Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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TITLE: EXERCISE APPARATUS
FIELD
[00011 The described embodiments relate to an exercise apparatus.
BACKGROUND
[0002] U.S. Patent No. 5,067,479 (Saringer et al.) discloses a device
for providing continuous passive motion therapy to a patient's wrist and
comprises a base removably attached to the forearm of the patient rearwards
of the wrist. The base includes a horizontal turntable that can be secured
thereon in a selected position. A wheel driven by a motor is rotatably mounted
on the turntable for rotation in a vertical plane. A telescopic motion
transmission, which is provided between the wheel and a handle, is mounted
eccentrically to an eccentric disk that in turn is eccentrically and parallely
mounted on the wheel. The eccentric disk may be rotated relative to the
wheel to vary the absolute eccentricity of the motion transmission with
respect
to the rotation axis of the wheel. The handle, which is universally mounted to
the motion transmission, includes a grip. Therefore, a rotation of the wheel
and thus of the eccentric disk caused the motion transmission to pivot and to
impart to the patient's hand a preselected pivoting motion about the wrist
being treated. Saringer et al. can also be adapted to other joints, such as
ankles.
[0003] U.S. Patent No. 7,452,308 (Robideau) discloses a cross-crawl
chair including a chair frame for supporting a headrest, chair back, chair
seat,
right and left arm supports, right and left leg supports and four actuators
for
moving the supports. The chair also includes a control system that
synchronizes the movement of the right arm actuator with the left leg actuator
and the movement of the left arm actuator with the right leg actuator so as to
provide an "arm and opposing leg" or cross-crawl motion. Further, the electro-
mechanical control system controls a speed, a length of time, and a range of
the cross-crawl motion.
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[00041 U.S. Patent No. 5,259,369 (Matsumura et al.) discloses a
remedial device for hand insufficiency includes a device body having an
obverse surface and .a reverse surface, a compressed air supply source and
an air supply-discharge hose interconnecting the device body and the
compressed air supply source. Each of the obverse and reverse surfaces of
the device body is provided thereon with a plurality of air sacks inflated and
shrunken by the action of compressed air supplied and discharged for
expanding and elongating the fingers and for elongating the wrist and arm
joint. The air supply discharge hose constitutes an air supply-discharge
circuit
provided with two branched circuits for compressed air which are disposed
independently on an air supply-discharge side for the air sacks for elongating
and expanding the fingers and on an air supply-discharge side for the air
sacks for elongating the wrist and arm joint. The two branched circuits are
each provided with a switchable distribution device for selectively supplying
and discharging compressed air to and from one or both of the branched
circuits.
SUMMARY
[0005] This summary is intended to introduce the reader to the more
detailed description that follows and not to limit or define any claimed or as
yet unclaimed invention. One or more inventions may reside in any
combination or sub-combination of the elements or process steps disclosed in
any part of this document including its claims and figures.
[0006] Exercise machines in which a user supplies a driving force, and
the machine provides a resistive force can be described as passive exercise
machines. In contrast, exercise machines in which the machine supplies a
driving force and a user is moved by the machine can be described as active
exercise machines. When using an active exercise machine, a user may wish
to have his/her arm or leg moved through a three-dimensional range of
motion and may wish to have multiple joints in the arm or leg moved
simultaneously.
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[0007] In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, an active
exercise apparatus includes at least one support member and a rotatable
member rotatably connected to each support member. The rotatable member
has an engagement member for engaging a distal portion of a limb of a user.
The apparatus also includes an actuator drivingly connected to the rotatable
member to selectably rotate the rotatable member relative to the support
member so that the limb of a user is moved with the rotatable member.
[0008] In some examples, the rotatable member is rotatable in a plane
of rotation.
[0009] In some examples, the rotatable member is pivotally connected
to the frame and is pivotable between a first position, in which the plane of
rotation intersects a reference plane at a first angle, and a second position,
in
which the plane of rotation intersects the reference plane at a second,
different angle.
[0010] In some examples, the apparatus also includes a frame and the
at least one support member is pivotally connected to the frame and is
moveable between a first support position and a second support position
relative to the frame.
[0011] In some examples, the rotatable member rotates about an axis
of rotation and the engagement member is movably coupled to the rotatable
member so that it is moveable between first radial position, in which the
engagement member is disposed a first radial distance from the axis of
rotation, and a second radial position, in which the engagement member is
disposed at a different, second radial distance from the axis of rotation.
[0012] In some examples, the actuator is selectably operable to rotate
the rotatable member at a first rate of rotation and at second rate of
rotation
that is faster than the first rate of rotation.
[0013] In some examples, the rotatable member is rotatable in a first
direction of rotation and in an opposing, second direction of rotation.
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[0014] In some examples, the rotatable member is rotatable at least
360 degrees about the axis of rotation relative to the support member.
