Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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Desertion
Multi-Purpose
Portable Exercisinq_Ap~aratus
Technical Field
The invention relates to exercising apparatus and,
more particularly, to portable apparatus for exercising
selected muscle groups and measuring relative magnitudes
of forces exerted during exercise.
Background Art
Known equipment for exercising and strengthening
various muscle groups include the commonly known hand-
held squeezing devices for exercising muscles of the
hands and lower arms. More complex devices use weights,
springs/ or other preset resistances to movement. Such
devices require the user to use only that amount of
strength necessary to move the device through a weakest
part of any movement.
Other devices have been developed which o'er nests-
lance at a level adapting automatically to the user's
abilities and providing resistance at a level the same
or nearly the same as the force applied throughout the
entire range of an exercise stroke. Such equipment is
typically referred to as "isokinetic" exercising equip-
mint. Many isokinetic exercise devices are relatively
large, complex, expensive and require frequent main-
tenancy and positioning at a stationary location.
Examples of isokinetic exercising equipment are
disclosed in the United States patents to Mattocks
4,249,725 issued February 10, 1981, and 4,385,76~ issued
May 31, 1983. More recently, a new isokinetic exercise
device has the form of a cane, which is relatively port
able and capable of movement from location to toga-
lion. This device is particularly advantageous for
handicapped individuals.
Although the cane provides substantial advantages
over other known exercising equipment, the number and
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variety of different exercises that can be performed for
muscle/skeletal groups in a particular body region is
limited. For example, the variety of exercises avail-
able for muscle/skeletal groups in the shoulder region
is limited when the user just grip the exercising
apparatus with both hands, or when the apparatus does
not provide any supporting structure for the user's arm
region so as to gain leverage.
One type of known exercise apparatus at least par-
tidally overcoming these disadvantages and specifically
directed to exercises for shoulder and wrist
muscle/skeletal groups employs a bell crank coupled to a
sleeve-like slide. The slide is friction-mounted to a
horizontal stationary tube connected to opposing ends of
a supporting structure. Rotation of the bell crank is
opposed in an isokinetic manner by the resistance to the
movement of the slide in an axial direction with respect
to the tube.
Exercises for muscle/skeletal groups in the hip
regions are limited when the exercising apparatus does
not provide any arrangement for supporting or securing
different parts of the legs during exercise. One type
of known exercise apparatus specifically directed to
exercises for the muscle/skeletal groups in the hip
regions and incorporating a leg supporting device
includes a base support and an exercise bar pivotal
coupled to the base support. A slide is friction-
mounted to the bar, and includes a saddle assembly for
securing the patient's leg during exercise.
The cane-like arrangement also is not particularly
suited to exercises associated with muscles in the knee
and lower leg regions. One type of known exercise
apparatus specifically directed to exercises for the
muscle skeletal groups in the knee joint regions employs
a base support and an exercise bar pettily coupled to
a pair of tubular bars extending downwardly from the
base support. A slide is Eriction-mounted on the bar,
and includes a saddle assembly or securing a pushiness
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leg during exercise.
The scope of exercises for muscles in the ankle
region is limited when the apparatus does not include
any devices for securing the user's ankle. In addition,
the variety of exercises available for muscle/skeletal
groups in the back and abdomen regions are limited when
the exercising apparatus does not include any supporting
structure or exerting forces against the structure by
using back and abdomen muscles.
It is also advantageous if exercising apparatus is
lo not only adapted for exercising of various muscle/skele-
tat groups, but also includes devices to measure forces
exerted by the user during exercise. One type of oxen-
citing device employing a force measuring mechanism is
disclosed in the United States patent to Barney, et at,
3,971,255 issued July 27, 197~. The Barney, et at
patent discloses an exercise bar having a sleeve mounted
to an elongated tube and slid able with respect to the
tube. bushings within the tube provide a friction slide
between the sleeve and the tube, and handles are pro-
voided on the sleeve and at one end of the tube. Rests-
lance of the sleeve on the tube is provided through a
flat-headed pin and an adjustable tension spring which
exerts forces on the pin. A force measuring device is
provided by a coil spring positioned between the outer
en of the sleeve and an internal bushing. A gauge
mounted on the sleeve indicates the amount ox force
applied by the user.
Summary of the invention
In accordance with the invention, a portable exercising
apparatus to exercise various muscle groups includes an
elongated tube, a slide member mounted on the tube and
means providing frictional resistance to relative sliding
movement between the member and the tube. Force-measuring
means mounted to the tube measure and visually indicate
frictional force between the slide member and the tube.
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The force-measuring means includes a reactive member mounted
to allow linear movement between the reactive member and
the tube. Means resiliently bias the reactive member
to a neutral position, with respect to the tube.
The force-measuring means also include a rotatable
force indicator and a rack and pinion assembly. The rack
and pinion assembly includes a pinion gear mounted to the
tube, and a rack rigidly secured to the reactive member
within the elongated tube and engage able with the pinion
gear. Relative linear movement between the slide member
and the tube resulting from forces exerted by a human is
translated through the rack and pinion assembly into pro-
portion Al rotational movement of the force measurement
indicator visible to the human.
Also in accordance with the invention, a shoulder
exercise apparatus includes a portable structural frame
providing a fixed base support while the apparatus is in
use. An elongated tube is provided having first and second
ends, and a slide member is slid ably mounted to the tube.
jeans are provided for frictional resistance to movement
of the slide member along the tube. Body-positioning
means are selectively mountable to different portions of
the frame so as to position a user's upper arm and restrain
movement of the arm along the longitudinal axis of the arm
with respect to the slide member during axial movement of
the member on the tube.
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Means are also provided to pivot ably connect the
first end of the tube to the frame so that the tube can
pivot with respect to the frame as the user grips the
slide member and moves the slide member along the tube.
In this manner, the distance between the body-positioning
means and the slide member for any given axial position of
the slide member along the tube can be varied to accommodate
differing arm lengths of the various users. Force measuring
means are also included to indicate to the user the relative
magnitude of force applied between the slyly member and the
elongated tube.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a
hip joint exercise apparatus includes a similar structural
frame, an elongated tube and reactive member. Means are
provided to pivot ably mount the first end of the reactive
member to the structural frame, and a slide member is
slid ably mounted to the tube. Means are provided for
frictional resistance to movement of the slide member
along the tube, and body-engaging means are mounted to the
slide member to position one of the user's legs so as to
restrain movement of the leg with respect to the member
during axial movement of the member on the tube.
Force-measuring means are mounted to the elongated
tube to visually indicate to the user the relative mahogany
tune of force applied between the member and the tube.
The force-measuring means includes means to couple the
elongated reactive member to the tube so that the displace-
mount of the tube relative to the reactive member is pro-
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portion Al to the relative magnitude of force applied
between the slide member and the tube.
In accordance with a still further aspect of the
invention, a knee joint exercise apparatus is provided,
also having a similar structural frame, elongated tube and
elongated reactive member. Elongated means are provided
having a first end connected to the frame to offset the
location of the tube from the frame. Means are connected
a second end of the .,~ axed means to pivotal mount
the first end of the reactive member to the elongated
means. Body-engaging means are mounted to a slide member
slid ably mounted to the elongated tube, with the body
engaging means adapted to receive one of the user's legs
below the knee joint so as to restrain movement of the leg
with respect to the slide member during axial movement of
the member on the tube. Again, the force-measuring means
include means to couple the reactive member to the tube so
that the displacement of the tube relative to the reactive
member is proportional to the magnitude of force applied
between the slide member and the tube.
Still further, a wrist/ankle exercise apparatus is
provided in accordance with the invention, and includes a
portable structural frame, stationary elongated member
connected to the frame and elongated tube axially movable
with respect to the member. A slide member is slid ably
mounted on the tube, and means are provided for frictional
resistance for movement of the slide member along the tube
by a user during exercise.
A slide-actuating member is rotatable mounted to the
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frame and coupled to the member to translate rotational
movement of the slide-actuating member to linear motion of
the slide member on the elongated tube. The user can move
the slide member along the tube by rotation of the slide-
actuating member. Force-measuring means include means to
couple the elongated member to the tube so that the disk
placement of the tube relative to the stationary member is
proportional to the magnitude of force applied between the
slide member and the tube.
O In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a
multi-purpose exercise apparatus is provided, having a
portable structural frame and an exercise bar assembly.
The bar assembly includes a sleeve member, an elongated
tube slid ably received through the sleeve member, and
means to provide frictional resistance to movement of the
elongated tube through the sleeve member.
