The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Aug. 07, 2001
Filed:
Sep. 20, 2000
Robert C. Dean, Jr., Norwich, VT (US);
Solomon Diamond, Cambridge, MA (US);
Elizabeth K. Deneen, Tunbridge, VT (US);
Amanda G. Heermans, White River Junction, VT (US);
Gayle B. O'Neil, Grantham, NH (US);
David S. Smith, Meridan, NH (US);
Simbex LLC, Lebanon, NH (US);
Abstract
Methods of use of a portable in-bed exercising machine are provided for strengthening and/or strength maintenance of the musculature and ligaments associated with an extremity. The exercise apparatus employs the principles of closed kinetic chain exercise of the extremity in both concentric and eccentric modes and for isometric, isotonic and isokinetic exercise. Each extremity is engaged separately allowing for bilateral, unilateral and reciprocal motion. As exemplified for lower extremities, force is actively applied to the feet with each lower extremity having the force level continuously adjustable from zero force to a force equal to or greater than body-weight The exercise motions and force applications use the same major muscle groups as functional activities such as standing from a chair, climbing stairs walling, jumping and jogging. Vertical support is provided for the lower extremity to stabilize and control the lower extremity motion within safe limits. Back support is provided for the user to exercise in a supine position. Almost any bed may be integrated with the force producing machine to form the exercise apparatus. The methods of use are adaptable to low gravity environments such as space stations, space shuttles, and other space-like environments.