AU2012209363A1 - A device for stimulating legs - Google Patents

Abstract

A stimulation device comprises a frame structure being configured to support a platform. A plate member is joined to the frame to form the platform. The plate member comprises a top and a bottom. A plurality of isolation members joins the plate member to the frame structure. The plurality of isolation members is configured to limit a transfer of vibrational energy between the plate member and the frame structure. A plurality of motors is joined to the bottom within the frame. The plurality of motors is configured to generate the vibrational energy in which the vibrational energy stimulates legs positioned on the plate member.

Description

WO 2012/102975 PCT/US2012/022135 A DEVICE FOR STIMULATING LEGS WO 2012/102975 PCT/US2012/022135 A Device for Stimulating Legs by Paul M. Kreiling Jr. CROSS- REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] The present PCT patent application claims priority benefit of the U.S. provisional application for patent serial number 61/435,712, entitled "Circulation Stimulation Machine", filed on January 24, 2011 under 35 U.S.C. 119(e), and U.S. Utility patent application number 13352754 and entitled "A Device for Stimulating Legs", filed on 18-JAN-2012 under 35 USC 111(a). The contents of this related provisional and patent application are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes to the extent that such subject matter is not inconsistent herewith or limiting hereof. FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT [0002] Not applicable. REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER LISTING APPENDIX [0003] Not applicable. COPYRIGHT NOTICE [0004] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office, patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0005] One or more embodiments of the invention generally relate to health remedies. More particularly, the invention relates to an apparatus for improving blood circulation. 2 WO 2012/102975 PCT/US2012/022135 BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0006] The following background information may present examples of specific aspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation, approaches, facts, or common wisdom) that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon. It is believed that having good and proper blood circulation is important to maintaining one's health and performance. Species with legs that make contact with the ground for transportation typically exercise their circulation systems through this contact with the ground. The correlation of the leg making contact with the ground and one's circulation system is generally founded on the movement of blood in the body or the stimulated effect of movement on the blood stream. In turn, producing said stimulated effect on the legs typically increases and aids blood circulation within a body. [0007] One can expect that the performance of show and racehorses often relies upon the condition of their circulation systems. Horses generally have very little natural circulation in their legs and feet, and the typical manner in which domesticated horses are kept in small enclosures may exacerbate this. Circulation problems and overuse of particular portions of the anatomy in horses may result in foot, leg, back, shoulder, hip, joint, ligament, tendon, and muscle issues. Chronic inflammation, acute strains as well as tendon and/or ligament tears and strains may be common in horses with circulation issues along with arthritis and other joint related issues. [0008] By way of educational background, an aspect of the prior art generally useful to be aware of is that electronic muscle and nerve stimulators (e.g., E-Stim) use electrical impulses to stimulate involuntary muscle contractions, and have been used in rehabilitation, physical therapy and chiropractic therapy for humans and horses. Horses typically do not respond well to electricity. There are many treatments available to horse owners for circulation issues including, without limitation, medicines, physical therapy treatments, and alternative approaches such as, but not limited to acupuncture. These treatments are typically not the type of solutions that the average or professional horse owner has available on a regular basis, and solutions that are readily available are often pharmaceutical treatments that may have negative side effects. [0009] In view of the foregoing, it is clear that these traditional techniques are not perfect and leave room for more optimal approaches. 3 WO 2012/102975 PCT/US2012/022135 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0010] The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which: [0011] FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate an exemplary circulation stimulation device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1A is a top perspective view of the device, and FIG. lB is a bottom perspective view of the device; [0012] FIGS. 2A through 2C illustrate an exemplary appliance for a motor of a circulation stimulation device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2A is a front perspective view. FIG. 2B is a rear perspective view, and FIG 2C is a side perspective view of the appliance mounted to the motor; [0013] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary circulation stimulation device in use by a horse, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; [0014] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary circulation stimulation device in use by a human user, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and [0015] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary electric speed controller of a circulation stimulation device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [0016] Unless otherwise indicated illustrations