EP0155629B1 - Appareil d'exercices portable à utilisations multiples - Google Patents

Appareil d'exercices portable à utilisations multiples Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0155629B1
EP0155629B1 EP19850102829 EP85102829A EP0155629B1 EP 0155629 B1 EP0155629 B1 EP 0155629B1 EP 19850102829 EP19850102829 EP 19850102829 EP 85102829 A EP85102829 A EP 85102829A EP 0155629 B1 EP0155629 B1 EP 0155629B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
tube
slide
exercise apparatus
user
exercise
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired
Application number
EP19850102829
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP0155629A1 (fr
Inventor
Andrew J. Van Noord
Ernest M. Mattox
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
PORTABLE ISOKINETICS Inc
Original Assignee
PORTABLE ISOKINETICS Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US06/588,755 external-priority patent/US4580778A/en
Priority claimed from US06/599,549 external-priority patent/US4569519A/en
Priority claimed from US06/603,409 external-priority patent/US4641832A/en
Priority claimed from US06/688,706 external-priority patent/US4632393A/en
Application filed by PORTABLE ISOKINETICS Inc filed Critical PORTABLE ISOKINETICS Inc
Publication of EP0155629A1 publication Critical patent/EP0155629A1/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0155629B1 publication Critical patent/EP0155629B1/fr
Expired legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
    • A63B21/012—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using frictional force-resisters

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a portable exercising apparatus according to the generic part of claim 1.
  • 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 pre-set 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.
  • isokinetic exercising equipment examples include US-A-4,249,725. More recently, a new isokinetic exercise device has the form of a cane, which is relatively portable and capable of movement from location to location. This device is particularly advantageous for handicapped individuals.
  • the cane provides substantial advantages over other known exercising equipment, the number and variety of different exercises that can be performed for muscle/skeletal groups in a particular body region is limited.
  • the variety of exercises available for muscle/skeletal groups in the shoulder region is limited when the user must 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 partially 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 pivotally 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 pivotally coupled to a pair of tubular bars extending downwardly from the base support.
  • a slide is friction-mounted on the bar, and includes a saddle assembly for securing a patient's 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.
  • 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 for exerting forces against the structure by using back and abdomen muscles.
  • exercising apparatus is not only adapted for exercising of various muscles/skeletal groups, but also includes devices to measure forces exerted by the user during exercise.
  • One type of exercising device employing a force measuring mechanism is disclosed in US-A-3,971,255.
  • an exercise bar having a sleeve mounted to an elongated tube and slidable with respect to the tube.
  • Bushings within the tube provide a friction slide between the sleeve and the tube, and handles are provided on the sleeve and at one end of the tube.
  • Resistance 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 end of the sleeve and an internal bushing.
  • a gauge mounted on the sleeve indicates the amount of force applied by the user.
  • US-A-3,921,255 describes this mechanism as measuring instantaneous forces applied by the user, the mechanism is not a true force-measuring mechanism during movement of the sleeve with respect to the tube.
  • This mechanism can be characterized as an "isotonic" device in that during movement of the sleeve the device presents an unchanging resistance to forces exerted by the user.
  • the object to be solved by the invention is to provide an apparatus which has an "isokinetic" characteristic in that the resistance is proportional to the forces applied by the user.
  • a portable exercise apparatus to exercise various muscle groups includes an exercise bar assembly comprising 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.
  • 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 and tube to neutral positions.
  • the means of providing frictional resistance to relative sliding movement between the slide member and tube includes means for providing a varying kinematic resistance to the sliding movement.
  • the amount of frictional resistance during movement is dependent on the magnitude of force applied to the bar assembly by the user.
  • the force-measuring means further comprises a rotatable force indicator and a rack and pinion assembly comprising a gear mounted to the tube and coupled to the rotatable force indicator.
  • a rack is coupled to the reactive member within the elongated tube and is engagable with the gear.
  • the reactive member includes an elongated member partially received within the tube and secured to the rack.
  • the gear includes a pinion gear mounted to the tube and rotatably engaged with the rack.
  • the resilient biasing means includes compression spring means mounted to the tube to exert increasing resistance to relative movement of the tube and reactive member.
  • the force-measuring means includes spring cup means to allow sliding movement between the spring cup means and tube to support the rack and one end of the compression spring means.
  • the compression spring means includes first and second compression springs within the tube. Axial movement between the reactive member and tube in one direction causes compression of the first compression spring, and axial movement in the other direction causes compression of the second compression spring.
  • the force-measuring means includes a spring cup slidably positioned within the tube, and the rack is mounted to the spring cup with the first compression spring extending axially within the tube and secured at one end to the spring cup.
  • a slide rod extends axially through the spring cup at least partially through the tube and is secured at one end to the reactive member.
  • the force-measuring means includes a dial face mounted on the tube and visible to the user.
  • a pointer is rotatably mounted on the dial face to visually indicate applied forces.
  • Means are provided to adjustably limit relative movement between the slide member and the tube.
  • the means includes rings slidably mounted on the tube on each side of the slide member. The slide member can be limited to movement along the entire length of the tube down to no movement at selected positions along the tube for isometric strength testing and isometric exercise. Lubrication rings on the tube can decrease frictional resistance to axial movement between the slide member and tube.
  • the apparatus For muscle groups in the shoulder regions, the apparatus includes a portable structural frame to provide a fixed base support, and body-positioning means to position one portion of a user's body.