Means are provided for mounting the exercise bar
assembly to the structural frame, and an elongated reactive
member is axially movable with respect to the elongated
tube, and at least partially received within one end of
the tube. Force-measuring means are mounted to the tube
to visually indicate to the user the relative magnitude of
force applied between the sleeve member and the tube.
Force-applying means are coupled to the reactive
member and adapted to be selectively positioned relative
to the user so as to bear against the user's upper frontal
region, back or upper legs, or to be releasable gripped by
the user's hands for exerting axially-directed forces on
the elongated tube relative to the sleeve member in
response to forces exerted by the user.
Brief Desertion of the Drawings
The invention will now be described with reference
to the drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a portable oxen-
citing apparatus in accordance with one embodiment of
the invention;
Figure 2 is a sectional view of the apparatus show-
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in the orce-measuring mechanism and taken along lines
2-2 of Figure l;
Figure 3 is a sectional view of the force-measuring
mechanism taken along lines 3-3 of Figures 1 and 2;
Figure 4 is a sectional view of the apparatus show-
in a friction mounting of the power slide to the tube
and taken along lines I of Figure l;
Figure 5 depicts use of the apparatus for ankle
planter flaxen;
Figure 6 depicts use for scapular abduction and
outward rotation;
Figure 7 depicts use for scapular elevation;
Figure 8 depicts use for shoulder flaxen;
Figure 9 depicts use for shoulder extension;
Figure 10 depicts use for shoulder horizontal abduct
tint
Figure 11 depicts use for shoulder lateral and
medial rotation;
Figure 12 depicts use to provide shoulder flaxen
involving pectorals major and deltoid muscles;
Figure 13 is a perspective view of an apparatus in
accordance with the invention and adapted for exercising
muscles/skeletal groups in the shoulder region;
Figure 14 is a plan view of the apparatus depicted
in Figure 13;
Figure 15 depicts use of the shoulder apparatus for
shoulder internal and external rotation;
Figure 16 depicts use for shoulder lateral and
medial rotation;
Figure 17 depicts use for elbow lexicon and extent
soon;
Figure 18 is a perspective view of an apparatus in
accordance with the invention for exercising
muscle/skeletal groups in the hip joint regions;
Figure 19 is a plan view of the apparatus shown in
Figure 18;
Figure 20 is a sectional view of the force-measuring
mechanism of the apparatus taken along lines 20-20 of
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Figure 18;
Figure 21 depicts use for hip flaxen and extension;
Figure 22 depicts use for hip abduction and adduce
lion;
Figure 23 depicts use for exercises whereby the
patient's leg is raised while fully extended;
Figure 24 is a perspective view of an apparatus in
accordance with the invention for exercising
muscle/skeletal groups in the knee joint regions;
Figure 25 is a plan view of the knee joint oxen-
citing apparatus shown in Figure 24;
Figure 26 depicts use for knee flaxen and extension
while the person is in a sitting position;
Figure 27 is a perspective view of an apparatus in
accordance with the invention for exercising
muscle/skeletal groups in the wrist and ankle regions;
Figure 28 is a rear view taken along lines 28-28 of
Figure 27;
Figure AYE depicts a handle assembly alternatively
employed with the apparatus shown in Figure 27;
Figure 29B depicts an alternative handle assembly;
Figure 29C depicts a foot pedal assembly alterna-
lively employed with the apparatus shown in Figure 27;
Figure 30 depicts use for forearm rotation;
Figure 31 depicts use for wrist flaxen and extent
soon with the handle assembly shown in Figure 29B;
Figure 32 depicts use for wrist flaxen and extent
soon with the alternative handle assembly depicted in
Figure AYE;
Figure 33 depicts use for ankle flaxen with employ-
mint of the foot pedal assembly;
Figure 34 depicts use for lower leg rotation, with
employment of the foot pedal assembly;
Figure 35 is a perspective view of an apparatus in
accordance with the invention for exercising
muscle/skeletal groups in the shoulders, back, abdomen
and arms;
Figure 36 depicts use with the patient in a seated,
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upright position to exercise muscle/skeletal groups in
the back and abdomen regions;
Figure 37 depicts use of with the patient in a
supine position to exercise muscletskeletal groups in
the back and abdomen regions while limiting weight load-
in on the spine;
Figure 38 depicts use with the patient in a seated,
upright position, to exercise muscle/skeletal groups in
the shoulder region; and
Figure 39 depicts use with the patient in a seated,
upright position, and with the bar mechanism angled so
that the patient will exercise bleep and triceps muscle
groups in the arm regions.
Detailed description
Certain principals of the invention are disclosed in
a portable exercise bar apparatus 10 depicted in Figures
1-4. Apparatus 10 is used by individuals as a stand-
alone unit to exercise various muscles/skeletal
groups. Apparatus 10 is simple in design, lightweight,
and portable, thereby particularly advantageous for use
by handicapped individuals or other patients undergoing
rehabilitative exercise therapy. Apparatus 10 provides
resistance to movement during an exercise stroke,
thereby requiring strengthening forces to be exerted by
the patient. Apparatus 10 includes force-measuring
means to provide a visual indication of the forces
exerted by the user during exercise.
Referring to Figure 1, apparatus 10 includes an
elongated outer tube 12 preferably constructed of a
lightweight but durable metal. Mounted to the tube 12
are a pair of adjustable control rings 14. Each of
control rings 14 includes a thumb-screw 17 to allow the
user to secure rings 14 at selected positions along the
radial outer surface of tube 12. A pair of lubrication
rings 15 are mounted on tube 12 inwardly of rings 14.
Lubrication rings 15 can be made of leather or similar
material, and impregnated with a lubricant.
Positioned between rings 14 and received on tube 12
is a power slide 16 comprising a sleeve 18 and slide
handle 20 radially extending from sleeve 18. A friction
mounting is provided between sleeve 18 and tube 12 so
that sleeve 18 is slid able along tube 12, but with force
required to generate the sliding movement. The friction
mounting can provide a substantially higher frictional
resistance to movement of sleeve 18 in one direction
relative to the axial length of outer tube 12 than in
the opposite direction. Ordinarily, a friction-mounting
arrangement works in an isotropic manner The friction
mounting can provide a frictional resistance directly
proportional to the linear forces exerted by the user
and applied to sleeve 18 relative to tube 12.
One friction-mounting arrangement comprising several
of these features and suitable for use with apparatus 10
is depicted in Figure 4. Referring thereto, sleeve 18
of power slide 16 comprises a tubular member 100 con-
centric with the axis of tube 12. The inner diameter of
member 100 is larger than the outer diameter of tube 12
so that an annular space is provided there-between.
Annular shoulders 102 are formed in the inner surface of
member 100. Member 100 is supported on tube 12 by
annular friction less bushings 104 and 106. Bushings 104
and 106 are maintained on member 100 through connecting
means, such as set screws, staking or adhesive connect
lions.
Slide handle I comprises a tubular handle 108
secured to member 100 by rigid means such as welds.
Alternatively, handle 108 can be releasable secured to
member 100. A rubber covering 110 is bonded to handle
10~ to provide a firm gripping surface.
A pair of brake mechanisms 112 are mounted within
member 100 adjacent friction less bushings 10~ and 106,
and in abutting relationship with corresponding
shoulders 102. Braze mechanisms 112 each comprise an
elongated annular bushing, preferably made of plastic
and having an internal ramped or conical surface 114. A
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pair of rubber O-rings 116 are slid ably mounted on tube
12, each fitting within an end of a corresponding brake
mechanism 112. The inner diameter of each O-ring 116 is
only slightly smaller than the outer diameter of tube 12
so that there is some frictional resistance between each
O-ring 116 and tube 12. Any suitable rubber or sync
Thetis rubbery material can be used for O-rings 116.
In operation, the user can grip handle 20 and move
it, for example, to the right as viewed in Figure 4.
Rubber covering 110 on handle 20 provides a secure grip-
in ping surface. As handle 20 is moved to the right, as
shown in figure 4, frictional resistance between O-ring
116 on the right and tube 12 causes right-side O-ring
116 to ride up on corresponding and adjacent ramp sun-
face 114, thereby increasing frictional resistance
between O-ring 116 and tube 12. The extent of movement
of right-side O-ring 116 and the extent of frictional
forces between roused O-ring 116 and tube 12 depends
on the forces applied by the user to handle 20. The
harder the forces, the greater the frictional resistance
of sleeve 18. Thus, sleeve 18 provides a varying kite-
matte resistance to movement along tube 12, the amount
of frictional resistance being dependent on the amount
of force applied to sleeve 18 with respect to tube 12.
