping said handle bars; and pulling forward with the
torso against said lever..Iaddend..Iadd.
23. The method abdominal and lumbar exercise according to claim 22
comprising an additional step after the step of lying on said
exercise machine in a reclined position, comprising: elevating at
least a portion of both of the user's legs..Iaddend..Iadd.
24. The method of abdominal and lumbar exercise according to claim
22 wherein the step of providing an exercise machine includes said
pivoting back support comprising a pivoting frame and a plurality
of rollers attached thereto for massaging the user's back during
the step of pulling forward with the torso against said
lever..Iaddend..Iadd.
25. The method of abdominal and lumbar exercise according to claim
22 wherein the step of providing an exercise machine includes said
pivoting back support further comprises a roller for receiving the
neck of the user for massaging the user's back during the step of
pulling forward with the torso against said
lever..Iaddend..Iadd.
26. A method of abdominal and lumbar exercise comprising the
following steps by a user: providing an exercise machine
comprising: a bench for supporting the user in a reclined position;
a leg swinging mechanism comprising a swinging member having an
intermediate portion pivotally attached a forward end of the bench
for rotation about a first horizontal axis, a lower portion having
means for holding a weight resistance such that swinging movement
of the swinging member is resisted, and an upper portion having a
leg rest for engaging a user's legs behind the knees and a foot
rest for receiving their feet; a pivoting lever having an
intermediate portion pivotally attached to a side of the bench for
rotation about a second horizontal axis transverse to the first,
horizontal axis, operably connected to said bench and, a forward
portion having a second means for holding a weight resistance such
that forward and rearward movement of the pivoting lever are
selectively resisted, a rearward portion having handle bars and a
pivoting support for receiving the user's back; and wherein the
second means for holding a weight resistance comprises a weight
stack holder hinged to the pivoting lever for moving a weight stack
between a rearward position for resisting forward movement of the
lever and a forward position for resisting rearward movement of the
lever; lying on said bench of said exercise machine in a reclined
position; engaging the user's legs on said leg rest; engaging
user's feet with said foot rest; elevating at least a portion of
both of the user's legs; moving said weight forward to said forward
position for resisting rearward movement of the bench; and pushing
back with the torso against said bench..Iaddend..Iadd.
27. The method of abdominal and lumbar exercise according to claim
26 wherein the step of providing an exercise machine includes said
pivoting back support further comprising a pivoting frame and a
plurality of rollers attached thereto for massaging the user's back
during the step of pushing back with the torso against said
bench..Iaddend..Iadd.
28. The method of abdominal and lumbar exercise according to claim
26 wherein the step of providing an exercise machine includes said
pivoting back support comprising a pivoting frame and a plurality
of rollers attached thereto and further comprising a roller for
receiving the neck of the user for massaging the user's back during
the step of pushing back with the torso against said
bench..Iaddend..Iadd.
29. A method of abdominal and lumbar exercise comprising the
following steps by a user: providing an exercise machine
comprising: a bench for supporting the user in a reclined position;
a leg swinging mechanism comprising a swinging member having an
intermediate portion pivotally attached to a forward end of the
bench for rotation about a first horizontal axis, a lower portion
having means for holding a weight resistance such that swinging
movement of the swinging member is resisted, and an upper portion
having a leg rest for engaging a user's legs behind the knees and a
foot rest for receiving their feet; a pivoting lever operably
connected to said bench and having an intermediate portion
pivotally attached to a side of the bench for rotation about a
second horizontal axis transverse to the first, a forward portion
having a second means for holding a weight resistance such that
forward and rearward movement of the pivoting lever are selectively
resisted, and a rearward portion having handle bars and a pivoting
support for receiving the user's back and wherein the second means
for holding a weight resistance comprises a weight stack holder
hinged to the pivoting lever for moving a weight stack between a
rearward position for resisting forward movement of the lever and a
forward position for resisting rearward movement of the lever;
lying on said bench of said exercise machine in a reclined
position; moving said weight forward to said forward position for
resisting rearward movement of the bench; and pushing back with the
users torso against said bench..Iaddend..Iadd.
30. The method of abdominal and lumbar exercise according to claim
29 wherein the step of providing an exercise machine includes said
pivoting back support comprising a pivoting frame and a plurality
of rollers attached thereto for massaging the user's back during
the step of pushing back with the users torso against said
bench..Iaddend..Iadd.
