Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
RESISTANCE BRACE
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Serial No. 14/095,455,
filed on
December 3, 2013. .
BACKGROUND
[0002] With the proliferation of exercise equipment and workout
facilities,
including home equipment, and the shortening of leisure time for many, it
would be
convenient to have inexpensive, wearable personal workout equipment that could
be
implemented and used without occupying the hands of the user.
[0003] Existing devices and methods of developing muscles use free
weights
or exercise machines designed to target a particular muscle or muscle group.
Free
weights work against gravity and typically work one muscle group and apply
resistance in only one direction at a time. Also, the use of free weights
excludes
other activities as the user holds the free weights with their hand or hands.
Free
weights are generally not readily adjustable and prevent the user from
engaging in
activities which require using hands such as household chores, typing,
operating
doors, holding a book, or gardening. Further, free weights are bulky and heavy
and
cannot be transported easily.
[0004] Exercise machines are generally not portable, take up a large
amount
of space, and work only specifically targeted muscles or muscle groups,
although
they are generally somewhat adjustable. Exercise machines typically need the
user's
full attention, occupy one or both of the user's hands, and are not easily
affordable.
SUMMARY
[0005] In one aspect, the inventive concepts disclosed herein are
directed to a
hinged arm assembly for a resistance brace. The hinged arm assembly includes a
first and a second plates movably coupled with one another in an opposing
spaced-
apart relationship so that the first and second plates are selectively movable
toward
one another and away from one another, the first and second plates cooperating
with
one another to define a first pivot point and a second pivot point separated
from the
first pivot point by a first distance. A first splint has a first limb-
attachment portion and
a first geared end positioned between the first and second plates and
pivotably
coupled with the first and second plates at the first pivot point. A second
splint has a
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second limb-attachment portion and a second geared end positioned between the
first and second plates and pivotably coupled with the first and second plates
at the
second pivot point, the second geared end matingly engaging the first geared
end so
that the first and second splints are movable in unison with one another
relative to
the first and second plates. A compression member is coupled with the first
and the
second plates such that the adjustable compression member compresses the first
and second plates against the first and second geared ends so as to
frictionally
impede movement of the first and second splints relative to the first and
second
plates.
[0006] In another aspect, the inventive concepts disclosed herein are
directed
to a resistance brace, including a pair of hinged arms. Each hinged arm has a
first
and a second plates movably coupled with one another in an opposing spaced-
apart
relationship so that the first and second plates are selectively movable
toward one
another and away from one another, the first and second plates cooperating
with one
another to define a first pivot point and a second pivot point separated from
the first
pivot point by a first distance. Each hinged arm also has a first splint
having a first
limb-attachment portion and a first geared end positioned between the first
and
second plates and pivotably coupled with the first and second plates at the
first pivot
point, and a second splint having a second limb-attachment portion and a
second
geared end positioned between the first and second plates and pivotably
coupled
with the first and second plates at the second pivot point, the second geared
end
matingly engaging the first geared end so that the first and second splints
are
movable in unison with one another relative to the first and second plates. An
adjustable compression member is coupled with the first and the second plates
such
that the compression member compresses the first and second plates against the
first and second geared ends so as to frictionally impede movement of the
first and
second splints relative to the first and second plates. A joint harness is
coupled with
the pair of hinged arms and supporting the pair of hinged arms in an opposing
spaced-apart relationship and to attach the resistance brace to a joint of a
body so
that the pair of hinged arms are positioned on opposing sides of the joint
relative to a
plane of rotation of the joint. A first attachment member is coupled with the
first
splints of the pair of hinged arms and configured to attach the resistance
brace to a
first body portion extending from the joint. A second attachment member is
coupled
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with the second splints of the pair of hinged arms and configured to attach
the
resistance brace to a second body portion extending from the joint.
[0007] In a further aspect, the inventive concepts disclosed herein are
directed
to a hinged arm assembly for a resistance brace. The hinged arm assembly
includes
a housing defining a first pivot point and a second pivot point separated from
the first
pivot point by a first distance. A first splint having a first limb-attachment
portion and
a first geared end is pivotably coupled with the housing at the first pivot
point. A
second splint having a second limb-attachment portion and a second geared end
is
pivotably coupled with the housing at the second pivot point, the second
geared end
matingly engaging the first geared end so that the first and second splints
are
movable in unison with one another relative to the housing. A rotary dashpot
assembly is incorporated in the housing and operably coupled with the first
and the
second splints such that the adjustable rotary dashpot assembly impedes
movement
of the first and second splints relative to the housing in all directions.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] Like reference numerals in the figures represent and refer to the
same
or similar element or function. Implementations of the inventive concepts
disclosed
herein may be better understood when consideration is given to the following
detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed
pictorial illustrations, schematics, graphs, drawings, and appendices. In the
drawings:
[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a resistance brace
according to the inventive concepts disclosed herein.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the resistance brace of FIG. 1.
[0011] FIG. 3A is a side view of a hinge arm of the resistance brace of
FIG. 2
shown in an extended position.
[0012] FIG. 3B is a side view of the hinge arm of FIG. 3A shown in a
flexed
position.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a resistance brace
according to the inventive concepts disclosed herein.
[0014] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a hinge arm of the
resistance brace of FIG. 4.
[0015] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the hinge arm of FIG. 5.
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[0016] FIG. 7 is a posterior perspective view of a shoulder resistance
brace
according to the inventive concepts disclosed herein shown attached to a human
shoulder.