  • Means mount a first end of the tube to the frame, and body-engaging means on the slide member or body-positioning means restrain movement of a user body member with respect to the slide member or body-positioning means during axial movement of the slide member on the tube.
  • the frame and body-positioning means provide a reactive relationship to axial movement of the slide member on the tube.
  • the body-engaging means includes means to selectively connect to different frame portions.
  • the tube mounting means includes means to pivotably connect the tube to the frame.
  • the body-engaging means can be mounted to receive one of the user's legs to restrain leg movement during axial movement of the slide member on the tube.
  • the body-positioning means can include a cushion on which the user may sit or lie in a prone position
  • the body-engaging means can include a U-shaped saddle mounted to the slide member, with means mounted to the saddle to releasably retain the leg within the saddle.
  • the apparatus can include elongated means connected to the frame to offset the location of the tube from the frame. Means are connected to a second end of the elongated means to pivotably mount the first end of the tube to the elongated means.
  • the elongated means includes a pair of tubular bars, each having one end connected to the frame and another end located downwardly from the frame and connected to the pivotable mounting means.
  • the apparatus For exercising muscle groups in the wrist, lower leg and ankle regions, the apparatus includes a slide-actuating member rotatably mounted to a portable structural frame and coupled to the slide member to translate rotational movement of the slide-actuating member to linear motion of the slide member on the tube. The user moves the slide member along the tube by rotation of the slide-actuating member.
  • Pedal means can be mounted to the slide-actuating member and are operable by rotation of an ankle of the user.
  • Crank means releasably mountable to the slide-actuating member allow the user to move the slide member by wrist rotation.
  • Handle means releasably securable to the slide-actuating member allow the user to move the slide member by axial arm rotation.
  • the apparatus can also include a goniometer mounted to the slide-actuating member to indicate the degree of rotation of the slide-actuating member.
  • the apparatus can include force-applying means for selectively bearing against the user's upper frontal region, back or upper legs, or to be releasably gripped by the user to exert axially-directed forces on the tube relative to the slide member.
  • the force-applying means includes releasably secured strap means so that the user can move the tube through the slide member by exerting forces against the strap means through his or her back.
  • the force-applying means can include handgrips.
  • 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.
  • apparatus 10 includes an elongated outer tube 12 preferably constructed of a lightweight but durable metal.
  • a pair of adjustable control rings 14 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.
  • a power slide 16 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 slidable 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.
  • sleeve 18 of power slide 16 comprises a tubular member 100 concentric 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 frictionless bushings 104 and 106.
  • Bushings 104 and 106 are maintained on member 100 through connecting means, such as set screws, staking or adhesive connections.
  • Slide handle 20 comprises a tubular handle 108 secured to member 100 by rigid means such as welds.
  • handle 108 can be releasably secured to member 100.
  • a rubber covering 110 is bonded to handle 108 to provide a firm gripping surface.
  • a pair of brake mechanisms 112 are mounted within member 100 adjacent frictionless bushings 104 and 106, and in abutting relationship with corresponding shoulders 102.
  • Brake mechanisms 112 each comprise an elongated annular bushing, preferably made of plastic and having an internal ramped or conical surface 114.
  • a pair of rubber O-rings 116 are slidably 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 synthetic rubbery material can be used for O-rings 116.
  • 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 gripping surface.
  • frictional resistance between 0-ring 116 on the right and tube 12 causes right-side O-ring 116 to ride up on corresponding and adjacent ramp surface 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 right-side 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.
  • sleeve 18 provides a varying kinematic 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.
  • 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 surface 114 of corresponding brake mechanism 112, little or no frictional resistance is applied by left-side 0-ring 116 on tube 12. However, movement of sleeve 18 to the left as viewed in Figure 4 will cause left-side 0-ring 116 to ride up on ramp surface 114 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. Although Figure 4 depicts a particular friction mounting between power slide 16 and tube 12, other types of friction mounting arrangements can be employed with apparatus 10.
  • an end handle 22 comprising a hand grip 23 constructed of a rubber covering or other means to provide a firm gripping surface.
  • Hand grip 23 is coupled to a handle rod 24 through an attached bracket 25.
  • force-measuring mechanism 26 mounted to tube 12 adjacent end handle 22 is a force-measuring mechanism 26.
  • 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 40 secured to the bottom of gauge housing 28 and one of two straight brackets 42 through screws 44.
  • housing 28 is directly mounted to tube 12 by screws 44 connected through a second one of brackets 42.
  • dial face 32 Mounted within housing 28 is a dial face 32 having spaced apart markings to provide a visual indication of forces exerted by the user.
  • dial pointer 34 Rotatably mounted immediately above dial face 32 is a dial pointer 34.
  • 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.
  • a stop and guide block 54 is mounted in the end of tube 12 adjacent to end handle 22.
  • Handle rod 24 extends inwardly from end handle 22 into tube 12 through the guide block 54.
  • 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 supported by a stationary guide block 74 rigidly secured to tube 12 through screws 76.
  • Spring cup 60 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 stationary 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.
  • a compression spring 72 mounted within slot 70 and extending outwardly around slide rod 56 to guide block 74.
  • a second compression spring 82 Bearing against the opposing surface of guide block 74 from compression spring 72 is a second compression spring 82.
  • Compression spring 82 is also positioned around the radial surface of slide rod 56 and supported at opposing ends by guide block 74 and washer 78 fixed in stationary position relative to slide rod 56 by a roll pin 80 or similar securing means.
