U.S. patent application number 11/032429 was filed with the patent office on 2005-07-28 for rocker boot with adjustable degree of rotation.
This patent application is currently assigned to Medi-Dyne Healthcare Products, Ltd.. Invention is credited to DiGiovanni, Craig S..
Application Number | 20050164845 11/032429 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34798083 |
Filed Date | 2005-07-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050164845 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
DiGiovanni, Craig S. |
July 28, 2005 |
Rocker boot with adjustable degree of rotation
Abstract
The present invention relates to a rocker boot for stretching or
strengthening muscles. The rocker boot includes a arcuate base, a
footrest, two arcuate rails on either side of the base, a bar
located adjacent to the arcuate surface, and an adjustable securing
mechanism to secure the bar to a rail. The degree of rotation of
the rocker boot is adjustable by moving the bar to a different
position on the arcuate base. In use, the bar comes into contact
with a surface when the boot is rocked far enough in one direction,
thereby limiting the degree of rotation in that direction. Boots
may include one or two bars and rotation may be limited in the
forward or backward direction or both. Two rocker boots may be
combined to allow exercise of both legs and feet
simultaneously.
Inventors: |
DiGiovanni, Craig S.;
(Southlake, TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BAKER BOTTS L.L.P.
PATENT DEPARTMENT
98 SAN JACINTO BLVD., SUITE 1500
AUSTIN
TX
78701-4039
US
|
Assignee: |
Medi-Dyne Healthcare Products,
Ltd.
Colleyville
TX
|
Family ID: |
34798083 |
Appl. No.: |
11/032429 |
Filed: |
January 10, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60536038 |
Jan 13, 2004 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/79 ;
482/148 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61H 2209/00 20130101;
A43B 7/00 20130101; A63B 22/16 20130101; A63B 25/06 20130101; A43B
3/00 20130101; A63B 23/08 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/079 ;
482/148 |
International
Class: |
A43B 005/16; A63B
001/00; A43B 005/04 |
Claims
1. A rocker boot comprising: a base having a arcuate surface; a
footrest attached to the base; two arcuate rails, wherein the rails
are located on the sides of the arcuate base; at least one bar
operable to sit adjacent to the arcuate surface of the base; and at
least one adjustable securing mechanism operable to secure the bar
to the rail.
2. The rocker boot of claim 1, further comprising a rear footrest
and a front footrest.
3. The rocker boot of claim 2, further comprising a heel stop
operable to prevent a foot from slipping off the rocker boot when
in use.
4. The rocker boot of claim 1, wherein the footrest further
comprises ridges.
5. The rocker boot of claim 1, wherein the base further comprises a
plurality of holes, and wherein the adjustable securing mechanism
further comprises: a bar arm attached to and extending radially
from the bar; and a pin engaged by the bar arm, wherein the pin is
operable to engage one of the plurality of holes.
6. The rocker boot of claim 5, further comprising a spring
mechanism operable to secure the pin in one the plurality of
holes.
7. The rocker boot of claim 1, wherein at least one rail further
comprises a plurality of teeth, and wherein the adjustable securing
mechanism further comprises a locking tab operable to receive and
hold the bar and further operable to engage one of the plurality of
teeth.
8. The rocker boot of claim 1, further comprising at least two
bars.
9. The rocker boot of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of
degree of rotation indicators.
10. The rocker boot of claim 1, further comprising a passive
securing mechanism.
11. The rocker boot of claim 10, wherein the passive securing
mechanism further comprises: a bar arm attached to and extending
radially from the bar; and a tongue attached to the bar arm, the
tongue operable to secure the bar to one of the two rails.
12. The rocker boot of claim 1, further comprising at least one
large hole operable to receive a large bar.
13. The rocker boot of claim 1, wherein the rocker boot comprises a
material selected from the group consisting of: plastic,
injection-molded plastic, metal, cast metal, machined metal,
aluminum, cast aluminum, and combinations thereof.
14. A method of manufacturing a rocker boot comprising: forming a
base having a arcuate surface; attaching a footrest attached to the
base; attaching two arcuate rails to the sides of the arcuate base;
forming at least one bar operable to sit adjacent to the arcuate
surface of the base; and forming at least one adjustable securing
mechanism operable to secure the bar to the base.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the attaching steps occur
simultaneously with the base forming step.
16. The method of claim 14, wherein the method of one or more
forming steps is selected from the group consisting of: injection
molding, casting, machining, and combinations thereof.
