US20210038941A1

US20210038941A1 - Adjustable shoulder exercise device

Info

Publication number: US20210038941A1
Application number: US16/537,556
Authority: US
Inventors: Eduardo Marti
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Physiohab LLC
Priority date: 2019-08-10
Filing date: 2019-08-10
Publication date: 2021-02-11

Abstract

An adjustable shoulder exercise device which includes a frame base, a vertical frame column, at least one cross frame which extents laterally away from both sides of the frame column and an upper frame which extends laterally away from the front of the frame column. The adjustable shoulder exercise device allows total control of all active and passive motions of the shoulder, in multiple planes and using multiple kinetic chains of motion. The adjustable shoulder exercise device described herein acts as a three dimensional grid system employing the use of multiple pulley assemblies that can be positioned in a multitude of heights and lateral positions to allow movements to be performed from all angles relative to the human shoulder. The pulley assemblies are structured to allow a user to apply reciprocating motion for the purpose of exercise through use of their opposing limbs.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a device structured to enable the performance of exercises directed at a user's shoulder joint and which allows the user to work substantially all the shoulder stabilizer and motion control muscles without assistance from another person.

Description of the Prior Art

The shoulder is the joint with the greatest amount of movement in the body. The shoulder is like a ball and socket, except that the socket is shallow which provides greater movement mechanics but less stability. Instability is a common problem and is the root of many shoulder injuries for not only young athletes but individuals of all ages. Indeed, while young athletes may often suffer from acute injuries, older individuals commonly suffer from the result of years and years of use and the muscular requirements to stabilize the shoulder. In any event, whether from injuries, overuse, or cumulative effects, shoulder conditions often become the leading cause of shoulder pain.
The shoulder moves in three axis of motion. One such motion is commonly referred to as abduction and adduction. Abduct means move away from the body and adduction toward the body. Another such motion is commonly referred to as internal and external. These can be envisioned from a starting point of one's elbow down to their side and their elbow bent at a ninety degree angle with hand facing forward. Moving the hand toward the center of your body with the elbow still at your side is internal rotation. Moving the hand away with elbow still at your side is external motion. Further, moving the elbow out to the side and while still moving the hand back and forth with it at your side is internal and external rotation in abduction. Yet another such motion is commonly referred to as transverse (or horizontal) rotation. This motion describes the act of going around the body center in a circular motion.
Over thirty muscles are involved in the shoulder complex. There are four different divisions associated with the integrated shoulder motions. These four divisions are: STERNOCLAVICLE, ACROMIOCLAVICULAR GLENOHUMERAL, and SCAPULOTHORACIC. The combination of bones, joints, articular surfaces, ligaments, tendons, muscles and nerves and blood vessels all participate in the coordination movement of the most flexible joint in the human body
For example, the shoulder girdle muscles are comprised by the levator-scapulae, serratus anterior, trapezius, rhomboids and pectoralis minor. Internal rotation requires the utilization of the rectoralis major, latissimus dorsi, anterior deltoid, teres major and subscapularis. External rotation requires the utilization of the infraspinatus and teres minor.
It is well established that exercising the muscles in and around the shoulder are critical in maintaining shoulder strength and flexibility. While there are many existing devices which try to facilitate various shoulder movements and exercises, there remains a need for an exercise device which allows total control of all active and passive motions of the shoulder, in multiple planes and using multiple kinetic chains of motion, and that can be controlled solely by the user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure provides for an adjustable shoulder exercise device, comprising: a frame base configured to allow the adjustable shoulder exercise device to stand freely when placed on a substantially flat, level surface; an elongated frame column having a bottom end and a top end, wherein the bottom end is attached to the frame base so as to extend vertically from the frame base in a perpendicular orientation relative to the surface on which the frame base is placed; an upper frame attached to the frame column at a location closer to the top end than the bottom end, wherein the upper frame is oriented on an intersecting plane relative to the plane which includes the vertically orientated frame column such that the upper frame extends outwardly relative to the frame column in a front direction; at least one cross frame member attached to the frame column at a location in between the bottom end and where the upper frame is attached to the frame column, wherein the at least one cross frame member is oriented on an intersecting plane relative to the plane which includes the vertically orientated frame column such that the upper frame extends outwardly relative to the frame column in both a first side direction and a second side direction that is one hundred and eighty degrees relative to the first side direction; and at least one pulley assembly that is selectively attachable to at least one of the upper frame and the at least one cross frame member, wherein the at least one pulley assembly is configured to facilitate reciprocating motion between two limbs of a user.
Embodiments of the adjustable shoulder exercise device may additionally include at least one roller assembly that includes a roller member that is selectively attachable to at least one of the frame column and the at least one cross frame member and, when attached to the at least one of the frame column and the at least one cross frame member, extends within a perpendicular plane relative to the plane which includes the frame column and the plane that includes the at least one cross frame member, wherein the roller assembly is operative to provide at least one of a support or an obstruction to a user's arm.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an adjustable shoulder exercise device built in accordance with a dual overhead pulley embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of an adjustable shoulder exercise device built in accordance with a dual overhead pulley embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 3a, 3b, and 3c show an adjustable shoulder exercise device built in accordance with a dual overhead pulley embodiment of the present invention being used to perform shoulder abduction.

