CA2696670A1

CA2696670A1 - The complete body muscle rebuild machine

Info

Publication number: CA2696670A1
Application number: CA 2696670
Authority: CA
Inventors: Vincent Chau
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-02-04
Filing date: 2010-02-04
Publication date: 2011-08-04
Also published as: WO2011094841A1

Abstract

An active exercise apparatus can include at least one support member and a rotatable member rotatably connected to each support member. The rotatable member has an engagement member for engaging a distal portion of a limb of a user. The apparatus also includes an actuator drivingly connected to the rotatable member to selectably rotate the rotatable member relative to the support member so that the limb of a user is moved with the rotatable member.

Description

TITLE: EXERCISE APPARATUS
FIELD
[00011 The described embodiments relate to an exercise apparatus.
BACKGROUND

[0002] U.S. Patent No. 5,067,479 (Saringer et al.) discloses a device for providing continuous passive motion therapy to a patient's wrist and comprises a base removably attached to the forearm of the patient rearwards of the wrist. The base includes a horizontal turntable that can be secured thereon in a selected position. A wheel driven by a motor is rotatably mounted on the turntable for rotation in a vertical plane. A telescopic motion transmission, which is provided between the wheel and a handle, is mounted eccentrically to an eccentric disk that in turn is eccentrically and parallely mounted on the wheel. The eccentric disk may be rotated relative to the wheel to vary the absolute eccentricity of the motion transmission with respect to the rotation axis of the wheel. The handle, which is universally mounted to the motion transmission, includes a grip. Therefore, a rotation of the wheel and thus of the eccentric disk caused the motion transmission to pivot and to impart to the patient's hand a preselected pivoting motion about the wrist being treated. Saringer et al. can also be adapted to other joints, such as ankles.

[0003] U.S. Patent No. 7,452,308 (Robideau) discloses a cross-crawl chair including a chair frame for supporting a headrest, chair back, chair seat, right and left arm supports, right and left leg supports and four actuators for moving the supports. The chair also includes a control system that synchronizes the movement of the right arm actuator with the left leg actuator and the movement of the left arm actuator with the right leg actuator so as to provide an "arm and opposing leg" or cross-crawl motion. Further, the electro-mechanical control system controls a speed, a length of time, and a range of the cross-crawl motion.

[00041 U.S. Patent No. 5,259,369 (Matsumura et al.) discloses a remedial device for hand insufficiency includes a device body having an obverse surface and .a reverse surface, a compressed air supply source and an air supply-discharge hose interconnecting the device body and the compressed air supply source. Each of the obverse and reverse surfaces of the device body is provided thereon with a plurality of air sacks inflated and shrunken by the action of compressed air supplied and discharged for expanding and elongating the fingers and for elongating the wrist and arm joint. The air supply discharge hose constitutes an air supply-discharge circuit provided with two branched circuits for compressed air which are disposed independently on an air supply-discharge side for the air sacks for elongating and expanding the fingers and on an air supply-discharge side for the air sacks for elongating the wrist and arm joint. The two branched circuits are each provided with a switchable distribution device for selectively supplying and discharging compressed air to and from one or both of the branched circuits.

SUMMARY
[0005] This summary is intended to introduce the reader to the more detailed description that follows and not to limit or define any claimed or as yet unclaimed invention. One or more inventions may reside in any combination or sub-combination of the elements or process steps disclosed in any part of this document including its claims and figures.

[0006] Exercise machines in which a user supplies a driving force, and the machine provides a resistive force can be described as passive exercise machines. In contrast, exercise machines in which the machine supplies a driving force and a user is moved by the machine can be described as active exercise machines. When using an active exercise machine, a user may wish to have his/her arm or leg moved through a three-dimensional range of motion and may wish to have multiple joints in the arm or leg moved simultaneously.

[0007] In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, an active exercise apparatus includes at least one support member and a rotatable member rotatably connected to each support member. The rotatable member has an engagement member for engaging a distal portion of a limb of a user.
The apparatus also includes an actuator drivingly connected to the rotatable member to selectably rotate the rotatable member relative to the support member so that the limb of a user is moved with the rotatable member.

[0008] In some examples, the rotatable member is rotatable in a plane of rotation.

[0009] In some examples, the rotatable member is pivotally connected to the frame and is pivotable between a first position, in which the plane of rotation intersects a reference plane at a first angle, and a second position, in which the plane of rotation intersects the reference plane at a second, different angle.

[0010] In some examples, the apparatus also includes a frame and the at least one support member is pivotally connected to the frame and is moveable between a first support position and a second support position relative to the frame.

[0011] In some examples, the rotatable member rotates about an axis of rotation and the engagement member is movably coupled to the rotatable member so that it is moveable between first radial position, in which the engagement member is disposed a first radial distance from the axis of rotation, and a second radial position, in which the engagement member is disposed at a different, second radial distance from the axis of rotation.

[0012] In some examples, the actuator is selectably operable to rotate the rotatable member at a first rate of rotation and at second rate of rotation that is faster than the first rate of rotation.

[0013] In some examples, the rotatable member is rotatable in a first direction of rotation and in an opposing, second direction of rotation.

