Patent Document

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the filing benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/405,659, filed Aug. 26, 2002, which is included herein by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention pertains generally to electro-muscle stimulation (EMS), and more particularly to a method and system for applying a varying level of EMS as a user activates an exercise apparatus. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Electro-muscle stimulation (EMS) is well known in the medical art. This technology utilizes a conductive pad or electrode to externally apply a very weak current to a muscle or group of muscles and thereby cause them to contract. The electrode receives an electric stimulation signal from an external voltage/current source, such as an EMS machine. The stimulation signal can be adjusted in amplitude, polarity, frequency, waveform, etc. EMS is commonly used in physical or occupational therapy to strengthen atrophied muscles or paralyzed limbs. It is also used to exercise muscles that are immobilized for long periods of time as a result of muscular or neurological disorders, or extended periods of bed rest arising from injury, surgery, or illness. EMS is also useful for the general exercise of functional muscles to improve muscle tone and strength. For example, athletes can use EMS to treat muscle injuries as a supplement to conventional conditioning exercises. EMS can also be used to recondition muscles or muscle groups which have, for whatever reason, lost their tone and/or strength, have been injured, or are in need of reconditioning to effect cosmetic improvements. An operator who has been trained in the principles of EMS can analyze the areas which are of concern and select the proper muscles to exercise and train. 
     For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,341,237 illustrates a device for administrating EMS which includes a flexible covering having a plurality of spaced apart electrodes. In a preferred embodiment, the flexible covering is shaped like a band or belt, and is designed to encircle and be connected around a portion of a patient&#39;s body. The band or belt is fabricated from an elastic material so that the electrodes are pressed against the skin of the patient to promote better electrical conduction. Electrodes are selectively positionable to different locations on the flexible covering so they may be placed directly over a selected muscle or muscle group. Each electrode has its individual control for adjusting the level of the electrical stimulation signal so that different muscles can receive different levels of stimulation and the level of stimulation may be changed during the course of treatment. A master adjustment control can be used to adjust the stimulation signal level applied to all electrodes. In a preferred embodiment, the individual adjustment controls are located adjacent their respective electrodes on the flexible covering. U.S. Pat. No. 4,480,830 illustrates a method and apparatus for exercising paralyzed muscles. The method and apparatus make use of a set of transcutaneous electrodes which are placed upon the skin of the subject over muscles which are to be stimulated. A computer controlled stimulator generates a pair of alternately pulsed stimulation signals which are applied across different pairs of stimulation electrodes to produce controlled muscle contraction. Muscle movement is resisted by a dynamic load and a position sensor provides a feedback signal indicating the movement actually achieved. The computer uses the feedback signal for modifying the control signal applied to the stimulator. U.S. Pat. No. 4,499,990 shows a system and method for treating persons with paralyzed legs. The apparatus and method include four sets of transcutaneous electrodes which are placed above the iliac and quadriceps muscles of the paralyzed person. The person is seated upon an exercycle and a series of pulsed stimulation signals are applied to the electrodes to cause coordinated contraction of the iliac and quadriceps muscles. This causes pedaling of the exercycle by the paralyzed legs. A position sensor senses the position of the pedals and transmits an indication thereof to a computer which generates control signals for stimulation driving circuits connected to the stimulation electrodes. U.S. Pat. No. 4,586,495 illustrates an apparatus and method for stimulating muscular activity in an acutely injured patient. A leg which is to be stimulated is strapped into a brace and the leg muscles are stimulated to work isometrically against the brace. The effort exerted by the muscles is measured by load cells which generate feedback signals for a control computer. The computer adjusts the stimulation signals in accordance with the received feedback signals. U.S. Pat. No. 4,586,510 discloses an apparatus for exercising a paralyzed limb by functional electrical stimulation. The system utilizes simple analog devices including a reference signal generator, a position sensor, and an error signal generator. The error signal is integrated to produce a stimulation driving signal for application to the stimulation electrodes mounted on the limb. In the disclosed embodiment, the paralyzed person may be seated in an exercise chair which is equipped with a pair of loading assemblies which are attachable to the legs of the person so as to yieldingly resist the stimulated movement. U.S. Pat. No. 4,724,842 shows a method and apparatus for muscle