  • An additional pointer (not shown) can be rotatably 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.
  • dial pointer 34 can move the additional pointer in one direction as forces 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.
  • the magnitude of 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.
  • resistance can be increased by removing lubrication from the outer surface of tube 12, and variable resistance can be provided over a particular range of motion by selectively lubricating or removing lubrication from various portions of tube 12.
  • rings 14 provide a means for limiting the range of motion of sleeve 18 relative to tube 12.
  • 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.
  • apparatus 10 provides an exercise involving ankle plantar flexion.
  • 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.
  • rotation of the patient's heel from the floor surface will provide an exercise for ankle plantar flexion.
  • patient 90 should rotate the heel through a 40° range of motion to obtain full plantar flexion.
  • Figure 6 depicts an exercise for shoulder therapy involving scapular abduction and outward rotation.
  • Patient 90 maintains a standing, sitting, or prone position.
  • 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 positioned 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 12 away from handle 22.
  • movement of power slide 16 results in tube 12 moving toward the right away from handle 22.
  • compression spring 82 is increasingly compressed as guide block 74 moves toward washer 78.
  • Figure 7 depicts an exercise for scapula elevation.
  • Patient 90 remains in a standing or sitting position 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.
  • power slide 16 In an initial position, power slide 16 is positioned so that the patient's arm extending adjacent to tube 12 is in a fully extended position.
  • Scapula elevation 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.
  • power slide 16 moves toward handle 22 similar to that described with respect to Figure 5.
  • Patient 90 maintains a standing 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 horizontal plane, with the patient's arm gripping power slide 16 in a downwardly-extending position.
  • handle 22 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 flexion of the shoulder.
  • FIG. 9 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.
  • tube 12 is initially maintained in a horizontal plane but extends rearwardly.
  • 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 provided by moving the arm through an arc of up to 90° from the initial vertical position.
  • FIG. 10 An exercise providing shoulder horizontal abduction is depicted in Figure 10.
  • Patient 90 maintains a standing position and grips handle 22 with one hand adjacent the abdominal area. The hand of the other arm grips the handle 20 so that the patient's arm is fully extended and power slide 16 is adjacent the hip.
  • tube 12 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.
  • FIG. 11 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 standing 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 tube 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.
  • power slide 16 is moved toward handle 22. This exercise provides lateral and medial rotation of the shoulder.
  • FIG. 12 An exercise for shoulder flexion involving pectoralis 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 stationary board 92 is positioned rearward of the patient's head and utilized to rigidly secure end handle 22. Connection between handle 22 and board 92 can be made by any conventional connecting means. End handle 22 is secured 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 16 with both hands. With patient 90 maintaining his or her torso in a substantially 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, while movement of power slide 16 toward handle 22 will cause greater arm flexure.
  • This exercise provides flexure of a variety of shoulder-associated muscles, including the pectoralis major and deltoid muscles.
  • One configuration to exercise the deltoid, pectoralis major and abdomen muscles can be achieved by having the patient 90 maintain 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. After 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.
  • the means for converting relative linear motion between tube 12 and rod 56 can be a friction drive mechanism or a cable wheel mechanism.
  • a friction drive a wheel with an outer rubber surface would replace pinion gear 52 and a friction surface would replace rack teeth 64.
  • a pulley wheel would replace pinion gear and a cable would be would 360° around the pulley. The ends of the cable would be secured to ends of spring cup 60 and rack teeth 64 would be eliminated.
  • 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 grouping.
  • Known exercise equipment typically requires separate and distinct equipment components for different exercises associated with different muscle/skeletal groupings.
  • the principal components of 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 specific muscle/skeletal groups.
  • 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.
  • 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 members 206.
  • a saddle assembly 208 includes a short stem 209 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.
  • the bar assembly 216 includes an end handle 220 connected to the rectangular bracket 202 through a clevis assembly comprising a pair of flanges 218 so that the angle assembly 216 relative to the plane of bracket 202 is adjustable.
  • bar assembly 216 includes an elongated outer tube 12.
  • 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 24 received within tube 12.
  • Handle rod 24 is slidably interconnected to the outer tube 12 and force measurement mechanism 26 in a manner similar to like numbered components of apparatus 10.
  • FIG. 16 An exercise for lateral and medial rotation is shown 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 patient's upper arm is disposed downwardly and the elbow is bent at a 90° angle, with the patient's forearm extending laterally from the side.
  • the forearm With patient 90 gripping power slide 16 as shown in Figure 16, the forearm is rotated forward, thereby moving power slide 16 toward end handle 220.
  • the forearm is rotated and forward and backward through a 90° range of motion.
  • FIG. 17 An exercise for elbow flexion 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, thereby alternately bending and straightening the patient's elbow.
  • power slide 16 is moved so that the angle of the forearm ranges from 0° to 160°.
  • Apparatus 200 can also be used for other types of exercises, depending upon the particular rehabilitative needs of the patient.
  • Principal components of apparatus 10 can also be employed with other structures similar to shoulder exercise apparatus 200 but adapted for a variety of exercises for other muscle/skeletal groups.
  • hip joint exercising apparatus 300 depicted in Figures 18-20 is suited for exercise of muscle groups surrounding the hip joint regions.
