Anti thrombotic foot exerciser

Abstract

An anti-throbotic foot exerciser (10) having a left housing (12L) which has a left housing foot pedal (12LA) movably connected to a left housing foot pedal support (12LC) by a left housing foot pedal hinge (12LE) which is movably connected to a left side of a housing center member (12C) by a housing center member left hinge (12CL). The left housing foot pedal hinge (12LE) has a right biasing means therein which functions to raise the left housing foot pedal (12LA) away from the left housing foot pedal support (12LC). A right housing (12R) which comprises a right housing foot pedal (12RA) movably connected to a right housing foot pedal support (12RC) by a right housing foot pedal hinge (12RE) which is movably connected to a right side of a housing center member (12C) by a housing center member right hinge (12CL). The right housing foot pedal hinge (12RE) comprises a right biasing means therein which functions to raise the right housing foot pedal (12RA) away from the right housing foot pedal support (12RC).

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a foot exerciser. More particularly, the present invention relates to a portable foot exerciser which is lightweight and can be utilized while traveling especially on planes, busses and other vehicles.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

[0002] Numerous innovations for an anti-thrombotic foot exerciser have been provided in the prior art that are described as follows. Even though these innovations may be suitable for the specific individual purposes to which they address, they differ from the present invention as hereinafter contrasted.

[0003] In U.S. Pat. No. 5,851,166, by inventor, Bernardson, titled, Lower extremity rehabilitation and toning exercise apparatus and method, a rocking-type foot and lower leg exercising apparatus incorporates one or two centrally pivoted pedals mounted upon a base in a position facilitating the placement of the feet of the user upon such pedals while seated in a chair and rocking of the pedals with the foot positioned upon them to provide a soothing motion that will maintain the tone of the muscles of the legs and encourages blood circulation in the feet and legs. The pivot point of the pedals may be located at any vertical position between the base and the pedal, but is located longitudinally between about one fourth to one half of the distance from the end of the heel position on the pedals.

[0004] In U.S. Pat. No. 5,433,684, by inventor, Carrillo, titled, Calf workout devices, a calf workout device comprises a base formed in a generally planar rectangular configuration with a toe side edge, a heel side edge, and parallel long side edges. The base includes two planar side faces which extend vertically upward from the long side edges. Each side face includes a coupling device at its approximate center point. A foot plate is shaped in a generally rectangular configuration with a toe edge, a heel edge, and parallel long side edges. The toe edge is linear and the heel edge is formed in a semi-circular configuration. The heel edge includes an upwardly extending cylindrical wall. The approximate center point of the long edges of the plate include an aperture which extends from side to side. A cylindrical axle is positioned through the foot plate with its ends coupled to the side faces. The foot plate includes a resilient device for urging the plate in one direction.

[0005] In U.S. Pat. No. 5,304,105, by inventor, Hsieh, titled, Exercise stair device, an exercise stair device and in particular to one mainly including a base having a cavity at the bottom and a raised portion with two recesses, two inflatable balls each disposed in a corresponding one of the recesses and being communicated with each other via a U-shaped tube, a cover engaged with the cavity of the base, and two pedals pivotally mounted on the base and each having spherical protuberance at the bottom adapted to be received in the corresponding one of the recesses of the base, whereby when one of the pedals is pressed downward on the corresponding inflatable ball, the inflatable ball will be squeezed by the pedal thereby forcing the air in the inflatable ball to go into the other inflatable ball and therefore lifting the other one of the pedals.

[0006] In U.S. Pat. No. 5,277,677, by inventor, Terauds, titled, Stepping exercise machine, an exercise machine is provided that includes two stepping platforms pivotally interconnected to a frame. The stepping platforms are moved in a substantially vertical direction by the application of forces during the stepping motion by the user. The applied forces are resisted by fluidic cylinders. A rocker assembly is used to raise one of the stepping platforms while the other stepping platform is moved downwardly. A pair of lifter elements interconnects the stepping platforms with the rocker assembly. The ends of the lifter elements pivotally move during the vertical movement of the stepping platforms. Preferably, the pair of lifter elements is replaceable by another pair of lifter elements having a different length for use in varying the range of vertical movement of the stepping platforms. The stepping platforms are of a size to allow the user to vary the force required to cause vertical movement of the stepping platforms.

