U.S. patent application number 10/166655 was filed with the patent office on 2002-12-19 for calf/ankle isolator.
Invention is credited to Turner, Jeff.
Application Number | 20020193210 10/166655 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 23146324 |
Filed Date | 2002-12-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020193210 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Turner, Jeff |
December 19, 2002 |
Calf/ankle isolator
Abstract
Exercise machine targeting the calf, ankle, and Achilles tendon
having a foot tray exercising both feet simultaneously, and a
padded frame fitting over the knees. Shock resistance cylinders or
stretch bands are attached between the tray and the frame for
resistance to foot movement downward during ankle rotation. A
two-tray adaptation for exercising each leg individually is also
included, which may feature a heel and adjustable toe for different
foot lengths. Another embodiment has an elongated telescopic shaft,
two padded portions, to fit over the knees, a handgrip, and two
foot pads on either side of the shaft which extends to a rubber tip
The shaft includes a shock resistance cylinder or resistance bands
resisting foot movement downward during ankle rotation. Both
embodiments are adjustable in length.
Inventors: |
Turner, Jeff; (Riverside,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Richard C. Litman
LITMAN LAW OFFICES, LTD.
P.O. Box 15035
Arlington
VA
22215
US
|
Family ID: |
23146324 |
Appl. No.: |
10/166655 |
Filed: |
June 12, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60297442 |
Jun 13, 2001 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
482/80 ;
482/112 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/008 20130101;
A63B 21/4015 20151001; A63B 21/055 20130101; A63B 21/0552 20130101;
A63B 21/0557 20130101; A63B 21/4047 20151001; A63B 23/085 20130101;
A63B 2208/0233 20130101; A63B 21/0428 20130101; A63B 21/0421
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/80 ;
482/112 |
International
Class: |
A63B 023/08; A63B
023/10; A63B 021/008 |
Claims
I claim:
1. A calf/ankle exercise device comprising: a) an outer frame
having an upper portion, a first upright portion having a lower
portion, and a second upright portion having a lower portion; b)
first and second knee pads located on the underside of said upper
frame portion for fitting over a user's knees; c) a pivot bar
extending between said lower end portions of said first and said
second upright portions, respectively, and normal thereto; d) at
least one foot tray having a heel portion and a toe portion and
pivotally connected therebetween to said pivot bar; and e) a shock
resistance cylinder pivotally connected between each of said first
and said second upright frame portions and said toe portion of said
at least one foot tray, said shock resistance cylinder connection
with said first and said second upright frame portions spaced above
said pivot bar.
2. The calf/ankle exercise device of claim 1, wherein said first
and said second upright frame portions are adjustable in
length.
3. The calf/ankle exercise device of claim 1, further comprising a
frame lower portion extending between said first and said second
frame uprights below said pivot bar.
4. The calf/ankle exercise device of claim 1, further comprising a
heel piece and a length adjustable toe piece located on said at
least one foot tray.
5. The calf/ankle exercise device of claim 1, further comprising a
toe strap and an ankle strap located on said at least one foot
tray.
6. The calf/ankle exercise device of claim 1, wherein said at least
one foot tray comprises a left foot tray having a left toe portion
and a right foot tray having a right toe portion and wherein said
shock resistant cylinders are connected to said left toe portion
and said right toe portion, respectively.
7. The calf/ankle exercise device of claim 6, said left foot tray
and said right foot tray being spaced along said pivot bar and said
upper frame portion having a central portion between said knee
pads, and further comprising a telescoping central upright
extending between said upper frame central portion and said pivot
bar between said left foot tray and said right foot tray.
8. The calf/ankle exercise device of claim 7, wherein said left
foot tray and said right foot tray each have a heel piece and an
adjustable toe piece, respectively, and defining a toe adjustment
groove for lengthwise adjustment of each said toe piece relative to
its respective heel piece.
9. The calf/ankle exercise device of claim 8, wherein each said toe
piece has an adjusting screw extending through said adjustment
groove and secured at a desired point along said adjustment groove
by a washer and a nut.
10. The calf/ankle exercise device of claim 1, further comprising a
horizontally disposed handle having a connector centrally connected
with said outer frame upper portion and extending upward
therefrom.
