Fitness training system

An exercise apparatus that includes a handle frame and a base frame.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Exercise regimens are necessary for individuals desiring to improve their physical well-being, individuals seeking to maintain their physical health, or those that are recovering from injuries or surgery. Although fitness facilities provide a wide range of equipment to meet those needs, the home-user is limited in his or her equipment choices.

In addition, there is growing concern that senior adults require some type of home exercise more than younger adults. Senior adults are more susceptible to a variety of conditions including osteoporosis, falls, fractures and balance control problems. While the conditions pose a risk for anyone, they are especially serious for senior adults who may be alone when the injury occurs and unable to summon for assistance, who incur injuries more easily than younger adults and who also recover more slowly than their younger brethren.

In addition, people recovering from hip or knee replacement surgery require lengthy periods of physical therapy. Usually this is a combination of out-patient physical therapy combined with an in-home exercise regimen. However, due to the limited selection of home equipment available to the patient, home exercise programs are limited in scope, especially to those patients who require a wheel chair for mobility.

The foregoing and other objectives, features, and advantages of the invention may be more readily understood upon consideration of the following detailed description of the invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring toFIG. 1, a rehabilitation and fitness trainer10is suitable to aid in rehabilitation and personal training while providing a stable support mechanism for the individual user. The trainer10may be suitable for a safe trainer together with a stable support. The trainer10also permits freedom of movement within the trainer10and support at least a portion of the weight of the person using it.

The trainer10comprises a plurality of base side members12with opposing ends, a cross bar14with opposing ends, a bracket16, a plurality of vertical members18, and hand grips34. A base frame46of the trainer10consists of the side members12,12, the bracket16, the cross bar14,14and the vertical members18,18. A single vertical member18may be used, if desired, which is preferably centered. Attached to each end of the cross bar14is the respective side member12. It is preferable that each side member12be detachably connectable to each end of the cross bar14. Alternatively, the side members12,12may be permanently attached to the cross bar14. The side members and the cross bar may be a single member, if desired. Both of the side members12,12extend rearward, in the same direction as the open-end36of a handle frame32. The side members12,12may extend straight back while forming right angles with the cross bar14. The side members12,12may be detachably engageable to the cross bar14and the distal ends of the side members12,12are further apart from each other than the ends of the side members12,12that are connected to the cross bar14. Furthermore, the side members12,12preferably form an angle of 95-125 degrees as measured from an inside face42of each side member12and a rear face44of the cross bar14. By virtue of the outwardly spreading side members12,12, there is sufficient space within the space defined by the base frame46to allow a wheel chair bound user to maneuver the wheel chair into the confines of the trainer10and thereafter grip the handle frame32and exercise their upper body. In addition, the outwardly spreading side members12preferably have a maximum width of thirty four inches or less so that it may readily pass through a standard doorway. Furthermore, the outwardly spreading side members12permit a plurality of trainers to be stacked within one another for compact storage, such as in a manner similar to that of shopping carts.

Preferably the side members12,12and the cross bar14have a circular tubular design made from a metal material, such as aluminum or steel. The side members12,12and the cross bar14may also be manufactured from a solid block of material and have different shapes such as rectangular, hexagonal or octagonal. A plurality of feet24are disposed on the underside of each side member12to separate the side member12from the floor support surface of the trainer10. The feet24may stabilize the trainer10as well as reduce the damage to the lower surface the trainer10is supported thereon. The feet24are preferably formed from rubber, but may also be made from other suitable cushioning and non-skid materials, such as plastic or nylon. The feet24are preferably detachably attached to the trainer10with a respective screw.

A plurality of wheels26and a corresponding number of wheel brackets28are fixedly attached to the front face of the cross bar14, with the rotational orientation of the wheel26being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cross bar14. The wheels26and the wheel brackets28may be located at any other suitable position on the cross bar14. When an individual is performing exercises, the trainer10is stabilized by the side members12,12, the cross bar14, and the feet24. The tendency of the wheels26to roll is overcome by the feet24and the side members12,12. Before or after use, the individual may relocate the trainer10by gripping the handle frame32, tipping the trainer10forwardly so as to lift the feet24off of the support surface and applying force in the forward or reverse directions. When the feet24are not in contact with the support surface, the wheels26will rotate freely and permit the trainer10to be easily maneuvered by the user.