31. The method of abdominal and lumbar exercise according to claim
29 wherein the step of providing an exercise machine includes said
pivoting back support comprising a pivoting frame and a plurality
of rollers attached thereto and further comprising a roller for
receiving the neck of the user for massaging the user's back during
the step of pushing back with the torso against said
bench..Iaddend.
Description
REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX (Not Applicable)
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS Disclosure Document No.
414416 Feb. 18, 1997
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
(Not Applicable)
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
1. Field of Invention
Referring to disclosure Document No. 414416, of Feb. 18, 1997, this
invention concerns an apparatus specifically designed to offer four
combined, gentle, yet effective, exercise movements for: a) The
immediate relief from back muscle pain and tension; b) The
improvement of rotary, frontal and posterior mobility of the
pelvis; c) The improvement of general flexibility of the spine; d)
The strengthening and developing of spinal, abdominal and lumbar
muscles; e) The spinal awareness and posture self-correction. f)
The improvement of blood circulation throughout the back of the
body.
2. Description of the Related Prior Art
More than 90 Million Americans suffer from some form of back pain.
Most common pathologies are located in the lower back of the body.
To date, there is no comprehensive exercising fitness or
therapeutic apparatus that can rehabilitate the back, effectively
relieve pain, muscle tension and stiffness, especially of the lower
back region--often under tension or left inactive, due to bad
posture and lack of exercise.
There are basically three exercise movements accomplished by
existing devices and apparatuses for helping with back problems,
but they are often ineffective and counterproductive. They are: i)
The rotation of the torso or the twisting movement of the spine;
ii) The frontal bending of the torso (so-called "stomach crunch");
iii) The posterior bending of the torso (so-called "back
extension"); and iv) The spinal posterior flexion (so-called
"spinal arching").
While all four movements are intended for exercising the abdominal
and lumbar muscles as well as providing flexibility to the spine,
wrong application of force to the spine, vertebral compression, and
the lack of protection for the natural curvature of the spine
forced by these devices, substantially reduce the therapeutic
benefits of the exercises. Moreover, devices designed to achieve
pelvis mobility also have detrimental effects by putting
unnecessary strain on the pelvis and on the spinal column as a
whole.
Alternatively, these four movements can be seen from a different
perspective and improved. The device can accommodate the body in
such way as for the exercises to be performed naturally and
non-strenuously. These movements are therapeutically beneficial
when they are localized, when stress and friction especially to the
weakest point of the back are removed. The exercise device should
provide gradual, gentle aid toward self-rehabilitation, toward
repairing or rebuilding muscle and cartilage fibers of the
spine.
i) All devices currently used for therapeutic purposes, designed
for torso rotation exercises that force this movement to the spine
against some resistance, both in the standing position, such as
U.S. Pat. No. 4,296,924 (Anzaldua et al) and in the sitting
position, such as U.S. Pat. No. 4,456,245 (Baldwin); U.S. Pat. No.
4,733,860 (Staffee); U.S. Pat. No. 5,230,680 (Wu) have questionable
therapeutic effects for the following reasons: A) In such positions
all vertebrae of the spine are under compression by the
gravitational weight of the head, which accounts for almost 2/3's
of one's body weight. Thus damage may result to cartilage,
ligaments, contributing to the deterioration of arthritis-affected
vertebrae, and to intervertebral slipped disk in the worst of
cases; B) In virtually all apparatuses that offer this type of
exercise, the initial force of the rotation is initiated by the
arms and shoulders instead by isolated action of the lower muscles
themselves. This is a way to transfer the arms' entire force to the
lower back which becomes the fulcrum, thus causing stress to
vertebral cartilage and ligaments. C) There is nothing in these
devices that provides support and proper posture during rotation,
i.e., that assures the ideal gravitational position of the spine,
allowing it to transfer the weight of the head to the ground
effortlessly without vertebral friction.