11. A calf/ankle exercise device comprising: a) an upper cross
piece having a left portion, a right portion, and a center portion;
b) an upper tube assembly extending downward from said center
portion of said upper cross piece and normal thereto; c) left and
right knee pads located on the lower surface of said upper cross
piece along said left portion and said right portion, respectively;
d) a lower extension tube located below and in line with said upper
tube assembly; e) an extensible mechanical resistor having and
upper end and a lower end and mounted to said upper tube assembly
at said upper end and to said lower extension tube at said lower
end, thereof; and f) a toe rest cross piece having a left toe rest
and a right toe rest, said cross piece being mounted to said lower
extension tube between said left and right toe rests and extending
parallel to said upper cross piece.
12. The calf/ankle exercise device of claim 11, wherein said upper
tube assembly is adjustable in length.
13. The calf/ankle exercise device of claim 12, wherein said upper
tube assembly comprises an upper center extension tube attached to
said upper cross piece and a lower center extension tube extending
over said upper center extension tube, each said center extension
tubes having a series of corresponding pin bores for receiving a
pin, whereby said upper tube assembly may be adjusted in
length.
14. The calf/ankle exercise device of claim 11, further comprising
a boot attached to the extreme lower end of said lower extension
tube.
15. The calf/ankle exercise device of claim 11, wherein said
extensible mechanical resistor device is a retracting shock
resistance cylinder.
16. The calf/ankle exercise device of claim 11, wherein said lower
center extension tube extends over lower said lower extension tube
in sliding engagement therewith and said extensible mechanical
resistor device comprises a pair of stretch resistance bands
mounted at opposite upper and lower ends thereof to said center
extension tube and said lower extension tube.
17. The calf/ankle exercise device of claim 16, wherein said lower
center extension tube has horizontally disposed opposed upper pins
extending from a lower end thereof and wherein said lower extension
tube has horizontally disposed opposed lower pins extending from a
point above its intersection with said toe rest cross piece, said
upper pins receiving said upper ends of said stretch resistance
bands and said lower pins receiving said lower ends of said stretch
resistance bands.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Serial No. 60/297,442, filed Jun. 13, 2001.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates generally to exercise devices.
More particularly, the present invention relates to an exercise
machine which targets the calf, the ankle, and the Achilles
tendon.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] It would be desirable to provide an exercise device for the
calf, the ankle, and the Achilles tendon which avoids the need for
bulky, traditional, heavy weight devices. Desirably, the device
would be of a light weight and subject to disassembly for use when
traveling.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,954,622, issued Sep. 21, 1999, to Olschansky
et al., describes a gluteal exercise system that includes an upper
body section having two cushioned engagement arms for placement
over the knees or upper legs and a coupling portion and a lower
body section having foot bars and a coupling section. The coupling
sections of the upper and lower body sections are coupled in a
telescopic displaceable relation. An elastic band connects the two
body portions and provides resistance during use. The '622 patent
does not have foot trays or pads which would allow the user to
exercise the calf, the ankle, and the Achilles tendon as is the
function of the present invention.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,215,508, issued Jun. 1, 1993, to Bastow,
describes an ankle rehabilitation device having two side hydraulic
resistance members attached to a foot strap. A leg brace attaches
to the leg and isolates the ankle and the subtalar joint. The '508
patent is for rehabilitation rather than exercise and is applied to
only one ankle at a time, and does not provide foot trays or pads,
nor does it interact with the user's knees.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 6,077,205, issued June 2000, to Zarillo et al.
describes a hamstring exercising machine having a telescoping
spring-biased shaft member attached to two ankle supporting
elements at one end and a buttock support member at the other end.
The '205 patent is arranged for compression resistance exercise
between the feet and the buttocks as opposed to the extension of
the present invention.
[0009] None of the above inventions and patents, taken either
singly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention
as claimed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention is an exercise machine adapted to
target the calf, the ankle, and the Achilles tendon of the user,
obviating the need for bulky, traditional, heavy weight devices.
The first of the two described embodiments includes a solid foot
tray for exercising both feet simultaneously. The tray is attached
to a frame which fits over the user's knees. Padding is used for
comfort in the portion that fits over the knees. Shock resistance
cylinders or stretch bands are attached between the tray and the
frame for resistance to foot movement downward during ankle
rotation. A two-tray adaptation for exercising each leg
individually is also proposed. The two trays may provide toe pieces
adjustable relative to heel pieces for accommodation of different
sized shoes.
[0011] Another embodiment of the inventive exercise machine has a
pogo stick-style configuration, having an elongated telescopic
shaft, two padded portions, to fit over the knees, a handgrip, and
two foot pads on either side of the shaft. The shaft extends to a
rubber tip for resting on the floor. The shaft includes a shock
resistance cylinder or resistance bands for resistance to foot
movement downward during ankle rotation. Both embodiments of the
present invention are adjustable for accommodating legs of
different lengths.
