Fitness and Rehabilitation machine for the Rotator Cuff

Abstract

A machine for exercising and rehabilitating the rotator cuff muscles that allows the user to easily isolate and manipulate, from a standing position, the internal and external rotation of the Rotator cuff with an outstretched arm, at any angle, to strengthen the Rotator Cuff muscles. Additionally it allows the user to strengthen the Pronation, Supination, Radial Deviation and Ulnar Deviation of the wrist.

The aforementioned machine is comprised of a main rotating handle apparatus that consists of a gear joint, a ratchet mechanism and an angle adjustment pin. The handle is secured to linear rails that allow for height adjustment. The main rotating handle apparatus is connected to a stack of weights for resistance via a rubber coated steel cable and pulleys as well as connected to two counter weights via rubber coated steel cables and pulleys that relieve the weight of the handle for ease of adjustment.

Claims

1. A Fitness/Rehabilitation machine for the Rotator Cuff comprising: A main rotating handle apparatus; A plurality of structural elements comprising a base, vertical support beams, a top; A plurality of counter weights; A plurality of pulleys mounted to the structural elements; A plurality of cables running through the pulleys; A stack of weights fixed to the structural elements via guide rods and, a barrier around said weights.

2. Vertical support beams of claim 1 are fastened to the base and the top to form a main frame.

3. The main rotating handle apparatus of claim 1 further comprising an inner free-spinning structure, a centralized bracket, a fastener that allows a cable to be joined to the inner free-spinning structure and a housing that encapsulates the inner free-spinning structure.

4. The main rotating handle apparatus according to claim 3 whereas a separate bracket is fastened to the housing that encapsulates the inner free-spinning structure.

5. The main rotating handle apparatus according to claim 4 whereas a flexible joint is fastened to the separate bracket and connected to the inner free-spinning structure.

6. The main rotating handle apparatus according to claim 5 whereas a ratchet mechanism is fastened to the flexible joint.

7. The main rotating handle apparatus according to claim 6 whereas a handle is fastened to the ratchet mechanism.

8. The main rotating handle apparatus according to claim 3 whereas sliders with pins for height adjustment are fastened to the housing that encapsulates the inner free-spinning structure.

9. The sliders of claim 8 are joined with the support elements which comprises holes for the height adjustment pins.

10. A cable of claim 1 is attached to the main rotating handle apparatus that runs through a plurality of pulleys connecting the main rotating handle apparatus to the stack of weights.

11. Cables of claim 1 are attached to the main rotating handle apparatus which run through a plurality of pulleys and connect to a plurality of counter weights.

12. A Fitness and Rehabilitation machine for the Rotator Cuff comprising: A main rotating handle apparatus; A plurality of structural elements;

13. Main rotating handle apparatus of claim 12 comprises an inner free-spinning structure, a housing that encapsulates the inner free-spinning structure and a friction based tension device that creates resistance.

14. Main rotating handle apparatus according to claim 13 whereas the tension device comprises a tension adjustment device.

15. The main rotating handle apparatus of claim 12 whereas sliders with pins for height adjustment and brackets for angle adjustment are fastened to the main rotating handle apparatus.

16. The sliders of claim 15 are joined with the support elements which comprises holes for the height adjustment pins.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:

[0006] Some embodiments of the present invention are illustrated as an example and are not limited by the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like references may indicate similar elements and in which:

[0007] FIG. 1 Illustrates a top angled view of a Rotator Cuff fitness and rehabilitation machine.

[0008] FIG. 2 Presents an exploded view of a Rotator Cuff fitness and rehabilitation machine.

[0009] FIG. 3 Shows a top angled view of the main rotating handle apparatus of a Rotator Cuff fitness and rehabilitation machine.

[0010] FIG. 4 Shows an exploded view of one example of the main rotating handle apparatus of a Rotator Cuff fitness and rehabilitation machine.

[0011] FIG. 5 Shows a close-up view of the adjustable gear joint connected to the ratchet mechanism and handle of a Rotator Cuff fitness and rehabilitation machine.

[0012] FIG. 6 Shows an exploded view of the adjustable gear joint, ratchet mechanism and handle of a Rotator Cuff fitness and rehabilitation machine.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION AND BEST MODE OF IMPLEMENTATION

[0013] The following discussion of the embodiments of the invention directed to a Rotator Cuff fitness/rehabilitation machine is merely exemplary in nature, and is in no way intended to limit the invention or its applications or uses.

[0014] The machine includes a number of structural elements typically made of metal that may be powder coated and assembled together in the configuration shown using any suitable securing devices, such as welds, bolts, screws, etc.

[0015] Please note that FIGS. 2, 4, 6, have detailed listings of individual parts whereas FIGS. 1, 3, 5 are illustrations to provide prospective.

[0016] The structural support elements of the machine include two vertical front support beams 11 (coupled with linear rails 14) and two vertical rear support beams 12 (coupled with linear rails 15) secured to a base frame 10 and a top frame 11. A main rotating handle apparatus 36 is secured to front vertical support beams 11 via linear rail brackets 16 riding on linear rails 14 and spring loaded T-handle pins 47 that allow for positioning at any height within the limit of adjustable positions. Weight stack 19 is secured to base frame 10 and bracket 18 with guide rods 13. Cable 32 is secured to main handle apparatus 36 via steel pin 39 and runs through pulleys 20-21 mounted on top frame 11, pulley 22mounted on weight stack 19, pulleys 23 mounted on bracket 18, pulley 24 mounted on rear right vertical support beam 12, pulleys 25-26 mounted on base frame 10, pulley 27 mounted on front right vertical support 11 and is secured again to main rotating handle apparatus 36 which connects weight stack 19 to main rotating handle apparatus 36. Counter weights 17 used to offset the weight of main rotating handle apparatus 36 are secured to rear vertical support beams 12 via linear rail brackets 16 that ride on linear rails 15. Cable 33 is secured to main rotating handle apparatus 36 and runs through pulleys 28-29 and is secured to counter weight 17 connecting counter weight 17 to main rotating handle apparatus 36.