ii) There is currently no therapeutic device that specifically
helps pelvis mobility by isolating pelvis movement. Virtually all
devices in existence are designed to to exercise and to strengthen
the abdominal muscles by offering resistance to the forward and
rearward motion of the torso, without taking into account the
natural dynamics of the body: a) No mobility therapy of the pelvis
and no flexibility therapy of the spine can be achieved under
vertebral compression of and muscle stress; b) Being the force
initiated by the shoulders, the pelvis becomes the fulcrum, namely,
the central exertion point; c) Indeed, abdominal and lumbar muscles
need no expansion, but firmness and flexibility. In the first and
most common instance, as in athlete's cases, when abdominal muscles
are stronger, but are not compensated by lumbar erector muscles,
especially under excessive stress, an imbalance may bring about
muscles spasms; in the second and less common instance when both
the abdominal and lumbar muscles are out of shape or inactive,
rupture or hernia problems may occur.
Such are the following devices: U.S. Pat. No. 4,500,089 (Jones);
U.S. Pat. No. 5,256,126 (Grotstein); U.S. Pat. No. 5,441,473
(Safani et al); U.S. Pat. No. 4,627,619 (Rockwell et al); U.S. Pat.
No. 4,623,144 (Rockwell); etc.
iii) Virtually, all devices currently used for therapeutic
purposes, intended to exercise and to strengthen the lower back
lumbar and spinal muscles by offering resistance to rearward
movement of the torso, such as those cited above (ii), although
less risky, may still produce likewise damages: a) Some devices do
offer a back rest, but it is often set at shoulder level, while
support is needed for the lower backs. Prima Facie an exception
could be made for U.S. Pat. No. 5,070,863 (Mc Arthur et al) which
has two pivotal axes and two hip attachments, but the uncoordinated
articulation of the two eventually contributes to stress even more
the lower muscles and vertebral joints; b) Being the point of
contact located in the shoulder area, excessive exertion leverage
and stress is again transferred to the lower spine's weakest
points; c) Finally, being this movement naturally initiated by the
upper muscles of the neck and shoulders excessive force is applied
to the cervical vertebrae.
iv) Virtually all devices currently used for therapeutic purposes,
designed to arch the spinal column with the application of
mechanical force, may produce adverse effects. Such are U.S. Pat.
No. 5,549,534 (Parviavien); U.S. Pat. No. 5,176,706 (Lee); U.S.
Pat. No. 5,324,247 (Lepley); U.S. Pat. No. 3,640,272 (Hussey); U.S.
Pat. No. 2,660,999 (Thornton). a) Presently, there are no
sufficient scientific applicable data that support the use of
corrective mechanical means to restore cartilage support and
elasticity. Cartilage cannot be repaired easily. Corrective spinal
practices and cartilage regeneration must therefore be gradual and
self-perpetuated. The application of corrective mechanical force
can only account for risk of spinal deterioration. The natural
curvature of the spine and spine flexibility can be achieved in
most cases with exercises that use the body's weight and the body's
capacity to correct itself through spinal awareness, as in yoga
practice. c) Physical awareness is basically a spontaneous memory
that is built by repetitive, gentle action to the interested part
of the body. There is virtually no therapeutic apparatus or device
that helps achieve spinal awareness, in ways for the subject to
build such a subconscious memory to attempt self-correction of
spinal posture.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The Combined Therapeutic Exercise Apparatus for the Back (CTEAB)
fills important needs in this era of fitness science. It overcomes
several deficiencies of the existing therapeutic exercise devices
developed so far. In sum, the apparatus features a gentle and
soothing combination of four back exercises that instantly relieve
most symptoms of stiffness, muscle spasms, which can be organized
into an effective therapy program for back recovery and
rehabilitation.
The apparatus offers eight novel and important features which are
the objects of invention with respect to the four basic back
exercises:
The 1st feature consists in the novel approach of back exercising
that allows the user to perform the four basic exercises from an
ideal position of the body, and that is, by lying down on a
horizontal position, on the anatomically shaped cushioning of the
bench's main frame; isolating and localizing the exercise action on
the most commonly affected area, namely, the lower back, by having
both legs raised, resting on the adjustable leg-rest and having the
feet resting on the adjustable foot-rest.
In this position all muscles of the body are relaxed; all gravity
forces that compress the vertebrae or stress the muscles, in the
standing or sitting positions, are eliminated; the body's own
weight allows the spine to rest with anatomically correct posture.
In addition, the blood circulation, due to the raised legs, is also
improved.
