Patent Abstract:
An exercise device is disclosed. The exercise device includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion includes a first substantially planar surface and is configured to support a portion of a patient. The second portion includes a second substantially planar surface and is configured to support a portion of a patient. The second substantially planar surface is oppositely disposed of the first substantially planar surface. The first substantially planar surface includes a diameter, and the second substantially planar surface includes a diameter. The diameter of the first substantially planar surface is smaller than the diameter of the second substantially planar surface.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    The present application claims the benefits of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/327,329 filed on Apr. 23, 2010. The entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    The present disclosure relates to an exercise device, method of use, and method of treating an individual. In particular, the exercise pad or device includes a self help body treatment device and/or an exercise device. 
         [0003]    This device is configured to allow an individual to be positioned thereon and to pivot thereon, for example, which allows their muscles, joints and/or soft tissue structures of many regions of the body to relax, stretch and improve mobility. The device also promotes and enhances strength and core stability. The shape/size of various dimensions of the device may vary (e.g., small, medium and large sizes) to accommodate various body types and sizes. 
         [0004]    The device is generally disc-shaped including a first portion and a second portion. The device is intended to be used by an individual either with the first or second portion facing upward, and with at least a portion of the other surface resting on a substantially flat surface. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    The present disclosure relates to an exercise device. The exercise device includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion includes a first substantially planar surface and is configured to support a portion of a patient. The second portion includes a second substantially planar surface and is configured to support a portion of a patient. The second substantially planar surface is oppositely disposed of the first substantially planar surface. The first substantially planar surface includes a diameter, and the second substantially planar surface includes a diameter. The diameter of the first substantially planar surface is smaller than the diameter of the second substantially planar surface. 
         [0006]    The present disclosure also relates to a method of treating a patient. The method comprises providing an exercise device. The exercise device includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion includes a first substantially planar surface and is configured to support a portion of a patient. The second portion includes a second substantially planar surface and is configured to support a portion of a patient. The second substantially planar surface is oppositely disposed of the first substantially planar surface. The first substantially planar surface includes a diameter, and the second substantially planar surface includes a diameter. The diameter of the first substantially planar surface is smaller than the diameter of the second substantially planar surface. The method also comprises providing instructions to the patient regarding use of the exercise device. 
         [0007]    The present disclosure also relates to a method of using an exercise device. The exercise device includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion includes a first substantially planar surface and is configured to support a portion of a patient. The second portion includes a second substantially planar surface and is configured to support a portion of a patient. The second substantially planar surface is oppositely disposed of the first substantially planar surface. The first substantially planar surface includes a diameter, and the second substantially planar surface includes a diameter. The diameter of the first substantially planar surface is smaller than the diameter of the second substantially planar surface. The method also comprises placing a portion of a body in contact with one of the first portion and the second portion. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0008]    Embodiments of the presently disclosed device are disclosed herein with reference to the drawings, wherein: 
           [0009]      FIG. 1  is a side view of the device with a first portion facing upward. 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  is a side view of the device with a second portion facing upward. 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  is a top view of the device with the first portion facing upward. 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  is a top view of the device with the second portion facing upward. 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the device with the first portion facing upward. 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the device with the second portion facing upward. 
           [0015]      FIGS. 7-10  show the device in use in connection with a model spine. 
           [0016]      FIGS. 11-18  show the device in use located at various locations of a human model. 
           [0017]      FIG. 19  illustrates the device under an individual with the first portion facing upward. 
           [0018]      FIG. 20  illustrates the device under an individual with the second portion facing upward. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0019]    Embodiments of the presently disclosed device and methods are now described in detail with reference to the drawings wherein like reference numerals identify similar or identical elements. It shall be noted that all dimensions shown in the accompanying figures and described herein are included as examples, and the scope of the present disclosure is not intended to be limited thereby. As used herein, the term “exercise,” as in “exercise device” or “exercise pad”, for example, includes “therapy,” “therapeutic,” etc. 
         [0020]    Various embodiments of the device  100  of the present disclosure are described herein. It is envisioned that the device  100  may include a diameter of between about 4″ and about 10″ (e.g., between about 6″ and about 7″), for example. The device  100  may include a height of between about 1″ and about 3.5″ (e.g., between about 1.75″ and about 2.25″), for example. The first portion  110  of the device may include a flat (e.g., substantially planar) surface  112  having a diameter of between about 1.5″ and about 3.5 (e.g., between about 2.25″ and about 2.75″), for example. The second portion  120  of the device may include a flat (e.g., substantially planar) surface  122  having a diameter of between about 3.5″ and about 6.5″ (e.g., between about 4.25″ and about 5.25″), for example. 
