Patent · US Expired

In-bed exercise machine and method of use

US6152855A · kind A · utility

35Cited by
12References
12Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateFeb 2, 2000
Grant dateNov 28, 2000
Priority date
Expiry dateFeb 2, 2020

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA61H2230/605
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A portable in-bed exercising machine is provided for strengthening and/or strength maintenance of the musculature and ligaments associated with an extremity. The exercise apparatus employs the principles of closed kinetic chain exercise of the extremity in both concentric and eccentric modes and for isometric, isotonic and isokinetic exercise. Each extremity is engaged separately allowing for bilateral, unilateral and reciprocal motion. As exemplified for lower extremities, force is actively applied to the feet with each lower extremity having the force level continuously adjustable from zero force to a force equal to or greater than body-weight. The exercise motions and force applications use the same major muscle groups as functional activities such as standing from a chair, climbing stairs, walking, jumping and jogging. Vertical support is provided for the lower extremity to stabilize and control the lower extremity motion within safe limits. Back support is provided for the user to exercise in a supine position. Almost any bed may be integrated with the force producing machine to form the exercise apparatus. Methods of use of the in-bed exercising machine are also presented.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.