  • 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 pivotably secure an exercise bar assembly 312. Exercise bar assembly 312 comprises components functionally similar to exercise apparatus 10. Bar assembly 312 is connected 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 adjustably pivotable 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.
  • the bar assembly 312 includes an elongated 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.
  • a power slide 16 comprising a sleeve 18 friction mounted on tube 12.
  • a leg saddle assembly 326 is releasably 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 releasably 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.
  • control rings 14 and lubrication rings 15 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 20.
  • 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 positioned at an opposing end of tube 12 relative to an external handle assembly.
  • 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.
  • mounted within the gauge housing 28 and maintained stationary relative thereto can be a dial face having spaced apart marks to provide a visual indication of forces exerted by the patient during use of apparatus 300.
  • rotatably mounted immediately in front of 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 of the dial pointer in front of the dial face, and the mounting of 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 of externally exerted forces.
  • a pinion gear 52 rigidly mounted to the shaft 50 is a pinion gear 52 having a series of gear teeth 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.
  • hip joint exercising apparatus 300 employs a force measuring mechanism 26 which is positioned at an opposing end of tube 12 relative to the external handle assembly.
  • 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 of 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 58.
  • Slide rod 56 extends through the axial length of tube 12, is centrally positioned therein, and supported by a stationary guide block 74 rigidly secured to tube 12 through screws 76.
  • a spring cup 60 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.
  • Slide rod 56 is secured in a stationary position 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.
  • a first compression spring 72 mounted within slot 70 and extending outwardly around rod 56 to guide block 74.
  • a second compression spring 82 Located on the opposing surface of guide block 74 from first compression spring 72 is a second compression spring 82.
  • Second compression spring 82 is also positioned around the radial surface of 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.
  • handle rod 324 and slide rod 56 remain stationary except for pivotable movement relative to the plane of cushion 304.
  • tube 12 will move to the right as viewed in Figure 20.
  • 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.
  • first compression spring 72 is increasingly compressed as the axial distance between guide blocks 74 and spring cup 60 is decreased.
  • 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 is proportional to the frictional force of the power slide 16 on the outer tube 12. Movement of the dial pointer is therefore be proportional to the frictional force between the power slide sleeve 18 and the outer tube 12.
  • FIG. 21 One exercise to provide hip flexion 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 handle 318.
  • FIG. 22 An exercise for hip abduction and adduction 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.
  • the leg For complete hip abduction and adduction, while precluding over- extension 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.
  • 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 flexion of the hip, patient 90 laterally rotates the hip by laterally moving the foot associated with the secured leg.
  • 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 406 at one end thereof.
  • a pair of downwardly-curved tubular bars 408 extend outwardly 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.
  • 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 exercise bar mechanism 426.
  • Exercise bar assembly 426 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 adjustably angled relative to curved bars 408 and cushion 404.
  • bar assembly 426 includes an elongated outer tube 12, control rings 14, 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 of the control rings 14.
  • a leg saddle assembly 428 is releasably 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 strap the patient's leg during exercise.
  • a power slide 16 is friction mounted on tube 12 similar to the friction mounting arrangement shown in Figure 4, with connector stem 430 substituted for handle 20. Power slide 16 therefore provides a varying kinematic resistance to movement along tube 12, with the amount of frictional resistance being dependent upon the amount of force applied to slide 16 with respect to tube 12.
  • 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 mechanism 26 taken along section lines 2-2 of Figure 25 substantially corresponds to the view of mechanism 26 of apparatus 10 as shown in Figure 2.
  • mechanism 26 of apparatus 400 is positioned 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 substantially corresponds to the view shown in Figure 20 for similar components of apparatus 300.
  • FIG. 26 An exercise employing apparatus 400 is depicted in Figure 26, with patient 90 maintaining a sitting position 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 assembly 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 flexion and extension.
  • apparatus 500 comprises a rectangularly-shaped and portable frame 502 having front and rear members 504 interconnected by perpendicular cross-members 506.
  • frame 502 Mounted to frame 502 is a saddle assembly 508 having a U-shaped saddle 510 releasably 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.
  • 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 portions of frame 502, such as the mounting arrangement shown in Figure 27 whereby saddle 510 is releasably secured to front member 504 of frame 502.
  • Handle assembly 520 Rigidly mounted to rear member 504 is a vertically disposed plate 518 having a handle assembly 520 releasably secured thereto.
  • Handle assembly 520 includes a handgrip 522 and a bracket 524 rotatably secured to plate 518.
  • handle assembly 520 includes a rotating axle 526 extending through plate 518 and secured to a pulley wheel 528.
  • the interconnection between plate 518, handle assembly 520 and pulley wheel 528 can be through any of several conventional structures so that rotation of handle assembly 520 relative to plate 518 results in corresponding rotation of pulley wheel 528.
  • 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 520.
  • Dial face 532 is rigidly mounted to plate 518, and pointer 534 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.
  • bar assembly 536 includes an elongated outer tube 12 having a force measuring mechanism 26 mounted to one end of tube 12.
  • a power slide 16 comprising a slidable sleeve 18.
  • 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.
  • the configuration 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 relative 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.
  • 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.
  • apparatus 500 also includes a pair of adjustable control rings 14 (only one being shown in Figure 28) received on tube 12 on opposing sides of power slide 16.
  • Each control ring 14 includes a thumb screw 17 threaded therein to secure the associated ring 14 in a selectively adjusted position.
  • a lubrication ring 15 is intermediate each of control rings 14 and power slide 16 .