[0015] In some examples, the at least one support member includes
an arm support member for engaging an arm of the user.
[0016] In some examples, the first engagement member is grip that is
graspable by the hand of a user.
[0017] In some examples, the arm support includes a left arm support
member for engaging a left arm of the user and a right arm support member
for engaging a right arm of the user.
[0018] In some examples, the at least one support member comprises
a leg support member for engaging a leg of the user.
[0019] In some examples, the leg support includes a left leg support to
engage the left leg of the user and a right leg support to engage a right leg
of
the user.
[0020] In some examples, the rotatable member connected to left leg
support and the rotatable member connected to the right leg support are
independently operable.
[0021] In some examples, the rotatable member includes a rotatable
disc coupled to the actuator and the engagement member comprises a foot
support for receiving a foot of the user.
[0022] In some examples, the apparatus also includes a controller
linked to the actuator to selectably control the rotation of the rotatable
member.
[0023] In some examples, the controller is configurable to receive a
user input and to trigger the actuator based on the user input.
[0024] In some examples, the controller is operable to impose a delay
between the receipt of the user input and the triggering of the actuator.
[0025] In accordance with another embodiment, which optionally can
be used in combination with the first embodiment of the invention described
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above, an active exercise apparatus can include at least one sleeve for
receiving a digit of a user. The sleeve is curlable in a direction of flexure
of
the digit of a user between a first position and a second position so that the
digit of a user can curl with the sleeve. The apparatus can also include a
first
actuator drivingly connected to the sleeve. The first actuator is selectably
triggerable to move the sleeve from the first position to the second position.
[0026] In some examples, the apparatus also includes a biasing means
connected to the sleeve to return the sleeve to the first position.
[0027] In some examples, the first actuator is operable to move the
sleeve between the first and second positions.
[0028] In some examples, the first actuator includes a flexible cable
connected to a first side of the sleeve, the cable selectably moveable between
an extended position, in which the sleeve is in the first position, and a
retracted position, in which the sleeve is in the second position.
[0029] In some examples, the cable is connected toward a distal end of
the sleeve.
[0030] In some examples, the sleeve comprises at least one support
member for engaging a distal phalanx of the digit of a user received in the
sleeve.
[0031] In some examples, the apparatus also includes a distal support
member that is positionable to engage a distal phalange of the digit, and a
proximal support member that is positionable to engage a proximal phalange
of the digit. The flexible cable is connected to the distal support member and
is slidable relative to the proximal support member.
[0032] In some examples, the proximal support member includes a
cable guide member for slidably retaining the cable.
[0033] In some examples, the apparatus includes four finger sleeves
for receiving corresponding fingers of the user and a thumb sleeve for
receiving the thumb of the user.
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[0034] In some examples, the finger sleeves are curlable in a first
direction, and the thumb sleeve is curlable in a different, second direction.
[0035] In some examples, the first actuator is drivingly connected to the
finger sleeves and the apparatus also includes a second actuator drivingly
connected to the thumb sleeve.
[0036] In some examples, the first and second actuators are
independently operable.
[0037] In some examples, the apparatus also includes five toe sleeves
for receiving the toes of a user, the five toe sleeves curlable in a common
direction.
DRAWINGS
[0038] For a better understanding of the applicant's teachings
described herein, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the
accompanying drawings which show at least one exemplary embodiment, and
in which:
[0039] Figure 1 is a front view of an exercise apparatus;
[0040] Figure 2 is a front view of the apparatus of Figure 1 with the arm
and leg supports positioned in front of a user;
[0041] Figure 3 is a front view of the apparatus of Figure 1 with the arm
and leg supports positioned toward the sides of the user;
[0042] Figure 4 is an example of a motor on an arm support in a first
position;
[0043] Figure 5 is a the motor and arm support of Figure 4 with the
motor in a second position;
[0044] Figure 6 is plan view of one side a motor and a portion of a leg
support;
[0045] Figure 7 is a plan view of the other side of the motor and the
portion of the leg support of Figure 6;
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[0046] Figure 8 is top view of a rotatable disc for a leg support with a
foot support in a first position;
[0047] Figure 9 is a side view of a rotatable disc with a foot support in a
second position;
[0048] Figure 10 is a side view of a rotatable disc with a foot support in
a third position;
[0049] Figure 11 is a perspective view of the exercise machine of
Figure 1 in a storage position, with its rotatable members removed;
[0050] Figure 12 is a front view of a control panel for an exercise
machine;
[0051] Figure 13 is a perspective view of another example of an
exercise machine;
[0052] Figure 14 is a perspective view of the exercise machine of
Figure 13 in a storage position, with its rotatable members removed;
[0053] Figure 15 is a plan view of the palm of an exercise glove;
[0054] Figure 16 is a enlarged view of the palm of the exercise glove of
Figure 15;
[0055] Figure 17 is a plan view of the back side of the exercise glove of
Figure 15;
[0056] Figure 18 is a plan view of the palm of the exercise glove of
Figure 15 with the finger sleeves in a curled configuration;
[0057] Figure 19 is a plan view of the palm of the exercise glove of
Figure 15 with the thumb sleeve in a curled configuration;
[0058] Figure 20 is a plan view of the palm of the exercise glove of
Figure 15 with the thumb sleeve and the finger sleeves in a curled
configuration;
[0059] Figure 21 is a plan view of the bottom of an exercise sock;
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[0060] Figure 22 is a plan view of the top of the exercise sock of Figure
21; and
[0061] Figure 23 is a front view of the exercise apparatus of Figure 1
configured to include the exercise glove of Figure 15 and the exercise sock of
Figure 21.
