US20240100379A1

US20240100379A1 - Total Home Physical Therapy Device

Info

Publication number: US20240100379A1
Application number: US18/358,132
Authority: US
Inventors: Hilda Emeruwa; Mark Creppy; Priscille Creppy
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2022-09-27
Filing date: 2023-07-25
Publication date: 2024-03-28

Abstract

The present invention relates generally to the field of exercise devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to a total home physical therapy device that can be used to perform physical therapy exercises. The device is primarily comprised of at least one handle, a body, at least one spring, and at least one ball. The handle can be held in the hand of the user such that the ball can be inflated and can be used for inner thigh strengthening exercises that can be performed in a seated or laying position.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/410,417, which was filed on Sep. 27, 2022, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of exercise devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to a total home physical therapy device primarily comprised of at least one handle, a body, at least one spring, and at least one ball. The handle can be held in the hand of the user such that the ball can be inflated and can be used for inner thigh strengthening exercises that can be performed in a seated or laying position. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.

BACKGROUND

Many individuals must rehab injuries in physical therapy. Some injuries can be rehabbed at home using specific tools. However, at-home physical therapy tools are hard to use and are uninspiring. As a result, an individual may be unmotivated to perform physical therapy.
Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for an improved physical therapy tool. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a total home physical therapy device that is easy to use and allows a user to rehab various portions of their body. In addition, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a total home physical therapy device that can be used in a plurality of rehab methods.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a total home physical therapy device. The device is primarily comprised of at least one handle, a body, at least one spring, and at least one ball. The handle can be held in the hand of the user such that the ball can be inflated and can be used for inner thigh strengthening exercises that can be performed in a seated or laying position. An additional embodiment of the device is comprised of two handles, each connected to a resistance band. The band can be attached via a strap to an arm or leg of a user to perform leg or arm strengthening exercises. The device can be disassembled and stored in a bag when not in use.
In this manner, the total home physical therapy device of the present invention accomplishes all of the foregoing objectives and provides an improved physical therapy tool that is easy to use and allows a user to rehab various portions of their body. In addition, the device can be used in a plurality of rehab methods.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a total home physical therapy device. The device is primarily comprised of at least one handle, a body, at least one spring, and at least one ball. The first end of the device is comprised of at least one handle. In one embodiment, the handle is comprised of at least one grip that allows the handle to be easily and comfortably grabbed.
The handle may be comprised of at least one threaded end. The handle connects to a first member of the body via at least one connector and at least one ring fastener that is comprised of reciprocating threads such that the ring fastener can be attached to the threaded end of the handle. The connector is preferably spherical such that the handle can rotate during use to lessen the impact on the wrist of the user grasping the handle.
The body is preferably cylindrical in shape and is comprised of at least a first member and preferably a second member positioned inside the first member. The second member can be pulled outward from the first member to increase the length of the device. The second member can then be locked into place via at least one locking fastener such as, but not limited to, a locking ring.
The second end of the device is comprised of at least one threaded connector with a plurality of male or female threads. The connector attaches to the second member and to at least one first spring connector. At least one ring fastener is comprised of a plurality of male or female threads and is secured to the threads of the threaded connector, in turn securing the threaded connector to the second member and the connector to the threaded connector. At least one spring attaches to both connectors and is covered by at least one spring wrap or housing. The end of the spring opposite the first spring connector attaches to at least one second spring connector. At least one plug stiffener attaches through the second spring connector into an opening of the ball to secure the ball the device.
The ball is preferably inflatable via at least one valve of any type known in the art. The spring allows the ball to be kicked during forward and side leg kicking exercises and return to its original position. During use, the ball can be inflated and used for inner thigh strengthening exercises that can be performed in a seated or laying position.
Accordingly, the total home physical therapy device of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it provides an improved physical therapy tool. The device is easy to use and allows a user to rehab various portions of their body. In addition, the device can be used in a plurality of rehab methods. In this manner, the total home physical therapy device overcomes the limitations of existing physical therapy tools known in the art.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a total home physical therapy device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of one potential embodiment of a total home physical therapy device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 3 illustrates an enhanced exploded view of a second end of one potential embodiment of a total home physical therapy device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a total home physical therapy device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of a pulley of one potential embodiment of a total home physical therapy device of the present invention while attached to a door in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.
As noted above, there exists a long-felt need in the art for an improved physical therapy tool. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a total home physical therapy device that is easy to use and allows a user to rehab various portions of their body. In addition, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a total home physical therapy device that can be used in a plurality of rehab methods.
The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is comprised of a total home physical therapy device primarily comprised of at least one handle, a body, at least one spring, and at least one ball. The first end of the device is comprised of at least one handle. The handle may be comprised of at least one grip that allows the handle to be easily and comfortably grabbed.
The handle may also be comprised of at least one threaded end that allows the handle to connect to a first member of the body via at least one connector and at least one ring fastener. The ring fastener is comprised of reciprocating threads such that the ring fastener can be attached to the threaded end of the handle. The connector is preferably spherical such that the handle can rotate during use to lessen impact on the wrist of the user grasping the handle.
The body is preferably cylindrical in shape and is comprised of at least a first member and preferably a second member positioned inside the first member. The second member can be pulled outward from the first member to increase the length of the device. The second member can then be locked into place via at least one locking fastener such as, but not limited to, a locking ring.
The second end of the device is comprised of at least one threaded connector with a plurality of male or female threads. The connector attaches to the second member and to at least one first spring connector. At least one ring fastener is comprised of a plurality of male or female threads and is secured to the threads of the threaded connector, in turn securing the threaded connector to the second member and the connector to the threaded connector. At least one spring attaches to both connectors and is covered by at least one spring wrap or housing. The end of the spring opposite the first spring connector attaches to at least one second spring connector. At least one plug stiffener attaches through the second spring connector into an opening of the ball to secure the ball the device.
The ball is preferably inflatable via at least one valve of any type known in the art. The spring allows the ball to be kicked during forward and side leg kicking exercises and return to its original position. During use, the ball can be inflated and used for inner thigh strengthening exercises that can be performed in a seated or laying position.
Accordingly, the total home physical therapy device of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it provides an improved physical therapy tool. The device is easy to use and allows a user to rehab various portions of their body. In addition, the device can be used in a plurality of rehab methods. In this manner, the total home physical therapy device overcomes the limitations of existing physical therapy tools known in the art.
Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a total home physical therapy device 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The device 100 is primarily comprised of at least one handle 120, a body 140, at least one spring 160, and at least one ball 170. In the preferred embodiment, all components of the device 100 are made from a rigid plastic such as, but not limited to, acrylic, polycarbonate, polyethylene, thermoplastic, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, low-density polyethylene, medium-density polyethylene, high-density polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polylactic acid, acetal, nylon, fiberglass, recycled plastic, biodegradable plastic, etc., and/or a durable metal such as, but not limited to, stainless steel, aluminum, etc.
The first end 110 of the device 100 is comprised of at least one handle 120. The handle 120 allows a user to easily hold the device 120. In one embodiment, the handle 120 is comprised of at least one grip 122. The grip may be made from a soft or hard foam material such as, but not limited to, polyurethane foam, polyester foam, ethafoam, memory foam, lux foam, rebond foam, latex foam, etc. The grip 122 may also be textured with a recessed or raised texture or may be non-textured. The grip 122 may be made from a non-slip material that improves grip on the handle 120 such as, but not limited to, silicone, latex, neoprene, EPDM, PVC foam, polyethylene, sponge rubber, silicone foam, urethane, cork, ridged and/or recessed rubber, felt, acrylic, polyester & SBR, etc.
FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of one potential embodiment of a total home physical therapy device 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. In one embodiment of the device 100, the handle 120 is comprised of at least one threaded end 124 comprised of a plurality of male or female threads. The handle 120 connects to a first member 142 of the body 140 via at least one connector 130 and at least one ring fastener 132 that is comprised of reciprocating threads such that the ring fastener 132 can be attached to the threaded end 124 of the handle 120. The connector 130 is preferably spherical such that the handle 120 can rotate during use to lessen impact on the wrist of the user grasping the handle 120. It should be appreciated that in one embodiment of the device 100, all components of the device 100 are fixedly connected to one another. However, in the embodiment described in this application, all components of the device 100 are removably attached such that the device 100 can be easily transported in a storage bag 200.
The body 140 is preferably cylindrical in shape and is comprised of at least a first member 142. In one embodiment, the body 140 is of a fixed length. In another embodiment, the body 140 is comprised of a second member 144 positioned inside the first member 142 such that the second member 144 can be pulled outward from the first member 142 to increase the length of the device 100. The second member 144 can then be locked into place via at least one locking fastener 146 such as, but not limited to, a locking ring.
FIG. 3 illustrates an enhanced exploded view of a second end 150 of one potential embodiment of a total home physical therapy device 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The second end 150 of the device 100 is comprised of at least one threaded connector 152 with a plurality of male or female threads. The connector 152 attaches to the second member 144 and to at least one first spring connector 154 of any type known in the art. At least one ring fastener 156 is comprised of a plurality of male or female threads and is secured to the threads of the threaded connector 152, in turn securing the threaded connector 152 to the second member 144 and the connector 154 to the threaded connector 152. The connection of the spring wrap 162, threaded connector 152, first spring connector 154, ring fastener 156, and second spring connector 164 may further be improved by at least one spring pin 190 and at least one ball clasp 192 of any type known in the art.
At least one spring 160 of any type known in the art attaches to the connectors 154,164. The spring 160 is covered by at least one spring wrap 162 or housing. The end of the spring 160 opposite the first spring connector 154 attaches to at least one second spring connector 164 of any type known in the art. At least one plug stiffener 166 attaches through the second spring connector 164 into an opening 174 of the ball 170 to secure the ball 170 the device 100.
The ball 170 is preferably inflatable via at least one valve 172 of any type known in the art. The spring 160 allows the ball 170 to be kicked during forward and side leg kicking exercises and return to its original position.
FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a total home physical therapy device 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. In one embodiment, the device 100 is comprised of at least one resistance band 180 made from rubber, latex, or another elastic material of the like. This embodiment may have a plurality of resistance bands of differing resistances representative of differing pounds of resistance (i.e., 10 lbs., 20 lbs., 30 lbs., etc.). The band 180 is comprised of at least one carabiner 182 on each end of the band 180. Each carabiner 182 attaches to at least one loop 186 of a threaded cap 184 with a plurality of reciprocating male or female threads that are secured to the threaded end 124 of each of a pair of handles 120. The band 180 is comprised of a non-skid strap 188. The strap 188 may be comprised of at least one fastener 189 that allows the strap 188 to be secured around an object (i.e., an anchor point) or a body part while using the device 100 to perform physical therapy exercises. The fastener 189 may be any fastener such as, but not limited to, hook and loop, ties, snap-button, etc.
In one embodiment, the band 180 is comprised of at least one massage ball 210. The ball 210 may be of any size and material. The ball 210 allows a user to massage various body parts, while securing the ball between the handles 120. The ball 210 is comprised of at least one opening 212 that allows the band 180 to run through the ball 210.
During use, the ball 170 can be inflated and used for inner thigh strengthening exercises that can be performed in a seated or laying position. An embodiment of the device 100 with the resistance band 180 can be used for leg or arm strengthening exercises in a laying or seated position, wherein the strap 188 can be attached to the arm or leg of a user.
In another embodiment, the device 100 may be comprised of a double-sided door pulley 220, as seen in FIG. 5 . The pulley 220 can be placed over the top edge 10 of a door 12 such that the resistance band 180 can be fed through the pulley 220 on either side of the door 12. In this manner, the pulley 220 allows the band 180 to be used for overhead shoulder exercises.
In one embodiment, the device 100 is comprised of a kit having all embodiments disclosed in this specification.
Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “total home physical therapy device” and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the total home physical therapy device 100 of the present invention.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the total home physical therapy device 100 of the present invention and its various components can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that they accomplish the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration, and material of the total home physical therapy device 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the total home physical therapy device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the total home physical therapy device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the total home physical therapy device 100 may be of any size, shape and/or configuration that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.
Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.
What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A total home physical therapy device comprising:

a handle;

a body attached to the handle;

a ball; and

a spring attached to each of the body and the ball.

2. The total home physical therapy device of claim 1, wherein the ball is an inflatable ball.

3. The total home physical therapy device of claim 1, wherein the handle is comprised of a textured grip.

4. A total home physical therapy device comprising:

a handle comprised of a grip and a first threaded end;

a body attached to the handle, wherein the body is comprised of a first member, a second member and a locking fastener;

a ball comprised of a valve; and

a spring.

5. The total home physical therapy device of claim 4, wherein the grip is comprised of a foam material.

6. The total home physical therapy device of claim 4, wherein a spherical connector attaches to each of the handle and the first member.

7. The total home physical therapy device of claim 6, wherein the spherical connector is secured by a threaded ring that engages the first threaded end.

8. The total home physical therapy device of claim 4 further comprised of a spring wrap that encloses the spring.

9. The total home physical therapy device of claim 4, wherein the spring attaches to each of a first spring connector and a second spring connector.

10. The total home physical therapy device of claim 9, wherein the second spring connector attaches to the ball via a plug stiffener.

11. The total home physical therapy device of claim 9, wherein the first spring connector attaches to the second member.

12. The total home physical therapy device of claim 11, wherein the first spring connector attaches to a threaded connector.

13. The total home physical therapy device of claim 12, wherein the threaded connector is secured by a second threaded ring.

14. The total home physical therapy device of claim 4, wherein the spring allows for a movement of the ball.

15. A total home physical therapy device comprising:

a first handle comprised of a first threaded end;

a first threaded cap comprised of a first loop;

a resistance band comprised of a first carabiner and a second carabiner;

a second handle comprised of a second threaded end; and

a second threaded cap comprised of a second loop.

16. The total home physical therapy device of claim 15, wherein the first carabiner attaches to the first loop.

17. The total home physical therapy device of claim 15, wherein the second carabiner attaches to the second loop.

18. The total home physical therapy device of claim 15, wherein the first threaded cap attaches to the first threaded end.

19. The total home physical therapy device of claim 15, wherein the second threaded cap attaches to the second threaded end.

20. The total home physical therapy device of claim 15, wherein the resistance band is comprised of a rubber or a latex material.