[0007] In U.S. Pat. No. 5,267,924, by inventor, Miller, et al., titled, Apparatus and method for imparting continuous passive motion to the foot, a continuous passive motion (CPM) device includes a foot support plate and a toe plate. The foot support plate pivots back and forth, driven by a rod connected to a motor. A toe plate pivots separately from the foot support plate, and receives its motive power solely from the foot support plate. The engagement of a pair of pins, one pin connected to the foot support plate and the other pin connected to the toe plate, causes the toe plate to pivot at the desired moment. The toe plate pivots in the opposite direction from that of the foot support plate, and pivots only when the foot support plate reaches a predetermined angle. At other times, the toe plate does not move. The latter arrangement enhances the level of comfort felt by the patient, by increasing the effective angle of flexing of the foot, while limiting the amount of flexing of the heel to a comfortable level. The positioning of the pins determines through how many degrees the toe plate pivots for each degree of rotation of the foot support plate.

[0008] In U.S. Pat. No. 5,267,923, by inventor, Piaget, et al., titled, Reciprocating bellows operated exercise machine, a foot treadle operated exercising apparatus of this invention provides for transfer of air from one foot treadle operated vertically disposed bellows to another through a restricted pathway adjustable in size by an adjustable valve to select a desired work load. A stroke length adjustment is featured for changing the length of the stroke. This is achieved with bellows that are biassed to return to an extended condition in the presence of atmospheric air. Thus with a closed air system, a manually operated air admission and venting valve will increase the bellows height when opened to admit atmospheric air and will decrease the bellows height when opened and pedals are depressed to vent air. The foot treadles are operable from a standing, sitting or lying position. An auxiliary arm exercise harness operates in conjunction with the foot operated treadles by means of hand manipulated lines cross connected so that the left hand will depress a right foot treadle and visa versa. The entire work load is effected by the transfer of air from one bellows to the other when the treadles are operated in a riding, jogging or climbing action. One embodiment provides for bicycle riding type of exercise activity.

[0009] In U.S. Pat. No. 5,256,118, by inventor, Chen, titled, Pedal exerciser, a pedal exerciser includes essentially a baseboard, two pedals each having one end connected to the baseboard and the other end supported by two air pumps, a V-shaped linking rod having a bottom portion fastened to a fixture and the other ends detachably secured to the pedals, respectively. A valve is adapted to adjust an upward force towards the pedals, thus the user may adjust the pedals to a desirable exercise resistance.

[0010] In U.S. Pat. No. 4,998,720, by inventor, Kim, titled, Exercise device, an exercise device for strengthening the muscles of the upper leg and the buttocks region. Two foot platforms are pivoted off center in relation to the user's foot. The heels of each foot can be brought together under tension by an elastic cord between the toe regions of the foot platforms. Included with the exercise device is a tension adjusting mechanism that allows the use to change the tension involved in bringing the heels together. Also included with the exercise device is a heel riser that raises up the heels of the feet when the heels are brought together.

[0011] In U.S. Pat. No. 4,946,162, by inventor, Lubie, titled, Portable exercise apparatus, a compact and portable exercise apparatus is disclosed. A frame assembly having a wedge type of shape comprising aluminum structural members has mounted thereto a pair of hydraulic cylinders which are interconnected by a hydraulic flow line containing an adjustable needle valve. The other end of the hydraulic cylinders is connected to a foot pedal which allows the force of a person's downward push of his legs to act upon the resistance provided within the hydraulic circuitry and which automatically causes the opposite foot pedal travel upward. The exercise apparatus is intended to primarily be used in conjunction with a person sitting in an ordinary chair.

[0012] In U.S. Pat. No. 4,921,243, by inventor, Weidmann, titled, Motion apparatus, a motion device which provides circulatory stimulation and therapy of vascular disorders of legs. The motion device comprises two pivoting pedals positioned in a heel area on a base plate. The pedals are connected to a mechanism positioned between the pedals. The mechanism comprises a crank system having a shaft which is parallel to the pivoting axis of the pedals so that the pedals must be moved in push-pull motion. The shaft is connected with a transmission gearing which drives a flywheel. Thus the user of the device can easily overcome the top dead center points during operation. Through the use of a brake operating lightly on the flywheel, the necessary magnitude of force when stepping on the pedals can be sensitively adjusted.

[0013] In U.S. Pat. No. 4,862,875, by inventor, Heaton, titled, Leg exercisers, a leg exerciser is for use by a person sitting in a chair. The device is located in front of the chair and the user puts his feet onto two boards which are at an acute angle to the horizontal. A mechanism including a drive motor or flywheel inside the device rocks the boards anti-phase about a horizontal axis lying transverse to the feet between acute angle positions. Sections of the boards lift out of and back into the planes of the boards during each cycle of rocking to lift and lower the user's toes relative to the remainder of the feet so that the feet are subjected to exercise movements similar to walking movements. The exerciser drives the leg blood pump with a view to improving the user's leg circulation.