[0014] In some examples, the rotatable member is rotatable at least 360 degrees about the axis of rotation relative to the support member.

[0015] In some examples, the at least one support member includes an arm support member for engaging an arm of the user.

[0016] In some examples, the first engagement member is grip that is graspable by the hand of a user.

[0017] In some examples, the arm support includes a left arm support member for engaging a left arm of the user and a right arm support member for engaging a right arm of the user.

[0018] In some examples, the at least one support member comprises a leg support member for engaging a leg of the user.

[0019] In some examples, the leg support includes a left leg support to engage the left leg of the user and a right leg support to engage a right leg of the user.

[0020] In some examples, the rotatable member connected to left leg support and the rotatable member connected to the right leg support are independently operable.

[0021] In some examples, the rotatable member includes a rotatable disc coupled to the actuator and the engagement member comprises a foot support for receiving a foot of the user.

[0022] In some examples, the apparatus also includes a controller linked to the actuator to selectably control the rotation of the rotatable member.

[0023] In some examples, the controller is configurable to receive a user input and to trigger the actuator based on the user input.

[0024] In some examples, the controller is operable to impose a delay between the receipt of the user input and the triggering of the actuator.

[0025] In accordance with another embodiment, which optionally can be used in combination with the first embodiment of the invention described above, an active exercise apparatus can include at least one sleeve for receiving a digit of a user. The sleeve is curlable in a direction of flexure of the digit of a user between a first position and a second position so that the digit of a user can curl with the sleeve. The apparatus can also include a first actuator drivingly connected to the sleeve. The first actuator is selectably triggerable to move the sleeve from the first position to the second position.
[0026] In some examples, the apparatus also includes a biasing means connected to the sleeve to return the sleeve to the first position.

[0027] In some examples, the first actuator is operable to move the sleeve between the first and second positions.

[0028] In some examples, the first actuator includes a flexible cable connected to a first side of the sleeve, the cable selectably moveable between an extended position, in which the sleeve is in the first position, and a retracted position, in which the sleeve is in the second position.

[0029] In some examples, the cable is connected toward a distal end of the sleeve.

[0030] In some examples, the sleeve comprises at least one support member for engaging a distal phalanx of the digit of a user received in the sleeve.

[0031] In some examples, the apparatus also includes a distal support member that is positionable to engage a distal phalange of the digit, and a proximal support member that is positionable to engage a proximal phalange of the digit. The flexible cable is connected to the distal support member and is slidable relative to the proximal support member.

[0032] In some examples, the proximal support member includes a cable guide member for slidably retaining the cable.

[0033] In some examples, the apparatus includes four finger sleeves for receiving corresponding fingers of the user and a thumb sleeve for receiving the thumb of the user.

[0034] In some examples, the finger sleeves are curlable in a first direction, and the thumb sleeve is curlable in a different, second direction.
[0035] In some examples, the first actuator is drivingly connected to the finger sleeves and the apparatus also includes a second actuator drivingly connected to the thumb sleeve.

[0036] In some examples, the first and second actuators are independently operable.

[0037] In some examples, the apparatus also includes five toe sleeves for receiving the toes of a user, the five toe sleeves curlable in a common direction.

DRAWINGS
[0038] For a better understanding of the applicant's teachings described herein, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings which show at least one exemplary embodiment, and in which:

[0039] Figure 1 is a front view of an exercise apparatus;

[0040] Figure 2 is a front view of the apparatus of Figure 1 with the arm and leg supports positioned in front of a user;

[0041] Figure 3 is a front view of the apparatus of Figure 1 with the arm and leg supports positioned toward the sides of the user;

[0042] Figure 4 is an example of a motor on an arm support in a first position;

[0043] Figure 5 is a the motor and arm support of Figure 4 with the motor in a second position;

[0044] Figure 6 is plan view of one side a motor and a portion of a leg support;

[0045] Figure 7 is a plan view of the other side of the motor and the portion of the leg support of Figure 6;

[0046] Figure 8 is top view of a rotatable disc for a leg support with a foot support in a first position;

[0047] Figure 9 is a side view of a rotatable disc with a foot support in a second position;

[0048] Figure 10 is a side view of a rotatable disc with a foot support in a third position;

[0049] Figure 11 is a perspective view of the exercise machine of Figure 1 in a storage position, with its rotatable members removed;

[0050] Figure 12 is a front view of a control panel for an exercise machine;

[0051] Figure 13 is a perspective view of another example of an exercise machine;

[0052] Figure 14 is a perspective view of the exercise machine of Figure 13 in a storage position, with its rotatable members removed;

[0053] Figure 15 is a plan view of the palm of an exercise glove;

[0054] Figure 16 is a enlarged view of the palm of the exercise glove of Figure 15;

[0055] Figure 17 is a plan view of the back side of the exercise glove of Figure 15;

[0056] Figure 18 is a plan view of the palm of the exercise glove of Figure 15 with the finger sleeves in a curled configuration;

[0057] Figure 19 is a plan view of the palm of the exercise glove of Figure 15 with the thumb sleeve in a curled configuration;

[0058] Figure 20 is a plan view of the palm of the exercise glove of Figure 15 with the thumb sleeve and the finger sleeves in a curled configuration;

[0059] Figure 21 is a plan view of the bottom of an exercise sock;

[0060] Figure 22 is a plan view of the top of the exercise sock of Figure 21; and [0061] Figure 23 is a front view of the exercise apparatus of Figure 1 configured to include the exercise glove of Figure 15 and the exercise sock of Figure 21.