[0017] FIG. 8 is an elevational view of an embodiment of a hinge arm with
an
adjustable rotary dashpot assembly according to the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0018] Before explaining at least one embodiment of the inventive concepts
disclosed herein in detail, it is to be understood that the inventive concepts
are not
limited in their application to the details of construction and the
arrangement of the
components or steps or methodologies set forth in the following description or
illustrated in the drawings. The inventive concepts disclosed herein are
capable of
other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also,
it is to
be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the
purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
[0019] In the following detailed description of embodiments of the
inventive
concepts disclosed herein, numerous specific details are set forth in order to
provide
a more thorough understanding of the inventive concepts. However, it will be
apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the inventive concepts
disclosed
herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances,
well-known
features have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily complicating
the
instant disclosure.
[0020] As used herein the notation "a-n" appended to a reference numeral
is
intended as merely convenient shorthand to reference one, or more than one,
and
up to infinity, of the element or feature identified by the respective
reference numeral
(e.g., 100a-n). Similarly, a letter following a reference numeral is intended
to
reference an embodiment of the feature or element that may be similar, but not
necessarily identical, to a previously described element or feature bearing
the same
reference numeral (e.g., 100, 100a, 100b, etc.). Such shorthand notations are
used
for purposes of clarity and convenience only, and should not be construed to
limit the
inventive concepts disclosed herein in any way, unless expressly stated to the
contrary.
[0021] As used herein, the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes,"
"including," "has," "having" or any other variation thereof, are intended to
cover a
non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus
that
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comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements
but may
include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process,
method,
article, or apparatus. Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary, "or"
refers to
an inclusive or and not to an exclusive or. For example, a condition A or B is
satisfied
by anyone of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not
present), A is
false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true
(or
present).
[0022] As used herein the qualifiers "about," "approximately," and
"substantially" are intended to include not only the exact value, amount,
degree,
orientation, or other qualified characteristic or value, but are intended to
include
some slight variations due to measuring error or precision, manufacturing
tolerances,
stress exerted on various parts or components, observer error, wear and tear,
and
combinations thereof, for example.
[0023] Finally, as used herein any reference to "one embodiment" or "an
embodiment" means that a particular element, feature, structure, or
characteristic
described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one
embodiment.
The appearances of the phrase "in one embodiment" in various places in the
specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. The
inventive
concepts disclosed herein are intended to encompass any combinations,
subcombinations, and permutations of one or more of the features of the
embodiments described herein.
[0024] Exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts disclosed herein
provide easy to use and effective devices and methods of body building, which
include a wearable resistance braces that are adjustable, affordable,
lightweight,
portable, safe, effective, expedient, and unobtrusive. Resistance braces
according to
embodiments of the inventive concepts disclosed herein are configured to be
mounted to a human body to resist normal daily body movements to promote
muscle
grow and to build and tone muscles and adjacent tissues. Exemplary embodiments
include a reusable frame which easily affixes to a user's body adjacent to a
body
joint, and articulates around a geared polycentric hinge which can be adjusted
for
resistance to impede or resist motion of the joint in all directions.
[0025] Embodiments of resistance braces according to the inventive
concepts
disclosed herein are configured to fit flush to the body as a molded partial
exoskeleton frame and may have certain aesthetic design elements to appeal to
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target market group, such as artwork, or body sculpting form, for example.
Further,
embodiments of a resistance brace according to the inventive concepts
disclosed
herein are easy to wear (e.g., over or under normal clothing) and remove
without
damage or alteration to clothing and can be stored and adjusted easily. Some
embodiments of resistance braces according to the inventive concepts disclosed
herein may also offer some side benefit as armor, or may function as an
exoskeleton.
[0026] In some embodiments, resistance braces according to the inventive
concepts disclosed herein are configured to be applied to a human arm about
the
elbow joint, allowing the resistance brace to concentrate resistance on the
biceps
and triceps muscle groups of the arm without interfering with use of hands and
normal manual dexterity and hand movement. For example, elbow resistance
braces
according to the inventive concepts disclosed herein may be mounted to a
user's
arm at the elbow joint using elastic and hook and loop bindings, such as
straps, so
that the user's hand use or movements are not encumbered by the elbow
resistance
brace.
[0027] Embodiments of resistance braces according to the inventive
concepts
disclosed herein include paired or dual polycentric hinges which have
adjustable
resistance. Some embodiments of polycentric hinges may use frictional
resistance
and implement adjustment members such as wing nuts or tabs, which are
tightened
to increase the frictional resistance or loosened to decrease frictional
resistance.
Frictional resistance is inexpensive and therefore affordable to implement and
manufacture, yet offers a reasonably adjustable method of changing the
resistance
for individual use. For example, frictional members may be positioned between
opposing pressure plates of a polycentric hinge to further add frictional
resistance to
the polycentric hinge in some embodiments.
[0028] Polycentric hinges according to the inventive concepts disclosed
herein
may include dual pivot points to allow two splints geared together to move in
unison.
This allows the combining of the resistance at each pivot point of the
polycentric
hinges. In some embodiments, an adjustable rotary dashpot design may be
implemented to provide resistance, where movement of the polycentric hinge
forces
fluid through an adjustable restricted passage to provide resistance to
movement.
[0029] Further, embodiments of resistance braces according to the
inventive
concepts disclosed herein focus on several physical problem areas increasing
in our
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ever sedentary population. One is the adipose tissue surrounding the triceps
muscle.
Because of the long term low resistance (versus short period, low repetition,
high
load), resistance braces according to the inventive concepts disclosed herein
have a
relatively quick effect of toning the muscle groups and burning fat, and have
the
additional benefit of fighting osteoporosis, strengthening bone, cartilage,
and
ligaments.