in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS [0017] Embodiments of the present invention are best understood by reference to the detailed figures and description set forth herein. [0018] Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to the Figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein 4 WO 2012/102975 PCT/US2012/022135 with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. For example, it should be appreciated that those skilled in the art will, in light of the teachings of the present invention, recognize a multiplicity of alternate and suitable approaches, depending upon the needs of the particular application, to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein, beyond the particular implementation choices in the following embodiments described and shown. That is, there are numerous modifications and variations of the invention that are too numerous to be listed but that all fit within the scope of the invention. Also, singular words should be read as plural and vice versa and masculine as feminine and vice versa, where appropriate, and alternative embodiments do not necessarily imply that the two are mutually exclusive. [0019] It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular methodology, compounds, materials, manufacturing techniques, uses, and applications, described herein, as these may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to "an element" is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. Similarly, for another example, a reference to "a step" or "a means" is a reference to one or more steps or means and may include sub-steps and subservient means. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word "or" should be understood as having the definition of a logical "or" rather than that of a logical "exclusive or" unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. Language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. [0020] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Preferred methods, techniques, devices, and materials are described, although any methods, techniques, devices, or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the practice or testing of the present invention. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. The present invention will now 5 WO 2012/102975 PCT/US2012/022135 be described in detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. [0021] From reading the present disclosure, other variations and modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art. Such variations and modifications may involve equivalent and other features which are already known in the art, and which may be used instead of or in addition to features already described herein. [0022] Although Claims have been formulated in this Application to particular combinations of features, it should be understood that the scope of the disclosure of the present invention also includes any novel feature or any novel combination of features disclosed herein either explicitly or implicitly or any generalization thereof, whether or not it relates to the same invention as presently claimed in any Claim and whether or not it mitigates any or all of the same technical problems as does the present invention. [0023] Features which are described in the context of separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination. The Applicants hereby give notice that new Claims may be formulated to such features and/or combinations of such features during the prosecution of the present Application or of any further Application derived therefrom. [0024] References to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "example embodiment," "various embodiments," etc., may indicate that the embodiment(s) of the invention so described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase "in one embodiment," or "in an exemplary embodiment," do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although they may. [0025] As is well known to those skilled in the art many careful considerations and compromises typically must be made when designing for the optimal manufacture of a commercial implementation any system, and in particular, the embodiments of the present invention. A commercial implementation in accordance with the spirit and teachings of the present invention may configured according to the needs of the particular application, whereby any aspect(s), feature(s), function(s), result(s), component(s), approach(es), or step(s) of the teachings related to any 6 WO 2012/102975 PCT/US2012/022135 described embodiment of the present invention may be suitably omitted, included, adapted, mixed and matched, or improved and/or optimized by those skilled in the art, using their average skills and known techniques, to achieve the desired implementation that addresses the needs of the particular application. [0026] It is to be understood that any exact measurements/dimensions or particular construction materials indicated herein are solely provided as examples of suitable configurations and are not intended to be limiting in any way. Depending on the needs of the particular application, those skilled in the art will readily recognize, in light of the following teachings, a multiplicity of suitable alternative implementation details. [0027] A practical embodiment of the present invention provides a stimulation device which generally increases circulation to the feet, legs, and thereby the body. Many practical embodiments may also increase bone density and help maintain muscle mass. Many practical embodiments comprise a platform that may be used to stimulate circulation, muscles and nerves in various different species including, without limitation, horses, other livestock, humans, pets, etc. Some practical embodiments are implemented as one-piece units for semi-permanent applications, and other practical