  • 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 slidable on rear frame member 504 by means of a U-shaped slide member 546 rigidly secured to sleeve 18 and slidably 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.
  • 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.
  • 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 29A, handle assembly 520 can be removed from plate 518 and an offset handle assembly 548 can be substituted therefore. Like handle assembly 520, handle assembly 548 includes a handgrip 550 and bracket 552. However, handle assembly 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 central axis extending radially handgrip 550 and bracket 552 relative to an axis extending through offset axle 554.
  • handle assemblies 520 and 548 include handgrips 522 and 550, respectively, each of which lies in a plane perpendicular to the axis of interconnection to pulley wheel 528.
  • 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.
  • handle assembly 556 includes a bracket 560 offsetting axial handgrip 558 from an interconnected axle 562 which can be rigidly secured to pulley wheel 528.
  • Apparatus 500 is also adapted to provide exercises associated with rehabilitative therapy of muscle groups involving lower leg and ankle regions.
  • 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 vertically-disposed bracket 568 is attached to one side of base 566 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 564 to pulley wheel 528.
  • a flexible strap 572 can be attached to a buckle 574.
  • Figures 30-34 depict exercises using apparatus 500 and employing different ones of handle assemblies and the foot pedal shown in Figures 27 and 29A-29C.
  • patient 90 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.
  • 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.
  • handle assembly 556 provides wrist flexion and extension as depicted in Figure 31.
  • Patient 90 maintains a sitting position at the side of frame 502.
  • patient 90 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 releasably 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.
  • the patient 90 rotates the hand through an arc of 70°.
  • FIG. 32 Another exercise to provide wrist flexion and extension is depicted in Figure 32.
  • Patient 90 maintains the position previously described with respect to Figure 31.
  • patient 90 also utilizes offset handle assembly 548 depicted in Figure 29A with handgrip 550 initially disposed in a vertical plane.
  • Patient 90 generates a wrist flexion movement to provide exercise to the wrist muscle/skeletal group.
  • the wrist is flexed through a 90° arc.
  • Apparatus 500 is also adapted to provide exercises for the ankle region.
  • One exercise utilizing foot pedal assembly 564 provides for ankle flexion of the plantar muscle group as shown in Figure 33.
  • Patient 90 maintains a standing, sitting or prone position, with foot pedal assembly 564 employed in place of handle assembly 520.
  • the patient's foot is releasably secured on assembly 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 providing ankle flexion of the plantar muscle group.
  • To provide full ankle flexion the foot is rotated through an arc of 45°.
  • FIG 34 An exercise for lower leg rotation is 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 releasably secured in saddle assembly 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 of up to 70° for full lower leg rotation.
  • Apparatus 500 also provides other exercises, depending on the particular rehabilitative needs of the patient.
  • Apparatus 600 includes a rectangular base 602 and a mounted cushion 604.
  • Base 602 can be positioned 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.
  • a pair of tubular bars 608 are rigidly mounted to an upper surface of base 602 by suitable connecting means, such as the nut and bolt assemblies 610.
  • Tubular bars 608 extend outwardly and upwardly from rectangular base 602, with reinforcing plate 612 interconnecting the bars 608 to provide suitable 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 618 for selectively strapping and securing either or both of the patient's legs by means of leg straps 614.
  • a crossbar 620 is pivotably 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 10, bar assembly 624 includes an elongated outer tube 12.
  • Control rings 14 and lubrication rings 15 of apparatus 600 are structurally and functionally identical to control rings 14 and lubrication rings 15 of apparatus 10 previously described herein.
  • Friction mounting between sleeve 18 and tube 12 of apparatus 600 can be substantially structurally and functionally identical to the friction mounting between sleeve 18 and tube 12 of apparatus 10 as shown in Figure 4, but with slide handle 20 removed.
  • a handle 626 Positioned at one end of bar assembly 624 is a handle 626 comprising a pair of handgrips 628 constructed of a rubber covering or other suitable means to provide a firm gripping surface. Handgrips 628 are received on opposing ends of an elongated bar 630. Rigidly secured to the central portion of elongated bar 630 is a handle rod 632 slidably 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 supporting 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 locks 642. Hook locks 642 are securable to holes 644 in the ends of elongated bar630. 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. Supporting strap 638 can also be used around the knee region during an exercise wherein the patient is in a supine position.
  • Force measuring mechanism 26 mounteded to tube 12 adjacentthe 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 functionally 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 measuring mechanism 26 can be substantially structurally and functionally identical to the interconnection of handle rod 24, 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.
  • FIG. 36 An exercise using apparatus 600 is depicted in Figure 36.
  • Patient 90 maintains a seated upright position on cushion 604 with the legs secured within leg straps 614 and extending downwardly with the knees bent 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 12 rearward relative to sleeve 18.
  • tube 12 is reciprocally moved through sleeve 18 by rotational movement of the upper body with respect to the seat.
  • FIG. 37 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 supporting 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 relative to sleeve 18.
  • tube 12 is reciprocally moved through sleeve 18 by rotational movement of the user's upper leg region with respect to his or her seat.
  • the afore-described exercise will involve the various muscle groups of the back and abdomen, and can also strengthen muscles in the upper leg.
  • 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 Figure36. However, with patient 90 in the supine position, muscle groups in the back and abdomen can be exercised without weight loading on the spine.