The 2nd feature consists in providing a leg swinging mechanism that
allows a localized lower back rotation exercise, starting not from
the shoulder, but from the lower back muscles and from the pelvis
themselves, free from vertebral compression, for greater muscles
movement, spinal flexibility and pelvis mobility.
The exercise, so performed, is gentle, yet very effective. The
force applied on the lower back is better felt and better
controlled by the subject when all the vertebrae of the spine are
relieved of the gravitational, compressive force.
The resistance to the lumbar muscles is provided by a frontal stack
of weights, which gradually may induce additional work, seen as
fiber-force producing and exertion+contraction. The effectiveness
of the exercise consists in the repetitive progressive sequences
executed preferably in slow motion. The exercise engages the outer
thigh muscles the iliotibial bands and the inner abductors. More in
particular, the force is localized in the deep erectors, the sacro
spinales, the posterior layers of the lumbar region and with
progressive diminution in the longissimus thoracis, the
iliocostalis, and upwards from the lumbar triangle to the oblique
externs, the serratus, the spleniuses trasversus, and the
trapezoids. The important task of the swinging mechanism is that it
exercises all muscles of the back with force originating from the
lower back itself, thus harmoniously producing alternatively force
and counterforce.
This gentle, free exercise also stretches, with proportionate
action, the ligaments and cartilage of all 33 vertebrae of the
spine, in likewise manner from the pelvis to the skull, especially
when the subject proceeds in turning the head 90 degrees, to the
opposite side at each swing of the legs. The stretching of
intervertebral cartilage, of the spinal nerve and of the entire
sympathetic and parasympathetic nerve system, has a soothing effect
and an immediate relief to pain and stiffness. Muscle spasms, due
to strain, common to most athletes, are in this way quickly
eliminated and in most cases, athletes may resume the sport
activity almost immediately unless fiber rupture has occurred.
The 3rd feature consists in providing a pivotal lever mechanism
with swiveling weight stacks for exercising all the muscles of the
lower back and to help pelvis mobility, risk free from hernia
problems.
Performed with common devices, a similar exercise of bending the
torso forwardly when considerably weight resistance is applied,
known as the "stomach crunch," in the wrong position and without
proper protection, may be very detrimental to the lower back
muscles. With the CTEAB, this exercise is greatly improved because
performed with legs in elevated position and because proper spinal
support is provided. The pivoting mechanism, having its axis
directly below the pelvis, greatly contributes to the body's
natural dynamics, to muscle synchrony and to obtain the most
benefits out of the torso bending exercise.
The 4th feature consists in providing a pivotal lever exercise
mechanism that allows the swiveling of the weight stacks forwardly
for increased pelvis mobility; for safe and effective lumbar and
spinal erector muscles rehabilitation and development, risk free
from rupture and hernia problems, since the spine curvature during
the exercise is properly supported and both the subject's legs are
in a raised position. With the stacks in the forward position,
gravity force helps towards greater mobility of the pelvis, while
strengthening the back lumbar and erector muscles during the return
to the resting position. (After this exercise the subject can
better bend over to touch his/her toes).
The 5th feature is providing a padded adjustable roller assembly
with springs to support and massage the neck muscles; as well as to
protect the delicate cervical vertebrae during the lower back
bending forward and extension exercises.
The 6th feature is providing a set of roller embodiment with
springs to suit all body sizes, anatomically juxtaposed, for spinal
curvature and muscle support during the bending forward and back
extention exercises; for massaging the entire back; for building
spinal awareness; and for self-correction of spinal posture. Thus a
gentle pressure against the spine is exercised from the neck down
to the pelvis area--pressure being proportionate to the amount of
weight applied on the stacks.
The 7th feature is providing an anatomical cushioning device that
accommodates the buttocks and the lower back, providing back
support during said movements, yet gently stretching intervertebral
cartilage and ligaments for spinal postural correctness and
flexibility.
The 8th feature is providing said set of roller embodiment for
improved blood circulation and a general well-being that massages
the entire back.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
This brief description of the drawing establishes the order adopted
in the following Detailed Description of the Invention: The
drawings show the following:
FIG. 1 shows a general, perspective view of the rest position of
the Combined Therapeutic Back Apparatus, as well as all its major
parts visible from the right side;
FIG. 2 shows a general perspective view of the second movement,
namely, the motion of the lever pivoting mechanism of the CTEAB, as
well as its major parts visible from the lefts side.