embodiments are implemented as two-piece mobile units. [0028] FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate an exemplary circulation stimulation device 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1A is a top perspective view of device 100, and FIG. lB is a bottom perspective view of device 100. In the present embodiment, device 100 comprises an aluminum plate 105, an aluminum frame 110, four electric motors 115, and vibration isolators 120. Frame 110 is made of 4-inch C channel aluminum. It is contemplated that frames in some alternate embodiments may be made of various different materials such as, but not limited to, different metals or wood and the material may have various different shapes such as, but not limited to, square tubing, solid bars, I-bars, etc. In the present embodiment, frame 110 provides a weight-bearing base for device 100 and serves as an attachment point for isolators 120. Aluminum plate 105 is made of .249 aluminum plate that is cut to the same size as frame 110 and is attached to the top of isolators 120. Some alternate embodiments may comprise plates of various different thicknesses or plates made of various different materials such as, but not limited to, different metals, plastic, wood, etc. Referring to FIG. IB, in the present embodiment, thirty two rubber isolators 120 are mounted inside frame 110 with the bottoms of isolators 120 mounted to frame 110 and the tops of isolators mounted to plate 105. Isolators 120 suspend plate 105 just above frame 110. Some 7 WO 2012/102975 PCT/US2012/022135 alternate embodiments may be implemented with more or fewer isolators or with isolators made of various different materials such as, but not limited to, plastic, elastic polymers, springs, airbags, etc. Other alternate embodiments may be implemented without isolators. In the present embodiment a 1-inch EPDM rubber seal 125 is placed between plate 105 and frame 110. Rubber seal 125 generally prevents dust, water and other debris from entering the gap area between plate 105 and frame 110. In some alternate embodiments various different sealant means may be used such as, but not limited to, flexible calking, foam materials, plastic gaskets, etc., and other alternate embodiments may be implemented without sealant means. [0029] Referring to FIG. IB, in the present embodiment, electric motors 115 are attached to plate 105 with motor mounts 130 and suspended downward from plate 105 in a vertical manner. Electric motors 115 are 120V A/C motors that spin at between 2,500 and 3,600 rpm and comprise vibration-producing appliances upon the rotating shafts as illustrated by way of example in FIG. 2C. Mounting motors 115 vertically generally maximizes the upward movement of the energy from motors 115 through plate 105 and into the bone structure of the subject, the result of which is that the energy wave can typically be felt in the bone of the back, neck and head of the subject. In some alternate embodiments, the motors may be mounted in a horizontal orientation. In addition, it is contemplated that in some alternate embodiments, the motors may be attached in various different locations on the device such as, but not limited to, on the frame, on top of the plate, to the side of the plate, etc. Furthermore, those skilled in the art, in light of the teachings of the present invention will readily recognize that a multiplicity of suitable motors may be used in some alternate embodiments including, without limitation, 240V motors, pneumatic motors or hydraulic motors, etc. [0030] In the present embodiment, plate 105 floats on rubber isolators 120, which help to concentrate the energy produced by motors 115 in plate 105 and limit the energy being transmitted into frame 110 or into the ground. Therefore, only a small amount of energy from motors 115 is typically felt in frame 110 when device 100 is in use. Referring to FIG. 1A, motors 115 are connected by electric wires 133 to a speed controller 135, which enables a user to adjust the intensity of motors 115, and thereby the intensity of vibration of plate 105, by increasing or decreasing the rpm of motors 115. A power cord (not shown) provides electric power to motors 115 by connecting speed controller 135 to a 110-115 volt wall outlet. Some alternate embodiments may be battery operated or may be operated by various different means such as, but not limited to, hydraulics, pneumatics, solar power, steam, manual power, etc. Some alternate embodiments may 8 WO 2012/102975 PCT/US2012/022135 also be implemented without a speed controller and instead may comprise only a power on/off control. [0031] Referring to FIG. IB, in the present embodiment, frame 110 is placed on leveling feet 140. Leveling feet 140 are made of nylon and are adjustable to enable a user to level device 100 when on an uneven surface such as, but not limited to, a dirt floor. It is contemplated that some alternate embodiments may be implemented with various different types of leveling means such as, but not limited to, leveling feet of various different materials, jacks, or shims and other alternate embodiments may be implemented without leveling means. Referring to FIG. 1A, a rubber mat 145 is attached to the top of plate 105 with adhesive to generally minimize slipping and sliding, whether a subject is shod or unshod (i.e., has shoes or does not have shoes). In some alternate embodiments, the rubber mat may be extra long to extend past the edges of the plate to generally protect the potentially tender areas of the subject when stepping on or off the device such as, but not limited to, the foot and leg, which may easily be cut by any sharp edges. Other alternate embodiments may be implemented with smaller rubber mats, mats in different configurations, mats of various different materials, or no mats. [0032] FIGS. 2A through 2C illustrate an exemplary appliance 200 for a motor 201 of a circulation stimulation device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2A is a front perspective view. FIG. 2B is a rear perspective view, and FIG 2C is a side perspective view of appliance 200 mounted to motor 201. Appliance 200 is mounted to a shaft 205 of motor 201 at a center hole 210. Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2C, appliance 200 comprises an off-center weighted wedge 215 on the front surface. Referring to FIG. 2B, the rear surface of appliance 200 is flat. In the present embodiment, as motor shaft 205 rotates, off-center weighted wedge 215 causes motor 201 to vibrate or wobble. Motor 201 is typically mounted to the underside of a plate on a circulation stimulation device in a vertical position with appliance 200 at the end of motor 201 away from the plate. The design of appliance 200 typically makes the energy output of motor 201 smooth and generally causes the muscles of a subject to contract and then release in cycles that are dependent upon the speed of motor 201. [0033] Those skilled in the art, in light of the teachings of the present invention, will readily recognize that a multiplicity of suitable appliances may be used in some alternate embodiments. For example, without limitation, the size of the appliance in some alternate embodiments may be increased or decreased. The shape of the weighted portion of the appliance or the appliance itself 9 WO 2012/102975 PCT/US2012/022135 may vary in some alternate embodiments. Furthermore, some alternate embodiments may be implemented with different types of attachments on the motor shafts such as, but not limited to, rods or bars mounted perpendicularly to the motor shafts, plates with irregular shapes, plates with regular shapes mounted in an off-center position, winged attachments, etc. Some alternate embodiments may be implemented without an appliance on the motor shafts. Other alternate embodiments may be implemented with various different means for creating vibration in the plate of the circulation stimulation device such as, but not limited to, motor driven pistons or cams, cams or pistons driven by a hand crank, pneumatic air bags, etc. [0034] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary circulation stimulation device 300 in use by a horse 301, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Device 300 can be used for a variety of applications including, without limitation, rehabilitation, physical therapy and conditioning for horses, livestock, pets, and other animals. In typical use of the present embodiment, a user leads horse 301 onto device 300 with device 300 turned off. Then, the user turns device 300 on with a speed controller 303 and slowly increases the intensity of vibration of a plate 305 to allow horse 301 to adjust to the sensation and feeling of device 300. Once horse 301 is standing comfortably and acclimated to device 300, the user can turn speed controller 303 to therapeutic levels as indicated by a user's guide. The vibration of plate 305 typically causes the muscles in the feet and legs of horse 301 to contract, and the contractions of the muscles cause blood flow to move from the torso of horse 301 down to the feet and legs. [0035] Device 300 comprises four motors, as shown by way of example in FIG. 1B, that are zoned to create separate treatment areas, one per leg of horse 301. In some alternate embodiments, more or fewer motors may be used to create more or fewer treatment areas. Furthermore, it is contemplated that some alternate embodiments may have separate controls for each motor so that the treatment areas may be set to vibrate at different rates. In the present embodiment, device 300 has a relatively low height at approximately six inches tall to generally enable horse 301 to mount and dismount device 300 comfortably and typically without injury. Once treatment is complete, the user may turn speed controller 303 down and then off to stop plate 305 from vibrating and remove horse 301 from device 300. [0036] Device 300 is able to stimulate the entire body of horse 301 to generally save significant time over treating an entire horse one area of the body at a time. Device 300 can typically treat horse 301 in approximately ten to fifteen minutes, versus an estimated two or more 10 WO 2012/102975 PCT/US2012/022135 hours which is typical with individual spot treatments. Device 300 typically causes no harmful side effects and can generally be used by anyone with no special training needed. With a design that generally limits the amount of energy wasted in the frame and downward toward the ground, one can expect that device 300 is energy efficient, using approximately 3.5 amps maximum in the present embodiment, and powerful. Device 300 may enable the energy from the motors to travel through the bones of horse 301 all the way to the neck and head. In addition, device 300 is usually quiet during operation, which may aid in maintaining the comfort of horse 301 or any other livestock. It is believed that horses generally remain on plate 305 during treatment because the treatment feels good; thus there are no bars or other enclosures on device 300. It is contemplated that some alternate embodiments may be implemented with bars or enclosures. In the present embodiment, device 300 is weather resistant and can be used indoors or outdoors. [0037] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary circulation stimulation device 400 in use by a human user 401, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Circulation stimulation devices according to some embodiments of the present invention, for example, without limitation, device 400, can be used by humans as well as animals. In typical use of the present embodiment, user 401 stands on a plate 405 and controls the vibration of plate 405 with a speed controller 