Patent Publication Number: US-2018036584-A1

Title: Three dimensional body movement structure

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates therapeutic and training apparatus, and more particularly to an apparatus for progressive training of body movements. 
     During the course of our lifetime we begin to develop body movement patterns that are consistent with injury. Some of these injuries may be caused by lack of use of all muscle patterns available in the body. 
     Systems currently being used in physical rehabilitation start the patient in exercises that are often too advanced for a post injury patient. These systems are also limited in the sense that a patient is given a set exercise which has the body move in one set direction only. 
     As can be seen, there is a need for a system and method for body movement training that is infinitely configurable through cables and targets. Patient starts on the floor in rolling, and crawling positions. They are given a parameter to follow but not a specific way of making the movement happen. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In one aspect of the present invention a movement training apparatus, includes: a three dimensional frame formed from a plurality of liner frame members and a plurality of end joining members; a cable interconnecting one or more sides of the frame; a plurality of targets carried on the cable; wherein the cable is configurable in a pattern within the frame and the targets are configurable along the cable. The cable may be an elastic cord and the cord may have a fastener at an end of the cable. In some embodiments, the fastener is a snap clip. 
     According to other aspects of the invention, the plurality of targets carry a visual indicia distinguishing one or more of the plurality of targets from each other. The visual indicia may include one or more of a color, a body shape of the target, a surface texture, and a light. In other embodiments, the plurality of targets emit a unique audible sound for each of the plurality of targets. The cable may extend through a body of the plurality of targets and may have frictional surface contact with the body of the plurality of targets. 
     In yet other aspects of the invention, a movement training apparatus, includes: an elastic cable configured to attach to one or more sides of a support structure; a plurality of targets having a visual indicia distinguishing one or more of the plurality of targets from each other, the plurality of targets carried on the cable, wherein the cable extends through a body of the plurality of targets, the cable having a frictional surface contact with the body of the plurality of targets; and the targets are selectively positionable along the length of the cable. The support structure may be a frame formed from a plurality of liner frame members and a plurality of end joining members. The plurality of targets may carry a visual indicia distinguishing one or more of the plurality of targets from each other. In some embodiments, each of a plurality of cables carries a plurality of targets having a set of visual indicia, wherein each target in the set has a visual indicia that is distinct from another target in the set. 
     In yet another aspect of the invention a method of training movement in a three dimensional (3D) environment, includes: providing a three dimensional training structure, having a 3D frame formed from a plurality of liner frame members and a plurality of end joining members; a cable interconnecting one or more sides of the frame; a plurality of targets carried on the cable, wherein the cable is configurable in a pattern within the frame and the targets are configurable along the cable. The method may also include, instructing a subject to perform a body movement to contact one or more of the plurality of targets according a rule. 
     The method includes evaluating the subject&#39;s performance of the body movement according to the rule. In some embodiments, the rule is based on a visual indicia presented by the plurality of targets. In other embodiments, the rule is based on a configured position of the cable carrying the targets. 
     These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a 3D Body Movement Structure of the invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a detail elevation view indicated by line  2 - 2  of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a side elevation view showing adjustment of a target. 
         FIG. 4  is a side elevation view of a plurality of targets. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims. 
     Broadly, an embodiment of the present invention provides an three dimensional cubic training apparatus to train a person in the execution of complex body muscle movements. The apparatus of the present invention is particularly useful in the patient rehabilitation context, particularly for physical therapy. 
     As seen in reference to  FIG. 1 , a three dimensional body movement structure  10  of the present invention includes a frame  12 , formed from a plurality of liner frame members  14  and a plurality of end joining members  15 . The linear frame members  14  and end joining members  15  are interconnected to form the three dimensional structure  10 , which, for purposes of non-limiting illustration may be in the form of a rectangular or square cube. The linear frame members  14  may also be joined with a coupler  17  so as to span a greater length, or to provide variability in the length or width of the 3D structure. 
     As will be appreciated, the frame members  14  and joining members  15 , and couplers  17 , may be selected from any suitable framing material, such as wood, metal, composites, and plastics. By way of non-limiting example, the frame elements may be made from furniture grade poly vinyl chloride (PVC) tubing, and may be permanently joined or they may be releasably assembled to provide portability or configurability to the frame  12 . The frame members may be joined with any suitable fastener, such as adhesives, pins, bolts, threaded couplings, and the like. 
     A plurality of targets  20 , such as balls, are suspended in a configurable pattern within the 3D body movement structure  10 . The targets  20  may be suspended or carried by a cable assembly  16  interconnecting various points of the 3D structure. The cable assembly  16  is formed of a cable  18 , which is preferably made of an elastic or shock cord  18  to permit displacement of the targets  20  carried on the cable  18  as they are contacted by a user of the cube  10 . 
     As seen in reference to  FIG. 2 , the cables  16  may be connected to the frame members  14 ,  15  via an attachment point  22 , which may be hook or eyeloop bolts. The ends of the cable assembly  16  may have a fastener  24 , such as a snap clip, to secure the cable assembly  16  to the to the attachment points  22 . 