17. A method of using a rocker boot comprising: selecting a degree
of rotation in one direction for a rocker boot having a footrest
and a arcuate surface; adjusting an adjustable securing mechanism
to position a bar adjacent to the arcuate surface, wherein the bar
is operable to limit the degree of rotation of the rocker boot to
the selected degree of rotation; placing a foot upon the footrest;
using the foot to rotate the rocker boot in the selected direction
until the bar engages a surface and prevents rotation beyond the
selected degree of rotation; and using the foot to rotate the
rocker boot in an opposite direction.
18. The method of claim 17, further comprising: selecting a second
degree of rotation in the opposite direction; adjusting a second
adjustable securing mechanism to position a second bar adjacent to
the arcuate surface, wherein the second bar is operable to limit
the degree of rotation of the rocker boot to the second selected
degree of rotation; and using the foot to rotate the rocker boot in
the opposite direction until the second bar engages the surface and
prevents rotation beyond the second selected degree of
rotation.
19. The method of claim 17, further comprising stretching or
strengthening a tissue in the foot or a leg attached to the
foot.
20. The method of claim 19, further comprising the tissue selected
from the group consisting of: the anterior flexors, the anterior
tibialis, the extensor giditorum longus, the plantar fascia, the
plantar flexors, the gastrocnemius calf muscle, the soleus calf
muscle, the achilles tendon, and combinations thereof.
21. The method of claim 19, further comprising providing physical
therapy to an injured tissue.
22. The method of claim 17, further comprising: attaching a second
rocker boot to the first rocker boot; and using a second foot to
rotate the second rocker boot.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 60/536,038 entitled "Rocker Boot with
Adjustable Degree of Rotation" filed Jan. 13, 2004
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a rocker boot with an
adjustable degree of rotation. The rocker boot may be used to
stretch or strengthen muscles and tissues during exercise or
physical therapy.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Exercise boots with a arcuate base may be used to stretch or
exercise muscles and connective tissue in the leg, particularly the
lower leg. Such boots are used by placing one's foot on the boot,
them moving the boot backward and forward on the arcuate base.
These boots may be used one at a time, or two may be combined to
allow exercise of both legs simultaneously.
[0004] An exercise boot with a arcuate base has a potential degree
of rotation defined primarily by the arcuate length of the base. It
is sometimes desirable to limit this degree of rotation for some
users in order to allow a more defined workout, to add stability,
or for other reasons. Some previous boots have attempted to limit
the degree of rotation. Boots with an adjustable range of backward
motion have been developed to allow measurement of progress in an
exercise or physical therapy program. However, previous boots have
had only limited adjustability or are relatively costly to
produce.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In accordance with teachings of the present invention, a
rocker boot and method of its use and manufacture are provided. The
rocker boot includes a arcuate base, a footrest, two arcuate rails
located on either side of the base, a bar that may sit adjacent to
the arcuate surface of the base, and at least one adjustable
securing mechanism to secure the bar to a rail.
[0006] Rocker boots of the present invention may be made of a
variety of materials, including metal and plastic, which may be
formed using a variety of techniques, including injection molding,
casting and machining. Rocker boots may include more than one type
of material, which may be bonded to one another.
[0007] The rocker boot may be used by placing a foot on the
footrest then rotating the base along its arcuate surface in one
direction. Rotation is halted when a bar engages a surface, such as
a floor. The base may then be rotated in the opposite direction.
The degree of rotation allowed in one direction may be changed by
using the adjustable securing mechanism to move the bar. To limit
the degree of rotation allowed in the other direction, a separate
adjustable bar may be used.
[0008] Two rocker boots may be attached together, for example with
a large bar, to allow exercise of both feet and legs
simultaneously.
[0009] The present invention allows one to control the degree of
rotation of a rocker boot. This function may provide added
stability and may allow monitoring progress of a physical therapy
or exercise program. It may also allow selecting the difficulty or
stress of exercise using the rocker boot. Some rocker boots may be
designed to limit the degree of rotation in either the forward or
backward direction or both. Adjustments to control the degree of
rotation in many embodiments may be made by most individuals
without the need for specialized tools. In selected embodiments no
tools are normally required. Furthermore, rocker boots of the
present invention may be made at lower cost than many other
rotating exercise boots with a limited degree of rotation.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] A more complete and thorough understanding of the present
invention and advantages thereof may be acquired by referring to
the following description taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, in which like reference numbers indicate
like features, and wherein:
[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates a isometric plan view of a rocker boot
with two bars, according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0012] FIG. 2 illustrates a isometric plan view of a rocker boot
with one bar, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
and
[0013] FIG. 3 illustrates a isometric plan view of a rocker boot
with locking tabs detached, according to an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0014] FIG. 4 illustrates a isometric plan view of a rocker boot
with a tongue to secure one end of a bar to the rail, according to
an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] Specific embodiments of the invention and its advantages are
best understood by reference to FIGS. 1-4 wherein like numbers
refer to same and like parts.
[0016] Referring now to FIG. 1, rocker boot 10 includes rear
footrest 30 and front footrest 40 on arcuate base 20. Heel stop 50
may be attached to rear footrest 30 to help prevent a foot from
slipping of off rocker boot 10 when in use. Arcuate rails 60 are
located along the sides of base 20. At least one bar 70 may be
disposed under base 20, to limit the degree of forward or backward
rotation of rocker boot 10 during use on surface 190. Bar 70 may be
attached to bar arm 80, which extends radially away from bar 70
beside of rail 60 to engage pin 90. Pin 90 additionally engages one
of plurality of holes 100 to hold bar 70 in a fixed position
relative to base 20. Plurality of degree of rotation indicators 110
may be associated with respective holes 100.
[0017] FIG. 2 depicts rocker boot 120, which is similar to rocker
boot 10, but includes only one bar 70. Bar 70 is shown in a
position to limit the degree of backward rotation of rocker boot
120. However, bar 70 may also be located to limit the degree of
forward rotation. It may be configured to limit only the degree of
forward or backward rotation, or it may be adjustable to limit
either.
[0018] FIG. 3 depicts rocker boot 130, which is also similar to
rocker boot 10. However, rail 60 includes plurality of teeth 170
disposed on its upper surface. Locking tab 140 contains groove 160
operable to engage at least one of plurality of teeth 170. Locking
tab 140 also contains securing hole 150 operable to receive and
hold bar 70 in a substantially fixed position relative to base 20
when at least one of plurality of teeth 170 is engaged by groove
160. Plurality of degree of rotation indicators 110 are associated
with respective of teeth 170.
[0019] FIG. 4 depicts rocker boot 220, which is similar to rocker
boot 10. However, bar arm 80 may be connected to tongue 210 which
secures one end of bar 70 to rail 60. The other end of bar 70 may
be secured in a manner such as that shown in FIGS. 1-3 or by
another adjustable mechanism. FIG. 4 also depicts large holes 200,
into which a large bar (not shown) may be inserted to couple two
rocker boots, allowing simultaneous use.
[0020] All or selected parts of rocker boots or the present
invention may be made of any suitable material, such as plastic,
particularly injection-molded plastic, metal, particularly machined
or cast metal, or combinations thereof. For example, metal parts
may be made of cast aluminum. Parts numbered separately in FIGS.
1-4 or and other separable parts may actually represent a
continuous piece of material, or they may be separately formed and
then attached to one another. For example, rear footrest 30, front
footrest 40 and base 20 may all be made from a single piece of
injection-molded plastic. In another example, teeth 170 of rocker
boot 130 may be metal bonded to plastic rail 60 as part of a
plastic molding process. Other suitable combinations of metal,
plastic and other materials as well as suitable production designs
will be apparent to one of skill in the art.
[0021] Arcuate base 20 may be only curvilinear shape, including a
semi-circular of ellipsoid shape. Shape may be adjusted to affect,
inter alias, exercise difficulty and stability.
[0022] Front footrest 40 and rear footrest 30 may be separate as
shown, or they may form a continuous footrest (not shown). Further,
footrests 30 and 40 may individually or both have ridges 180 to aid
in securing a foot when the rocker boot is in use. Such ridges may
be formed from the material of the footrests themselves, or they
may be supplied as a separate component, which may be made from a
different material such as adhesive rubber pads.
[0023] Bar 70 may be of any size and shape suitable to
substantially prevent further rocking in a forward or backward
direction and thereby limit degree of rotation of the rocker boot.
In FIGS. 1 and 2, bar 70 is shown with an angular edge, which may
add additional stability to the rocker boot when bar 70 makes
contact with surface 190. In FIG. 3, bar 70 is shown as a round
rod, which may be more easily used with a locking tab system as
shown. Shape and size of bar 70, as well as its composition may be
selected based on various characteristics, such as stability, ease
of use with other parts, such as locking tabs, anticipated stress
to the rocker boot or bar during use, durability, cost and other
factors.
