Abstract:
The present invention relates to a therapeutic platform that can be used to strengthen the core and secondary muscle groups via a variety of exercises which incorporate or centrally use the platform, while also providing a portable, lightweight and convenient platform, which includes storage for items used or associated with exercises incorporating the platform.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    Provisional Patent—61/430,968 Filed—Jan. 8, 2011 
         [0002]    Inventors—Brennan Bums &amp; Misti Burns 
         [0003]    The benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/430,968 (filed Jan. 8, 2011) is claimed, and that provisional application is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERAL SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0004]    Not Applicable. 
       REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, ETC. 
       [0005]    Not Applicable. 
       FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       [0006]    This invention relates to a platform used for therapeutic purposes in the realm of occupational or physical therapy. The present invention is a platform which allows a patient, either with or without the aid of a health-care professional or assistant, to strengthen the core and secondary body muscle groups. The core set of body muscle groups is critical for the development of children, as well as those that have suffered development setbacks as a result of disease or injury. These core muscle groups provide the foundation of stability which is critical for the transfer of energy from large to small body parts. It also improves balance skills and posture control. The secondary muscle groups are the smaller body parts, which allow for fine and gross motor skills, particularly in the areas of body and item manipulation. The present invention provides a portable and convenient means to address the needs of developing core and secondary muscle groups. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    The present invention relates to a platform that can be used to strengthen the core and secondary muscle groups of patients via a variety of exercises which incorporate or centrally use the platform, while also providing a portable and convenient platform, which includes storage for items used or associated with exercises incorporating the platform. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING(S) 
         [0008]      FIG. 1 , shows a drawing of one version of the therapeutic platform. 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  and  FIG. 3  shows one possible frame configuration from a top view and bottom view. 
           [0010]      FIG. 4  shows the preferred embodiment of a carrying handle, while 
           [0011]      FIG. 5  is an expanded view of one design of a cover of the platform, before placement upon the frame.  FIG. 3  is also a view from the bottom of the platform, which shows the storage capabilities of the platform. 
           [0012]      FIG. 6  shows the preferred embodiment of the frame in plastic or composite material. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
       [0013]    For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in specific language contained herein. It will, nevertheless, be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended; any alterations and further modifications of the described or illustrated embodiments, and any further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein are contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. 
         [0014]    One form of the present invention is focused for use with babies or children diagnosed with “Low Muscle Tone”. This typically occurs in early stages of development and can be caused by several factors—including genetics, disease, etc. Therapy for this diagnosis requires core training and strengthening. This strengthening impacts several areas of the child&#39;s development including gross motor skills (head, trunk, rotation, range of motion, reciprocal motion and posture); fine motor skills (grasping, dexterity, replacing objects, holding utensils and pointing), eating, language and speech. The present invention, when used with appropriate therapy exercises, is intended to improve the child&#39;s skills mentioned above. Because of the comfortable and inviting nature of the platform, it encourages the child to claim it as ‘their space’ vs. the association with ‘training’. The child will enjoy all the playful activities on the platform—and not just see them as their exercises. 
         [0015]    One form of the present invention, as shown in  FIG. 1 , is to cover a sturdy but lightweight frame with a soft and comfortable cover,  FIG. 5 , attached to the frame via Velcro or other attachment means, with the intent to provide a stable but comfortable surface for the patient to sit or crawl. The frame can be made from any material which provides a stable but relatively lightweight foundation, such as wood, plastic, carbon fiber or other composite material. See  FIG. 6 . While any size or shape could be used, the preferred embodiment is a square approximately 2 feet wide by 2 feet deep. As for the height, a minimum height is around 3 inches, but a preferred embodiment would incorporate the means by which the height is adjustable to the patient, as several of the therapy techniques require the patient to sit on the platform, while their feet are flat on the ground. 
