U.S. patent application number 11/926346 was filed with the patent office on 2009-04-30 for calf exercise system.
Invention is credited to David Richter.
Application Number | 20090111669 11/926346 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40583610 |
Filed Date | 2009-04-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090111669 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Richter; David |
April 30, 2009 |
CALF EXERCISE SYSTEM
Abstract
A portable calf exercise device includes a base having a
generally planar bottom surface configured to rest flat on the
floor surface. The upper end of the base supports a plurality of
elevated platform surfaces that culminate at a back panel and
extend across the base to terminate at a front face. Each of
platform surfaces are configured to support purchase of either one
or both of the sole of a portion of a person's foot. A person may
step on to one or more of the elevated platform surfaces to perform
exercises that subject the foot to plantar flexion, extension, as
well as inversion and eversion.
Inventors: |
Richter; David; (Cameron
Park, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JOHN P. O'BANION;O'BANION & RITCHEY LLP
400 CAPITOL MALL SUITE 1550
SACRAMENTO
CA
95814
US
|
Family ID: |
40583610 |
Appl. No.: |
11/926346 |
Filed: |
October 29, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/142 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/4039 20151001;
A63B 23/085 20130101; A63B 21/00047 20130101; A63B 2208/0209
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/142 |
International
Class: |
A63B 23/04 20060101
A63B023/04 |
Claims
1. An exercise apparatus, comprising: a base configured to lie flat
on a floor surface; a first elevated platform surface coupled to
the base; the first elevated platform surface having a slope at an
angle with respect to the floor surface when the base is positioned
on the floor surface; and a second elevated platform surface having
a slope at an angle different than the first platform surface;
wherein the first and second elevated platform surfaces are
configured to individually support at least a portion of the
person's foot.
2. An apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the first and second
platform surfaces terminate at a front face configured to allow
clearance for the person's heel to hang over and under the platform
surface on which the foot is disposed.
3. An apparatus as recited in claim 2, wherein the first platform
surface is sloped to orient the person's foot in dorsi flexion when
the person is standing upright.
4. An apparatus as recited in claim 3, wherein the second platform
surface is parallel to the floor surface when the base is
positioned on the floor.
5. An apparatus as recited in claim 3, wherein the second platform
surface is sloped laterally in a direction substantially
perpendicular to the direction of the slope of the first platform
surface relative to the first platform surface.
6. An apparatus as recited in claim 5, wherein the foot is
subjected to eversion without significant dorsi flexion when
positioned on the second surface substantially perpendicular to the
upper edge of the front face.
7. An apparatus as recited in claim 5, wherein the foot is
subjected to inversion without significant dorsi flexion when
positioned on the second surface substantially perpendicular to the
upper edge of the front face.
8. An apparatus as recited in claim 5, wherein the second platform
surface is adjacent to and below the first platform surface and
slopes downwardly away from the first platform surface.
9. An apparatus as recited in claim 8, further comprising: a third
platform surface; the third platform surface being adjacent to the
first platform surface and opposite the second platform surface;
wherein the third platform surface is sloped away from the first
platform surface at the same angle as the second platform
surface.
10. An apparatus as recited in claim 9, further comprising: a
fourth platform surface; the fourth platform surface being
laterally adjacent to the third platform surface; wherein the
fourth platform surface is substantially parallel to the floor
surface when the base is positioned on the floor.
11. A portable platform for performing calf exercises; comprising:
a base having a lower surface configured to lie flat on a floor
surface; a first elevated platform surface coupled to the base; the
first elevated platform surface having a slope at an angle with
respect to the lower surface of the base; and a second elevated
platform surface having a slope at an angle different than the
first platform surface; wherein the first and second elevated
platform surfaces are configured to individually support at least a
portion of the person's foot; wherein the first and second platform
surfaces terminate at a front face configured to allow clearance
for the heel of the foot to hang over and under the platform
surface on which the foot is disposed; wherein the first and second
platform surfaces are laterally adjacent to each other across an
upper edge of the front face.
12. A platform as recited in claim 11, wherein the first platform
surface slopes laterally along the upper edge of the front
face.