  • FIG. 38 Another exercise using apparatus 600 is depicted in Figure 38.
  • Patient 90 maintains a seated upright position on cushion 604 with the legs secured within straps 614 and extending downwardly with knees bent at approximately a 90° angle.
  • Patient 90 maintains a position with his or her arms extended outwardly in a straight configuration.
  • Patient 90 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.
  • 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.
  • FIG 39 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 626 with the palms of the hands in either a forward or rearward direction. In Figure 39, the palms are facing rearward.
  • Patient90 then exerts pushing or pulling forces on tube 12 by exerting forces through handle 626.
  • 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 pivotable coupling of crossbar 620 to bars 608 provides a means for adjustment of the position and angle of exercise bar assembly 624 relative to cushion 604 to accommodate patients of 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.
  • positioning of the force measuring mechanism 26 can be moved to various locations relative to tube 12.

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Claims (22)

1. Appareil d'exercice portable pour une utilisation par un utilisateur en vue d'exercer une variété de groupes musculaires/osseux comportant:
- un assemblage de barre d'exercice (12, 16, 112) comprenant un tube allongé (12), un organe coulissant (16) monté sur ce tube et des moyens réalisant une résistance de friction à un mouvement de coulissement relatif entre l'organe coulissant (16) et le tube (12);
- des moyens dynamométriques (26) montés sur le tube allongé (12) pour mesurer et indiquer visuellement la force de friction entre l'organe coulissant (16) et le tube (12), les moyens dynamométriques (26) comprenant un organe réactif
(24) monté de façon à permettre un mouvement linéaire entre l'organe réactif (24) et le tube (12);
- des moyens (72, 82) rappelant élastiquement l'organe réactif (24) vers une position neutre par rapport au tube (12), ou le tube (12) vers une position neutre par rapport à l'organe réactif (24);
caractérisé en ce que les moyens réalisant une résistance de friction au mouvement de glissement relatif entre l'organe coulissant (16) et le tube (12) comportent des moyens (112, 116) pour réaliser une résistance cinématique variable au mouvement de glissement relatif de façon que l'intensité de la résistance de friction durant ce mouvement de glissement relatif dépende de l'intensité de la force appliquée à l'assemblage de barre d'exercice (12,16,112) par l'utilisateur, et en ce que les moyens dynamométriques comportent en outre:
un indicateur de force (34) rotatif;
un assemblage de pignon et crémaillère (52, 60) comprenant un engrenage (52) couplé à l'indicateur de force rotatif (34) et monté sur le tube allongé (12), et une crémaillère (64) couplée à l'organe réactif (24) à l'intérieur du tube allongé et pouvant entrer en contact avec l'engrenage (52) de façon que le déplacement relatif entre le tube allongé (12) et l'organe réactif (24) soit proportionnel à l'intensité de la force appliquée à l'assemblage de barre d'exercice (12, 16, 112) par l'utilisateur et que le déplacement relatif entre le tube allongé (12) et l'organe réactif (24) soit transformé en un mouvement de rotation proportionnel de l'indicateur de mesure de la force (34) visible par l'utilisateur.
2. Appareil d'exercices portable selon la revendication 1, où:
- l'organe réactif (24) comporte un organe allongé contenu au moins en partie dans une extrémité du tube (12) et assujetti rigidement à la crémaillère (64) de l'assemblage de pignon et crémaillère (52, 60);
- l'engrenage de l'assemblage de pignon et crémaillère (52, 60) comporte un pignon (52) monté sur le tube (12) et engrenant en rotation la crémaillère (64);
- les moyens de rappel élastiques (72, 82) comportent des moyens de ressort de compression montés à l'intérieur du tube (12) pour exercer une résistance croissante au mouvement relatif entre le tube (12) et l'organe réactif (34); et
- les moyens dynamométriques (26) comportent en outre des moyens de coupelle à ressort (60) positionnés dans le tube (12) de façon à permettre un mouvement relatif entre les moyens de coupelle à ressort (60) et le tube (12), pour supporter la crémaillère et au moins une extrémité des moyens de ressort de compression.
3. Appareil d'exercices portable selon la revendication 2, où les moyens de ressort de compression (72, 82) comportent un premier et un second ressorts de compression positionnés coaxiale- ment à l'intérieur du tube (12), et où un mouvement axial relatif entre l'organe réactif (24) et le tube (12) dans une direction provoque la compression du premier ressort de compression (72), et un mouvement axial relatif entre le tube (12) et l'organe réactif (24) dans une direction opposée provoque la compression du second ressort de compression (82).
4. Appareil d'exercices portable selon la revendication 3, où les moyens dynamométriques (26) comportent en outre:
une coupelle à ressort positionnée, de façon pouvoir coulisser, dans le tube (12), la crémaillère (64) étant montée sur la coupelle à ressort (60) et le premier ressort de compression (72) s'étendant axialement dans le tube (12) et étant assujettie à une extrémité à la coupelle à ressort (60); et
une tige coulissante (56) traversant axialement la coupelle à ressort (60), au moins partiellement le tube (12) et assujettie à une extrémité à l'organe réactif (24).
5. Appareil d'exercices portable selon la revendication 1, où les moyens dynamométriques (26) comportent un cadran (32) monté sur le tube (12) et visible pour l'utilisateur, et une aiguille (34) montée, de façon à pouvoir tourner, sur le cadran (32) pour indiquer visuellement les forces appliquées sur l'organe coulissant (16) par l'utilisateur.