During movement of sleeve 18 to the right as viewed
in Figure 4, left-side O-ring 116 moves into abutting
relationship with corresponding bushing 104. In this
position of left-sided O-ring 116 with respect to sun-
face 114 of corresponding brake mechanism 112, little or
no frictional resistance is applied by left-side O-ring
116 on tube 12. However, movement of sleeve 18 to the
loft as viewed in Figure 4 will cause left-side O-ring
116 to Lode up on ramp surface 11~ of corresponding
left-side brake mechanism 112. In the same manner as
previously described for movement of sleeve 18 to the
right, the amount of frictional resistance between
sleeve 18 and tube 12 is dependent on the amount of
forces applied to sleeve 18 with respect to tube 12.
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Although Figure 4 depicts a particular friction mounting
between power slide 16 and tube 12, other types of Eric-
lion mounting arrangements can be employed with
apparatus 10.
Referring again to Figure 1, positioned at one end
of tube 12 is an end handle 22 comprising a hand grip 23
constructed of a rubber covering or other means to pro-
vise a firm gripping surface. Hand grip 23 is coupled
to a handle rod 24 through an attached bracket 25.
Mounted to tube 12 adjacent end handle 22 is a
force-measuring mechanism 26. Referring to Figures 1, 2
and 3, force-measuring mechanism 26 includes a circular
gauge housing 28 rigidly mounted to tube 12 by means of
a gauge bracket mounting 30. Bracket mounting 30
includes an angled bracket I secured to the bottom of
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gauge housing 28 and one of two straight brackets 42
through screws 44. At the upper portion of tube 12,
housing 28 is directly mounted to tube 12 by screws 44
connected through a second one of brackets 42.
Mounted within housing 28 is a dial face 32 having
spaced apart markings to provide a visual indication of
forces exerted by the user. Rotatable mounted immedi-
lately above dial face 32 is a dial pointer OWE Dial
pointer 34 is secured to a gear shaft 50 by screw 46 and
stationary washer plate 48. Mounting of dial pointer 34
above dial face 32, and mounting of gear shaft 50
through dial gauge housing 28 and dial face 32, allows
shaft 50 to rotate relative to dial face 32, thereby
correspondingly rotating dial pointer 34 to indicate
magnitudes of extended forces.
Gear shaft 50 extends downwardly relative to the
position of tube 12 depicted in Figure 2. rigidly
mounted to gear shaft 50 at its lower end is a pinion
gear 52 having a series of gear teeth 66. As shown in
Figure 3, teeth 66 extend into a slot 68 located in the
radial surface of tube 12.
As also shown it Figure 3 r a stop and guide block 54
. is mounted in the end of tube 12 adjacent to end handle
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22. Handle rod 24 extends inwardly from end handle 22
into tube I through the guide block I The end of
handle rod 24 extending into tube 12 includes a recessed
area conforming to the shape of a slide rod 56. One end
of slide rod 56 is rigidly secured to handle rod 24 by a
cotter pin 58 or other suitable connecting means. Slide
rod 56 extends at least partially along the axial length
of tube 12, is centrally positioned therein, and sup-
ported by a stationary guide block 74 rigidly secured to
tube 12 through screws 76.
Located within tube 12 and intermediate guide block
74 and the end of slide rod 56 received within handle 24
is a spring cup 60 as depicted in Figure 3. Spring cup
60 includes a cylindrical aperture in which slide rod 56
is axially received. Slide rod 56 is secured in a stay
shunner position relative to spring cup 60 by a pin 62
or similar connecting means.
Spring cup 60 can be cylindrical in shape and
includes rack teeth 64. Rack teeth 64 are positioned
within tube 12 slot 68, and pinion gear teeth 66 are
positioned to engage rack teeth 64.
Spring cup 60 includes a centrally located slot 70
open on one end and extending partially through the
axial length of the spring cup 60. Mounted within slot
70 and extending outwardly around slide rod 56 to guide
block 74 is a compression spring 72. Bearing against
the opposing surface of guide block 74 from compression
spring 72 is a second compression spring 82. Compress
soon spring 82 is also positioned around the radial
surface of slide rod 56 and supported at opposing ends
by guide block I and washer 78 fixed in stationary
position relative to slide rod So by a roll pin 80 or
similar securing means.
As power slide 16 moves along tube 12, the tube 12
will move axially with respect to slide rod 56 in affect
proportion to the frictional force Boone sleeve 18 and
12. Movement of slide rod 56 relative to the tube 12
results in corresponding movement of spring cup 60 rota-
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live to tube 12. Movement of spring cup 60 relative to
tube 12 causes rotational movement of pinion gear 52
through engagement of pinion gear teeth 66 with rack
teeth 64. Rotation of pinion gear 52 causes correspond-
in rotation of dial pointer 34 coupled through gear
shaft 50.
Resistance of the movement of slide rod 56 with
respect to tube 12 is directly proportional to the Eric-
tonal force of power slide 16 on tube 12. As slide rod
56 moves in the upward direction in Figure 3 relative to
tube 12, compression spring 72 is increasingly come
pressed, thereby requiring increasing forces to continue
movement of spring cup 60 and slide rod 56 relative to
tube 12. As the slide rod 56 is moved in a direction
toward the bottom portion of the view in Figure 3 relay
live to tube 12, compression spring 82 will be come
pressed against stop block 74, thereby requiring
increasing forces to provide further movement. Thus,
movement of pointer 34 is proportional to the frictional
force between sleeve 18 and tube 12.
An additional pointer (not shown) can be rotatable
mounted on gear shaft 50 or on the inside face of a
cover (not shown) to indicate maximum force obtained in
a given direction. The additional pointer can be
coupled to dial pointer 34 so that it moves therewith,
but only in one direction. Thus, dial pointer 34 can
move the additional pointer in one direction as forces Jo
are applied to power slide 18. When the force is
released, dial pointer 34 will return to zero, but the
additional pointer will stay at the maximum value
obtained.
Exemplary exercises performed by a patient 90 with
apparatus 10 are depicted in Figures 5-12. It should be
noted that the magnitude ox resistance required to move
power slide 16 with respect to tube 12 can be decreased
by providing lubrication on tube 12 through lubricating
rings 15. Similarly resistance can be increased by
removing lubrication from the outer surface of tube 12,
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and variable resistance can be provided over a portico-
far range of motion by selectively lubricating or remove
in lubrication from various portions of tube 12. It
should also be noted that rings 14 provide a means or
limiting the range of motion of sleeve 18 relative to
tube 12. In addition, moving rings 14 inward so that
motion of power slide 16 is blocked will allow isometric
exercise and isometric testing of muscle strength of the
user.
Referring to Figure 5, apparatus 10 provides an
exercise involving ankle planter flaxen. Patient 90,
while maintaining a sitting position, holds apparatus 10
with one hand gripping end handle 22 and the other hand
gripping slide handle 20 of power slide 16. Power slide
16 is positioned so that it is initially maintained
against the top of the knee area while the patient's
heel is flat against a floor surface. End handle 22 is
maintained in a stationary position and patient 90
raises his or her heel from the floor surface through a
desired range of motion.
As the heel is raised, power slide 16 correspond-
tingly moves toward end handle 22. Because of the Eric-
tonal mounting arrangement between power slide 16 and
tube 12, tube 12 will move toward end handle 22. refer-
ring to Figure 3, this particular exercise will result
in tube 12 moving toward the bottom of the Figure 3
view, with slide rod 56 maintaining a stationary post-
lion.
As tube 12 moves, pinion gear 50 will rotate through
engagement of rack teeth 64~ Rotation of pinion gear 52
Jill be in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in
Figure 3 and causes dial pointer 34 to rotate, thereby
resulting in a visual indication of forces exerted by
patient 90 through movement of dual pointer 34 relative
to dial face 32. Correspondingly, compression spring 7
will be compressed increasingly through movement of
guide block 74 relative to spring cup 60. Similarly,
compression spring 82 will be unloaded, resulting from
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movement of guide block 74 further away from washer
78. Both of springs 82 and 72 will be unloaded when
pointer 34 is at zero on the dial face 32. The struck
tubal relationship between spring cup 60, guide block 74
and washer 78, and the particular compression character-
is tics of compression springs 72 and 82 can be selected
so as to provide a requisite amount ox exerted forces to
be exerted during exercise.
In accordance with the foregoing, rotation of the
patient's heel from the floor surface will provide an
exercise for ankle planter flaxen. Preferably, patient
90 should rotate the heel through a 40 range of motion
to obtain full planter flaxen.
Figure 6 depicts an exercise for shoulder therapy
involving scapular abduction and outward rotation.
Patient 90 maintains a standing, sitting, or prone post-
lion. End handle 22 is held in one hand against the
chest area. The other hand is positioned on the handle
of power slide 16. Power slide 16 is initially post-
toned on tube 12 so that the patient's arm is fully
extended.