13. A platform as recited in claim 12, wherein the second platform
surface is sloped downward toward the front face to orient the
person's foot in dorsi flexion when the person is standing
upright.
14. A platform as recited 12, wherein the foot is subjected to
eversion or inversion when positioned on the first surface
substantially perpendicular to the upper edge of the front
face.
15. A platform as recited in claim 13, wherein the first platform
surface slopes away from and downward from the second platform
surface at a direction perpendicular to the direction of the slope
of second platform surface.
16. A platform as recited in claim 15, further comprising: a third
platform surface; the third platform surface being adjacent to the
second platform surface and opposite the first platform
surface.
17. A platform as recited in claim 16, wherein the third platform
surface is sloped away from the second platform surface at the same
angle as the first platform surface.
18. A platform as recited in claim 16, further comprising: a fourth
platform surface positioned laterally adjacent to the third
platform surface; and a fifth platform surface positioned laterally
adjacent to the first platform surface; wherein the fourth and
fifth platform surfaces are substantially parallel to the lower
surface of the base.
19. A platform as recited in claim 10, further comprising: a rear
panel disposed on the opposite side of the first and second
platform surfaces from the front face; the rear panel having a
cutout to form a handle for carrying the platform.
20. A training apparatus for performing calf exercises; comprising:
a base having a lower surface configured to lie flat on a floor
surface; a rear panel extending vertically upward from the base; an
upper elevated platform surface coupled to the base; the upper
elevated platform surface sloping downward from the rear panel at
an angle with respect to the lower surface of the base; and a pair
of lateral inclined platform surfaces adjacent to the upper
elevated platform surface and sloping downward at an angle from the
first platform surface; wherein the direction of the slope of the
lateral inclined platform surfaces are substantially perpendicular
to the direction of the slope of the upper platform surface;
wherein the upper and lateral elevated platform surfaces are
configured to individually support at least a portion of the
person's foot; wherein the upper and lateral platform surfaces
terminate at a front face configured to allow clearance for the
heel of the foot to hang over and under the platform surface on
which the foot is disposed; wherein the first and second platform
surfaces are laterally adjacent to each other across an upper edge
of the front face.
21. A platform as recited in claim 20, wherein the upper platform
surface is configured to orient the person's foot in dorsi flexion
when the person is standing upright.
22. A platform as recited 20, wherein the foot is subjected to
eversion when positioned on either lateral surface substantially
perpendicular to the upper edge of the front face.
23. A platform as recited 20, wherein the foot is subjected to
inversion when positioned on either lateral surface substantially
perpendicular to the upper edge of the front face.
24. A platform as recited in claim 20, further comprising: a pair
of level platform surfaces disposed on either side of the lateral
inclined platform surfaces; wherein the level platform surfaces are
substantially perpendicular to the lower surface of the base.
25. A platform as recited in claim 20, wherein the rear panel has a
cutout to form a handle for carrying the platform.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not Applicable
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable
INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT
DISC
[0003] Not Applicable
NOTICE OF MATERIAL SUBJECT TO COPYRIGHT PROTECTION
[0004] A portion of the material in this patent document is subject
to copyright protection under the copyright laws of the United
States and of other countries. The owner of the copyright rights
has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the
patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the
United States Patent and Trademark Office publicly available file
or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.
The copyright owner does not hereby waive any of its rights to have
this patent document maintained in secrecy, including without
limitation its rights pursuant to 37 C.F.R. .sctn.1.14.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0005] 1. Field of the Invention
[0006] This invention pertains generally to an exercise device, and
more particularly to an exercise device for training and building
lower leg muscles.
[0007] 2. Description of Related Art
[0008] The use of exercising equipment is well known in today's
health-conscious world. When training (e.g. strength training,
muscle building, etc.) a particular body part or muscle group, it
is generally desirable to isolate a particular muscle or group of
muscles to concentrate development on the target anatomy.