[0014] In U.S. Pat. No. 4,694,684, by inventor, Campbell, III, titled, Dynamic balancing for skis, a fixture and method for dynamically facilitating the optimum placement of a skier on the surface of skis. The fixture includes a pivotally mounted balance plate upon which the skis are positioned and the skier moves the boots to a dynamically neutral balance location so that when the skier flexes the upward and downward deflections of the ski tips can be controlled with equal ease.

[0015] In U.S. Pat. No. 4,501,421, by inventor, Kane, et al., titled, Foot and leg exercising device, a portable foot and/or leg exercising apparatus for an operator which includes a first and second plate a mechanism for pivotally connecting said first and second foot plate together, centrally positioned between the first and second plate and extending vertically from each of the first and second plates and a mechanism disposed within or around the pivot mechanism extending from the first and second plates and operably associated with the pivot mechanism and coaxial therewith for providing a resistant force to pivoting of the first and second plates wherein the first plate is pivoted in a clockwise direction by the toes of one foot of the operator and wherein the second plate is pivoted in a counterclockwise direction by pressure from the anterior aspect of the other foot of the operator so as to cause muscular actions of the foot and/or leg of the operator.

[0016] In U.S. Pat. No. 4,306,714, by inventor, Loomis, et al., titled, Iso-energetic ankle exerciser, an ankle and/or wrist exercising device capable of simultaneous rotational movement about any single axis and/or any combination of two or three axes with the resistance to movement provided by the opposite limb, ergometer or a second person and with the motion being synchronized for each foot or hand relative to the opposite foot or hand. The device is comprised of two U-shaped yokes rotatably mounted upon a base, adapted to rotate about a Y axis and rotatably coupled to one another. There are two U-shaped brackets rotatably coupled to each of said U-shaped yokes, adapted to rotate about a Z axis perpendicular to said Y axis and rotatably coupled to one another. Two U-shaped gimbals are integrally coupled to each of said U-shaped yokes. Two stirrups are rotatably mounted upon each of said U-shaped gimbals and adapted to rotate about an X axis. The X axis is perpendicular to the Y axis and the Z axis. Each of said stirrups is coupled to the other by a beam adapted to transmit X axis motion.

[0017] In U.S. Pat. No. 4,279,415, by inventor, Katz, titled, Exercising device, an exercising device having at least one platform member and at least two pedals pivotably mounted to one end of each platform member and spaced at the other end from the platform member by springs. For best results, the space between the inclined pedals and the platform member is substantially filled with a crushable, energy-absorbent, resilient material thereby providing cushioned resistance when foot pressure is applied.

[0018] In U.S. Pat. No. 4,204,675, by inventor, McGinnis, titled, Air chamber leg exercising device, a pair of laterally spaced foot treadles are hinged at their front ends to one end of a hollow base and normally are held in an inclined position by springs. Mounted between each treadle and the base is a normally inflated flexible air chamber that communicates with an air inlet and an air outlet in the base provided with check valves. The outlets of the outlet valves are connected by a conduit that is provided with an exhaust valve, the opening of which is resisted when either treadle is depressed, whereby it requires effort to expel air from the underlying chamber.

[0019] In U.S. Pat. No. 4,159,111, by inventor, Lowth, titled, Leg exercising apparatus, a leg exerciser for medical purposes, comprising a treadle apparatus including a base with a pair of foot pedals mounted thereon, one for each foot, arranged so that when one is pushed downwardly the other must move upwardly with dorsal and plantar flexion, imitating the muscular actions involved in normal walking. The apparatus is light in weight and can be used by patients to exercise the legs either in a prone or sitting position to reduce pressure in a vein which could lead to varicose veins or worse to thrombosis.

[0020] In U.S. Pat. No. 3,984,100, by inventor, Firster, titled, Exerciser apparatus for the human extremities, an apparatus that can be placed on a flat surface and used conveniently for exercising the human foot under a variety of conditions. Beneath a support for the foot is positioned an element that affords pivotable relationship between the support and the flat surface, and fixed to the support there is at least one means for receiving an attachment for varying the conditions, such as the weight and the angle of use during the exercising. In other words, the attachments subject the foot during the exercising to such conditions as the amount of force or the amount of tilting that the foot must apply in order to activate the exercising device. The support for the foot can be in the form of a flat plate, generally made of wood or a plastic, underneath of which is positioned a rounded or ball-like member to allow for the said pivotable relationship at different positions. On the plate are receptacles, generally internally threaded which afford means for placing the said attachments, such as weights or levers, on the plate. The attachments may also be of such size and shape that effect tilting of the foot, and different attachments may be simultaneously attached to the apparatus.

