U.S. patent application number 11/309017 was filed with the patent office on 2007-12-13 for ankle resistance bands.
Invention is credited to Wayde Gilchrist.
Application Number | 20070287615 11/309017 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38822664 |
Filed Date | 2007-12-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070287615 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gilchrist; Wayde |
December 13, 2007 |
Ankle Resistance Bands
Abstract
An ankle resistance band for strengthening the muscles of the
lower leg and ankle. These muscles, of which there are ten,
originate in the lower leg, pass the ankle joint by means of
tendons which act like strong control cords and connect to bones
within the foot. They are responsible for the "take off" in each
step. By strengthening these muscles users will enjoy increased
athletic performance and reduced chance of injury. The inventive
device includes an elastic cord having a first end and a second
end, an ankle cuff attached to the first end of the cord, and a
shoelace hook attached to the second end of the cord. The elastic
cord is a stretchable tubing having a first end and a second end.
The ankle cuff is an adjustable holding strap that can be
adjustably fitted above the ankle of the foot which is being
exercised. The shoelace hook is a curved rigid member having one or
more thin prongs that can be hooked to the shoelace of an athletic
shoe.
Inventors: |
Gilchrist; Wayde; (Frisco,
TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WAYDE GILCHRIST
4482 LIAM DR.
FRISCO
TX
75034
US
|
Family ID: |
38822664 |
Appl. No.: |
11/309017 |
Filed: |
June 9, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/124 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/0557 20130101;
A63B 2208/0204 20130101; A63B 23/08 20130101; A63B 21/055 20130101;
A63B 21/0555 20130101; A63B 21/4013 20151001; A63B 21/0421
20130101; A63B 21/0552 20130101; A63B 21/0004 20130101; A63B
21/00061 20130101; A63B 21/4025 20151001 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/124 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/02 20060101
A63B021/02 |
Claims
9. An exercise device, comprising: an ankle attachment means, a
resistance band means for providing resistance to the flexure of
the ankle of a user, a first connection means for attaching said
resistance band means to said ankle attachment means, a second
connection means for attaching said resistance band means to an
athletic shoe worn by said user, whereby said exercise device
causes the toes of said user to be pulled toward the leg of said
user.
10. The exercise device of claim 9 wherein said ankle attachment
means is an ankle cuff worn by said user.
11. The exercise device of claim 10 wherein said ankle cuff
incorporates one or more weights.
12. The exercise device of claim 10 wherein circumference of said
ankle cuff is adjustable.
13. The exercise device of claim 10 wherein said resistance band
means is an elastic cord having a first end and a second end.
14. The exercise device of claim 13 wherein said first connection
comprises a loop sewn to said ankle cuff, and a hook tied to said
first end of said elastic cord.
15. The exercise device of claim 13 wherein said second connection
comprises a hook tied to said second end of said elastic cord.
16. A method of exercising a user's ankle, comprising: a. providing
an ankle cuff, b. attaching said ankle cuff to ankle of said user,
c. providing a loop sewn to said ankle cuff, d. providing an
elastic cord with a first end and a second end, e. providing a hook
tied to said first end of said elastic cord, f. attaching said hook
to said loop sewn to said ankle cuff, g. providing a shoelace hook
tied to said second end of said elastic cord, and h. attaching said
shoelace hook to shoelace of a shoe worn by said user, whereby the
toes of said user are pulled toward the leg of said user.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to an exercise
device and more specifically it relates to an ankle resistance band
for strengthening the muscles of the lower leg and ankle. These
muscles, of which there are ten, originate in the lower leg, pass
the ankle joint by means of tendons and connect to bones within the
foot. They are responsible for the "take off" in each step. By
strengthening these muscles users will enjoy increased athletic
performance and reduced chance of injury. The ankle joint itself is
extremely strong yet very unstable. It is for this reason that most
ankle sprains occur. By strengthening the involved muscles, one
significantly reduces the possibility of ankle sprain and fracture.
This invention also has rehabilitation features that can aid in the
recovery from a broken or sprained ankle. It will facilitate a
progressive rehabilitation through a gradual strengthening program,
by the use of progressively stronger bands to resist the exercise
motives.
DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART
[0002] It can be appreciated that exercise devices for the legs
have been in use for years. Typically, these exercise devices are
comprised of ankle weights, resistance bands, or exercise machines.
The main problem with most conventional exercise devices is that
they exercise the legs but do little to resist the muscles of the
ankle. Ankle weights, for example, primarily exercise the muscles
of the leg. Resistance bands are offered in a variety of
configurations including ones that connect between the ankles.