[0030] Some embodiments of the present disclosure include resistance
braces having a paired polycentric hinge, which includes two (or more) splints
linked
to one another by gears so that their movement is coordinated, and movement of
the
polycentric hinge is impeded by friction and/or by a rotary dashpot. One
feature of
some embodiments may be the angle that the polycentric hinges are applied to
the
joint. For example, the paired polycentric hinges may be configured to
intersect with
a plane defined by the rotational centers of the two bones that meet at the
joint at a
predetermined angle. In some embodiments, where a resistance brace according
to
the inventive concepts disclosed herein is applied to a normal healthy adult
human
elbow joint, the angle may be approximately 400. The paired pivot points of
the
polycentric hinges are geared together so that both braces move in unison to
combine the resistance at each polycentric hinge at both pivot points.
Further, the
paired pivot points allow resistance braces according to the inventive
concepts
disclosed herein to be attached to a user's body such that the polycentric
hinges are
aligned with the bones to imitate the movement of the body's joint, without
undue
movement of the resistance brace relative to the skin surface at the points
where the
resistance brace is attached to the user's joint, limb, or body.
[0031] Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that some
embodiments of
resistance braces according to the inventive concepts disclosed herein can be
implemented with various modifications, such as but not limited to, various
shapes,
sizes, materials, including fabric, leather or metal, fasteners or elements
for receiving
fasteners, joint or limb anchoring methods and components, different
resistance
sources, and combinations thereof.
[0032] Further, embodiments of resistance braces according to the
inventive
concepts disclosed herein may be implemented with exercise systems for any
part of
the body, including in no-gravity or low-gravity environments. The use of
resistance
braces according to the inventive concepts disclosed herein also extends
beyond
exercise into health applications, such as rehabilitation, or use to inhibit
spastic or
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uncontrolled movement, such as in the case of some neurological disorders or
diseases. In some embodiments, appropriately sized resistance braces according
to
the inventive concepts disclosed herein can also be used as a supplement to an
athlete's workout. Thus, embodiments of the inventive concepts disclosed
herein
provide a wearable lightweight, low-cost, safe, effective, and expedient
resistance
braces for exercising a group of muscles and building
muscle/bone/cartilage/tendon
strength.
[0033] Referring now to the drawings, and to FIGS. 1-2 in particular,
shown
therein is an embodiment of a resistance brace 100 according to the inventive
concepts disclosed herein. The resistance brace 100 is configured to be used
with
an adult human elbow and includes a pair of hinged arms 102, an elbow harness
104 supporting the hinged arms 102 in a spaced-apart relationship, a wrist
connector
106 coupled with the hinged arms 102, and an upper arm connector 108 coupled
with the hinged arms 102.
[0034] The pair of hinged arms 102 includes two hinged arms 102 which are
substantially identical to one another (e.g. mirror images of one another).
Accordingly, a single hinged arm 102 will be described in detail herein to
avoid
unnecessarily complicating the instant disclosure. The hinged arm 102 includes
a
polycentric hinge 110 and a pair of splints 112. The splints 112 are movably
coupled
with one another and with the polycentric hinge 110 as will be described
below.
[0035] The polycentric hinge 110 includes a pair of opposing plates 114
movably coupled with one another by a compression assembly 116 such that the
opposing plates 114 are movable towards and away from one another and such
that
the opposing plates 114 are compressed towards one another by the compression
assembly 116.
[0036] The opposing plates 114 cooperate with one another to define at
least
two pivot points including a first pivot point 118a and a second pivot point
118b. The
pivot points 118a and 118b are separated from one another by a predetermined
distance d (FIG. 2), which may be about 3 cm where the resistance brace 100 is
configured to be applied to a typical adult human elbow or may range from
about 2
cm to about 4 cm in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the opposing plates
114 may cooperate to define any desired number of pivot points 118a-n, such as
three or more pivot points 118a-n.
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[0037] The opposing plates 114 may be implemented as compression plates
or pressure plates and may have substantially flat opposing surfaces. The
opposing
plates 114 may be constructed of any desired material, such as metals, alloys,
resilient plastics, polymers, ceramic materials, resins, fibrous materials,
and
combinations thereof, and may be manufactured in any desired fashion, such as
by
machining, casting, molding, and combinations thereof.
[0038] The compression assembly 116 includes one or more connectors 120
and one or more compression members 122 movably coupled with the connectors
120. The connectors 120 are shown as being coupled with the opposing plates
114
such that the connectors 120 are coupled with a first plate 114 and extend
through
both opposing plates 114 at each of the pivot points 118a and 118b. The
connectors
120 may be implemented as threaded shafts, fasteners, pins, axles, rivets,
cams,
clamps, or in any other desired manner such that the connectors 120 movably
couple the opposing plates 114 in an opposing spaced-apart relationship so
that the
opposing plates 114 are movable toward and away from one another. The
connectors 120 may be constructed of any desired materials such as metals,
alloys,
non-metals, resilient plastics, resins, polymers, ceramics, and combinations
thereof.
[0039] The compression members 122 are movably coupled with the
connectors 120 (e.g., threadingly or otherwise movable engaged) so that the
opposing plates 114 can be compresses between the connectors 120 and the
compression members 122 and may be moved towards or away from one another
by moving the compression members 122 relative to the connectors 120. In the
embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-2, the compression members 122 are shown as
wingnuts, and may be implemented as flush nuts, threaded knobs, clamps,
brackets,
fasteners, or in any other desired manner such that the compression members
122
are movable relative to the connectors 120 so as to compress the opposing
plates
114 between the compression members 122 and the connectors 120.
[0040] It is to be understood that any desired number of connectors 120
and
compression members 122 may be implemented with the inventive concepts
disclosed herein, and that in some embodiments the connectors may couple the
opposing plates 114 at locations other than the pivot points 118a and 118b.
