U.S. patent application number 10/482808 was filed with the patent office on 2004-09-30 for apparatus for use in exercising.
Invention is credited to Wilcocks, Rodney Edward.
Application Number | 20040192520 10/482808 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27158303 |
Filed Date | 2004-09-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040192520 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wilcocks, Rodney Edward |
September 30, 2004 |
Apparatus for use in exercising
Abstract
Apparatus for use in exercising, including means for engaging
the foot of one leg of a user of the apparatus, wherein the means
for engaging is adapted to retard movement of the foot as the foot
moves from a first position towards a second position.
Inventors: |
Wilcocks, Rodney Edward;
(Tasmania, AU) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SUGHRUE MION, PLLC
2100 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE, N.W.
SUITE 800
WASHINGTON
DC
20037
US
|
Family ID: |
27158303 |
Appl. No.: |
10/482808 |
Filed: |
January 5, 2004 |
PCT Filed: |
July 5, 2002 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/AU02/00895 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/124 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61H 2209/00 20130101;
A63B 2208/0233 20130101; A63B 21/0004 20130101; A63B 23/0494
20130101; A63B 21/4015 20151001; A63B 21/4025 20151001; A63B
21/0557 20130101; A63B 21/4011 20151001; A63B 21/0552 20130101;
A63B 2208/0228 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/124 |
International
Class: |
A63B 021/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 5, 2001 |
AU |
PR 6143 |
Mar 5, 2002 |
AU |
PS 0912 |
May 1, 2002 |
AU |
PS 2063 |
Claims
1. Apparatus for use in exercising, including means for engaging
the foot of one leg of a user of the apparatus, wherein the means
for engaging is adapted to retard movement of the foot as the foot
moves from a first position towards a second position.
2. The apparatus claimed in claim 1, wherein said means for
engaging is also adapted to engage a portion of said leg above the
knee of said leg.
3. The apparatus claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said means
for engaging is in the form of an endless loop that is at least
partially elastically deformable, said loop being positionable
beneath the user's foot and above the knee of said leg.
4. The apparatus claimed in any one of the preceding claims 1,
wherein the means for engaging the foot includes a foot pedal for
engaging an underside of the foot.
5. Exercising apparatus including elastic means positionable to
extend from beneath the foot of one leg of a user to a position on
that leg above the knee and being elastically deformable so that,
when so positioned, the user may exercise by repetitive downward
pivotal movement of the foot about the ankle joint alternating with
upward pivotal movement under the influence of the elastic
means.
6. The apparatus claimed in claim 5, wherein said elastic means is
in the form of an endless loop.
7. The apparatus claimed in any one of claims 3 and 6, wherein the
endless loop is adjustable to permit adjustment of the length of
the endless loop.
8. The apparatus claimed in any one claim 2 to 7, wherein the
apparatus includes a belt, the belt being positionable around the
waist of the user to thereby prevent a portion of the apparatus
from moving with respect to the knee.
9. The apparatus claimed in claim 8, wherein the belt is adjustable
to permit adjustment of the length of the belt.
10. Apparatus for use in exercising, including means for engaging
the foot of one leg of a user of the apparatus and a second portion
of said leg, wherein the means for engaging retards movement of the
foot as the foot pivots about a respective ankle from a first
position towards a second position.
11. The apparatus claimed in claim 10, wherein said foot is in said
first position when the heel of the foot is substantially in
contact with a surface and when the ball of said foot is elevated
above the surface and the foot moves from the first position
towards the second position as the foot pivots and the ball of the
foot moves towards the surface.
12. The apparatus claimed in claim 10 or claim 11, wherein the
means for engaging is in the form of an endless loop that is at
least partially elastically deformable, said loop being
positionable beneath the foot of the user and said second portion
of said leg.
13. An apparatus for use in exercising, including means for
engaging the foot of one leg of a user of the apparatus, wherein,
in use, the means for engaging retards movement of the foot as the
foot moves from a first position towards a second position and the
means for engaging substantially prevents movement of the foot with
respect to the means for engaging.
14. An apparatus claimed in claim 13, wherein the means for
engaging at least partially receives the foot of the user.
15. An apparatus claimed in claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the foot
moves from the first position towards the second position as the
foot substantially pivots about a respective ankle joint.
16. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein
the means for engaging includes an endless loop, wherein the
endless loop is at least partially elastically deformable and is
positionable above the knee of said leg.
17. An apparatus as claimed in claim 16, wherein the means for
engaging includes a foot piece.