     The targets  20  are preferably formed of an assortment of visual indicia, such as colors, surface textures, shapes, and/or numbers to facilitate target  20  identification. Targets  20  may also be electronic, and have an associated light or audio signal that may be operated responsive to touch. As seen in reference to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the targets  20  may be carried on the cable  18  by threading the cable  18  through the target  20 . The targets  20  should have a frictional interface with the cable  18  to permit displacement along the cable  18  for configuration of the targets  20  on the cable  18 , while maintaining the position of the target  20  on the cable  18  when the targets are disposed for use. 
     The cube  10  is used to develop improvised movements, which fosters developmental sequencing, and rolling patterns to break or train common movement patterns of a subject. The subject may be a rehabilitation patient, an athlete, or other user desiring to develop movement skills. The subject is given a rule, which may be a parameter or sequence of parameters, specifying one or more designated targets  20  they must acquire to perform a movement. The parameters may be based on one or more visual indicia on the targets  20 , or a designation of one or more cables carrying the targets. The subject must then touch the specified targets  20  following the rule given. The subject may also be given temporal parameters for performance of the specified movement. 
     For rehabilitative subjects, the 3D frame  10  of the present invention may be utilized to start the subject with a regression to infant style movements and then progresses the subject through improvised movements, thereby rebuilding the subject&#39;s body movement systems, both physical and cognitive, in an easier more comprehensive way, reconnecting the mind body connection through movement. The patient becomes tired of the same exact movement and discontinues PT or rehab to do same movements on their own at home, or never finishes. 
     The cube  10  provides a system that is infinitely configurable through the selection and placement of cables  16  and targets  20 . Referring again to  FIG. 1 , for a rehabilitation patient, the subject may start on the floor, executing rolling and crawling movement positions. They are given a parameter to follow but not a specific way of making the movement happen. 
     The 3D movement structure  10  may also be utilized as a movement based training method to help with sports performance, core stability and integration, rehabilitation, and over all better movement of the body. The system works through one or more of instinctive movements, improvised movements, and rolling patterns. 
     The method was designed based on using a form of dancing called “Contact Improv”. It is a form of dance where the movement is improvised either solo or in multiples. In the learning process of discovering new movements there are parameters or scores set that the subject must follow or attempt to follow. This creates a mind body connection that you have to use instinctual movement to create a dance. 
     The instinctual movement that Contact Improv promotes new movement patterns in the body that in our normal everyday life we wouldn&#39;t try or need. So the cube system uses a variation of targets in a 3D space that encourages the client to move to those targets based on the rule they are given. 
     As indicated previously, timing can be set to where the subject is required to move faster or slower from target  20  to target  20 . For an example an 80 year old client that would want to move better again would have an increased amount of time to move from the floor to the next target  20 . A professional level athlete, such as an Olympian, may have a shorter time span to negotiate the targets  20 . 
     The spacing of the cables can be set closer together or further apart for a more dynamic movement as opposed to close methodical ones. The size of the cube may be selected for use in a hospital setting for beginning stages of rehab from a stroke for example or trauma to restore the movement systems of the body. For example, for subjects that are bed ridden, the bed can be wheeled into the cube and cables can be adjusted at a height to let the patient begin simple hand eye coordination exercises to begin movement and coordination practices again. As the subject progresses, increasing the technical aspects of the targets  20  based on height, angles, and distance apart the cube  10  can be readily reconfigured to change and make movements more difficult. 
     The cube  10  of the present invention can also be used with children or adults with coordination issues with crossing midlines. The parameters can be set where each target obtained has to be from crossing over the body from right to left, or right to left in order to achieve the task. With the options practically endless the uses of such a device could present great value in performance of athletes down to a fun exercise for kids to accomplish to help with development hold ups. 
     As will be appreciated, the cube  10  size can be changed dimensionally where the frame members  14  may be telescopic to change the challenge or ease of the exercise to work with small children that cannot reach 7 feet. Adjustability will also allow configuration for a high level athlete to almost reach the target but giving up to soon. This can be done using a projection into the cube or through a hardwired computer scoring system. Another way to present the system is by a holographic projection of the targets and scoring of performance. The use of movement sensors on the athlete or client can help determine common movement dysfunctions or patterns, so the next parameter can be set to help correct the bad movement pattern or increase the intensity. 
     First steps past set up would be to have the client tested for their ability of movement. This could be core stability, integration and balance. Someone that would be lacking stability in movements or comfort would want to start lower to the floor. This will take out the bodies feeling of danger and allow the body to move freely using the muscles it was designed to use in that movement. Another to take into consideration upon use is age and potential prior injuries. 
     From this point the cables would be set up accordingly to height, and challenge desired for the client. The client may then lay on their back flat in the center of the cube, or other desired start position. The practitioner would then instruct them on a movement score or rule to follow. For example: Touch all red targets with your right hand, and blue targets with your left hand. You must alternate and cross over your mid line to reach each target. This would help in correcting coordination and mid line dysfunction in the movement. 
     The system would still be working based on repetition of use. So the more the client would spend time in the cube the more benefit would be seen. Keeping the rules fresh each time keeps the brain thinking and moving at the same time. 
     Additionally, the cube can be used in sports performance, rehabilitation, exercise and even potentially as an arcade game in embodiments made electronic for scoring. 
     It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.