[0012] The benefits of the use of the inventive apparatus are many.
The ability to exercise one of the most difficult muscles of not
only the leg, but also the entire body is greatly enhanced. The
inventive isolator allows the user to target the calf, ankle, and
Achilles tendon without the use of the traditional bulky, heavy
weight machines where the back, neck, and shoulders are susceptible
to strain and injury. The elimination of wasted time and motion in
not having to handle weights encourages the individual to be more
dedicated to exercise due to its size and ease of use.
[0013] Allowing the user to have quick access in the home, work
place, or gym, greatly increases effectiveness and results from use
of the inventive apparatus. Physical therapy institutions, as well
as health gyms, will be able to accommodate more individuals with
the use of multiple isolators, at a fraction of the cost. In the
rehabilitation of patients recovering from surgery of the leg, or
where confinement in bed is necessary, patients find that the
muscles have atrophied as much as 3% per day, which can be
discouraging for many. With the inventive isolator, the muscles of
the lower leg can be more conveniently rehabilitated, lessening the
time of recovery. The calf and lower leg strength are a critical
part of an athlete's ability to use quickness and acceleration, as
well as for jumping for height, in most sports. The inventive
isolator will give the individual an advantage of working these
areas while in the comfort of a chair.
[0014] Accordingly, it is a principal object of the invention to
provide an exercise device which targets the calf, ankle, and
Achilles.
[0015] It is another object of the invention to provide an exercise
device as above which is light and easily transported and used.
[0016] It is a further object of the invention to provide an
exercise device as above which is adjustable to fit any size
person.
[0017] Still another object of the invention is to provide an
exercise device as above which employs shock resistance cylinders
or stretch resistance bands in place of the lifting of weights.
[0018] It is an object of the invention to provide improved
elements and arrangements thereof in an apparatus for the purposes
described which is inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in
accomplishing its intended purposes.
[0019] These and other objects of the present invention will become
readily apparent upon further review of the following specification
and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] FIG. 1 is an environmental, perspective view of one
embodiment of a calf/ankle isolator exercise device according to
the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 2A is a front elevational view of a device similar to
that of FIG. 1 having a frame with adjustable length.
[0022] FIG. 2B is a front elevational view of another embodiment of
the device of FIG. 2A.
[0023] FIG. 3 is a side view in elevation of the device of FIG. 1
with the ankle in a rotated position.
[0024] FIG. 4 is a side view in elevation of the device of FIG. 1
with the foot and ankle in the level position.
[0025] FIG. 5 is a front environmental view of another embodiment
of the invention.
[0026] FIG. 6 is a front elevation view similar to that of FIG. 5
having stretch resistance bands.
[0027] FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of the embodiment of FIG.
6.
[0028] FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of another embodiment of the
present invention similar to that of FIG. 4 providing a heel piece
and an adjustable toe piece.
[0029] FIG. 9 is a front elevation view of the embodiment of FIG.
8.
[0030] FIG. 10 is a detail view of an adjustable toe piece of FIG.
9.
[0031] FIG. 11 is a plan view of the detail view of FIG. 10 showing
an adjusting groove.
[0032] Similar reference characters denote corresponding features
consistently throughout the attached drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0033] The present invention is an exercise machine adapted to
target the calf, the ankle, and the Achilles tendon of the user,
obviating the need for bulky, traditional, heavy weight devices.
The first of the two described embodiments includes a solid foot
tray for exercising both feet simultaneously. The tray is attached
to a frame which fits over the user's knees. Padding is used for
comfort in the portion that fits over the knees. Resistance
cylinders or stretch bands are attached between the tray and the
frame for resistance to foot movement downward during ankle
rotation. A similar two-tray version for exercising each leg
individually is also provided.
[0034] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2A, calf/ankle isolator exercise
system 10 includes exercise device 12 having an outer frame 14
Outer frame 14 includes frame upper portion 16, frame right upright
18, frame left upright 20, and frame lower portion 21. Upper
portion knee pads 22 are located along frame upper portion 16 and
positioned to protect the user's right leg RL and left leg LL when
frame upper portion 16 is positioned above the user's knees. Pivot
bar 24 extends between right upright 18 and left upright 20, near
the lower ends thereof. Telescoping shaft 26 extends vertically
between right leg RL and left leg LL and is connected to upper
frame portion 16 at upright upper frame connection 28 at its upper
end and pivot bar 24 at pivot bar upright connection 30 at its
lower end.