[0062] For simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the
figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the
dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other
elements for clarity. Further, where considered appropriate, reference
numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or
analogous elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0063] Various apparatuses or processes will be described below to
provide an example of an embodiment of each claimed invention. No
embodiment described below limits any claimed invention and any claimed
invention may cover processes or apparatuses that are not described below.
The claimed inventions are not limited to apparatuses or processes having all
of the features of any one apparatus or process described below or to
features common to multiple or all of the apparatuses described below. It is
possible that an apparatus or process described below is not an embodiment
of any claimed invention. Any invention disclosed in an apparatus or process
described below that is not claimed in this document may be the subject
matter of another protective instrument, for example, a continuing patent
application, and the applicants, inventors or owners do not intend to abandon,
disclaim or dedicate to the public any such invention by its disclosure in
this
document.
[0064] When operating traditional, passive exercise machines, a user
exerts effort to move the machine and the movement of the exercise machine
includes a desired level of resistance to counter the user's efforts. In
contrast,
an active exercise machine is a driven exercise machine in which the
movements of the machine are powered and the passive body of a user is
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moved by the machine through a desired range of motion. The user does not
drive or exert pressure on the machine and the machine does not offer
resistance to a user's movements. The exercise machine includes at least
one limb support that is configured to support a limb of a user (for example,
an arm or a leg) and move the limb through a three-dimensional movement
path. The movement of the limb will impart at least some movement of each
major joint in the limb, for example, the ankle, knee and hip of a user's leg,
or
the wrist, elbow and shoulder of a user's arm. Optionally, the limb supports
can be configured to rotate a distal portion of the user's limb (i.e., a foot
or a
hand) in a plane of rotation, which causes the simultaneous movement of
each joint in the supported limb.
[0065] Some practitioners of traditional Eastern medicines, such as, for
example Chinese medicine, believe that the human body contains a plurality
of energy channeling conduits that are commonly referred to as meridians.
The paths that these meridians trace through the body often pass through
several different muscles as they wind from their origin to their termination
point. Several commonly accepted meridians originate from the ends of the
limbs of the body (such as, for example, at a finger, palm, wrist, toe, sole
of
the foot or ankle) and terminate in the torso. The path of such meridians will
pass through multiple joints (for example, the wrist, elbow and shoulder), and
a variety of muscles. It is believed by some that blockages in these meridians
can cause physical pain in the affected regions, and may contribute to other
health complications.
[0066] While the causes of these perceived meridian blockages can be
difficult to identify, the Applicant believes that one possible cause of
meridian
blockages is the stiffening or fatiguing of some or all of the muscles through
which the meridian passes. The Applicant believes that modern practices,
including, for example sifting at a desk for several hours a day, sitting to
watch TV and generally failing to get an adequate level of physical activity
or
exercise in a day, may contribute to this muscle stiffening.
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[0067] The practice of acupuncture is one technique that can be used
in an attempt to clear perceived meridian blockages. However, the practice of
acupuncture typically requires a skilled practitioner and specialized
equipment
that may not be available to all users.
[0068] As an alternative or in addition to acupuncture, the Applicant
believes that working (e.g. flexing and contracting) the muscles that lie
along
the path of a meridian and moving and rotating the joints that lie along the
path of the meridian may help to soften and lengthen the muscles in the body,
and may help unblock the meridian. Moving the joints and working the
muscles in the body may also help stimulate circulation through the muscles,
and may enhance a person's flexibility.
[0069] Applicant believes that simultaneously working all, or at least a
significant portion, of the muscles along a given meridian (or optionally
multiple meridians) can be beneficial. For example, it may be beneficial to
simultaneously manipulate or move the wrist, elbow and shoulder, thereby
flexing and contracting the associated muscles if a user wishes to unblock a
meridian that passes through the arm. To work multiple muscles, and unblock
multiple meridians, it may be desirable to move a person's arms and legs
through a predetermined range of motion. Optionally, the arms and legs can
be worked simultaneously to provide a whole-body type of exercise.