[0062] For simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity. Further, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0063] Various apparatuses or processes will be described below to provide an example of an embodiment of each claimed invention. No embodiment described below limits any claimed invention and any claimed invention may cover processes or apparatuses that are not described below.
The claimed inventions are not limited to apparatuses or processes having all of the features of any one apparatus or process described below or to features common to multiple or all of the apparatuses described below. It is possible that an apparatus or process described below is not an embodiment of any claimed invention. Any invention disclosed in an apparatus or process described below that is not claimed in this document may be the subject matter of another protective instrument, for example, a continuing patent application, and the applicants, inventors or owners do not intend to abandon, disclaim or dedicate to the public any such invention by its disclosure in this document.

[0064] When operating traditional, passive exercise machines, a user exerts effort to move the machine and the movement of the exercise machine includes a desired level of resistance to counter the user's efforts. In contrast, an active exercise machine is a driven exercise machine in which the movements of the machine are powered and the passive body of a user is moved by the machine through a desired range of motion. The user does not drive or exert pressure on the machine and the machine does not offer resistance to a user's movements. The exercise machine includes at least one limb support that is configured to support a limb of a user (for example, an arm or a leg) and move the limb through a three-dimensional movement path. The movement of the limb will impart at least some movement of each major joint in the limb, for example, the ankle, knee and hip of a user's leg, or the wrist, elbow and shoulder of a user's arm. Optionally, the limb supports can be configured to rotate a distal portion of the user's limb (i.e., a foot or a hand) in a plane of rotation, which causes the simultaneous movement of each joint in the supported limb.

[0065] Some practitioners of traditional Eastern medicines, such as, for example Chinese medicine, believe that the human body contains a plurality of energy channeling conduits that are commonly referred to as meridians.
The paths that these meridians trace through the body often pass through several different muscles as they wind from their origin to their termination point. Several commonly accepted meridians originate from the ends of the limbs of the body (such as, for example, at a finger, palm, wrist, toe, sole of the foot or ankle) and terminate in the torso. The path of such meridians will pass through multiple joints (for example, the wrist, elbow and shoulder), and a variety of muscles. It is believed by some that blockages in these meridians can cause physical pain in the affected regions, and may contribute to other health complications.

[0066] While the causes of these perceived meridian blockages can be difficult to identify, the Applicant believes that one possible cause of meridian blockages is the stiffening or fatiguing of some or all of the muscles through which the meridian passes. The Applicant believes that modern practices, including, for example sifting at a desk for several hours a day, sitting to watch TV and generally failing to get an adequate level of physical activity or exercise in a day, may contribute to this muscle stiffening.

[0067] The practice of acupuncture is one technique that can be used in an attempt to clear perceived meridian blockages. However, the practice of acupuncture typically requires a skilled practitioner and specialized equipment that may not be available to all users.

[0068] As an alternative or in addition to acupuncture, the Applicant believes that working (e.g. flexing and contracting) the muscles that lie along the path of a meridian and moving and rotating the joints that lie along the path of the meridian may help to soften and lengthen the muscles in the body, and may help unblock the meridian. Moving the joints and working the muscles in the body may also help stimulate circulation through the muscles, and may enhance a person's flexibility.

[0069] Applicant believes that simultaneously working all, or at least a significant portion, of the muscles along a given meridian (or optionally multiple meridians) can be beneficial. For example, it may be beneficial to simultaneously manipulate or move the wrist, elbow and shoulder, thereby flexing and contracting the associated muscles if a user wishes to unblock a meridian that passes through the arm. To work multiple muscles, and unblock multiple meridians, it may be desirable to move a person's arms and legs through a predetermined range of motion. Optionally, the arms and legs can be worked simultaneously to provide a whole-body type of exercise.

[0070] Applicant believes that the rotation of a person's joints, and the working of his/her muscles can be beneficial without requiring the person to exert themselves, or work against an external resistance (as is commonly done using traditional exercise machines). That is, applying an external force to move a person's limbs through a desired range of motion using an active exercise machine, while the person remains passive, may be one method of working a person's joints and muscles to help unblock his/her meridians.
[0071] Referring to Figures 1 an exercise machine 100 includes a frame 102 for resting on the ground, a seat 104 for supporting a user, two arm supports 106 and two leg supports 108.

[0072] The frame 102 includes a plurality of spaced apart support feet 110 (see also Figure 11) for stabilizing the machine when it is in use, and optionally can include wheels 112 so that a user can roll the machine 100 across the ground. The frame 102 is assembled from a plurality of frame members, which can be made from metal, plastic or other suitable materials.
[0073] The seat 104 includes a generally horizontal lower support 114 that a user can sit on or straddle, and an upright back support 116 that the user can lean against. In the illustrated example, the lower support 114 has a width 118 of approximately four inches, and the back support 116 has a width 120 of approximately ten inches. However, the size of both the lower support 114 and the back support 116 can be adjusted to accommodate the expected user of the machine 100. The seat 104 is padded to help increase the comfort of a user sitting on the machine 100.