stimulation. An exercise machine or dynamometer is provided with control apparatus for ascertaining the physical position of a patient during an exercise. The patient is then electrically stimulated over selected ranges of motion in order to aid in the exercise. U.S. Pat. No. 5,070,873 includes a method of and apparatus for electrically stimulating quadriceps muscles of an upper motor unit paraplegic. Muscle fatigue of an electrically stimulated quadriceps muscle of an upper motor neuron paraplegic is detected and compensated for by monitoring the myoelectric (EMG) signal produced by the stimulated muscle and controlling one or more of the following parameters of the electrical stimulation (ES) signal: pulse repetition rate, amplitude, and pulse width. U.S. Pat. No. 5,507,788 illustrates a method and apparatus for controlling skeletal muscle fatigue during electrical stimulation. Electrical stimulation signals are applied to muscles at a frequency which is varied in response to a detected ripple signal in an output tension or torque record which corresponds to the fusion of the multiple muscle contractions. An average torque amplitude is first determined when a stimulation signal is applied at an initial frequency. The amplitude of the ripple on the torque output is then determined and compared to the average torque amplitude to provide a ripple percentage. The measured ripple percentage is compared to a selected ripple percentage corresponding to the desired fusion of the multiple muscle contractions. And the stimulation frequency is adjusted by a feedback loop until the measured ripple percentage conforms to the selected value. U.S. Pat. No. 5,628,722 shows a method for maintaining knee stability of a user suffering from damage to a knee ligament. The method includes a sensor feedback system for measuring abnormal physical relationships between the tibia and femur. The sensor feedback system determines whether selected conditions have been met warranting the application of electrical stimulation and provides information regarding the determination to an electronic stimulator. Electrodes are spaceably mounted on the hamstring and/or quadriceps muscles in electrical communication with the electronic stimulator for causing contraction of the thigh muscles at selected levels, thus providing a posteriorly and/or anteriorly directed force to the upper tibial bone and thereby preventing its instability. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to a method and associated system for applying varying electro-muscle stimulation. The method can be practiced on any exercise apparatus which has a rotational element upon which the user exerts a force during the course of exercising. A transducer senses the rotation of the exercise apparatus, and delivers an output signal to an EMS covering such as a belt which is placed on a target muscle group of the user. As the user works to rotate the apparatus, the output signal of the transducer increases from zero at no rotation to a maximum value as a function of the amount of rotation. In this fashion the electro-muscle stimulation rises smoothly as the muscle moves during flexion and peaks upon full contraction or end phase of motion. 
     A preferred name for the present invention is electro-augmented myociser. The electro-augmented myociser is to be used concurrently with an electro myociser belt, which consists of a belt having electrodes strategically placed to stimulate specific muscles of the body. Electrical signals, directed by the location of the electrodes within the belt, are emitted causing contraction of targeted muscles. 
     The purpose of the electro-augmented myociser is to augment and enhance natural exercise by encouraging maximum muscle contraction of those muscles that are easily exercised. It also isolates and enhances contraction of targeted muscle groups that are difficult to exercise. Controls allow the user to establish the level of difficulty that is comfortable and change the level during use. Additionally, the user may change the stimulus to specific sites within a muscle group during use. 
     The present invention may be incorporated in a vast variety of exercise apparatus including but not limited to equipment used to exercise the abdomen, deltoids, biceps, hamstrings, and quadriceps. It operates under the principle of voltage application being supplied only as the person contracts or actuates his or her muscles. As the person exercises activating a range of motion, the exercise apparatus moves or pivots. The movement or rotation of the equipment is mechanically coupled to a transducer that controls the output of the electrical stimulus. The voltage rises smoothly as the muscle moves causing contraction to peak upon full contraction. In the opposite direction, the voltage reduces smoothly as the muscle is relaxed. When the muscle is at rest, or fully elongated, the voltage is zero. In the process of performing active exercise with augmented electro muscle stimulation, the tendons and bones realize a healthier benefit than merely administering passive muscle stimulus alone. What is completely unique about the present invention is that the voltage surge is not controlled by the machine, but is instead controlled by the actions of the individual performing the exercise. The present invention will further induce motivation by enabling the person to perform a greater number of repetitions with less effort, thereby providing enhanced muscle development in a shorter time span. 