Patient 90 then exerts a forward movement of the
shoulder to push power slide 16 along tube I away from
handle 22. Referring to Figure 3, with end handle 22
held in a stationary position, movement of power slide
16 results in tube 12 moving toward the right away from
handle 22. Accordingly, compression spring 82 is
increasingly compressed as guide block 74 moves toward
washer 780 With this exercise requiring shoulder move-
mint in a forward direction by patient 90, abduction of
the scapula is provided.
Figure 7 depicts an exercise for scapula Elena-
lion. Patient 90 remains in a standing or sitting post-
lion with apparatus 10 held so that tube 12 is in a
vertical position. End handle 22 is held in one hand
adjacent the patient's opposite shoulder The other
hand is maintained on side handle 20 of power slide
16. In an initial position, power slide 16 is post-
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toned so that the patient's arm extending adjacent to
tube 12 is in a fully extended position. Scapula Elena-
lion is provided by the patient pulling upwardly on
power slide 16, with the arm remaining extended and the
shoulder correspondingly being raised. This movement
substantially corresponds to the patient exhibiting a
"shrugging" action with his shoulder. With this oxen-
else, power slide 16 moves toward handle 22 similar to
that described with respect to Figure 5.
Shoulder flaxen is provided by use of apparatus 10
as depicted in Figure 8. Patient 90 maintains a stand-
in position and grips handle 22 with one hand near the
hip area and with the corresponding arm crossing over
the body. the patient's other hand grips handle 20.
Elongated tube 12 is initially positioned in a horn-
octal plane, with the patient's arm gripping power
slide 16 in a downwardly-extending position. With
handle 22 maintained stationary, patient 90 moves his or
her arm in a forward direction, thereby resulting in an
arc movement of power slide 16, and corresponding
flaxen of the shoulder.
An exercise for shoulder extension is depicted in
Figure 9. Patient 90 remains in a standing position and
grips handle 22 and power slide 16 similar to that
depicted in Figure 8. However, in contrast to the
actual exercise shown in Figure 8 r tube 12 is initially
maintained in a horizontal plane but extends rear-
warmly. With patient 90 maintaining his or her arm
gripping power slide I in a fully extended position,
shoulder extension is provided by moving the arm in a
rearward direction, thereby moving power slide 16 away
from handle 22. Substantial shoulder extension is pro-
voided by moving the arm through an arc of up to 90 from
the initial vertical position.
An exercise providing shoulder horizontal abduction
is depicted in Figure 10. Patient 90 maintains a stand-
in position and grips handle 22 with one hand adjacent
the abdominal area. The hand of the other arm grips the
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handle 20 so that the patient's arm is fully extended
and power slide 16 is adjacent the hip. With tube 12
initially in a horizontal plane and extending laterally,
patient 90 maintains handle 22 stationary and moves his
or her arm gripping power slide 16 sideways up to the
patient's shoulder level and back again.
An exercise to provide lateral and medial rotation
is depicted in Figure 11, with patient 90 maintaining a
sitting position (the patient can also maintain a stand-
in position) and end handle 22 held in one arm adjacent
the abdominal area. The patient's other arm is utilized
to grip power slide 16 so that the other arm is bent,
with the patient's elbow at his side. The patient's
forearm is maintained in a horizontal plane with tune 12
initially extending laterally. Patient 90 rotates his
or her forearm through a range of motion up to 90 from
the initial position, while maintaining a horizontal
plane with the forearm. During the initial forearm
rotation, power slide 16 is moved toward handle 22.
This exercise provides lateral and medial rotation of
the shoulder.
An exercise for shoulder flaxen involving pea-
twirls major and deltoid muscles is shown in Figure 12,
with patient 90 maintaining a prone position on his or
her back with both arms bent at the elbows. A station-
cry board 92 is positioned rearward of the patient's
head and utilized to rigidly secure end handle I
Connection between handle 22 and board 92 can be made by
any conventional connecting means. End handle 22 is
secure to the board 92 at a location so that the tube
12 is maintained in substantially a horizontal plane
with patient 90 flexing his or her arms at the elbows
and gripping power slide lo with both hands. With
patient 90 maintaining his or her torso in a sub Stan-
tidally stationary position, power slide 16 is moved
alternately forward and away from handle 22. Movement
of power slide 16 away from handle 22 will cause the
arms to be extended, Chile movement of power slide 16
--19--
toward handle 22 will cause greater arm flexor. This
exercise provides flexor of a variety of shoulder-
associated muscles, including the pectorals major and
deltoid muscles
Other exercises employing apparatus 10 also fall
within the scope of the invention. One configuration to
exercise the deltoid, pectorals major and abdomen
muscles can be achieved by having the patient 90 main-
lain end handle 22 in a stationary position and held
between the patient's legs adjacent the groin area.
Tube 12 can extend upward at a forward angle, with
patient 90 gripping handle 20 in both hands, and with
both arms fully extended at substantially shoulder
level. Patient 90 initially pulls downward on 16 while
maintaining the arms in a fully extended position.
Aster reaching a downward position limited by one of
rings 14, the patient can then continue the exercise by
pulling upward, again maintaining the arms in a fully
extended configuration.
Other exercises similar to those described above and
employing apparatus 10 can be utilized by the patient 90
in accordance with the invention. During performance of
each of these exercises patient 90 can grip power slide
16 and handle 22 so that dial race 32 of force measuring
mechanism 26 is visually perceptible by patient 90,
thereby providing a relative numerical indication of
forces exerted on apparatus 10 during exercise. Dial
face 32 is easily visible throughout the full scope of
exercises, making it easier to see the force applied to
power slide 16.
The means for converting relative linear motion
between tube 12 and rod 56 can be a friction drive
mechanism or a cable wheel mechanism. In a friction
drive, a wheel with an outer rubber surface would
replace pinion gear 52 and a friction surface would
replace rack teeth 64. In a cable wheel mechanism, a
pulley wheel would replace pinion gear and a cable would
be would 360 around the pulley. The ends of the cable
,
-20-
would be secured to ends o-E spring cup 60 and rack teeth
54 would be eliminated.
Although the exercise bar apparatus 10 provides a
variety of exercises for different muscle/skeletal
groups, it is advantageous to provide even a broader
spectrum of exercises for each muscle/skeletal group-
in. Known exercise equipment typically requires sepal
rate and distinct equipment components or different
exercises associated with different muscle/skeletal
groupings. In accordance with the invention however,
the principal components ox the exercise bar apparatus
10 are adapted for use with various bracket structures
of relatively simple and inexpensive design to provide
several equipment configurations, each particularly
suited for exercises associated with one or more spew
cilia muscle/skeletal groups.
For example, a shoulder exercise apparatus 200 in
accordance with the invention is shown in Figures 13 and
14 for use as a stand-alone unit to exercise muscles in
the shoulder regions. Features of apparatus 10 are
incorporated in apparatus 200. referring to Figures 13
and 14, apparatus 200 includes a rectangular bracket 202
having a pair of long side members 204 perpendicularly
connected at their ends to a shorter pair of side mom-
biers 206. A saddle assembly 208 includes a short stem
20~ is receivable in any one of several saddle sockets
210 positioned at various locations around bracket
202. Saddle assembly 208 includes a U-shaped saddle 211
having stem 209 mounted to an exercise bar assembly 216
having components similar to previously described
apparatus 10. With like numerals referring to like
elements of bar assembly 216 and apparatus 10l the bar
assembly 216 includes an end handle 220 connected to the
rectangular bracket 202 through a Levis assembly come
prosing a pair of flanges 218 so that the angle assembly
216 relative to the plane of bracket 202 is adjustable.
Referring to Figures 13 and 14, bar assembly 216
includes an elongated outer tube 12. Mounted to tube 12
-21~
is a power slide 16 comprising a sleeve 18 and slide
handle 20 extending radially outward from sleeve 18.
Power slide 16 can be friction mounted to tube 12 in a
manner similar to that described with respect to
apparatus 10 and shown in Figure 4.
apparatus 200 also includes adjustable control rings
14 received on the tube 12 on opposing sides of slide
16. Intermediate each of rings 14 and slide 16 is a
lubrication ring 15. Rings 14 and 15 are functionally
similar to those of apparatus 10.
A force measuring mechanism 26 having a housing 28
is mounted to tube 12 for visually indicating the amount
of force exerted in tube 12 relative to end handle
220. End handle 220 is connected to a handle rod 2
received within tube 12. Handle rod 24 is slid ably
interconnected to the outer tube 12 and force measure-
mint mechanism 26 in a manner similar to like numbered
components of apparatus 10.