The bracket16may be detachably engaged with the cross bar14by using one or more fasteners22. The bracket16may be affixed to the central region of the cross bar14. A symmetrical structure of the trainer10increases the overall stability of the trainer10. Extending vertically upward from the bracket16are the plurality of vertical members18formed from steel, aluminum, or other suitable material for supporting the user's weight. These vertical members are preferably tubular and may be rectangular, round, hexagonal or octagonal in shape. Preferably the vertical members18,18are constructed from a rectangular tubular member and are arranged in a substantially parallel arrangement with one another. Also, the vertical members18,18may be angled slightly in the rearward direction away from the wheels26. The vertical members18,18may be directly affixed to the cross bar14. The handle frame32may include a bracket30supported thereon by a plurality of fasteners48. The top of each vertical member18may be securely fastened to the bracket30. The vertical members18,18may be directly affixed to the handle frame32. The handle frame32is preferably U-shaped and includes the cushioned hand grips34,34. The ends of the hand grips34,34are preferably bent downwardly.

The vertical members18are preferably constructed having a fixed length that is not capable of being adjusted in their length. Also, the vertical members18are preferably constructed having a fixed orientation with respect to the handle frame32and the base frame46that is not capable of being adjusted in its orientation. Without the adjustability in the length and/or orientation of the vertical members18, the trainer10is more stable and less susceptible to failure. In this manner, the handle frame32is not capable of being adjusted in its height with respect to the base frame46. However, with the vertical members18being fixed in length, it is desirable that the hand frame32be forwardly inclined so that the front end of the handle frame32is closer to the base frame46in a perpendicular direction than the rear end of the handle frame32in a perpendicular direction to the base frame46. With such an inclined handle frame32, it helps decrease the likelihood of user's tending to fall backwards by the creation of some forward pressure as a result of the user's hands on the handle frame32. Preferably, the handle frame is 24 to 36 inches in length and inclined at an angle generally between 3 and 30 degrees. In addition, the variable height of the handle frame32also accommodates the height of different users by adjusting their location of their exercises along the length of the handle frame32. Preferably the maximum perpendicular distance between the handle frame32is generally 43 inches at the rear, or from generally 37 inches to generally 49 inches, and the minimum perpendicular distance between the handle frame32is generally 36 inches at the front, or from generally 30 inches to generally 42 inches. For suitable symmetry, each of the vertical member18are preferably the same length as the other.

The handle frame32is preferably a round tubular material such as steel, aluminum or another material and is generally U-shaped. The hand frame32is preferably formed from the same material as the side members12. At the free ends of the handle frame32are ergonomic coverings of rubber, foam or any other resilient material disposed to form the hand grips34,34. An open-end36exists at the distal ends of the handle frame32between the hand grips34,34. In use, the user will enter the open-end36of the apparatus10and grasp the hand grips34,34for support while performing exercises. The open-end36is of sufficient size to permit a number of different body sizes to enter and perform their exercises, including users who require a wheel chair. The open-end of the base frame46is sufficiently wide to enable a wheel chair to extend into the base frame to facilitate the user being in a position to comfortably use the trainer10.

The trainer10may include a pair of additional support members50. The additional support members50are preferably slightly inclined in a forward direction toward the front of the trainer10. Preferably, the support members50are oriented in such a manner that they achieve a substantially 90 degree angle between the handle frame32. The support members50increased rigidity and support for the trainer10so it is more suitable to withstand forces of 500 pounds or more for a significantly longer time period than if the support members50were not included. The support members50are preferably attached at one end thereof at a location proximate the end of the respective base side member12. The support members50are preferably attached at another end thereof at a location proximate the hand grips34,34. The support members50provide additional rigidity to the trainer10, and further decrease the likelihood that the user will inadvertently fall.

