Apparatus for strengthening muscles
US6456885B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 28, 2000 |
| Grant date | Sep 24, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 28, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N1/0484
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An improved muscle strengthening apparatus is disclosed which causes “eccentric contraction” of an antagonist muscle of a limb through electrical stimulation so as to apply so-called “closed-kinetic-chain exercises” for the muscles involved to thereby increase the strength thereof. Flexing or extending motion of a knee joint is sensed by a sensor to indicate contraction of the agonist muscle. Upon contraction of the agonist muscle, electrodes placed over the antagonist muscle are energized to cause the eccentric contraction thereof. The invention provides a portable home gymnasium in that it is relatively small, light-weight, cost effective and easy to transport and also relatively simple in construction.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.