FIGS. 4a and 4b show an adjustable shoulder exercise device built in accordance with a dual overhead pulley embodiment of the present invention being used to perform shoulder extension.

FIGS. 5a, 5b, and 5c show an adjustable shoulder exercise device built in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention being used to perform internal rotation on a vertical plane.

FIGS. 6a, 6b, and 6c show an adjustable shoulder exercise device built in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention being used to perform internal rotation on a horizontal plane.

FIGS. 7a, 7b, and 7c show an adjustable shoulder exercise device built in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention being used to perform external rotation on a vertical plane.

FIGS. 8a and 8b show an adjustable shoulder exercise device built in accordance with a dual overhead pulley embodiment of the present invention being used to perform external rotation on a horizontal plane.

FIGS. 9a, 9b, 9c, and 9d provide an side elevational view, top cross sectional view, top plan view, and side cross sectional view of the handle of an adjustable shoulder exercise device built in accordance with of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of an adjustable shoulder exercise device built in accordance with a single overhead pulley embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a side perspective view of an adjustable shoulder exercise device built in accordance with a single overhead pulley embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 12a and 12b show an adjustable shoulder exercise device built in accordance with a single overhead pulley embodiment of the present invention being used to perform a middle back exercise.

FIGS. 13a, 13b, and 13c show an adjustable shoulder exercise device built in accordance with a single overhead pulley embodiment of the present invention being used to perform a behind the head exercise.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Described herein is an adjustable shoulder exercise device which allows total control of all active and passive motions of the shoulder, in multiple planes and using multiple kinetic chains of motion, and that can be controlled solely by the user. The adjustable shoulder exercise device described herein acts as a three dimensional grid system employing the use of multiple pulley assemblies that can be positioned in a multitude of positions on the grid that will produce multiplane movements of the human shoulder. In addition, the pulley assemblies allow for a user to apply reciprocating motion for the purpose of exercise through use of their opposing limbs.
Referring now to the drawings and, in particular, FIGS. 1, 2, 3 a, 3 b, 3 c, 4 a, 4 b, 5 a, 5 b, 5 c, 6 a, 6 b, 6 c, 7 a, 7 b, 7 c, 8 a, 8 b, 9 a, 9 b, 9 c, and 9 d, a dual overhead pulley embodiment of an adjustable shoulder exercise device 100 shown having a frame base 110, a frame column 120, two cross frame members 130, and an upper frame that is embodied as a T frame member 140.
The frame base 110 may be include a lateral portion 111, an attachment sleeve 112, and a pair of base supports 113, with the base attachment sleeve 112 oriented orthogonally relative to the lateral portion 111, extending upward from the middle of the lateral portion 111, and the base supports 113 positioned at each end of the lateral portion 111, each in an orthogonal orientation relative to the lateral portion 111 running on the same plane as the lateral portion. In this regard, the lateral portion 111 and the base supports 113 combine to provide a wide bottom area which configures the adjustable shoulder exercise device 100 to be freestanding when placed on a substantially flat, level surface (such as a floor) while the base attachment sleeve 112 provides a slot in which the frame column 120 can be inserted and securely positioned in an upright, vertical position relative to the surface on which the lateral portion 111 and the base supports 113 are placed.
The frame column 120 may be defined by an elongated, linear bar that is sized such that one end can slide into and be secured to, frictionally and/or with a locking device 101 such as a lobed knob with a threaded stem (or a spring loaded smooth stem), the base attachment sleeve 112. In embodiments with such a locking device 101, the frame column 120 and the base attachment sleeve 112 may each include a threaded (or smooth if a spring loaded stem is utilized) securing hole (not shown) which align with one another when the frame column 120 is positioned in the base attachment sleeve 112 so that the threaded stem can be inserted into both holes and secure the frame column 120 is positioned in the base attachment sleeve 112.
It is contemplated that the frame column 120 may be formed from a single bar or from multiple bars which are attached together end to end.
Each cross frame member 130 is defined by an cross attachment sleeve 131 having two opposing lateral bars 132 extending outwardly therefrom. The cross attachment sleeve 131 is sized and shaped to fit over the frame column 120 and slide longitudinally thereon. The attachment sleeve 131 may be selectively fixed in place on the frame column 120 with a locking device 101 in the same manner as described with respect to the frame column 120 and base attachment sleeve 112 (including through aligning securing holes, minus any frictional fit). In this regard, the cross frame member 130 and the frame column 120 are configured so that the cross frame member 130 can be selectively fixed in place on the frame column 120.
When the cross attachment sleeve 131 is (slidably or fixedly) in place on the frame column 120, the two lateral bars 132 are positioned to extend orthogonally from each side of the frame column 120.
The adjustable shoulder exercise device 100 may consist of 2 or more cross frame members 130. The cross frame members 130 may include a series of holes used to locate pulley assemblies with respect to the frame column 120, as discussed below. Most cases a given pulley assembly will be positioned across the same cross frame member 130. In cases where cross the body motion patterns are required, however, the control pulley (as defined herein) may be located on one cross frame member 130 and the control arm pulley (as defined herein) may be located on another cross frame member 130.