However these are designed to target muscles other than those of
the lower leg and ankle.
[0003] The remaining existing exercise devices that do exercise the
muscles of the ankle cannot be practically used during running,
walking, or other common forms of exercise. Many of these devices
prevent the user from wearing an athletic shoe. U.S. Pat. No.
4,998,722 describes such a device that requires an elastic sock to
be worn without a shoe. The device described in U.S. Pat. No.
4,371,161 comprises a nylon strap that encircles the wearer's shoe
beneath the ball of the foot and attaches to a surgical hose that
in turn attaches to a rigid member just below the knee. Since the
strap runs under the sole of the shoe, it would directly contact
the surface of the floor if it were to be used while running or
walking. This has the disadvantage of interfering with the grip and
cushioning provided by the sole of the shoe and would therefore
cause discomfort for the wearer. The strap also has the
disadvantage of being subject to excessive wear as it contacts the
floor. U.S. Pat. No. 4,869,499 describes a device that comprises a
sling that is worn around the user's toe.
[0004] Another problem with conventional exercise devices is that
they require additional exercises to be added to one's routine just
to exercise the ankle. For example, in order for the user to
benefit from the ankle exercise devices mentioned above they need
to perform the specific exercises intended. While these devices may
be suitable for the particular purpose to which they address, they
are not as suitable for strengthening the muscles of the lower leg
and ankle while running, walking, or engaging in many common forms
of exercise.
[0005] In these respects, the ankle resistance band according to
the present invention substantially departs from the conventional
concepts and designs of the prior art, and in so doing provides an
apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of strengthening the
muscles of the lower leg and ankle.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The general purpose of the present invention, which will be
described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new ankle
resistance band that has many of the advantages of the exercise
devices mentioned heretofore and many novel features that result in
a new ankle resistance band which is not anticipated, rendered
obvious, suggested, or even implied by any of the prior art
exercise devices, either alone or in any combination thereof.
[0007] To attain this, the present invention generally comprises an
elastic cord having a first end and a second end, an ankle cuff
attached to the first end of the cord, and a shoelace hook attached
to the second end of the cord. The elastic cord is a stretchable
tubing having a first end and a second end. The ankle cuff is an
adjustable holding strap that can be adjustably fitted above the
ankle of the foot which is being exercised. The shoelace hook is a
curved rigid member having one or more thin prongs that can be
hooked to the shoelace of an athletic shoe.
[0008] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more
important features of the invention in order that the detailed
description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the
present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There
are additional features of the invention that will be described
hereinafter.
[0009] In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment
of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the
invention is not limited in its application to the details of
construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in
the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The
invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced
and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that
the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose
of the description and should not be regarded as limiting.
[0010] A primary object of the present invention is to provide an
ankle resistance band that will overcome the shortcomings of the
prior art devices.
[0011] An object of the present invention is to provide an ankle
resistance band for strengthening the muscles of the lower leg and
ankle. By strengthening these muscles, users will enjoy increased
athletic performance and reduced chance of injury. In accordance
with this invention, this objective is achieved by attaching an
ankle cuff to the lower leg, attaching an elastic cord to the cuff
and attaching the opposite end of the cord to an athletic shoe worn
on the foot of the same leg via a shoelace hook. The elastic cord,
which is available in various elasticity strengths, provides the
resistance to the foot motions, and thus provides an inexpensive
and self-contained mechanism for exercising and strengthening the
ankle.
[0012] Another object is to provide an ankle resistance band that
enables the user to strengthen their ankle and foot muscles while
walking, running, or performing other common exercises. This
invention is free of any bulky or heavy members and does not
interfere with the wearing of athletic shoes. This allows the user
to achieve the benefits of the added resistance provided by this
invention without altering their current exercise regimen.
[0013] Another object is to provide an ankle resistance band that
enables the user to increase their heart rate and calories burned
during normal exercise by providing additional muscular resistance.
The additional resistance requires that additional work be
performed by the user's body, thereby burning more calories and
increasing the heart rate.
[0014] Another object of the invention is to provide an ankle
resistance band that will help to rehabilitate an injured ankle by
the use of progressively stronger bands as part of a gradual
strengthening program.
[0015] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will
become obvious to the reader and it is intended that these objects
and advantages are within the scope of the present invention.