[0070] Applicant believes that the rotation of a person's joints, and the
working of his/her muscles can be beneficial without requiring the person to
exert themselves, or work against an external resistance (as is commonly
done using traditional exercise machines). That is, applying an external force
to move a person's limbs through a desired range of motion using an active
exercise machine, while the person remains passive, may be one method of
working a person's joints and muscles to help unblock his/her meridians.
[0071] Referring to Figures 1 an exercise machine 100 includes a
frame 102 for resting on the ground, a seat 104 for supporting a user, two arm
supports 106 and two leg supports 108.
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[0072] The frame 102 includes a plurality of spaced apart support feet
110 (see also Figure 11) for stabilizing the machine when it is in use, and
optionally can include wheels 112 so that a user can roll the machine 100
across the ground. The frame 102 is assembled from a plurality of frame
members, which can be made from metal, plastic or other suitable materials.
[0073] The seat 104 includes a generally horizontal lower support 114
that a user can sit on or straddle, and an upright back support 116 that the
user can lean against. In the illustrated example, the lower support 114 has a
width 118 of approximately four inches, and the back support 116 has a width
120 of approximately ten inches. However, the size of both the lower support
114 and the back support 116 can be adjusted to accommodate the expected
user of the machine 100. The seat 104 is padded to help increase the comfort
of a user sitting on the machine 100.
[0074] Optionally, the lower support 114 can be moveably mounted to
the frame 102 so that the height of the lower support 114 can be adjusted,
and the back support 116 can be pivotally attached to the frame 102 so that
the inclination of the back support can be adjusted, and/or so the back
support 116 can be folded flat for storage (see Figure 11). In the illustrated
example, the lower support 114 is mounted on a support post 122 that is
slidably supported by a seat bracket 124.
[0075] The seat 104 also includes a releasable seat belt 126 that is
used to stabilize the user and can help prevent the user from falling off the
seat 104 while the machine 100 is in use.
[0076] Referring also to Figures 2 and 3, the arm supports 106 include
a left arm support 106a, for moving the left arm of the user, and a right arm
support 106b, for moving the right arm of a user. The arm supports 106a,b
can be operated in unison, or individually. Each arm support 106a,b includes
a base member 128 coupled to the frame, an adjustable extension member
130 coupled to the base member 128, a motor 132 and a rotatable member
134 that is driven by the motor 132. The motor 132 is a variable speed
electric
motor and can be connected to any suitable power source (not shown).
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Motors 132 are configured to be controlled by a machine controller, including,
for example, the controller 136 illustrated in Figures 3 (installed on the
machine 100) and 12, and described in greater detail below.
[0077] In the illustrated example, the rotatable members 134 on the
arm supports 106a,b include handgrips 138 that are connected to the motors
132 using connecting rods 140. The handgrips 138 are sized and shaped to
be grasped by a user, and are rotatably coupled to the connecting rods 140
so that the handgrips 138 are rotatable about a grip axis 142. The handgrips
138 are to be grasped by the hand of a user and are free from any straps or
other retaining devices. In this configuration, a user can simply release
his/her
hold on the handgrip if the user wishes to remove his/her hand from the
apparatus while the machine is in use, for example if the user is experiencing
any discomfort or wishes to adjust the machine controls.
[0078] The connecting rods 140 are coupled to the motors 132 so that
they can rotate about a motor axis 144 in a plane of rotation 146, and can
move the handgrips 138 in a rotary motion. The grip axis 142 and motor axis
144 are separated by an offset distance that defines a radius of rotation 148
of the handgrips 138. Optionally, the spacing between the motor axis 144 and
the grip axis 142 can be adjustable so that the radius of rotation 148 can be
changed. In the illustrated example, the connecting rods 140 are
telescopically adjustable and can be locked into position using locking pins
150. Alternatively, the connecting rods 140 can be slidably received in
rotatable sleeves connected to the motors 132 or otherwise adjustable to
provide an alternate means of adjusting the radius of rotation. Optionally,
instead of using connecting rods 140, the rotatable members 134 on the arm
supports 106a,b can be rotatable discs (as used on the leg supports,
described below) or other rotating members.
[0079] The exercise machine 100 is configured so that the angle 152
between the plane of rotation 146 and a reference plane 154, for example a
generally horizontal plane that is parallel to the ground, can be adjusted. In
the illustrated example, the motors 132 are movably connected to the upper
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ends of the extension members 130 so that the orientation of the motor axis
144 can be adjusted and the plane of rotation 146 can be tilted. In the
illustrated example, the motors 132 are connected to the extension members
130 using pin joints 156 so that the plane of rotation 146 can be tilted
toward
the user, thereby decreasing the angle 152 (see Figures 4 and 5), and/or
away from the user, thereby increasing the angle 152.
