Abstract:
A method and apparatus permitting a user to perform rehabilitation exercises despite having limited range of motion. Provided is a rehabilitation exercise device having a belt portion, which is to be fixed as a conventional belt to the waist of the user. The belt portion has laterally adjustable connectors for the attachment of elastic members/straps which are connected to the legs of the user, for various rehabilitary exercises based on the application of force required for the stretching of the elastic straps.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This is a continuation of a PCT application bearing serial number PCT/US11/037,721, filed May 24, 2011, which was a nonprovisional of U.S. Patent application Ser. No. 61/347,600, filed May 24, 2010, which applications are incorporated herein by reference and priority of such applications is hereby claimed. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not applicable 
       REFERENCE TO A “MICROFICHE APPENDIX” 
       [0003]    Not applicable 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0004]    People are injured every day. Many of those injuries are painful, and some of those injuries will result in a limited range of motion during the injury period. 
         [0005]    Sometimes the injuries affect a person for a short period, and other times, injuries may have longer lasting effects. Some of those injuries may include leg injuries or conditions that prevent a person from using the full range of motion of his or her legs. 
         [0006]    Such persons may wish to exercise or use the muscles in his or her legs despite having a limited range of motion. However, doing so may be painful or it may be simply impossible due to having a limited range of motion in the legs. 
         [0007]    One embodiment provides a method and apparatus permitting a user to exercise the muscles in his or her legs despite having limited range of motion. It is believed that no one prior to the inventor has made or used a lower body exercise device as described herein. 
         [0008]    While certain novel features of this invention shown and described below are pointed out in the annexed claims, the invention is not intended to be limited to the details specified, since a person of ordinary skill in the relevant art will understand that various omissions, modifications, substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the device illustrated and in its operation may be made without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention. No feature of the invention is critical or essential unless it is expressly stated as being “critical” or “essential.” 
       BRIEF SUMMARY 
       [0009]    The apparatus of the present invention solves the problems confronted in the art in a simple and straightforward manner. What is provided is a rehabilitation exercise device and method, the exercise device including a belt portion, which is to be fixed as a conventional belt to the waist of the user. The belt portion having adjustable quick connect/disconnects for adjustably connecting a plurality of elastic straps which are connected to the legs of the user for various exercises. 
         [0010]    In one embodiment is provided a back support which may comprise a portion of the belt or a part connected to the belt portion. The back support can reduce the risk of back injury and/or lessen chronic back pain during rehabilitation exercises. The back support a rigidity which can provide lumbar back support for the user. 
         [0011]    The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments to the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    For a further understanding of the nature, objects, and advantages of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description, read in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements and wherein: 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  includes a top rear view of exemplary embodiment of the rehabilitation exercise device. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2A  includes a front perspective view of the exercise device of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0015]      FIG. 2B  includes a perspective view of the lower exercise portion of  FIG. 1 , with a belt extender shown. 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  includes a rear perspective view of the exercise device of  FIG. 1 , with the back support attachment omitted. 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  includes a rear perspective view of the exercise device of  FIG. 1  with the back support attachment in place on the lower belt. 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of one embodiment of an elastic band having detachable connectors on either end which can be used. 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of one embodiment of an elastic band having detachable connectors on either end which can be used. 
           [0020]      FIG. 7  is a side perspective view of an example embodiment of an ankle/foot support which can be used to attach to one of the lower elastic bands. 
           [0021]      FIG. 8  is a rear perspective view of the ankle/foot support of  FIG. 7 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 9  is a side perspective view of wrist support which can be used to attach to one of the upper elastic bands. 
           [0023]      FIG. 10  is bottom perspective view of wrist support of  FIG. 9 . 
           [0024]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a handle which can be used with the elastic band shown in  FIG. 6 . 
           [0025]      FIG. 12  is a rear view of person wearing the rehabilitation exercise device of  FIG. 1  with lower elastic bands connected to adjustable connectors of the belt (at the highest connecting ring), and also connected to the ankle/foot support of  FIG. 5 , but with bands not in the middle of the glutes. 
           [0026]      FIG. 13  is a rear view of person wearing rehabilitation exercise of  FIG. 12  now with the elastic bands connected to adjustable connectors (at the lowest connecting rings) and with adjustable connectors of the belt horizontally moved so that the bands are now in the middle of the glutes schematically indicating vertical and horizontal adjustability of the rear connectors. 
           [0027]      FIG. 14  is a front view of person wearing rehabilitation exercise with upper rubber bands connected to the single rear connecting ring and going to the front of the person (under the shoulder/arm pits, and with the person having arms stretched out against the bands. 
           [0028]      FIG. 15  is a rear view of person wearing rehabilitation exercise with upper rubber bands connected to the single rear connecting ring and going to the front of the person (under the shoulder/arm pits. 
           [0029]      FIGS. 16-18  schematically illustrate how the belt and lower elastic bands tend to cause a pelvis tilt and spinal realignment keeping the person in the proper position during rehabilitation/exercise movements. 
           [0030]      FIG. 19  is a schematic view of a person jogging with the rehabilitation exerciser of  FIGS. 12-15 , with lower and upper elastic bands in place. 
           [0031]      FIG. 20  is a schematic view of a person jogging with the rehabilitation exerciser of  FIGS. 12-15 , but with only lower elastic bands in place. 
           [0032]      FIG. 21  schematically illustrates another rehabilitation exercise where the individual stands and has one or both arms stretched out in a generally vertical direction. 
           [0033]      FIGS. 22A and 22B  schematically illustrate one rehabilitation exercise where the individual bends generally horizontally at the hip while standing on one leg, and has one or both arms stretched out in a generally horizontal direction. 
           [0034]      FIGS. 23-25  schematically illustrate another rehabilitation exercise where the individual sits with a generally vertical posture with the legs bent at the knees while extending one or both legs from a generally vertical direction to a generally horizontal direction. 
           [0035]      FIGS. 26-27  schematically illustrate another rehabilitation exercise where the individual stands with a generally vertical posture while extending one leg from a generally vertical direction to an offset position while the other leg remains in a generally vertical direction. 
       