[0035] Pivot bar 24 supports right foot tray 32 between right heel
tray portion 34 and right toe tray portion 36. Tray 32 may be
pivotally connected with pivot bar 24 by one or more bearings and
bearing supports(not shown) which are well-known devices. Right
foot tray shock device 38 includes a right shock resistance
cylinder body 40 and has an upper connector rod 42 having a pivot
44 connected with the outer side of frame right upright 18 by pivot
pin 46, and a lower connector rod 48 connected to a pivot 50
located on right foot tray 32 at the right side of the toe end
portion 36 by pivot pin 52. (Note in FIG. 2A pivot pin 52 attaches
directly into the side of foot tray 32 at toe end portion 36)
Similarly, pivot bar 24 supports left foot tray 60 between left
heel tray portion 62(see FIG. 2A) and left toe tray portion 64.
Tray 60 may be pivotally connected with pivot bar 24 by one or more
bearings and bearing supports (not shown) which are well-known
devices. Left foot tray shock device 66 includes a left shock
resistance cylinder 68 and has an upper connector rod 70 having a
pivot 72 connected with the outer side of frame left upright 20 by
pivot pin 74 (see FIG. 2A), and a lower connector rod 76 connected
to a pivot 78 located on left foot tray 60 at the left side of the
toe end 64 by pivot pin 80. (Note in FIG. 2A pivot pin 80 attaches
directly into the side of left foot tray 60 at toe end portion 64)
Front right foot strap 82 adjustably holds right toe RT to toe
portion 36 of right foot tray 32, and rear right foot strap 84
adjustably holds right ankle RA to right heel tray portion 34 of
right foot tray 32. Front left foot strap 86 holds left toe LT to
toe portion 64 of left foot tray 60 and rear left foot strap 88
adjustably holds left ankle LA to left heel tray portion 64.
[0036] As seen in FIG. 2A outer frame 14 is adjustable in length in
this version by providing overlapping right frame upright portions
having adjustment pins 92 selectively engageable through a
plurality of adjustment bores 94, and overlapping left frame
upright portions having adjustment pins 96 selectively engageable
through a plurality of adjustment bores 98. In this version frame
14 includes a lower bar portion 21.
[0037] Referring to FIG. 2B there is depicted another embodiment of
the invention which is identical to that of FIG. 2A, except that a
single foot tray 100 is provided pivotally mounted on pivot bar 24
employing bearings as in the embodiments of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2A
described above.
[0038] Referring to FIG. 3, there is shown-the right side view in
elevation of the embodiment of FIG. 2A with the right toe RT
extended against the resistance of shock resistance cylinder 40 by
rotation of right ankle RT. Right foot tray 32 is pivoted around
pivot bar 24 with the foot tray heel portion 34 in an up position
and the toe portion 36 in the downward position.
[0039] Referring to FIG. 4, there is shown the right side view in
elevation of the embodiment of FIG. 1 with the right toe RT
retracted and ankle RT rotated to the normal level position. Right
foot tray 32 rests on pivot bar 24 with the foot tray heel portion
34 and the toe portion 36 at about the same height.
[0040] In operation, the user places his feet upon foot trays
32,60, or foot tray 100, and adjusts toe straps 32,86 and ankle
straps 84,88 to fit. The user then places upper frame portion
having knee pads 22 over his knees. If length adjustment is
required, he may remove length adjusting pins 92,96 from adjustment
bores 94,98, adjust the length and replace the adjusting pins 92,96
in the desired bores 94,98. The user then rotates his ankles,
thrusting his toes downward against foot tray toe portions 36,64
and, thus, the resistance of shock resistance cylinders 40,68 to a
downward position as shown in FIG. 3. Then the user releases
pressure on foot tray toe portions 36,64 allowing shock resistance
cylinders 40,68 to recover to the level position as shown in FIG.
4. This movement may be repeated to accomplish the desired amount
of exercise. The apparatus of FIG. 2B may be used in a similar
manner employing foot tray 100.
[0041] Another embodiment of the inventive exercise machine has a
pogo stick-style configuration, having an elongated telescopic
shaft, two padded portions, to fit over the knees, a handgrip, and
two foot pads on either side of the shaft. The shaft extends to a
rubber tip for resting on the floor. The shaft includes a shock
resistance cylinder or resistance bands for resistance to foot
movement downward during ankle rotation. Both embodiments of the
present invention are adjustable for accommodating legs of
different lengths.