[0080] Referring to Figures 4 and 5, the movable connection between
the motors 132 and the extension members 130 of the arm supports 106a,b
includes a pair of flanges 158 connected to the motor 132 that are pivotally
connected to the extension member 130 using a pin joint 160. The flanges
158 include a plurality of locking holes, three holes 162 in the illustrated
example, which can be aligned with an aperture in the extension member 130
and secured in position using locking pin 164. In this configuration, the
motor
132 can be locked in any one of three possible positions relative to the
extension member 130. Optionally, instead of providing three locking
positions, the flanges 158 can be provided with more than three locking holes
or fewer than three locking holes.
[0081] Referring again to Figures 1-3, in the illustrated embodiment,
the extension members 130 are telescopically received within the base
members 128 and are adjustably positionable, relative to the base members
128, using locking collars 166, so that the elevation of the motors 132, and
the associated rotatable members 134, can be adjusted.
[0082] Optionally, as illustrated, the base members 128 can be
pivotally connected to the frame using a pivot joint 168 so that the arm
supports 106a,b can be positioned in front of the user (Figure 2), beside the
user (Figure 3) and at a variety of intermediate positions therebetween. The
pivot joint 168 includes a movable plate 170 that has a plurality of holes for
receiving a corresponding locking pin 172 so that the arm supports 106a,b
can be selectably locked in the desired position.
[0083] Using some or all of the adjustable aspects of the arm supports
106a,b described above, a user on the machine 100 can position the
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handgrips 138 in a variety of positions to move his/her arms through a
plurality of different rotational paths.
[0084] Still referring to Figures 1-3, the leg supports 108 on the
exercise apparatus include a left leg support 108a and a right leg support
108b. The leg supports 108a,b are configured to receive the foot of a user
and to move feet and legs of a user.
[0085] Each leg support 108a,b includes a base member 174
connected to the frame 102 and a telescoping extension member 176
adjustably connected to the base member 174, using locking collars 178.
Each leg support 108a,b also includes a rotatable disc 180 that is coupled to
a motor 182. Each disc 180 rotates in a plane of rotation 184 (that is at an
angle 186 relative to the horizontal plane 154). Like the arm supports 106
described above, the base members 174 of the leg supports 108a,b can be
movably connected to the frame, using a pivot joint 168, including locking
plate 170 and locking pins 172, so that the position of the leg supports
108a,b
relative to the frame 102 (and user) can be positioned in front of the user
(Figure 2) and toward the sides of a user (Figure 3).
[0086) The motors 182 on the leg supports 108a,b are variable speed
electric motors that are controlled by controller 136 (as described in detail
below). The motors 182 on the leg supports can be the same as motors 132
used in the arm supports 106a,b, or can be different motors.
[0087) Referring to Figures 6 and 7 (which show opposite sides of a
portion of a leg support 108 with the rotatable disc 180 removed), the motors
182 are mounted toward the ends of the extension members 176 using
adjustable mounting plates 188, that can be pivoted relative to the extension
members 176 and locked in place using a locking pin 190. The motors 182
are connected to the plates 188 using bolts 192. Pivoting the motors 182
relative to the extension members 176 can adjust orientation of the plane of
rotation 184 (as described above), thereby changing the angle 186 (Figure 3)
between the plane of rotation 184 and the horizontal plane 154.
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[0088] Referring to Figure 8, each rotatable disc 180 includes a foot
support 194 that can optionally include an adjustable retaining strap 196 for
keeping a user's foot connected to the rotatable disc 180. Each rotatable disc
180 rotates about a motor axis 198 (shown as a dashed line Figure 7 and
represented using an "X" in Figure 8), and the distance between the foot
support 194 and the motor axis 198 defines a radius of rotation 200 for the
foot support 194. Optionally, the rotatable disc 180 can include a plurality
of
foot support mounting points 202, spaced apart from each other in the radial
direction. By moving the foot support 194 into different foot support mounting
points 202, a user can adjust the radius of rotation 198 of the foot supports
194.
[0089] The foot support 194 can be connected to the rotatable disc 180
in a variety of different configurations, which can enable a user's foot and
leg
to be moved in a variety of rotational paths. Referring to Figure 8, the foot
support 194 can be positioned so that it is generally parallel to the plane of
rotation 186 (and the surface of the rotatable disc 180), so that the bottom
of
the users foot is parallel to the plane of rotation 186. Alternatively,
referring to
Figure 9, the foot support can be shaped to hold the user's foot so that the
bottom of the user's foot is generally perpendicular to the plane of rotation
186. Optionally, referring to Figure 10, an angled bracket 204 can be
positioned between the foot support 194 and the rotatable disc 180, so that
the bottom of a user's foot can be positioned at an angle relative to the
plane
of rotation 186. The bracket 204 can be adjustable, or a plurality of
different
sized brackets can be provided so that the angle of the user's foot relative
to
the plane of rotation 186 can be varied.