[0074] Optionally, the lower support 114 can be moveably mounted to the frame 102 so that the height of the lower support 114 can be adjusted, and the back support 116 can be pivotally attached to the frame 102 so that the inclination of the back support can be adjusted, and/or so the back support 116 can be folded flat for storage (see Figure 11). In the illustrated example, the lower support 114 is mounted on a support post 122 that is slidably supported by a seat bracket 124.

[0075] The seat 104 also includes a releasable seat belt 126 that is used to stabilize the user and can help prevent the user from falling off the seat 104 while the machine 100 is in use.

[0076] Referring also to Figures 2 and 3, the arm supports 106 include a left arm support 106a, for moving the left arm of the user, and a right arm support 106b, for moving the right arm of a user. The arm supports 106a,b can be operated in unison, or individually. Each arm support 106a,b includes a base member 128 coupled to the frame, an adjustable extension member 130 coupled to the base member 128, a motor 132 and a rotatable member 134 that is driven by the motor 132. The motor 132 is a variable speed electric motor and can be connected to any suitable power source (not shown).

Motors 132 are configured to be controlled by a machine controller, including, for example, the controller 136 illustrated in Figures 3 (installed on the machine 100) and 12, and described in greater detail below.

[0077] In the illustrated example, the rotatable members 134 on the arm supports 106a,b include handgrips 138 that are connected to the motors 132 using connecting rods 140. The handgrips 138 are sized and shaped to be grasped by a user, and are rotatably coupled to the connecting rods 140 so that the handgrips 138 are rotatable about a grip axis 142. The handgrips 138 are to be grasped by the hand of a user and are free from any straps or other retaining devices. In this configuration, a user can simply release his/her hold on the handgrip if the user wishes to remove his/her hand from the apparatus while the machine is in use, for example if the user is experiencing any discomfort or wishes to adjust the machine controls.

[0078] The connecting rods 140 are coupled to the motors 132 so that they can rotate about a motor axis 144 in a plane of rotation 146, and can move the handgrips 138 in a rotary motion. The grip axis 142 and motor axis 144 are separated by an offset distance that defines a radius of rotation 148 of the handgrips 138. Optionally, the spacing between the motor axis 144 and the grip axis 142 can be adjustable so that the radius of rotation 148 can be changed. In the illustrated example, the connecting rods 140 are telescopically adjustable and can be locked into position using locking pins 150. Alternatively, the connecting rods 140 can be slidably received in rotatable sleeves connected to the motors 132 or otherwise adjustable to provide an alternate means of adjusting the radius of rotation. Optionally, instead of using connecting rods 140, the rotatable members 134 on the arm supports 106a,b can be rotatable discs (as used on the leg supports, described below) or other rotating members.

[0079] The exercise machine 100 is configured so that the angle 152 between the plane of rotation 146 and a reference plane 154, for example a generally horizontal plane that is parallel to the ground, can be adjusted. In the illustrated example, the motors 132 are movably connected to the upper ends of the extension members 130 so that the orientation of the motor axis 144 can be adjusted and the plane of rotation 146 can be tilted. In the illustrated example, the motors 132 are connected to the extension members 130 using pin joints 156 so that the plane of rotation 146 can be tilted toward the user, thereby decreasing the angle 152 (see Figures 4 and 5), and/or away from the user, thereby increasing the angle 152.

[0080] Referring to Figures 4 and 5, the movable connection between the motors 132 and the extension members 130 of the arm supports 106a,b includes a pair of flanges 158 connected to the motor 132 that are pivotally connected to the extension member 130 using a pin joint 160. The flanges 158 include a plurality of locking holes, three holes 162 in the illustrated example, which can be aligned with an aperture in the extension member 130 and secured in position using locking pin 164. In this configuration, the motor 132 can be locked in any one of three possible positions relative to the extension member 130. Optionally, instead of providing three locking positions, the flanges 158 can be provided with more than three locking holes or fewer than three locking holes.

[0081] Referring again to Figures 1-3, in the illustrated embodiment, the extension members 130 are telescopically received within the base members 128 and are adjustably positionable, relative to the base members 128, using locking collars 166, so that the elevation of the motors 132, and the associated rotatable members 134, can be adjusted.

[0082] Optionally, as illustrated, the base members 128 can be pivotally connected to the frame using a pivot joint 168 so that the arm supports 106a,b can be positioned in front of the user (Figure 2), beside the user (Figure 3) and at a variety of intermediate positions therebetween. The pivot joint 168 includes a movable plate 170 that has a plurality of holes for receiving a corresponding locking pin 172 so that the arm supports 106a,b can be selectably locked in the desired position.

[0083] Using some or all of the adjustable aspects of the arm supports 106a,b described above, a user on the machine 100 can position the handgrips 138 in a variety of positions to move his/her arms through a plurality of different rotational paths.

[0084] Still referring to Figures 1-3, the leg supports 108 on the exercise apparatus include a left leg support 108a and a right leg support 108b. The leg supports 108a,b are configured to receive the foot of a user and to move feet and legs of a user.