[0009] Generally, calf exercise devices fit into two distinct
groups. A first group generally comprises calf extension/press
machines (e.g. U.S. Pat. No. 5,762,590) that are seated or standing
and use weights and/or cables to deliver resistance against the
sole of a person's foot when extended from a platform surface. A
second group comprises a single step (e.g. U.S. Pat. No. 6,908,417)
that is typically square or rectangular, having one raised platform
or surface, and that allows a person to begin a series of step up
and step down motions (aerobics) or raises (anaerobic) from the
floor.
[0010] All of the above devices generally assume a simplified
anatomy and motion of the foot and ankle (e.g. a single articular
mode) that results in building/training of the calf muscles in a
generic and non-isolated fashion. However, the foot and ankle
anatomy and articulations are in actuality quite intricate, and
slight variations of different articular modes of the ankle joints
can result in large variations in the distributions of load to the
muscles in the lower leg.
[0011] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide
a calf exercise system that provides different platforms to vary
the articular modes of the ankle and foot to isolate development
and training of the calve/lower leg muscles.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] An aspect of the invention is an exercise apparatus having a
base configured to lie flat on a floor surface, and a first
elevated platform surface coupled to the base, wherein the first
elevated platform surface is configured to slope at an angle with
respect to the floor surface when the base is positioned on the
floor surface. The apparatus further comprises a second elevated
platform surface configured to slope at an angle different than the
first platform surface, wherein the first and second elevated
platform surfaces are configured to individually support at least a
portion of the person's foot.
[0013] In one embodiment, the first and second platform surfaces
terminate at a front face configured to allow clearance for the
heel of the foot to hang over and under the platform surface on
which the foot is disposed. Also, the first platform surface may be
sloped to orient the person's foot in dorsi flexion when the person
is standing upright.
[0014] The second platform surface may be parallel to the floor
surface when the base is positioned on the floor. Alternatively,
the second platform surface is sloped laterally in a direction
perpendicular to the slope of the first platform surface. Under
this configuration, the foot may be subjected to eversion or
inversion when positioned on the second surface substantially
perpendicular to the upper edge of the front face. In one mode, the
second platform surface is adjacent to the first platform surface
and slopes away from the first platform surface.
[0015] The apparatus may further comprise a third platform surface
adjacent to the first platform surface and opposite the second
platform surface. In one embodiment, the third platform surface is
sloped away from the first platform surface at the same angle as
the second platform surface.
[0016] The apparatus may further comprise a fourth platform surface
laterally adjacent to the third platform surface, wherein the
fourth platform surface is substantially parallel to the floor
surface when the base is positioned on the floor.
[0017] In one embodiment, the apparatus includes notches in a
bottom surface of the base, wherein the notches are configured to
accommodate placement of one or more resistance bands.
[0018] Another aspect of the invention is a portable platform for
performing calf exercises. The platform comprises a base having a
lower surface configured to lie flat on a floor surface, and a
first elevated platform surface coupled to the base. The first
elevated platform surface configured to slope at an angle with
respect to the lower surface of the base. In addition, the platform
has a second elevated platform surface configured to slope at an
angle different than the first platform surface, wherein the first
and second elevated platform surfaces are configured to
individually support at least a portion of the person's foot. The
first and second platform surfaces terminate at a front face
configured to allow clearance for the heel of the foot to hang over
and under the platform surface on which the foot is disposed, and
are laterally adjacent to each other across an upper edge of the
front face.
[0019] In a preferred embodiment of the current aspect, the first
platform surface slopes laterally along the upper edge of a front
face. The second platform surface is sloped downward toward the
front face to orient the person's foot in dorsi flexion when the
person is standing upright. In this configuration, the first
platform surface slopes away from the second platform surface at a
direction perpendicular to the direction of the slope of second
platform surface. The foot is subjected to eversion or inversion
when positioned on the first surface substantially perpendicular to
the upper edge of the front face.
[0020] The current aspect may also include a third platform surface
adjacent to the second platform surface and opposite the first
platform surface. The third platform surface is sloped away from
the second platform surface at the same angle as the first platform
surface.
[0021] A fourth platform surface positioned laterally adjacent to
the third platform surface, and a fifth platform surface positioned
laterally adjacent to the first platform surface, so that the
fourth and fifth platform surfaces are substantially parallel to
the lower surface of the base.