The trainer10may include one or more horizontal stretching pegs55and60that are affixed to the pair of vertical members18, preferably in a generally horizontal orientation. The lower stretching peg55is preferably generally six inches from the floor and the upper stretching peg60is preferably generally 16 inches from the floor. The stretching pegs are suitable to place the foot or heel while the user is in a forward orientation and/or hook the foot while the user is in a rearward orientation so that the hamstrings, quads, hips, lower back, calves, and/or trunk may be stretched to increase the mobility of the user. The stretching pegs are also suitable for sideward orientation user activity in order to stretch the inner thigh and hip musculature as well as strengthen the gluteal muscles on the opposite side when one foot is positioned on one of the stretching pegs.

The trainer10may include a plurality of hooks and/or partial rings70affixed to the lower side of the handle frame32. The trainer10may include a plurality of hooks and/or partial rings72affixed to the lower side and/or the upper side of the base side members12. The trainer10may include a plurality of hooks and/or partial rings74affixed to the lower side and/or the upper side of the cross bar14. The rings70,72,74serve as an anchor for stretchable tubing so that users can perform upper and/or lower body exercises, such as rows bicep curls, chest presses, shoulder presses, etc.

Referring toFIGS. 2-5, another embodiment of a rehabilitation and fitness trainer100is suitable to aid in rehabilitation and personal training while providing a stable support mechanism for the individual user. The trainer100may be suitable for a safe trainer together with a stable support. The trainer100also permits freedom of movement within the trainer100and support at least a portion of the weight of the person using it.

The trainer100comprises a plurality of base side members112with opposing ends, a cross bar114with opposing ends, a vertical member118, and hand grips134. A base frame146of the trainer100consists of the side members112,112, the cross bar114,114and the vertical member118. A plurality of vertical members118may be used, if desired. Attached to each end of the cross bar114is the respective side member112. It is preferable that each side member112be detachably connectable to each end of the cross bar114. Alternatively, the side members112,112may be permanently attached to the cross bar114. The side members and the cross bar may be a single member, if desired. Both of the side members112,112extend rearward, in the same direction as the open-end136of a handle frame132. The side members112,112may extend straight back while forming right angles with the cross bar114, although the side members112,112preferably extend back in a general v-shaped manner. The side members112,112may be detachably engageable to the cross bar114and the distal ends of the side members112,112are further apart from each other than the ends of the side members112,112that are connected to the cross bar114. Furthermore, the side members112,112preferably form an angle of 95-125 degrees as measured from an inside face142of each side member112and a rear face144of the cross bar114. By virtue of the outwardly spreading side members112,112, there is sufficient space within the space defined by the base frame146to allow a wheel chair bound user to maneuver the wheel chair into the confines of the trainer100and thereafter grip the handle frame132and exercise their upper body. In addition, the outwardly spreading side members112preferably have a maximum width of thirty four inches or less so that it may readily pass through a standard doorway. Furthermore, the outwardly spreading side members112permit a plurality of trainers to be stacked within one another for compact storage, such as in a manner similar to that of shopping carts.

Preferably the side members112,112and the cross bar114have a circular tubular design made from a metal material, such as aluminum or steel. The side members112,112and the cross bar114may also be manufactured from a solid block of material and have different shapes such as rectangular, hexagonal or octagonal. A plurality of feet124are disposed on the underside of each side member112to separate the side member112from the floor support surface of the trainer100. The feet124may stabilize the trainer100as well as reduce the damage to the lower surface the trainer100is supported thereon. The feet124are preferably formed from rubber, but may also be made from other suitable cushioning and non-skid materials, such as plastic or nylon. The feet124are preferably detachably attached to the trainer100with a respective screw.

A plurality of wheels126and a corresponding number of wheel brackets128are fixedly attached to the front face of the cross bar114, with the rotational orientation of the wheel126being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cross bar114. The wheels126and the wheel brackets128may be located at any other suitable position on the cross bar114. When an individual is performing exercises, the trainer100is stabilized by the side members112,112, the cross bar114, and the feet124. The tendency of the wheels126to roll is overcome by the feet124and the side members112,112. Before or after use, the individual may relocate the trainer100by gripping the handle frame132, tipping the trainer100forwardly so as to lift the feet124off of the support surface and applying force in the forward or reverse directions. When the feet124are not in contact with the support surface, the wheels126will rotate freely and permit the trainer100to be easily maneuvered by the user.