[0090] Referring to Figure 11, the exercise apparatus 100 can be
collapsed into a storage position. In this position, the back support 116 is
lowered to a generally horizontal position, and the arm supports 106 and the
leg supports 108 are collapsed and aligned with the frame 102. Optionally, as
illustrated, the rotatable members 134, 180 on the arm and leg supports 106,
108 can be detached from their respective motors for storage.
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[0091] Operation of all of the motors 132, 182 on the exercise
apparatus 100 is controlled using the machine controller 136. Referring to
Figures 3 and 12, the machine controller 136 includes a control panel 206
having a plurality of user inputs. The user inputs include level selection
buttons 208a, to allow a user to select the intensity of rotation provided by
the
motors, and exercise selection buttons 208b that enable a user to select
which supports to activate. The control panel 206 can also include time
selection buttons 208c and a display 210 that can provide system information
to a user, such as how much time is remaining in the selected workout cycle.
The control panel 206 also includes a stop or shut-off button 212 that allows
a
user to stop the rotation of the motors. A seat belt indicator 214 can be
included on the control panel 206 to alert a user if he/she attempts to begin
a
workout without fastening the seatbelt 126. Optionally, the controller 136 can
be configured so that the motors 132, 182 will not operate unless the seatbelt
126 is fastened.
[0092]. To allow a user to input a selection on the control panel 206 and
then grasp a handgrip 138, the controller 134 can be configured to include a
delay module for providing a delay, for example a ten second pause, between
the pressing of the button on the control panel 206 and the starting of the
motors 132. Optionally, the control panel can be mounted to the frame (as
shown in Figure 3), and/or provided as stand alone unit.
[0093] Referring to Figure 13, another example of an exercise
apparatus 300 is illustrated. Features of the exercise apparatus 300 that are
similar to features of the exercise apparatus 100 are illustrated using like
reference characters, indexed by two hundred.
[0094] In the exercise apparatus 300, each arm support 306 and each
leg support 308 is formed from a plurality of telescopically adjustable
connecting members 450, each of which can be locked in place using
extension locking pins 452 inserted into a pair of aligned locking holes 454.
The connecting members 450 are pivotally connected to each other, and to
the frame 302, using friction hinges 456. In this configuration, the arm
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supports 306 can be repositioned without having to remove and then re-insert
locking pins 172 in locking plates 170, as described above with reference to
machine 100. The rotational resistance of the friction hinges 456 is selected
so that the arm and leg supports 306, 308 can remain in a desired position
while the exercise machine 300 is in use, but can be manually repositioned by
a user when the machine 300 is not in use.
[0095] Referring to Figure 14, the exercise apparatus 300 can be
collapsed into a storage position by generally aligning the connecting
members 450 with each other, and with the frame 302.
[0096] While illustrated as including two arm supports 106, 306 and two
leg supports 108, 308, the exercise machines 100, 300 can be configured
having a different configuration of supports, and need not include four
separate supports. For example, the apparatus can be configured to include
only arm supports, or include only leg supports, or to include only a single
support (for either an arm, leg or both).
[0097] Optionally, in addition to, or as an alternative to moving the arms
and legs of a user, the exercise apparatus can include an exercise glove, an
exercise sock, or both, to exercise the fingers and toes of a user
respectively.
[0098] Referring to Figures 15-20, an exercise glove 500 that can be
used with the exercise apparatus, including the exercise apparatus 100 and
300 described above, includes main body portion 502, for receiving the palm
and wrist of the user, a plurality of finger sleeves 504 and a thumb sleeve
506, for receiving the fingers and thumb of a user respectively. Each sleeve
504, 506 has a proximal end 504a, 506a connected to the body portion, and
an opposing distal end or tip 504b, 506b. Figure 16 is a schematic
illustration
of the front or palm side of the exercise glove 500. Figure 17 is a schematic
illustration of the opposing, backside of the exercise glove 500.
(0099] The finger sleeves 504 are connected to finger actuators 508
using flexible finger cables 510. When the finger cables 510 are pulled in the
direction of arrows 514, the finger sleeves 504 are moved with the cables 510
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and are curled into a fist-like configuration (see Figure 18). When the
tension
on the finger cables 510 is released, the finger sleeves. 504 can be returned
to
their extended configuration, as shown in Figures 16 and 17. The finger
cables 510 can be metal cables, or any flexible cable-like material that has
sufficient tensile strength to exert the curling force on the finger sleeves,
including, for example, string, twine and rubber strands.