[0085] Each leg support 108a,b includes a base member 174 connected to the frame 102 and a telescoping extension member 176 adjustably connected to the base member 174, using locking collars 178.
Each leg support 108a,b also includes a rotatable disc 180 that is coupled to a motor 182. Each disc 180 rotates in a plane of rotation 184 (that is at an angle 186 relative to the horizontal plane 154). Like the arm supports 106 described above, the base members 174 of the leg supports 108a,b can be movably connected to the frame, using a pivot joint 168, including locking plate 170 and locking pins 172, so that the position of the leg supports 108a,b relative to the frame 102 (and user) can be positioned in front of the user (Figure 2) and toward the sides of a user (Figure 3).

[0086) The motors 182 on the leg supports 108a,b are variable speed electric motors that are controlled by controller 136 (as described in detail below). The motors 182 on the leg supports can be the same as motors 132 used in the arm supports 106a,b, or can be different motors.

[0087) Referring to Figures 6 and 7 (which show opposite sides of a portion of a leg support 108 with the rotatable disc 180 removed), the motors 182 are mounted toward the ends of the extension members 176 using adjustable mounting plates 188, that can be pivoted relative to the extension members 176 and locked in place using a locking pin 190. The motors 182 are connected to the plates 188 using bolts 192. Pivoting the motors 182 relative to the extension members 176 can adjust orientation of the plane of rotation 184 (as described above), thereby changing the angle 186 (Figure 3) between the plane of rotation 184 and the horizontal plane 154.

[0088] Referring to Figure 8, each rotatable disc 180 includes a foot support 194 that can optionally include an adjustable retaining strap 196 for keeping a user's foot connected to the rotatable disc 180. Each rotatable disc 180 rotates about a motor axis 198 (shown as a dashed line Figure 7 and represented using an "X" in Figure 8), and the distance between the foot support 194 and the motor axis 198 defines a radius of rotation 200 for the foot support 194. Optionally, the rotatable disc 180 can include a plurality of foot support mounting points 202, spaced apart from each other in the radial direction. By moving the foot support 194 into different foot support mounting points 202, a user can adjust the radius of rotation 198 of the foot supports 194.

[0089] The foot support 194 can be connected to the rotatable disc 180 in a variety of different configurations, which can enable a user's foot and leg to be moved in a variety of rotational paths. Referring to Figure 8, the foot support 194 can be positioned so that it is generally parallel to the plane of rotation 186 (and the surface of the rotatable disc 180), so that the bottom of the users foot is parallel to the plane of rotation 186. Alternatively, referring to Figure 9, the foot support can be shaped to hold the user's foot so that the bottom of the user's foot is generally perpendicular to the plane of rotation 186. Optionally, referring to Figure 10, an angled bracket 204 can be positioned between the foot support 194 and the rotatable disc 180, so that the bottom of a user's foot can be positioned at an angle relative to the plane of rotation 186. The bracket 204 can be adjustable, or a plurality of different sized brackets can be provided so that the angle of the user's foot relative to the plane of rotation 186 can be varied.

[0090] Referring to Figure 11, the exercise apparatus 100 can be collapsed into a storage position. In this position, the back support 116 is lowered to a generally horizontal position, and the arm supports 106 and the leg supports 108 are collapsed and aligned with the frame 102. Optionally, as illustrated, the rotatable members 134, 180 on the arm and leg supports 106, 108 can be detached from their respective motors for storage.

[0091] Operation of all of the motors 132, 182 on the exercise apparatus 100 is controlled using the machine controller 136. Referring to Figures 3 and 12, the machine controller 136 includes a control panel 206 having a plurality of user inputs. The user inputs include level selection buttons 208a, to allow a user to select the intensity of rotation provided by the motors, and exercise selection buttons 208b that enable a user to select which supports to activate. The control panel 206 can also include time selection buttons 208c and a display 210 that can provide system information to a user, such as how much time is remaining in the selected workout cycle.
The control panel 206 also includes a stop or shut-off button 212 that allows a user to stop the rotation of the motors. A seat belt indicator 214 can be included on the control panel 206 to alert a user if he/she attempts to begin a workout without fastening the seatbelt 126. Optionally, the controller 136 can be configured so that the motors 132, 182 will not operate unless the seatbelt 126 is fastened.

[0092]. To allow a user to input a selection on the control panel 206 and then grasp a handgrip 138, the controller 134 can be configured to include a delay module for providing a delay, for example a ten second pause, between the pressing of the button on the control panel 206 and the starting of the motors 132. Optionally, the control panel can be mounted to the frame (as shown in Figure 3), and/or provided as stand alone unit.

[0093] Referring to Figure 13, another example of an exercise apparatus 300 is illustrated. Features of the exercise apparatus 300 that are similar to features of the exercise apparatus 100 are illustrated using like reference characters, indexed by two hundred.

[0094] In the exercise apparatus 300, each arm support 306 and each leg support 308 is formed from a plurality of telescopically adjustable connecting members 450, each of which can be locked in place using extension locking pins 452 inserted into a pair of aligned locking holes 454.
The connecting members 450 are pivotally connected to each other, and to the frame 302, using friction hinges 456. In this configuration, the arm supports 306 can be repositioned without having to remove and then re-insert locking pins 172 in locking plates 170, as described above with reference to machine 100. The rotational resistance of the friction hinges 456 is selected so that the arm and leg supports 306, 308 can remain in a desired position while the exercise machine 300 is in use, but can be manually repositioned by a user when the machine 300 is not in use.