[0022] In some embodiments, a rear panel is disposed on the
opposite side of the first and second platform surfaces from the
front face. The rear panel may have a cutout to form a handle for
carrying the platform.
[0023] Another aspect is a training apparatus for performing calf
exercises having a base having a lower surface configured to lie
flat on a floor surface, a rear panel extending vertically upward
from the base, and an upper elevated platform surface coupled to
the base, wherein the upper elevated platform surface slopes
downward from the rear panel at an angle with respect to the lower
surface of the base. The training apparatus includes a pair of
lateral inclined platform surfaces adjacent to the upper elevated
platform surface and sloping downward at an angle from the first
platform surface. The direction of the slope of the lateral
inclined platform surfaces are substantially perpendicular to the
direction of the slope of the upper platform surface. The upper and
lateral elevated platform surfaces are configured to individually
support at least a portion of the person's foot. The upper and
lateral platform surfaces terminate at a front face configured to
allow clearance for the heel of the foot to hang over and under the
platform surface on which the foot is disposed. The first and
second platform surfaces are laterally adjacent to each other
across an upper edge of the front face.
[0024] Ideally, the upper platform surface is configured to orient
the person's foot in dorsi flexion when the person is standing
upright. The foot may be subjected to eversion or inversion when
positioned on either lateral surface substantially perpendicular to
the upper edge of the front face.
[0025] The present aspect may also include a pair of level platform
surfaces disposed on either side of the lateral inclined platform
surfaces, wherein the level platform surfaces are substantially
perpendicular to the lower surface of the base.
[0026] Further aspects of the invention will be brought out in the
following portions of the specification, wherein the detailed
description is for the purpose of fully disclosing preferred
embodiments of the invention without placing limitations
thereon.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)
[0027] The invention will be more fully understood by reference to
the following drawings which are for illustrative purposes
only:
[0028] FIG. 1 is a side view of a human skeletal system making up
the foot and ankle.
[0029] FIG. 2 is a posterior view depicting a portion of the
muscles present in the lower leg.
[0030] FIG. 3 is and anterior view depicting a portion of the
muscles present in the lower leg.
[0031] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of dorsi flexion and plantar
flexion of a human ankle.
[0032] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of inversion and eversion of a
human ankle.
[0033] FIG. 6 is a front view of the calf exercise platform of the
present invention.
[0034] FIG. 7 is a side view of the platform of FIG. 6.
[0035] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the platform of FIG. 6.
[0036] FIG. 9 is an illustration of a person positioned on a
laterally sloped platform surface of the present invention.
[0037] FIG. 10 is an illustration of a person positioned on an
upper sloped platform surface of the present invention.
[0038] FIG. 11 is an illustration of a person using a tension band
in accordant with the present invention.
[0039] FIG. 12 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the present
invention having leg extensions.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0040] Referring more specifically to the drawings, for
illustrative purposes the present invention is embodied in the
apparatus generally shown in FIG. 6 through FIG. 12. It will be
appreciated that the apparatus may vary as to configuration and as
to details of the parts, and that the method may vary as to the
specific steps and sequence, without departing from the basic
concepts as disclosed herein.
[0041] FIGS. 1-5 illustrate various aspects of human anatomy that
correlate to the function/development of the calf muscles.
[0042] FIG. 1 illustrates a skeletal diagram of bones making up the
ankle and foot. The ankle joint 10 connects the tibia 12 and fibula
14 with the foot 18 at the talus 16. The forefoot 26 is composed of
the five toes 20 (phalanges) and their connecting long bones 22
(metatarsals). The phalanges 20 are connected to the metatarsals 22
by five metatarsal phalangeal joints at the ball of the foot 24.
The forefoot 26 bears half the body's weight and balances pressure
on the ball 24 of the foot 18.
[0043] The midfoot 28 comprises five irregularly shaped tarsal
bones (cuneiform bones 34, navicular bones 30), forms the foot's
arch, and serves as a shock absorber. The bones of the midfoot 28
are connected to the forefoot and the hindfoot by muscles and the
plantar fascia (arch ligament) (not shown).