     Alternately, the user may have the option of putting the electrical stimulation from the voltage source to the belt on automatic to a predesignated mode and rate when he becomes fatigued and unable to continue exercising. The preferred mode is a surge mode. For example, a surge of eight seconds on and five seconds off may be selected. This provides a constricting action on the abdominals with a rest or recovery period. The surge mode tends to give a better result than using a pulse mode. 
     In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, a method for applying variable electro-muscle stimulation, includes: 
     (a) providing a flexible electro-muscle stimulation covering having a plurality of spaced apart electrodes, the electrodes disposed in a pattern upon the flexible covering which matches a predetermined group of human muscles, so that when the flexible covering is placed upon a patient, the electrodes are proximate to the predetermined group of muscles, wherein the pattern matches predetermined groups of muscles, the muscles being the upper portion of the rectus abdominus, the lower portion of the rectus abdominus, the right obliques, and the left obliques. 
     (b) providing an exercise system having (1) an exercise apparatus having a member which is rotatable about an axis by an exercising user, and (2) a transducer communicating with the axis, so that as the member is rotated, the transducer generates an output signal which is a function of an angular position of the member; 
     (c) providing an electro-muscle stimulation system which delivers a voltage to the transducer; 
     (d) providing electrical emphasis to certain regions over other regions within the muscle group; 
     (e) placing the electro-muscle stimulation covering upon a target muscle group of the user; 
     (f) causing the output signal to be delivered to the electro-muscle stimulation covering; 
     (g) the user rotating the member in a first direction thereby causing the output signal to increase thereby causing increased electro-muscle stimulation to be applied to the user; and, 
     (h) the user rotating the member in an opposite direction thereby causing the output signal to decrease thereby causing decreased electro-muscle stimulation to be applied to the user. 
     In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the invention, a method for applying variable electro-muscle stimulation, includes: 
     (a) providing an electro-muscle stimulation device having:
         a flexible covering having a plurality of spaced apart electrodes;   the electrodes including:
           a first positive electrode;   a second positive electrode; and,   a return electrode disposed between the first and second positive electrodes;   
           a voltage source connected between the positive electrodes and the return electrode; and,   an adjustment control which simultaneously applies a first positive voltage to the first positive electrode and a second positive voltage to the second positive electrode, so that as the first positive voltage increases, the second positive voltage decreases, and as the first positive voltage decreases, the second positive voltage increases;       

     (b) providing an exercise system having:
         an exercise apparatus having a member which is rotatable about an axis by an exercising user;   a transducer communicating with the axis; and,   so that as the member is rotated, the transducer generates an output signal which is a function of an angular position of the member;       

     (c) providing an electro-muscle stimulation system which delivers a voltage to the transducer; 
     (d) placing the electro-muscle stimulation covering upon the user; 
     (e) causing the output signal to be delivered to the electro-muscle stimulation covering; 
     (f) the user rotating the member in a first direction thereby causing the output signal to increase thereby causing increased electro-muscle stimulation to be applied to the user; and, 
     (g) the user rotating the member in an opposite second direction, thereby causing the output signal to decrease thereby causing decreased electro-muscle stimulation to be applied to the user. 
     Other aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a top plan view of a prior art exercise apparatus; 
         FIG. 2  is a side elevation view of the prior art exercise apparatus; 
         FIG. 3  is a side elevation view of the prior art exercise apparatus rotated to a second position; 
         FIG. 4  is a top plan view of a system for applying electro-muscle stimulation in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a side elevation view of the system; 
         FIG. 6  is an enlarged view of area  6 — 6  of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 7  is an enlarged view of area  7 — 7  of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 8  is an electrical schematic diagram of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  is a graph which illustrates an output signal V θ  as a function of rotational angle θ; 
         FIG. 10  is a reduced side elevation view of the system of the present invention being used by an exercising user in an initial position; 
         FIG. 11  is a reduced side elevation view of the system of the present invention being used by an exercising user in a rotated position; 
         FIG. 12  is a front elevation view of a user; 
         FIG. 13  is a side elevation view of a user; 
         FIG. 14  is a top plan view of the outside of an abdominal covering; 
         FIG. 15  is a top plan view of a second abdominal covering; 
         FIG. 16  is a top plan view of a third abdominal covering; 
         FIG. 17  is a top plan view of a second prior art exercise apparatus; 
         FIG. 18  is a side elevation view of the second prior art exercise apparatus; 
         FIG. 19  is a side elevation view of the second prior art exercise apparatus rotated to a second position; 
         FIG. 20  is a top plan view of a second system for applying electro-muscle stimulation in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 21  is a side elevation view of the second system; 
         FIG. 22  is a side elevation view of the second system of the present invention being used by an exercising user in an initial position; 
         FIG. 23  is a side elevation view of the second system of the present invention rotated to a second position; 
         FIG. 24  is a top plan view of another covering; and, 
         FIG. 25  is a schematic diagram of the covering of FIG.  24 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       FIGS. 1 and 2  are top plan and side elevation views, respectively, of a prior art exercise apparatus, generally designated as  500 . In the shown embodiment, exercise apparatus  500  comprises an abdominal roller which is used to exercise the abdominal muscles of an exercising user. Exercise apparatus  500  includes a member  502  which is rotatable about an axis  504  such as an axle by the exercising user. Member  502  rotates about base  506  which resides on a support surface  700 . 