6. Appareil d'exercices portable selon la revendication 1, comportant en outre des moyens (14) pour limiter de façon réglable le mouvement relatif entre l'organe coulissant (16) et le tube (12), le mouvement de l'organe coulissant (16) pouvant être limité sur toute la longueur du tube (12), jusqu'à ètre nul, en des positions sélectionnées sur la longueur du tube (12) pour un test de force isométrique et/ou un exercice isométrique en toute position comprise dans la plage de mouvement de l'organe coulissant (16) sur le tube (12).
7. Appareil d'exercices selon la revendication 1, comportant en outre des bagues de lubrification (15) disposées de façon à pouvoir coulisser sur le tube allongé (12) pour réduire la résistance de friction au mouvement axial relatif entre l'organe coulissant (16) et le tube allongé (12).
8. Appareil (200) d'exercices pour les épaules comportant un appareil d'exercices selon la revendication 1 et adapté à exercer des groupes musculaires/osseux sélectionnés dans les régions des épaules, comportant en outre:
un cadre de structure portable (202) réalisant un support de base fixe lorsque l'appareil d'exercices (200) est en cours d'utilisation et ayant des moyens (210) de positionnement du corps pour positionner une partie du corps de l'utilisateur;
le tube (12) ayant une première et une seconde extrémités;
des moyens pour monter la première extrémité du tube (12) sur le cadre (202);
des moyens de contact avec le corps disposés sur l'organe coulissant (16), ou sur les moyens (210) de positionnement du corps pour retenir le mouvement d'un membre du corps de l'utilisateur par rapport à l'organe coulissant ou par rapport aux moyens de positionnement du corps, respectivement, lors du mouvement axial de l'organe coulissant (16) sur le tube (12);
de sorte que le cadre et les moyens (210) de positionnement du corps réalisent une relation réactive par rapport au mouvement axial de l'organe coulissant (16) sur le tube (12).
9. Appareil d'exercices selon la revendication 8, où:
les moyens (208) de contact avec le corps sont montés sur les moyens (210) de positionnement du corps et comportent en outre des moyens pour connecter sélectivement les moyens (208) de contact avec le corps aux différentes parties du cadre; et
les moyens (218) de montage du tube comportent des moyens pour connecter, de façon pivotante, le tube (12) au cadre (202) de façon que le tube (12) puisse pivoter par rapport au cadre (202) lorsque l'utilisateur déplace l'organe coulissant (16) par rapport au tube (12).
10. Appareil (300, 400) d'exercices pour le genou et la partie inférieure de la jambe comportant un appareil d'exercices selon la revendication 1 et adapté à exercer des groupes musculaires/ osseux sélectionnés dans les régions du genou et de la partie inférieure de la jambe, comportant en outre:
un cadre de structure (306, 402) portable réalisant un support de base fixe lorsque l'appareil d'exercices (300, 400) est en cours d'utilisation et ayant des moyens (304, 404) de positionnement du corps pour positionner une partie du corps de l'utilisateur;
le tube (12) ayant une première et seconde extrémités;
des moyens allongés (316, 408) ayant une première extrémité connectée au cadre (306, 402) pour décaler la position du tube allongé (12) à partir du cadre (306, 402);
des moyens (314, 420) connectés à la seconde extrémité des moyens allongés (316, 408) pour monter, de façon pivotante, la première extrémité du tube (12) sur les moyens allongés (316, 408);
des moyens (326, 428) de contact avec le corps montés sur l'organe coulissant (16) et adaptés à saisir une des jambes de l'utilisateur au-dessous de l'articulation du genou de façon à retenir le mouvement de cette jambe par rapport à l'organe coulissant (16) lors du mouvement axial de l'organe coulissant (16) sur le tube;
de sorte que le cadre (306, 402) et les moyens (304, 404) de positionnement du corps réalisant une relation réactive par rapport au mouvement axial de l'organe coulissant (16) sur le tube (12).
11. Appareil d'exercices selon la revendication 10, où les moyens allongés comportent une paire de barres tubulaires (408), ayant chacune une extrémité connectée au cadre (402) et une autre extrémité disposée en contrebas de celui-ci et connectée aux moyens (420) de montage pivotants.
12. Appareil (500) d'exercices pour le poignet, la partie inférieure de la jambe et la cheville selon la revendication 1, adapté à exercer des groupes musculaires/osseux sélectionnés dans les régions du poignet, de la partie inférieure de la jambe et de la cheville, comportant en outre:
un cadre de structure (502) portable réalisant un support de base fixe lorsque l'appareil (500) d'exercice est en cours d'utilisation;
le tube (12) étant monté sur le cadre (502);
un organe d'actionnement de coulissement (528) monté, de façon à pouvoir tourner, sur le cadre (502) et couplé à l'organe coulissant (16) pour transformer le mouvement de rotation de l'organe d'actionnement à coulissement (528) en un mouvement linéaire de l'organe coulissant (16) sur le tube (12);
de sorte qu'un utilisateur peut déplacer l'organe coulissant (16) le long du tube en faisant tourner l'organe d'actionnement à coulissement (528).
13. Appareil d'exercices selon la revendication 12, comportant en outre des moyens de pédale (564) montés sur l'organe d'actionnement de coulissement et mis en fonctionnement par l'utilisateur par la rotation d'une cheville de l'utilisateur.