18. An apparatus for use in exercising, including means for
engaging the foot of one leg of a user of the apparatus, wherein,
in use, the means for engaging retards movement of the foot as the
foot moves from a first position towards a second position and the
means for engaging includes a strap to substantially prevent
movement of the foot with respect to the means for engaging.
19. An apparatus claimed in claim 18, wherein said strap is formed
first and second strips, the strips being positionable for mutual
engagement over the foot of the user to thereby substantially
prevent movement of the foot with respect to the means for
engaging.
20. An apparatus claimed in claim 19, wherein the strips are at
least partially elastically deformable and are thereby positionable
for mutual engagement over the foot of the user.
21. An apparatus claimed in claim 19 or claim 20, wherein the first
and second strips include corresponding hook and loop velcro
portions positionable for mutual engagement over the foot of the
user.
22. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 3, 4, 6, 7, 12,
16, 17, and 20, wherein the endless loop includes a handle, the
handle being graspable by the user to thereby hold a portion of the
endless loop in a position above the knee of said leg.
23. A method of exercising using an apparatus including an elastic
means which is at least partially elastically deformable, including
the steps of: positioning the elastic means so that it extends
beneath the foot of one leg of a user to a position on that leg
above the user's knee; and alternately pivoting the foot about the
ankle joint of the foot between first and second positions under
the influence of the elastic means.
24. A method claimed in claim 23, wherein the elastic means is an
at least partially elastically deformable endless loop.
25. A method of preventing deep vein thrombosis by administering to
a person an apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 22.
26. A method of effecting a muscle pump action in a leg of a user
of an apparatus, the apparatus including an elastic means which is
at least partially elastically deformable, including the steps of:
positioning the elastic means so that it extends beneath the foot
of one leg of a user to a position on that leg above the user's
knee; and alternately pivoting the foot about the ankle joint of
the foot between first and second positions under the influence of
the elastic means.
27. A method claimed in claim 26, wherein the elastic means is an
at least partially elastically deformable endless loop.
28. A method of effecting a muscle pump action in a leg of a user
of an apparatus claimed in any of claims 1 to 22, including the
steps of: positioning the apparatus so that it extends beneath the
foot of one leg of a user to a position on that leg above the
user's knee; and alternately pivoting the foot about the ankle
joint of the foot between first and second positions under the
influence of the elastic means.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to apparatus for use in
exercising.
[0002] Blood flows under pressure from the heart down the legs via
several arteries and returns to the heart from the lower limbs via
two main vein types, deep and superficial, where the superficial
veins generally act as tributaries to the deep veins. Blood is
returned to the heart along the veins by a muscle pump action. An
example of such a muscle pump action is the contraction of a calf
muscle which constricts the deep veins in and around the calf
muscle and forces blood to move away from the area of constriction
along the veins. Veins contain valves which ensure that all blood
flow that results from a muscle pump action is directed towards the
heart.
[0003] When the body is in an upright stationary position for
extended periods muscle pump action is substantially reduced and as
a result gravity tends to pool blood in the lower regions of the
body.
[0004] In general, blood has a tendency to clot when it slows or
stops and the mentioned pooling of blood in the lower limbs creates
an environment conducive of clotting. If a blood clot, also known
as a thrombosis, forms in the described manner and dislodges from a
lower region of the body, it will travel along the veins back
towards the heart. A dislodged thrombosis, known as an embolus,
will then enter the right hand side of the heart and will be pumped
from the heart to the lungs via the pulmonary artery. The diameter
of the veins on which the embolus travels, as it moves towards the
heart from the lower regions of the body, increases as the embolus
approaches the heart and, as a result, the rate at which the
embolus travels along the veins increases until it reaches the
pulmonary artery. The pulmonary artery feeds blood from the right
hand side of the heart into the lungs via numerous blood vessels.
The diameter of each of these blood vessels is substantially less
than the diameter of the pulmonary artery and as a result the
embolus stops or slows as it attempts to flow into one or more of
them. An embolus that stops or slows in the pulmonary artery
effectively blocks or slows the rate at which these blood vessels
take blood from the pulmonary artery to the lungs. Such an embolus
is known as a pulmonary embolism.
[0005] Since the amount of blood flowing into the lungs has been
reduced, due to the presence of the pulmonary embolism, the amount
blood returning to the heart from the lungs is also reduced.
Further, the pulmonary artery has a reduced capacity to distribute
blood to the lungs and the right hand side of the heart continues
to pump blood into the pulmonary artery, therefore, a build up of
blood generally occurs stemming back from the pulmonary artery the
heart.