[0041] Each of the splints 112 includes a limb-attachment portion 124 and
a
geared end 126 (FIG. 1). The limb-attachment portions 124 are configured to
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connect the splints 112 to a limb of body part articulated by a joint such as
via the
wrist connector 106 or the upper arm connector 108 as will be described below.
[0042] The geared ends 126 are configured to be positioned between the
opposing plates 114 and movably or pivotably coupled with the opposing plates
114.
The geared ends 126 matingly engage with one another at the pivot points 118a
and
118b. For example, the geared ends 126 may be coupled with the connectors 120
of
the compression assembly 116 and may be positioned or sandwiched between the
opposing plates 114 such that portions of the geared ends 126 and/or of the
splints
112 frictionally engage one or more surfaces of the opposing plates 114 when
the
opposing plates 114 are compressed by the compression assembly 116 so that the
splints 112 are compressed between the opposing plates 114 so that movement of
the splints 112 relative to the polycentric hinge 110 is frictionally impeded
or resisted.
The gearing coupling the geared ends 126 may be of any size, dimensions, or
configuration, provided that the geared ends 126 matingly engage one another
such
that the two splints 112 of the hinged arm 102 move in unison relative to the
polycentric hinge 110.
[0043] Further, the geared ends 126 of the splints 112 matingly engage one
another such that the splints 112 move in unison with one another relative to
the
polycentric hinge 110. For example, forces applied to a first one of the
splints 112
cause a second one of the splints 112 whose geared end 126 matingly engages
the
geared end 126 of the first one of the splints 112 to move relative to the
polycentric
hinge 110, and vice versa, and the frictional resistances between the opposing
plates 114 and each of the splints 112 are additive to form an overall
frictional
resistance of the polycentric hinge 110. In some embodiments, the frictional
or
contacting surfaces of the opposing plates 114 and the splints 112 are
configured
such that the frictional resistance between the opposing plates and the
splints is
applied in all movement directions, and such that the frictional resistance
between
the opposing plates 114 and the splints 112 is substantially constant and
independent on the angle or position of the splints 112 relative to the
opposing plates
114.
[0044] The splints 112 are movable relative to the opposing plates 114 of
the
polycentric hinge 110 such that the hinged arm 102 is movable between an
extended
position as shown in FIG. 3A and one or more flexed positions as shown in FIG.
3B.
In some exemplary embodiments, when the hinged arm 102 is in the extended
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position as shown in FIGS. 3A, an axis 128 defined by the pivot points 118a
and
118b may intersect an axis 130 of one of the splints 112 at an angle a, which
in the
case of an adult human elbow joint may be about 40 as will be appreciated by
a
person of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the instant
disclosure. As will
be appreciated by persons of ordinary skill in the art, in some embodiments
one or
both of the splints 112 may have geared ends 126 or other portions angled
relative
to the respective limb-attachment portions 124 at any desired angle (e.g.,
between
about 36 and about 440) such that the axis 128 intersects the axis 130 of one
of the
splints 112 at the angle a. Further, in some embodiments, the angle a may be
about
40 or may range from about 36 to about 44 .
[0045] The splints 112 may be made of any desired material such as metals,
alloys, non-metals, resilient plastics or resins, nylon, ceramics, rubber
materials,
wood, natural materials, fibrous materials, and combinations thereof. Some
exemplary embodiments of the splints 112 may include a soft breathable and
removable liner coupled with the splints 112, the liner configured to provide
a soft
and absorbent contact surface between the splints 112 and the user's arm, as
will be
appreciated by persons of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the
instant
disclosure.
[0046] In some embodiments, one or more friction members may be
positioned between one or more of the geared ends 126 and the opposing plates
114 so as to enhance, reduce, or otherwise regulate the frictional resistance
of the
polycentric hinge 110. For example, the friction members may be implemented as
friction washers, or disks, and may be constructed of any desired material,
such as
natural or synthetic rubber, resins, fibrous material, polymers, natural
materials,
textile materials, ceramic materials, and combinations thereof.
[0047] Referring back to FIGS. 1-2, the elbow harness 104 includes an
elbow
cradle 132 and a retaining strap 134. The elbow harness 104 is coupled to the
polycentric hinges 110 of the hinged arms 102 such that the elbow harness 104
supports the hinged arms 102 in a spaced apart relationship so that a human
elbow
is at least partially positionable in the elbow harness 104 and so that each
of the
hinged arms 102 is positionable on opposing sides of the user's elbow and
oriented
substantially perpendicularly to a plane of rotation of the user's elbow. The
elbow
harness 104 may cooperate with the pair of hinged arms 102 to define a joint-
receiving space therebetween. The elbow harness 104 holds the hinged arms 102
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firmly in place and maintains the relative location of the hinged arms 102
without
altering or damaging clothing, without impeding range of motion of the elbow,
or
cutting off circulation or compressing the nerves of the user's arm.
[0048] The elbow harness 104 may be constructed of fabric, plastic,
leather,
or hook-and-loop fastener, and/or a combination thereof (e.g., in the form of
a strap,
rope, cable, cuff, or donut). In addition, the elbow harness 104 may include
any
desired mechanisms of adjusting the length, size and/or tension of the elbow
cradle
132 and/or the retaining strap 134.
[0049] The elbow cradle 132 is substantially inelastic (e.g., to minimize
or
substantially prevent movement or shifting of the resistance brace 100 during
use).
