Abstract:
In one embodiment, a kinetic shape is designed by determining an applied force to be applied to an object that is to incorporate the kinetic shape, determining a reactive force that is desired to be produced in response to the applied force, inputting the applied force and the reactive force into a kinetic shape equation, and solving the equation to obtain the kinetic shape.
Abstract:
A shaped standing mat or base providing a trampoline-like rebounding surface that is a highly responsive and dynamic support surface for a standing person where that person is able to maintain a proper stance relative to their foot angle, and to engage in mild exercise movement and foot rotation and stretching without undue interruption of mental concentration in a work or other environment.
Abstract:
Therapeutic devices and methods stretching the Achilles tendon. Each device includes base and wedge portions. The wedge portion has heel and toe ends, inside-foot and outside-foot edges, and an upper surface that includes a planar surface portion that lies in a wedge plane and an arcuate surface portion defined by a projection that extends out of the wedge plane. The wedge plane has a nonuniform elevation relative to the base portion as a result of the wedge portion having a fore-aft taper in the fore-aft direction and a lateral taper in the lateral direction. The fore-aft taper and the lateral taper are sufficient so that placement of a user's foot on the upper surface of the wedge portion causes supination and locking of the foot and enables stretching of the Achilles complex, while the arch of the user's foot is against and supported by the arcuate surface portion.
Abstract:
A fitness ball has first and second hemispheres, which are connectable to form a complete sphere. The first hemisphere supports a motor having a pair of rotatable eccentric masses at opposite ends of a common drive shaft. The second hemisphere supports a rechargeable battery pack, electronic circuitry and indicators LEDs. The electronic circuit controls the charging of the battery pack and also selectively provides electrical power from the battery pack to the motor to control the rotational speed of the motor to rotate the eccentric masses. The rotating eccentric masses cause vibrations that are communicated from the motor to the two hemispheres. The vibration frequency is controlled by the rotational speed of the motor. The hemispheres have outer covers having a configuration that is easy to grip such that the vibrations are communicated to a users hands. The ball is substantially balanced about an equatorial plane.
Abstract:
In combination with a barbell having a cylindrical surface, wherein an improvement is disclosed that includes a barbell massage apparatus with a spherical member defining an exterior massage-contact surface and at least two arms extending away from the exterior massage-contact surface that respectively flank two sides of the cylindrical surface of the barbell and retain the barbell massage apparatus thereon, wherein the at least two arms at least partially define a U-shaped channel with the cylindrical surface of the barbell disposed therein.
Abstract:
An apparatus for stretching comprises a body holder for connecting to a support device (e.g., a frame or ball joint). The body holder includes a body support panel for receiving an upper portion of user's body, a left arm holder for receiving a left arm, and a right arm holder for receiving a right arm. The left arm holder and the right arm holder are pivotally connected to the body support panel. The body support panel can have an ergonomic curved surface to approximate a part of user's torso. The left arm holder can also have a curved surface to approximate a portion of left side of a user's torso and at least a portion of left arm. Similarly, the right arm holder can have has a curved surface to approximate at least a portion of right side of the user's torso and at least a portion of right arm.
Abstract:
A low stress therapeutic device is provided by utilizing foot plates and guide rails having operationally tracking surfaces of a low coefficient of friction supported by a platform. The device includes a rail stabilizer equipped with extending longitudinally recess or slot and a slideably mounted foot plate having upon its underside a longitudinal projection slideably retained within the rail recess. The therapeutic device may be designed to operate under relatively effortless strain at a low coefficient of friction. The therapeutic device is useful for knee replacement, stroke victims, ACL repair, and other therapeutic treatments requiring a nominal initiating effort of movement for rehabilitation. The device may be provided as a one or two footed device of a light weight particularly useful in a patient sitting or lying position. The foot plates may be appropriately equipped with longitudinally underside tracking guides reciprocating sliding within longitudinal slots provided by a tracking rail.
Abstract:
A massage roller comprises a central spinal recess portion, a circular wall portion on each side of the spinal recess portion, and an outer portion extending outwardly from each of the circular wall portions, the outer portion having a first diameter at or near the circular wall portion, and a second diameter remote from the circular wall portion, the second diameter being larger than the first diameter.
Abstract:
An exercise apparatus comprises a main body with a cavity that can be selectively covered with a lid. The main body is angled to increase the range of motion of a user of the apparatus. At least a portion of the lid is selectively housed within the cavity. A smaller scale embodiment of the exercise apparatus can be utilized as a sitting apparatus that corrects posture while a user is in a seated position. A method of exercise comprises a variety of steps which can be performed by a user while the user remains on his or her back.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a physical therapy machine or assembly and method which is used in the application of treatments to relieve mayofascial pain syndrome. The invention comprises spheres, arrangeable mounting stations, and a base platform.