[0006] Generally, a pulmonary embolism subjects a heart to stress
and in some cases this stress can cause heart failure.
[0007] Individuals tend to remain in upright stationary positions
for extended periods when travelling in vehicles for long
distances. When travelling on an aeroplane, for example, a
passenger may remain in a seated position for several hours with
little to no movement of the legs. Space on board aeroplanes is
generally very limited and, accordingly, there is little
opportunity to exercise the leg muscles to thereby effect the above
described muscle pump action in the lower limbs.
[0008] In accordance with the present invention there is provided,
an apparatus for use in exercising, including means for engaging
the foot of one leg of a user of the apparatus, wherein the means
for engaging is adapted to retard movement of the foot as the foot
moves from a first position towards a second position.
[0009] Preferably, said means for engaging is also adapted to
engage a portion of said leg above the knee of said leg.
[0010] Preferably, said means for engaging is in the form of an
endless loop that is at least partially elastically deformable,
said loop being positionable beneath the user's foot and above the
knee of said leg.
[0011] In accordance with the present invention, there is also
provided exercising apparatus including elastic means positionable
to extend from beneath the foot of one leg of a user to a position
on that leg above the knee and being elastically deformable so
that, when so positioned, the user may exercise by repetitive
downward pivotal movement of the foot about the ankle joint
alternating with upward pivotal movement under the influence of the
elastic means.
[0012] Preferably, said elastic means is in the form of an endless
loop.
[0013] In accordance with the present invention, there is also
provided apparatus for use in exercising, including means for
engaging the foot of one leg of a user of the apparatus and a
second portion of said leg, wherein the means for engaging retards
movement of the foot as the foot pivots about a respective ankle
from a first position towards a second position.
[0014] Preferably, said foot is in said first position when the
heel of the foot is substantially in contact with a surface and
when the ball of said foot is elevated above the surface and the
foot moves from the first position towards the second position as
the foot pivots and the ball of the foot moves towards the
surface.
[0015] Preferably, the means for engaging is in the form of an
endless loop that is at least partially elastically deformable,
said loop being positionable beneath the foot of the user and said
second portion of said leg.
[0016] In accordance with the present invention, there is also
provided an apparatus for use in exercising, including means for
engaging the foot of one leg of a user of the apparatus, wherein,
in use, the means for engaging retards movement of the foot as the
foot moves from a first position towards a second position and the
means for engaging substantially prevents movement of the foot with
respect to the means for engaging.
[0017] Preferably, the means for engaging at least partially
receives the foot of the user.
[0018] Preferably, the foot moves from the first position towards
the second position as the foot substantially pivots about a
respective ankle joint.
[0019] Preferably, the means for engaging includes an endless loop,
wherein the endless loop is at least partially elastically
deformable and is positionable above the knee of said leg.
[0020] Preferably, the means for engaging includes a foot
piece.
[0021] In accordance with the present invention, there is also
provided an apparatus for use in exercising, including means for
engaging the foot of one leg of a user of the apparatus, wherein,
in use, the means for engaging retards movement of the foot as the
foot moves from a first position towards a second position and the
means for engaging includes a strap to substantially prevent
movement of the foot with respect to the means for engaging.
[0022] Preferably, 1said strap is formed first and second strips,
the strips being positionable for mutual engagement over the foot
of the user to thereby substantially prevent movement of the foot
with respect to the means for engaging.
[0023] Preferably, the strips are at least partially elastically
deformable and are thereby positionable for mutual engagement over
the foot of the user.
[0024] Preferably, the endless loop includes a handle, the handle
being graspable by the user to thereby hold a portion of the
endless loop in a position above the knee of said leg.
[0025] In accordance with the present invention, there is also
provided a method of exercising using an apparatus including an
elastic means which is at least partially elastically defornable,
including the steps of:
[0026] positioning the elastic means so that it extends beneath the
foot of one leg of a user to a position on that leg above the
user's knee; and
[0027] alternately pivoting the foot about the ankle joint of the
foot between first and second positions under the influence of the
elastic means.
[0028] Preferably, the elastic means is an at least partially
elastically deformable endless loop.
[0029] In accordance with the present invention, there is also
provided a method of preventing deep vein thrombosis by
administering to a person an apparatus in accordance with the
above-described apparatus.