    
    
       [0036]    The drawings are not intended to be limited in any way, and it is contemplated that various versions may be carried out in a variety of other ways including those not necessarily depicted in the drawings. The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification illustrate several aspects of the present invention, and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the lower body exercise device; it being understood, however, that this lower body exercise device is not limited to the precise arrangements shown. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0037]    Detailed descriptions of one or more preferred embodiments are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in any appropriate system, structure or manner. 
         [0038]      FIGS. 1-4  depict one version of a rehabilitation exercise device  10 .  FIG. 1  includes a top rear view of exemplary embodiment of the rehabilitation exercise device  10 .  FIG. 2A  includes a front perspective view of the exercise device  10 .  FIG. 2B  includes a perspective view of the lower exercise portion  100 , with a belt extender  1600  shown (belt extended can be used for larger sized individuals.  FIG. 3  includes a rear perspective view of the exercise device  10 , with the back support attachment  1500  omitted.  FIG. 4  includes a rear perspective view of the exercise device  10  with the back support attachment  1500  in place on the lower belt  200 . 
         [0039]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of one embodiment of an elastic band  500  having detachable connectors  512 , 522  on either end  510 , 520  which can be used (where the detachable connectors  512 , 522  include clip type connectors).  FIG. 6  is a perspective view of one embodiment of an elastic band  500 ′ having a detachable connectors  512 ,  522  on either end  510 , 520  which can be used (where detachable connect  522  of band  500 ′ includes an enlarged area or knot). 
         [0040]    Exercise rehabilitation device  10  can comprise belt  200  having a plurality of longitudinally adjustable elastic members/straps  500 , 600  and adjustable shoulder harness  1000  which also has a plurality of elastic members/straps  1300 , 1400 . 
         [0041]    In general, exercise rehabilitation device  10  consists of a belt  200  portion and optional shoulder harness  1000 . The belt portion  200  can be attached to the waist of the user, and include a plurality of longitudinally adjustable elastic members/straps  500 , 600 . Shoulder harness  1000  can also include a plurality of detachably which also has a plurality of elastic members/straps  1300 , 1400 . 
         [0042]    Belt  200  can be generally rectangular having upper portion  250 , lower portion  260 , first end  210  and second end  220 . First and second ends  210 , 220  can be adjustably connectable by using the connector marketed under the trademark VELCRO and which consists of opposite pieces of fabric, one with a dense arrangement of tiny nylon hooks and another with a dense nylon pile, that interlock when pressed together. 
         [0043]    Belt  200  can include first and second lower adjustable connecting members  300 ,  400 . Belt  200  may have a length within the range of 50 cm to 125 cm. 
         [0044]    First lower adjustable connecting member  300  can include first, second, and third vertical connecting ring set  330 ,  340 ,  350 . First lower adjustable connecting member  300  can be slidably adjustable relative to belt  200  in the longitudinal direction and have left and right extreme horizontal adjustment positions  310 , 320  providing an extent of horizontal adjustment  315 . In one embodiment the extent of horizontal adjustment can be about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 inches. In various embodiments the extent of horizontal adjustment can a range of between about any to of the above specified adjustment extent specifications. Connecting member  300  serves as the attachment mechanism for elastic member/strap  500  to the user&#39;s leg. Connecting member  300  is horizontally or longitudinally adjustable relative to belt  200  (such as via a sliding adjustment) so that the lower elastic member/strap  500  can be adjustably horizontally centered with the user&#39;s leg regardless of the waist size of the user. The rings  330 , 340 , 350  can be made of metal or plastic. In one embodiment the ring sets can include 2, 3, 4, or 5 vertical rings to provide different tension settings for the lower elastic member/strap  500 . In one embodiment vertical attachment points of the rings  430 , 440 , 450  of a particular ring set are in a common vertical line and provide the anchoring mechanism for elastic member/strap  500 . 