       FIG. 3  is a side elevation view of prior art exercise apparatus  500  rotated through an angle θ to a second position. 
       FIGS. 4 and 5  illustrate top plan and side elevation views, respectively, of a system for applying variable electro-muscle stimulation in accordance with the present invention, generally designated as  40 . System  40  includes exercise apparatus  500  having a member  502  which is rotated about an axis  504  by an exercising user. A transducer  20  communicates with axis  504 , so that as member  502  is rotated about axis  504 , transducer  20  generates an output signal which is a function of an angular position of member  502 . 
       FIG. 6  is an enlarged view of area  6 — 6  of FIG.  4 . In the shown embodiment, transducer  20  is an angular position-to-voltage transducer, such as a potentiometer. Transducer  20  is connected by shaft  22  to axis of rotation  504  of member  502 , so that as member  502  is rotated, shaft  22  of transducer  20  also rotates. The housing of transducer  20  is attached to a bracket  25  which is in turn attached to base  506 . In this manner, as member  502  is rotated about axis of rotation  504 , shaft  22  rotates and changes the output signal V θ  of transducer  20  (refer also to FIG.  9 ). It is noted that a plurality of transducers  20  may communicate with axis  504 , such as the two shown in the FIG.  6 . It may be appreciated that other shaft position transducers such as shaft angle encoders, digitizers, etc. could be utilized to convert the rotation of member  502  into an output signal. 
       FIG. 7  is an enlarged view of the area  7 — 7  of FIG.  5 . It is noted that the terminals of transducer  20  are routed to an EMS system (machine) and an EMS covering which is placed upon an appropriate part of the exercising user&#39;s body (refer also to  FIGS. 8 ,  10 , and  11 ). 
       FIG. 8  is an electrical schematic diagram of the present invention. An EMS system delivers a voltage V 1  to transducer  20 . In the shown embodiment voltage V 1  is referenced to ground, however other reference arrangements are also possible. As member  502  of exercise apparatus  500  is rotated through angle θ, the wiper of transducer  20  generates an output signal (voltage V 1   θ ) which is routed to an EMS covering such as a belt which is placed upon a part of the user&#39;s body (refer to EMS covering  550  in FIGS.  10  and  11 ). Output signal V 1   θ  increases from a minimum value for θ=zero, to a value of V 1  for θ=a maximum rotational value. In the shown embodiment, two transducers  20  comprise two separate channel inputs ( 1  and  2 ) to the EMS covering. In one embodiment, the two channels deliver EMS to different muscle groups of the user. In an embodiment of the invention, a voltage level control  21  is provided on each of the two channels. The voltage level control  21  includes a potentiometer which controls the voltage (V 1  or V 2 ) delivered to transducer  20 , and thereby the intensity of the electro-muscle stimulation. The mechanical placement of the voltage level control  21  is shown in  FIGS. 4 ,  5 ,  10 ,  11 , and  20 - 23 . The voltage level control is placed so a user can conveniently control the intensity of the EMS during exercise without breaking the exercise rhythm. 
       FIG. 9  is a graph which illustrates the output signal V θ  as a function of rotational angle θ of member  502 . The output signal V θ  rises smoothly as the exercise apparatus  500  is rotated. The output signal V θ  could be linear as shown in I, or nonlinear as shown in II or III. 
       FIGS. 10 and 11  are side elevation views of system  40  being used by an exercising user. In  FIG. 10  the user is initially reclining on his or her back, and in  FIG. 11  the user has rotated to the shown position. An EMS covering  120  is disposed around the user&#39;s abdomen. The output signal V θ  from transducer  20  is delivered to the EMS covering  120 . As the user rotates member  502  from the position of  FIG. 10  in a first direction  30 , output signal V θ  increases thereby causing increasing electro-muscle stimulation. Conversely, as the user rotates member  502  in an opposite second direction  31 , output signal V θ  decreases thereby causing decreasing electro-muscle stimulation. It is noted that the output signal V θ  increases as the user is using his or her abdominal muscles to rotate member  502 . Applying increasing electro-muscle stimulation as the user is using his or her muscles, enhances the benefits of the exercise. Voltage level control  21  is conveniently located on member  502  adjacent the hands of the user so that the intensity of the EMS can be adjusted during exercise without breaking the exercise rhythm. 
       FIG. 12  is a front elevation view of a patient  706  showing the muscles of the rectus abdominis divided at the umbilical area  712  into an upper portion  708  and a lower portion  710 . The rectus abdominis includes two distinct muscles on opposite sides of the linea alba. But for purposes of this invention, they work together and are stimulated together. Line  714  defines the junction of the right and left obliques  716  with the upper portion  708  and lower portion  710  of the rectus abdominis (refer also to FIG.  13 ). 
       FIG. 13  is a side elevation view of the patient  706  showing the right obliques  716 . The left obliques are on the opposite side. Line  714  defines the junction of the right obliques  716  with the upper portion  708  and lower portion  710  of the rectus abdominis. 
       FIG. 14  illustrates a top plan view of the outside of the abdominal covering  120  of  FIGS. 10 and 11 . The abdominal covering or belt is specifically designed to encircle the abdomen and stimulate the muscle groups of the central torso. Abdominal covering  120  includes a flexible covering or band  124 , selectively positionable electrodes  146 ,  148 ,  150 , and  152 , and connector  130 . Some of the electrodes receive a positive stimulation signal  134  and some receive a negative stimulation signal  138 . The stimulated muscles ( FIGS. 12 and 13 ) are the upper portion  708  and the lower portion  710  of the rectus abdominis, the right obliques  716 , and the left obliques. Abdominal covering  120  includes a first positive electrode  140  which, when placed upon a patient, is proximate to the upper portion  708  of the rectus abdominis, a second positive electrode  142  which, when placed upon a patient, is proximate to the lower portion of the rectus abdominis, and a third negative return or common electrode  144  disposed between first  140  and second  142  positive electrodes in the umbilical region  712 . Return electrode  144  provides a conduction path for both first positive electrode  140  and second positive electrode  142 . It is noted that second positive electrode  142  has a truncated shape, in the form of edge  143 , so as to avoid stimulation of the femoral nerve. 
     A fourth positive electrode  146  is placed on the left obliques on the side of the abdomen above the iliac crest and a fifth return electrode  148  is placed proximate to the junction  714  of the left obliques  716  and the upper and lower portions  708  and  710  of the rectus abdominis. The fifth return electrode  148  is disposed between the fourth positive electrode  146  and third return electrode  144 . By placing the return electrodes  144  and  148  adjacent to each other, the electrodes which stimulate the rectus abdominis are electrically isolated from the electrodes which stimulate the obliques thereby minimizing stimulation interaction. A sixth positive electrode  150  is placed on the right obliques on the side of the abdomen above the iliac crest and a seventh return electrode  152  is placed proximate to the junction  714  of the right obliques  716  and the upper and lower portions  708  and  710  of the rectus abdominis. The seventh return electrode  152  is disposed between the sixth positive electrode  150  and third return electrode  144  in order to again minimize stimulation interaction. 
     A voltage source such as an EMS machine provides the signals  134  and  138 . An overall control box  121  can be attached to the covering  120 , located nearby, or attached to an exercise device such as an ab roller exerciser. Individual adjustment controls  131 ,  132 , and  133  determine the voltage delivered to first positive electrode  140 , fourth and sixth positive electrodes  146  and  150 , and second positive electrode  142 , respectively. A master adjustment control  135  provides overall voltage control to the individual controls  131 ,  132 , and  133 . An adjustment control  136  simultaneously applies a first positive voltage  137  to fourth positive electrode  146  and a second positive voltage  138  to sixth positive electrode  150 . As first positive voltage  137  increases, second positive voltage  138  decreases. And as first positive voltage  137  decreases, second positive voltage  138  increases. 