[00100] The thumb sleeve 506 is connected to a thumb actuator 516
using a flexible thumb cable 518. When the thumb cable 518 is pulled in the
direction indicated by arrow 520, the thumb sleeve 506 moves with the thumb
cable 518 and is curled into a fist-like or contracted position (Figure 19).
When tension on the thumb cable 518 is relaxed, the thumb sleeve 506 can
return to its extended configuration. The thumb cable 518 can be the same
material as the finger cables 510.
[00101] Optionally, the finger sleeves 504 and thumb sleeve 506 can be
curled at the same time to curl the user's hand into a closed fist, as shown
in
Figure 20.
[00102] Referring again to Figures 16 and 17, each finger sleeve 504
includes a flexible sleeve housing 522 and three support rings 524a-c that
encircle the user's fingers. The support rings 524a-c can be of different
diameters to accommodate the differences in size between a user's fingers
(e.g., the supports for the pinky finger can be smaller than the supports for
the
index finger), and to accommodate the differences in size along the length of
a given finger. The sleeve housings 522 are made from a material that is
flexible so that the sleeves 504 can generally conform to the hand of a user,
and allows the user's fingers to be curled into a fist like configuration and
returned to an open configuration. The material selected may also be
washable, so that the exercise glove can be washed when desired (for
example between uses by different users). Examples of suitable materials
include fabric, plastics and rubbers.
(00103] The support rings 524a-c are positioned within the sleeve
housing 522 so that each ring 524a-c is generally aligned with one of the
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phalanges (bones) in the user's finger, and so that the joints of fingers are
disposed in the gaps 526 between adjacent support rings. In this
configuration, the support rings 524a-c may be less likely to impede the
curling of the user's fingers. The support rings 524a-c are more rigid than
the
sleeve housing 522 and are configured to transfer the curling force of the
finger actuator 508 to the fingers of the user.
[00104] Referring to Figure 16, each support ring 524a-c includes a
cable guide 528 for slidably receiving a corresponding finger cable 510. The
cable guides 528 are used to retain the cables 510 in close proximity to the
finger sleeves 504, and are sized so that the finger cables 510 are freely
slidable through the cable guides 528. The finger cables 510 are fixedly
connected to the distal support ring 524a on each finger at finger cable
attachment points 525, so that pulling the cables 510 causes a curling of the
fingers into a fist-like configuration. Additional cable guides 528 are
provided
on the palm of the glove to direct the plurality of finger cables 510 toward
an
actuator cable 530. The actuator cable 530 passes through an actuator cable
guide 532 on the wrist of the exercise glove 500 and is connected to the
finger actuator 508. The actuator cable 530 can be a separate cable that is
connected to each of the finger cables 510, or can be a multi-strand cable
formed from the combination of plurality of finger cables 510. Optionally,
instead of connecting the plurality of finger cables 510 to a common actuator,
a separate finger actuator can be provided for each finger.
[00105] The thumb sleeve 506 includes a sleeve housing 532 and two
support rings 534a,b that are to be positioned around the phalanges in the
user's thumb. The thumb cable 518 is fixedly connect to the distal thumb
support ring 534a and is retained by cable guides 528 located on each thumb
support ring 534a,b and on the palm region of the glove. The thumb cable 518
is connected to the thumb actuator 516. The thumb actuator can be operated
in unison with the finger actuator 508, or independently.
[00106] When the finger and thumb actuators 508, 516 have been
triggered, after a predetermined period of time, the finger and thumb
actuators
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508, 516 can be released to relax the tension on the finger and thumb cables
510, 518, allowing the exercise glove 500 to be returned to its open
configuration. Optionally, a user can return the glove to its open
configuration
by flexing his/her fingers. Alternatively, the opening or uncurling of the
exercise glove 500 can be accomplished using a biasing member, or
optionally an opening actuator, so that the glove 500 can be opened without
requiring effort by the user.
[00107] Referring to Figure 17, in the illustrated embodiment, the
backside of the glove 500 includes a plurality of biasing springs 536 that are
connected to corresponding opening cables 538 coupled to each sleeve 504,
506. An opening cable 538 is associated with each sleeve 506, 508, and is
connected to the distal support ring 524a, 534a of each sleeve. Cable guides
528 are provided on each support ring 524, 534 to help keep the opening
cables 538 aligned with their respective sleeve 504, 506.
[00108] The biasing springs 536 are schematically represented as
cylinders in Figure 17, and can be any suitable type of biasing member,
including a coil spring and a resilient or elastic rubber member.
Alternatively,
instead of providing a separate biasing member, the opening cables 510 can
be resilient cables, and/or portions of the sleeve housings 522, 532 or glove
body 502 can incorporate resilient material.