         [0045]    Second lower adjustable connecting member  400  can include first, second, and third vertical connecting ring set  430 ,  440 ,  450 . First lower adjustable connecting member  300  can be slidably adjustable relative to belt  200  in the longitudinal direction and have left and right extreme horizontal adjustment positions  410 , 420  providing an extent of horizontal adjustment  415 . In one embodiment the extent of horizontal adjustment can be about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 inches. In various embodiments the extent of horizontal adjustment can a range of between about any to of the above specified adjustment extent specifications. In one embodiment the extent of horizontal adjustment  315  can equal the extent of horizontal adjustment  415  (in one embodiment extent  315  can be different from extent  415 ). Connecting member  400  serves as the attachment mechanism for elastic member/strap  600  to the user&#39;s leg (the opposite leg as served by connecting member  300 ). Connecting member  400  is horizontally or longitudinally adjustable relative to belt  200  (such as via a sliding adjustment) so that the lower elastic member/strap  600  can be adjustably horizontally centered with the user&#39;s leg regardless of the waist size of the user. The rings  430 , 440 , 450  can be made of metal or plastic. In one embodiment the ring sets can include 2, 3, 4, or 5 vertical rings to provide different tension settings for the lower elastic member/strap  600 . In one embodiment vertical attachment points of the rings  430 , 440 , 450  of a particular ring set are in a common vertical line and provide the anchoring mechanism for elastic member/strap  600 . 
         [0046]    Ring elements may have a circular or oval shape and be locked inside loop so that they can be freely pivoted with respect to loop and each other another. 
         [0047]    The ends of elastic members/straps  500 , 600  may have various conventionally available connectors such as hooks, clasps, and/or adjustable loops. For example, an adjustable loop can be formed in the end of the elastic members/straps to take the place of foot and ankle sleeves (allowing the user to place the loop on his foot, outside of his shoe, or on the palm of his hand). 
         [0048]    Belt  200  can include optional back support  1500 , which can be detachably connectable to belt  200 . Back support  1400  can be flexible in a longitudinal direction of belt  200 , but be relatively rigid in the vertical direction. The vertical rigidity of back support  1400  can be achieved by providing a reinforcement section, such as reinforcing ribs. Reinforcing ribs may include rigid plastic strips embedded or otherwise inserted into the material of panel. Back support can be shaped in accordance with the natural physiological shape of the back of a human body, so as to serve as an injury prevention device. In one embodiment back-support  1400  may have a width of up to 30 cm and height at the top of belt  20  up to 10-15 cm. In one embodiment back support  1400  can be separate from belt portion, and is attached, e.g., by Velcro fasteners. 
         [0049]    In one embodiment shoulder harness  1000  can be detachably and adjustably connected to belt  200 , and belt  200  can include a plurality of adjustable connecting members  300 , 400  with multiple vertical connection rings  330 , 340 , 350 ;  430 , 440 , 450 . 
         [0050]    In one embodiment the multiple vertical connection rings  330 , 340 , 350 ;  430 , 440 , 450  can each be horizontally adjustable relative to belt  200 . In one embodiment multiple vertical connection rings  330 , 340 , 350 ;  430 , 440 , 450  can be detachably connectable to a plurality of elastic members/straps  500 , 600 . In one embodiment plurality of elastic members/straps  500 , 600  can be detachably connected to a user&#39;s lower extremity such as an ankle or foot using a plurality of foot sleeves  550 , 650 . 
         [0051]    In one embodiment shoulder harness  100  can comprises a plurality of shoulder straps  1100 , 1200  configured to rest against the shoulders of a user of rehabilitation exercise device  10 . The plurality of shoulder straps  1100 , 1200  may be constructed of a foam material or of any other suitable material to provide a cushioned surface. For example, the cushioned surface may comprise a plush material, an elastomeric material, a rubberized material, or another other suitable material operable to provide further comfort for the user during use. Alternatively, the plurality of shoulder straps  1100 , 1200  may have no cushioning or padding at all. In yet other alternative versions, the plurality of shoulder straps  1100 , 1200  may be in communication with a separately attachable pad, which may be attached to at least one shoulder strap  1100  and/or  1200 . The plurality of shoulder straps  1100 , 1200  may be further constructed of a non-slip material so as to provide a secure contact with the user&#39;s shoulders. The non-slip material may comprise a rubber-like surface, a textured surface, or any other type of surface operable to have a high coefficient of friction to facilitate secure contact with the user&#39;s shoulders. The top of the plurality of shoulder straps  1100 , 1200  can comprise at least one front attachment ring  