The T frame member 140 may include an attachment sleeve 141, a front extension portion 142, and a front cross portion 143, with the front extension portion 142 extending orthogonally from the front of the frame column 120 and the front cross extension portion 143 attached to the distal end of the front extension portion 142 relative to the frame column 120. The attachment sleeve 141 may slidably fit over the frame column 120 and may be selectively fixed in place on the frame column 120 with a locking device 101 in the same manner as described with respect to the frame column 120 and cross attachment sleeve 131. In this regard, the T frame member 140 and the frame column 120 are configured so that the T frame member 140 can be selectively fixed in place on the frame column 120. Each of the front extension portion 142 and the front cross extension portion 143 are oriented on a parallel plane relative to the lateral portion 111 and the base supports 113, with the front extension portion 142 and the front cross extension portion 143 shaped as a capital “T” along said plane.
The size of the T frame member 140 may be adjustable by way of a telescoping operation of the front extension portion 142. The front cross extension portion 143 may include has a series of holes on the left and right side thereof. These holes are to locate the pulley assemblies used to provide forward flexion and also called abduction and adduction. Depending on the location of the control arm pulley (as defined herein) and the control motion pulley (as defined herein), a user may control the amount of abduction and adduction while performing forward flexion. The closer the two pulleys are together, the arm is raised with the elbows closer to the individuals side, farther apart the elbows are pulled away from the side as they are raised. The same applies as if the front extension portion 142 is extended out farther from the vertical post, the farther away the arm is lifted with the elbow farther away from the body.
The adjustable shoulder exercise device 100 may additionally include a plurality of pulley assemblies and a single or multiple roller assemblies. It is contemplated that the cross frame member 130, T frame member 140, and even the frame column 120 provide attachment points for the pulley assemblies and roller assemblies.
Each pulley assembly include two pulleys 150, two handle members 160, and a cord or rope 151 that extends from one handle 160, through both pulleys 150 and connects to the other handle 160. Through this interconnected design, the pulley assemblies are configured to facilitate reciprocating motion between two limbs of a user. The pulleys 150 are equipped with a swivel eye carabiner 152, and attached to that swivel eye carabiner is an eye bolt 153. The eye bolt 153 has a threaded thru knob that is designed to be attached to a hole in the cross frame member 130 or T frame member 140. As such, the pulleys 150 of a given pulley assembly modules may be selectively positioned based on the location of the holes located on the cross frame member 130 or T frame member 140. As referenced herein, a control arm pulley 150 and the control pulley 150 are determined by which pulley is used control the pulling motion and which controls the arm motion, respectively.
Each handle 160 may be comprised of four parts, functioning to provide a gripping mechanism for the patient and as a rope length adjustment mechanism. As such, each handle 160 may include a grip handle 161, an eyebolt 162, a knob 163, and a slotted insert 164.
The grip handle 161 has thru hole located in its center that provides a large enough hole to allow the rope 151 to pass through. The slotted insert 164 is disposed in the grip handle 161 with the open slot toward the center. The eyebolt 162 is disposed into the grip handle 161 with the threaded end inserted first. The threaded end passes through the slotted insert 164 such that the outside diameter of the eyebolt 162 aligns with the slot in the grip handle 161. The threaded end of the eyebolt 162 then extends out of the hole located on the closed end of the grip handle 161 and the female threaded knob 162 is threaded onto the eyebolt 162.
By aligning the eye of the eyebolt 162 and the thru hole of the grip handle 161, the rope 151 may be is inserted into the grip handle 161 and pass through the eye of the eyebolt 162 and out through the opposite side of the grip handle 161. Once adjusted to proper length the knob 162 is turned and as it is turned the rope 151 is squeezed between the end of the slot in the insert tube and the inside of the eye in the eyebolt 162. Through this design, the handle members 160 are configured to allow for adjustment of the length of the rope 151 as required by the exercise being performed and as required to anatomically fit the patient be it in a standing or sitting position, in addition to providing a grip for both hands to allow reciprocal motion between two arms.
The cross frame members 130 and T frame member 140 each allow the pulley assemblies to be attached strategically in order to produce three dimensional shoulder motions that are controlled by one individual. The adjustable cross frame members 130 can be selectively positioned along the frame column 120, which in most cases will align on a parallel plane with a user's backbone. The cross frame members 130 can be adjusted up or down to correspond to the height of the individual in either a standing or in a sitting position. Moreover, there are multiple locations on each cross frame members 130 for the pulley assemblies to be positioned to allow control of shoulder abduction, adduction, internal rotation, external rotation, horizontal abduction, horizontal adduction, forward flexion and shoulder retraction, as illustrated in the drawings. Similarly, the pulley assemblies can be set at different distances to the left and right with respect to the centrally located frame column 120 as well as up and down with respect to a floor surface.
Likewise for a single pulley assembly, the pulley 150 to the left of the frame column 120 and the pulley 150 to the right of the frame column 120 can also be located on separate cross frame members 130 to allow control of cross arm patterns that can provide multiple plane motions, such as with an arm being horizontally adducted and at the same time being elevated or reversed producing horizontal abduction and de-elevation. Similarly, the front extension portion 142 of the T frame member 140 may be telescopically adjustable so as to be moved distally or proximally from the frame column 120. The front cross portion 143 allows a pulley assembly to be positioned strategically close to or far away from the sagittal plane. The orientation of the pulleys 150 can control the degree of abduction or adduction the individual will experience as the arm is being elevated (raised) or being lowered.