[0021] The above patented inventions differ from the present invention because they fail to describe or claim at least one combination of the following features depicted in the present invention: left housing, left housing foot pedal, left housing foot pedal pad, left housing foot pedal support, left housing foot pedal heel cradle, left housing foot pedal hinge, right housing, right housing foot pedal, right housing foot pedal pad, right housing foot pedal support, right housing foot pedal heel cradle, right housing foot pedal hinge, housing center member, housing center member lock, housing center member tension adjuster, housing center member left hinge, and housing center member right hinge.

[0022] Numerous innovations for an anti-thrombotic foot exerciser have been provided in the prior art that are adapted to be used. Even though these innovations may be suitable for the specific individual purposes to which they address, they would not be suitable for the purposes of the present invention as heretofore described.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0023] The present invention relates to a foot exerciser. More particularly, the present invention relates to a portable foot exerciser which is lightweight and can be utilized while traveling especially on planes, busses and other vehicles.

[0024] The types of problems encountered in the prior art are most devices are not compact or lightweight.

[0025] In the prior art, unsucessful attempts to solve this problem were attempted namely: foot exercisers that do not perform the same motions and adjustment capabilities. However, the problem was solved by the present invention because it is compact, portable and lightweight as well as having tension adjustment capabilities.

[0026] Innovations within the prior art are rapidly being exploited in the field of portable exercise devices.

[0027] The present invention went contrary to the teaching of the art which describes and claims numerous foot exercisers.

[0028] The present invention solved a long felt need for a portable light weight, compact foot exerciser.

[0029] The present invention produced unexpected results namely: it alleviated thrombosis in users.

[0030] A synergistic effect was produced utilizing the present invention due to the following facts and results from experimentation: greater circulation as well as muscle build up.

[0031] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an anti-throbotic foot exerciser having a left housing, right housing, and housing center member.

[0032] More particularly, it is an object of the present invention to provide the left housing with a left housing foot pedal, left housing foot pedal pad, left housing foot pedal support, left housing foot pedal heel cradle, and left housing foot pedal hinge.

[0033] In keeping with these objects, and with others which will become apparent hereinafter, one feature of the present invention resides, briefly stated, in the right housing having right housing foot pedal, right housing foot pedal pad, right housing foot pedal support, right housing foot pedal heel cradle, and right housing foot pedal hinge.

[0034] When the housing center member is designed in accordance with the present invention, housing center member lock, housing center member tension adjuster, housing center member left hinge, and housing center member right hinge.

[0035] The novel features which are considered characteristic for the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its construction and its method of operation, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description of the specific embodiments when read and understood in connection with the accompanying drawings.

[0036] List of Reference Numerals Utilized in the Drawings

[0037] 10--anti-throbotic foot exerciser (10)

[0038] 12L--left housing (12L)

[0039] 12LA--left housing foot pedal (12LA)

[0040] 12LB--left housing foot pedal pad (12LB)

[0041] 12LC--left housing foot pedal support (12LC)

[0042] 12LD--left housing foot pedal heel cradle (12LD)

[0043] 12LE--left housing foot pedal hinge (12LE)

[0044] 12R--right housing (12R)

[0045] 12RA--right housing foot pedal (12RA)

[0046] 12RB--right housing foot pedal pad (12RB)

[0047] 12RC--right housing foot pedal support (12RC)

[0048] 12RD--right housing foot pedal heel cradle (12RD)

[0049] 12RE--right housing foot pedal hinge (12RE)

[0050] 12C--housing center member (12C)

[0051] 12CA--housing center member lock (12CA)

[0052] 12CB--housing center member tension adjuster (12CB)

[0053] 12CL--housing center member left hinge (12CL)

[0054] 12CR--housing center member right hinge (12CR)

[0055] 14--cover (14)

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0056] FIG. 1 is a top right perspective view of an anti-throbotic foot exerciser (10) in an open position.