Exercises employing shoulder exercise apparatus 200
will now be described with respect to Figures 15-17.
Referring to Figure 15, for shoulder internal and
external rotation, a patient 90 maintains a sitting
position with an upper arm laterally extended and sup-
ported within the saddle assembly 208. Bracket 202 is
maintained in a horizontal plane and saddle assembly 208
is inserted into socket 210 so that the relative toga-
lion of bar assembly 216 to saddle assembly 208 is as
shown in Figure 13.
The elbow of the patient's arm supported within
saddle assembly 208 is bent at a 90 angle. Power slide
16 is positioned so that the patient's forearm is
pointed upward when patient go grips handle 20. With
bracket 202 stationary, patient 90 rotates the forearm
forward from its vertical position, thereby moving power
slide 16 toward end handle 220. To obtain full rota-
lion, patient 90 can move the forearm forward and back
through a 90 range of motion.
An exercise for lateral and medial rotation is shown
. I;
-22-
in figure 16. Patient 90 maintains a sitting position,
with bracket 202 positioned in a vertical plane The
patient's upper arm is strapped into saddle assembly
208, with assembly 208 located in a socket 210 position
so as to be positioned as depicted in Figure 13. The
punts upper arm is disposed downwardly and the elbow
is bent at a 90 angle, with the patient's forearm
extending laterally from the side. With patient 90
gripping power slide 16 as shown in Figure 16, the fore-
arm is rotated forward, thereby moving power slide towered end handle 220. To obtain full lateral and
medial rotation, the forearm is rotated and forward and
backward through a 90 range of motion.
An exercise for elbow flaxen and extension is shown
in Figure 17. Patient 90 maintains a sitting position
with apparatus 200 in a horizontal plane directly in
front. Patient 90 secures an upper arm in saddle
assembly 208 with the upper arm also in a horizontal
plane. This exercise requires the saddle assembly 208
to be moved to a saddle socket 210 located in the short
side member 206 opposing the side member 206 to which
bar assembly 216 is mounted. The patient then grips
power slide 16 with the fingers pointed either upwardly
or downwardly. The upper arm is maintained stationary
and power slide 16 is moved along tube 12, whereby
alternately bending and straightening the pushiness
elbow. To provide full elbow flaxen and extension,
power slide 16 is moved so that the ankle of the forearm
ranges from 0 to 160. Apparatus 200 can also be used
for other types of exercises depending upon the par-
titular rehabilitative needs of the patient.
Principal components of apparatus 10 can also be
employed with other structures similar to shoulder oxen-
else apparatus 200 but adapted for a variety ox oxen-
crises or other muscle/skeletal groups. For example,
hip joint exercising apparatus 300 depicted in Figures
18-20 is suited for exercise of muscle groups surround-
in the hip joint regions.
-23~ B
Referring to figures 18 and I apparatus 300
includes a rectangular base 302 and a cushion 304 to
provide comfort. Embedded within cushion 304 and
secured to base 302 is a horizontal plate 306 attached
on one side to a vertical support plate 308. Plates 306
and 308 form an end support bracket 310 utilized to
pivot ably secure an exercise bar assembly 312. Exercise
bar assembly 312 comprises components functionally semi-
far to exercise apparatus 10. Bar assembly 312 is con-
netted to end support bracket 310 by a pivot connection
314 comprising a pair of flanges 316 extending inwardly
from plate 308. Flanges 316 are connected to an end
handle 318 comprising a pivot axle 320 extending through
apertures (not shown) of flanges 316 to provide an
adjustable pivot able connection to adjust the angle of
assembly 312 relative to the plane of cushion 304. End
handle 318 comprises a handle bracket 322 mounted to
pivot axle 320, and a handle rod 324 rigidly secured
handle bracket 322.
With like numerals referring to similar components
of apparatus 10, the bar assembly 312 includes an eon-
grated outer tube 12, with handle rod 324 received within
one end thereof. Bar assembly 312 also includes a
force measuring mechanism 26 comprising a circular
gauge housing 28 and gauge mounting bracket 30 secured
to the distal and of outer tube 12.
As shown in Figure 19, mounted to tube 12 is a power
slide 16 comprising a sleeve 18 friction mounted on tube
12. A log saddle assembly 326 is releasable connected
to sleeve 18 by a connector stem 328. Saddle assembly
326 comprises a U-shaped saddle 330 having an inner
volume of sufficient size to receive the patient's
leg. Mounted to the outer surface of U-shaped saddle
330 is a flexible strap 332 releasable secured to a
buckle 334 so as to secure the patient's leg during
exercise. Leg saddle assembly 326 is similar to upper
arm saddle assembly 208 of shoulder exercising apparatus
200. Also, control rings 14 and lubrication rings 15
.
I
-24-
are mounted on tube 12 on each side of power slide 16.
Power slide 16 can be friction mounted to tube 12 as
shown in Figure 4, with connector stem 328 substituted
for handle 200
As previously described, hip joint exercising
apparatus 300 includes a force measuring mechanism 26
which operates in a substantially identical manner to
mechanism 26 of apparatus 10 as shown in figures 2 and
3. However, unlike exercising apparatus 10 and shoulder
exercising apparatus 200, the force measuring mechanism
26 of the hip joint exercising apparatus 300 is post-
toned at an opposing end of tube 12 relative to an
external handle assembly.
Referring again to Figures 18 and 19, mechanism 26
includes a circular gauge housing 28 rigidly mounted to
tube 12 by gauge mounting bracket 30. Mounting bracket
30 includes an angled bracket 40 secured to the bottom
of gauge housing 28 and to the top portion of tube 12
through brackets and screws (not shown) in a manner
substantially identical to the connecting arrangement
shown in figure 2. Although not specifically shown on
the drawings directed to the hip joint exercising
apparatus 300~ mounter within the gauge housing 28 and
maintained stationary relative thereto can be a dial
face having spaced apart marks to provide a visual lndi-
cation of forces exerted by the patient during use of
apparatus 300. In a manner similar to that described
with respect to Figure 2, rotatable mounted immediately
in front ox the dial face can be a dial pointer, with
the dial pointer secured to a gear shaft 50 shown in
sectional view in Figure 20. The mounting ox the dial
pointer in front of the dial face, and the mounting ox
gear shaft 50 through the housing 28 and the dial face
can allow the shaft 50 to rotate relative to the dial
face, thereby correspondingly rotating the dial pointer
to indicate magnitudes ox externally exerted forces.
As Sheehan in Figure 20, rigidly mounted to the shalt
50 is a pinion gear 52 having a series ox gear teeth
I
-25-
66. Pinion gear teeth 66 extend into into a slot 68
located in the radially surface of tube 12. Handle rod
324 extends inwardly from the end of tube 12 adjacent
end handle 318. Unlike apparatus 10 hip joint oxen-
citing apparatus 300 employs a force measuring messianism which is positioned at an opposing end of tube 12
relative to the external handle assembly. Referring to
Figure 20, with reference numerals corresponding to
those of similar functional components shown in Figures
2 and 3, a stop and guide block (not shown) is inserted
in the corresponding end of tube 12 adjacent handle 318
and is similar to the stop and guide block 336 shown in
Figure 20 as inserted into the distal end of the tube
12, except that unlike block 336, a central aperture is
included in the block adjacent end handle 318 to allow
insertion of rod 324. The end ox rod 324 extending into
tube 12 includes a recessed area conforming to the shape
of a slide rod 56. One end of slide rod 56 is rigidly
secured to rod 324 by a cotter pin I
Slide rod 56 extends through the axial length ox
tube 12, is centrally positioned therein and supported
by a stationary guide block 74 rigidly secured to tube
12 through screws 76. Located within the outer tube 12
and intermediate guide block 74 and the distal end of
slide rod 56 is a spring cup 60. Spring cup 60 includes
a cylindrical aperture in which slide rod 56 is axially
received. idea rod 56 is secured in a stationary post-
lion relative to spring cup 60 by a pin 62 or a similar
connecting means. The spring cup 60 is cylindrical and
includes peripheral rack teeth 64. Rack teeth 64 are
positioned within tube 12 adjacent slot 68, and pinion
gear teeth 66 are positioned so as to engage rack teeth
64.
Spring cup 60 includes a centrally located slot 70
open at one end and extending partially through the
axial length of spring cup 60. Mounted within slot 70
and extending outwardly around rod 56 to guide block 7
Jo is a first compression spring 72. Located on the
, :
'I .'.
I
opposing surface ox guide block 74 from first compress
soon spring 72 is a second compression spring 82.
Second compression spring 82 is also positioned around
the radial surface ox slide rod 56 and supported at
opposing ends by guide block 74 and a washer 78 fixed in
a stationary position relative to rod 56 by a roll pin
80 or similar securing means.
