U.S. patent application number 13/987564 was filed with the patent office on 2015-02-12 for apparatus for use in exercising a person's calves.
The applicant listed for this patent is Lee Morton. Invention is credited to Lee Morton.
Application Number | 20150045193 13/987564 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52449139 |
Filed Date | 2015-02-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150045193 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Morton; Lee |
February 12, 2015 |
APPARATUS FOR USE IN EXERCISING A PERSON'S CALVES
Abstract
Apparatus (2) for use in exercising a person's calves (4), which
apparatus (2) comprises a footrest (6), a kneerest (8), a length of
stretchable material (10) extending between the footrest (6) and
the kneerest (8), and fastener means (28) for fastening the length
of stretchable material (10), and the apparatus (2) being such that
in use and with the person (12) in a seated position then the front
part of the person's feet (16) rests on the footrest (6) to retain
the footrest (6) on a floor, the kneerest (8) rests on the person's
knees (20), the length of stretchable material (10) is stretched
when the person (12) pivots the rear part of their feet (16)
upwardly with respect to the footrest (6); the fastener means (28)
comprises a clamp (36); the clamp (36) is secured to the kneerest
(8); and the clamp (36) comprises a clamping bar (64), a pair of
guide rods (66) on which the clamping bar (64) slides, and a handle
(54).
Inventors: |
Morton; Lee; (Sevenoaks,
GB) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Morton; Lee |
Sevenoaks |
|
GB |
|
|
Family ID: |
52449139 |
Appl. No.: |
13/987564 |
Filed: |
August 8, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/123 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 23/085 20130101;
A63B 2071/027 20130101; A63B 21/4033 20151001; A63B 23/03525
20130101; A63B 21/0442 20130101; A63B 21/0552 20130101; A63B
21/00069 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/123 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/055 20060101
A63B021/055 |
Claims
1. Apparatus for use in exercising a person's calves, which
apparatus comprises a footrest, a kneerest, a length of stretchable
material extending between the footrest and the kneerest, and
fastener means for fastening the length of stretchable material,
and the apparatus being such that: (i) in use and with the person
in a seated position then the front part of the person's feet rests
on the footrest to retain the footrest on a floor, the kneerest
rests on the person's knees, the length of stretchable material is
stretched when the person pivots the rear part of their feet
upwardly with respect to the footrest, the length of stretchable
material contracts when the person pivots the rear part of their
feet downwardly with respect to the footrest, and the stretching of
the length of stretchable material requires effort from the
person's calves which thereby exercises the person's calves; (ii)
the fastener means fastens the length of stretchable material such
that prior to use the length of stretchable material provides a
fixed distance between the footrest and the kneerest, the fixed
distance being that distance required by the person to provide the
required effort during use of the apparatus when the person is
pivoting the rear part of their feet upwardly with respect to the
footrest; (iii) the fastener means comprises a clamp; (iv) the
clamp is secured to the kneerest; and (v) the clamp comprises a
clamping bar, a pair of guide rods on which the clamping bar
slides, a handle, and a screw threaded shaft which is connected to
the clamping bar and the handle such that rotation of the handle
one way causes the clamping bar to clamp the length of stretchable
material with respect to the kneerest, and rotation of the handle
the opposite way causes the clamping bar to unclamp the length of
stretchable material.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1 in which the clamp comprises a
base member, in which the guide rods extend from the base member
towards the handle, and in which the clamping bar clamps the length
of stretchable material between the clamping bar and the base
member.
3. Apparatus according to claim 1 in which the screw threaded shaft
is connected to the clamping bar by a connecting formation which is
mounted at an end of the screw threaded shaft remote from the
handle, and which rotates with respect to the screw threaded
shaft.
4. Apparatus according to claim 1 in which the clamp is
counter-sunk in a face of the kneerest.
5. Apparatus according to claim 1 in which the foot rest is a
platform device.
6. Apparatus according to claim 1 in which the footrest has an
inclined face on which the person's feet rest, the inclined face
being such that it faces the person during the use of the
apparatus.
7. Apparatus according to claim 1 in which the footrest has
markings for indicating where the person's feet are to rest.
8. Apparatus according to claim 1 in which the kneerest is a
platform device.
9. Apparatus according to claim 1 in which the length of
stretchable material is a tube or a band.