         [0016]    Once in place, the platform could be used by physical/occupational therapists to accomplish the exercises intended to improve the patient&#39;s skills, as noted above. The size, weight and shape of the platform should provide enough space to accomplish these tasks without being cumbersome. As such, the present invention would also incorporate a means in which a therapist or user could comfortably and easily carry the platform for use at multiple locations. See  FIG. 4 . This might also include the introduction of wheels, fixed, removable or retractable, as a means to move the platform. A handle or strap could be incorporated, which could be recessed or attached to the bottom of the platform, to facilitate movement. Further, the wheels could also, in certain cases, be incorporated into an exercise by allowing the patient to push or roll the platform. Thus, therapy could be conducted in an easy, safe and efficient manner. The present invention would be comfortable without sacrificing the ability to be sturdy enough to complete exercises appropriately (i.e. stacking cups/blocks while the patient is on the platform). 
         [0017]    The flexibility of the present invention can be further shown by the introduction of straps or a grasping means incorporated into the platform, either attached to the frame or cover, to allow the patient to perform pulling or related exercises. In this regard, a means to elevate or incline the platform could be incorporated. For example, the platform could be used in four stages: 1) flat (platform flat on ground), 2) one side inclined (to facilitate climbing or grasping exercises); 3) two sides raised (like a table to facilitate climbing onto a flat surface) or 4) wobbly (for intentional instability to work on balance). In the wobbly configuration, there could also be means to adjust the amount of instability from less wobbly to more wobbly. This would provide a spectrum of growth for these stability and balance exercises. Additionally, the means to incline, elevate or make instable, could be incorporated in the platform upon initial manufacture or can be added later, as an option. 
         [0018]    Likewise, storage could be made available on the underside of the platform,  FIG. 3 , which would allow a user or therapist to carry devices, tools, or toys, which could be used in conjunction with the exercises and/or the platform individually. The preferred embodiment of the storage portion would be through the use of a cargo-net type configuration, however, other options, for those skilled in the art, would be available as well, such a fixed “beauty plate” which can be mounted to the underside of the platform. 
         [0019]    Additionally, the cover of the platform would be removable to facilitate ease of cleaning or to allow for a variety of covers, some of which may include therapy elements printed right onto the cover or the ability to fix or remove toys or elements to the cover, which could include any side of the platform which has cover to it.  FIGS. 1 ,  5 . The ability to remove or replace the cover is convenient when trying to prevent the spread of germs or if a patient has an ‘accident’. In that regard the cover could be made of any material, but a non-porous material would be preferred, such as vinyl, to inhibit germ transfer and ease of maintenance. Likewise, due to the non-porous nature of the cover, vents, or other air release means, would be incorporated into the platform to avoid a pillowing effect on the top of the platform as a result of air trapped under the platform. 
         [0020]    Another embodiment of this invention could incorporate a version which breaks down into component pieces.  FIG. 6 . An example may be one in which the cover can be removed from the frame and the frame stacked or folded into a much smaller unit.  FIG. 6  shows an embodiment in which the platform consists of four pieces, which can be stacked for transportation. The cover could then be folded and transported easily, along with the frame. Further, all attachments and other elements, previously disclosed, could be incorporated into this version. 
         [0021]    Further, the present invention could also be used by parents. Therapy techniques or exercises can be conducted daily, even in the absence of the therapist. The child&#39;s familiarity and possessive nature regarding the platform creates a containable play area that is soft and safe. As the child gets older, he/she could still utilize the platform as a play-station or seat for reading. The storage underneath provides a convenient place to hide the small toys that would otherwise be considered ‘clutter’. The present invention is substantial and sturdy enough to be considered an appealing piece of children&#39;s furniture; but small and convenient enough to be portable. The platform strengthens the child&#39;s core muscles, regardless of beginning ‘tone’, while at play. This constantly helps build the foundation to reach the important milestones in the child&#39;s first years. 
         [0022]    The present invention could also be used independently by patients and is not just limited to children. This platform could also be used by patients that have suffered development set-backs as a result of disease or injury. An exercise regimen incorporating the platform can be used to regain core and secondary muscle group strength which might have been lost. These could include grasping, pulling or balancing activities. 
         [0023]    While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail with the foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that while the preferred embodiment has been described, that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected.