Adjustable squatting device
Patent Information
- Application Number
- PCT/US2024/028814
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2024-04-23
- Filing Date
- 2024-05-10
- Publication Date
- 2024-12-19
AI Technical Summary
Current squatting devices for aiding bowel movements are not height adjustable, fail to accommodate a wide range of users in terms of height and weight, and are not portable or durable, limiting their effectiveness in treating constipation.
An adjustable squatting device with a height-adjustable frame, a foot block, and a control system that adjusts the block height based on user leg dimensions to achieve an optimal angle between the femur and spine, featuring a scissor lift linkage, non-slip feet, and a user-friendly interface for easy operation.
The device provides a comfortable and effective squatting position for a wide range of users, promoting relaxation of the pelvic floor muscles and facilitating easy bowel movements, while being portable and durable enough for various settings.
Smart Images

Figure US2024028814_19122024_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
ADJUSTABLE SQUATTING DEVICECROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 465,983 filed on May 12, 2023, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 637,420 filed on April 23, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND
[0002] This disclosure relates to devices to aid a user in positioning the spine and legs in a squatting position. In particular, this disclosure relates to adjustable squatting devices for aiding the user align the body for use of a toilet.
[0003] Anatomically, one of the causes of constipation is due to a patient’s inability to relax their pelvic floor muscles, or the muscles that surround and support the pelvic organs. This can lead to straining to try to force the bowel movement, which can cause the muscles to tighten even further. The puborectalis is one of these muscles and helps maintain the angle between the sigmoid colon and rectum. In order to properly empty one’s bowels, it is important to straighten out this bend that prevents the bowel movement from passing easily. It has been noted that squatting has proven to help open the bowels and relax the puborectalis muscle, allowing for easy and complete bowel movements, while additionally helping reduce the strain caused by trying to pass stool.SUMMARY
[0004] One implementation relates to an adjustable squatting device that includes a height adjustable frame, a foot block supported by the height adjustable frame and structured to support feet of a user, and a control system configured to actuate the height adjustable frame to define a block height between a floor surface and the foot block between to xcos(35) and xcos(60), wherein x is equal to a length of a femur of the user.
[0005] In some implementations, a maximum block height is defined between seventeen inches and nineteen inches.
[0006] In some implementations, the foot block defines a width of twenty inches or less.
[0007] In some implementations, the foot block includes a foot surface adjustable relative to a horizontal plane between five degree and fifteen degrees.
[0008] In some implementations, the foot block includes a foot surface adjustable relative to a horizontal plane between zero degrees and fifteen degrees.
[0009] In some implementations, the foot block includes a foot surface arranged at twelve degrees relative to a horizontal plane.
[0010] In some implementations, the foot block defines a foot block length equal to twelve inches or more.
[0011] In some implementations, the height adjustable frame includes a scissor lift linkage.
[0012] In some implementations, the height adjustable frame includes a single level scissor lift linkage.
[0013] In some implementations, the control system includes an electric motor configured to adjust the block height.
[0014] In some implementations, the control system includes a ball screw.
[0015] In some implementations, the foot block includes a grip texture configured to inhibit slippage of the feet of the user.
[0016] In some implementations, the height adjustable frame includes non-slip feet.
[0017] In some implementations, the adjustable squatting device defines a total weight of fifteen pounds or less.
[0018] In some implementations, the control system includes a human-machine interface providing a user input that includes at least one of the length of the femur x, a length of a lower leg of the user, or the block height, and the control system is configured to automatically adjust the block height.
[0019] Another implementation relates to an adjustable squatting system that includes an adjustable squatting device including a height adjustable frame, a foot block supported by the height adjustable frame and structured to support feet of a user, and a height adjustment mechanism configured to actuate the height adjustable frame to define a block height between a floor surface and the foot block. The adjustable squatting system also includes a control system configured toactuate the height adjustment mechanism and adjust the block height based on a leg dimension of the user.