10. Apparatus according to claim 1 in which the length of
stretchable material is a length of an elastic material, a length
of a rubber material, or a length of a stretchable plastics
material.
11. Apparatus according to claim 1 in which the length of
stretchable material has a smooth and/or polished and/or coated
outer surface.
12. Apparatus according to claim 1 in which the length of
stretchable material is adjustable to vary the distance between the
footrest and the kneerest.
13. Apparatus according to claim 1 in which the fastener means
comprises an inlet aperture in the kneerest and an outlet aperture
in the kneerest, and in which the length of stretchable material
passes through the inlet aperture and returns through the outlet
aperture.
14. Apparatus according to claim 1 in which the fastener means
includes a clasp to clasp the length of stretchable material to
itself.
15. Apparatus according to claim 1 and including roller means for
facilitating a smooth and easy passage of the length of stretchable
material through the apparatus.
Description
[0001] This invention relates to exercise apparatus and, more
especially, this invention relates to apparatus for exercising a
person's calves.
[0002] Known apparatus for use in exercising a person's calves is
mainly in the form of machines which are constructed for use in
gymnasiums. There is very little known apparatus which is marketed
for home use. Furthermore, the apparatus which is marketed for home
use has an attached seat which increases the cost of the apparatus
and also the area required for storage of the apparatus.
[0003] It is an aim of the present invention to obviate or reduce
the above mentioned problems.
[0004] Accordingly, in one non-limiting embodiment of the present
invention there is provided apparatus for use in exercising a
person's calves, which apparatus comprises a footrest, a, kneerest,
a length of stretchable material extending between the footrest and
the kneerest, and fastener means for fastening the length of
stretchable material, and the apparatus being such that: [0005] (i)
in use and with the person in a seated position then the front part
of the person's feet rests on the footrest to retain the footrest
on a floor, the kneerest rests on the person's knees, the length of
stretchable material is stretched when the person pivots the rear
part of their feet upwardly with respect to the footrest, the
length of stretchable material contracts when the person pivots the
rear part of their feet downwardly with respect to the footrest,
and the stretching of the length of stretchable material requires
effort from the person's calves which thereby exercises the
person's calves; [0006] (ii) the fastener means fastens the length
of stretchable material such that prior to use the length of
stretchable material provides a fixed distance between the footrest
and the kneerest, the fixed distance being that distance required
by the person to provide the required effort during use of the
apparatus when the person is pivoting the rear part of their feet
upwardly with respect to the footrest; [0007] (iii) the fastener
means comprises a clamp; [0008] (iv) the clamp is secured to the
kneerest; and [0009] (v) the clamp comprises a clamping bar, a pair
of guide rods on which the clamping bar slides, a handle, and a
screw threaded shaft which is connected to the clamping bar and the
handle such that rotation of the handle one way causes the clamping
bar to clamp the length of stretchable material with respect to the
kneerest, and rotation of the handle the opposite way causes the
clamping bar to unclamp the length of stretchable material.
[0010] The apparatus of the present invention is advantageous in
that it is able to be constructed to be both small and light, and
it does not require an attached seat. The apparatus is thus ideal
for use in a home or office. The apparatus of the present invention
is also advantageous in that it is able to be constructed to be
easily storable in a minimum of space, for example in a drawer in a
home or office. The apparatus can be used by persons wishing to
exercise their calves for the purpose of developing their calf
muscles. Such persons may be interested in building up the size of
their calf muscles, or simply interested in maintaining mobility of
the calf part of their legs. The apparatus is also useful for
persons suffering mobility problems, especially of the lower leg
where regular exercising of their calves may be medically
beneficial. When the apparatus is used for medical purposes, it may
be used privately in a home or office, or it may be used under
supervision in a nursing home, care centre, or hospital. The clamp
is secured to the kneerest so that the clamp is readily available
for use. The clamp is easy to operate, and effective in clamping
the length of stretchable material.
[0011] The apparatus may be one in which the clamp comprises a base
member, in which the guide rods extend from the base member towards
the handle, and in which the clamping bar clamps the length of
stretchable material between the clamping bar and the base
member.
[0012] The apparatus may be one in which the screw threaded shaft
is connected to the clamping bar by a connecting formation which is
mounted at an end of the screw threaded shaft remote from the
handle, and which rotates with respect to the screw threaded shaft.