[0057] FIG. 2 is a top right perspective view of an anti-throbotic foot exerciser (10) in a closed position.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0058] Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 which are a top right perspective view of an anti-throbotic foot exerciser (10) in an open and closed position, respectively. The anti-throbotic foot exerciser (10) comprises a left housing (12L) which comprises a left housing foot pedal (12LA) movably connected to a left housing foot pedal support (12LC) by a left housing foot pedal hinge (12LE) which is movably connected to a left side of a housing center member (12C) by a housing center member left hinge (12CL). The left housing foot pedal (12LA) further comprises a removable left housing foot pedal pad (12LB) functioning as cushioning aids when a user is bare foot. The left housing foot pedal support (12LC) comprises a left housing foot pedal heel cradle (12LD) extending therefrom functioning to prevent slipping when a user puts toe pressure on the left housing foot pedal (12LA). The left housing foot pedal hinge (12LE) comprises a right biasing means therein which functions to raise the left housing foot pedal (12LA) away from the left housing foot pedal support (12LC).

[0059] The anti-throbotic foot exerciser (10) further comprises a right housing (12R) which comprises a right housing foot pedal (12RA) movably connected to a right housing foot pedal support (12RC) by a right housing foot pedal hinge (12RE) which is movably connected to a right side of a housing center member (12C) by a housing center member right hinge (12CL). The housing center member (12C) further comprises a housing center member lock (12CA) functioning to maintain the left housing (12L) and the right housing (12R) in a compact position when closed. The housing center member (12C) further comprises a housing center member tension adjuster (12CB) which is connected to the left and right biasing means. The right housing foot pedal (12RA) further comprises a removable right housing foot pedal pad (12RB) functioning as cushioning aids when a user is bare foot. The right housing foot pedal support (12RC) comprises a right housing foot pedal heel cradle (12RD) extending therefrom functioning to prevent slipping when a user puts toe pressure on the right housing foot pedal (12RA). The right housing foot pedal hinge (12RE) comprises a right biasing means therein which functions to raise the right housing foot pedal (12RA) away from the right housing foot pedal support (12RC).

[0060] The anti-throbotic foot exerciser further comprises a cover (14) to protect the apparatus when in a compact and cloased position.

[0061] It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together, may also find a useful application in other types of constructions differing from the type described above.

[0062] While the invention has been illustrated and described as embodied in an anti-thrombotic foot exerciser, it is not intended to be limited to the details shown, since it will be understood that various omissions, modifications, substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the device illustrated and in its operation can be made by those skilled in the art without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention.

[0063] Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention.

[0064] What is claimed as new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An anti-throbotic foot exerciser (10) comprising: A) a left housing (12L) which comprises a left housing foot pedal (12LA) movably connected to a left housing foot pedal support (12LC) by a left housing foot pedal hinge (12LE) which is movably connected to a left side of a housing center member (12C) by a housing center member left hinge (12CL), the left housing foot pedal hinge (12LE) comprises a right biasing means therein which functions to raise the left housing foot pedal (12LA) away from the left housing foot pedal support (12LC); and B) a right housing (12R) which comprises a right housing foot pedal (12RA) movably connected to a right housing foot pedal support (12RC) by a right housing foot pedal hinge (12RE) which is movably connected to a right side of a housing center member (12C) by a housing center member right hinge (12CL), the right housing foot pedal hinge (12RE) comprises a right biasing means therein which functions to raise the right housing foot pedal (12RA) away from the right housing foot pedal support (12RC).

2. The anti-throbotic foot exerciser (10) as described in claim 1, wherein the left housing foot pedal (12LA) further comprises a removable left housing foot pedal pad (12LB) and the right housing foot pedal (12RA) further comprises a removable right housing foot pedal pad (12RB) functioning as cushioning aids when a user is bare foot.

3. The anti-throbotic foot exerciser (10) as described in claim 1, wherein the left housing foot pedal support (12LC) comprises a left housing foot pedal heel cradle (12LD) extending therefrom functioning to prevent slipping when a user puts toe pressure on the left housing foot pedal (12LA).

4. The anti-throbotic foot exerciser (10) as described in claim 3, wherein the right housing foot pedal support (12RC) comprises a right housing foot pedal heel cradle (12RD) extending therefrom functioning to prevent slipping when a user puts toe pressure on the right housing foot pedal (12RA).

5. The anti-throbotic foot exerciser (10) as described in claim 1, wherein the housing center member (12C) further comprises a housing center member lock (12CA) functioning to maintain the left housing (12L) and the right housing (12R) in a compact position when closed.

6. The anti-throbotic foot exerciser (10) as described in claim 1, wherein the housing center member (12C) further comprises a housing center member tension adjuster (12CB) which is connected to the left and right biasing means.

7. The anti-throbotic foot exerciser (10) as described in claim 1 further comprises a cover (14) to protect the apparatus when in a compact and cloased position.