1110 , 1210  configured to couple the plurality of shoulder straps  1100 , 1200  with a plurality of upper elastic band/members  1300 , 1400 . Alternatively, one or both elastic bands/members  1300 , 1400  can be connected to rear attachment ring  1010 . The illustrated version depicts a circular ring; however, any suitable structure may be used to releasably couple the plurality of shoulder straps  1100 , 1200  with another object. For example, a buckle, a snapping member, an O-ring or any other shaped ring, or a tying strap may be used. Shoulder harness  1000  may be configured to have at least one shoulder strap  1100  or  1200  extending over both shoulders of a user or over just one shoulder of a user. At least one shoulder strap  1100  or  1200  may comprise just a single shoulder strap or any suitable number of shoulder straps. 
         [0052]    At least one shoulder strap  1100  further comprises an adjustable portion  1130  configured to allow adjustability of at least one shoulder strap  1100 . Adjustable portion  1130  may comprise a belt like connection or a Velcro-like material or any other removably attachable material suitable to allow adjustment of at least one shoulder strap  1100  in relation to shoulder harness  100 . For example, at least one shoulder strap  1100  may comprise a Velcro-like material or any other removably attachable material suitable to allow adjustment of at least one shoulder strap  1100  in relation to shoulder harness  1000 . For example, at least one shoulder strap  1100  may comprise a buckle, a snap fitting, an adhesive portion, a tying strap, or other suitable structures. At least one shoulder strap  1100  may alternatively comprise an adhesive strip to facilitate adjustment of at least one shoulder strap  1100 . Other suitable materials will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. 
         [0053]    At least one shoulder strap  1200  further comprises an adjustable portion  130  configured to allow adjustability of at least one shoulder strap  1200 . Adjustable portion  1230  may comprise a belt like connection or a Velcro-like material or any other removably attachable material suitable to allow adjustment of at least one shoulder strap  1200  in relation to shoulder harness  1000 . For example, at least one shoulder strap  1200  may comprise a Velcro-like material or any other removably attachable material suitable to allow adjustment of at least one shoulder strap  1200  in relation to shoulder harness  1000 . For example, at least one shoulder strap  1200  may comprise a buckle, a snap fitting, an adhesive portion, a tying strap, or other suitable structures. At least one shoulder strap  1200  may alternatively comprise an adhesive strip to facilitate adjustment of at least one shoulder strap  1200 . Other suitable materials will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. 
         [0054]    The front of shoulder harness  1000  may include a plurality of attachment ring  1110 , 1210  configured to couple shoulder harness  1000  with elastic members/straps  1300 , 1400  and/or other objects, such as exercise equipment, weights, or any other suitable object. In some versions, a rear attachment ring  1010  may be used. In other embodiments other attachment mechanisms may be used including, but not limited to a buckle, a snapping member, an O-ring or any other shaped ring, or a tying strap. The rear of shoulder harness  1000  may comprise yet another at least one attachment ring  1010  configured to couple shoulder harness  1000  with yet another object, such as exercise equipment, weights, or any other suitable object. Of course, shoulder harness  1000  may be constructed without any attachment rings  1010 ,  1110 , 1210  as one of ordinary skill may find suitable. 
         [0055]    The front of shoulder harness  1000  may further comprise a chest strap  1130 , 1230 . Chest strap  1130 , 1230  is configured to connect to shoulder harness  1000  thereby providing additional support for the user. In the case that more than one shoulder harness  1000  is used, chest strap  1130 , 1230  may be used to couple the more than one shoulder harness  1000 . Chest strap  1130 , 1230  may comprise a Velcro material or any other removably attachable material suitable to allow adjustment of chest strap  1130 , 1230  to provide variable levels of tightness for the user. For example, chest strap  1130 , 1230  may comprise a buckle, a snap fitting, an adhesive portion, or other suitable structures. 
         [0056]    Shoulder harness  1000  is attached to belt  200 . Belt  200  is configured to extend around the waist of a user and may comprise an adjustable portion configured to allow adjustment of the diameter of belt  200 . Adjustable portion of belt  200  may comprise a Velcro material or any other removably attachable material suitable to allow adjustment of belt  200 . For example, adjustable portion may comprise a buckle, a snap fitting, an adhesive portion, or other suitable structures. 