[0095] Referring to Figure 14, the exercise apparatus 300 can be collapsed into a storage position by generally aligning the connecting members 450 with each other, and with the frame 302.

[0096] While illustrated as including two arm supports 106, 306 and two leg supports 108, 308, the exercise machines 100, 300 can be configured having a different configuration of supports, and need not include four separate supports. For example, the apparatus can be configured to include only arm supports, or include only leg supports, or to include only a single support (for either an arm, leg or both).

[0097] Optionally, in addition to, or as an alternative to moving the arms and legs of a user, the exercise apparatus can include an exercise glove, an exercise sock, or both, to exercise the fingers and toes of a user respectively.
[0098] Referring to Figures 15-20, an exercise glove 500 that can be used with the exercise apparatus, including the exercise apparatus 100 and 300 described above, includes main body portion 502, for receiving the palm and wrist of the user, a plurality of finger sleeves 504 and a thumb sleeve 506, for receiving the fingers and thumb of a user respectively. Each sleeve 504, 506 has a proximal end 504a, 506a connected to the body portion, and an opposing distal end or tip 504b, 506b. Figure 16 is a schematic illustration of the front or palm side of the exercise glove 500. Figure 17 is a schematic illustration of the opposing, backside of the exercise glove 500.

(0099] The finger sleeves 504 are connected to finger actuators 508 using flexible finger cables 510. When the finger cables 510 are pulled in the direction of arrows 514, the finger sleeves 504 are moved with the cables 510 and are curled into a fist-like configuration (see Figure 18). When the tension on the finger cables 510 is released, the finger sleeves. 504 can be returned to their extended configuration, as shown in Figures 16 and 17. The finger cables 510 can be metal cables, or any flexible cable-like material that has sufficient tensile strength to exert the curling force on the finger sleeves, including, for example, string, twine and rubber strands.

[00100] The thumb sleeve 506 is connected to a thumb actuator 516 using a flexible thumb cable 518. When the thumb cable 518 is pulled in the direction indicated by arrow 520, the thumb sleeve 506 moves with the thumb cable 518 and is curled into a fist-like or contracted position (Figure 19).
When tension on the thumb cable 518 is relaxed, the thumb sleeve 506 can return to its extended configuration. The thumb cable 518 can be the same material as the finger cables 510.

[00101] Optionally, the finger sleeves 504 and thumb sleeve 506 can be curled at the same time to curl the user's hand into a closed fist, as shown in Figure 20.

[00102] Referring again to Figures 16 and 17, each finger sleeve 504 includes a flexible sleeve housing 522 and three support rings 524a-c that encircle the user's fingers. The support rings 524a-c can be of different diameters to accommodate the differences in size between a user's fingers (e.g., the supports for the pinky finger can be smaller than the supports for the index finger), and to accommodate the differences in size along the length of a given finger. The sleeve housings 522 are made from a material that is flexible so that the sleeves 504 can generally conform to the hand of a user, and allows the user's fingers to be curled into a fist like configuration and returned to an open configuration. The material selected may also be washable, so that the exercise glove can be washed when desired (for example between uses by different users). Examples of suitable materials include fabric, plastics and rubbers.

(00103] The support rings 524a-c are positioned within the sleeve housing 522 so that each ring 524a-c is generally aligned with one of the phalanges (bones) in the user's finger, and so that the joints of fingers are disposed in the gaps 526 between adjacent support rings. In this configuration, the support rings 524a-c may be less likely to impede the curling of the user's fingers. The support rings 524a-c are more rigid than the sleeve housing 522 and are configured to transfer the curling force of the finger actuator 508 to the fingers of the user.

[00104] Referring to Figure 16, each support ring 524a-c includes a cable guide 528 for slidably receiving a corresponding finger cable 510. The cable guides 528 are used to retain the cables 510 in close proximity to the finger sleeves 504, and are sized so that the finger cables 510 are freely slidable through the cable guides 528. The finger cables 510 are fixedly connected to the distal support ring 524a on each finger at finger cable attachment points 525, so that pulling the cables 510 causes a curling of the fingers into a fist-like configuration. Additional cable guides 528 are provided on the palm of the glove to direct the plurality of finger cables 510 toward an actuator cable 530. The actuator cable 530 passes through an actuator cable guide 532 on the wrist of the exercise glove 500 and is connected to the finger actuator 508. The actuator cable 530 can be a separate cable that is connected to each of the finger cables 510, or can be a multi-strand cable formed from the combination of plurality of finger cables 510. Optionally, instead of connecting the plurality of finger cables 510 to a common actuator, a separate finger actuator can be provided for each finger.

[00105] The thumb sleeve 506 includes a sleeve housing 532 and two support rings 534a,b that are to be positioned around the phalanges in the user's thumb. The thumb cable 518 is fixedly connect to the distal thumb support ring 534a and is retained by cable guides 528 located on each thumb support ring 534a,b and on the palm region of the glove. The thumb cable 518 is connected to the thumb actuator 516. The thumb actuator can be operated in unison with the finger actuator 508, or independently.