A symmetrical structure of the trainer100increases the overall stability of the trainer100. Extending vertically upward from the cross bar114is the vertical member118formed from steel, aluminum, or other suitable material for supporting the user's weight. The vertical member is preferably tubular and may be rectangular, round, hexagonal or octagonal in shape. Preferably the vertical member118is constructed from a rectangular tubular member and are arranged in a substantially parallel arrangement with one another. Also, the vertical member118may be angled slightly in the rearward direction away from the wheels126. The vertical member18may be directly affixed to the cross bar114. The top of the vertical member118may be securely fastened to the handle frame132. The handle frame132is preferably U-shaped and includes the cushioned hand grips134,134. The ends of the hand grips134,134are preferably bent downwardly, and more preferably form a curved section.

The vertical member118is preferably constructed having a fixed length that is not capable of being adjusted in its length. Also, the vertical member118is preferably constructed having a fixed orientation with respect to the handle frame132and the base frame146that is not capable of being adjusted in its orientation. Without the adjustability in the length and/or orientation of the vertical members118, the trainer100is more stable and less susceptible to failure. In this manner, the handle frame132is not capable of being adjusted in its height with respect to the base frame146. However, with the vertical member118being fixed in length, it is desirable that the handle frame132be forwardly inclined so that the front end of the handle frame132is closer to the base frame146in a perpendicular direction than the rear end of the handle frame132in a perpendicular direction to the base frame146. With such an inclined handle frame132, it helps decrease the likelihood of user's tending to fall backwards by the creation of some forward pressure as a result of the user's hands on the handle frame132. Preferably, the handle frame is 24 to 36 inches in length and inclined at an angle generally between 3 and 30 degrees. In addition, the variable height of the handle frame132also accommodates the height of different users by adjusting their location of their exercises along the length of the handle frame132. Preferably the maximum perpendicular distance between the handle frame132is generally 43 inches at the rear, or from generally 37 inches to generally 49 inches, and the minimum perpendicular distance between the handle frame132is generally 36 inches at the front, or from generally 30 inches to generally 42 inches. For suitable symmetry, the vertical member18is preferably centered.

The handle frame132is preferably a round tubular material such as steel, aluminum or another material and is generally U-shaped. The hand frame132is preferably formed from the same material as the side members112. At the upper portion of the handle frame132are ergonomic coverings of rubber, foam or any other resilient material disposed to form the hand grips134,134. An open-end136exists at the distal ends of the handle frame132between the hand grips134,134. In use, the user will enter the open-end136of the apparatus100and grasp the hand grips134,134for support while performing exercises. The open-end136is of sufficient size to permit a number of different body sizes to enter and perform their exercises, including users who require a wheel chair. The open-end of the base frame146is sufficiently wide to enable a wheel chair to extend into the base frame to facilitate the user being in a position to comfortably use the trainer100.

The trainer100may include a pair of additional support members150. The additional support members150are preferably, in an overall manner, slightly inclined in a forward direction toward the front of the trainer100, although may include bends therein. Preferably, the additional support members150extend a greater distance behind the trainer100proximate the handle frame132than at a location of the support members150being attached to the base frame146. The additional support members150each preferably included a secondary grip152that is positioned at a location beneath the respective hand grip134. The secondary grips152,152facilitate a user in a wheel chair to do exercises and to lift themselves from a sitting position to a standing position. The secondary grips152,152are preferably inclined at an angle of more than 10 degrees difference with respect to the adjoining portions of the support members150. Also, the secondary grips152,152are preferably inclined at an angle of between 3 degrees and 60 degrees with respect to the floor, and more preferably between 3 degrees and 45 degrees, and more preferably between 3 degrees and 30 degrees. The support members150increased rigidity and support for the trainer100so it is more suitable to withstand forces of 500 pounds or more for a significantly longer time period than if the support members150were not included. The support members150are preferably attached at one end thereof at a location proximate the end of the respective base side member112. The support members150are preferably attached at another end thereof at a location proximate the hand grips134,134. The support members150provide additional rigidity to the trainer100, and further decrease the likelihood that the user will inadvertently fall.