FIG. 3 shows a general perspective view of the rest position of the
CTEAB, as well as its major parts visible from the front side.
FIG. 4 shows a view of CTEAB's roller back support.
FIG. 5 shows a detail view of spring application of the CTEAB's
roller support embodiment.
FIG. 6 shows a view of the complete back and neck support of
CTEAB's roller embodiment.
FIG. 7 shows a user's frontal view and the movement (toward the
right) of CTEAB' swinging mechanism.
FIG. 8 shows a user's frontal view and the movement (toward the
left) of CTEAB' swinging mechanism.
FIG. 9 shows a right view of the initial movement (toward the
front) of CTEAB's lever pivoting mechanism.
FIG. 10 shows a left view of the advanced movement (toward the
left) of CTEAB's lever pivoting mechanism.
FIG. 11 shows the elevation of leg rest bar adjustment.
FIG. 12 shows the sliding fly-wheel of the leg rest's adjusting and
locking mechanism.
FIG. 13 shows the partly round and partly hexagonal shaft of the
leg rest's adjusting and locking leg mechanism.
FIG. 14 Shows a side elevation of the leg rest mechanism and the
singular parts of the adjusting and lock mechanism.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring to FIG. 1 the CTEAB can be divided in four major
embodiments of parts: A) The bench frame 1; B) The frontal swinging
mechanism 3; C) The pivoting mechanism 4; and D) The back roller
support assembly 5.
A) The bench frame 1, standing on four saw-horse shaped legs 2, is
made out of 2" square steel tubing. It accommodates the other three
embodiments and the stationary parts, such as a rear padded member
6, and a front padded, anatomical, postural member 7.
B) The swinging mechanism 3 allows the localized lower back
rotation exercise isolating the lower back muscles, since it is
performed with legs raised and the body lying on the padded,
anatomical, postural member 7. It comprises of a vertical steel
channel member lined with a chrome sleeve 8, for aesthetic reasons
and for easy sliding of the adjustable footrest assembly 9. At the
lower end of the steel channel a plate steel offers the housing for
the weight stack 11. Moving upwards, we have a foot rest assembly
which comprises of a frame 9 to fit and to slide over the channel
vertical member 8, to provide adjustment for the user, and to lock
in place with the help of spring pins 12 and 12A. The actual foot
rest base 13 also hinges on a shaft 14 to provide a more
comfortable resting angle for the user. Alongside, in the inside
center of the channel vertical member 8, a square tubular member 15
is attached to house the leg rest adjusting mechanism which is
visible in FIG. 14, comprising of a spur gear 60 and a rack 67, a
shaft partly round and partly hexagonal, FIG. 13, a groove base
bushing 61, an engaging and locking flywheel 62, a hand wheel 16, a
spring 63 and a nut 64. Attached one to the other, the flywheel 62
and the hand wheel 16 engage the shaft FIG. 13 and the spur 60 when
the user pulls and turns the hand wheel 16, which allows the leg
rest mechanism to slide vertically for leg adjustment to suit the
user. The leg rest mechanism comprises a main vertical square
tubing shaft 17 welded to a horizontal cross section tubing 18 that
provides the basis for the round cushion 19 on which the legs of
the user rest during the four exercises. At the center of the
horizontal of the leg rest bar 18, a vertical metal plate 20 is
welded in order to provide a fastening base for the pair of small
cushions 21 and 21A that receive the action from the legs of the
user.
A horizontal steel axle 23 welded onto the channel vertical member
8 connects the entire swinging mechanism to the main frame 1 by
means of a flange bearing 24 that allows the movement. A locking
mechanism comprising of a handle 35, a lever 36 and a U shaped
metal plate 37 allows the user to lock the swinging mechanism 3 in
order to switch to the second and third exercise.
C) The pivoting lever mechanism 4 comprises a steel frame that
attaches to and is allowed to pivot by a pair of pillow block
bearings 25 and 26 on both sides of the frame. A pair of weight
stacks 27 and 28 are erected on either side of the mechanism. Both
stacks are hinged directly on the supporting frame 29 and 29A
allowing the swiveling of same and thus furnishing the resistance
for the two exercises: the forward back bending and the back
bending exercises.