[00106] When the finger and thumb actuators 508, 516 have been triggered, after a predetermined period of time, the finger and thumb actuators 508, 516 can be released to relax the tension on the finger and thumb cables 510, 518, allowing the exercise glove 500 to be returned to its open configuration. Optionally, a user can return the glove to its open configuration by flexing his/her fingers. Alternatively, the opening or uncurling of the exercise glove 500 can be accomplished using a biasing member, or optionally an opening actuator, so that the glove 500 can be opened without requiring effort by the user.

[00107] Referring to Figure 17, in the illustrated embodiment, the backside of the glove 500 includes a plurality of biasing springs 536 that are connected to corresponding opening cables 538 coupled to each sleeve 504, 506. An opening cable 538 is associated with each sleeve 506, 508, and is connected to the distal support ring 524a, 534a of each sleeve. Cable guides 528 are provided on each support ring 524, 534 to help keep the opening cables 538 aligned with their respective sleeve 504, 506.

[00108] The biasing springs 536 are schematically represented as cylinders in Figure 17, and can be any suitable type of biasing member, including a coil spring and a resilient or elastic rubber member.
Alternatively, instead of providing a separate biasing member, the opening cables 510 can be resilient cables, and/or portions of the sleeve housings 522, 532 or glove body 502 can incorporate resilient material.

[00109] In this configuration, when the finger and thumb sleeves 504, 506 are curled, the force exerted by the finger and thumb actuators 508, 516 exceeds the biasing force of the springs 536 and the springs 536 are stretched. When the tension exerted by the finger and thumb actuators 508, 516 is relaxed, the biasing force of the springs 536 acts on the opening cables 538 in the direction illustrated using arrow 540, and pulls each sleeve back to its extended position.

[00110] Referring to Figures 21 and 22, an exercise sock 600 that can be used with the exercise apparatus 100 includes a body portion 602 for receiving a user's foot and a plurality of toe sleeves 604 for receiving the individual toes of the user. Figure 21 is a schematic representation of the underside of the exercise sock 600, which is configured to rest against the sole of a user's foot. Figure 22 is a schematic representation of the upper side of the exercise sock, which is configured to cover the top of the user's foot.
The configuration and operation of the exercise sock 600 is similar to that of the exercise glove 500 described above.

[00111] Each toe sleeve 604 is flexible so that it can be curled in the direction of flexure of the user's toes, and is connected to toe actuator 606 using a corresponding toe cable 608. When the toe cables 608 are pulled in the direction indicated by arrow 610 the toe sleeves 604 are curled into a contracted position and a user's toes are curled with the toe sleeves 604.

[00112] Each toe sleeve 604 includes a toe support ring 612 that is configured to encircle one of the phalanges (bones) of a user's toes, for example the distal phalanx of each toe. The toe cables 608 are connected to the toe support ring 612 on the respective toe sleeves 604, and are retained by toe cable guides 614 provided on the sock body 602. In the illustrated embodiment, all of the toe cables 608 are connected to a single toe actuator cable 616, which is connected to the toe actuator 606.

[00113] The upper side of the exercise sock 600 comprises a plurality of toe opening cables 618 that are connected to biasing springs 620. As described in detail above in relation to the exercise glove 500, the toe opening cables 618 are connected to the back side of the distal toe support rings 612 and are biased by the biasing springs 620 so that the toe sleeves 604 are moved toward their uncurled configuration when the tension of the toe actuator cable 616 is relaxed. In this configuration, the exercise sock 600 can pull a user's toes into a curled configuration, using the toe actuator 606, and then return the user's toes to their extended configuration, using the biasing springs 620, without requiring any force to be exerted by the user.

[00114] While illustrated as continuous, tube-like members, the sleeves 504, 506, 604 on the exercise glove 500 and exercise sock 600 need not be continuous, and may include a plurality of cut-outs and/or can include an open tip. Alternatively, the sleeves 504, 506, 604 may not include any type of connecting material between the support rings 524, 534, 612 (other than the flexible cables 510, 518, 608), and may comprise a plurality of separate support rings positioned on the user's digits.

[00115] To accommodate user's of different sizes, both the exercise glove 500 and exercise sock 600 can be provided in a plurality of different sizes, including, for example, small medium and large, or in sizes that correspond to standard shoe sizes.

[00116] While the exercise sock and exercise glove 600, 500 are illustrated as using an actuator to curl the user's digits (i.e. toes and fingers) and a biasing mechanism for returning the digits to their extended configuration, in other embodiments the function of the actuator and biasing mechanisms can be reversed, and/or an actuator can be used to move the digits in both directions.

[00117] Referring to Figure 23, the exercise gloves 500 and exercise socks 600 can be connected to the same controller 136 that is used to operate the exercise apparatus 100. In this configuration, the user can sit on the seat 104 and simultaneously operate tow exercise gloves 500 and two exercise socks 600. As explained above, the controller 136 can incorporate a ten second delay module so that a user can select an exercise glove 500 workout routine and have ten seconds (or another delay time) to insert his/her hand into the glove 500 before the exercise routine is initiated. Optionally, if the gloves 500 and socks 600 are adapted to work with the exercise apparatus 100, the actuators 508, 516 and 606 can be positioned on the frame 102 and connected to the gloves 500 and socks 600 using extended actuator cables, instead of providing the actuators on the gloves 500 and socks 600 (as shown in Figures 15-22).