[0044] The hindfoot 30 is composed of three joints and links the
midfoot 28 to the ankle (talus). The top of the talus bone 16 is
connected to the two long bones of the lower leg (tibia 12 and
fibula 14), forming a hinge (upper ankle joint 10) that allows the
foot 18 to move up and down. The heel bone 36 (calcaneus) is the
largest bone in the foot. It joins the talus bone to form the lower
(subtalar) ankle joint 38. The bottom of the heel bone is cushioned
by a layer of fat and skin making up the sole of the foot.
[0045] FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate some of the calf muscles of the
lower leg in relation to the ankle and foot 18. Referring to the
posterior view of the lower leg illustrated in FIG. 2, the
gastrocnemius 42 is the most superficial muscle, and forms the
greater part of the calf. It arises by two heads, which are
connected to the condyles of the femur by strong, flat tendons. The
medial head 46 is generally the larger and runs along the inner and
posterior side of the calf. The lateral head 44 runs along the
outer posterior side of the calf. Both the lateral head 44 and
medial head originate at the condyles of the femur, and extend down
the posterior side of the leg to unite at the midline of the muscle
with the tendon of the soleus 48. The soleus 48 is a broad flat
muscle situated immediately in front, or underneath, of the
gastrocnemius 42. Referring now to FIG. 3 showing a frontal view of
the lower leg, the tibialis anterior 52 runs from the upper tibia
12 and fibula 14 anteriorly and laterally toward the ankle.
[0046] When the body is in the erect position, the foot 18 is
generally at right angles to the leg 40. FIG. 4 illustrates the
articulation of the upper (talocrural) ankle joint 10, which
generally acts as a simple hinge about axis 50. The axis 50 is a
transverse axis that runs slightly oblique through the left and
right ankles. The movements of the upper joint 10 are generally
limited to dorsi flexion and plantar flexion. Dorsi flexion, or
flexion, consists in the approximation of the dorsum or forefoot 26
of the foot upwards to the front of the leg 40. During plantar
flexion, or extension, the heel 36 is drawn up and the toes 20
pointed downward. The range of movement varies in different
individuals from about 50.degree. to 90.degree.. The transverse
axis about which movement takes place is slightly oblique.
[0047] FIG. 5 illustrates the primary articulation mode of the
lower, or subtular ankle joint 38 of the left foot 18. The subtular
joint 38 rotates about axis 60 that runs antero-posteriorly and
slightly transverse. The subtular joint movements are commonly
referred to as inversion and eversion. During inversion, or
adduction, the bottom or sole 50 of the foot 18 is rotated inward
and upward (depicted on the right in FIG. 5). During eversion, also
known as abduction, the sole 50 of the foot 18 is rotated outwards
and upwards (with the toes of the foot pointing outwards as shown
in the left side of FIG. 5).
[0048] The movements of inversion and eversion of the foot,
together with the minute changes in form by which it is applied to
the ground or takes hold of an object in climbing, etc., may also
be effected in the transverse tarsal joint, allowing motion between
the talus 16 and calcaneus 36 behind and the navicular 32 and
cuboid in front.
[0049] These articulations have a profound effect on the
distribution of load affected on the muscles in the lower leg.
Plantar flexion tends to engage the gastrocnemius 42, soleus 48,
plantaris (not shown), tibialis posterior (not shown), and flexor
digitorum/hallis longus (not shown). Whereas dorsiflexion tends to
engage tibialis anterior 52, peronaeus tertius, extensor digitorum
longus, and extensor hallucis proprius (not shown).
[0050] In addition, introduction of eversion or inversion during
plantar and dorsi flexion results in further isolation of muscles.
For example, if the ankle is positioned in inversion, plantar and
dorsi flexion isolates and concentrates on the medial head 46 of
the gastrocnemius, and surrounding muscles. Conversely, eversion
plantar and dorsi flexion isolates and concentrates on the lateral
head of the 44 of the gastrocnemius, as well as the tibialis
anterior 52 and other surrounding muscles.
