Rocking Stick, Walking, Fitness and Rehabilitation System

Abstract

A support, exercise and rehabilitation apparatus designed to facilitate walking with a normal gait to promote a natural, upright walking motion. The apparatus includes two main portions, a handle assembly comprising a shaft, and a rotational or rocker base. The shaft adjusts to various heights and locks securely with a polymer, metal or composite lock-nut silencer. The rocker base contains a non-slip tread and a wide base to absorbs more weight and shock and disperses both over a wider area and thus moves with the user as the user moves forward, offering greater support.

Claims

1. A support device comprising: a shaft member comprising a series of curved areas to form a proper arm angle; a lower support frame apparatus comprising: an arcuate support frame a central support frame; at least two optional support arms; a gripping mechanism affixed to the bottom; and, a coupling mechanism disposed to the lower support frame apparatus to shaft member.

2. The support device of claim 1, wherein the cane is comprised of a shock absorbing material placed between the gripping material and the curved bottom support frame.

3. The support device of claim 1, wherein the gripping material affixed to the bottom is a rubber tread.

4. The support device of claim 1, wherein a shaft is attached to the rocking cane via an insertion hole located on top of the central support.

5. The support device of claim 1, wherein the support arms are affixed to the central support near the insertion hole and to the curved bottom support frame distally located from the central support.

6. The support device of claim 1, wherein an adjustable cane shaft and handle are inserted into the insertion hole.

7. The support device of claim 6, wherein the shaft and handle are made from a material selected from the group consisting of aluminum, wood, or plastic.

8. The support device of claim 6, wherein the handle is angled and curved inwards towards the user.

9. The support device of claim 8, wherein the handle is made of shock absorbing material.

10. The support device of claim 8, wherein the coupling mechanism comprises an adjustment mechanism.

11. The support device of claim 1, wherein the support device is designed to increase core strength and by stretching the iliopsoas muscle, improve posture alignment, and promote the natural, upright walking motion further comprising: an ergonomically shaped handle; and, and a rotationally disposed plant, cushioning and release system.

12. A method of rehabilitation of ambulatory skills comprising: utilizing a support, exercise and rehabilitation apparatus in ambulatory communication with a contact medium; positioning the shaft handle forward such that the weight is forward the of center of mass in a manner opposite to normal use of a conventional walking device to commence an ambulatory cycle; actuating the support, exercise and rehabilitation apparatus; paralleling a heel to toe ankle rocker motion; mirroring the natural gait of a human with the support, exercise and rehabilitation apparatus; ensuring that the support, exercise and rehabilitation apparatus remains in constant rotational motion with respect to the contact medium; lifting the shaft handle forward such that the weight is forward the of center of mass in a manner opposite to normal use of a conventional walking device; positioning the shaft handle forward such that the weight is forward the of center of mass in a manner opposite to normal use of a conventional walking device to commence an second ambulatory cycle; and, continuing with consecutive ambulatory cycles as a rehabilitation cycle.

13. (canceled)

14. A support, exercise and rehabilitation apparatus designed to stretch and strengthen the myofascial sling systems used during locomotion by not restricting, limiting or blocking normal joint range of motion and myofascial lines of pull due to absence of downward push on walking cane or aid; comprising: a. a handle structure comprising: an upper radial tubular portion; and, a lower linear tubular portion; and, b. a rotationally disposed support, landing, cushioning and release system.

15. The support, exercise and rehabilitation apparatus of claim 14, wherein the support, exercise and rehabilitation apparatus is designed to allow the viscoelastic structure of the myofasciae to resonate in the gravitation field at a frequency that maximizes energy efficiency by mirroring the movements of the foot during a normal gait cycle allowing the body to oscillate in the exact vertical and horizontal sinusoidal waveform necessary.

16. The support, exercise and rehabilitation apparatus of claim 15 including a method comprising the steps of: varying the curvature of the footpiece; and, varying the length vector of the footpiece to achieve an optimal curvature and length determined by research into the gait of the individual user.

17. The support, exercise and rehabilitation apparatus of claim 16 further comprising the step of varying a compression modulus.

18. (canceled)

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0125] FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of the apparatus.

[0126] FIG. 2 illustrates a front and rear view of the apparatus.

[0127] FIG. 3 illustrates an angled view of the apparatus.

[0128] FIG. 4 illustrates a top and bottom view of the apparatus.

[0129] FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of the handle apparatus.

[0130] FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of one embodiment of the handle apparatus.

[0131] FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of another embodiment of the handle apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0132] The detailed description set forth below is intended as a description of presently preferred embodiments of the invention and does not represent the only forms in which the present invention may be construed and/or utilized. The description sets forth the functions and the sequence of the steps for producing the system and accompanying apparatus. However, it is to be understood that the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by different embodiments also intended to be encompassed within the scope of the invention.