[0020] In some implementations, the control system includes one or more processing circuits comprising one or more memory devices coupled to one or more processors, the one or more memory devices configured to store instructions thereon that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to: receive the leg dimension of the user including a length of a femur, determine the block height, and control actuation of the height adjustment mechanism to achieve the block height.
[0021] In some implementations, the leg dimension includes at least one of a femur length or a lower leg length.
[0022] In some implementations, the block height is determined to provide an angle between a femur and a spine of the user of between 35 degrees and 60 degrees.
[0023] Another implementation relates to a method of adjusting a squatting device. The method includes determining a femur length, determining a block height between xcos(35) and xcos(60), wherein x is equal to the femur length, and actuating a height adjustable frame to achieve the block height.
[0024] This summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. Other aspects, inventive features, and advantages of the devices or processes described herein will become apparent in the detailed description set forth herein, taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0025] The device is explained in even greater detail in the following drawings. The drawings are merely exemplary and certain features may be used singularly or in combination with other features. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.
[0026] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an adjustable squatting device, according to some implementations.
[0027] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a foot block of the adjustable squatting device of FIG. 1, according to some implementations.
[0028] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another foot block of the adjustable squatting device of FIG. 1, according to some implementations.
[0029] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a user sitting on a toilet, according to some implementations.
[0030] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the user sitting on the toilet and using the adjustable squatting device of FIG. 1, according to some implementations.
[0031] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another adjustable squatting device, according to some implementations.DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0032] Following below are more detailed descriptions of concepts related to, and implementations of, methods, apparatuses, and systems for an adjustable squatting device. Before turning to the figures, which illustrate certain exemplary implementations in detail, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting.
[0033] There are several different ways to treat constipation. These include medicinal routes, such as fiber supplements, laxatives, suppositories, and enemas. While they are effective for treating constipation, they should only be used in emergency situations, as there are also risks associated with taking them. Due to this, it is important to develop a device that makes defecation easier by promoting the relaxation of the pelvic floor muscles. As mentioned earlier, squatting has proven to open the bowels and relax the puborectalis muscle, which allows the user to defecate easily. Currently, available products on the market are not height adjustable and do not accommodate a wide variety of people, in terms of height and weight, that suffer from constipation. Available products are not portable or durable, making the devices only good for at-home use.
[0034] Research was conducted on population characteristics to determine the individual values of the parameters. Reports suggest that 95% of men and women weigh less than or equal to 284 and 263 lbs. respectively. Therefore, devices described herein may define a weight maximum of about 285 lbs. to about 300 lbs. Additionally, the distribution of heights of the population were investigated. It was determined that 95% of the population can be described as having a heightbetween about 4’ 10” and about 6’ 6”. The standard width of a toilet is documented at 20” with the height varying from 15” to 19” based on the style of the toilet. The numerical parameter for the desired angle created between the patient’s upper thighs and back was determined to be between 35 to 60 degrees. The upper limit has been studied to be more effective in helping patients pass stool than the normal 90-degree way of sitting. The lower limit is the desired squatting angle for constipation ease. Device described herein are suitable for a large portion of the patient population by aiming for 95% of the population distribution in determining the numerical parameters for the mandatory functions. In some implementations, devices with larger size or strength may be implemented (e.g., for heavy patients or particularly tall patients). In some implementations, devices with smaller size or strength may be implemented (e.g., for children).
[0035] In some implementations, a 35-degree plastic triangular block will be used to create the appropriate rectal angle. Through a metal scissor lift operated by batteries, the squatting device will be able to move up and down to the appropriate height the user needs when they push the arrows on an attached button. The use of a switch makes the motion accessible to users of different mobilities. Moreover, the device will feature multiple ribbed pieces on the top surface of the triangular block to create traction for the user’s feet to stay in place. Also, the bottom of the scissor lift will have anti-slip rubber strips attached to avoid any chance of the device sliding on the floor.
[0036] As shown in FIG. 1, an adjustable squatting device 10 includes a height adjustable frame 14, a foot block 18 supported by the height adjustable frame 14 and structured to support feet of a user, and a control system 22 that actuates the height adjustable frame 14 to define a block height A between a floor surface and the foot block 18. In some implementations, a femur of the user defines a femur length X, a lower leg of the user defines a lower leg length Y, and a spine and the femur of the user define a spine-to-femur angle 0 (see FIG. 4). In some implementations, a practitioner (e.g., a nurse) can take measurements of the user to determine the femur length x, the lower leg length y, and the spine-to-femur angle 0. In some implementations, the block height A is defined by the following equation:
[0037] Block Height A = Femur Length X X cos(spine — to — femur angle 0)
[0038] In some implementations, the spine-to-femur angle 0 is defined between thirty-five degrees (35°) and sixty degrees (60°).
[0039] In some implementations, the height adjustable frame 14 includes a frame foot 26 in the form of two rails that extend in a front to back direction. Each foot 26 is a non-slip foot and includes a grip texture or a non-slip material 30 that inhibits the frame foot 26 from slipping on the floor surface during use. A frame top 34 is connected to the frame foot 26 by a height adjustment mechanism in the form of a scissor linkage 38. In some implementations, the scissor linkage 38 is a single-layer scissor linkage. In some implementations, the scissor linkage 38 includes more than one scissor layer. In some implementations, the height adjustment mechanism includes a different linkage (e.g., a four-bar linkage). In some implementations, a maximum block height A is defined between about seventeen inches (17 in.) and about nineteen inches (19 in.). In some implementations, the maximum block height A is defined by the top height of a seating surface of a toilet. For example, typical toilets used in a hospital setting define a seat height of about seventeen inches to about nineteen inches. In some implementations, the height adjustable frame 14 is arranged to completely collapse the scissor linkage 38 to provide a minimum height that is conducive to portability.
[0040] In some implementations, the foot block 18 defines a foot block width C of twenty inches (20 in.) or less. In some implementations, the foot block width C is defined by the width of a seating surface of the toilet. For example, typical toilets used in a hospital setting define a seat width of about twenty inches. The foot block 18 includes a foot surface 42 that defines a foot surface angle B that is adjustable relative to a horizontal plane (e.g., the floor surface) between about five degrees (5°) and about fifteen degrees (15°). In some implementations, the foot surface angle B is adjustable between zero degrees (0°) and fifteen degrees (15°). A foot surface 42 that can be arranged at zero degrees (0°) may allow the adjustable squatting device 10 to be used as a storage surface, step stool, or used in other ways in a hospital setting. In some implementations, the foot surface angle B is not adjustable and the foot surface 42 is arranged at a predetermined foot surface angle B of about twelve degrees (12°). The foot block 18 defines a foot block length D equal to twelve inches (12 in.) or more. In some implementations, the foot block length D is sized to accommodate a 95thpercentile foot length. The foot surface 42 includes a grip texture 46 that inhibits slippage of the feet of the user during use.
[0041] The control system 22 includes a height adjustment mechanism 50 that actuates the height adjustable frame 14 to the desired block height A. In some implementations, the control system 22 determines the desired block height A based on at least one of the leg dimensions (e.g., the femur length x, the lower leg length y) of the user. In some implementations, the control system22 includes a controller 54 with one or more processing circuits comprising one or more memory devices coupled to one or more processors, the one or more memory devices configured to store instructions thereon that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to: receive the length of the femur (femur length X), determine the block height A, and control actuation of the height adjustment mechanism 50 to achieve the block height A. In some implementations, the practitioner can enter the leg dimension(s) and the controller 54 automatically determines the block height A. In some implementations, the practitioner determines the block height Abased on the leg dimensions, ad enters the block height A into a user interface 58, and the controller 54 automatically controls the height adjustment mechanism 50 to arrange the adjustable squatting device 10 at the block height A. In some implementations, the user interface 58 includes an up arrow and a down arrow and the practitioner and / or the user can engage the arrows to adjust the block height A, as desired. In some implementations, the controller 54 automatically adjusts to the calculated block height A, and the user can then adjust the block height A using the user interface 58 based on the user’s comfort. In some implementations, a battery 62 provides power to the height adjustment mechanism 50 for actuation. In some implementations, the battery 62 utilizes a lithium-based chemistry and can be an interchangeable and rechargeable battery 62. In some implementations, the control system 22 is powered by grid power (e.g., a wall outlet). In some implementations, the height adjustment mechanism 50 is manually adjusted with a hand wheel or knob. In some implementations, the height adjustment mechanism 50 includes an electric motor and a ball screw mechanism. In some implementations, the height adjustment mechanism 50 includes a rack and pinion. In some implementations, the height adjustment mechanism 50 includes a gear motor that directly adjusts an angle of the scissor linkage 38 and thereby adjusts the block height A. In some implementations, the height adjustment mechanism 50 includes a telescoping arm. In some implementations, the height adjustment mechanism 50 includes a linear actuator. In some implementations, the height adjustment mechanism 50 includes a pneumatic actuator.
[0042] In some implementations, the adjustable squatting device 10 is portable, includes a handle 66 and defines a total weight of fifteen pounds (15 lbs.) or less. In some implementations, the handle 66 is arranged on the frame top 34 or the foot block 18. In some implementations, two handles 66 are includes on each side of the adjustable squatting device 10.
[0043] As shown in FIG. 2, another foot block 18’ defines a fixed foot surface angle B.
[0044] As shown in FIG. 3 another foot block 18’ includes a cutout 70 sized to accommodate a toilet and allow the foot block 18” to be positioned more closely to the toilet during use.
[0045] As shown in FIG. 5, a relatively longer lower leg length Y will decrease the desired block height A. In other words, taller people require less block height A than relatively shorter people. In some implementations, the lower leg length Y is measured from a knee of the user to an ankle of the user. In some implementations, the femur length X is measured from the knee to a hip of the user.
[0046] A method of adjusting the squatting device 10 includes determining a femur length X, determining a block height A between xcos(35) and xcos(60), wherein x is equal to the femur length X, and actuating a height adjustable frame 18 to achieve the block height A.
[0047] As shown in FIG. 6, an adjustable foot support 100 similar to the adjustable squatting device 10 discussed above and includes a foot support surface 104 defining a cutout 108 sized to receive a portion of a toilet thereby allowing the adjustable foot support 100 to be positioned relatively closer to the toilet. In some implementations, the foot support surface 104 includes a lip surrounding an outer periphery to inhibit a user’s feet from slipping off the foot support surface 104.
[0048] An upper frame 112 supports the foot support surface 104 and includes upper slide bearings 116 (only one is visible in FIG. 6). The upper frame 112 is shaped to accommodate the cutout 108. Alower frame 118 is shaped to accommodate the cutout 108 and includes lower slide bearings 119. While the upper frame 112 and the foot support surface 104 are arranged as a flat surface, they can provide an angled support surface as discussed above. In some implementations, the slide bearings 116, 119 include a plastic such as an oil impregnated or self-lubricating plastic.
[0049] A lifting linkage 120 includes a two first links 124 and two second links 128. Each first link 124 is pivotably coupled to the upper frame 112 and slidably engaged with the lower slide bearings 119. Each second link 128 is pivotably engaged with the lower frame 118 and slidably engaged with the upper slide bearings 116. A first link bridge 132 is connected between the two first links 124 and a second link bridge 136 is connected between the two second links 128. The lifting linkage 120 provides a scissor lift actuation to raise and lower the upper frame 112 and thereby the foot support surface 104 relative to the lower frame 118.
[0050] A first actuator 140 and a second actuator 144 are connected between the upper frame 112 and the lifting linkage 120 to raise and lower the upper frame 112 relative to the lower frame 118. In some implementations, the first actuator 140 and second actuator 144 are motor driven linear actuators. In some implementations, the first actuator 140 and the second actuator 144 are pneumatically driven, rotary actuators, telescoping actuators, etc. In some implementations, the first actuator 140 and the second actuator 144 are coupled together or synchronized so they move together. In some implementations, the first actuator 140 and the second actuator 144 are each connected to the second link bridge 136 to force the two second links 128 to slide within the upper slide bearings 116. Movement of the two second links 128 also results in the movement of the two first links 124 so that they slide in the lower slide bearings 119. Retraction of the first actuator 140 and the second actuator 144 results in the raising of the foot support surface 104 and extending the first actuator 140 and the second actuator 144 results in the lowering of the foot support surface 104.
[0051] In some implementations, the adjustable foot support 100 includes covers 148 that inhibit access to the lifting linkage 120 during operation. In some implementations, the covers 148 include expandable coverings such as accordion covers. In some implementations, the adjustable foot support 100 includes a zipper or magnetically closed skirt around the edges of the lifting linkage 120 that would work to both seal the mechanical aspect of the device from the outside when the device was closed or not in use, and to fix the upper frame 112 and the lower frame 118 in relation to one another during transportation or storage.
[0052] In some implementations, the adjustable foot support 100 also includes wheels 152 that improve the portability of the lifting linkage 120. As shown in FIG. 6, the wheels 152 are coupled to the lower frame 118 so that the user can tip the adjustable foot support 100 on a side to utilize the wheels 152. In some implementations, the wheels 152 can be positioned on a bottoms surface and locking wheels can be used to maintain the adjustable foot support 100 in position during use. In some implementations, locking wheels 152 are provided at each corner. In some implementations, the adjustable foot support 100 includes wheels with feet that can be retracted when mobility is required. In some implementations, the adjustable foot support 100 includes wheels on one side and feet on the other so the device can be tilted to be rollable. In some implementations, the adjustable foot support 100 includes spring loaded wheels that can be flush with the bottom platform and sprung out when mobility is required. In some implementations, the lower frame 118 includes rubber padding to reduce mobility of the device on the ground duringuse. In some implementations, the adjustable foot support 100 includes a latch and carrying handle that would simultaneously hold the upper frame 112 and the lower frame 118 together during transportation of the device and provide an easy carrying point. In some implementations, a mesh transport bag contains any power cords or remote cables within the boundaries of the platforms during transportation.
[0053] In some implementations, the control system 22 includes a remote control interface (e.g., wired remote or a wireless remote) that communicates with the first actuator 140 and the second actuator 144 to adjust the height of the lifting linkage 120.
[0054] For purposes of this description, certain advantages and novel features of the aspects and configurations of this disclosure are described herein. The described methods, systems, and apparatus should not be construed as limiting in any way. Instead, the present disclosure is directed toward all novel and nonobvious features and aspects of the various disclosed aspects, alone and in various combinations and sub-combinations with one another. The disclosed methods, systems, and apparatus are not limited to any specific aspect, feature, or combination thereof, nor do the disclosed methods, systems, and apparatus require that any one or more specific advantages be present or problems be solved.
[0055] Although the figures and description may illustrate a specific order of method steps, the order of such steps may differ from what is depicted and described, unless specified differently above. Also, two or more steps may be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence, unless specified differently above. Such variation may depend, for example, on the software and hardware systems chosen and on designer choice. All such variations are within the scope of the disclosure. Likewise, software implementations of the described methods could be accomplished with standard programming techniques with rule-based logic and other logic to accomplish the various connection steps, processing steps, comparison steps, and decision steps.
[0056] Features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings), and / or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive. The claimed features extend to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.
[0057] As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and / or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another aspect includes from the one particular value and / or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about”, it will be understood that the particular value forms another aspect. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint. The terms “about” and “approximately” are defined as being “close to” as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. In one non-limiting aspect the terms are defined to be within 10%. In another non-limiting aspect, the terms are defined to be within 5%. In still another non-limiting aspect, the terms are defined to be within 1%.
[0058] The terms “coupled”, “connected”, and the like as used herein mean the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another. If “coupled” or variations thereof are modified by an additional term (e.g., directly coupled), the generic definition of “coupled” provided above is modified by the plain language meaning of the additional term (e.g., “directly coupled” means the joining of two members without any separate intervening member), resulting in a narrower definition than the generic definition of “coupled” provided above. Such coupling may be mechanical, electrical, or fluidic. For example, circuit A communicably “coupled” to circuit B may signify that the circuit A communicates directly with circuit B (i.e., no intermediary) or communicates indirectly with circuit B (e.g., through one or more intermediaries).
[0059] Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words “right”, “left”, “lower”, and “upper” designate direction in the drawings to which reference is made. The words “inner” and “outer” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the described feature or device. The words “distal” and “proximal” refer to directions taken in context of the item described and, with regard to the instruments herein described, are typically based on the perspective of the practitioner using such instrument, with “proximal” indicating a position closer to the practitioner and “distal” indicatinga position further from the practitioner. The terminology includes the above-listed words, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import.
[0060] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the word “comprise” and variations of the word, such as “comprising” and “comprises”, means “including but not limited to”, and is not intended to exclude, for example, other additives, components, integers or steps. “Exemplary” means “an example of’ and is not intended to convey an indication of a preferred or ideal aspect. “Such as” is not used in a restrictive sense, but for explanatory purposes.
[0061] The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An adjustable squatting device comprising: a height adjustable frame; a foot block supported by the height adjustable frame and structured to support feet of a user; and a control system configured to actuate the height adjustable frame to define a block height between a floor surface and the foot block between to xcos(35) and xcos(60), wherein x is equal to a length of a femur of the user.
2. The adjustable squatting device of claim 1, wherein a maximum block height is defined between seventeen inches and nineteen inches.
3. The adjustable squatting device of claim 1, wherein the foot block defines a width of twenty inches or less.
4. The adjustable squatting device of claim 1, wherein the foot block includes a foot surface adjustable relative to a horizontal plane between five degree and fifteen degrees.
5. The adjustable squatting device of claim 1, wherein the foot block includes a foot surface adjustable relative to a horizontal plane between zero degrees and fifteen degrees.
6. The adjustable squatting device of claim 1, wherein the foot block includes a foot surface arranged at twelve degrees relative to a horizontal plane.
7. The adjustable squatting device of claim 1, wherein the foot block defines a foot block length equal to twelve inches or more.
8. The adjustable squatting device of claim 1, wherein the height adjustable frame includes a scissor lift linkage.
9. The adjustable squatting device of claim 1, wherein the height adjustable frame includes a single level scissor lift linkage.
10. The adjustable squatting device of claim 1, wherein the control system includes an electric motor configured to adjust the block height.
11. The adjustable squatting device of claim 1, wherein the control system includes a ball screw.
12. The adjustable squatting device of claim 1, wherein the foot block includes a grip texture configured to inhibit slippage of the feet of the user.
13. The adjustable squatting device of claim 1, wherein the height adjustable frame includes non-slip feet.
14. The adjustable squatting device of claim 1, defining a total weight of fifteen pounds or less.
15. The adjustable squatting device of claim 1, wherein the control system includes a humanmachine interface providing a user input that includes at least one of the length of the femur x, a length of a lower leg of the user, or the block height, and the control system is configured to automatically adjust the block height.
16. An adjustable squatting system comprising: an adjustable squatting device including: a height adjustable frame, a foot block supported by the height adjustable frame and structured to support feet of a user, and a height adjustment mechanism configured to actuate the height adjustable frame to define a block height between a floor surface and the foot block; and a control system configured to actuate the height adjustment mechanism and adjust the block height based on a leg dimension of the user.
17. The adjustable squatting system of claim 16, wherein the control system includes one or more processing circuits comprising one or more memory devices coupled to one or more processors, the one or more memory devices configured to store instructions thereon that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to:receive the leg dimension of the user including a length of a femur; determine the block height; and control actuation of the height adjustment mechanism to achieve the block height.
18. The adjustable squatting system of claim 16, wherein the leg dimension includes at least one of a femur length or a lower leg length.
19. The adjustable squatting system of claim 16, wherein the block height is determined to provide an angle between a femur and a spine of the user of between 35 degrees and 60 degrees.
20. A method of adjusting a squatting device, the method comprising: determining a femur length; determining a block height between xcos(35) and xcos(60), wherein x is equal to the femur length; and actuating a height adjustable frame to achieve the block height.
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