Exercise compliance apparatus and method

A device adapted to be placed upon a human for the purpose of counting exercises incident to therapeutically treating and restoring the part of the anatomy being exercised to normal use. The device accurately counts the number of repetitions the part of the anatomy is exercised in a given time period. The accuracy of the total number in a given time period is assured by anti-cheating elements which render the counting mechanism inoperable in the event the device is not on the human anatomy when the device is utilized.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
1. Field of the Invention 
The present invention relates to devices involved with the movement of 
joints, and in particular devices for monitoring and providing feedback. 
2. Description of the Prior Art 
Therapeutic devices have been developed for use with knee joints, as well 
as other joints of the human body. While therapeutic devices are extremely 
helpful in the rehabilitation of human limbs, it is often the case that 
the effectiveness of such devices is severely diminished because the user 
of the device fails to properly perform the necessary exercises. Unless a 
patient is under direct supervision of a physical therapist, many lack the 
discipline necessary to stay with a rehabilitation program. 
Physical therapy can be very expensive, especially for chronic conditions 
which take hours of tedious repetitious exercise daily to properly 
rehabilitate. The exercise regimen can last for months or even years. It 
may be the case that it is very difficult for the patient to even go see a 
therapist, and too expensive to have a therapist come to see the patient 
personally. 
In view of these difficulties, doctors often give a regimen of exercises 
for the patients to do at home. The patient, however, often fails to carry 
out the regimen. There may be a great deal of pain involved with the 
exercises, and as mentioned above, the exercises may be tedious and 
boring. 
The patient may not always be entirely truthful to their doctor regarding 
the exercises performed, thus leaving the doctor with inaccurate data to 
treat his patient. Even if the patient does perform the exercises, the 
doctor has no way of ascertaining the character of the patient's exercise. 
Even worse, if there was monitoring equipment, much of today's equipment 
is so simple that the exercises could actually be faked and performed by 
other of the human limbs! 
U.S. Pat. No. 5,052,375 to Stark et al. shows a microprocessor-controlled 
knee brace which is used for isometric exercise. That is, the brace does 
not pivot, but merely records the amount of stress exerted during the 
isometric exercise. 
U.S. Pat. No. 5,052,379 to Airy et al. teaches use of a microprocessor in 
association with a knee brace for recording number of cycles, speed of 
movement and torque exerted during movement. 
U.S. Pat. No. 3,939,335 to Malick discusses deactivation of a television if 
a device connected to the joint of a person is not properly activated. 
U.S. Pat. No. 5,116,296 to Watkins et al. teaches an isometric leg 
rehabilitation exerciser having various sensors. 
U.S. Pat. No. 4,621,620 to Anderson shows a continuous motion 
computer-controlled device. 
Applegate and Young show hinge assemblies in cooperation with a knee brace. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for knee 
exercise. 
It is also an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus which 
assists in complying with anatomical joint exercises. 
These and other objects are realized by a system and method in which a 
compliance device is attached to the body to monitor compliance with 
certain prescribed exercises. Certain apparatus is used for checking to 
ensure the compliance apparatus is properly attached to the human body. 
With the present invention, the device must be physically attached to the 
body in order for the counting of exercises to take place. 
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent 
from the following detailed description when viewed in conjunction with 
the accompanying drawings, which set forth certain embodiments of the 
invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
The detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein. It 
should be understood, however, that the disclosed embodiments are merely 
exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. 
Therefore, the details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as 
limited, but merely as the basis for the claims and as a basis for 
teaching one skilled in the art how to make and/or use the invention. 
FIG. 1 shows the compliance apparatus used in conjunction with a cloth 
brace 114, which holds the compliance apparatus in place. The cloth brace 
114 has a cut out area 112, which allows for the joint to protrude through 
the cloth brace 114. A similar cut out area 106 is located on the opposite 
side of the cloth brace. The cut outs allow more comfortable movement of 
the joint during use of the compliance apparatus, and also provide greater 
ease of movement of the compliance apparatus. 
The compliance apparatus is attached to the cloth brace 114 by cloth cover 
110. It should be noted that cloth cover 110 covers the mechanical and 
electrical elements of the compliance apparatus. These elements have not 
been shown in FIG. 1 for purposes of clarity. It is also contemplated that 
the compliance apparatus could advantageously be attached to the brace 114 
by using other configurations than cloth cover 110. The cloth cover 110 
may be attached by sewing the cloth cover 110, as shown by 100, around the 
perimeter of the cloth cover 110. 
The elements of the compliance apparatus are attached to the cloth brace 
114. The apparatus could be attached in a variety of ways. For example, 
the apparatus could advantageously be attached via sewn areas 116. Areas 
116 attach four sewable switch blocks 108 to the cloth cover 110. Flanged 
areas 108 could be made of a variety of materials. For example, the areas 
108 could advantageously made of neoprene. 
Cloth cover 110 encases brace 102 and brace pivot joint 118, which are 
similar or identical to the brace and brace pivot joint located on the 
opposing anatomical limb. Cloth cover 110 also encases flexible joint 104, 
which is approximately centered on the joint when the compliance apparatus 
and cloth brace are placed on the limb. Finally, cloth cover 110 encases 
the electrical circuitry (not shown), which will be discussed in further 
detail below. 