The elbow cradle 132 may be implemented as a donut, of other appropriately
shaped member configured such that an elbow may be at least partially
positioned or
cradled therein (e.g., substantially centered), and may include an opening
allowing a
portion of the elbow to protrude therefrom. The elbow cradle 132 may be
constructed
of a soft and substantially inelastic material (e.g., breathable textiles,
fabrics, closed
cell foam plastic materials, or polymeric materials) such that the elbow
cradle 132
provides a comfortable padding to the elbow while firmly retaining the
resistance
brace 100 in place and minimizing shifting or movement of the resistance brace
100
relative to the elbow during use.
[0050] The retaining strap 134 may be implemented as a flexible strap or
band
of any desired material (e.g., textiles, polymeric materials, fabrics, closed
cell foam
plastic materials, or leather), and is coupled with the polycentric hinges 110
opposite
the elbow cradle 132 and spaced at a distance therefrom such that the
retaining
strap 134 engages a user's forearm adjacent to the user's elbow or other joint
when
the user's elbow is positioned in the elbow harness 104. The retaining strap
134 is
adjustable to securely retain the elbow or other joint in the elbow cradle 132
without
cutting off circulation of compressing the nerves in the user's arm, so as to
avoid
causing swelling or numbness in the user's arm as will be appreciated by
persons of
ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the instant disclosure.
[0051] The wrist connector 106 and the upper arm connector 108 may be
implemented similarly to one another and may be constructed of a washable
material
such as closed cell foam plastic with a soft smooth interior, giving it an
openable
hoop or cuff structure.
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[0052] The wrist connector 106 is coupled with the limb-attachments
portions
124 of the splints 112 of the pair of hinged arms 102, such that the wrist
connector
106 does not bind the wrist, but allows freedom of movement so the wrist can
twist
within the wrist connector 106 (e.g., to freely twist and/or turn so as to
move the
user's hands in a full range of motion between a pronate and a supinate
positions).
The wrist connector 106 may be implemented as a cuff or a retaining band or
ring,
and may have adjustable size, width, and tension, such as via one or more
snaps,
buttons, zippers, hook-and-loop fasteners, laces, strings, elastic bands,
buckles,
magnets, or any other fastening devices or methods. In some embodiments, the
wrist connector 106 may be wrapped around or otherwise attached to the splints
112, and in some embodiments, the wrist connector 106 may be coupled with the
splints 112 via an adhesive or a hook-and-loop fastener.
[0053] The upper arm connector 108 is coupled to the limb-attachment
portions 124 of the splints 112 of the hinged arms 102 and is configured to
fit the
splints 112 of the hinged arms 102 to connect the pair of hinged arms 102 of
the
resistance brace 100 firmly on opposite sides of the user's upper arm. In some
embodiments, the upper arm connector 108 may be wrapped around or otherwise
attached to the splints 112, and in some embodiments, the upper arm connector
108
may be coupled with the splints 112 via an adhesive or a hook-and-loop
fastener.
The upper arm connector 108 is adjustable to the size of the upper arm and
fastens
across the top of the arm. In some embodiments, the upper arm connector 108
may
be designed so that it is connectable with a shoulder hinge and may attach to
a total
body device including multiple hinged arms and polycentric hinges according to
the
present disclosure.
[0054] In operation, the resistance brace 100 may be used as follows. A
user
may remove the resistance brace 100 from storage and may open the resistance
brace 100. The user may insert one of the user's forearms into the elbow
harness
104, such that the elbow harness 104 is positioned over a joint such as the
user's
elbow so that the elbow cradle 132 is substantially centered over the elbow
and the
retaining strap 134 fits over the forearm adjacent to the elbow to align the
resistance
brace 100 to the elbow. The user may fasten the upper arm connector 108 snugly
around and over the upper arm of the user, and may fasten the wrist connector
106
around and over the wrist of the user while ensuring that the wrist can rotate
freely.
The resistance brace 100 may be worn over or under normal clothing as desired
by
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the user. In some embodiments, where the resistance brace 100 is worn under
normal clothing, the resistance brace 100 may require no modifications to
normal
clothing and/or may be configured so as to be virtually undetectable under
normal
clothing.
[0055] To use, the user simply wears the resistance brace 100 during
normal
daily activities such as working, typing, relaxing, reading a book, or
walking. The
user may adjust the resistance of the resistance brace 100 by regulating or
adjusting
the pressure or compressive force exerted on the plates 114 by the compression
assembly 116 as described above. Once the desired resistance is found, the
user
may adjust the compression at each compression assembly 116 so that the
resistance at each hinged arm 102 is relatively equal such that the resistance
brace
100 does not favor the weakest resistance and potentially contort (e.g., flex
laterally)
during use. It is to be understood that in some embodiments it may be
advantageous
for a user to wear a resistance brace 100 on each arm as to avoid favoritism
toward
an unencumbered arm (e.g., an arm not wearing a resistance brace 100).
[0056] As will be appreciated by persons of ordinary skill in the art
having the
benefit of the instant disclosure, the resistance brace 100 is configured such
that the
polycentric hinge 110 is anatomically correct and conforms to the normal
movement
of the user's joint such that when the user moves their arm, the wrist
connector 106
and/or the upper arm connector 108 remain relatively stationary relative to
the user's
arm and do not move or rub against the user's skin. For example, the
resistance
brace 100 moves anatomically correctly relative to a joint so that the wrist
connector
106 and upper arm connector 108 are substantially stationary relative to the
first and
second body portions when the wrist connector 106 and upper arm connector 108
are attached to the user's body and the resistance brace 100 is moved between
the
extended position and the two or more flexed positions. This allows users to
wear
resistance braces such as the resistance brace 100 for prolonged periods of
time
and with relatively large amounts of resistance added, without causing any
pain,
discomfort, or injury to the user's skin at the points where the wrist
connector 106,
the elbow harness 104, and the upper arm connector 108 contact the user's arm.