410. Alternatively, user 401 may sit or recline on plate 405. Device 400 can be used by virtually anyone, typically without side effects, and generally increases the body's natural healing and pain management processes. Device 400 creates involuntary muscle movements and contractions in user 401 which it is believed cause increased circulation, typically leading to less inflammation, faster healing, increased muscle mass, and increased mineral bone density. Device 400 may be used in various different environments such as, but not limited to, barns, homes, gyms, doctors' offices, chiropractic offices, physical therapy centers, outpatient treatment clinics, etc. [0038] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary electric speed controller 500 of a circulation stimulation device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, a power switch 501 turns the device on or off and a speed dial 505 enables a user to increase or decrease the speed of the motors mounted to the device. Electric wires 510 connect speed controller 500 to the device. Those skilled in the art, in light of the teachings of the present invention, will readily recognize that speed controllers in some alternate embodiments may comprise various different types of controls and features including, without limitation, push buttons, foot pedals, 11 WO 2012/102975 PCT/US2012/022135 sliding controls, indication lights, digital displays, etc. Other alternate embodiments may be implemented without such controls and may comprise only on and off settings. [0039] In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, the device may be implemented with two pieces, these two pieces being equal halves of an exemplary one-piece embodiment, as shown by way of example in FIG. 1. These two pieces may be controlled by a single speed controller or by two or more separate speed controllers. In the present embodiment the device is portable to accommodate horses that travel extensively such as, but not limited to, racehorses or show horses. During travel these two pieces may be stacked one on top of the other or standing on end for ease of transport. Furthermore, the use of aircraft grade aluminum in some embodiments enables the devices to be strong while being relatively lightweight. For example, without limitation, one exemplary embodiment is able to hold subjects in excess of 3,000 pounds with the combined weight of the two-piece unit of 150 pounds, or 75 pound per piece. In typical use of the present embodiment, the two pieces are placed next to each other on the ground. The two pieces may comprise attachment means that hold the two pieces together such as, but not limited to, pins, threaded fasteners, hook and latch fasteners, clamping systems, etc. Alternatively the two pieces may be implemented without attachment means. Once the pieces are on the ground, a subject may be placed on the device to receive treatment. In some applications the two pieces of the present embodiment may be used separately as two independent devices. It is contemplated that some alternate embodiments may be implemented with more than two pieces. [0040] Some alternate embodiments may be made as larger or smaller devices including, without limitation, custom sizes to fit inside a horse stall, smaller devices for use with humans or smaller animals, larger devices to treat multiple subjects at once, small devices to treat one portion of the anatomy at a time, for example without limitation, treating each leg separately, etc. Moreover, some alternate embodiments may be taller or shorter than six inches. It is contemplated that some alternate embodiments may comprise a multiplicity of suitable finishes to the frame and/or plate such as, but not limited to, paint, powder coat, or vinyl wrapping, and that the bottom of the frame may or may not be finished. Those skilled in the art, in light of the teachings of the present invention, will readily recognize that some alternate embodiments may be incorporated into various different items such as, but not limited to, chairs, beds, automobile seats, child car seats, treatment tables for medical and therapeutic centers, etc. Furthermore, some alternate embodiments 12 WO 2012/102975 PCT/US2012/022135 may be implemented with various different features for example, without limitation, built-in scales, handrails, heated mats, pulse and blood pressure monitors, clocks, timers, etc. [0041] All the features disclosed in this specification, including any accompanying abstract and drawings, may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features. [0042] Having fully described at least one embodiment of the present invention, other equivalent or alternative methods of providing a circulation treatment device according to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The invention has been described above by way of illustration, and the specific embodiments disclosed are not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed. For example, the particular implementation of the frame and plate may vary depending upon the particular shape used. The frames and plates described in the foregoing were directed to rectangular implementations; however, similar techniques are to provide devices with various different shapes including, without limitation, squares, circles, semi circles, ovals, triangles, etc. Non-rectangular implementations of the present invention are contemplated as within the scope of the present invention. The invention is thus to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the following claims. [0043] Claim elements and steps herein may have been numbered and/or lettered solely as an aid in readability and understanding. Any such numbering and lettering in itself is not intended to and should not be taken to indicate the ordering of elements and/or steps in the claims. 13