       FIG. 15  illustrates a top plan view of the outside of a second abdominal covering  320  similar to abdominal covering  120  of  FIG. 14  but having dual channels. Abdominal covering  320  includes a flexible covering or band  324 , selectively positionable electrodes  346 ,  348 ,  350 , and  352 , and connector  330 . Abdominal covering  320  includes a first positive electrode  340  which, when placed upon a patient, is proximate to the upper portion  708  of the rectus abdominis, a second positive electrode  342  which, when placed upon a patient, is proximate to the lower portion of the rectus abdominis, and a third negative return or common electrode  344  disposed between first  340  and second  342  positive electrodes in the umbilical region  712 . Return electrode  344  provides a conduction path for both first positive electrode  340  and second positive electrode  342 . It is noted that second positive electrode  342  has a truncated shape, in the form of edge  343 , so as to avoid stimulation of the femoral nerve. 
     A fourth positive electrode  346  is placed on the left obliques on the side of the abdomen above the iliac crest and a fifth return electrode  348  is placed proximate to the junction  714  of the left obliques  716  and the upper and lower portions  708  and  710  of the rectus abdominis. The fifth return electrode  348  is disposed between the fourth positive electrode  346  and third return electrode  344 . By placing the return electrodes  344  and  348  adjacent to each other, the electrodes which stimulate the rectus abdominis are electrically isolated from the electrodes which stimulate the obliques thereby minimizing stimulation interaction. A sixth positive electrode  350  is placed on the right obliques on the side of the abdomen above the iliac crest and a seventh return electrode  352  is placed proximate to the junction  714  of the right obliques  716  and the upper and lower portions  708  and  710  of the rectus abdominis. The seventh return electrode  352  is disposed between the sixth positive electrode  350  and third return electrode  344  in order to again minimize stimulation interaction. 
     A voltage source such as an EMS machine provides the channel signals  334  and  335 . The covering  320  has two channels. One channel  335  provides stimulation and intensity control to the upper, mid, and lower rectus abdominis. The other channel  334  provides stimulation and intensity control to the right and left obliques. Each channel operates independently from the other providing respective input to these muscle groups. The two diverging or balance controls  331 ,  336  are mounted on the covering or belt  320 . Potentiometers may be used as the diverting devices. However, other diverting systems may also be used for example separate channels or multiple EMS units. 
     The first diverging control  331  distributes the electrical input  335  between the first positive electrode  340  placed over the upper rectus abdominis and the second positive electrode  342  placed over the lower rectus abdominis. The third electrode  344  located at the umbilicus acts as a return. This control facilitates the concentration of stimulation to either the upper or lower rectus abdominis. As the first positive voltage  332  to the first electrode  340  increases, the second positive voltage  333  to the second electrode  342  decreases. And as the first positive voltage decreases, the second positive voltage increases. 
     The second diverging control  336  distributes the electrical input  334  between the fourth positive electrode  346  over the right obliques and sixth positive electrode  350  over the left obliques. The fifth electrode  348  and sixth electrode  352  located along each junction of the obliques and rectus abdominis serve as returns. This control facilitates balance and equal stimulation of the right and left obliques. As the third positive voltage  337  to the sixth positive electrode  350  increases, the fourth positive voltage  338  to the seventh positive electrode  346  decreases. And as the third positive voltage decreases, the fourth positive voltage increases. 
