Abstract:
A therapeutic device includes a base and a platform supported by springs. The platform may be attached to the base by hinges. An upper platform may be rotatably attached to the platform such that it rotates about an axis located above the platforms. The upper platform may be biased by springs between the upper platform and the platform. Handlebars may also be Incorporated into the device. A variety of interchangeable. Springs may be provided to assist in adjusting the therapeutic device.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This Utility patent application is a Continuation-in-Part of pending Utility patent application Ser. No. 11/944,654 filed on Nov. 26, 2007. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED 
     Not Applicable 
     RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not Applicable 
     REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER 
     Not Applicable 
     PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISC APPENDIX 
     Not Applicable 
     FIELD 
     The present invention relates to systems and devices for improving a person&#39;s balance and otherwise improving neuromuscular coordination. More particularly, the invention relates to using a therapeutic device to access the plasticity inherent in the human central nervous system to reorganize it to a healthier, more effective level of function. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Many people have suffered with chronic injuries and/or diseases that have affected their body for a long time. Their body tends to adapt and compensate. Many people may suffer from pain syndromes resulting from such compensations to injuries. The injuries and/or diseases can weaken the mechanical process of the body and/or disrupt the pattern of bodily movement, either of which often can lead to deformations of bone, joints and/or tissues connecting the bones and/or joints. No one today could reasonably say that these problems can be solved with a machine, and neither can the inventor, but after years of research he is disclosing in this application tools he has found to fundamentally aid the body&#39;s own processes to improve health. 
     As the population ages, more and more people have recently suffered from fall fracture, loss of muscle strength, decreased range of joint motion, reduced sense of balance or the like due to aging. Accordingly, more and more patients need rehabilitation of walking function. 
     Poor balance and ineffective gait can be severely debilitating problems. They can drastically limit a person&#39;s mobility and make relatively simple activities difficult or impossible. Furthermore, it can be very dangerous. A person with poor balance or gait is more likely to slip, fall or fall downstairs. It can also be disorienting and confusing. 
     Unfortunately, there has been relatively little attention focused on this growing problem. Persons with balance or gait problems typically must rely on using a cane, crutches or a walker. Real solutions have been slow in coming. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present invention may include a simple but sophisticated mechanical device that persons may stand on to manage pain and improve balance conditions. Measurable, oftentimes life-transforming changes may be elicited with predictable efficiency on deep and subtle levels within the patient&#39;s Central Nervous System (CNS). 
     Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a therapeutic device that may improved balance, increase gait efficiency and stability, enhance coordination and performance, facilitate the healing of injuries and trauma patterns, decompress spinal discs, improved circulation, improve postural alignment, stimulate static, righting and static-kinetic reflexes and reduce stress. 
     It is also an object of the present invention to provide a therapeutic device that may increase kinesthetic and proprioceptive awareness, increased range of motion, and provide sustained response and exponential benefits with regular use. 
     These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a reading of the attached specification and appended claims. There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a cross-sectional view of a therapeutic device in accordance with the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a side perspective view of a therapeutic device in accordance with the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a back perspective view of a therapeutic device in accordance with the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a front perspective view of a therapeutic device in accordance with the principles of the present invention; 
       Figure five is a perspective view of the inside of a therapeutic device in accordance with the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a therapeutic device in accordance with principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a therapeutic device in accordance with the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is an enlarged perspective front view of an alternative embodiment of a therapeutic device in accordance with the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  is a rear view of an alternative embodiment of a therapeutic device in accordance with the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  is an exploded view of a foot bed for use with a therapeutic device in accordance with the principles of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  is a side cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a therapeutic device in accordance with the principles of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
     The Harwin Balancer™ has proven to be gentle and easy to use for all ages and across a broad spectrum of fitness levels. The subtle, complex, multi-tiered architecture of its footbed mechanism offers a yielding resistance coupled with subtle fulcrum, torsion, and sway actions that are easily controlled by the patient, yet profound in their effect. It has been clinically shown that The Harwin Balancer™ does not cause any exacerbation of the patient&#39;s condition. 
       FIG. 1  shows side cross-sectional view a therapeutic balancing device  10  in accordance with the principles of the present invention. The therapeutic device  10  has a base  12 , a front  14  and a back  16 . A platform  18  extends across the top of the therapeutic device from the back  16  to the front  14 . Hinge  20  rotatably connects the back  16  to the platform  18 . As will be explained more fully below, a patient stands upon platform  18 . The therapeutic device may be constructed of any of a variety of suitable materials having sufficient strength and rigidity to support a person. In one embodiment, and may be preferable to use wood to construct the base  12 , front  14 , back  16  and platform  18 . However, a variety of other materials may also be suitable, such as for example, plastic, metal, carbon fiber, and various composite materials. 