FIG. 2 is a front view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 
2, 200 represents sewing patches for attaching a cloth cover over the 
compliance apparatus, 210 is the cloth cover, 208 is the sewable switch 
block, 214 is the cloth brace, and 212 is a hole for the joint while the 
device is being worn. 
FIG. 3 shows in more detail a preferred embodiment of the present 
invention. Four sewable switch blocks 300 allow the device to be attached 
to a cloth brace for attachment to the limb. It should be noted that many 
elements of the compliance apparatus of FIG. 3 are mirrored on the other 
end of the compliance apparatus. For example, the switch assembly denoted 
as elements 302 and 314 also appear on the opposite end of the compliance 
apparatus. The discussion below will not repeat the discussion of such 
mirrored elements. 
Cheater switch 302 and springs 314 coact to form the compliance feature of 
the present invention. By placing tension on the springs 314, switch 302 
is activated, which must be accomplished for both switch assemblies 
simultaneously, allowing the electronics on the compliance apparatus to 
count the number of times the device is cycled. 
Plastic brace cover 304 offers overall protection and concealment to the 
electrical and mechanical elements of the brace. The plastic brace 
prevents sweat and other harsh elements from damaging, or hastening the 
decay of the compliance device elements. 
Memory 306 stores data for the compliance device, but could also be used to 
store program information. Memory device 306 is accessed by logic chip 308 
in order to retrieve and store, and potentially, program information. It 
is contemplated that memory 306 could be programmed with a variety of 
programs to suit the particular needs of the individual using the 
compliance device. For example, the particular schedule of exercise, 
number of required repetitions, and other similar exercise data and 
programs could be placed in the memory device. Logic chip 308 could be a 
simple collection of hardwired logic, or could be a microprocessor. Logic 
chip 308 could be any logic capable of carrying out program execution, or 
simple input/output and data processing. 
The logic could carry out a variety of functions, including, but not 
limited to, the tracking of time, counting number of times the device is 
being cycled, and generally accounting for any activities related to the 
use of the device as a compliance apparatus. Advantageously, the device 
could be programmed for environments other than a compliance environment. 
For example, the logic could be programmed with a simple exercise regimen 
which could be used by exercise instructors for determining overall 
physical activity of the user. 
Counter switch 310 operates in conjunction with counter switch arm assembly 
320 to count the number of times the compliance apparatus flexes. The 
switch may be advantageously enabled by cheater switch 302. Alternatively, 
cheater switch 302 could send signals to logic 308, and logic 308 could 
then determine whether the counts of counter switch 310 should be included 
in the stored data. 
The particular connections among the elements are not explicitly shown in 
the drawings because they are well within the level of skill in the art. A 
simple switch such as 302 could easily be built to enable counter 310, or 
alternatively send a signal to logic 308. 
When the compliance apparatus is placed about the joint of a user, flexing 
the joint will result in the counter switch arm assembly 320 activating 
counter 310. It is also contemplated that other assemblies for detecting 
flexion of the apparatus could also be used. 
Elements 324 comprise a flexible joint which allows the compliance 
apparatus to be cycled, thus activating the counter 310 via counter switch 
arm assembly 320. 
Batteries 312 are used to power the electrical elements of the device, and 
could take on a variety of configurations, depending on the particular use 
or needs of the device. For example, one of the batteries could be a 
backup battery which is used when the other is drained, being recharged, 
or being replaced. Alternatively, the two batteries could work together to 
provide the necessary ongoing power requirements of the logic 308, memory 
306, and other electronics associated with the device. For example, the 
memory could be configured to be backed up by the battery even though the 
device is inactive. Associated with batteries 312 are battery actuation 
switches 328, which may advantageously be used to actuate batteries 312, 
after being enabled by battery actuation switch arm 330. 
Connector 316 allows input and output between the compliance apparatus and 
an outside device. For example, the connector 316 could be a fifteen pin 
connector which is used to program memory 306, read data from memory 306, 
program logic 308, read data from logic 308, perform diagnostics on the 
compliance device, or provide real-time monitoring of the compliance 
device in use. It is also contemplated that the device could 
advantageously employ other methods of input/output, such as cellular and 
infrared technologies. In this manner, a local device could communicate 
information from and to the compliance apparatus. The local device could 
also communicate information to a central site. Or, communications could 
take place directly with a remote device. 
Resistors 318 provide necessary electrical characteristics of the device, 
and are merely representative of the discrete support circuitry necessary 
for carrying out the functions of the compliance apparatus. Such circuitry 
could also comprise other known discrete circuitry, such as capacitors, 
transistors, etc. 