Claims (20)

1. A stimulation device comprising: a frame structure being configured to support a platform; a plate member being joined to said frame to form the platform, said plate member comprising a top and a bottom; a plurality of isolation members joining said plate member to said frame structure, said plurality of isolation members being configured to limit a transfer of vibrational energy between said plate member and said frame structure; and a plurality of motors being joined to said bottom within said frame, said plurality of motors being configured to generate the vibrational energy in which the vibrational energy stimulates legs positioned on said plate member.

2. The stimulation device as recited in claim 1, further comprising a plurality of motor mounts being configured to join said plurality of motors in a vertical position to maximize transfer of the vibrational energy to said plate member.

3. The stimulation device as recited in claim 2, in which each of said plurality of motors comprises an appliance being joined to a rotating member of said motor to generate the vibrational energy.

4. The stimulation device as recited in claim 3, in which said appliance comprises an off-center weighted wedge. 14 WO 2012/102975 PCT/US2012/022135

5. The stimulation device as recited in claim 1, further comprising a controller in communication with said plurality of motors for varying an intensity of the vibrational energy.

6. The stimulation device as recited in claim 5, in which said controller varies a rotational speed of said plurality motors.

7. The stimulation device as recited in claim 1, further comprising a sealing member being disposed between edges of said plate member and said frame structure for mitigating the entry of liquids and debris into said frame structure.

8. The stimulation device as recited in claim 1, further comprising a plurality of leveling members being joined to said frame for leveling the stimulation device on uneven surfaces.

9. The stimulation device as recited in claim 1, further comprising a mat material being joined to said top for mitigating slippage.

10. The stimulation device as recited in claim 1, in which said frame structure and plate member each comprise a rectangular structure.

11. The stimulation device as recited in claim 10, in which said frame structure and said plate member are further configured to support a standing horse. 15 WO 2012/102975 PCT/US2012/022135

12. The stimulation device as recited in claim 10, in which a number of said plurality of motors equals four in which each motor is in a separate quadrant of said plate member.

13. A stimulation device comprising: means being configured for supporting at least a weight of a horse; means being configured for limiting a transfer of vibrational energy, said limiting means being joined to said supporting means; means being configured for accommodating a standing horse, said accommodating means being joined to said limiting means; means being configured for mitigating the entry of liquids and debris into said supporting means; and means being configured for generating the vibrational energy into said accommodating means in which the vibrational energy stimulates legs of the standing horse positioned on said accommodating means.

14. The stimulation device as recited in claim 13, further comprising means being configured for controlling an intensity of the vibrational energy.

15. The stimulation device as recited in claim 13, further comprising means being configured for mitigating slippage of the standing horse.

16. The stimulation device as recited in claim 13, further comprising means being configured for leveling the stimulation device on uneven surfaces. 16 WO 2012/102975 PCT/US2012/022135

17. A stimulation device comprising: a frame structure comprising a rectangular shape, said frame structure being configured to support at least a weight of a horse; a plurality of isolation members being joined to said frame structure, said plurality of isolation members being configured to limit a transfer of vibrational energy; a metal plate being joined to said plurality of isolation members, said metal plate comprising rectangular shape being configured to accommodate a standing horse, a top and a bottom; a sealing member being disposed between edges of said metal plate member and said frame structure for mitigating the entry of liquids and debris into said frame structure; a mat material being joined to said top for mitigating slippage of the standing horse; and at least four motors each being joined to a separate quadrant of said bottom within said frame structure, each of said motors comprising an appliance being joined to a rotating member of said motor to generate the vibrational energy, said appliance comprising an off-center weighted wedge being configured to generate the vibrational energy, each of said motors further comprising a mounting bracket for joining the motor to the metal plate in a vertical position with said appliance distal to said metal plate to maximize transfer of the vibrational energy to said metal plate in which the vibrational energy stimulates legs of the standing horse positioned on said metal plate.

18. The stimulation device as recited in claim 17, further comprising a controller in communication with said motors being configured for varying an intensity of the vibrational energy. 17 WO 2012/102975 PCT/US2012/022135

19. The stimulation device as recited in claim 18, in which said controller varies a rotational speed of said motors.

20. The stimulation device as recited in claim 17, further comprising a plurality of leveling members being joined to said frame being configured for leveling the stimulation device on uneven surfaces. 18