     Within the therapeutic device  10  one or more springs  22  may be situated. Base  12  may include one or more depressions  24  that may be circular, and may be used to accommodate the base of a spring  22 . It may be desirable to have a variety of depressions  24  in order to allow one or more springs  22  to be placed in a variety of different positions. Rearranging springs  22  in different depressions  24  may aid in promoting alleviation of different conditions. Springs  22  may be steel, copper, or of any suitable material. It may be desirable to utilize a variety of different springs having a variety of different strengths and other properties to further assist in alleviating various conditions. 
     It may be desirable to include tether  26  that may be removably attachable to hooks  28  and  30 . By tethering the platform  18  to the rest of the device, the springs may be prevented from moving out of place during transport. Optionally, the tether  26  may be elastic. Optionally, other methods of securing the therapeutic device may be used during transport or storage. 
       FIG. 2  shows the therapeutic device  10  from a side perspective view. In this embodiment, the therapeutic device  10  has two platforms  18 , one for each foot. Each platform  18  has a hinge  20  affixing it to the back  16 . The therapeutic device  10  optionally include sides  32 . Springs  22  may also be seen. This embodiment is relatively compact and has fewer moving components than other embodiments. This may make it a preferred embodiment for situations where highly portable devices are desirable. 
       FIG. 3  shows the portable embodiment of  FIGS. 1 and 2  from the rear. The platforms  18  of therapeutic device  10  may be seen affixed to the back  16  by hinges  20 . Both sides  32  may also be seen. In this embodiment, the therapeutic device has bilateral symmetry. It may be preferable for platforms  18  to be of the same size.  FIG. 4  shows the therapeutic device  10  from the front. May be seen affixed by hinges  20 . Springs  22  may also be seen. 
       FIG. 5  shows the interior of the therapeutic device  10 . As may be seen, a plurality of springs  22  are dispersed throughout the interior of the therapeutic device  10 . Also may be seen are indentions  24 . Springs  22  fit within indentions  24  that may assist holding springs  22  in place. Springs  22  may be arranged about indentions  24  in any pattern desired. Different placements of springs  22  in indentions  24  may be used to apply therapy differently depending on the patient and the various conditions treated. Also may be seen are bungee cords and balls  36 . Bungee cords and balls  36  may be used to tethered down the platforms  18  to prevent them from bouncing upward and to help retain them in place. 
       FIG. 6  shows a side cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a therapeutic device  50  in accordance with the principles of the invention. Therapeutic device  50  has a base  52 , a front  54  and a back  55 . Near the bottom of the back  55  close to where it meets base  52  is a wheel  57 . Wheel  57  will be explained in greater detail below. A platform  60  extends across the top of therapeutic device  50  and is attached to back  55  by hinge  59 . Springs  62  inside therapeutic device  50  extend from the base  52  to the platform  60 . Springs  62  may be placed at one or more of many various locations about base  52  in order to adjust the therapeutic device  50  depending upon the operator. 
     Platform  60  has two half circle-shaped sidewalls  74  that extend upward from it. An upper platform  70  is positioned above platform  60 . Upper platform  70  also has two sidewalls  76  that protrude upwardly from it. Sidewalls  74  and sidewalls  76  are rotatably attached to one another by pivot pin  72 . Upper platform  70  is also attached to platform  60  by spring  71 . The location of spring  71  creates a bias pushing the front end  75  of upper platform  70  upward. In operation, a person stands upon upper platform  70  facing the direction of the front  54 . Thus, spring  71  is positioned close to where the ball of the foot rests upon platform  70 . Spring  71  may also be placed in other locations and may consist of multiple springs under upper platform  70 . 
     When a person stands upon the therapeutic device  50 , the elastic forces of Springs  62  and  71  oscillate causing platform  60  to rotate about hinge  59  and platform  70  to rotate about an axis line running through pivot pin  72 . This may require a user to adjust his or her balance. Without being bound by theory, the inventor believes that the balancing adjustments required when standing upon the therapeutic device takes advantage of neuroplasticity to enhance neuromuscular interaction and improve a person&#39;s balance. 
     Springs  71  and  62  may be composed of the same material or different materials. It may be desirable to provide a plurality of interchangeable springs having different mechanical properties to allow adjustment of the therapeutic device, depending on the needs of an operator. Optionally, it may be desirable to utilize mechanical structures other than classic mechanical springs to create biases in the platform and upper platform, such as, for example, hydraulic or pneumatic devices or armatures. 
