In-field kits and systems for self-directed theraputic pulley-based muscle rehabiliation methods

Abstract

In-field kits and systems for self-directed therapeutic pulley-based muscle rehabilitation methods. The in-field kit and system comprises ring-shaped fasteners that can be removably coupled to preselected locations on a stationary structure, such as a chain link fence. Pulleys are coupled to the ring-shaped fasteners and an inelastic tether spans the pulleys. The tether has a proximal end portion to which a handle is coupled and a distal end portion to which a weight is coupled. The weight and pulleys provide resistance when a person uses the handle to perform any one of a multiplicity of exercise routines. Use of the invention obviates a need to have a physical therapist present at all times during rehabilitation of an injured user because the invention is a pulley-based system usable at home or at an athletic field.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 623,171 filed Apr. 12, 2012.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]This invention generally relates to exercise apparatus and methods and more particularly relates to in-field kits and systems for self-directed therapeutic pulley-based muscle rehabilitation methods.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Physical exercise on a regular basis obtains health benefits. For example, regular physical exercise has been shown to decrease the likelihood of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer. Regular physical exercise may also reduce stress by releasing brain chemicals, such as serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. In addition, regular physical exercise reduces the likelihood of obesity and the deleterious psychological effects on one's body image due to being overweight.[0004]In addition to the general health benefits of regular physical exercise mentioned hereinabove, regular phys...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention provides a versatile and convenient kit and system for self-directed therapeutic pulley-based muscle rehabilitation methods. The system allows the user to easily create a custom workout routine using O-rings and pulleys that are attached to a fence or other structure. This system can be used at home or at an athletic field, without needing a physical therapist present. The resistance provided by the pulleys and weight helps to provide physical exercise for the user. The invention offers a convenient and cost-effective solution for athletes and accident victims who want to continue their rehabilitation exercise routines after leaving the clinic.

Problems solved by technology

In addition, regular physical exercise reduces the likelihood of obesity and the deleterious psychological effects on one's body image due to being overweight.

Injury to the hamstring muscle group is painful and there is often a prolonged recovery.

Gym memberships can be expensive.

A gym membership for a family costs even more.

In addition, weights in a gym are typically heavy and possess limited adjustment.

Therefore, cost of gym memberships may be financially prohibitive for some individuals and families, gym membership limits users to specific locations, weights are heavy and have limited adjustment and equipment in some gym facilities may be inadequate.

However, the current state of the art does not appear to provide suitable means for performing physical exercises away from the physical therapist's facility.

However, this patent appears to be directed to specifically developing a baseball batter's muscles and improving batting strength and velocity and not necessarily related to other sports.

However, it appears that a user must assemble the segmented housing prior to use and disassemble the segmented housing after use.

Assembling and disassembling the segmented housing can be inconvenient for a user of the equipment, especially for an elderly person.

Further, it appears that a limitation of the Cassidy, et al, device is it only has three increments of weights.

Combination of these weights to achieve a specific weight resistance desired by a user may be limited.

However, this published patent document does not appear to disclose use of pulleys that can provide consistent resistance.

Also, this device appears inconvenient to use because it requires substantial space to mount the device.

Moreover, the elastic tether that is connected to the handle member might prove to be a relatively weak link.

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