[0057] To remove the resistance brace 100, the user may simply detach the
wrist connector 106, and the upper arm connector 108, and slide the elbow out
from
the elbow cradle 132. The resistance brace 100 can then be folded in half for
easy
storage.
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[0058] As will be appreciated by persons of ordinary skill in the art
having the
benefit of the instant disclosure, the resistance brace 100 may be modified so
as to
be applicable to a knee joint, by appropriately resizing the wrist connector
106 to fit a
user's ankle, the upper arm connector 108 to fit a user's thigh, and
reconfiguring the
elbow harness 104 to harness a user's knee. For example, the frictional
resistance of
the polycentric hinges 110 may be increased to accommodate stronger leg
muscles.
Further, in some embodiments, the upper arm connector 108 may be configured to
allow the resistance brace 100 to be coupled or connected with other
resistance
braces as a part of a partial or full exoskeleton such as knee resistance
braces (e.g.,
having an angle or offset of 0 and a larger radius rotation), shoulder
resistance
braces (e.g., having 3 dimensions of rotation, and a larger radius), back
resistance
braces, and other resistance braces implemented similarly to the resistance
brace
100 and/or including one or more polycentric hinges similar to the polycentric
hinge
110.
[0059] Referring now to FIGS. 4-6, shown therein is an embodiment of a
resistance brace 100a according to the inventive concepts disclosed herein.
The
resistance brace 100a is implemented similarly to the resistance brace 100,
and
includes hinged arms 102a, a joint harness 136, an attachment member 138, and
an
attachment member 140. The hinged arms 102a are substantially identical to one
another (e.g., mirror images of one another), and a hinged arm 102a will be
described herein below in detail to avoid unnecessarily complicating the
instant
disclosure.
[0060] Referring now to FIGS. 5-6, the hinged arm 102a may be implemented
similarly to the hinged arm 102 and includes a polycentric hinge 110a, a
splint 112a,
and a splint 112b.
[0061] The polycentric hinge 110a may be implemented similarly to the
polycentric hinge 110 and includes a plate 114a, a plate 114b, and a
compression
assembly 116a.
[0062] The plates 114a and 114b may be implemented similarly to the plates
114 and are movably coupled with one another (e.g., via the compression
assembly
116a) in an opposing spaced-apart relationship so that the plates 114a and
114b are
selectively movable toward one another and away from one another. The plates
114a and 114b cooperate with one another to define pivot points 118c and 118d
separated from one another by a predetermined distance (e.g., about 3 cm). The
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plate 114b may include joint harness notches 141a and 141b, the joint harness
notches 141a and 141b configured to serve as an attachment point for the joint
harness 136 as will be described below.
[0063] The splint 112a may be implemented similarly to the splint 112 and
has
a limb-attachment portion 124a and a geared end 126a positioned between the
plates 114a and 114b and pivotably coupled with the plates 114a and 114b at
the
pivot point 118c. The limb-attachment portion 124a includes one or more
notches
142a and one or more notches 142b formed therein and configured to allow the
attachment member 138 to be connected to or otherwise coupled with the limb-
attachment portion 124a. In some embodiments, the splint 112a defines and axis
130a and the geared end 126a may be angled relative to the axis 130 at an
angle 13
which may be about 40 or may range from about 36 to about 440
.
[0064] Further, the splint 112a includes one or more attachment opening
143
positioned adjacent to the geared end 126a, the attachment opening 143
configured
to serve as an attachment point for the joint harness 136 to be coupled with
the splint
112a as will be described below.
[0065] The splint 112b may be implemented similarly to the splint 112 and
has
a limb-attachment portion 124b and a geared end 126b positioned between the
plates 114a and 114b and pivotably coupled with the plates 114a and 114b at
the
pivot point 118d. The geared end 126b matingly engages the geared end 126a so
that the splints 112a and 112b are movable in unison with one another relative
to the
plates 114a and 114b between an extended position and one or more flexed
positions.
[0066] The limb-attachment portion 124b includes one or more notches 142a
formed therein and configured to allow the attachment member 138 to be
connected
to the limb-attachment portion 124b. Further, the splint 112b includes one or
more
attachment opening 143 positioned adjacent to the geared end 126b, the
attachment
openings 143 configured to serve as attachment point for the joint harness 136
to be
coupled with the splint 112b as will be described below.
[0067] In some embodiments, the pivot points 118c and 118d cooperate with
one another to define an axis 128a and the splint 112b defines an axis 130b,
the axis
128a being angled relative to the axis 130a at an angle y (e.g., about 40 or
ranging
from about 36 to about 44 ) when the splints 112a and 112b are in the
extended
position. As will be appreciated by persons of ordinary skill in the art
having the
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benefit of the instant disclosure, embodiments of resistance braces may have
different angles or offsets determined by the relative angles of the centers
of rotation
for each bone relative to the normal open angle of the particular joint to
which the
resistance brace 100a is configured to be applied to.
[0068] The compression assembly 116a may be implemented similarly to the
compression assembly 116 and includes connectors 120a and 120b, compression
members 122a and 122b, and one or more friction members 144. The compression
assembly 116a is coupled with the plates 114a and 114b such that the
compression
assembly 116a compresses the plates 114a and 114b against the geared ends 126a
and 126b so as to frictionally impede movement of the splints 112a and 112b
relative
to the plates 114a and 114b at a substantially constant and uniform level and
in all
directions as the splints 112a and 112b move between the extended position and
the
one or more flexed positions.