During use of apparatus 300, handle rod 324 and
slide rod 56 remain stationary except for pivot able
movement relative to the plane of cushion 304. When
power slide 16 is moved along tube I away from handle
rod 324, tube 12 will move to the right as viewed in
Figure 20. With handle rod 324, slide rod 56 and spring
cup 60 remaining stationary, movement of the tube 12
causes pinion gear 52 to rotate clockwise as depicted in
Figure 20. Accordingly a visual indication of exerted
forces are provided to the patient. Correspondingly,
with tube 12 moving to the right, first compression
spring 72 is increasingly compressed as the axial
distance between guide blocks 74 and spring cup 60 is
decreased. Similarly, movement of tube 12 to the left
as viewed in Figure 20 causes second compression spring
82 to be increasingly compressed as guide block 74 moves
toward washer 78. The resistance of movement of tube 12
with respect to slide rod 56 it proportional to the
frictional force of the power slide 16 on the outer tube
12. Movement of the dial pointer is therefore be pro-
portion Al to the frictional force between the power
slide sleeve 18 and the outer tube 12.
Exercises employing apparatus 300 will now be
described with reference to Figures 21, 22 and 23. One
exercise to provide hip flaxen and extension is shown
in Figure 21. Patient 90 maintains a prone position on
cushion 304, with one leg secured within saddle assembly
326 so that saddle 330 is secured around the patient's
thigh immediately above the knee. With the knee bent,
patient 90 moves the knee toward and away from the chest
area, thereby moving power slide 16 relative to end
I
-27-
handle 318.
An exercise for hip abduction and addiction with
patient 90 in a sitting position with legs positioned
transversely across cushion 304 is depicted in Figure
22. One leg is strapped into saddle 330 at the 'knee
joint, and the leg is moved laterally in a sideways
motion. For complete hip abduction and addiction, while
precluding overextension or straining of the muscle
groups, the leg should be moved through an arc of
approximately 30.
A "straight leg raise" is shown in Figure 23 to
provide an opposing resistance to leg movement. Patient
90 maintains a prone position on cushion 304, with one
leg secured to saddle 330 in the calf region with the
leg fully extended. While maintaining the leg in a
fully extended position, Patient 90 alternately raises
and lowers the leg. One particular advantage to use of
exercising apparatus 300 for leg raise exercises is
the existence of resistive forces to movement, even
during downward motion of the leg.
Other exercises for lateral and medial rotation can
be provided by having the patient maintain a sitting
position on a table, with the legs extending downwardly
below the table surface. Apparatus 300 is positioned so
that one of the patient's legs is secured in saddle
assembly 326 at the ankle region. With the patient's
knee stabilized in some manner to prevent abduction and
flaxen of the hip, patient 90 laterally rotates the hip
by laterally moving the foot associated with the secured
leg.
on exercising apparatus employing the principal
components of exercise apparatus 10 and particularly
suited for rehabilitative exercises of muscle groups in
the knee joint and lower leg regions is the knee joint
exercising apparatus 400 as depicted in Figures 24 and
25. Apparatus 400 includes a rectangular base 402 and a
mounted cushion 404 to provide comfort to the patient
during exercise. Cushion 404 includes a recessed area
I
-28-
406 at one end thereon. Within recessed area 406, a
pair of downwardly-curved tubular bars ~08 extend out-
warmly and downwardly from cushion 404 as depicted in
Figure 24. Tubular bars 408 are mounted to rectangular
base 402 by any suitable connecting means, such as nut
and bolt assemblies 410. A pair of leg straps 412 are
mounted to the lower portion of base 402 at opposing
sides thereof. A common strap 414 is secured by to base
402 within recessed area 406, and includes a buckle 416
for selectively strapping and securing either of the
patient's legs by means of straps 412.
At the lower terminating ends of bars 408 are a pair
of forwardly-extending flanges 418. A pivot connection
420 is formed by a pivot axle 422 secured to flanges 418
and connected in a clevis-type connection to an end
handle comprising a handle rod 424 coupled to an oxen-
else bar mechanism 426. Exercise bar assembly 425
includes principal components of the apparatus 10, and
bar assembly 312 of the previously-described apparatus
300. Pivot connection 420 allows bar assembly 426 to be
adjustable angled relative to curved bars 408 and
cushion 404.
With like numerals referring to similar elements of
apparatus 10, bar assembly 426 includes an elongated
outer tube 12, control rings I and thumb screws 17
threaded therein to secure rings 14 in a selectively
adjusted position. Lubrication rings 15 are mounted on
the outer tube 12 inwardly ox the control rings 14. A
leg saddle assembly 428 is releasable connected to tube
12 by a connector stem 430 and includes a U-shaped
saddle 432. Mounted to the outer surface of saddle 432
is a flexible strap 434 which can be secured to a buckle
436 to trap the patient's leg during exercise.
power slide 16 is friction mounted on tube 12
similar to the friction mounting arrangement shown in
Figure I, with connector stem 430 substituted for handle
20 Power slide 16 therefore provides a varying kite-
matte resistance to movement along tube 12, with the
,
:
-29-
amount of frictional resistance being dependent upon the
amount of force applied to slide 16 with respect to tube
12.
Referring again to Figures 24 and 25, and with like
numerals referring to like elements of apparatus 10,
apparatus 400 also includes a force measuring mechanism
26 mounted to the distal end of tube 12. Mechanism 26
includes a circular gauge housing 28 rigidly mounted to
tube 12 by the mounting bracket 30. The view of motion-
is 26 taken along section lines 2-2 of Figure I sub-
staunchly corresponds to the view of mechanism 26 of
apparatus 10 as shown in Figure 2. However, unlike
apparatus 10, mechanism 26 ox apparatus 400 is post-
toned at an opposing end of tube 12 relative to an
external handle assembly comprising handle rod 424.
Coupling between handle rod 424 and tube 12 sub Stan-
tidally corresponds to the view shown in Figure 2Q for
similar components of apparatus 300.
An exercise employing apparatus 400 is depicted in
Figure 26, with patient 90 maintaining a sitting post-
lion on cushion 404. The patient's legs are secured
within leg straps 412 and extend downwardly with the
knees bent at approximately a 90 angle. Saddle asset-
by 428 secures one of the patient's legs at the ankle
region, with one leg stabilized with leg straps 412.
Patient 90 then moves the leg forward to move power
slide 16 and saddle assembly 428 toward the distal end
of tube 12. This exercise provides knee flaxen and
extension.
To provide full flaxen and extension patient 90
moves his or her foot upwardly from the initial position
and back through an arc of approximately 130.
Another exercise apparatus employing principal come
pennants of apparatus lo is the wrist/ankle exercising
apparatus 500 depicted in Figures 27 and 28. Referring
specifically to Figure 27, apparatus 500 comprises a
rectangularly-shaped and portable frame 502 having front
and rear members 504 interconnected by perpendicular
,
-30-
cross-members 506. Mounted to frame 502 is a saddle
assembly 508 having a U-shaped saddle 510 releasable
mounted to frame 502. A flexible strap 512 is attached
to the outer surface of saddle 510. A buckle 514 is
provided for securing the patient's arm or leg within
saddle 510. For of mounting assembly 508 to frame 502,
a short stem (not shown) can be mounted to the outer
surface of the bight portion of saddle 510 and received
in socket 516 located on one of the cross-members 506.
Saddle assembly 508 can also be mounted to other port
lions of frame 502, such as the mounting arrangement
shown in Figure 27 whereby saddle 510 is releasable
secured to front member 50~ of frame 502.
rigidly mounted to rear member 504 is a vertically-
disposed plate 518 having a handle assembly 520 release
ably secured thereto. Handle assembly 520 includes a
handgrip 522 and a bracket 524 rotatable secured to
plate 518. Referring to Figure 28, handle assembly S20
includes a rotating axle 526 extending through plate 518
and secured to a pulley wheel 52~. The interconnection
between plate 518, handle assembly 520 and pulley wheel
528 can be through any of several conventional struck
lures so that rotation of handle assembly 520 relative
to plate 518 results in corresponding rotation of pulley
wheel 5280 A goniometer 530 comprising a dial face 532
and a pointer 534 are provided on plate 518 to indicate
the extent of rotation of handle assembly 5201 Dial
face 532 is rigidly mounted to plate 518, and pointer
53~ is mounted to rotating axle 526 so as to move in
correspondence therewith.