[0051] Referring now to FIGS. 6-8, a preferred embodiment of the
portable calf exercise device 100 of the present invention is
illustrated. FIG. 6 illustrates a front view of the device 100
positioned on a floor or ground surface 130. As seen in FIG. 6, as
well in side view FIG. 7 and perspective view FIG. 8, the device
100 includes a base 102 having a generally planar bottom surface
104 configured to rest flat on the floor surface 130. The upper end
of the base 102 supports a plurality of elevated platform surfaces
106, 108, 110, 112, and 114. It is appreciated that base 102 may
also comprise a support structure of a non-portable device (e.g. a
sitting or standing calf lift machine--not shown).
[0052] Each of platform surfaces 106, 108, 110, 112, and 114
culminate at a back panel 116 (which is generally at a right angle
to the base 102) and extend across the base to terminate at front
face 118.
[0053] Each of platform surfaces 106, 108, 110, 112, and 114 are
configured to support purchase of either one or both of the sole 50
(either directly if barefoot or preferably through contact of the
sole of a shoe) of a portion (e.g. forefoot 26 or ball 24) of a
person's foot 18. As shown in FIGS. 9-11, the device 100 is
configured such that a person may step on to one or more of the
elevated platform surfaces 106, 108, 110, 112, and 114 with his or
her toes 20 pointed toward the rear panel 116 and chest or frontal
plane generally parallel to the rear panel 116.
[0054] Referring to FIG. 7, upper platform surface 106 is generally
centrally located on the base 102. Upper platform surface 106 is
inclined at a slope angle , such that it gradually slopes downward
from the rear panel 116 to the upper edge of front face 118 (i.e.
sloping downward anteriorly to posteriorly when standing on the
platform surface 106). Thus, when a person is standing upright with
one or both feet having purchase parallel to surface 106, the upper
ankle joint 10 is subjected to dorsi flexion. Slope angle is
configured to provide a moderate amount of dorsi-flexion, while
still allowing traction so that the person does not slide off of
the platform while performing exercises. Slope angle may be varied
depending on the desired effect. Typically, slope angle may range
from approximately 5.degree. to approximately 45.degree., and
preferably between approximately 10.degree. and approximately
20.degree.. The example shown in FIG. 7 is approximately
15.degree..
[0055] FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary use of the platform with
the person's left forefoot 26 positioned on the upper surface 106
(with right foot elevated). In this configuration the hindfoot 30
hangs elevated over front face 118 to allow the heel to be further
dropped (to increase dorsi flexion) and/or raise the heel 36 to
create a nominal or plantar flexion articulation. The elevated
upper edge of front face 118 is spaced at a distance to allow
clearance for the heel of the person's foot to extend through a
full range of motion without touching the floor surface 130.
[0056] It is also appreciated that both feet may have purchase on
the upper surface 106 for balance, or to work both left and right
legs at the same time. However, a single foot may be preferred to
maximize the loading/and or resistance on the muscle or
muscle-group worked.
[0057] Referring back to FIG. 6, a pair of laterally sloped
platform surfaces 110 and 108 (transversely sloped in relation to
the person's body when facing the rear panel 116) are positioned on
opposing sides of the upper surface 106. Surfaces 110 and 108 slope
downward from about the level of the lowest extent of upper surface
106 to meet up with level surfaces 112 and 114 respectively.
Surfaces 110 and 108 are sloped at angle .PHI. with respect to the
base lower surface 104. Slope angle .PHI. is illustrated at
approximately 15.degree. in FIG. 6. However, slope angle .PHI. may
typically range from less than 5.degree. to approximately
45.degree., and preferably between approximately 10.degree. and
approximately 30.degree. and more preferably between approximately
15.degree. and approximately 20.degree., depending on the desired
effect on the person's anatomy.
[0058] FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary use of the device 100 with
the person's left forefoot 26 positioned on the laterally sloped
surface 110 (with right foot elevated or positioned on surface
108). In this configuration the hindfoot 30 hangs elevated over
front face 118 to allow the heel to be further dropped (to increase
dorsi flexion) and/or raise the heel 36 to create a nominal or
plantar flexion articulation. It is also appreciated that either
surface 110 or 108 may be sized to accommodate both feet at the
same time.