The connecting formation may be in the nature of a rotating
abutment or a rotating nut.
[0013] Preferably, the clamp is counter-sunk in a face of the
kneerest. The counter-sunk face of the kneerest is preferably the
upper face of the kneerest, but it may be the lower face of the
kneerest if desired.
[0014] The apparatus may be one in which the footrest is a platform
device. Other types of footrest may be employed.
[0015] Preferably, the footrest has an inclined face on which the
person's feet rest, the inclined face being such that it faces the
person during the use of the apparatus. If desired, the footrest
may have a flat upper face.
[0016] The footrest, for example the platform device, may have
markings for indicating where the person's feet are to rest.
Alternatively, the footrest, for example the platform device, may
be plain with no markings.
[0017] The apparatus may be one in which the kneerest is a platform
device. Other types of kneerest may be employed. The underside of
the kneerest may be provided with padding. The padding may be made
of a plastics foam material. The plastics foam material may be
covered by, for example, a sheet covering.
[0018] The footrest and the kneerest may be moulded from a plastics
material. They may thus easily be formed, and light in weight.
Heavier materials including wood and metals may be employed if
desired.
[0019] The length of stretchable material may be a tube or a band.
The tube will usually be of circular cross section. The tube may be
a hollow tube or a tube which is solid in cross section.
[0020] The length of stretchable material may be a length of an
elastic material, or a length of a rubber material, or a length of
a stretchable plastics material. Other types of stretchable
materials may be employed including lengths of material that
include one or more coil springs, for example made of a metal or a
plastics material. Generally, the stretchable material employed
needs to be such that when it is stretched it requires effort from
the person's calves in order to cause the person to exercise their
calves, and the length of stretchable material needs to go back to
a substantially non-stretched condition when it not being stretched
for the purpose of exercising the person's calves.
[0021] Preferably, the length of stretchable material has an outer
surface which facilitates a smooth and easy passage of the length
of stretchable material through parts of the apparatus. Thus, for
example, the outer surface of the length of stretchable material
may have a smooth and/or polished and/or coated outer surface.
[0022] The fastener means enables the length of stretchable
material to be adjustable to vary the distance between the footrest
and the kneerest. This allows the length of stretchable material to
be adjustable for different sizes of persons, for example youths
and adults. The various different sizes of persons may have
different lengths between the top of their knees and the balls of
their feet. Also, by providing a facility in which the length of
stretchable material is adjustable, then the length of stretchable
material can be varied by a single user to provide more or less
work for their calves. Generally, the longer the length of flexible
material, the easier it will be to do the calf exercises.
Conversely, the shorter the length of flexible material, then the
more difficult it will be to do the calf exercises.
[0023] Additionally or alternatively, the fastener means may be one
which comprises an inlet aperture in the kneerest and an outlet
aperture in the kneerest, and in which the length of stretchable
material passes through the inlet aperture and returns through the
outlet aperture.
[0024] Additionally or alternatively, the fastener means may
include a clasp to clasp the length of stretchable material to
itself. The clasp may be such that it enables adjustment of the
length of the stretchable material in the same manner as a seatbelt
in a car or aircraft.
[0025] The apparatus of the present invention may include roller
means for facilitating a smooth and easy passage of the length of
stretchable material through the apparatus. The roller means may be
advantageous in cases where the outer surface of the length of
flexible material causes unwanted friction as the length of
flexible material passes through parts of the apparatus.
[0026] An embodiment of the invention will now be described solely
by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings
in which:
[0027] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the apparatus in
use;
[0028] FIG. 2 is a perspective view like FIG. 1 but shows the
apparatus without the person's legs;
[0029] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a footrest part of the
apparatus from above, the rear and one side;
[0030] FIG. 4 is an end view of the footrest as shown in FIG.
3;
[0031] FIG. 5 is a rear view of the footrest as shown in FIG.
3;
[0032] FIG. 6 is a top view of the footrest as shown in FIG. 3;
[0033] FIG. 7 is an underneath view of the footrest as shown in
FIG. 3 but without rollers for a length of stretchable
material;
[0034] FIG. 8 is an underneath perspective view of the footrest as
shown in FIG. 3 and including rollers for the length of stretchable
material;
[0035] FIG. 9 is a perspective view from above, behind and one side
of the kneerest shown in FIG. 3;
[0036] FIG. 10 is a front view of the kneerest as shown in FIG.