[0069] The connectors 120a and 120b are coupled with the plates 114a 114b
and extending through the plates 114a and 114b. The compression members 122a
and 122b are coupled with the connectors 120a and 120b respectively and are
movable relative to at least one of the plate 114a and the plate 114b and/or
the
connectors 120a and 120b between a first position where the compression
members
122a compress the plates 114a and 114b against the geared ends 126a and 126b
with a first compressive force and a second position where the compression
members 122a compress the plates 114a and 114b against the geared ends 126a
and the 126b with a second compressive force different from the first
compressive
force.
[0070] The friction members 144 are positioned between the geared end 126a
and at least one of the plates 114a and 114b. The friction members 144 may be
constructed of any desired material or combination of materials such as
natural or
synthetic rubber or rubber-type material, polymeric materials, porous
materials,
fibrous materials, polychloroprene such as Neoprene 50 Duro, textiles, woven
materials, alloys, metals, and ceramic materials. An exemplary optimal
material may
maximize friction while minimizing degradation and may have a medium
compression to adjust the amount of friction. In some embodiments, one or more
friction members 144 may be positioned between the geared end 126b and at
least
one of the plates 114a and 114b. In this way, the friction members 144 are
compressed between the plate 114a, the plate 114b, and the geared ends 126a
and
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126b by the compression assembly 116a to further enhance the frictional
resistance
of the hinged joint 110a.
[0071] The plates 114a and 114b may include friction member engaging
notches 146, which may be configured to be substantially flat and may be sized
and
shaped to correspond to the shape and size of the friction members 144 so as
to
frictionally engage the friction members 144 and/or to receive the friction
members
144 at least partially therein. Further, the geared ends 126a and 126b may
include
friction member engaging surfaces 148 on one or both sides thereof configured
to
align with the friction member engaging notches 146 and to frictionally engage
the
friction members 144 such that the friction members 144 are compressed or
sandwiched between the friction member engaging notches 146 and the friction
member engaging surfaces 148. Further, in some embodiments, the plate 114a may
include one or more compression member notches 150 configured to engage or at
least partially receive a compression member 122a and/or 122b therein. The
friction
member engaging notches 146 and the friction member engaging surfaces 148 may
be configured so as to cooperate with one another to provide a substantially
uniform
and frictional impediment of the movement of the splints 112a and 112b
relative to
the plates 114a and 114, which frictional impediment remains substantially
constant
at all angles of the splints 112a and 112b relative to the plates 114a and
114b as the
splints 112a and 112b move between the expanded and the one or more flexed
positions.
[0072] As will be appreciated by persons of ordinary skill in the art, in
some
embodiments one or more or all of the friction member engaging notches 146,
the
friction member engaging surfaces 148, and the compression member notches 150
may be omitted.
[0073] Referring back to FIG. 4, the joint harness 136 is coupled with the
pair
of hinged arms 102a and is configured to support the pair of hinged arms 102
in an
opposing spaced-apart relationship and to attach the resistance brace 100a to
a joint
of a body so that the pair of hinged arms 102a are positioned on opposing
sides of
the joint relative to a plane of rotation of the joint.
[0074] The joint harness 136 may be implemented similarly to the elbow
harness 104 and includes a joint cradle 132a and a retaining strap 134a
coupled with
the hinged arms 102a (e.g., via the notches 141 and/or the attachment openings
143).
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[0075] The joint cradle 132a is implemented similarly to the elbow cradle
132
described above and is coupled to the hinged arms 102a via the joint harness
notches 141a of the plates 114b and to the splints 112a and 112b via the
attachment
openings 143. Further, the joint cradle 132a includes an opening 152
configured to
encircle or otherwise surround a part of a joint (e.g., a point of an elbow, a
knee cap,
a shoulder) so as to center the joint cradle 132a onto the joint.
[0076] The retaining strap 134a is implemented similarly to the retaining
strap
134 and is coupled to the hinged arms 102a via the joint harness notches 141b
of
the plates 114b and to the splints 112a via the notches 142b. The retaining
strap
134a and the joint cradle 134a are separated at a distance from one another so
that
the joint cradle 132a, the retaining strap 134a, and the pair of hinged arms
102a
cooperate with one another to define a joint-receiving space 154 therebetween.
[0077] The attachment member 138 may be implemented similarly to the wrist
connector 106 and is coupled with the splints 112a of the pair of hinged arms
102a
via the notches 142a. The attachment member 138 is configured to attach the
resistance brace 100a to a first body portion extending from a joint.
[0078] The attachment member 140 may be implemented similarly to the
upper arm connector 108 and is coupled with the splints 112b of the pair of
hinged
arms 102a via the notches 142a. The attachment member 140 is configured to
attach the resistance brace 100a to a second body portion extending from the
joint.
[0079] As will be appreciated by persons of ordinary skill in the art
having the
benefit of the instant disclosure, in some embodiments, the resistance brace
100a
may include splints 112a and 112b having limb-attachment portions 124a and
124b
angled relative to one another and/or to the polycentric hinges 110 such that
the
resistance brace 100 sits substantially flush with the user's limb when in use
so that
the resistance brace 100a can be worn under normal clothing and so that the
resistance brace 100a is virtually undetectable under normal clothing.
[0080] Referring now to FIG. 7, in some embodiments a shoulder resistance
brace 160 according to the inventive concepts disclosed herein may include a
pair of
polycentric hinges 110b and 110c, a splint 112c, and a splint 112d.