[0030] In accordance with the present invention, there is also
provided a method of effecting a muscle pump action in a leg of a
user of an apparatus, the apparatus including an elastic means
which is at least partially elastically deformable, including the
steps of:
[0031] positioning the elastic means so that it extends beneath the
foot of one leg of a user to a position on that leg above the
user's knee; and
[0032] alternately pivoting the foot about the ankle joint of the
foot between first and second positions under the influence of the
elastic means.
[0033] Preferably, the elastic means is an at least partially
elastically deformable endless loop.
[0034] In accordance with the present invention, there is also
provided a method of effecting a muscle pump action in a leg of a
user of an apparatus in accordance with the above-described
apparatus, including the steps of:
[0035] positioning the apparatus so that it extends beneath the
foot of one leg of a user to a position on that leg above the
user's knee; and
[0036] alternately pivoting the foot about the ankle joint of the
foot between first and second positions under the influence of the
elastic means.
[0037] Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be
described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to
the accompanying drawings in which:
[0038] FIG. 1 is a side view of an apparatus in accordance with the
invention, arranged in one condition for use;
[0039] FIG. 2 is a further side view of the apparatus shown in FIG.
1, but showing the apparatus in a different condition occurring in
use;
[0040] FIG. 3 is a front view of the apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 and
2;
[0041] FIG. 4 is a side view of another apparatus in accordance
with the invention, arranged in one condition for use;
[0042] FIG. 5 is a further side view of the apparatus shown in FIG.
4, showing the apparatus in a different condition occurring in
use;
[0043] FIG. 6 is a front view of the apparatus shown in FIGS. 4 and
5;
[0044] FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic illustration of an apparatus in
accordance with the invention, arranged in one condition;
[0045] FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic illustration of the apparatus of
FIG. 7, showing the apparatus arranged in a different condition;
and
[0046] FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic illustration of the apparatus of
FIGS. 7 and 8 arranged in one condition of use.
[0047] FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic illustration of the apparatus of
FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 arranged in a further condition of use.
[0048] An apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 includes
an elastically deformable endless loop 12 and a belt 14. The
endless loop 12 includes a plate 18 secured to a first portion 20
of the endless loop 12. The plate 18 is arranged to underlay engage
a foot 22 of one leg 30 of a user 16 of the apparatus.
[0049] The belt 14 is attached to the endless loop 12 at second and
third portions 24, 26 of the endless loop 12 by velcro hook and
loop contacts. However, the belt 14 may be secured to the endless
loop 12 by any suitable means. The belt is used to secure an upper
portion of the apparatus to the user 16.
[0050] A user 16 may operate the apparatus 10 from a seated
position. In this case, the user 16 fits the apparatus 10 to the
leg 30 of their body before commencing exercising. To fit the
apparatus, the user positions the plate 18 under a respective foot
22 and stretches the elastically deformable endless loop 12 over a
thigh portion 28 of the corresponding leg 30. The belt 14 is
secured around the user's waist 32 and prevents second and third
portions 24, 26 of the endless loop 12 from slipping down the
user's thigh 28.
[0051] The user 16, being in a seated position with their foot 22
in a first position 34, moves their foot 22 towards a second
position 36 by pivoting the foot 22 about an ankle joint 38 of the
foot 22. As this action is executed by the user 16, the elastically
deformable endless loop 12 bears against the user's foot 22 via the
plate 18 and thereby retards the movement of the foot 22.
Accordingly, the amount of work required to move the foot 22 from
the first position 34 towards the second position 36 is increased.
This movement effects a muscle pump action in the leg 30.
[0052] The user 16, at some point during the movement of the foot
22 towards the second position 36, stops moving the foot 22 towards
the second position 36 and begins to move the foot 22 back towards
the first position 34 by pivoting the foot 22 about the user's
ankle joint 38. As this action is executed by the user 16 of the
apparatus 10, the elastically deformable endless loop 12 bears
against the user's foot 22 via the plate 18 to thereby assist in
moving the foot 22 back towards the first position 34.
[0053] The user's foot 22 is in the first position 34 when the heel
40 of the user's foot 22 is in contact with the ground, or floor
surface, and the ball 42 of the user's foot 22 is elevated from the
ground. The user's foot 22 is in the second position 36 when the
heel 40 of the user's foot is in contact with the ground and the
ball 42 of the user's foot 22 is also in contact with the
ground.
[0054] In alternative embodiments of the invention, the user's foot
22 is in the first position when the heel 40 is closer to the
ground or floor surface than the ball 42 and the user's foot 22 is
in the second position when the ball 42 of the user's foot 22
approaches the ground or floor surface.