9;
[0037] FIG. 11 is a top view of the kneerest as shown in FIG.
9;
[0038] FIG. 12 is a bottom view of the kneerest as shown in FIG.
9;
[0039] FIG. 13 is an underneath perspective view of the kneerest as
shown in FIG. 9;
[0040] FIG. 14 is a cross section through the kneerest as shown in
FIG. 9;
[0041] FIG. 15 shows a screw and abutment member forming part of
fastener means, which itself forms part of the kneerest shown in
FIG. 9;
[0042] FIG. 16 is a top view of the fastener means as shown in FIG.
9, the fastener means being in a non-gripping position;
[0043] FIG. 17 is a view like FIG. 16 but shows the fastener means
in a gripping position;
[0044] FIG. 18 is a top view like FIG. 16 but with a cover plate
removed in order to reveal the internal construction of the
fastener means;
[0045] FIG. 19 is a top view like FIG. 17 but with the top cover
again removed to show the inner workings of the fastener means;
[0046] FIG. 20 illustrates the position of the fastener means and
the length of stretchable material when the fastener means is in a
non-gripping condition;
[0047] FIG. 21 is like FIG. 20 but shows the position of the
fastener means when it is gripping the length of stretchable
material;
[0048] FIG. 22 is an end perspective view of the fastener means as
shown in FIG. 21;
[0049] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a fixed nut part of the
fastener means as shown in FIG. 22;
[0050] FIG. 24 is a top view of the fastener means as shown in FIG.
19 but without the mounting plate;
[0051] FIGS. 25-29 show various parts of the fastener means as
shown in FIG. 24;
[0052] FIG. 30 is an underneath perspective view of a lower plate
forming part of the kneerest, and illustrates in particular the
provision of anchor means for receiving one end of the length of
stretchable material;
[0053] FIG. 31 is a side view of the plate shown in FIG. 30;
[0054] FIG. 32 is an end view of the plate shown in FIG. 30;
[0055] FIG. 33 illustrates the connection of one end of the length
of stretchable material to the anchor means shown in FIG. 30;
[0056] FIG. 34 is a side view of the end of the length of
stretchable material shown in FIG. 33; and
[0057] FIG. 35 shows the entire length of stretchable material
shown in FIGS. 33 and 34.
[0058] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown apparatus 2 for
use in exercising a person's calves 4. The apparatus 2 comprises a
footrest 6, a kneerest 8, and a length of stretchable material 10
extending between the footrest 6 and the kneerest 8.
[0059] The apparatus 2 is such that in use and with the person 12
in a seated position, then the front part 14 of the person's feet
16 rests on the footrest 6 to retain the footrest 6 on a floor 18.
The kneerest 8 rests on the person's knees 20. The length of
stretchable material 10 is stretched when the person 12 pivots the
rear part 22 of their feet upwardly with respect to the footrest 6.
The length of stretchable material 10 contracts when the person 12
pivots the rear part 22 of their feet 16 downwardly with respect to
the footrest 6. The stretching of the length of stretchable
material 10 requires effort from the person's calves 4, which
thereby exercises the person's calves 4.
[0060] The footrest 6 is a platform device. The footrest 6 has an
inclined face 24 on which the person's feet 16 rest. The inclined
face 24 is such that it faces the person 12 during use of the
apparatus 2.
[0061] The footrest 6 has markings 26 for indicating where the
person's feet 16 are to rest. As shown in FIG. 2, the markings 26
are circular markings.
[0062] The length of stretchable material 10 is a tube. The tube is
of solid cross sectional shape. The length of stretchable material
10 is a length of an elastic material. The length of stretchable
material 10 may alternatively be a length of rubber material. The
length of stretchable material 10 preferably has a smooth polished
outer surface for keeping friction to a minimum as the length of
stretchable material 10 passes through the apparatus 2.
[0063] The length of stretchable material 10 is adjustable to vary
the distance between the footrest 6 and the kneerest 8.