14. Appareil d'exercices selon la revendication 12, comportant en outre des moyens de manivelle (556) montés de façon démontable, sur l'organe d'actionnement de coulissement (528) de façon que l'utilisateur puisse déplacer l'organe coulissant (16) le long du tube par la rotation d'un poignet.
15. Appareil d'exercices selon la revendication 12, comportant en outre des moyens de poignée (520, 548) assujettis, de façon démontable, à l'organe d'actionnement de coulissement (528) de façon que l'utilisateur puisse déplacer l'organe coulissant (16) le long du tube par une rotation axiale d'un bras.
16. Appareil d'exercices selon la revendication 12, comportant en outre un goniomètre (530) monté sur l'organe d'actionnement de coulissement (528) pour indiquer à l'utilisateur l'angle de rotation de l'organe d'actionnement de coulissement durant sa rotation.
17. Appareil (600) d'exercices multi-usages comportant un appareil d'exercices selon la revendication 1, adapté à exercer des groupes de musculaires/osseux sélectionnés dans les régions du dos, de l'abdomen, des épaules, des hanches, des régions de jambes et de bras, comportant en outre:
un cadre de structure (602) portable, pour réaliser un support de base fixe lorsque l'appareil (600) d'exercices est en cours d'utilisation, ayant des moyens (604) de positionnement du corps pour positionner une partie du corps de l'utilisateur;
des moyens pour monter le tube (12) sur le cadre (602); et
des moyens (628, 636, 638) d'application de force adaptés à être positionnés sélectivement par rapport à l'utilisateur de façon à porter contre la région frontale supérieure, le dos ou la partie supérieure des jambes de l'utilisateur ou à être saisis, de façon à pouvoir être relâchés, par les mains de l'utilisateur pour exercer des forces dirigées axialement sur le tube (12) par rapport à l'organe coulissant (16) en réponse aux forces exercées par l'utilisateur.
18. Appareil d'exercices selon la revendication 17, où les moyens (628, 636, 638) d'application de force comportent des moyens de sangle (638), assujettis de façon à pouvoir être détachés, de façon que l'utilisateur, tandis qu'il se maintient en position assise droite sur les moyens de positionnement du corps, puisse déplacer le tube (12) à travers l'organe coulissant (16) en exerçant des forces contre les moyens de sangle (638) par l'intermédiaire de son dos.
19. Appareil d'exercices selon la revendication 17, où les moyens d'application de force (628, 636, 638) comportent une surface plane adjacente à une extrémité du tube (12) et logée dans un plan perpendiculaire au tube (12).
20. Appareil d'exercices selon la revendication 17, où les moyens de montage (622) comportent des moyens pour monter de façon pivotante l'organe coulissant (16) sur le cadre (602) et permettent en outre au tube d'être placé à l'oblique par rapport au cadre.
21. Appareil d'exercices selon la revendication 17, où les moyens (628, 636, 638) d'application de force comportent des poignées (628) s'étendant latéralement par rapport au tube.
22. Appareil d'exercices selon la revendication 17, où les moyens (628, 636, 638) d'application de force comportent une sangle (638) qui est adaptée à être assujettie, de façon détachable, autour de la poitrine de l'utilisateur pour un mouvement du tube (12) provoqué par un mouvement de va-et- vient rotatif du haut du corps de l'utilisateur par rapport à son siège (604).
EP19850102829 1984-03-12 1985-03-12 Appareil d'exercices portable à utilisations multiples Expired EP0155629B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (12)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US06/588,755 US4580778A (en) 1984-03-12 1984-03-12 Portable exercising apparatus with force gauge
US59951384A 1984-04-12 1984-04-12
US599513 1984-04-12
US06/599,549 US4569519A (en) 1984-04-12 1984-04-12 Shoulder exercising apparatus
US60350284A 1984-04-24 1984-04-24
US603502 1984-04-24
US06/603,409 US4641832A (en) 1984-04-24 1984-04-24 Wrist/ankle exercising apparatus
US603409 1984-04-24
US06/688,706 US4632393A (en) 1985-01-04 1985-01-04 Multi-purpose exercising apparatus
US688706 1985-01-04
US599549 1990-10-17
US588755 1996-01-19

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0155629A1 EP0155629A1 (fr) 1985-09-25
EP0155629B1 true EP0155629B1 (fr) 1988-12-07

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EP19850102829 Expired EP0155629B1 (fr) 1984-03-12 1985-03-12 Appareil d'exercices portable à utilisations multiples

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EP (1) EP0155629B1 (fr)
CA (1) CA1239158A (fr)
DE (1) DE3566614D1 (fr)

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ES2587983T3 (es) * 2013-10-25 2016-10-28 Polibrixia S.R.L. Máquina de ejercicio físico
EP3311888A1 (fr) * 2016-10-18 2018-04-25 SYWOS GmbH Dispositif d'entraînement
CN109584427B (zh) * 2019-01-16 2020-10-16 湖南警察学院 一种基于人脸识别的智能门禁系统
CN109876385A (zh) * 2019-03-18 2019-06-14 大连交通大学 一种手部拉伸训练器
CN113332671B (zh) * 2021-06-15 2022-06-28 湖南第一师范学院 一种核心力量训练装置及其使用方法

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CA1239158A (fr) 1988-07-12
EP0155629A1 (fr) 1985-09-25
DE3566614D1 (en) 1989-01-12

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