Exercise Device for the Shoulder

Abstract

The invention provides an exercise device for a rotator cuff of a shoulder of a user comprising a container housing, wherein the container housing comprises a first container shell, wherein the first container shell comprises a first container shell exterior surface and a first container shell interior surface surrounding a first container shell void, wherein the first container shell interior surface forms a substantially spherical surface; a second container shell, wherein the second container shell comprises a second container shell exterior surface and a second container shell interior surface, wherein the second container shell interior surface surrounds the first container shell exterior surface whereby the first container shell is nested inside the second container shell; and a spherical ball positioned within the first container shell void; wherein when the exercise device is in use, movement and rotation of an arm of a user causes movement and rotation of the container housing and movement and rotation of the ball within the container housing in a direction that follows a circumference of the first container shell interior surface, thereby exercising the rotator cuff of the shoulder of the user.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a portable exercise device that works to strengthen and rehabilitate the arm and in particular the shoulder.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In human anatomy, the shoulder is that part of the body where the arm attaches to the torso. Articulations between the upper arm bone, the collarbone, the shoulder blade, and the associated muscles, ligaments, and tendons that attach these three bones together make up the shoulder joints. A properly working shoulder is flexible over a wide range of motion required in the arms and hands. However, this tremendous range of motion also makes the shoulder extremely unstable, far more prone to dislocation and injury than other joints.

[0003] The shoulder is one of the most commonly injured joints in the body. This is due to the complex arrangement of the surrounding ligaments and tendon muscle groups that are needed for, first, stabilization of the joint, and then, second, for providing a coordinated movement of the shoulder through a three-dimensional space at varying velocities of acceleration and deceleration. Unlike the hip joint, which includes a bone socket for support, the shoulder lacks a bone socket and relies solely on the surrounding muscles, tendons, and ligaments for support and stabilization.

[0004] The rotator cuff is an anatomical term given to the group of small muscles and their tendons that act to stabilize the shoulder. Moving the shoulder through space requires the coordinated activation and deactivation of the rotator cuff while permitting the larger power muscle group, such as the deltoid and pectoral muscles, to provide the needed acceleration and torque when engaged in any type of throwing or swinging activity. Sports that place high demands on such coordinated efforts include baseball, football, tennis, volleyball, golf, and racquetball, just to name a few. Essentially any activity that requires the use of the arm needs shoulder stability and control to function. These may be anything from hanging a jacket on the coat rack to playing ping-pong or basketball, or holding onto the rope while water skiing.

[0005] Shoulder exercises typically are intended to strengthen the shoulder, thus preventing injury; or to rehabilitate the shoulder after injury or surgery. The most basic equipment for the aid of strengthening of the shoulder is the dumbbell. Free-weights allow front to back, up and down, or side-to-side exercises. The larger power muscles are strengthened while the small stabilizing muscle groups are ignored. Exercise rubber bands or tubes, and cable weight systems function similar to free weights. That is, unidirectional strengthening of muscle groups. By varying the technique of how the tube or the cable is pulled, a person may exercise some specific rotator cuff muscles. However, these exercise movements work on only a few muscle groups at a time in a unidirectional manner without the ability to vary the level of intensity during the workout period.

[0006] The Bodyblade.RTM. device (U.S. Pat. No. 5,147,262) requires the coordinated efforts of a few opposing muscle groups during the exercise routine. It also has a benefit of allowing the individual to vary the intensity of the workout while in the midst of doing the workout by varying the speed or magnitude at which one moves the Bodyblade.RTM.. However, again, it lacks multidirectional, proprioceptive training of all of the surrounding shoulder muscle groups at the same time. The Bodyblade.RTM. moves only in a unidirectional plane, i.e. side to side or up and down.

[0007] The Dyna-Flex Pro Gyro Trainer.RTM. or the Dyna-Flex Power Ball Gyro Trainer.RTM. are hand-held devices that use gyroscopic principle for strengthening primarily of the wrist and forearm. However, these trainers include limitations such as (1) that the resistance cannot be varied much during use as it is preset predominantly by the pull of the cord in the rotor groove, and (2) very little resistance or workout ability can be transferred to the shoulder joint. The Center Force Golf Dyna Max Core Gyro Trainer.RTM. strengthens primarily the wrist and forearm grip strengths. The shoulder muscle groups are not isolated for dedicated strengthening because this device has to be gripped onto tightly by the hand, thus the effect of the exercise is directed to the hand, wrist, and forearm via the gripping force that is required while holding onto this device.

[0008] The Upper Body Ergometer.RTM. (UBE) is essentially a freestanding machine with two crank peddles that allow the user to peddle through as if "riding the bicycle" with the arms. Variable resistances may be set. Drawbacks of the UBE include its expense, non-portability, and lack of variability for training of different shoulder muscle groups.

[0009] As noted above, traditional shoulder exercise devices provide exercises in a unidirectional--side-to-side or up and down--manner. However, the shoulder functions in a complex multidirectional manner through three-dimensional space. Although traditional exercises provide some benefits, they lack an ability to strengthen and educate the shoulder in a multidirectional manner that is needed for the numerous types of demands placed upon the shoulder by an infinite number of types of activities.

[0010] The exercise device embodied in U.S. Pat. No. 7,686,740 includes a splint, a single container sphere and a ball inside the container sphere. The container is attached to the underside of the splint. The shoulder is exercised by rotating the ball within the container. The user may also select a suitable level of workout by inserting container spheres of varying diameters to a splint and by selecting a ball with a desired weight. However, the ball is secured within the container by latching the container closed. User error in incompletely securing the ball in the container could result in the ball exiting the container at a high velocity during use, possibly resulting in injury. Further, the device embodied in U.S. Pat. No. 7,686,740 is complex to manufacture and the container is prone to cracking after extended use.

[0011] Thus, there is a need for an improved shoulder exercise device for shoulder strengthening and rehabilitation.

[0012] This background information is provided for informational purposes only. No admission is necessarily intended, nor should it be construed, that any of the preceding information constitutes prior art against the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description of the embodiments and the following detailed description are exemplary, and thus do not restrict the scope of the embodiments.

[0014] In one aspect, the invention comprises an exercise device for a rotator cuff of a shoulder of a user comprising a container housing, wherein the container housing comprises

[0015] i) a first container shell, wherein the first container shell comprises a first container shell exterior surface and a first container shell interior surface surrounding a first container shell void, wherein the first container shell interior surface forms a substantially spherical surface;

[0016] ii) a second container shell, wherein the second container shell comprises a second container shell exterior surface and a second container shell interior surface, wherein the second container shell interior surface surrounds the first container shell exterior surface whereby the first container shell is nested inside the second container shell; and

[0017] iii) a spherical ball positioned within the first container shell void;

[0018] wherein when the exercise device is in use, movement and rotation of an arm of a user causes movement and rotation of the container housing and movement and rotation of the ball within the container housing in a direction that follows a circumference of the first container shell interior surface, thereby exercising the rotator cuff of the shoulder of the user.

[0019] In one embodiment, the device comprises a splint, a container, a ball and optionally a sensor unit capable of detecting motion of the exercise device. The container comprises a first container shell having a first container shell interior surface surrounding a first container shell void and a second container shell surrounding the exterior of the first container shell. The first container shell interior surface can form a spherical surface having a first container shell interior center. The ball can be positioned within the first container shell void and include a ball center where, when the exercise device is moved by the arm, both the container and the ball rotate together with the ball center additionally moving around a circumference that follows a circumference of the first container shell interior surface. In some embodiments, the container can be permanently or removably attached to the splint at an end abutting a wrist receiving portion of the splint so that the user's hand can grip the container. In some embodiments, the sensor unit capable of detecting motion of the exercise device can be attached to the underside of the splint.

[0020] In some embodiments, the exercise device does not include a splint but comprises a container having an interior spherical surface surrounding a void and a ball positioned within the void. In some embodiments, the exercise device can further include a hand strap on the container. A user can use the exercise device to strengthen and/or rehabilitate an arm by moving the container so that both the container and the ball rotate together with the ball center additionally moving around a circumference that follows an interior circumference of the container.

[0021] In some embodiments, the first container shell comprises two substantially equal halves joined at a first seam, wherein the second container shell comprises two substantially equal halves joined at a second seam, wherein the first seam and the second seam do not occupy substantially the same plane.

[0022] In another aspect, the invention provides a method of making the exercise device of the invention comprising

[0023] i) placing the ball in a half of a first container shell;

[0024] ii) joining the other half of the first container shell to form a first seam;

[0025] iii) placing the first container shell inside a half of a second container shell; and

[0026] iv) joining the other half of the second container shell to form a second seam.

[0027] In another aspect, the invention provides a method of exercising a rotator cuff of a shoulder of a user, comprising providing the user with the exercise device of the invention, wherein the user moves the exercise device with their arm and rotates the container housing at a sufficient speed to move the ball within the container housing in a direction that follows a circumference of a first container shell interior surface, thereby exercising the rotator cuff of the shoulder of the user.

[0028] Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and the specific examples, while indicating specific embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0029] FIG. 1 is a right side view of exercise device 100 attached to an arm 10.

[0030] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of arm 10 and hand 12 in relation to movement of ball 400.

[0031] FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of splint 200.

[0032] FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of splint 200.

[0033] FIG. 5 is a front view of container 300 having container shell interior center 322.

[0034] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of partially assembled exercise device 100 and second container shell second half 330.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0035] For the purpose of interpreting this specification, the following definitions will apply and whenever appropriate, terms used in the singular will also include the plural and vice versa. In the event that any definition set forth below conflicts with the usage of that word in any other document, including any document incorporated herein by reference, the definition set forth below shall always control for purposes of interpreting this specification and its associated claims unless a contrary meaning is clearly intended (for example in the document where the term is originally used). The use of "or" means "and/or" unless stated otherwise. The use of "a" herein means "one or more" unless stated otherwise or where the use of "one or more" is clearly inappropriate. The use of "comprise," "comprises," "comprising," "include," "includes", and "including" are interchangeable and not intended to be limiting. Furthermore, where the description of one or more embodiments uses the term "comprising," those skilled in the art would understand that, in some specific instances, the embodiment or embodiments can be alternatively described using the language "consisting essentially of" and/or "consisting of." "About" as used herein refers to .+-.10% of the numerical value recited.

[0036] In one embodiment, the invention provides an exercise device for a rotator cuff of a shoulder of a user comprising a container housing, wherein the container housing comprises

[0037] i) a first container shell, wherein the first container shell comprises a first container shell exterior surface and a first container shell interior surface surrounding a first container shell void, wherein the first container shell interior surface forms a substantially spherical surface;

[0038] ii) a second container shell, wherein the second container shell comprises a second container shell exterior surface and a second container shell interior surface, wherein the second container shell interior surface surrounds the first container shell exterior surface whereby the first container shell is nested inside the second container shell; and

[0039] iii) a spherical ball positioned within the first container shell void; wherein when the exercise device is in use, movement and rotation of an arm of a user causes movement and rotation of the container housing and movement and rotation of the ball within the container housing in a direction that follows a circumference of the first container shell interior surface, thereby exercising the rotator cuff of the shoulder of the user.

[0040] The diameter of the second container shell interior surface is such that it is capable of surrounding the first container shell exterior surface. In some embodiments, the diameter of the second container shell interior surface is substantially equal to the diameter of the first container shell exterior surface such that there is no void separating the second container shell interior surface and the first container shell exterior surface and both surfaces make contact with one another when the second container shell surrounds the first container shell. In some embodiments, the diameter of the first container shell exterior surface is at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or at least 99% of the diameter of the second container shell interior surface.

[0041] The material that can be used to make the first container shell and/or second container shell is not limiting and can include, e.g., plastic, wood, tempered glass, metal, or metal alloy. In some embodiments, the first container shell and/or second container shell has a thickness of about 2 to about 8 millimeters. In some embodiments, the thickness is about 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 millimeters. In some embodiments, the first container shell is composed of two parts joined at a first seam and the second container shell is composed of two parts joined at a second seam, wherein the first seam and the second seam do not occupy substantially the same plane. In some embodiments, the first and second container shells comprise substantially equal halves. By not substantially occupying the same plane, the first seam and second seam are disposed at an angle relative to each other. In some embodiments, the angle ranges from about 1 degrees to about 90 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle is about 1 degrees, about 2 degrees, about 3 degrees, about 4 degrees, about 5 degrees, about 10 degrees, about 15 degrees, about 20 degrees, about 25 degrees, about 30 degrees, about 35 degrees, about 40 degrees, about 45 degrees, about 50 degrees, about 55 degrees, about 60 degrees, about 65 degrees, about 70 degrees, about 75 degrees, about 80 degrees, about 85 degrees, or about 90 degrees. In some embodiments, the first seam and the second seam are disposed substantially perpendicular (i.e., at 90 degrees) to each other. Surprisingly, having the first and second seams disposed at an angle relative to each other results in enhanced strength and reduced cracking and/or separation of the container brought about by the centripetal forces of the ball while in use.

[0042] The joining together of the container shell parts (e.g., substantially equal halves) is not limiting. In some embodiments, the halves or parts of each of the first container shell and/or the second container shell can be joined by any suitable means including adhesive, ultrasonic welding, chemical welding, glue, adhesive tape, or mechanical fasteners. The halves or parts of each of the first container shell and/or the second container shell may also be joined by mechanical fasteners. In some embodiments, the mechanical fasteners are selected from snap on male-female latches, screws or rivets. In some embodiments, the halves or parts of each of the first container shell and/or the second container shell may include external flanges to facilitate attachment by mechanical fasteners.

[0043] In some embodiments, the first container shell and the second container shell are translucent or transparent and allow a user to visually track the ball traveling around the interior of the container. In some embodiments, the first container shell and/or the second container shell are opaque. In some embodiments, the first container shell and/or the second container shell are opaque and are colored by single or multiple colors or designs, icons, logos, pictures, drawings or the like.

[0044] The diameter of the second container shell exterior surface is not necessarily limiting provided it can be moved and rotated by the user. In some embodiments, the diameter of the second container shell exterior surface can be about 3 to about 10 inches. In some embodiments, the external diameter of the second container is about 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 inches. In some embodiments, the external diameter of the second container is about 4 inches to about 6 inches.

[0045] The ball that can be used in the device is not limiting. The ball can be a round object whose center can move in relation to the circumference of the first container shell interior surface. The ball can be made of any suitable material. In some embodiments, the ball is made of metal, metal alloy, wood, rubber, tempered glass, plastic or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the ball has a coating on its surface so as to give it a smoother, softer and/or quieter feel when the ball is spun within the container. In some embodiments, the coating is rubber, plastic or silicon. The ball can have any suitable weight. In some embodiments, the ball weighs from about 1 ounce to about 16 ounces. In some embodiments, the ball weighs about 1, about 2, about 3, about 4, about 5, about 6, about 7, about 8, about 9 or about 10 ounces. In some embodiments, the ball weighs about 2 ounces, about 5 ounces, or about 7 ounces. In some embodiments, the ball has an exterior color, label and/or pattern indicating weight. The exterior color of the ball is not limiting and can include any type of color hue. In some embodiments, the exterior color is selected from blue, red, green, yellow, black, white, purple and orange and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the exterior color is selected from blue, red and black. In some embodiments, the ball has a rubber coating on its surface and the ball comprises plastic, wood, metal, or metal alloy. In some embodiments, the ball can be made of translucent material comprising an electronic or fluorescent flashing device that emits different color patterns when moved during rotational activity of the arm of the user.

[0046] Some embodiments of the exercise device comprise a container having a ball sealed in a first container shell that is sealed in a second container shell. A half of the second container shell is formed of a single piece with the splint. The second half of the second container shell is permanently fixed to the half of the second container shell.

[0047] In some embodiments, the two halves of each of the first and/or second container shell are substantially equal in size. However, the two halves of the first and/or second container shell may be any suitable size. In some embodiments, the first and/or second container shell may be composed of more than two pieces.

[0048] In some embodiments, the device comprises a splint. In some embodiments, the splint is attached to the container housing. In some embodiments, the splint is rigidly attached to the container housing. In some embodiments, the splint effectively eliminates wrist motion and thereby imparts all active motion needed to spin the ball to the shoulder's rotator cuff muscle. In some embodiments, the splint and at least a portion of the container can be formed of a continuous piece. In some embodiments, the splint and a first half of a container shell are formed of one continuous piece. In other embodiments, the splint and container are separate pieces that are configured to be attached together prior to use.

[0049] In some embodiments, the splint comprises i) a splint shell configured to be attached to the arm to restrain the wrist from moving in a turning motion. In some embodiments the splint shell has a shell bend portion configured to contact the wrist. In some embodiments, the shell bend portion is attached to the container housing and is configured so that the user's hand can grasp the container housing when the arm is secured in the exercise device. In some embodiments, the splint comprises i) a splint shell configured to be attached to the arm to restrain the wrist from moving in a turning motion, and ii) at least one strap attached to the splint shell. In some embodiments, the exercise device is secured to the arm with a forearm strap, a wrist strap and a hand strap or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, one or more of the straps is attached to the splint. The one or more straps may be laced through slots in the splint or may be attached to the splint by any suitable means. In some embodiments, the position of the straps may be constrained by raised portions of the splint. In some embodiments, a hand strap may be attached to the container. In some embodiments, the exercise device has a forearm strap and a wrist strap laced through slots in the splint. In some embodiments the straps are elastic material such as rubber that are configured to secure the exercise device to the user.

[0050] In some embodiments, the splint comprises a splint shell configured to be attached to the arm to restrain the wrist from moving in a turning motion, wherein the user's arm, wrist or hand are stabilized onto the splint by an external wrap. In some embodiments, the external wrap is a medical bandage, such as an ACE bandage.

[0051] In some embodiments, the straps or wraps are elongated pieces of material having ends that may fasten together using hook fasteners and loop fasteners.

[0052] In some embodiments, the splint has padded material on at least a portion of a surface that contacts the user's forearm, wrist, or hand, or portion thereof during use. The padded material may be any suitable material. In some embodiments, the padded material is a gel pad.

[0053] The splint can be made of any suitable material such as plastic including lightweight thermoplastic material or of a generally planar malleable metal core. In some embodiments, the splint comprises plastic, wood, metal or metal alloy. In some embodiments, the splint comprises plastic. The splint may be of any suitable length. The splint may be about 4 inches to about 16 inches in length. For example, the splint may be about 4, about 5, about 6, about 7, about 8, about 9, about 10, about 11, about 12, about 13, about 14, about 15 or about 16 inches in length. The splint may have any suitable width. For example, the splint may be about 1, about 1.5, about 2, about 2.5, about 3, about 3.5, about 4, about 4.5, about 5, about 5.5, or about 6 inches wide.

[0054] In some embodiments, the ball is sealed inside the container. In some embodiments of the invention, one or more exercise devices with the ball sealed inside the container are provided to allow the user to choose a desired level of workout. In some embodiments, one or more of the following devices are provided: an exercise device having a container with an outside diameter of about 4 inches containing a ball with a weight of about 2 ounces; an exercise device having a container with an outside diameter of about 4 inches containing a ball with a weight of about 5 ounces; an exercise device having a container with an outside diameter of about 4 inches containing a ball with a weight of about 7 ounces; an exercise device having a container with an outside diameter of about 6 inches containing a ball with a weight of about 2 ounces; an exercise device having a container with an outside diameter of about 6 inches containing a ball with a weight of about 5 ounces; and an exercise device having a container with an outside diameter of about 6 inches containing a ball with a weight of about 7 ounces.

[0055] In some embodiments, the exercise device comprises a sensor unit capable of detecting movement of the exercise device. In some embodiments, the sensor unit comprises an accelerometer that detects movement of the exercise device. The accelerometer can be a single plane, dual-plane, tri-plane, or multi-plane device. The accelerometer can be a multiple-axis accelerometer. The accelerometer can be capable of generating real-time accelerometer data comprising an X-axis signal, a Y-axis signal and a Z-axis signal based on a movement of the user. An example of a suitable accelerometer is Model 8101 Accelerometer manufactured by Measurement Specialties of Hampton, Va. The sensor unit can be attached to the splint or container or can be a separate component that is attached to the user at a suitable position to detect movement of the arm or exercise device.

[0056] In some embodiments of the invention, rotations of the ball within the container correlate with the number of muscular contractions in the rotator cuff of the user. Thus, detecting the number of rotations per minute (RPM) of the ball with the sensor unit enables measurement of how much work is done by the rotator cuff muscles. Therefore, detecting motion with the sensor unit enables measurement of the effort or intensity of the workout; the length of the workout; and the peak, average and/or mean RPM during the workout. In some embodiments, the sensor unit stores information. The information that can be stored by the sensor unit is not limiting and can include information about the workout as well as any biometric data. In some embodiments, the sensor unit stores information such as, for example, time, real time indication of RPM, total RPM, max/min/average RPM. In some embodiments, the sensor unit is capable of transmitting the information, for example, to another device such as a computer, smartphone, etc., or to a website or other server. In some embodiments, the communication can be wireless or through a physical connection.

[0057] In some embodiments, the sensor unit is configured to enable a user to input biometric data such as height, weight and age. In some embodiments, the sensor unit can display information about the workout such as effort or intensity of the workout; the length of the workout; the total force generated during the workout; and the peak, average and/or mean RPM during the workout. In some embodiments, the sensor unit can display workout goals calculated using biometric data entered about the user. In some embodiments the sensor unit detects the user's heart rate.

[0058] In some embodiments, the sensor unit displays workout goals based on the total anticipated cumulative force required by the rotator cuff to do the work of a particular event. For instance, pitching a baseball at 90 mph for 80 pitches by someone who is six feet seven inches weighing 230 pounds, or swimming 2.4 miles in 2 hours 15 minutes by someone who is six feet tall weighing 210 pounds, or punching 500 times in a boxing match by someone who is 5 feet 5 inches tall weighing 147 pounds. In some embodiments, the sensor unit will track and display specific goals for a training program to do a specific event. For instance, the sensor unit can provide workouts of increasing intensity based on a user's biometric data to strengthen rotator cuff muscles for a baseball game, a tennis match, a boxing match, a swimming event, a golf tournament, etc. The accelerometer can also provide workouts based on a user's biometric data for rehabilitation of rotator cuff muscles following injury or inactivity.

[0059] In some embodiments, the sensor unit has an indicator of ball rotations within the container. In some embodiments, the indicator provides a first signal when the ball is rotating at a certain number of rotations over a specified period of time (e.g., 10 to 320 rotations per minute) and a second signal when the ball is rotating at a greater number of rotations over the specified period of time (e.g., more than 320 rotations per minute). In some embodiments, the first signal is a green light and the second signal is a red light. In some embodiments, a user can maintain the ball within the container at an RPM of between about 10 and 320, as indicated by the green light, for an easy maintenance level workout, or maintain the ball within the container at an RPM of greater than about 320 rotations per minute, as indicated by the red light, for a higher intensity workout. In some embodiments, a user, such as a professional athlete, may desire to keep the ball at an RPM of greater than about 320 for a maximal workout effort. The sensor unit indicators of ball RPM can act as a "motivational coach" for the user.

[0060] In some embodiments, the indicator is an emission of light, wherein the intensity of emission of light varies as a rheostat in accordance with the velocity of the spin rate of the ball. In some embodiments, a higher spin rate results in a greater intensity of light emission and a lower spin rate results in a dimming of the light emission intensity. In some embodiments, when the ball is rotating at about 10 to 320 rotations per minute a first intensity of light is emitted and a second intensity of light is emitted when the ball is rotating at greater than about 320 rotations per minute.

[0061] Methods of using an accelerometer and biometric data are discussed in, for example, U.S. Patent Application 2015/0287338 and U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,579,827, 5,723,786, 9,008,973 and 9,089,285 which are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0062] In some embodiments, the exercise device does not comprise a splint. In some embodiments, the exercise device comprises the container containing a ball as taught herein. In some embodiments, the exercise device comprises the container containing a ball as taught herein and can further comprise a hand strap and/or a sensor unit capable of measuring movement of the exercise device. These embodiments can be used in the methods of exercising described herein. This exercise device can be manufactured by the methods described herein except that the splint is not attached to the exercise device.

[0063] Referring now to some embodiments of the invention, there is shown in FIG. 1 a right side view of exercise device 100 attached to an arm 10. Before further describing exercise device 100, it may help to have some human anatomy information. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of arm 10 and hand 12 in relation to movement of ball 400. Arm 10 in colloquial speech may refer to the entire upper limb of a person from a shoulder 14 through an elbow 16 to a wrist 18. Wrist 18 may be a flexible and narrower connection between a forearm 20 and hand 12. Forearm 20 may be the structure on the upper limb of the person, between elbow 16 and wrist 18 and hand 12 may be a prehensile body part located at an end of arm 10. Human hand 12 may include digits 22 extending from a palm 24. Palm 24 may be an inner surface of hand 12 extending from wrist 18 to a digit base 28 of digits 22. Digits 22 may include fingers 30, including middle finger 32, and a thumb 34 extending from digit base 28. Digits 22 of human hand 12 may be positioned around or on container 300 (FIG. 1).

[0064] Proprioception is the sense of the relative position of neighboring parts of the body. Unlike the six exteroceptive senses (sight, taste, smell, touch, hearing, and balance) by which individuals perceive the outside world, and interoceptive senses, by which individuals perceive the pain and the stretching of internal organs, proprioception is a third distinct sensory modality that provides feedback solely on the status of the body internally. It is the sense that indicates whether the body is moving with required effort, as well as where the various parts of the body are located in relation to each other. In some embodiments, the exercise device of the invention provides proprioceptive training of all of the surrounding shoulder muscle groups at the same time.

[0065] Referring to FIG. 1, exercise device 100 can be a portable exercise device that can work to strengthen and/or rehabilitate arm 10 and in particular the shoulder of that arm 10. Exercise device 100 can include a splint 200 configured to be attached to arm 10, a container 300 attached to splint 200, and a ball 400 positioned within container 300. Exercise device 100 can include a sensor unit 500 capable of detecting movement of the exercise device 100. When splint 200 attached to container 300 is attached to arm 10, container 300 can abut hand 12 when the exercise device is worn by the user.

[0066] In operation, a user can attach exercise device 100 to arm 10 and position a user hand 12 at various positions within three-dimensional space, e.g. in front of his/her body, to his/her side, above his/her head, or in front of the face. The user then can move arm 10 in a circular and multidirectional fashion to cause ball 400 to rotate within container 300 in a centrifugal manner in a bounded area. The remote centrifugal movement of ball 400 can generate a resistance particular to exercise device 100 that can help exercise the various muscles groups in the person's shoulder, including the small, surrounding stabilizing muscles known as the rotator cuff. By utilizing balls 400 of different weights/diameters and containers 300 of different diameter, an individual can vary the resistance provided by exercise device 100 to provide an effective way to strengthen and rehabilitate the muscles within the shoulder joint and, in turn, help expedite the recovery process after injury or surgery.

[0067] Shown in FIG. 3 is another view of exercise device 100. FIG. 4 is a bottom view of exercise device 100. Splint 200 can be a static hand-wrist orthosis to hold the wrist, in combination with container 300, at a particular angle and to provide support and proper positioning of the hand around container 300. Splint 200 can include a splint shell 202, a forearm strap 204 and a wrist strap 206. Forearm strap 204 and wrist strap 206 can be laced into splint shell 202 at slots 210.

[0068] Splint shell 202 can be a rigid form that can follow the contour along forearm 20 and wrist 18 when hand 12 is positioned on container 300. Splint shell 202 may also have a trough-like portion 230 configured to cradle the forearm when positioned in the splint. Splint shell 202 can include slots 210 and a shell bend portion 212 configured to contact wrist 18 when hand 12 is positioned on container 300. Slots 210 can be elongated openings within splint shell 202 that can be configured to receive forearm strap 204 and wrist strap 206. Shell bend portion 212 can be a curvature in a profile of splint shell 202 to permit splint shell 202 to transition from forearm 20 to wrist 18. Shell bend portion 212 can be rigidly attached to the container 300. With splint 200 attached to arm 10 and hand 12 positioned on container 300, shell bend portion 212 can be configured to contact the wrist 18. Container 300 can include raised portions 340 on a surface configured to aid a user in gripping the container 300 during use of the exercise device. In some embodiments, shell bend portion 212 conforms to the natural contour of the wrist-forearm resting position in a slightly extended posture of the wrist. This is the functional resting position of the wrist and permits more comfortable and ergonomically friendly position during usage of the exercise device.

[0069] Splint shell 202 can be made of plastic including lightweight thermoplastic material or of a generally planar malleable metal core and may further comprise gel padding on a surface configured to be contacted with at least a portion of forearm 20, wrist 18 and/or hand 12.

[0070] The forearm strap and the wrist strap each can be an elongated piece of material having ends that can fasten together using hook fasteners and loop fasteners. The forearm strap and wrist strap each can be laced through slots in the splint. Hook fasteners and loop fasteners can be brought together to fasten the forearm strap around the forearm and the wrist strap around or a little distal of the wrist.

[0071] Shown in FIG. 5 is a front view of container 300 with first container shell 302, second container shell 304 and first container shell interior center 322. First seam 326 and second seam 336 are disposed perpendicular to each other. Container 300 can be an object to encompass ball 400 and to provide rotation paths for ball 400 to roll around inside container 300. When exercise device 100 is moved by arm 10, both container 300 and ball 400 can rotate together clockwise or counterclockwise with hall 400 additionally moving around within container 300.

[0072] In some embodiments, first container shell 302 can include a first container shell exterior surface 312, a first container shell interior surface 314, a first container shell void 316, a first container shell first half 318, and a first container shell second half 320.

[0073] First container shell exterior surface 312 can be that surface positioned on the outer side of first container shell 302 and first container shell interior surface 314 can be that surface positioned on the inside of first container shell 302. First container shell 302 can have a first container shell thickness 321 as measured between first container shell exterior surface 312 and first container shell interior surface 314. In one example, first container shell thickness 321 can be approximately 5 millimeters thick.

[0074] First container shell interior surface 314 can form a spherical surface having first container shell interior center 322 and a first container shell interior diameter 324 passing through first container shell interior center 322. First container shell void 316 can be an empty space surrounded by first container shell interior surface 314. First container shell void 316 is large enough to permit ball 400 to both rotate and move within first container shell void 316. First container shell void 316 can be defined by first container shell interior diameter 324.

[0075] In some embodiments, first container shell first half 318 and first container shell second half 320 can be two halves of first container shell 302 that can come together to form first seam 326 to enclose first container shell interior surface 314. In some embodiments, first container shell first half 318 and first container shell second half 320 each can have a hemisphere shape as half of a sphere.

[0076] In some embodiments, second container shell 304 can include a second container shell exterior surface 306, a second container shell interior surface 308, a second container shell void 310, a second container shell first half 328, and a first container shell second half 330.

[0077] Second container shell exterior surface 306 can be that surface positioned on the outer side of second container shell 304 and second container shell interior surface 308 can be that surface positioned on the inside of second container shell 304. The second container shell 304 can have a second container shell thickness 328 as measured between second container shell exterior surface 306 and second container shell interior surface 308. In one example, second container shell thickness 327 can be approximately 5 millimeters thick. Second container shell 304 can include raised portions on its exterior surface 340 (FIG. 3) to facilitate gripping the container by hand 12.

[0078] In some embodiments, second container shell interior surface 308 can form a spherical surface having second container shell interior center 332 and a second container shell interior diameter 334 passing through second container shell interior center 332.

[0079] Second container shell void 310 can be the space surrounded by second container shell interior surface 308. In some embodiments, second container shell void 310 can be large enough to encase first container shell 302.

[0080] In some embodiments, second container shell first half 328 and second container shell second half 330 can be two halves of second container shell 304 that may come together to form second seam 336 to enclose and cover second container shell interior surface 308. In some embodiments, second container shell first half 328 and second container shell second half 330 each can have a hemisphere shape as half of a sphere.

[0081] In some embodiments, the second container shell interior diameter 334 passing through the second container shell interior center 332 is approximately equal to the first container shell exterior diameter 338 so that second container shell interior surface 308 intimately covers first container shell exterior surface 312 when second container shell 304 is positioned around first container shell 302.

[0082] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a partially assembled exercise device 100 and second container shell second half 330. First container shell 302 can be positioned inside second container shell first half 328. First container shell first half 318 and first container shell second half 320 can be sealed together and form first seam 326. Second container first half 328 can be a continuous piece with splint 200 that can have slots 210 for straps, a splint shell 202 and shell bend portion 212. Splint 200 can include flanges 232 that reinforce shell bend portion 212 against centripetal force generated by the ball rotating in the container. To complete assembly of exercise device 100, second container shell second half 330 can be placed over first container shell 302 to cover first container shell exterior surface 312 and form second seam 336 perpendicular to first seam 326. A sensor unit capable of detecting motion of the exercise device can also be attached to the exercise device.

[0083] In another embodiment, the invention comprises methods of making the exercise device of the invention. In some embodiments, the method comprises placing the ball in a half of a first container shell; joining the other half of the first container shell to form a first seam; placing the first container shell inside a half of a second container shell; and joining the other half of the second container shell to form the second seam.

[0084] In some embodiments, the exercise device is manufactured by placing the ball in a half of the first container shell and joining the second half of first container shell with adhesive, ultrasonic welding, chemical welding, tape or other suitable means to form a first seam. In some embodiments, the first container shell is then placed inside a half of second container shell that forms a single piece with splint, and joining the second half of the second container shell to form second seam so that the first seam is positioned so that it is not in the same plane as the second seam. In some embodiments, a sensor unit capable of detecting motion of the exercise device is attached to the bottom of the splint. The sensor unit can be positioned so that a user can observe signals from the sensor unit during use.

[0085] This method of manufacturing is advantageous. When the parts of the exercise device are made by injection molding, it is difficult to manufacture container shells without air bubbles having a thickness greater than about 5 millimeters. However, spheres of such size can have a tendency to crack during extended use of the exercise device due to the ball banging into the internal surfaces of the container when a user fails to sufficiently control the exercise device and continuously spin the ball around the circumference of the container. Nesting the first container shell inside the second container shell so that the inner surface of the second container shell is in intimate contact with the first container shell reinforces the first container shell and reduces or eliminates cracking due from the ball banging into the interior surfaces of the container.

[0086] Furthermore, during extended heavy use, the force generated by the ball rotating around the inner circumference of the container can result in separation of containers composed of two or more pieces that are glued together. This occurs because injected molded container shell pieces without air bubbles have a thickness of about 5 millimeters, this thickness does not provide a sufficient surface area for adhesive to durably secure the pieces together. However, after extensive research, the inventor has surprisingly found that if two container shells are used wherein each is composed of two or more pieces joined together at seams, then separation of the shells can be eliminated by nesting the first container shell in the second container shell and positioning the seam or seams of the first container shell in a different plane than the seam or seams of the second container shell. In some embodiments, each container shell has one seam and the seams are positioned to be perpendicular to each other.

[0087] The invention also provides a method of exercising a rotator cuff of a shoulder of a user, comprising providing the user with the exercise device of the invention, wherein the user moves the exercise device with their arm and rotates the container housing at a sufficient speed to move the ball within the container housing in a direction that follows a circumference of the first container shell interior surface, thereby exercising the rotator cuff of the shoulder of the user.

[0088] The user can position his/her hand at various heights and positions within three-dimensional space, i.e. in front of his/her body, to his/her side, above his/her head, or in front of the face. The user then can move his/her arm in a circular and multidirectional fashion to spin the ball within the container in a centrifugal manner. This can generate gyroscopic-like resistance. This resistance can help exercise the various muscles groups in the shoulder, specifically small, surrounding stabilizing muscles known as the rotator cuff. An individual cam vary the resistance of the device by using different container diameters and ball weights. This can provide an effective way to strengthen and/or rehabilitate the muscles within the shoulder joint.

[0089] In the process of generating the gyroscopic effect, the shoulder can be stressed in a multidirectional manner. Opposing muscle groups surrounding the shoulder joint must activate and deactivate in a synchronous rapid fashion in response to the resistance provided by the exercise device. This develops the strength and coordination of small stabilizing rotator cuff muscle groups at small magnitudes of movement, while the larger power muscles will be called into action at larger magnitudes of movement. By placing the hand in various positions during the workout, such as changing from the front of the body to the side of the body, the user can target train different muscle groups specifically at different times during the same workout period. This improves proprioception and ability to move the shoulder in a coordinated three-dimensional fashion that can be the basis of all activities of the shoulder during daily use.

[0090] In some embodiments, the user utilizes the sensor unit described above to track performance metrics during a workout with the exercise device. In some embodiments, the user can track the effort or intensity of the workout; the length of the workout; and/or the peak, average and/or mean RPM during the workout. In some embodiments, the user performs a workout with the exercise device based on goals provided by the sensor unit. In some embodiments, the user inputs data such as biometric data and/or the anticipated total force required by the rotator cuff to do the work of a particular event into the sensor unit and the sensor unit displays workout goals calculated using this data. The user can then perform a series of workouts with the exercise device as directed by the sensor unit in order to prepare for performing the event. In some embodiments, the user performs a workout with the exercise device based on RPM and/or heart rate provided by the sensor device. In some embodiments, the user stores information obtained by the sensor unit from a workout with the exercise device in the sensor unit or transfers the information to another electronic device. In some embodiments, the user tracks improvements in workout performance utilizing data obtained by the sensor unit.

[0091] In some embodiments, the user performs a workout with the device and maintains the ball within the container at an RPM of between 10 and 320, as indicated by a green light on the sensor unit, for an easy maintenance level workout. In some embodiments, the user performs a workout with the device and maintains ball within the container at an RPM of greater than 320, as indicated by a red light on the sensor unit, for a high intensity workout. Thus, the sensor unit indicators of ball RPM can act as a "motivational coach" for the user.

[0092] In some embodiments, the user performs workouts with the exercise device as part of recovery from shoulder injuries or surgeries. The exercise device can provide an effective way to rehabilitate and strengthen the muscles in the rotator cuff, as it can allow an individual to experience resistance using omni-directional movements with the arm. The exercise device can fulfill the need for a way to safely rehabilitate and strengthen the muscles in the shoulder joint. Using the device consistently can lead to a quicker recovery from injury or surgery and a reduced risk of re-injuring the shoulder joint. The appealing features of the exercise device can be its ease of use, safe and effectiveness, versatility, small size and compactness, portability, and ability to help rehabilitate the shoulder after surgery or injury.

[0093] In addition, the user's movements can generate the gyroscopic resistance offered by the exercise device. Thus, the individual can vary the degree of intensity during a workout or rehabilitation exercise. The user also can employ different combinations of container diameters and ball weights to achieve many different degrees of resistance. This can allow an individual to use a minimal amount of resistance when beginning a rehabilitation regimen for the shoulder and then increase resistance gradually as the muscles in the rotator cuff became stronger. This can allow the individual to make steady and consistent progress when recovering from an injury or surgery and can reduce the risk of re-injuring the shoulder during a rehabilitation program.

[0094] The exercise device can feature a small, lightweight, and compact design and thus can be transported to any location and used virtually anywhere. It can be ideal for use in the home, as well as in rehabilitation clinics, sports medicine facilities, and hospitals. The portable nature of the exercise device can make it ideal for use among physical therapists and personal trainers, as it can be easily transported to clients' homes for use during private training and rehabilitation sessions. The exercise device also can be particularly ideal for use among a wide range of athletes, particularly those who place significant amounts of stress on their shoulders. These can include both professional and recreational athletes who play baseball, football, tennis, volleyball, golf, hockey, and basketball. The exercise device can be safe and easy to use, effectively designed, versatile, convenient, practical, and durable for years of virtually maintenance-free use.

[0095] The exercise device can be light in weight, but the centrifugal and gyroscopic principles employed by the exercise device can generate up to 100 pounds of torque energy, such as seen in high velocity throwing or swinging sports. The exercise device can benefit training camps for high-level overhead athletes. The small size of the exercise device makes it easy to transport and may be used while traveling on business or used by a personal trainer when visiting different client households.

[0096] The information disclosed herein is provided merely to illustrate principles and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the subject matter of the terms of the claims. The written specification and figures are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. Moreover, the principles disclosed may be applied to achieve the advantages described herein and to achieve other advantages or to satisfy other objectives, as well.

Claims

1. An exercise device for a rotator cuff of a shoulder of a user comprising a container housing, wherein the container housing comprises i) a first container shell, wherein the first container shell comprises a first container shell exterior surface and a first container shell interior surface surrounding a first container shell void, wherein the first container shell interior surface forms a substantially spherical surface; ii) a second container shell, wherein the second container shell comprises a second container shell exterior surface and a second container shell interior surface, wherein the second container shell interior surface surrounds the first container shell exterior surface whereby the first container shell is nested inside the second container shell; and iii) a spherical ball positioned within the first container shell void; wherein when the exercise device is in use, movement and rotation of an arm of a user causes movement and rotation of the container housing and movement and rotation of the ball within the container housing in a direction that follows a circumference of the first container shell interior surface, thereby exercising the rotator cuff of the shoulder of the user.

2. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the diameter of the second container shell interior surface is substantially equal to the diameter of the first container shell exterior surface.

3. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the first container shell comprises two substantially equal halves joined at a first seam, wherein the second container shell comprises two substantially equal halves joined at a second seam, wherein the first seam and the second seam do not occupy substantially the same plane.

4. The exercise device of claim 3, wherein the substantially equal halves of each of the first container shell and/or the second container shell are joined together by adhesive, ultrasonic welding, chemical welding, glue, adhesive tape, or mechanical fasteners.

5. The exercise device of claim 4, where the second container shell outer diameter is about 4 inches to about 6 inches.

6. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the ball has a rubber coating on its surface, wherein the ball comprises plastic, rubber, tempered glass, wood, metal, or metal alloy.

7. The exercise device of claim 1, where the ball has a weight of about 1 ounce to about 10 ounces.

8. The exercise device of claim 1, further comprising a splint, wherein the splint is attached to the container housing, wherein the splint effectively eliminates wrist motion and thereby imparts all active motion needed to spin the ball to the shoulder's rotator cuff muscle.

9. The exercise device of claim 8, wherein the splint comprises i) a splint shell configured to be attached to the arm to restrain the wrist from moving in a turning motion, and ii) at least one strap attached to the splint shell.

10. The exercise device of claim 8, wherein the splint comprises a splint shell configured to be attached to the arm to restrain the wrist from moving in a turning motion, wherein the user's forearm and/or wrist are stabilized onto the splint by an external wrap.

11. The exercise device of claim 8, further comprising a sensor unit capable of detecting motion of the exercise device.

12. The exercise device of claim 11, wherein the sensor unit is attached to the splint or the container housing.

13. The exercise device of claim 11, wherein the sensor unit comprises an accelerometer.

14. The exercise device of claim 11, where the sensor unit comprises an indicator of ball rotations within the container housing.

15. The exercise device of claim 11, wherein the sensor unit is capable of storing information about the use of the exercise device and/or biometric data about the user.

16. The exercise device of claim 15, wherein the sensor unit is capable of transmitting the information and/or biometric data to another device.

17. A method of exercising a rotator cuff of a shoulder of a user, comprising providing the user with the exercise device of claim 1, wherein the user moves the exercise device with their arm and rotates the container housing at a sufficient speed to move the ball within the container housing in a direction that follows a circumference of the first container shell interior surface, thereby exercising the rotator cuff of the shoulder of the user.

18. The exercise device of claim 11, wherein the sensor unit comprises an indicator of ball rotations within the container housing, wherein the indicator is an emission of light, wherein the intensity of emission of light varies as a rheostat in accordance with the velocity of the spin rate of the ball.

19. The exercise device of claim 18, wherein when the ball is rotating at about 10 to 320 rotations per minute a first intensity of light is emitted and a second intensity of light is emitted when the ball is rotating at greater than about 320 rotations per minute.

20. The exercise device of claim 18, wherein a higher spin rate results in a greater intensity of light emission and a lower spin rate results in a dimming of the light emission intensity.