[00118) Optionally, the exercise apparatus 100 can be configured so that the exercise socks 600 can be used simultaneously with the leg supports 108. For example, the foot support 194 can be configured to allow a user's toes to curl and uncurl while the user's foot is being rotated with the rotatable disc 180.

[00119] In the illustrated examples the finger, thumb and toe actuators are illustrated as being coupled to the exercise glove and exercise sock respectively. Alternatively, the actuators can be spaced apart from the glove and sock (for example incorporated into the frame) and connected using elongated actuator cables.

[00120] What has been described above has been intended to be illustrative of the invention and non-limiting and it will be understood by persons skilled in the art that other variants and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims appended hereto.

Claims

1. An active exercise apparatus comprising:
at least one support member;
a rotatable member rotatably connected to each support member, the rotatable member having an engagement member for engaging a distal portion of a limb of a user; and an actuator drivingly connected to the rotatable member to selectably rotate the rotatable member relative to the support member so that the limb of a user is moved with the rotatable member.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the rotatable member is rotatable in a plane of rotation.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the rotatable member is pivotally connected to the frame and is pivotable between a first position, in which the plane of rotation intersects a reference plane at a first angle, and a second position, in which the plane of rotation intersects the reference plane at a second, different angle.

4. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the apparatus further comprises a frame and the at least one support member is pivotally connected to the frame and is moveable between a first support position and a second support position relative to the frame.

5. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the rotatable member rotates about an axis of rotation and the engagement member is movably coupled to the rotatable member and is moveable between first radial position, in which the engagement member is disposed a first radial distance from the axis of rotation, and a second radial position, in which the engagement member is disposed at a different, second radial distance from the axis of rotation.

6. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the actuator is selectably operable to rotate the rotatable member at a first rate of rotation and at second rate of rotation that is faster than the first rate of rotation.

7. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the rotatable member is rotatable in a first direction of rotation and an opposing, second direction of rotation.

8. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the rotatable member is rotatable at least 360 degrees about the axis of rotation relative to the at least one support member.

9. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the at least one support member comprises an arm support member for engaging an arm of the user.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the first engagement member is grip that is graspable by the hand of a user.

11. The apparatus of claim 9 or 10, wherein the arm support comprises a left arm support member for engaging a left arm of the user and a right arm support member for engaging a right arm of the user.

12. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the at least one support member comprises a leg support member for engaging a leg of the user.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the leg support comprises a left leg support to engage the left leg of the user and a right leg support to engage a right leg of the user.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the rotatable member connected to left leg support and the rotatable member connected to the right leg support are independently operable.

15. The apparatus of any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the rotatable member comprises a rotatable disc coupled to the actuator and the engagement member comprises a foot support for receiving a foot of the user.

16. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 15, further comprising a controller linked to the actuator to selectably control the rotation of the rotatable member.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the controller is configurable to receive a user input and to trigger the actuator based on the user input.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the controller is operable to impose a delay between the receipt of the user input and the triggering of the actuator.

19. An active exercise apparatus comprising:
at least one sleeve for receiving a digit of a user, the sleeve being curlable in a direction of flexure of the digit of a user between a first position and a second position so that the digit of a user can curl with the sleeve;
a first actuator drivingly connected to the sleeve and selectably triggerable to move the sleeve from the first position to the second position.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, further comprising a biasing means connected to the sleeve to return the sleeve to the first position.

21. The apparatus of claim 19 or 20, wherein the first actuator is operable to move the sleeve between the first and second positions.

22. The apparatus of any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein the first actuator comprises a flexible cable connected to a first side of the sleeve, the cable selectably moveable between an extended position, in which the sleeve is in the first position, and a retracted position, in which the sleeve is in the second position.

23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the cable is connected toward a distal end of the sleeve.

24. The apparatus of any one of claims 19 to 23, wherein the sleeve comprises at least one support member for engaging a distal phalanx of the digit of a user received in the sleeve.

25. The apparatus of claim 24, further comprising a distal support member positionable to engage the distal phalange of the digit, and a proximal support member positionable to engage a proximal phalange of the digit, wherein the flexible cable is connected to the distal support member and is slidable relative to the proximal support member.

26. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the proximal support member comprises a cable guide member for slidably retaining the cable.

27. The apparatus of any one of claims 19 to 26, further comprising four finger sleeves for receiving corresponding fingers of the user and a thumb sleeve for receiving the thumb of the user.

28. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the finger sleeves are curlable in a first direction, and the thumb sleeve is curlable in a different, second direction.

29. The apparatus of claim 27 or 28, wherein the first actuator is drivingly connected to the finger sleeves and further comprises a second actuator drivingly connected to the thumb sleeve.

30. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the first and second actuators are independently operable.

31. The apparatus of any one of claims 19 to 30, further comprising five toe sleeves for receiving the toes of a user, the five toe sleeves curlable in a common direction.