[0059] If a person's left foot (or a portion thereof, e.g. forefoot
26) is positioned flat on laterally sloped surface 110, the ankle
is subjected to inversion when the person is standing upright (see
FIG. 5). Thus, when performing heel raises from either a nominal or
dorsi-flexion state to a plantar flexion state (or from
dorsi-flexion to nominal or any variation/increment in between),
the person will concentrate training on the medial head 46 of the
gastrocnemius.
[0060] Conversely, when the person positions their right foot flat
on the laterally sloped surface 110 the ankle is subjected to
eversion. Thus, heel raises in this configuration results in
isolating training on the lateral head of the 44 of the
gastrocnemius.
[0061] Correspondingly, the person may position either foot on the
laterally sloped platform surface 108, and perform exercises in a
similar, yet reversed, fashion (e.g. right foot would be place
under eversion, and left foot under inversion). The person may also
train with a wider stance so that his left foot is positioned on
surface 110, and right foot on surface 108, to train both legs
simultaneously under inversion.
[0062] At the far sides of the device, level surfaces 112 and 114
also provide a platform for training. Surfaces 112 and 114 are
substantially parallel to the bottom surface 104, such that when
one's foot is positioned on either surface the ankle is in a
nominal (neither under eversion or inversion) position. As shown in
FIG. 6, level surfaces 112 and 114 are positioned a distance D from
the floor such that the foot may travel through a full, or
substantially full, range of dorsi flexion without contacting the
ground (generally approximately 3.5'' to approximately 4'').
[0063] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, one may use weights 150 to
increase the resistive load on the muscles trained. In an
alternative embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11, one or more tension
ropes or bands 160 may be fed through slots 120 running done the
bottom surface 104 of base 102 to provide additional training
resistance.
[0064] The exercise device 100 of the present invention is
configured to be portable, and thus is sized to be readily
transported from location to location. Generally, the device has a
height H of less than a foot, and width W of approximately three
feet, with a depth of approximately a foot. The rear panel 116 also
has a handle cutout 124 to aid in griping the device 100 with one's
hand.
[0065] Exercise platform 100 may be constructed with a number of
different materials, such as wood, be an injection molded polymer
such as polyurethane or other resin. Platform surfaces 106 through
110 may be molded as a roughened surface, or may have an additional
layer high-tack material to add grip to the surfaces.
[0066] FIG. 12 comprises an alternative embodiment of the calf
exercise platform 200 of the present invention. Exercise platform
200 comprises a pair of leg extensions that extend from level
surfaces 212 and 214 of base 102. This configuration adds
additional stability to the platform, while still allowing level
surfaces 212, 214 and inclined surfaces 206, 208, and 210 to
terminate at front face 218, thereby facilitating clearance for
various exercises.
[0067] Although the system of the present invention is detailed as
a portable device in the embodiments shown above, it may also be
used in other training devices. For example, it is anticipate that
the platform of the present invention, e.g. any combination of two
or more of surfaces 106, 108, 110, 112, and 114, be integrated into
a weight-lifting machine (e.g. standing or sitting calf raise
machine) to provide the same anatomical orientation while doing
weight lifting exercises as the portable platform disclosed
above.
[0068] Although the description above contains many details, these
should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but
as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently
preferred embodiments of this invention. Therefore, it will be
appreciated that the scope of the present invention fully
encompasses other embodiments which may become obvious to those
skilled in the art, and that the scope of the present invention is
accordingly to be limited by nothing other than the appended
claims, in which reference to an element in the singular is not
intended to mean "one and only one" unless explicitly so stated,
but rather "one or more." All structural, chemical, and functional
equivalents to the elements of the above-described preferred
embodiment that are known to those of ordinary skill in the art are
expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be
encompassed by the present claims. Moreover, it is not necessary
for a device or method to address each and every problem sought to
be solved by the present invention, for it to be encompassed by the
present claims. Furthermore, no element, component, or method step
in the present disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public
regardless of whether the element, component, or method step is
explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element herein is to be
construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph,
unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase "means
for."
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