       FIG. 7  shows a forward perspective view of the therapeutic device  50  of  FIG. 6  in accordance with the principles of the invention. Therapeutic device  50  may be more complex and/or more elaborate than therapeutic device  10  of  FIGS. 1-5 . Therapeutic device  50  has sides  56 , from which handlebars  58  extend upward. Handlebars  58  may be curved and in the shape of an upside down U, or other suitable design. In this embodiment, handlebars  58  are comprised of steel, however, other suitable materials may also be used, including wood, plastic, carbon fiber, glass and the like. Platforms  60  are supported by steel springs  62  that extends from the base  52  to the bottom of the platforms  60 . Copper Springs  71  extend from platform  62  to the bottoms of platforms  70 . Platforms  70  may optionally include foot beds  75 . Foot beds  75  may be comprised of one or more layers of foam, rubber, plastic, cotton or any other material. 
       FIG. 8  is an enlarged perspective view from the front of the therapeutic device  50 . In this embodiment, each upper platform  70  may be supported by three copper springs  71 . It may be desirable to have more or fewer Springs  71 . It may also be desirable to have Springs composed of materials other than copper. Springs  71  create a bias pushing the front  75  of the upper platform  70  upward. 
     Sidewalls  74  and sidewalls  76  are attached to one another by pivot pin  72 . In this embodiment, sidewalls  74  and  76  are both semicircular in shape. However, sidewalls  74  and  76  may be of any shape or may simply be small planks extending upward from platform  60  an upper platform  70  in order to allow upper platform  70  to pivot relative to platform  60  about an axis line positioned above both platforms  60  and upper platforms  70 . Also may be seen are bungee tethers with ball anchors  80  that assist in holding platforms  60  in place and prevent them from rotating too far upward about hinge  59 . 
       FIG. 9  shows the back of the therapeutic device  50 . Wheels  57  may be seen that may be used to assist in transporting the therapeutic device  50 . Hinges  59  rotatably connect platforms  60  with back  55 . Upper platforms  70  are not connected by a hinge or other means to platforms  60  or back  55 . Platforms  70  only move by rotating about pivot pins  72 . This rotating movement is biased by springs  71 . Platforms  60  only moved by rotating about hinge  59 , and this movement is biased by springs  62 . 
       FIG. 10  shows an exploded view of a foot bed  80  for use with a therapeutic device in accordance with principles present invention. A foot bed  80  may be placed on top of upper platforms  70  in  FIGS. 6-9  to enhance the therapeutic effects of the device and/or for comfort. A foot bed  80  may be comprised of three or more layers, a bottom layer  82  middle layer  84  and a top layer  86 . The layers may be glued together. In this embodiments, layers  82 ,  84  and  86  are comprised of foam. Other materials may also be used as desired. A foot bed  80  may be permanently affixed to an upper platform  70  using, adhesives, glue or other appropriate materials. Alternatively foot bed  80  may be removably affixed to platform  70 , thereby allowing other footbeds or no foot bed to be used in conjunction with the therapeutic device. Footbeds  80  may also be used with the embodiment of a therapeutic device  10  shown in  FIGS. 1-5 . The layers of the footbeds may be of a variety of shapes, and materials. For example, the layers may be rounded, elliptical, rectangular, and consist of a wide variety of shapes. 
       FIG. 11  shows the therapeutic device  50  interacting with a person&#39;s foot  110 . The foot may be placed such that the toes extend beyond the edge of platform  70 . The pivot pin  72  and it axis of rotation may be posterior to the ankle. In operation, a person places both feet on both platforms  70  and stands upon them. The elastic forces and biases provided by the Springs  62  and  71  upon platforms  60  and  70  may cause the person to adjust their balance. As a result, and for reasons not entirely understood, use of the therapeutic device  50  may take advantage of a person&#39;s narrow plasticity, especially relating to balance, in order to improve a person&#39;s gait and ability to walk. Use of the therapeutic device  50  may also result in alleviation of pain associated with walking and balance.  FIG. 11  shows the foot,  110  placed near the forward end of platforms  70 . It may optionally be desirable to place further back on platform  70 . 
     Whereas, the present invention has been described in relation to the drawings attached hereto, it should be understood that other and further modifications, apart from those shown or suggested herein, may be made within the spirit and scope of this invention. Descriptions of the embodiments shown in the drawings should not be construed as limiting or defining the ordinary and plain meanings of the terms of the claims unless such is explicitly indicated. 
     As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.