[0055] Repeating the above described actions using the apparatus 10
for an extended period increases the muscle pump action activity in
the leg 30 being exercised.
[0056] In one example of the invention, the belt 14 is permanently
attached to the endless loop 12 and the belt 14 includes an
adjustable "snap lock" clip. The adjustable "snap lock" clip has
first and second parts, where the first part is adapted to receive
the second part and secure the second part therein. The belt 14 is
fitted to the user 16 of the apparatus 10 by arranging the belt 14
around the user's waist 32 and engaging the first and second parts
of the "snap lock" clip. The adjustable "snap "lock" clip can also
be used to alter the length of the belt 14 in order to best fit the
user 16.
[0057] In a further example of the invention, the endless loop
includes a "snap lock" clip that is used to fit the endless loop
around the user's foot 22 and thigh 28 by engaging the male and
female parts of the "snap lock" clip. In this example of the
invention, the "snap lock" clip is also used to alter the length of
the endless loop 12 in order to best fit the user 16.
[0058] Accordingly, the length of the endless loop 12 as presented
between the foot 22 and thigh 28 of a user 16 can be varied.
[0059] In yet another example of the invention, the elastically
deformable endless loop 12 includes two parallel sides, being
generally parallel to the user's leg 30, formed from an inelastic
material. In this example of the invention, corresponding adjacent
ends of the two parallel sides are bridged by elastic material,
adapted to engage the user's foot 22 and the user's thigh 28.
[0060] In yet another example of the invention, the elastically
deformable endless loop 12 includes two parallel sides, being
generally parallel to the user's leg 30, formed from an inelastic
material. In this example of the invention, one of the adjacent
ends of the two parallel sides is ridged by elastic material
adapted to engage the user's foot and another one the adjacent ends
of the parallel sides, is bridged by an inelastic material adapted
to engage the user's thigh 28.
[0061] An apparatus 50 shown in FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 includes an
elastically deformable endless loop 52, a handle 54 and a foot
piece 56. The handle 54 is sewn to a first section 57 of the
endless loop 52 and is arranged so that, in use, a user 58 may
grasp the handle 54 and thereby control movement of the first
section 57 with respect to a corresponding leg of the user 58.
Alternatively, the handle 54 may be secured to the endless loop 52
by a vulcanisation process or by any other any suitable means.
[0062] The foot piece 56 is secured to a second section of the
endless loop 52 and is arranged to receive a front portion of a
foot 60 of the user 58. The second section of the endless loop 52
opposes the above-mentioned first section when the endless loop 52
is in use. A sole portion of the foot piece 56 is secured to the
endless loop 52 by a suitable adhesive. Alternatively, the foot
piece 56 may be secured to the endless loop 52 by any suitable
means. In use, the foot piece 56 substantially prevents movement of
the foot 60 with respect to the second section of the endless loop
52.
[0063] A user 58 may operate the apparatus 50 from a seated
position. In this case, the user 58 first fits the apparatus to a
leg 62 of their body before commencing exercising. To fit the
apparatus 50, the user 58 inserts his/her foot 60 into the foot
piece 56 and stretches the first section of the endless loop 52
over a thigh portion 66 of the corresponding leg 62. The user 58
grasps the handle 54 in either one or two hands and is ready to
commence exercising.
[0064] The user 58, with their foot 60 in a first position 68,
moves their foot 60 towards a second position 70 by pivoting their
foot 60 about a corresponding ankle joint 72. In doing so, the foot
60 extends away from a shin 74 portion of the leg 62. As this
action is executed, the endless loop 52 bears against the user's
foot 60, via the foot piece 56, and thereby retards the movement of
the foot 60. The endless loop, when used in the described manner,
increases the work required by the relevant muscle groups of the
user's leg, 62 to move the foot 60 from the first position 68
towards the second position 70.
[0065] At some point during the described action, the user 58
momentarily stops moving the foot 60 and moves the foot 60 back
towards the first position 68 by pivoting their foot 60 about the
corresponding ankle joint 72. As this action is executed by the
user 58, the endless loop 52 bears against the user's foot 60, via
the foot piece 56, and forces the foot 60 back towards the first
position 68.
[0066] Alternately moving the foot 60 between the first and second
positions 68, 70, effects a muscle pump action in the relevant
muscle groups of the user's leg 62.
[0067] An upper potion of the foot piece 56 may be secured to an
outer peripheral portion of the second section of the endless loop
52, the foot piece 56 being secured thereto by an adhesive.