[0133] FIG. 1-6 depict various viewpoints of the present system 5 including the rubber tread bottom 10. The present system includes a curved bottom support frame 8, which allows the device to be placed on a surface and support the weight of a user. Attached to the curved bottom support frame 8 is a rubber tread surface 10 and creates friction preventing the system from slipping on the surface. The rubber tread 10 is attached to a curved bottom support frame 8 via a soft shock absorbing material 6 placed between the rubber tread bottom 10 and the curved bottom support frame 8.

[0134] This soft shock absorbing material 6 functions to absorb forces being transmitted from a hard surface to the user's hands and wrist, thus reducing the amount of force felt.

[0135] FIG. 1 further depicts a central support 4 affixed to the curved or arcuate bottom support frame 8, in which a cane shaft may be attached. The central support 4 acts to provide the main support for the apparatus and is centrally located with respect to the front and back of the apparatus. The central support 4 connects to the curved bottom support frame 8, and the shock absorbing material 6 and the rubber tread 10 are attached to the bottom of central support 4. Furthermore, two support arms 2 are attached to the top of the central support 4 and to the curved bottom support 8 frame distal from the central support 4.

[0136] The support arms 2 are used to provide additional support to the apparatus, increasing stability of the apparatus when in operation. As the apparatus is used, the apparatus rocks back and forth so that various points along the rubber tread 10 are in contact with a surface. In one embodiment, the rubber tread 10 is rounded in order to allow the overall assembly to be self-supporting. Further, the rubber tread 10 comprises of a compressible material that may also include a knobbiness texture in order to promote better traction and to mirror pronation during a stance phase.

[0137] In operation, as one employs the system, the force of the user travels the shaft and is dispersed through the central support 4, and the support arms 2, allowing the assembly to support the weight of the user without placing excess pressure on individual points of the apparatus. Thus, since there is no true downward push vector, and thus only a rolling forward effect, there really is minimal force on the apparatus.

[0138] Thus, where the additional support arms are not necessary, they add to the esthetic value and assist where weight is applied in situation where the user must ascend or descend a hilly terrain.

[0139] Furthermore, as the system strikes the ground, the force is transferred from the lower portion of the system, the rubber tread 10, to the shock absorbing material 6, spreading the force vector and allowing the user much greater control.

[0140] FIG. 2 illustrates the rubber tread 10 extending to cover the front and back of the shock absorbing material 6 and the curved bottom support frame 8. The extension of the rubber tread ensures that the apparatus is able to grip surfaces at various angles to ensure stability.

[0141] FIG. 3 depicts a side view of the apparatus, in which a hole 12 is present to insert a shaft of a cane. The hole 12 extends to the curved bottom support frame 8, to increase the stability of the apparatus and prevent the cane shaft from bending under the force of the user or coming out of the hole or aperture 12. FIG. 3. also depicts the rubber tread 10 extending around the curved bottom support frame 8.

[0142] FIG. 4 depicts a top and bottom view of the apparatus. The bottom view depicts the rubber tread 10 attached to the curved bottom support frame 8. The top view depicts the support arms 2, the aperture 12, and the central support 4.

[0143] In an alternative embodiment the assembly is attached to a cane shaft, wherein the cane has a specific handle designed to be used with the assembly.

[0144] In an alternate embodiment support arms 2, are not present, only a central support 4 and a curved bottom support frame 8 with the shock absorbing material 6 and the rubber tread 10 are present.

[0145] FIGS. 5 and 6 depict a handle assembly 20, which may comprise an aluminum, polymeric, or composite shaft. The shaft may be adjustable to various heights and may comprise locks securely with a metal lock-nut silencer 24. Further, in this embodiment, the system does not require or possess support arms.

[0146] FIG. 7 illustrates yet another embodiment of a handle assembly 30 affixed to the present apparatus 5. The shaft is attached to a central support 4 affixed to the curved or arcuate bottom support frame 8.

[0147] In one embodiment, the system comprises a support, exercise and rehabilitation apparatus designed to allow the viscoelastic structure of the myofasciae to resonate in the gravitation field at a frequency that maximizes energy efficiency by mirroring the movements of the foot during a normal gait cycle allowing the body to oscillate in the exact vertical and horizontal sinusoidal waveform necessary.

[0148] Additionally, the compression modulus or component of the foot piece tread qualifies as very important and may even aid in some manner by adding some additional compression to hand/arm as it is extendedand thus functions as an additional foot of sorts.

[0149] Moreover, the actual curvature of the footpiece, as well as the length vector, may vary as long as the curvature can mirror the natural foot movements during gait. Thus, an optimal curvature and length may be determined by research into the gait of the individual user.