         [0057]    At least one elastic member/strap  500 , 600  connects at least one ring connector  300 , 400  and to at least one foot sleeve  550 , 650 . An example of an elastic member/strap  500 , 600  is shown. Strap  500  can have detachable connectors on each end. Two elastic members or straps  500 , 600  may be configured to removably engage belt  200  and foot sleeves  550 , 650 . 
         [0058]      FIG. 7  is a side perspective view of an example embodiment of an ankle/foot support  550  which can be used to attach to one of the lower elastic bands.  FIG. 8  is a rear perspective view of the ankle/foot  550 . At least one foot sleeve  550 , 650  may comprise at least one ring  560 , 660  configured to removably engage at least one elastic member/strap  500 , 600 . At least one elastic member/strap  500 , 600  comprises an elastic band configured to be any suitable elasticity. For example, at least one elastic member/strap  500 / 600  may be of a length configured to provide continuous or partial tension to the legs of a user as they are being moved. In some versions, at least one elastic member/strap  500 / 600  may be of a length operable to provide tension to the legs of a user only when the user&#39;s legs are extended. The user may use multiple different lengths and thicknesses of at least one elastic member/strap  500 , 600  as would be suitable. For example, at least one elastic member/strap  500 , 600  may have a thickness of over 1 cm to provide high resistance to stretching. Alternatively, at least one elastic member/strap  500 , 600  may have a thickness of less than 1 cm to provide lesser resistance to stretching. In some versions, at least one elastic member/strap  500 , 600  may comprise materials of varying elasticity thereby providing variable elasticity of at least one elastic member/strap  500 , 600  as one of ordinary skill in the art would see fit. Alternatively, at least one elastic member/strap  500 , 600  may be substituted with a non-elastic member. In yet another version, at least one elastic member/strap  500 , 600  may connect directly to belt  200  thereby coupling belt  200  and at least one foot sleeve  550 , 650 . 
         [0059]    At least one foot sleeve  550 , 650  comprises an ankle engagement portion, a toe engagement portion, and a connecting portion  560 , 660 , wherein connecting portion  560 , 660  is configured to connect ankle engagement portion and toe engagement portion. Connecting portion  560 , 660  is configured to be removable such that at least one foot sleeve  550 , 650  comprises only ankle engagement portion. Connecting portion  560 , 660  is configured to be removable such that at least one foot sleeve  550 , 650  comprises only ankle engagement portion. Connecting portion  560 , 660  may comprise a plurality of bands extending between ankle engagement portion and toe engagement portion. Alternatively, connecting portion  560 , 660  may promise a single portion of material encompassing at least a portion of a foot of a user placed in at least one foot sleeve  550 , 650 . 
         [0060]    Ankle engagement portion may comprise an adjustable portion configured to allow adjustment of the diameter of ankle engagement portion. Adjustable portion may comprise a Velcro material or any other removably attachable material suitable to allow adjustment of ankle engagement portion. Ankle engagement portion may be configured to fit the ankle of a user or to alternatively fit the ankle portion of a shoe of a user. 
         [0061]    Connecting portion  560 , 660  may comprise an elastic material, a fixed length material, or any suitable material to engagement portion is configured to engage the toe or toe portion of a shoe of a user. 
         [0062]      FIG. 9  is a side perspective view of wrist support  1350  which can be used to attach to one of the upper elastic bands  1300 , 1400 .  FIG. 10  is bottom perspective view of wrist support  1350 .  FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a handle  1350  which can be used with the elastic bands  1300  or  1400 . At least one wrist sleeve  1350 , 1450  may comprise at least one ring  1360 , 1460  configured to removably engage at least one elastic member/strap  1300 , 1400 . 
         [0063]      FIG. 12  is a rear view of a person wearing the rehabilitation exercise  10  with lower elastic bands  500 , 600  connected to adjustable connectors  300 , 400  of the belt  200  (at the highest connecting rings  330 , 430 ), and also connected to the ankle/foot supports  550 , 650 , but with bands  500 , 600  not in the middle of the user&#39;s glutes.  FIG. 13  is a rear view of the person wearing rehabilitation exercise  10  now with the elastic bands  500 ,  600  connected to adjustable connectors  522 , 622  (at the lowest connecting rings  350 , 450 ) and with adjustable connectors  300 , 400  of the belt  200  horizontally moved so that the bands  500 , 600  are now in the middle of the user&#39;s glutes schematically indicating vertical and horizontal adjustability of the rear connectors  300 , 400 . 