[0017] Cable 34 is secured to main rotating handled apparatus 36 and runs through pulleys 30-31 and secured to counter weight 17, connecting counter weight 17 to main rotating handle apparatus 36. Weight stack shield 35 is mounted to rear vertical beams 12.

[0018] Main rotating handle apparatus 36 (FIG. 4) consists of an inner free spinning structure 37, a central bracket 38 which is keyed for shaft 53 and bearings 40 accompanied by washers 41 which are secured by pins 42. Inner free spinning structure 37 is encased by outer hubs 43-44 and secured with bolts 45. Bracket 49 is also fastened to front of outer hubs 43-44 utilizing bolts 45. T-handle pins 47 that are used for height adjustment are inserted into steel sleeves 46. Steel sleeves 46 are secured to linear rail brackets 16.

[0019] Gear joint (FIG. 6) consisted of two sub-assemblies. Metal block 50 is fastened to bracket 49 via machine screws 51. Bearing 52, inserts into metal block 50. Keyed shaft 53 inserts into bearing 52 through bracket 49 of inner ring and bracket 38. Gear 54 attaches to keyed shaft 53. Metal plates 55 and 56 are fastened to metal block 50 via machine screws 57. T-handle pin 58 is inserted into metal plate 55 completing subassembly #1. Bearing 60 is inserted into metal block 59. Shaft 61 is inserted into bearing 60. Gear 62 attaches to shaft 61. Metal plate 62 and 63 are fastened to metal block 59 via machine screws 65. Bearings 64 are inserted into metal plates 62 and 63. Washer 66 is placed on shaft 61. Ratchet 67 is secured to shaft 61. Handle 69 is secured to ratchet 67 completing sub-assembly #2. Sub-assemblies #1 and #2 are conjoined by inserting pin 70 through metal plate 56, washer 71, plate 63, bearing 64, washer 71, gear 72, bearing 64, metal plate 62, washer 71 and plate 55 to complete gear joint.

[0020] Ratchet mechanism 67 consisting of a toggle lever 68.

[0021] As will be discussed in detail below, the user will stand in front of the machine to exercise each of the separate Rotator Cuff muscles for both the user's right and left shoulder via Internal and External Rotation, as well as the Radial Deviation, Ulnar Deviation, Pronation and Supination of both the right and left wrist by lifting weight 19. Each exercise requires a combination of an appropriate height adjustment of the main rotating handle apparatus 36 and appropriate angle adjustment of the gear joint.

[0022] For strengthening the Rotator Cuff, the user, standing in front of the machine will grasp handle 69 of the main rotating handle apparatus 36, pull t-handle pins 47 and position the main rotating handle apparatus 36 vertically to shoulder height on vertical support beams 11. The user will then flip the toggle lever 68 on the ratchet mechanism 67 in a clockwise fashion. Facing the machine head-on or with body turned to the side, reach with an outstretched arm, grasp handle 69 of the main rotating handle apparatus 36 with palm facing down and rotate the arm in a clockwise fashion, in effect winding cable 32 around inner free spinning structure 37 which in turn lifts weights 19. User will repeat this process as recommended or desired. The user will then flip the toggle lever 68 on the ratchet mechanism 67 in a counter clockwise fashion, grasp handle 69 of the main rotating handle apparatus 36 with an outstretched arm, palm facing up and rotate the arm in a counter clockwise fashion, in effect winding cable 32 around inner free spinning structure 37, which in turn lifts weights 19.

[0023] By utilizing the t-handle pins 47 for height adjustment of the main handle apparatus 36 in conjunction with t-handle pin 58 on the gear joint for angle adjustment of handle 69, the user can exercise the Rotator Cuff at any desired angle within the limits of the machine, as well as the limits of their personal physics by repeating the processes mentioned above.

[0024] For strengthening the supination of the wrist, the user, after adjusting main rotating handle apparatus 36 to a height even with the user's elbow and flipping the toggle lever 68 of the ratchet mechanism 67 in a clockwise fashion, the user, standing in front of the machine will grasp handle 69 of main rotating handle apparatus 36 with elbow bent at a 90 degree angle with palm facing downward. The user will then rotate the wrist in a clockwise fashion (supination). Conversely, the user can re-position their grip with palm facing upward, flip the toggle lever 68 of the ratchet mechanism 67 in a counterclockwise fashion and rotate the wrist in a counterclockwise fashion (pronation).

[0025] To strengthen the Ulnar Deviation of the wrist the user will stand in front of, but to the side of the main rotating handle apparatus, flip toggle lever 68 of the ratchet mechanism 67 in a clockwise fashion, rotate handle 69 counterclockwise to a vertical position, grip handle 69 with elbow bent at a 90 degree angle and flex the wrist forward, bringing your little finger toward your wrist (Radial Deviation). Conversely, the user, flipping toggle lever 68 of ratchet mechanism 67 in a counterclockwise fashion, will rotate handle 69 clockwise to a horizontal position, bend wrist forward (ulnar deviation), grip handle 69 and flex wrist back toward them, bringing thumb toward wrist (Radial Deviation).

[0026] The foregoing discussion discloses and describes merely exemplary embodiments of the present invention. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from such discussion and from the accompanying drawings and claims that various changes, modifications and variations can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.