[0081] The polycentric hinges 110b and 110c may be implemented similarly
to
the polycentric hinges 110 and 110a described above and may be coupled to one
another so as to conform to multiple rotation planes to mimic the three-
dimensional
movement of a human shoulder joint. For example, one of the polycentric hinges
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110b may be oriented so as to allow lateral raising and lowering of an arm at
the
shoulder joint, and another polycentric hinge may be angled so as to allow for
anterior and posterior raising and lowering of the arm. In some embodiments,
the
splint 112c may be angled relative to the polycentric hinge 110b at any angle
which
may be about 300 for a typical adult human shoulder, and the polycentric hinge
110c
may include a first portion 162 including a first pivot point and a second
portion 164
including a second pivot point, the first and second portion angled relative
to one
another at an angle, which may be about 18 for a typical adult human
shoulder.
[0082] Further, the splint 112c may be configured so that a first shoulder
resistance brace 160 may be coupled with a second shoulder resistance brace
160
on an opposite shoulder, or with a spinal or back resistance brace in some
embodiments, such as via one or more slots, flanges, attachment openings,
harnesses, fasteners, or combinations thereof.
[0083] Similarly, the splint 112d may be configured to couple the shoulder
resistance brace 160 with a resistance brace 100 and/or 100a as described
herein,
by being coupled with one or both of the hinges arms 102 and/or 102a, such as
via
one or more fasteners, clamps, brackets, the upper arm connector 108 or the
attachment member 140, or combinations thereof, in some embodiments of the
inventive concepts disclosed herein.
[0084] Referring now to FIG. 8, in some embodiments a hinged arm 170
according to the inventive concepts disclosed herein may include a housing
172, an
adjustable rotary dashpot assembly 174, and splints 112e and 112f.
[0085] The housing 172 may define at least two pivot points 176a and 176b
separated at a distance from one another. The splints 112e and 112f may
include
geared ends 126e and 126f matingly engaging one another and movably (e.g.,
rotatably or pivotally) coupled with the housing 172 at the pivot points 176a
and
176b, such that the splints 112e and 112f are movable relative to the housing
172
between an extended position and one or more flexed positions.
[0086] The adjustable rotary dashpot assembly 174 may be incorporated into
the housing 172 and is configured to resist motion via viscous friction. The
adjustable
rotary dashpot assembly 174 includes a first fluid chamber 178 having a
movable
fluid displacement member 179a coupled with the splint 112e and a first
resistance
member 181a and a second fluid chamber 180 including a movable fluid
displacement member 179b coupled with the splint 112f and a second resistance
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member 181b, the fluid chambers 178 and 180 fluidly coupled with one another
via
fluid passages 182a and 182b. The fluid displacement members 179a and 179b are
movable (e.g., rotatable) relative to the fluid chambers 178 and 180 such that
when
the splint 112e moves relative to the housing 172 the fluid displacement
member
179a displaces, moves, pumps, or forces a volume of fluid past the first
resistance
member 181a and from the fluid chamber 178 into the fluid chamber 180 via the
fluid
passage 182a, and so that when the when the splint 112f moves relative to the
housing 172 the fluid displacement member 179b displaces, moves, pumps, or
forces a volume of fluid past the second resistance member 181b and from the
fluid
chamber 180 into the fluid chamber 178 via the fluid passage 182b. The fluid
displacement members 179a and 179b may be movable in opposing directions
(e.g.,
clockwise and counterclockwise), such that a first volume of fluid flows past
the first
resistance member 181a and from the fluid chamber 178 into the fluid chamber
180
via the fluid passage 182a, and a volume of fluid flows past the second
resistance
member 181b and from the fluid chamber 180 into the fluid chamber 178 via the
fluid
passage 182b simultaneously with one another when the splints 112e and 112f
are
moved relative to the housing 172 so as to impede the movement of the splints
112e
and 112f.
[0087] An adjustment member 184 is movably coupled with at least one of
the
fluid passages 182a and 182b so that the adjustment member 184 is movable
between a first position where the fluid passage 182a or 182b has a first
diameter or
size, and a second position where the fluid passage 182a or 182b has a second
size
or second diameter. The fluid passages 182a and 182b are sized such that a
predetermined viscous friction resistance is encountered by a fluid positioned
in the
fluid chambers 178 and 180 (e.g., hydraulic fluid, water, pressurized gas, or
any
other fluid), and the adjustment member 184 may be selectively moved to
regulate
the flow resistance such that movement of the splints 112e or 112f relative to
the
housing 172 is impeded in all direction, at a substantially constant level,
and at all
angles or positions of the splints 112e or 112f relative to the housing 172.
In some
exemplary embodiments, the adjustable rotary dashpot assembly 174 may be
configured to provide variable or adjustable impediment to the motion of the
splints
112e or 112f depending on a speed of movement of the splints 112e or 112f
relative
to the housing 172, as will be appreciated by persons of ordinary skill in the
art
having the benefit of the instant disclosure.
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[0088] As will be appreciated by persons of ordinary skill in the art, any
desired combinations of the hinged arms 102, 102a, and 170 may be implemented
with resistance braces according to the inventive concepts disclosed herein to
provide resistance to one or more joints of a human body.
[0089] Resistance braces according to the inventive concepts disclosed
herein are easy to use and effective in promoting muscle grow and building and
toning muscles and adjacent tendons, joints, and other tissues.
[0090] From the above description, it is clear that the inventive concepts
disclosed herein are well adapted and/or configured to carry out the objects
and to
attain the advantages mentioned herein as well as those inherent in the
inventive
concepts disclosed herein. While presently preferred embodiments of the
inventive
concepts disclosed herein have been described for purposes of this disclosure,
it will
be understood that numerous changes may be made which will readily suggest
themselves to those skilled in the art and which are accomplished within the
scope
and coverage of the inventive concepts disclosed and claimed herein.
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