       FIG. 16  illustrates a top plan view of the outside of a third abdominal covering  460  similar to abdominal covering  320  of  FIG. 15  but having a single channel. Abdominal covering  420  includes a flexible covering or band  424 , selectively positionable electrodes  444 ,  446 ,  448 ,  450 , and  452 , and connector  430 . The control and versatility of the covering or belt is less than the dual channel covering or belt but it is more economical. The first return electrode  444  is placed on the rectus abdominis at the umbilical region. It is adjustable with respect to placement allowing the user to target any region between the umbillical and lower rectus abdominis. The second positive electrode  452  is placed at the junction of the rectus abdominis and left oblique muscles. The third positive electrode  448  is placed at the junction of the rectus abdominis and right oblique muscles. A diverting device  431  controls the intensity balance between the second and third positive electrodes. The fourth positive electrode  450  is placed at the most lateral portion of the left obliques between the iliac crest and lower ribs. The fifth positive electrode  446  is placed at the most lateral portion of the right obliques between the iliac crest and lower ribs. Diverting device  431  simultaneously applies a first positive voltage  432  to second positive electrode  452  and a second positive voltage  433  to third positive electrode  448 . As the first positive voltage  432  increases, the second positive voltage  433  decreases. And as the first positive voltage decreases, the second positive voltage increases. A diverting device  436  controls the intensity balance between the fourth and fifth positive electrodes. Diverting device  436  simultaneously applies a third positive voltage  437  to fourth positive electrode  450  and a fourth positive voltage  438  to fifth positive electrode  446 . As the third positive voltage increases, the fourth positive voltage decreases. And as the third positive voltage decreases, the fourth positive voltage increases. A toggle switch  460  enables the user to alternatively stimulate the region between the rectus abdominis and medial obliques to target the anterior abdomen versus stimulating the region between the rectus abdominis and lateral obliques to target the lateral obliques. Generally, the lateral most aspects of the obliques are more responsive to electrical stimulation than the medial portions. A resistor  462  is therefore preferred to reduce the voltage to the lateral obliques when the toggle switch  460  is changed. This eliminates the sudden surge that may otherwise be experienced when the toggle switch is switched from the medial to lateral obliques. 
       FIGS. 17 and 18  illustrate top plan and side elevation views, respectively, of a second prior art exercise apparatus, generally designated as  600 . In the shown embodiment, exercise apparatus  600  comprises a chair like device which is used to exercise the legs muscles of an exercising user. Exercise apparatus  600  includes a member  602  which is rotated about an axis  604  by the leg of the exercising user. A weight  608  provides rotational resistance. Member  602  rotates about base  606  which resides on a support surface  700 . 
       FIG. 19  is a side elevation view of prior art exercise apparatus  600  rotated through an angle θ to a second position. 
       FIGS. 20 and 21  illustrate top plan and side elevation views, respectively, of a second system for applying electro-muscle stimulation in accordance with the present invention, generally designated as  140 . System  140  includes exercise apparatus  600  having a member  602  which is rotatable about an axis  604  by an exercising user. A transducer  20  communicates with axis  604 , so that as member  602  is rotated about axis  604 , transducer  20  generates an output signal which is a function of an angular position of member  602 . 
       FIGS. 22 and 23  are side elevation views of system  140  being used by an exercising user. In  FIG. 22  the leg of the user is initially at rest and hooked under a padded roller  610 . In  FIG. 23  the user has rotated member  602  to the shown position. An EMS covering  220  is disposed around the user&#39;s thigh. The output signal V θ  from transducer  20  is delivered to EMS covering  220 . As the user rotates member  602  from the position of  FIG. 22  in a first direction  30 , output signal V θ  increases thereby causing increasing electro-muscle stimulation. Conversely, as the user rotates member  602  in an opposite second direction  31 , output signal V θ  decreases thereby causing decreasing electro-muscle stimulation. It is noted that the output signal V θ  increases as the user is using his or her leg muscles to rotate member  602 . Applying increasing electro-muscle stimulation as the user is using his or her muscles, enhances the benefits of the exercise. Voltage level control  21  is conveniently located adjacent the hand of the user so that the intensity of the EMS can be adjusted during exercise without breaking the exercise rhythm. 
       FIG. 24  is a top plan view of the covering  220  of  FIGS. 22 and 23 .  FIG. 25  is a schematic diagram of the covering  220 . Covering  220  includes a first positive electrode  222  and a second positive electrode  224 . A return electrode  226  is disposed between first positive electrode  222  and second positive electrode  224 . An adjustment control  228  simultaneously applies a first positive voltage  230  to first positive electrode  222  and a second positive voltage  232  to second positive electrode  224 . As first positive voltage  230  increases, second positive voltage  232  decreases. And as first positive voltage  230  decreases, second positive voltage  232  increases. A voltage/current source  500  applies an electrical stimulation signal input. Covering  220  is designed for the application of traverse stimulation. In this application, a single covering  220  is utilized in which the positive and return electrodes are placed on the same covering. The central return electrode  226  is somewhat larger in surface area than the positive electrodes  222  and  224 . This design allows the concentration of stimuli to the return electrode to become dispersed in order to dilute the intensity of the stimulation feed from both positive electrodes  222  and  224 . It may be readily appreciated that the positive and return negative or ground electrodes may be reversed. 