         [0064]      FIGS. 14 and 15  illustrate options for connecting upper bands  1300 , 1400 .  FIG. 14  is a front view of the person wearing rehabilitation exercise device  10  with upper elastic bands  1300 , 1400  connected to connecting rings  1110 , 12140  and going to the front of the person (over the shoulders, and with the person having arms stretched out against the bands  1300 , 1400 ).  FIG. 15  is a rear view of person wearing rehabilitation exercise with upper elastic bands  1300 , 1400  connected to the single rear connecting ring  1010  and going to the front of the person (under the shoulder/arm pits). 
       Spinal Alignment 
       [0065]      FIGS. 16-18  schematically illustrate how the belt  200  and lower elastic bands  500 , 600  tend to cause a pelvis tilt and spinal realignment keeping the person in the proper position during rehabilitation/exercise movements. In  FIG. 16  no exercise device  10  is worn and the individual&#39;s spinal curvature without rehabilitation exercise device  10  is shown as  2000  and schematically represented by curved line  2100 . In  FIG. 17  the user is now wearing rehabilitation exercise device  10  and the individual&#39;s repositioned spinal curvature with rehabilitation exercise device  10  is shown as  2050  with the repositioning schematically represented by original curved line  2100  (now shown in broken lines) to final curved line  2150 . Arrows  2104  schematically indicate the repositioning caused by rehabilitation exercise device  10 . In  FIG. 18  the repositioning of the user&#39;s spinal curvature caused be rehabilitation exercise device  10  is shown (but with rehabilitation exercise device  10  omitted for clarity) with original position of spine shown as broken line  2000 , and final position of spine shown as solid line  2050 —and the repositioning schematically represented by original curved line  2100  (now shown in broken lines) to final curved line  2150  with arrows  2104  schematically indicating the repositioning caused by rehabilitation exercise device  10 . In one embodiment spinal shifting occurs to an optimum level. 
         [0066]    In one embodiment exercise rehabilitation device is marketed with the claim that it causes a pelvis tilt and/or spinal realignment keeping the person in the proper position during rehabilitation exercise movements. 
         [0067]    Rehabilitation exercise device  10  may be used in a variety of ways. For example, rehabilitation exercise device  10  may be worn by a user engaging in physical therapy after an injury and exercising. The user may place his feet in the foot sleeves  550  and  650 . The user may do this while keeping his shoes on or by placing a bare feet into the foot sleeves  550 , 650 . Once the user places a single foot or both feet in at least one foot sleeve  550 , 650 , the user may then secure elastic members/straps  500 , 600  to first and second adjustable connectors  300 , 400 . The user may select the vertical tension to be placed on each elastic member/strap  500 , 600  by selecting one of the respective vertical rings  330 , 340 , 350  and  430 , 440 , 450  (the user may even select different tensions on elastic members/straps  50 , 600  by selecting rings at different vertical heights for each elastic member/strap). The user may then horizontally adjust adjustable connector  300  and/or  400  between their respective left and right extreme adjustment positions so that elastic member/straps  500 , 600  are located in the vertical middle of the user&#39;s legs (and the middle of the user&#39;s respective buttocks cheeks or glutes). 
         [0068]    The user may then secure shoulder harness  1000  around the user&#39;s shoulders. The user may then shoulder straps  1100 ,  1200  to lower shoulder straps  1150 ,  1250  which securing includes an adjustable connector. The user may then secure shoulder straps  1100 ,  1200  to each other through adjustable connectors  1130 , 1230  across the user&#39;s chest. The user may vertically attach shoulder harness  1000  to belt  200  through adjustable connector  1020  and detachable connector  280 , along with adjusting the vertical distance between shoulder harness  1000  and belt  200 . Of course, these acts may be done in any order as would be suitable by one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. 
         [0069]    After putting on rehabilitation exercise device  10 , the user may then exercise. For example, the user may perform cardiovascular exercises, strength training exercises, or any other suitable exercise. Alternatively, the user may simply go about his or her day wearing lower rehabilitation exercise device  10  in such a way that dos not demand conscious exercising. The user may switch at least one elastic member/strap  500 , 600 , 1300 , 1400  to change the elasticity of the elastic member/strap. The user may connect to a different vertical ring connection ring ( 430 ,  440 , and/or  450 ). For example, the user may use elastic member  500  of one elasticity on one leg and elastic member  600  of a different elasticity on the other leg. In some versions, the user may use multiple at least one elastic member  500 , 600  on a single leg to provide additional tension. 