A given roller assembly may include roller attachment frame 170 and a roller pad 171. A given roller attachment frame 170 may either be sized to fit over and slide longitudinally on one of the cross frame members 130 or on the frame column 120. The roller attachment frame 170 may include a locking device 101, and each of the cross frame members 130 and the frame column 120 include may include holes located thereon to allow the locking device to be used to fix the roller attachment frame 170 in place. The roller attachment frame 170 may additionally include a rigid roller spine portion over which the roller pad 171 is placed so that the roller pad 171 remains in place when a user pushes against it. The roller pad 171 may be formed of a deformable material, such as foam, and may be positioned to face in any 90 degree orientation off of the frame column 120 or one of the cross frame members 130. The roller pad 171 is used to provide support to the user's arms for some exercises and as a obstruction in other exercises wherein it restricts movement of the shoulder girdle, scapula rotation, or abduction of the arm when performing external and internal rotation. For example, in the case of an external rotation in abduction, the user's arm is abducted away from their side and allowed to rest on top of the roller pad 171, with the controlling pulley 150 (i.e., the pulley that is on the opposite side of the controlling arm) located on a cross frame member 130 at a location on the frame column 120 that will control the number of degrees the arm will rotate. If the control pulley 150 is the set above the roller pad 171 at the same length as the individuals forearm, then the arm will rotate ninety degrees.
Similarly, the roller assembly can block an unwanted motion. Blocking the collar bone from lifting while lifting the arm up is critical after an individual under goes a shoulder surgical procedure. The doctor wants the patient to regain motion in the shoulder joint, so he blocks the collar bone from lifting up while he lifts the arm upward. The adjustable shoulder exercise device 100 allows for the positioning of the roller pad 171 on top of collarbone such that when the individual pulls with the control arm, the opposite arm will be lifted up while the collarbone remain down.
Moreover, if a user has a chair very close to the frame column 120 there will be little horizontal abduction occurring. If, however, the user were to position their chair farther away from the frame column 120, then there would be some force in the rope 151 and the handle 160 would try to pull their arm back (horizontal abduction) while at the same time rotating their hand up and back. This is a specific type of motion used in throwing a baseball. This illustrates the capability of the adjustable shoulder exercise device 100 to perform kinetic motion chains used for a specific sport as many upper body sports require greater shoulder ranges of motion.
In furtherance of this, the descriptions of the exercises provided below will also describe the mechanical locations and functions of the different locations for the frames, pulley assemblies and roller assembly.
As a freestanding, adjustable device, the adjustable shoulder exercise device 100 allows a user to maintain significant control of the relative positioning of their body and of the components. In many instances, a user may align their backbone with the frame column 120. Even still, there are benefits to how close or far the user is located with respect to the frame column 120. For example, by positioning themselves farther away from the frame column 120, with the pulley assemblies located in the coronal plane with respect to the frame column 120, greater horizontal abduction or adduction can be created. Furthermore, the user can rotate so he or she will be facing the frame column 120, thereby increasing the depth of the motion with respect to the cross frame members 130. The user can also rotate him or herself or the chair they sit in at various angles to achieve kinetic motions that can simulate real life motions associated with everyday tasks or those of a skilled athlete. It is also contemplated that a user may lay prone on the floor using an exercise type mat and perform many other types of functional shoulder motions.
Because each of the pulley assemblies include handles at both ends, the motions created using the adjustable shoulder exercise device 100 are performed by the user through reciprocating motion of the opposite limbs. The one arm may operate as a non-affected control arm and provide the force required to move the handle 160 and likewise the rope 151 in a direction that produces motion at the other end of the rope 151 and thus moves the other arm (which may be the affected arm) if totally relaxed and holding the other handle 160. Alternatively the control arm may be worked if the other arm is holding the other handle 160 and providing some resistance. The control arm can exert a force through the rope 151 that the opposite arm could resist at the same force and tension would be equal in both arms producing an isometric exercise effect. In this case both arms are static. If then the user provides a greater force on the control arm then the other arm will move under load causing an eccentric type effect. The balancing act between the two arms in pulling or resisting movement is reciprocal motion.
A kinetic chain with each exercise using the shoulder circuit apparatus occurs with both arms, with the arm consisting of the shoulder joint, elbow joint, wrist, and hand joints. Although a user can use a strap to hold their hand to the handle 160, the user will still have their fingers wrapped around both handles 160. And as the user pulls with one arm on the handle 160 and rope 151, one arm is moving in one direction and the other arm is moving the opposite direction. So as the user moves the arm, the elbow joint is also bending and extending and that motion causes the shoulder joint to move and rotate in three axes. The elbow also has a radial motion component that is activated with many of the arm motions. The pronation and supination of the elbow results as you flex and extend your elbow in order to move the shoulder joint. The kinetic chain muscle memory function is being reinforced as each motion is repeated.
It is contemplated that the adjustable shoulder exercise device 100 provides specific benefits in comparison to other types of shoulder motion devices. One as mentioned above is the kinetic chain multiple joint in motion at the same time. The motions in the pulley assemblies as a result of the handle 160 and the hanging downward of the arm provides a natural distraction component for the user created and as they use their control arm to pull and to lift the opposite arm. This requires the user to contract numerous muscles to create the motion and at same time creating a distractive component in their lifting arm. Also, by moving the pulleys 150 farther away from the center of their shoulder joint, the compressive force is reduced due to the arm swinging away from the body as the arm is being lifted.