[0042] Referring to FIG. 5, there is shown another embodiment of
the present invention having an extensible mechanical resistor
device. In this embodiment the resistor device is a shock
resistance cylinder. Center post shock resistance cylinder system
110 includes center post shock resistance cylinder exercise device
112 having upper cross piece 114 has a handle 116 connected by
handle connector 118. Upper cross piece 114 has right knee pad 120
located between the right portion of upper cross piece 114 and the
user's right knee, and left knee pad 122 located between the left
portion of upper cross piece 114 and the user's left knee. The
center post shock resistance cylinder exercise device 112 has an
adjustable center tube 124 mounted on center shock resistance
cylinder frame mount 126 located at the center of upper cross piece
114, and includes upper center extension tube 128 inserted in lower
center extension tube 130 wherein adjustment pins 132 are
insertable in a plurality of bores as desired to adjust the length
of center tube 124. Lower extension tube 136 is separated from
lower center extension tube by shock resistance cylinder 137. Toe
rest cross piece 138 is located normal to lower extension tube 136
below shock resistance cylinder 136. Lower extension tube 136 ends
with boot 140 which is preferably of rubber or polymeric
material.
[0043] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, there is depicted in a front
elevation and a side elevation view, respectively, an embodiment
identical to that of FIG. 5 with the exception that the extensible
mechanical resistor device has stretch resistance bands. Lower
center extension tube 130 extends over lower extension tube 136
(see FIG. 7) in sliding engagement and stretch resistance bands 142
are mounted at opposite ends to center extension tube 130 and lower
extension tube 136 by upper pins 144 and lower pins 146,
respectively. As seen in FIG. 7 foot rests 148 are provided along
toe rest cross piece 138 for comfort for the user.
[0044] In operation, the user places upper cross piece 114 with
right knee pad 120 and left knee pad 122 over his knees. He then
places toes RT and LT on foot rests 142. If length adjustment is
needed, center tube extension pins 132 may be removed, lower center
extension tube 130 is adjusted relative to upper center extension
tube 128 and extension pins 132 placed in appropriate extension pin
bores 134. Boot 40 may be placed on the floor to steady the device.
The device may be steadied by holding handle 116. The user rotates
his ankles, pushing his toes down against foot rests 142 mounted on
toe rest cross piece 138, and, thus, against the shock resistance
cylinder 137, extending lower extension tube 136 and toe rest cross
piece 138 relative to lower center extension tube 130. The user
then relaxes pressure against foot rests 142, thus allowing his
foot to rotate to a level position and the device to return to its
original position. This procedure may be repeated as desired to
complete the exercise. The stretch resistance band embodiment of
FIG. 6 is operated in a similar manner.
[0045] Referring to FIGS. 8-11, there is shown still another
embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a side view in
elevation of this embodiment which is similar to that of FIGS. 1-4
with the addition of heel piece 160 and adjustable toe piece 162
mounted on right foot tray 32 for use when the user is wearing a
shoe such as right shoe RS. Right toe piece 162 is adjustable along
right foot tray 32 to accommodate various shoe lengths and includes
right toe adjusting screw 164 for securing right toe piece 162 at
the desired position along right foot tray 32. A handle 116 and
handle connector 118 are attached to frame upper portion 16 in the
manner of the embodiment of FIGS. 5-7, described above.
[0046] Referring more particularly to FIG. 9 there is shown a front
view in elevation of the present embodiment similar to that of FIG.
2A featuring handle 116 and handle connector 118 connected with
frame upper portion 16. Right toe piece 162 is adjustably
positioned on right foot tray 32 by right toe piece adjusting screw
164 turning on right toe adjustment protrusion 166 and tightened by
means of right toe nut 168. Similarly, left toe piece 182 is
adjustably position on left foot tray 60 by left toe piece
adjusting screw 184 turning on left toe adjustment protrusion 186
and tightened by means of left toe nut 188.
[0047] Referring more particularly to FIG. 10 there is shown a
detail of FIG. 9 wherein right toe piece 162 is shown with right
toe nut 168 removed from right toe piece adjusting screw 164
exposing the threaded portion 169 of right toe piece adjusting
screw 164.
[0048] Referring more particularly to FIG. 11 there is shown a plan
view of the detail of FIG. 10 showing right toe piece 162 held by
right toe piece adjusting screw 164 located in right toe adjustment
protrusion 166 at the desired point along right adjustment groove
170. The left toe piece 182 has a similar adjustment groove(not
shown). Stretch resistance bands of rubber or polymer material are
substitutable for shock resistance cylinders in all the embodiments
of the invention. Tubular frames may be substituted for bar frames
as desired.
[0049] It is to be understood that the present invention is not
limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and
all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.
* * * * *