       Operation of the Rehabilitation Exercise Device 
       [0070]    To start a rehabilitory exercise, the user simply places belt portion  200  around his waist in a comfortable position and puts on ankle supports  550 , 650 . He then connects elastic members/straps  500 ,  600  to ankles supports  550 , 650 , and horizontally adjustable connectors  300 , 500  (selecting the appropriate connecting ring  330 , 340 , or  350 ; and  430 , 440 , or  450 ). At the same time, due to the provision of back-support portion  1500 , belt portion  200  can be used as a physiological back support and a trauma-prevention mechanism. 
         [0071]    Next, if desired the user puts on shoulder harness  1000  with elastic members  1300 , 1400 . He then takes the free end of the straps  1100  and  1150  (and  1200  and  1250 ), connects these to securely hold shoulder harness  1000  to the user, and then connects  280 , 1020  top connect shoulder harness  1000  to belt  200 . He has the option of using any or all of the four elastic members/straps  500 , 600 , 1300 , 1400 , depending upon his/her exercise objectives. 
         [0072]    Once he has attached the belt  200  and feels comfortable with the tensions and adjustments, he then begins a series of complementary and specially designed exercises that cover a full range of rehabilitory exercises including aerobic, strength development, and balance functions, and are provided according to a range of proficiency, from beginning (simple) to advanced (complex). These exercises involve the use of the rehabilitory exerciser  10  for standing, walking, running, jumping, sitting, lying down, stretching, aerobics, and other sport-specific exercises. 
         [0073]      FIG. 19  is a schematic view of a person jogging with the rehabilitation exerciser  10  with lower  500 , 600  and upper  1300 , 1400  elastic bands in place.  FIG. 20  is a schematic view of a person jogging with the rehabilitation exerciser  10 , but with only lower elastic bands  500 , 600  in place (omitting upper elastic bands  1300 , 1400 ). 
         [0074]      FIG. 21  schematically illustrates another rehabilitation exercise with the rehabilitation exerciser  10  with lower  500 , 600  and upper  1300 , 1400  elastic bands in place where the individual stands and has one or both arms stretched out in a generally vertical direction. 
         [0075]      FIGS. 22A and 22B  schematically illustrates one rehabilitation exercise with the rehabilitation exerciser  10  with lower  500 , 600  and upper  1300 , 1400  elastic bands in place where the individual bends generally horizontally at the hip while standing on one leg, and has one or both arms stretched out in a generally horizontal direction. Arrows  3000  schematically indicates bending of one of the knees while remaining in the generally horizontal position for the arms, torso and other leg. Legs can be switched for bending during repetitions of the rehabilitation exercise. 
         [0076]      FIGS. 23-25  schematically illustrate another rehabilitation with the rehabilitation exerciser  10  with lower  500 , 600  elastic bands in place exercise where the individual sits with a generally vertical posture with the legs bent at the knees while extending one or both legs from a generally vertical direction to a generally horizontal direction. Arrow  3200  schematically indicates that the left user&#39;s leg moves outwardly (while the right user&#39;s leg remains in position). The user preferably sits upright and grabs a base to maintain posture during movements. After the left leg is brought down (in the opposite direction of arrow  3200 ) to a vertical position the right leg can be stretched out in the direction of arrow  3200 . This process can be repeated a plurality of times. 
         [0077]      FIGS. 26-27  schematically illustrate another rehabilitation exercise with the rehabilitation exerciser  10  with lower  500 , 600  elastic bands in where the individual stands in a generally vertical posture, and then extends one leg from a generally vertical direction to an offset position while the other leg remains in a generally vertical direction. Arrow  3300  schematically indicates that the user&#39;s right leg moving outwardly to the right (while the user&#39;s left leg remains in a generally vertical position). The user preferably stands upright and grabs a base to maintain posture during movements. After the right leg is brought down (in the opposite direction of arrow  3300 ) to a vertical position the left leg can be stretched out in the opposite direction of arrow  3300 . This process can be repeated a plurality of times. 
         [0078]    Tension in the elastic straps is adjusted by the user, if desired. 
         [0079]    The following is a list of reference numerals: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 LIST FOR REFERENCE NUMERALS 
               