Apparatus 500 also includes an exercise bar assembly
536 having principal components similar to components of
apparatus 10. With like numerals referring to similar
elements of apparatus 10, bar assembly 536 includes an
elongated outer tube 12 having a force measuring motion-
is 26 mounted to one end of tube I
Mounted to tube 12 near the center portion thereof
is a power slide 16 comprising a slid able sleeve 18.
I
-31-
Power slide 16 is friction-mounted to the tube 12 in a
manner similar to that with respect to exercise bar
apparatus 10 and shown in Figure 4. However, the con-
figuration of apparatus 500 is somewhat different from
the corresponding arrangement for apparatus 10 in that
bar assembly 536 includes a pair of cable support
brackets 538 mounted to each end of sleeve 18 and having
a cable support function as subsequently described
herein. Support brackets 538 are mounted to sleeve 18
so as to move in correspondence with the sleeve 18 rota-
live to tube 12.
Force measuring mechanism 26 includes a circular
gauge housing 28 rigidly mounted to the outer tube 12 by
means of gauge bracket mounting 30. The structural
interconnection between the force measuring mechanism 26
and the outer tube 12 of apparatus 500 substantially
corresponds to the interconnection of like numbered
components of apparatus 10 as shown in Figure 2. Rev
furring again to Figures 27 and 28, a stationary rod 540
is rigidly secured to an end bracket 542 mounted to an
outer one of cross-members 506. Stationary rod 540
extends inwardly from end bracket 542 into tube 12~ The
structural and functional interconnection of stationary
rod 190, outer tube 12 and force measuring mechanism 26
of apparatus 500 corresponds to the interconnection of
similar components of apparatus 10 as shown in Figures 2
and 3.
As power slide 16 exerts forces along tube 12, the
tube 12 moves axially with respect to stationary rod 540
in direct proportion to the frictional force between
3 sleeve 18 and tube 12. Resistance of the movement of
tube 12 with respect to rod 540 can be directly proper-
tonal to the frictional force of power slide 16 on tube
12. Force measuring mechanism 26 indicates the Eric-
tonal forces exerted between the sleeve 18 and tube 12.
Referring to Figure 28, apparatus 500 also includes
a pair of adjustable control rings 14 (only one being
shown in Figure 28) received on tube 12 on opposing
-32-
sides of power slide 16. Each control ring 14 includes
a thumb screw 17 threaded therein to secure the also-
elated ring 14 in a selectively adjusted position.
Intermediate each of control rings 14 and power slide 16
is a lubrication ring 15 (again, only one being shown in
Figure 28). The structure and function of control rings
14 and lubrication rings 15 of apparatus 500 corresponds
to the structure and function of control rings 14 and
lubrication rings 15 of the apparatus 10.
Apparatus 500 includes a pair of cable support
brackets 538 connected to power slide 16 and mounted on
tube 12. A cable 544 is connected at its ends to each
of cable support brackets 538 and wound around pulley
wheel 528 intermediate brackets 538. The power slide
sleeve 18 and associated cable support brackets 538
received on tube 12 are slid able on rear frame member
504 by means of a U-shaped slide member 546 rigidly
secured to sleeve 18 and slid ably mounted on member 504.
Exercises employing apparatus 500 are initiated by
rotation of handle assembly 520, which correspondingly
rotates pulley wheel 528 through rotation of axle 526.
As pulley wheel 528 rotates, cable 544 mounted to cable
support brackets 538 causes corresponding movement of
power slide 16. The frictional mounting between power
slide 16 and tube 12 results in axial movement of power
slide 16 along tube 12 and movement of tube 12 relative
to the stationary rod 540. Movement of the elongated
tube 12 relative rod 540 results in rotation of a dial
pointer 34 mounted on force measuring mechanism 26 to
indicate a quantitative measurement of applied forces
Although handle assembly 520 is adapted for use to
perform particular exercises, other types of handle
assemblies and similar structures can be utilized with
apparatus 500. As depicted in Figure AYE, handle asset-
by 520 can be removed from plate 518 and an offset
handle assembly 548 can be substituted thoroughfare. Like
handle assembly 520, handle assembly 548 includes a
handgrip 550 and bracket 552. However, handle assembly
.
~3~3 I
-33-
548 also includes an offset axle 554 which can be
inserted through vertical plate 518 and rigidly secured
to pulley wheel 528 to provide an offset between a eon-
trial axis extending radially handgrip 550 and bracket
5~2 relative to an axis extending through offset axle
554.
Other types of assemblies can also be utilized with
wrist/ankle exercising apparatus 500. For example,
handle assemblies 520 and 548 include handgrips 522 and
550, respectively, each of which lies in a plane per pen-
declare to the axis of interconnection to pulley wheel
528. In contrast, handle assembly 234 shown in Figure
29B includes an axial handgrip 558 having a central axis
extending parallel to the axis of interconnection with
pulley wheel 528. Specifically, handle assembly 556
includes a bracket 560 offsetting axial handgrip 558
from an interconnected axle 562 which can be rigidly
secured to pulley wheel 5~8.
Apparatus 500 is also adapted to provide exercises
associated with rehabilitative therapy of muscle groups
involving lower leg and ankle regions. To provide such
exercises, a foot pedal assembly 564 as shown in Figure
29C is utilized in place of handle assembly 528. Foot
pedal assembly 564 includes a horizontally-disposed base
portion 566 having a rectangular configuration. A Yen-
tically-disposed bracket 568 is attached to one side of
base 5~6 and offset from the center area thereof. An
axle 570 extends outwardly from bracket 568 on the
opposing side of the bracket surface attached to base
566, thereby providing a means for inserting assembly
564 through plate 518 and securing assembly 5~4 to
pulley wheel 528. To provide a means for securing a
foot on the assembly 564, a flexible strap 572 can be
attached Jo a buckle 574.
Figures 30-34 depict exercises using apparatus no
and employing different ones of handle assemblies and
the foot pedal shown in Figures 27 and AWOKE To
provide an exercise with forearm rotation, patient 90
,
-34-
maintains a sitting position with apparatus 500 disposed
in a horizontal plane adjacent the upper torso of the
patient 90 as depicted in Figure 30. With patient 90 in
a sitting position, the upper arm is maintained at the
patient's side, and the forearm is extended forward and
strapped within saddle assembly 508, with assembly 508
mounted in the front member 504. The patient's hand
grips the handgrip 522 of handle assembly 520 depicted
in Figure 27.
From an initial position with handgrip 522 in a
vertically-disposed plane, patient 90 rotates the hank
through an arc of 180 to provide full forearm rota-
lion. Rotation of handle assembly 520 causes rotation
of pulley wheel 528. Through cable 544, rotation of
pulley wheel 528 exerts forces on cable support brackets
538, thereby resulting in movement of sleeve 18 relative
to tube 12. As previously described, movement of tube
12 relative to rod 540 results in a visual indication of
forces exerted by patient on through movement of a dial
pointer on force measuring mechanism 26.
One exercise utilizing handle assembly 556 provides
wrist flaxen and extension as depicted in Figure 31.
Patient 90 maintains a sitting position at the side of
frame 502. Utilizing handle assembly 556, patient 90
2.5 maintains his or her upper arm at the side and extends
the forearm forward so as to be securely strapped within
saddle assembly 508. Saddle assembly 508 is moved from
front member 504 and releasable secured in socket 516 of
cross-member 506 depicted in Figure 27. The patient's
hand to grips axial handgrip 558, with fingers pointed
in either an upward or downward direction. To provide
full wrist flaxen and extension, the patient 90 rotates
the hand through an arc of 70.
Another exercise to provide wrist 1exion and extent
soon is depicted in Figure 32. Patient 90 maintains the
position previously described with respect to Figure
31. However, patient 90 also utilizes offset handle
assembly S48 depicted in Figure AYE with handgrip 550
. , . '
. :
:
51~
-35-
initially disposed in a vertical plane. Patient 90
generates a wrist flaxen movement to provide exercise
to the wrist muscle/skeletal group. To provide full
wrist flaxen and extension, the wrist is flexed through
a 90 arc.
apparatus 500 is also adapted to provide exercises
for the ankle region. One exercise utilizing toot pedal
assembly 564 provides for ankle lexicon ox the planter
muscle group as shown in Figure 33. Patient 90 main-
twins a standing, sitting or prone position, with foot
pedal assembly 564 employed in place of handle assembly
520. The patient's foot is releasable secured on asset-
by 564, with the toes pointing towards the end of frame
502 opposing the bracket end adjacent patient 90. The
patient's foot is then rotated upwardly, thereby provide
in ankle flaxen of the planter muscle group. To pro-
vise full ankle lexicon the foot is rotated through an
arc of 45.