Alternatively, the foot piece 56 may be secured to the endless loop
52 using any suitable means.
[0068] The foot piece 56 may be coupleable to the endless loop 52
by a connection device. (not shown) In this case, the sole of the
foot piece includes a first part of the connection device that is
connectable to a corresponding second part secured to the second
section of the endless loop 52. In use, the user 58 fits the foot
piece 56 on a respective foot 60 and connects the foot piece to
endless loop 52 by connecting the first and second parts of the
connection device. Alternatively, any suitable method of
temporarily securing the foot piece 56 to the endless loop 52 may
be used.
[0069] In one example of the invention, the foot piece 56 is
coupleable to the second section of the endless loop 52 and the
foot piece 56 is a shoe.
[0070] An apparatus 80 shown in FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 includes an
elastically deformable endless loop 82, a handle 84 and a strap 86.
The handle 84 is sewn to a first section 87 of the endless loop 82
and is arranged so that, in use, a user 88 may grasp the handle 84
and thereby control movement of the first section 87 of the endless
loop 82 with respect to a corresponding leg of the user 88.
Alternatively, the handle 84 may be secured to the endless loop 82
by a vulcanisation process or by any other any suitable means.
[0071] The strap 86 includes first and second strips 90,92, each
having an end secured to a second section 93 of the endless loop
82. The strips 90,92 are designed to be arranged over a user's foot
94 to thereby secure the user's foot 94 between the endless loop 82
and the strap 86.
[0072] In one embodiment of the invention the strips 90,92 include
corresponding hook and loop velcro pieces 96,98, so that a user may
position their foot 94 inside the endless loop 82 and secure their
foot 94 in that position by overlapping the hook and loop velcro
pieces 96,98 over their foot 94. The hook and loop pieces 96,98
interlock over the foot 94 to substantially prevent movement of the
foot 94 with respect to the second section 93 of the endless loop
82.
[0073] In further embodiments of the invention, the strips 90,92
are formed of an elastically deformable material. The strips 90,92
are designed to stretch over a user's foot 94 to thereby secure the
user's foot 94 between the endless loop and the strap 86.
Preferably, the strips 90,92 include hook and loop velcro pieces
96,98, so that a user may position their foot 94 inside the endless
loop 82 and secure their foot in that position by overlapping the
hook and loop velcro pieces 96,98. In use, the elastically
deformable strips 90,92 substantially prevents movement of the foot
94 with respect to the second section 93 of the endless loop 82 and
the elastically deformable strips 90,92 permits the strap 86 to be
arranged over the user's footwear.
[0074] A user 88 may operate the apparatus 80 from a seated
position. In this case, the user 88 first fits the apparatus to a
leg 99 of their body before commencing exercising. To fit the
apparatus 80, the user 88 inserts his/her foot 94 between the
endless loop 82 and the strap 86 and secures their foot 94 in that
position by arranging the strap 86 securely over their foot 94. The
user 88 then stretches the first section 87 of the endless loop 82
over a thigh portion 100 of the corresponding leg 96. The user 88
grasps the handle 84 in either one or two hands and is ready to
commence exercising.
[0075] The user 88, with their foot 94 in a first position 102,
moves their foot 94 towards a second position 104 by pivoting their
foot 94 about a corresponding ankle joint 106. In doing so, the
foot 94 extends away from a shin portion 108 of the leg 99. As this
action is executed, the endless loop 82 bears against the user's
foot 94 and thereby retards the movement of the foot 94. The
endless loop 82, when used in the described manner, increases the
work required by the relevant muscle groups of the user's leg 99 to
move the foot 94 from the first position 102 towards the second
position 104.
[0076] At some point during the described movement, the user 88
momentarily stops moving the foot 94 towards the second position
104 and moves the foot 94 back towards the first position 102 by
pivoting their foot 94 about the corresponding ankle joint 106. As
this action is executed by the user 88, the endless loop 82 bears
against the user's foot 94 and forces the foot 94 back towards the
first position 102.
[0077] Alternately moving the foot 94 between the first and second
positions 102,104, as described, effects a muscle pump action in
the relevant muscle groups of the user's leg 99.
[0078] Embodiments of the invention have been described by way of
reference to a user in a seated position. However, the embodiments
of the invention may be applicable to a user in any suitable
exercise position.
[0079] In alternative embodiments of the invention, the endless
loop 12,52,82 is formed in sections. In further embodiments of the
invention, the endless loop 12,52,82 is formed in sections, where
the sections include elastically deformable material and inelastic
material.
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