         [0021]    The first portion  110  and second portion  120  are shown as being separated by a substantially vertical sidewall  130 . It is envisioned that the height of vertical sidewall  130  is between about 0.25″ and about 1.0.″ It is further envisioned that the height of vertical sidewall  130  is between about 0.5″ and about 0.75″. A first angled surface  114  is defined between the vertical sidewall  130  and an outer edge of first flat surface  112 . It is envisioned that first angle surface  114  is substantially flat along its entire length. Additionally, with reference to  FIG. 3 , it is envisioned that angled surface  114  includes a plurality of sections  114   a,    114   b,  etc. (a total of  13  sections (i.e.,  114   a - 114   m ) are shown), which may facilitate incremental rotational movement, or instance. As can be appreciated, more or fewer sections are contemplated by the present disclosure. It is envisioned that the first angled surface  114  defines a first angle α 1  of between about 20° and about 25°, for example. This angle/surface  114  creates a pyramidal shape, which allows for rotation and/or pivoting around/about the smaller-diameter flat surface  122 , e.g. in a 360° motion. 
         [0022]    A second angled surface  124  is defined between the vertical sidewall  130  and an outer edge of second flat surface  114 . It is envisioned that the second angled surface  124  is substantially rounded or substantially flat. It is envisioned that the second angled surface  124  defines a second angle α 2  of between about 25° and about 45°, for example, and may be equal to about 30°. 
         [0023]    The device  100  may include a contoured shape; may be made of injection molded high density foam, rubber, or another suitable material; and/or may be disc-shaped, e.g., to allow for multiple functions. 
         [0024]    In use, with the first portion  110  (e.g., flat surface  112 ) of the device  100  facing upwards, a user will be able to actively “tilt” and/or “rotate” the region of the body, e.g., in a clock-type motion or any functional body movement that promotes increased mobility at the region around the device  100 . This will allow the joints of the region (e.g., the sacro-iliac SI of the pelvic and lumbar, thoracic, knee, hip, shoulder, etc.) to be exercised, which will increase range of motion (“ROM”) and/or flexibility. Use of the device  100  may also promote decreased pain through the use of isolated movement, allow for activation of the core musculature of the spine, and/or promote proprioceptive training for the joints of the body. Additionally, it is envisioned that the device  100  allows the individual to loosen soft tissue structures (e.g., fascia, muscles, tendons and joints) and/or promotes improved flexibility, range of motion, strength and core stability. 
         [0025]    In use, with the flat surface  112  of first portion  110  of the device  100  facing upwards, a user will be able to pivot their body (or portions of their body) about the device  100 , which may remain substantially stationary during use in this embodiment. 
         [0026]    It is envisioned that the device  100  can used both passively and actively with the device  100  in either position, i.e., with either first portion  110  or second portion  120  facing up. It is envisioned that the device  100  can be used as an exercise device to help any individual who desires or needs to increase the mobility of their soft tissues, muscles, tendons, joints and/or other structures. Use of the device  100  by any individual may also help improve flexibility, strength and/or core stability. It is also envisioned that the device  100  may be used by the general public, who are not necessarily in need of rehabilitation. 
         [0027]    The present disclosure also includes method of using the device  100  and method of treating individuals (e.g., patients). Individuals can use this device  100  to release or loosen their muscles, tissues and/or joints while promoting their flexibility, range of motion and core stability. This can be accomplished, for example, by doing certain exercises while lying on top of the device  100  with either the first portion  110  or second portion  120  facing upwards. Additionally, the individual can passively lie on the device  100  or in the same position and do a pelvic clock motion which is aided by the device&#39;s shape (see  FIG. 15 , for example). The device  100  allows the individual to move 360° around the pivot (e.g., flat surface  112  or  122 ) of the device  100 . Additionally, by positioning the device  100  under the thoracic spine or mid back at various levels and lying over it, the individual can loosen the structures in this region of the body. This can be enhanced by initiating active exercises like the pelvic clock or upper extremity raises (see  FIGS. 11-14 , for example). 
         [0028]    The device  100  may also be used by an individual while performing lower extremity exercises. In  FIGS. 17-18 , for example, the individual is using the device  100  to loosen the muscle in the lower quadriceps and enhancing the release by actively flexing and extending the lower extremity over the device. Putting the device  100  under the lateral thigh or Iliotibial band, the tissues can passively loosen, or active exercise can enhance the release of the individual&#39;s muscles and/or tissues. 
         [0029]    The device  100  may also be used by an individual while performing core stabilization exercises. For example, the device  100  may be used to improve overall mobility, flexibility and/or strength of and individual. It is envisioned that individuals would experience decreased pain in regions where the device  100  is used. The device  100  may also promote enhanced proprioceptive awareness or the awareness of the individual&#39;s body movements and improved core stability as well. 
         [0030]    The present disclosure also includes methods of treating an individual. A disclosed method includes providing the device  100 , providing an individual with access to the device  100 , providing an individual with instructions for using the device  100 , and/or providing an individual with instructions to use the device  100 . The present disclosure also includes an instruction manual and an instructional video for using the device  100 , including providing description and/or figures, such as those included herein and/or similar description and/or figures. 
         [0031]    It is to be understood that the foregoing description is merely a disclosure of particular embodiments and is in no way intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. For example, it is envisioned that all edges, e.g., between adjacent surfaces, are either rounded or include a point. Additionally, while the device  100  is shown in use in connection to particular portions of the body, the device  100  may be used in connection with any body part. Other possible modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art and are intended to be within the scope of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the claims appended hereto.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0