[0024] Two mechanisms for adjustably securing bar 70 to rail 60 are
shown in FIGS. 1-3; pin 90 combined with holes 100 and locking tab
140 combined with teeth 170. However, other mechanisms for securing
bar 70 to rail 60 in an adjustable manner may be used.
Additionally, the two mechanisms shown may be modified. For
example, pin 90 or locking tab 140 may be fitted with a
spring-loading mechanism to help secure it in one of holes 100 or
on one of teeth 170, while allowing adjustment of bar position.
[0025] Although FIG. 3 depicts two adjustable securing mechanisms
on bar 70, one on each side of rocker boot 130, it is possible to
have only one adjustable securing mechanism on each bar 70. The
adjustable securing mechanism may be placed at one end of bar 70. A
passive securing mechanism may be placed at the opposite end of bar
70. One such passive securing mechanism is shown in FIG. 4. Tongue
210 may be attached to bar arm 80 in a substantially 90.degree.
angle such that bar 70 is secured to rail 60. Tongue 210 may be
able to slide along rail 60 when the position of bar 70 is
adjusted.
[0026] Rocker boots of the present invention may also contain a
large hole sized to fit a connector, such as a large bar, that may
be used to secure two rocker boots together, thus allowing their
simultaneous use. Two such holes 200 are depicted in FIG. 4 and may
be used with one or two large bars. Two rocker boots may be
connected by placing one end of a large bar in at least one hole
200 on a rocker boot then placing the other end of the large bar in
another hole 200 located in a similar position on a second rocker
boot. Other mechanisms may also be used to secure two boots for
simultaneous rocking.
[0027] A rocker boot of the present invention may be used by
placing a foot on footrests 30 and 40, then using the foot to
rotate the rocker boot in one direction along the arcuate surface
of base 20 until bar 70 engages surface 190 and substantially
prevents further rotation. The foot may then used to rotate the
rocker boot in the opposite direction along the arcuate surface of
base 20. Additional bar 70 may limit rotation in the opposite
direction as well in some embodiments of the present invention.
[0028] Using a foot to rotate the rocker boot stretches and/or
strengthens tissues in the foot and attached leg, particularly the
lower leg. When the rocker boot is rotated in a forward direction,
plantarflexion occurs, thereby stretching and/or strengthening the
anterior flexors such as the anterior tibialis and extensor
digitorum longus, and potentially the plantar fascia. When the
rocker boot is rotated in a backward direction, dorsiflexion
occurs, thereby stretching and/or strengthening the plantar flexors
such as the gastrocnemius and soleus calf muscles, the achilles
tendon and the plantar fascia.
[0029] If two rocker boots are connected as described above, they
may be operated by both feet and legs simultaneously. In such
event, both feet may be used to rotate both rocker boots in one
direction at substantially the same time until bar 70 engages the
surface 190 and prevents further rotation. Both feet may then be
used to rotate the boots in the opposite direction. Another bar 70
may limit rotation in the opposite direction in variations of this
embodiment as well. Further, although both rocker boots may be
equipped with one or more bars, for example to enhance stability, a
bar on each boot may not be required. One bar on a single boot may
be sufficient to limit the degree of rotation. Further, it may be
possible to use one bar on one boot to limit the degree of rotation
in one direction, while using one bar on the other boot to limit
the degree of rotation in the opposite direction. However, if bars
are used on each boot to limit the degree of rotation in the same
direction, it is preferred that they be set to limit both boots to
the same degree of rotation.
[0030] Rocker boots of the present invention may in particular be
used in physical therapy or rehabilitation programs. More
specifically, rocker boots of the present invention may be used to
stretch and strengthen the tissues described above following a
surgical procedure on one or more of such tissues. Rocker boots of
the present invention are particularly useful in physical therapy
because they allow one to limit the degree of rotation in either a
forward or backward direction, or both, thereby preventing
overstretching or other damage to healing tissue. Degree of
rotation indicators may be used to gauge progress and increased
mobility as the rocker boot is used.
[0031] Rocker boots of the present invention may also be employed
in a regular exercise program. For example, they may be employed as
part of a stretching routine before rigorous leg exercise, or they
may be used to maintain flexibility in the elderly. The degree of
rotation may be adjusted to set the difficulty of a workout or
extent of stretching, or to limit rotation of the rocker boot for
stability reasons.
[0032] Although the present invention and its advantages have been
described in detail, it should be understood that various changes,
substitutions and alternations can be made herein without departing
from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the
following claims.
* * * * *