FIGS. 3a, 3b, and 3c illustrate the adjustable shoulder exercise device 100 being used to perform shoulder abduction (or forward flexion) exercise, with FIG. 3a is the starting position, FIG. 3b is the midway position, and FIG. 3c being the finished abducted position. The pulleys 150 are attached to the T frame member 140, with the pulleys 150 positioned where the user's hand should be located when their arm is raised to its finished position. For example, if the hand and arm's ending position would be directly above the patients head, then the pulleys 150 are attached to a hole in the T frame member 140 directly above the user's head (in the alternative, if it is desired to leave pulleys 150 in a set position, the user's chair may be located to provide the same effect).
With the user positioned properly and the rope's 151 length adjusted to the user in order to allow the full excursion of the user's arm and the roller assembly attached to the cross frame member 130 so that the roller pad 171 is located on top of the shoulder so the user cannot cheat and hike up his collar bone and scapula, the user will use the non-affected arm and handle 160 by pulling downward to lift the affected arm A3 up to the height prescribed. Then the user may lower the affected arm A3 slowly using the opposite handle 160 as a braking means. This exercise can also be performed in a standing position by raising the T frame member 140 higher on the frame column 120.
FIGS. 4a and 4b illustrate the adjustable shoulder exercise device 100 being used to perform a shoulder extension exercise, with FIG. 4a illustrating the starting position where the affected arm A4 is relaxed at the patients side and FIG. 4b illustrating the finished position with the affected arm A4 extended to the rear. For set up, the T frame member 140 is positioned above head height, with the pulleys 150 attached to the T frame member 140 in holes which locate the pulleys 150 where the user's hand should be located when their arm is raised to its finished position.
The user in this exercise is standing and positioned out in front of the pulleys 150 such that when the affected arm A4 is extended to the rear, the arm can be fully extended without hitting the cross frame members 130 or the pulleys 150. The user can move further forward to increase the extension range. The user can also position the shoulder with glenohumeral head offset sideways to the pulley 150 in order to create greater extension as well as greater horizontal extension, whereby the rope 151 and handle 160 retract and is forced to move back and toward the spine. Likewise if positioned with pulley 150 farther back and to the side the arm will be extended and also abducted.
The action requires the user to grasp the handle 160 with the non-affected arm and hand and begin to pull downward. The affected hand and arm A4 will begin to swing back and up.
FIGS. 5a, 5b, and 5c illustrate the adjustable shoulder exercise device 100 being used to perform a vertical internal rotation exercise. The roller assembly attached to the cross frame member 130 so that the roller pad 171 is positioned to support the patients arm at about ninety degrees of abduction while sitting in the chair. In the alternative, the roller assembly could attached to the frame column so that the roller pad 171 is more centrally located to reduce the abduction angle. The cross frame member 130 is located near the hip level while sitting in a chair. This position will pull the arm into internal rotation.
FIG. 5a illustrates the starting position, with the affected hand A5 gripping the handle 160. The hand can be palm down or the forearm can be rotated into a more comfortable position to start the exercise. Using the opposite handle, the user pulls on the handle 160 and the affected arm A5 will be pulled down towards the pulley 150 and internally rotate the shoulder. If any pain is experienced, the user would stop pulling.
FIG. 5b illustrates the affected arm A5 being internally rotated at a more advanced angle from the starting position. And FIG. 5c illustrates the finished position, wherein the user can stop pulling with the non-affected arm and bring the affected arm A5 back up into the starting position and repeat exercise; or reverse action and pull up with affected arm while providing resistance with the non-affected arm creating a resistance exercise routine. Advanced exercise can include isometric movement wherein the patient can pull up with affected arm and completely resist any movement using non-affected arm at various positions, creating the isometric effect.
FIGS. 6a, 6b, and 6c illustrate the adjustable shoulder exercise device 100 being used to perform a horizontal internal rotation exercise. The cross frame member 130 would be positioned at elbow height for a standing user. The user would then turn sideways relative to the frame column 120. For greater internal rotation, the user would move forward so that adjacent pulley 150 is located more in line with the user's side. For less rotation, the user would move away by backing farther away from the pulley 150.
FIG. 6a illustrates the user with the pulley 150 at about elbow height and a bit further forward relative to his mid-section. The user has a thumb up hand grip on the handle 160 and the roller assembly attached to the cross frame member 130 so that the roller pad 171 is in between his bicep and his rib cage. The user then applies pressure inward on foam pad roller pad 171 and pulls out of the rope 151 in the non-affected hand, causing the shoulder to rotate in toward his abdomen and creating internal rotation in an adducted position.
FIG. 6b shows the internal rotation continuing to increase, and FIG. 6c shows the completion of the internal rotation at its mechanical limit (by stepping forward, however, the user can increase the range of motion).
FIGS. 7a, 7b, and 7c illustrate the adjustable shoulder exercise device 100 being used to perform a vertical external rotation exercise. This requires the cross frame member 130 with the attached pulleys 150 to be located at about ear height for a seated user. The handles 160 are to be adjusted so that the length of the rope 151 allows the user to take their non-affected hand and push out (as shown in FIG. 7a ) on the handle 160 to causing the affected arm A7 to be lifted upward while rotating backwards, causing external rotation of the shoulder. The user then continues to pull forward on the handle 160 with the non-affected arm (as shown in FIG. 7b ), rotating the arm until they reach their limit (as shown in FIG. 7c .)
A user can also use the roller assembly attached to the frame column 120 so that the roller pad rests above their arm between the elbow and shoulder such that the angle formed between the elbow, arm pit, and hip is approximately 90 degrees.
FIGS. 8a and 8b illustrate the adjustable shoulder exercise device 100 being used to perform an external rotation on a horizontal plan exercise. This requires the cross frame member 130 with the attached pulleys 150 to be located at about elbow height for a standing user that is facing sideways relative to the frame column 120 about 20 inches away from the cross frame member 130. The roller assembly attached to the cross frame member 130 so that the roller pad 171 is contact with back of the elbow (shown in FIG. 8a ). An extra roller pad 171 a that is not attached to a roller assembly may be tucked under the affected arm A8 between the rib cage and the medial side of the bicep. With affected arm A8 down to the user's side and their forearm and hand facing to the front, the user grasps the handle 160, takes their non-affected arm and grasps the other handle 160, and pulls with their non-affected arm on the handle 160 and rope 151 so that the affected arm A8 will be pulled out to the side toward the pulley 150. This action begins to rotate the affected arm A8 into external rotation (shown in FIG. 8b ). The user may then continue to pull with the non-affected arm until they reach their limit.
Referring now to the drawings and, in particular, FIGS. 10, 11, 12 a, 12 b, 13 a, 13 b, and 13 c, a single overhead pulley embodiment of an adjustable shoulder exercise device 200 shown having a frame base 210, a frame column 220, one or multiple cross frame members 230, and an upper frame that is embodied as an overhead frame member 240.
The frame base 210, frame column 220, and cross frame member(s) 230 of the single overhead pulley embodiment of an adjustable shoulder exercise device 200 are structured and arranged similar to the frame base, frame column, and cross frame member(s) of the dual overhead pulley embodiment of an adjustable shoulder exercise device described above, respectively. The single overhead pulley embodiment of an adjustable shoulder exercise device 200 may also operate with analogs of the pulley assemblies and roller assemblies described with reference to the dual overhead pulley embodiment of an adjustable shoulder exercise device.
The overhead frame member 240 may include an attachment sleeve 241 and a front extension portion 242, which may be designed similar to how the attachment sleeve and front extension portion are in the dual overhead pulley embodiment of an adjustable shoulder exercise device. In the single overhead pulley embodiment of an adjustable shoulder exercise device 200, however, there is no corresponding portion to the front cross portion in the dual overhead pulley embodiment of an adjustable shoulder exercise device. Moreover, the front extension portion 242 may include holes to which a single pulley assembly 250 can be attached. The single pulley assembly 250 is structured similar to the pulley assemblies of the dual overhead pulley embodiment of an adjustable shoulder exercise device, except that they only include a single pulley (instead of two).
It is contemplated that the dual overhead pulley embodiment of an adjustable shoulder exercise device may be convertible to the single overhead pulley embodiment of an adjustable shoulder exercise device, or vice versa, by changing out the upper frame.
FIGS. 12a and 12b illustrate the adjustable shoulder exercise device 200 being used to perform a middle back exercise. The single pulley assembly 250 is attached to the overhead frame member 240, and the height of the overhead frame member 240 is adjusted so that the single pulley assembly 250 is above the user's head. The user then stands under the single pulley assembly 250 so that it aligns with the center of their back. The user the stands facing the frame column 220 and lowers the handle on the affected arm A12 side so that they can hang their arm down to their side and then move their hand behind the buttock. The user then reaches up with the opposite hand and grabs the other handle. Now the user pulls down slowly with the opposite hand. As they pull down, the affected hand and arm A12 will rotate up as if they are scratching their back.
The user may then pause and hold when they feel uncomfortable (as shown in FIG. 12b ), and then continue to pull down on the handle. Once their mechanical limit is reached, they can lower the affected arm A12 back down and repeat.
FIGS. 13a, 13b, and 13c illustrate the adjustable shoulder exercise device 200 being used to perform a behind the head exercise. The single pulley assembly 250 is attached to the overhead frame member 240, and the height of the overhead frame member 240 is so that the single pulley assembly 250 is above the user's head. Then, the user stands with their back facing the frame column 220, slightly in further than single pulley assembly 250 from the frame column 220. The user may start in the position shown in FIG. 13b , grabbing each handle with a hand. The user then pulls downward with the hand that will provide the energy to move their affected arm A13 and hand up and behind their head as though you are going to comb your hair (shown in FIG. 13a ). Then, the user reverses directions and move the opposite hand up and behind the head (shown in FIG. 13c ).
In any embodiment, the adjustable shoulder exercise device may be used to turn exercises into resistance training. This is because the adjustable shoulder exercise device can duplicate the rehabilitation techniques used by expensive isotonic and isometric machines.
The previous exercises taught the way to passively move the shoulder joint using one arm (motor) to generate the energy (force) to move the affected arm in a non-resistive state. By simply providing some resistance with the affected hand and arm and providing more force with the motor arm to cause the affected arm to move while resisting, you are creating an eccentric exercise.
In order to do an isometric exercise, pull with the motor arm and resist the movement with the affected arm such that both arms are pulling and resisting at the same force. No movement of either arm takes place thus you have created an isometric exercise. Holding that static position for about 10 seconds you can then relax both arms and move to a new position and again applying equal force with each arm at new location you are building strength at various positions in the range of motion for each exercise.
To do an isotonic type exercise, resist with the non-affected arm and pull with the affected arm through the range of motion described by the exercise shown in FIGS. 3-8.
The instant invention has been shown and described herein in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made therefrom within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An adjustable shoulder exercise device, comprising:

a frame base configured to allow the adjustable shoulder exercise device to stand freely when placed on a substantially flat, level surface;

an elongated frame column having a bottom end and a top end, wherein the bottom end is attached to the frame base so as to extend vertically from the frame base in a perpendicular orientation relative to the surface on which the frame base is placed;

an upper frame attached to the frame column at a location closer to the top end than the bottom end, wherein the upper frame is oriented on an intersecting plane relative to the plane which includes the vertically orientated frame column such that the upper frame extends outwardly relative to the frame column in a front direction;

at least one cross frame member attached to the frame column at a location in between the bottom end and where the upper frame is attached to the frame column, wherein the at least one cross frame member is oriented on an intersecting plane relative to the plane which includes the vertically orientated frame column such that the upper frame extends outwardly relative to the frame column in both a first side direction and a second side direction that is one hundred and eighty degrees relative to the first side direction; and

at least one pulley assembly that is selectively attachable to at least one of the upper frame and the at least one cross frame member, wherein the at least one pulley assembly is configured to facilitate reciprocating motion between two limbs of a user.

2. The adjustable shoulder exercise device of claim 1, additionally comprising at least one roller assembly that includes a roller member that is selectively attachable to at least one of the frame column and the at least one cross frame member and, when attached to the at least one of the frame column and the at least one cross frame member, extends within a perpendicular plane relative to the plane which includes the frame column and the plane that includes the at least one cross frame member, wherein the roller assembly is operative to provide at least one of a support or an obstruction to a user's arm.