[0016] To the accomplishment of the above and related objects, this
invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the
accompanying drawings, attention being called to the fact, however,
that the drawings are illustrative only, and that changes may be
made in the specific construction illustrated.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of
the present invention will become fully appreciated as the same
becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate
the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and
wherein:
[0018] FIG. 1 is a side view of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 2 is a front view of the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0021] Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar
reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several
views, the attached figures illustrate an ankle resistance band,
which comprises an elastic cord having a first end and a second
end, an ankle cuff attached to the first end of the cord, and a
shoelace hook attached to the second end of the cord. The elastic
cord is a stretchable tubing having a first end and a second end.
The ankle cuff is an adjustable holding strap that can be
adjustably fitted above the ankle of the foot which is being
exercised. The shoelace hook is a curved rigid member having one or
more thin prongs that can be slipped beneath the shoelace of an
athletic shoe.
[0022] As shown in FIGS. 1 through 3 of the drawings, the elastic
cord 20 is preferably a stretchable tubing having an upper end 26
and a lower end 28. Attached to the upper end 26 is a hook 42 which
is held in place by a knot 22 in the elastic cord 20. Attached to
the lower end 28 is the shoelace hook 40 which is held in place by
knot 24. The elastic cord 20 may be comprised of various types and
materials. Surgical hoses, nylon bungee cords, springs and rubber
bands are some examples of suitable elastic cords. Hook 42 may also
incorporate a spring clip if a more secure fastening is
desired.
[0023] The ankle cuff is an adjustable holding strap that can be
adjustably fitted above the ankle of the foot which is being
exercised. As shown in the drawings, the ankle cuff 30 is fitted
with a cooperating hook and pile tape sold under the trademark
"VELCRO". The ring 44 is held firmly to ankle cuff 30 by fabric
strip 32 which is sewn to ankle cuff 30. As one alternative, the
adjustable portion of the cuff 30 could be similar to a belt and
buckle arrangement. As another alternative, cuff 30 could be
fastened with a snap or series of snaps to allow adjustability.
Finally, the cuff 30 could be elastic and therefore self-adjusting.
Another variation of the ankle cuff 30 includes weights that are
sewn into the cuff or otherwise attached. This would give an
additional form of resistance for the exerciser.
[0024] The shoelace hook 40 is a curved rigid member having one or
more thin prongs that hook to the shoelace 52 of an athletic shoe
50. The shoelace hook 40 could take various geometric forms. The
only requirement being that it securely attaches to the shoe 50.
One possible variation would be to use a single prong instead of
the dual prong shown in the drawings. Many athletic shoes
incorporate a loop for the shoelace near the toe and this may
interfere with a single hook design. For this reason, the shoelace
hook 40 preferably comprises two split prongs. Another variation
would be to provide a means to thread the shoelaces through a fixed
mass containing two or more holes for the shoelace(s) and a hole or
ring for attaching the elastic cord.
[0025] As shown in the figures, the upper hook 42 of elastic cord
20 hooks to the ring 44 of ankle cuff 30. The length of the elastic
cord 20 is such that it must be stretched for the shoelace hook 40
to reach the front of shoelace 52 of the athletic shoe 50. The
shoelace hook 40 is hooked beneath the shoelace 52. Various
alternative forms of hooks or clips could be used to connect the
components of the invention. Optionally, bands of various spring
constants could be offered to provide more or less resistance. An
additional alternative would be to modify the shoelace hook so that
more than one elastic cord could be connected to it. This would
allow the user to increase resistance by connecting several cords
between the shoelace hook and the ring of the ankle cuff.
[0026] The invention is best used in pairs whereby a user, wearing
athletic shoes, straps an ankle cuff to the lower portion of each
leg just above the ankles. The user attaches the elastic cord to
the ankle cuff and stretches it to reach the toes of the shoe worn
on the foot of the same leg. The user then hooks the shoelace hook
to the shoelaces of each corresponding shoe. The user then walks,
runs, or performs an exercise of their choice, and the invention
provides resistance to the muscles of the lower leg. This
resistance strengthens the muscles and increases the effectiveness
of the chosen exercise by increasing the calories burned and the
heart rate achieved.
[0027] As to a further discussion of the manner of usage and
operation of the present invention, the same should be apparent
from the above description. Accordingly, no further discussion
relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided.
[0028] With respect to the above description then, it is to be
realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts
of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape,
form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are
deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and
all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings
and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed
by the present invention.
[0029] Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only
of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous
modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in
the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact
construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly,
all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to,
falling within the scope of the invention.
* * * * *