             
          
           
               
                 (Reference No.) 
                 (Description) 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 10 
                 apparatus 
               
               
                 100 
                 lower body exercise device 
               
               
                 200 
                 belt 
               
               
                 210 
                 first end 
               
               
                 215 
                 adjustable connector 
               
               
                 220 
                 second end 
               
               
                 225 
                 adjustable connector 
               
               
                 230 
                 longitudinal line 
               
               
                 250 
                 upper portion 
               
               
                 260 
                 lower portion 
               
               
                 270 
                 vertical belt 
               
               
                 280 
                 adjustable connector between belt and upper harness 
               
               
                 300 
                 first lower adjustable connecting member 
               
               
                 302 
                 adjustment arrow 
               
               
                 310 
                 left extremity of adjustment 
               
               
                 315 
                 area of adjustment 
               
               
                 320 
                 right extremity of adjustment 
               
               
                 330 
                 first connecting ring 
               
               
                 340 
                 second connecting ring 
               
               
                 350 
                 third connecting ring 
               
               
                 400 
                 second lower adjustable connecting member 
               
               
                 402 
                 adjustment arrow 
               
               
                 410 
                 left extremity of adjustment 
               
               
                 415 
                 area of adjustment 
               
               
                 420 
                 right extremity of adjustment 
               
               
                 430 
                 first connecting ring 
               
               
                 440 
                 second connecting ring 
               
               
                 450 
                 third connecting ring 
               
               
                 500 
                 lower elastic member/strap 
               
               
                 510 
                 first end 
               
               
                 512 
                 detachable connector for first end 
               
               
                 520 
                 second end 
               
               
                 522 
                 detachable connector for first end 
               
               
                 550 
                 foot sock/sleeve 
               
               
                 552 
                 base 
               
               
                 554 
                 first adjustable strap 
               
               
                 556 
                 second adjustable strap 
               
               
                 558 
                 reinforcement strip 
               
               
                 560 
                 connecting ring for lower elastic member/strap 
               
               
                 600 
                 lower elastic member/strap 
               
               
                 610 
                 first end 
               
               
                 612 
                 detachable connector for first end 
               
               
                 620 
                 second end 
               
               
                 622 
                 detachable connector for first end 
               
               
                 650 
                 foot sock/sleeve 
               
               
                 660 
                 connecting ring for lower elastic member/strap 
               
               
                 1000 
                 shoulder harness 
               
               
                 1005 
                 rear portion or pad 
               
               
                 1010 
                 rear attachment ring 
               
               
                 1020 
                 detachable connector between shoulder harness and 
               
               
                   
                 belt 
               
               
                 1100 
                 shoulder strap 
               
               
                 1110 
                 front attachment ring 
               
               
                 1130 
                 adjustable connector between two shoulder straps 
               
               
                 1140 
                 connector for shoulder strap and lower shoulder strap 
               
               
                 1150 
                 lower shoulder strap 
               
               
                 1200 
                 shoulder strap 
               
               
                 1210 
                 front attachment ring 
               
               
                 1230 
                 connector for two shoulder straps 
               
               
                 1240 
                 connector for shoulder strap and lower shoulder strap 
               
               
                 1250 
                 lower shoulder strap 
               
               
                 1300 
                 upper elastic member/strap 
               
               
                 1310 
                 first end 
               
               
                 1312 
                 detachable connector for first end 
               
               
                 1320 
                 second end 
               
               
                 1322 
                 detachable connector for first end 
               
               
                 1350 
                 handle 
               
               
                 1360 
                 connecting ring for lower elastic member/strap 
               
               
                 1380 
                 wrist cover attachment 
               
               
                 1382 
                 base 
               
               
                 1384 
                 first adjustable strap 
               
               
                 1386 
                 second adjustable strap 
               
               
                 1387 
                 third adjustable strap 
               
               
                 1390 
                 first connecting ring for wrist cover 
               
               
                 1392 
                 second connecting ring for wrist cover 
               
               
                 1400 
                 upper elastic member/strap 
               
               
                 1410 
                 first end 
               
               
                 1412 
                 detachable connector for first end 
               
               
                 1420 
                 second end 
               
               
                 1422 
                 detachable connector for first end 
               
               
                 1450 
                 handle 
               
               
                 1460 
                 connecting ring for lower elastic member/strap 
               
               
                 1480 
                 wrist cover attachment 
               
               
                 1482 
                 base 
               
               
                 1484 
                 first adjustable strap 
               
               
                 1486 
                 second adjustable strap 
               
               
                 1487 
                 third adjustable strap 
               
               
                 1490 
                 first connecting ring for wrist cover 
               
               
                 1492 
                 second connecting ring for wrist cover 
               
               
                 1500 
                 back support 
               
               
                 1510 
                 detachable connector (e.g., Velcro) 
               
               
                 1600 
                 belt extender 
               
               
                 1610 
                 first end 
               
               
                 1615 
                 adjustable connector for first end 
               
               
                 1620 
                 second end 
               
               
                 1625 
                 adjustable connector for second 
               
               
                 2000 
                 spinal posture without rehabilitation exerciser 
               
               
                 2050 
                 shifted spinal posture 
               
               
                 2100 
                 schematic representation of spinal posture without 
               
               
                   
                 rehabilitation exerciser 
               
               
                 2104 
                 arrows 
               
               
                 2150 
                 schematic representation of shifted spinal posture 
               
               
                 3000 
                 arrow 
               
               
                 3100 
                 arrow 
               
               
                 3200 
                 arrow 
               
               
                 3300 
                 arrow 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0080]    All measurements disclosed herein are at standard temperature and pressure, at sea level on Earth, unless indicated otherwise. All materials used or intended to be used in a human being are biocompatible, unless indicated otherwise. 
         [0081]    Having shown and described various embodiments of the prevent invention, further adaptations of the methods and systems described herein may be accomplished by appropriate modifications by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention. Several of such potential modifications have been mentioned, and others will be apparent to those skilled in the art. It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together may also find a useful application in other types of methods differing from the type described above. Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention set forth in the appended claims. The foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only; the scope of the present invention is to be limited only by the following claims.