An exercise for lower leg rotation in shown in
Figure 34. Patient 90 maintains a prone position on his
or her side with one leg extended and bent at the knee
region. The leg is releasable secured in saddle asset-
by 508 mounted to frame 502 in the location depicted in
Figure 27. The patient's foot is strapped within foot
pedal assembly 564. Patient 90 then rotates the foot
through an arc ox up to 70 for full lower leg rota-
lion. Apparatus 500 also provides other exercises,
depending on the particular rehabilitative needs of the
patient.
An apparatus in accordance with the invention and
utilizing principal components of the exercise apparatus
10 to exercise muscle groups in the shoulder, abdomen,
hip leg, back and arm regions is apparatus 600 shown in
Figure 35. Apparatus 600 includes a rectangular base
602 and a mounted cushion 604. Base 602 can be post-
toned on a table or like surface so that the user's
legs can extend downwardly of base 602. Cushion 604
includes a recessed area 606 at one end thereof. Within
36~ to
recessed area 606, a pair of tubular bars 608 are
rigidly mounted to an upper surface of base 602 by suit-
able connecting means, such as the nut and bolt asset-
bites 610. Tubular bars 608 extend outwardly and
upwardly from rectangular base 602, with reinforcing
plate 612 interconnecting the bars 608 to provide suit-
able rigidity and strength.
Apparatus 600 also includes a pair of leg straps 614
mounted to the lower portion of base 602 on opposing
sides thereof. A common strap 616 is secured to base
602 within recessed areas 606 and includes a buckle 61~
for selectively strapping and securing either or both of
the patient's legs by means of leg straps 614. At the
upper end of bars 608, a crossbar 620 is pivot ably
coupled by means of conventional pivot connections 622
(only one of which is shown in Figure 35). Rigidly
mounted to crossbar 620 is an exercise bar assembly 624
having components substantially identical to those of
the exercise apparatus 10. With like numerals referring
to substantially identical components of apparatus lo,
bar assembly 624 includes an elongated outer tube 120
Mounted to tube 12 are a pair of adjustable control
rings 14 with thumb screws 17. Lubrication rings I are
mounted on tube 12 inwardly of rings 147 Control rings
14 and lubrication rings 15 of apparatus 600 are struck
rurally and functionally identical to control rings 14
and lubrication rings 15 of apparatus 10 previously
described herein.
Positioned between rings 14 and received on tube 12
is a power slide 16 comprising a sleeve 18 secured by
any suitable connecting means to crossbar 620. Friction
mounting between sleeve 18 and tube 12 of apparatus 600
can be substantially structurally and functionally ides-
tidal to the friction mounting between sleeve 18 and
tube 12 of apparatus 10 as shown in Figure 4, but with
slide handle 20 removed.
Positioned at one end of bar assembly 624 is a
handle 626 comprising a pair of handgrips 628 con-
to
-37-
strutted of a rubber covering or other suitable means to
provide a firm gripping surface. Handgrips 628 are
received on opposing ends o-f an elongated bar 630.
Rigidly secured to the central portion of elongated bar
5 630 is a handle rod 632 slid ably received within one end
of tube 12. Rigidly secured to handle 626 with clamps
634 is a support block 636. Block 636 provides a means
to exert pushing forces on bar assembly 624 to provide
exercises for muscle groups in the back and abdomen
regions.
Apparatus 600 also includes an adjustable back sup-
porting strap 638 having a buckle 640 for adjusting the
length of strap 638. Coupled to the ends of supporting
strap 638 are a pair of releasable hook locus 642. Hook
locks 642 are securable to holes 644 in the ends of
elongated bar 630. Strap 638, hook locks 642 and holes
644 provide back supporting means and means to exert
pulling forces on tube 12 relative to sleeve 18. Sup-
porting strap 638 can also be used around the knee
region during an exercise wherein the patient is in a
supine position.
Mounted to tube 12 adjacent the interconnection of
bar assembly 624 to handle 626 is a force measuring
mechanism 26. Force measuring mechanism 26 includes a
circular gauge housing 28 and is structurally and lung-
tonally identical to measuring mechanism 26 previously
described with respect to apparatus 10 and shown in
Figure 2. The interconnection of handle rod 156 with
tube 12 and the force force measuring mechanism 26 can
be substantially structurally and functionally identical
to the interconnection of handle rod I elongated outer
tube 12 and force measuring mechanism 26 of apparatus 10
as depicted in Figure 3, with handle rod 632 substituted
for handle rod 24,
on exercise using apparatus 600 is depicted in
Figure 36. Patient I maintains a seated upright post-
lion on cushion 604 with the legs secure within leg
straps 614 and extending downwardly with the knees bent
I
at approximately a 90 angle. Patient 90 then secures
himself or herself within apparatus 600 by strapping
back supporting strap 638 around the back and securing
strap 638 to handle 626 with hook locks 642. Patient 90
then exerts pushing forces against block 636 adjacent
the sternum region to move tube 12 forward relative to
sleeve 18. Patient 90 can also exert pulling forces on
the outer tube 12 by pushing backwards against strap
638, thereby moving tube I rearward relative to sleeve
18. Thus, tube 12 is reciprocally moved through sleeve
18 by rotational movement of the upper body with respect
Jo the seat.
Another exercise using apparatus 600 is depicted in
Figure 37. Patient 90 maintains a supine position on
the cushion 604, with upper leg regions bent vertically
upward at a 90 angle and knees bent forwardly at a 90
angle. The patient's legs are secured within the sup-
porting strap 638 adjacent the knee region. The under
portion the legs adjacent the upper knee region are then
positioned against the support blocks 636 or the handle
626. Patient 90 can exert pushing forces to move tube
12 forward relative to sleeve 18. patient 90 can also
exert pulling forces on tube 12 by pulling backwards
against strap 638, thereby moving tube 12 rearward rota-
live to sleeve 18. Thus, tube 12 is reciprocally moved
through sleeve 18 by rotational movement ox the user's
upper leg region with respect to his or her seat.
The afore-described exercise will involve the
various muscle groups ox the back and abdomen, and can
also strengthen muscles in the upper leg. In addition,
however, although the exercise position shown in Figure
36 for exercising back and abdomen muscle groups can be
used by many patients, it can be important to someone
with a spinal or similar injury to avoid any weight
loading on the spine. Such weight loading would occur
if patient 90 were in the seated upright position as
shown in Figure 36. However, with patient 90 in the
supine position, muscle groups in the back and abdomen
:
-39-
can be exercised without weight loading on the spine.
another exercise using apparatus 600 is depicted in
Figure 38. Patient 90 maintains a seated upright post-
Zion on cushion 604 with the legs secured within straps
614 and extending downwardly with knees bent at approxi-
mutely a 90 angle. Patient 90 maintains a position
with his or her arms extended outwardly in a straight
configuration. Patient I can exert downward forces
through handle 626 to move tube 12 downward relative to
sleeve 18. Patient 90 can also exert upward forces on
tube 12 by pulling upwardly on handle 626, thereby
moving tube 12 upward relative to sleeve 18. Accord-
tingly, tube 12 is reciprocally moved through sleeve 18
by rotational movement of the patient's arms relative to
the shoulder region. This type of exercise will
strengthen various muscle/skeletal groups in the arm,
shoulder and abdomen regions.
Still another exercise employing apparatus 600 is
shown in Figure 39. Patient 90 maintains a seated
upright position on cushion 604, with the legs secured
within straps 614 and extending downwardly with the
knees bent at approximately a 90 angle. Patient 90
will grip handgrips 628 with the arms bent at the elbow
regions at a desired angle. Patient 90 can grip handle
~26 with the palms of the hands in either a forward or
rearward direction. In Figure 39, the palms are -facing
rearward. Patient 90 then exerts pushing or pulling
forces on tube 12 by exerting forces through handle
626. With apparatus 600 used in this manner, muscle
groups such as the biceps and triceps of the arm region
can be strengthened.
The afore-described types of movement and other
exercising movements can provide a variety of different
types of exercises for the patient's shoulder arm,
back, abdomen and leg regions. The pivot able coupling
of crossbar 620 to bars 608 provides a means for adjust-
mint of the position and angle of exercise bar assembly
624 relative to cushion 604 to accommodate patients of
I
-40-
different sizes.
The principles of the invention are not limited to
the specific exercising apparatus 10, 200, 300, 400, 500
and 600 as described herein. For example, positioning
of the force measuring mechanism 26 can be moved to
various locations relative to tube 12. Furthermore,
structural configurations other than the particular
configurations of the force measuring mechanism 26
described herein can be employed to provide a force
measuring means. It will be apparent to those skilled
in the art that modifications and other variations of
the above-described illustrative embodiment of the
invention may be effected without departing from the
spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the invention.