[00109] In this configuration, when the finger and thumb sleeves 504,
506 are curled, the force exerted by the finger and thumb actuators 508, 516
exceeds the biasing force of the springs 536 and the springs 536 are
stretched. When the tension exerted by the finger and thumb actuators 508,
516 is relaxed, the biasing force of the springs 536 acts on the opening
cables
538 in the direction illustrated using arrow 540, and pulls each sleeve back
to
its extended position.
[00110] Referring to Figures 21 and 22, an exercise sock 600 that can
be used with the exercise apparatus 100 includes a body portion 602 for
receiving a user's foot and a plurality of toe sleeves 604 for receiving the
individual toes of the user. Figure 21 is a schematic representation of the
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underside of the exercise sock 600, which is configured to rest against the
sole of a user's foot. Figure 22 is a schematic representation of the upper
side
of the exercise sock, which is configured to cover the top of the user's foot.
The configuration and operation of the exercise sock 600 is similar to that of
the exercise glove 500 described above.
[00111] Each toe sleeve 604 is flexible so that it can be curled in the
direction of flexure of the user's toes, and is connected to toe actuator 606
using a corresponding toe cable 608. When the toe cables 608 are pulled in
the direction indicated by arrow 610 the toe sleeves 604 are curled into a
contracted position and a user's toes are curled with the toe sleeves 604.
[00112] Each toe sleeve 604 includes a toe support ring 612 that is
configured to encircle one of the phalanges (bones) of a user's toes, for
example the distal phalanx of each toe. The toe cables 608 are connected to
the toe support ring 612 on the respective toe sleeves 604, and are retained
by toe cable guides 614 provided on the sock body 602. In the illustrated
embodiment, all of the toe cables 608 are connected to a single toe actuator
cable 616, which is connected to the toe actuator 606.
[00113] The upper side of the exercise sock 600 comprises a plurality of
toe opening cables 618 that are connected to biasing springs 620. As
described in detail above in relation to the exercise glove 500, the toe
opening
cables 618 are connected to the back side of the distal toe support rings 612
and are biased by the biasing springs 620 so that the toe sleeves 604 are
moved toward their uncurled configuration when the tension of the toe
actuator cable 616 is relaxed. In this configuration, the exercise sock 600
can
pull a user's toes into a curled configuration, using the toe actuator 606,
and
then return the user's toes to their extended configuration, using the biasing
springs 620, without requiring any force to be exerted by the user.
[00114] While illustrated as continuous, tube-like members, the sleeves
504, 506, 604 on the exercise glove 500 and exercise sock 600 need not be
continuous, and may include a plurality of cut-outs and/or can include an open
tip. Alternatively, the sleeves 504, 506, 604 may not include any type of
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connecting material between the support rings 524, 534, 612 (other than the
flexible cables 510, 518, 608), and may comprise a plurality of separate
support rings positioned on the user's digits.
[00115] To accommodate user's of different sizes, both the exercise
glove 500 and exercise sock 600 can be provided in a plurality of different
sizes, including, for example, small medium and large, or in sizes that
correspond to standard shoe sizes.
[00116] While the exercise sock and exercise glove 600, 500 are
illustrated as using an actuator to curl the user's digits (i.e. toes and
fingers)
and a biasing mechanism for returning the digits to their extended
configuration, in other embodiments the function of the actuator and biasing
mechanisms can be reversed, and/or an actuator can be used to move the
digits in both directions.
[00117] Referring to Figure 23, the exercise gloves 500 and exercise
socks 600 can be connected to the same controller 136 that is used to
operate the exercise apparatus 100. In this configuration, the user can sit on
the seat 104 and simultaneously operate tow exercise gloves 500 and two
exercise socks 600. As explained above, the controller 136 can incorporate a
ten second delay module so that a user can select an exercise glove 500
workout routine and have ten seconds (or another delay time) to insert his/her
hand into the glove 500 before the exercise routine is initiated. Optionally,
if
the gloves 500 and socks 600 are adapted to work with the exercise
apparatus 100, the actuators 508, 516 and 606 can be positioned on the
frame 102 and connected to the gloves 500 and socks 600 using extended
actuator cables, instead of providing the actuators on the gloves 500 and
socks 600 (as shown in Figures 15-22).
[00118) Optionally, the exercise apparatus 100 can be configured so
that the exercise socks 600 can be used simultaneously with the leg supports
108. For example, the foot support 194 can be configured to allow a user's
toes to curl and uncurl while the user's foot is being rotated with the
rotatable
disc 180.
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[00119] In the illustrated examples the finger, thumb and toe actuators
are illustrated as being coupled to the exercise glove and exercise sock
respectively. Alternatively, the actuators can be spaced apart from the glove
and sock (for example incorporated into the frame) and connected using
elongated actuator cables.
[00120] What has been described above has been intended to be
illustrative of the invention and non-limiting and it will be understood by
persons skilled in the art that other variants and modifications may be made
without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims
appended hereto.
