Assisted Stair Training Machine and Methods of Using

• US 20100099541A1
• Filed: 10/21/2009
• Published: 04/22/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 10/21/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Rakesh Patel
• Original Assignee: Rakesh Patel
• Inventors: Patel, Rakesh
• Granted Patent: US 7,927,257 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 482/52
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2022/0094 for active rehabilitation, e.g. slow motion devices
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2023/006 for stretching exercises
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/009 Protective housings covering the working parts of the apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/00181 comprising additional means assisting the user to overcome part of the resisting force, i.e. assisted-active exercising
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/56 Pressure
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/093 Height
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2230/06 heartbeat rate only
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/0405 involving a bending of the knee and hip joints simultaneously A63B23/0476 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/0417 with guided foot supports moving parallel to the body-symmetrical-plane by translation
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/0458 Step exercisers without moving parts with movable steps A63B22/04

Abstract

An assisted stair training machine. The machine includes a stationary platform having a planar upper surface positioned parallel to a reference plane and at a predetermined distance above the reference plane; a movable platform having a planar upper surface and being configured to move from a first position to a second position, and a lifting mechanism. The planar upper surface of the movable platform is substantially level with the reference plane in the first position, and the planar upper surface of the movable platform is substantially level with the planar upper surface of the stationary platform in the second position. The lifting mechanism is configured to move the movable platform from the first position to the second position and from the second position back to the first position at a predetermined speed.

Claims

1. An assisted stair training machine comprising:

a stationary platform having a planar upper surface positioned parallel to a reference plane and at a predetermined distance above the reference plane;

a movable platform having a planar upper surface and being configured to move from a first position, wherein the planar upper surface of the movable platform is substantially level with the reference plane, to a second position, wherein the planar upper surface of the movable platform is substantially level with the planar upper surface of the stationary platform; and

a lifting mechanism, configured to move the movable platform from the first position to the second position and from the second position back to the first position at a predetermined speed.

2. The machine of claim 1, further comprising a frame enclosing the stationary platform on three sides.

3. The machine of claim 1, further comprising an adjustable railing connected to the movable platform and configured to move with the movable platform.

4. The machine of claim 3, further comprising at least one heart rate sensor integrated into the railing and interfacing with a computer to display heart rate information for a user of the machine.

5. The machine of claim 1, further comprising at least one pressure sensor positioned beneath the movable platform.

6. The machine of claim 1, further comprising at least one pressure sensor positioned beneath the stationary platform.

7. The machine of claim 5, further comprising a computer interfacing with the at least one pressure sensor and providing a display that indicates the amount of pressure being applied to the movable platform.

8. The machine of claim 7, wherein the computer is mounted to the frame using a swivel arm.

9. The machine of claim 1, wherein the lifting mechanism comprises a controller interfacing with a motor.

10. The machine of claim 9, wherein the motor is operable connected to the movable platform by means of a rotating shaft, a drum, a cable, and plurality of pulleys.

11. The machine of claim 9, further comprising a control box allowing a user to independently change the speed at which the movable platform moves in an upward direction and in a downward direction.

12. A method of performing a stair training exercise, the method comprising the steps of:

placing a foot of an affected leg on a stationary platform having a planar upper surface positioned parallel to a reference plane and at a predetermined distance above the reference plane;

placing a foot of the other leg on a movable platform having a planar upper surface and being configured to move from a first position, wherein the planar upper surface of the movable platform is substantially level with the reference plane, to a second position, wherein the planar upper surface of the movable platform is substantially level with the planar upper surface of the stationary platform; and

moving the movable platform between the first position and the second position using a lifting mechanism, wherein lifting mechanism moves the movable platform at a predetermined speed in an upward direction and at a predetermined speed in a downward direction.

13. A method of performing a stand-to-sit training exercise, the method comprising the steps of:

sitting on a stationary platform having a planar upper surface positioned parallel to a reference plane and at a first predetermined height above the reference plane;

placing both feet on a floor surface substantially co-planar with the reference plane; and

moving the movable platform in a direction perpendicular to the reference plane using a lifting mechanism from the first predetermined height above the reference plane to a second predetermined height above the reference plane.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the first predetermined height is greater than the second predetermined height.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein the first predetermined height is less than the second predetermined height.

16. A method of performing a stretching exercise, the method comprising the steps of:

placing a first body part on a movable platform having a planar upper surface positioned parallel to a reference plane;

placing a second body part on a floor surface substantially co-planar with the reference plane;

moving the movable platform upward using a lifting mechanism, wherein the lifting mechanism moves the movable platform between an initial position and a second position, wherein the movable platform is positioned on the floor surface in the initial position and, is positioned a predetermined height above the reference plane in the second position; and

maintaining the movable platform at the second position for a predetermined amount of time.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the step of placing a first body part on the movable platform comprises facing the movable platform and placing a heel of a foot on the movable platform and wherein the step of placing a second body part on the floor surface comprises placing the other foot flat on the floor surface to provide a hamstring stretch when the movable platform is moved upward.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein the step of placing a first body part on the movable platform comprises facing the movable platform and placing a forefoot of a first foot on the movable platform and wherein the step of placing a second body part on the floor surface comprises placing the heel of the first foot on the floor surface and the placing a second foot flat on the floor surface to provide a calf stretch when the movable platform is moved upward.

19. The method of claim 16, wherein the step of placing a first body part on the movable platform comprises facing away from the movable platform and placing a forefoot of a first foot on the movable platform and wherein the step of placing a second body part on the floor surface comprises placing a second foot flat on the floor surface to provide a quadriceps stretch when the movable platform is moved upward.