Rivets 322 provide structural fastening necessary to attach the upper and 
lower structures to flexible joint 324. Wires 326 represent one or more 
wires which may be necessary for transferring electrical energy or signals 
between the upper and lower portions of the compliance apparatus. While 
the elements on the upper and lower halves of the apparatus are shown in a 
particular configuration in the preferred embodiment, it is also 
contemplated that the elements appearing on the upper and lower halves 
could be varied. For example to avoid the wires between the upper and 
lower halves, batteries 312 could be placed on the upper half with the 
logic 308 and memory 306. Alternatively, logic 308 could be on the lower 
half, while memory 306 is maintained on the upper half. 
Wires 326 could take on another form, also. For example, the wires could be 
encased in a rubber or plastic material for protection from the moving 
elements when the device is in use. Alternatively, the wires could be 
embodied in a ribbon or cable of wires. 
Elements 328 are battery actuation switches, and element 330 is a battery 
actuation switch arm. The elements combine to provide powering of the 
device during use and for initializing logic. 
FIG. 4 is a functional representation of some of the steps which may be 
performed by the apparatus while the apparatus is in use. Tamper detection 
at 400 primarily includes checking the device to ensure that it is 
properly attached to the person. This is done through springs 314, and 
switch 302, as discussed with respect to FIG. 3. Tamper Prevention 400 may 
also include other diagnostics of the device, such as checking the 
integrity of the memory and other circuitry on the device. 
If the apparatus is properly attached to the body, and working properly, 
the counter 310 is enabled to begin counting at 402. At 404, the counter 
circuit begins operating to count the number of times the device flexes 
beyond a certain point. This information is encoded, as indicated by 406, 
and stored in memory 306, and/or transmitted via communications connector 
316, as represented by 408. The data could be processed periodically by 
logic 308, in order to provide meaningful information to the person 
reviewing the compliance record of the individual using the compliance 
apparatus. For example, the counter could be sampled periodically to 
provide rates of exercise. 
FIG. 5 is a functional diagram of certain functions and apparatus which 
comprise a local desk unit. 500 represents the desk unit communicating 
with the compliance apparatus discussed above. The information from the 
communication port is decoded at 502, and the data is displayed for use by 
either the user of the compliance apparatus or technician. The decoding 
element may advantageously be a processor and memory, which is capable of 
logging data from one or more compliance sessions, and keep track of the 
timing of the exercise. The time of day, date, length of exercise session, 
number of reps, number and length of pauses, and virtually any other data 
associated with such a session could be stored and processed into 
meaningful information. This information can then be selectively displayed 
at 504. 
FIG. 5 is merely a characterization of the most basic elements of the 
desktop system. It is contemplated that a personal computer could be used 
for performing the functions described as associated with the compliance 
device of the present invention. The personal computer could be loaded 
with software from either a remote or local source, and could communicate 
with the compliance apparatus for purposes of exchanging programs and 
data. 
FIGS. 6 and 7 show in more detail the spring and switch device as shown in 
FIG. 3. Several of the elements are the same as those shown in FIG. 3, and 
therefore the description of these elements will not be repeated here. 
FIG. 6 shows the position of the elements when the brace is not attached 
to a limb, while FIG. 7 shows how the elements are positioned when the 
brace is in place on a limb. 
With respect to FIG. 6, note the position of the sewable switch blocks 600. 
Because there is no tension pulling the switch blocks apart, the cheater 
switch 602 is being pressed upon by one of the switch blocks as shown at 
606. The inward pull upon the switch blocks 600 is created by the springs 
604. The pressure on the switch at 606 disables the device so that the 
device cannot be activated to count cycling of the brace. The device would 
not register any counts in response to a person cycling the device by 
hand. 
In FIG. 7, on the other hand, the device is being worn and there is a 
resulting outward tension on the switch blocks 700. The switch blocks are 
attached to the brace, and when the brace is placed on a limb, the switch 
blocks are pulled apart, as indicated by the position of the switch blocks 
700 in comparison to FIG. 6, and also as indicated by the tension arrows 
going in an outward direction away from switch blocks 700. Because the 
switch blocks 700 have been pulled apart, the switch 702 no longer has any 
pressure against it, thus enabling the device, as indicated by 706. The 
springs 704 are now stretched, also. The device detects that the switch is 
open, and in response to the open switch begins counting. Again, these 
action must occur simultaneously for both sets of spring and switch 
assemblies. 
While the device is shown as detecting what is essentially a condition of 
tension on switch blocks 300, it is also contemplated that the condition 
detected could be compression. That is, the device is placed on the body 
in such a manner that a compression is created on the device, thus 
activating the counting and processing apparatus on the device. 
FIG. 8 shows a similar brace to the one demonstrated in the Figures above, 
except that the spring/switch combination is replaced by a compression 
detection device. FIG. 8 is cross-section view looking down at the 
compression detection device. Switch blocks 802 are still attached to 
brace 806 as before, but in this instance switch 800 is activated by 
element 804 by compression on 804 resulting from placement of the device 
on the anatomy. 
While the above description and associated drawings have been primarily 
directed to an anatomical joint exercise compliance apparatus, it is 
contemplated that the principles demonstrated herein could be applied as 
well to other compliance devices. The combination of placement detection 
and enabling circuitry could be applied to virtually any exercise 
equipment which is attached in some manner to the human anatomy.