The trainer100may include one or more horizontal stretching pegs155and160that are affixed to the vertical member118, preferably in a generally horizontal orientation. The lower stretching peg155is preferably generally six inches from the floor and the upper stretching peg160is preferably generally 16 inches from the floor. The stretching pegs are suitable to place the foot or heel while the user is in a forward orientation and/or hook the foot while the user is in a rearward orientation so that the hamstrings, quads, hips, lower back, calves, and/or trunk may be stretched to increase the mobility of the user. The stretching pegs are also suitable for sideward orientation user activity in order to stretch the inner thigh and hip musculature as well as strengthen the gluteal muscles on the opposite side when one foot is positioned on one of the stretching pegs.

The trainer100may include a plurality of hooks and/or partial rings170affixed to the lower side of the handle frame132. The trainer100may include a plurality of hooks and/or partial rings172affixed to the lower side and/or the upper side of the base side members112. The trainer100may include one or more hooks and/or partial rings174affixed to the interior side of the vertical member118The trainer100may include a plurality of hooks and/or partial rings affixed to the lower side and/or the upper side of the cross bar114, if desired. The rings170,172,174serve as an anchor for stretchable tubing so that users can perform upper and/or lower body exercises, such as rows bicep curls, chest presses, shoulder presses, etc.

The trainer100assists a person who has balance difficulty, has weakness in their lower extremities, or is in a rehabilitation mode following an injury or surgery. The trainer100may be used by a healthy individual for added support while exercising. The trainer100can be used by an individual at a fitness center, physical therapy center, home gym or any location one would like to place it. It can be used one at a time, or many may be set up and used in an aerobics class format.

The trainer100may be used to transfer hospital patients (especially obese) to/from bed to reduce staff strain, as the trainer100is readily able to withstand forces up to 500 pounds or more.

The trainer100may be used for bedside exercises for hospital patients unable to walk due to surgery/injury/disease. Typically, an attending physical therapist will instruct in a standby position.

The trainer100may be used as a rehabilitation source for patient post-cardiac event in the patient's hospital room (attending physical therapist may instruct in a standby position).

The trainer100may be used as a rehabilitation source for patients post-stroke (attending physical therapist may instruct in a standby position)

The trainer100may be used as a rehabilitation source for patients post-traumatic brain injury (attending physical therapist may instruct in standby position).

The trainer100may be used as a rehabilitation source for blind patients (attending physical therapist may instruct in standby position).

The trainer100may be used as a rehabilitation source for patients with osteoporosis by allowing for safe weight bearing exercise, useful for bone development.

The trainer100may be used by physical therapists and occupational therapists to safely use additional balance devices, such as wobble boards, vibration platforms, etc., by positioning such devices within the base area for use in cooperation with the trainer100.

The trainer100may be used to facilitate safe group therapy for up to 20 patients or more at a time in assisted living, skilled nursing, hospitals, outpatient clinics, and retirement facilities; reimbursable via Medicare under CPT code 97150 when services are instructed by a licensed physical therapist or occupational therapist. Verbal cues provided during performing exercises make it suitable to accommodate a wide range of abilities in a Group Therapy class. For example, instructors may tell participants to “step as far forward as you can” in preparation for vestibular training to allow each person to achieve a safe, therapeutic benefit without having to tell each person different instructions. By way of example, the training may involve vestibular, somatosensory, and musculoskeletal systems.

The trainer100may be used by physical therapists and occupational therapists to safely use additional devices. One of the additional devices may be a step that may nest in the front one-third of base to facilitate unilateral upward stepping exercises. One of the additional devices may be one or more foam mats that may nest within the base to facilitate greater somatosensory and musculoskeletal training during specific exercises, both being suitable to balance improvements and fall risk reduction. One of the additional devices may be tubing that connects to the hooks to facilitate upper body exercises.