3. The adjustable shoulder exercise device of claim 2, wherein the roller member is defined by a roller pad.

4. The adjustable shoulder exercise device of claim 1, wherein the front direction is perpendicular to the first side direction and the second side direction.

5. The adjustable shoulder exercise device of claim 1, wherein the upper frame is slidably attached to the frame column.

6. The adjustable shoulder exercise device of claim 1, wherein:

the upper frame and the frame column are configured so that the upper frame can be selectively fixed in place on the frame column; and

wherein the at least one cross frame member and the frame column are configured so that the at least one cross frame member can be selectively fixed in place on the frame column.

7. The adjustable shoulder exercise device of claim 1, wherein the upper frame attached to the frame column at a location adjacent to the top end.

8. The adjustable shoulder exercise device of claim 1, wherein the upper frame extends outwardly within a perpendicular plane relative to the plane which includes the vertically orientated frame column.

9. The adjustable shoulder exercise device of claim 1, wherein the at least one cross frame member is slidably attached to the frame column.

10. The adjustable shoulder exercise device of claim 1, wherein the upper frame is defined by a T frame member which includes as a portion shaped as a capital “T” that extends outwardly relative to the frame column in the front direction.

11. The adjustable shoulder exercise device of claim 1, wherein the at least one cross frame member extends outwardly within a perpendicular plane relative to the plane which includes the vertically orientated frame column.

12. An adjustable shoulder exercise device, comprising:

an upper frame slidably attached to the frame column at a location closer to the top end than the bottom end, wherein the upper frame is oriented within an intersecting plane relative to the plane which includes the vertically orientated frame column such that the upper frame extends outwardly relative to the frame column in a front direction;

at least one cross frame member slidably attached to the frame column at a location in between the bottom end and where the upper frame is attached to the frame column, wherein the at least one cross frame member is oriented within an intersecting plane relative to the plane which includes the vertically orientated frame column such that the upper frame extends outwardly relative to the frame column in both a first side direction and a second side direction that is one hundred and eighty degrees relative to the first side direction;

wherein the front direction is perpendicular to the first side direction and the second side direction;

at least one pulley assembly that is selectively attachable to at least one of the upper frame and the at least one cross frame member, wherein the at least one pulley assembly is configured to facilitate reciprocating motion between two limbs of a user; and

at least one roller assembly that includes a roller member that is selectively attachable to at least one of the frame column and the at least one cross frame member and, when attached to the at least one of the frame column and the at least one cross frame member, extends within a perpendicular plane relative to the plane which includes the frame column and the plane that includes the at least one cross frame member, wherein the roller assembly is operative to provide at least one of a support or an obstruction to a user's arm.

13. The adjustable shoulder exercise device of claim 12, wherein the roller member is defined by a roller pad.

14. The adjustable shoulder exercise device of claim 12, wherein:

15. The adjustable shoulder exercise device of claim 12, wherein the upper frame attached to the frame column at a location adjacent to the top end.

16. The adjustable shoulder exercise device of claim 12, wherein the upper frame extends outwardly within a perpendicular plane relative to the plane which includes the vertically orientated frame column.

17. The adjustable shoulder exercise device of claim 12, wherein the upper frame is defined by a T frame member which includes as a portion shaped as a capital “T” that extends outwardly relative to the frame column in the front direction.

18. The adjustable shoulder exercise device of claim 1, wherein the at least one cross frame member extends outwardly within a perpendicular plane relative to the plane which includes the vertically orientated frame column.

19. An adjustable shoulder exercise device, comprising:

an upper frame slidably attached to the frame column at a location adjacent to the top end, wherein the upper frame is oriented within a perpendicular plane relative to the plane which includes the vertically orientated frame column such that the upper frame extends outwardly relative to the frame column in a front direction;

wherein the upper frame and the frame column are configured so that the upper frame can be selectively fixed in place on the frame column;

at least one cross frame member slidably attached to the frame column at a location in between the bottom end and where the upper frame is attached to the frame column, wherein the at least one cross frame member is oriented within a perpendicular plane relative to the plane which includes the vertically orientated frame column such that the upper frame extends outwardly relative to the frame column in both a first side direction and a second side direction that is one hundred and eighty degrees relative to the first side direction;

wherein the at least one cross frame member and the frame column are configured so that the at least one cross frame member can be selectively fixed in place on the frame column;

at least one roller assembly that includes a roller pad that is selectively attachable to at least one of the frame column and the at least one cross frame member and, when attached to the at least one of the frame column and the at least one cross frame member, extends within a perpendicular plane relative to the plane which includes the frame column and the plane that includes the at least one cross frame member, wherein the roller assembly is operative to provide at least one of a support or an obstruction to a user's arm.

20. The adjustable shoulder exercise device of claim 19, wherein the upper frame is defined by a T frame member which includes as a portion shaped as a capital “T” that extends outwardly relative to the frame column in the front direction.