When the weight stacks 27 and 28 are swiveled toward the rear, the
second exercise can be accomplished. The mechanism 4 gravitating on
its axles 30 and 30A is allowed to remain in the rest position,
thus providing resistance for the user to move it forward, while
the return movement is accomplished effortlessly.
When the weight stacks 27 and 28 are swiveled toward the front, the
third exercise can be accomplished. The user is helped by gravity
to bend forward, while having to provide the force to return the
mechanism to the rest position. Additional resistance and balance
for the rest position is provided by a resilient member 32. A
locking mechanism comprising of a lateral, horizontal lever 33,
connected to a spring pin 34, allows the user to pass from the
pivoting lever exercise, back to the swinging exercise.
A pair of arched and padded handle bars 38 and 39 are mounted on
swiveled housings 40 and 41, which in turn are attached on to a
pair of sliding square tubing 42 and 43 that allow the handle bars
to adjust by along the holed horizontal bars 44, and to lock in
place with the help of two spring pins 45 and 45A.
D) The back roller support embodiment 5 comprises a basic square
frame 47 to fit and to fill its bench frame housing 65. A pair of
anatomically L shaped iron members 48 provide the bases for the
four rollers 54 and the rollers' shafts 50, as well as the spring
housings 51, the springs 57, shown in FIG. 5. This spring roller
assembly has been designed to follow the contour of the user's
spine, both for support, for spinal awareness, and for improving
blood circulation during the second and third exercise. A smaller
assembly for the support of cervical vertebrae and neck muscles is
attached to the main back roller embodiment 5. The neck roller
assembly comprises an individual base frame 55, FIG. 6 which houses
the roller axles, and springs, not visible in the drawing, but
similar to that of the main roller embodiment, a tubular steel
extension 56 that attaches to the frame 47 of main roller
embodiment 5 with screws. Ultimately, the back support roller
embodiment 5 is mounted on the pivoting mechanism axle 59 and 59A
in order to permit its rotary motion during the second and the
third exercise.
SUMMARY OF OPERATION
The user lies in a horizontal position on the bench's main frame,
holding onto the two adjustable, swiveling, handle bars 38 and 39,
rolling the body forward on roller assembly 47, lifting and resting
both legs on the adjustable, leg-rest member 19, and feet resting
on the adjustable foot rest member 13. All adjustments can be
executed in this position. The user can pull and turn adjusting
means 16, raise or lower leg rest bar 18, that automatically locks
itself in the desired leg position, subsequently sliding handle
bars 38 and 39 to desired length position and locking them with the
help of spring pin 45 and 45A.
In this position all muscles of the body are relaxed; all gravity
forces that compress the vertebrae or stress the muscles, in the
standing or sitting positions, are eliminated; the body's own
weight allows the spine to rest on the padded, anatomically
postural corrective member 7.
The challenges of all therapeutic exercises is to perform same from
an ideal resting position, to isolate and to localize muscle
action. This is the way the CTEAB accomplishes this goal. The user
may begin the back rotation exercise, holding, both knees together,
sandwiching the vertical padded members 21 and 22. The user moves
both legs side ways with the help of the swinging mechanism as
shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8. No strain should be experienced, just
sense of well being and relaxation.
After completing sufficient repetitions of the same movement, the
user, still remaining in the same horizontal position with both
legs raised, may act on lever 35 and lock the swinging mechanism
4.
In order to pass to the second exercise, the user must now swivel
the pair of weight stacks 27 and 28 toward the rear and disengage
the lever pivoting mechanism 4 by acting on the lever 33. The
movement is described in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10. At the end of the
exercise, the user must lock the lever pivoting mechanism 4 again
by acting on lever 33.
In order to pass to the third exercise, the user must swivel the
weight stacks 27 and 28 toward the front and again unlock the lever
pivoting mechanism by acting on lever 33. At the end of the
exercise, the user must lock the lever pivoting mechanism again
acting on lever 33 in order to exit.
The back roller support assembly 5 needs no adjustments. The
pressure exercised against the back is proportionate to the gravity
force applied on the pivoting mechanism 4.
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