     In terms of use, a method for applying electro-muscle stimulation, includes: 
     (a) providing a flexible electro-muscle stimulation covering  120  having a plurality of spaced apart electrodes  140 ,  142 ,  144 ,  146 ,  148 ,  150 , and  152 , said electrodes disposed in a pattern upon said flexible covering which matches a predetermined group of human muscles, so that when said flexible covering is placed upon a patient, said electrodes are proximate to the predetermined group of muscles, wherein said pattern matches predetermined groups of muscles, the muscles being the upper portion of the rectus abdominis, the lower portion of the rectus abdominis, the right obliques, and the left obliques. 
     (b) providing an exercise system  40  having:
         an exercise apparatus  500  having a member  502  which is rotatable about an axis  504  by an exercising user;   a transducer  20  communicating with axis  504 ; and,   so that as member  502  is rotated, transducer  20  generates an output signal V θ  which is a function of an angular position of member  502 ;       

     (c) providing an electro-muscle stimulation system (EMS) which delivers a voltage V 1  (and/or V 2 ) to transducer  20 ; 
     (d) providing electrical emphasis to certain regions over other regions within the muscle group; 
     (e) placing electro-muscle stimulation covering  550  upon the user; 
     (f) causing output signal V θ  to be delivered to electro-muscle stimulation covering  550 ; 
     (g) the user rotating member  502  in a first direction  30  thereby causing output signal V θ  to increase thereby causing increased electro-muscle stimulation to be applied to the user; and, 
     (h) the user rotating member  502  in an opposite direction  31  thereby causing output signal V θ  to decrease thereby causing decreased electro-muscle stimulation to be applied to the user. 
     The method further including in step (b), transducer  20  being a potentiometer. The method further including in step (b), providing a plurality of tranducers  20 . The method further including in step (c), a voltage level control  21  connected between electro-muscle stimulation system EMS and transducer  20 ; and, so that the voltage to the transducer may be adjusted. 
     In terms of use, an alternate method for applying electro-muscle stimulation, includes: 
     (a) providing an electro-muscle stimulation device having:
         a flexible covering  320  having a plurality of spaced apart electrodes  340 ,  342 ,  344 ,  346 ,  348 ,  350 , and  352 ;   the electrodes including:
           a first positive electrode  340 ;   a second positive electrode  342 ; and,   a return electrode  344  disposed between the first and second positive electrodes;   
           a voltage source  334  connected between the positive electrodes and the return electrode; and,   an adjustment control  331  which simultaneously applies a first positive voltage  332  to the first positive electrode  340  and a second positive voltage  333  to the second positive electrode  342 , so that as the first positive voltage increases, the second positive voltage decreases, and as the first positive voltage decreases, the second positive voltage increases;       

     (b) providing an exercise system  40  having:
         an exercise apparatus  500  having a member  502  which is rotatable about an axis  504  by an exercising user;   a transducer  20  communicating with the axis  504 ; and,   so that as the member  502  is rotated, the transducer  20  generates an output signal V 1  which is a function of an angular position of the member  502 ;       

     (c) providing an electro-muscle stimulation system which delivers a voltage to the transducer; 
     (d) placing the electro-muscle stimulation covering  320  upon the user; 
     (e) causing the output signal V 1  to be delivered to the electro-muscle stimulation covering  320 ; 
     (f) the user rotating the member  502  in a first direction  30  thereby causing the output signal to increase thereby causing increased electro-muscle stimulation to be applied to the user; and, 
     (g) the user rotating the member  502  in an opposite second direction  31 , thereby causing the output signal to decrease thereby causing decreased electro-muscle stimulation to be applied to the user. 
     The preferred embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations, and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve an equivalent result, all of which are intended to be embraced within the scope of the appended claims.

Technology Category: a