[0064] The apparatus 2 includes fastener means 28 for fastening the
length of stretchable material 10 such that, prior to use, the
length of stretchable material 10 provides a fixed distance between
the footrest 6 and the kneerest 8. This fixed distance is that
distance required by the person to provide the required effort
during use of the apparatus when the person is pivoting the rear
part 22 of their feet 16 upwardly with respect to the footrest
6.
[0065] The fastener means 28 comprises an inlet aperture 30 in the
kneerest 8, and an outlet aperture 32 in the kneerest 8. The length
of stretchable material 10 has a free end 34 which passes through
the inlet aperture 30 and returns through the outlet aperture
32.
[0066] The fastener means 28 also comprises a clamp 36. The clamp
36 is secured to the kneerest 8. The clamp 36 clamps the length of
stretchable material 10 to the kneerest 8.
[0067] FIGS. 3-8 show the construction of the footrest 6. As can be
seen, the footrest 6 comprises a platform member 38 mounted on a
pair of tubular legs 40. The legs 40 have feet 42. The platform
member 38 is inclined with respect to the feet 42 in order to
provide the inclined face 24 which faces the person 12 during use
of the apparatus 2.
[0068] The underneath of the footrest 6 is provided with a
formation 44 which has part of the inlet aperture 30 and part of
the outlet aperture 32. Both the inlet aperture 30 and the outlet
aperture 32 are of square cross section in the formation 44.
However, when a plate 46 forming part of the fastener means 28 is
secured in a rebate 48 in the inclined face 24, then the inlet
aperture 30 remains square but the outlet aperture 32 becomes
circular due to the plate 46 having a circular formation for the
outlet aperture 32. FIG. 7 shows how the formation 44 includes two
recesses 49 for receiving two rollers 51. The length of stretchable
material 10 passes underneath the two rollers 51.
[0069] FIGS. 9-15 show parts of the kneerest 8, with FIGS. 9, 12,
14 and 15 illustrating parts of the fastener means 28. FIG. 14
shows the cross sectional shape of the kneerest 8 across its
centre, and illustrates how there is a recessed part 50 for
accommodating much of the working mechanism of the clamp 36 which
forms part of the fastener means 28. FIG. 15 shows how the clamp 36
comprises a screw threaded shaft 52 which is screwed in and out by
a handle 54. The inner end 56 of the shaft 52 is provided with an
abutment 58. The abutment has a dome 60.
[0070] FIGS. 16-19 show the internal mechanism 62 of the clamp 36.
It will be seen that the shaft 52 is able to cause a locking bar 64
to move up and down a pair of guide tubes 66. The guide tubes 66
are secured to a support part 68. The abutment 58 is able to rotate
in a slot 70 in the locking bar 64 to move the locking bar 64 up
and down the guide tubes 66 as can be appreciated from a comparison
of FIGS. 18 and 19.
[0071] FIGS. 20-29 show the clamp 36, and how it is constructed and
operates against the length of stretchable material 10. FIG. 20
illustrates how the length of stretchable material 10 looks before
being clamped by the clamp 36. FIG. 21 illustrates how the length
of stretchable material 10 looks after being clamped by the clamp
36. FIG. 22 shows how the clamp 36 is able to force the bar 68
against the length of stretchable material 10. FIGS. 22 and 23
illustrate how the shank 52 passes through a nut 72 which is
captive in a downturned part 74 of the plate 46. In FIG. 22, the
plate 46 has been turned upsidedown in order to show what would
normally be underneath the plate 46.
[0072] FIGS. 30-32 show the underneath of a plate 76 which forms
the underneath face of the kneerest 8. The plate 76 has the inlet
aperture 30 and the outlet aperture 32. In addition, the plate 76
has anchor means in the form of a downwardly projecting triangular
anchor 78. The anchor 78 has an aperture 80 which receives a hook
fastener 82 as shown in FIGS. 33-35. The hook fastener 82 has a
pivotable closure bar 84 which enables the hook fastener 82 to be
secured safely to the anchor 78. The hook fastener 82 is secured to
an end 86 of the length of stretchable material 10. The end 86 is
opposite the end 34 shown in FIG. 2.
[0073] The apparatus 2 is both small and light. Parts of the
apparatus 2 may be moulded from one or more plastics materials. The
apparatus 2 can easily be stored, for example in a drawer or
cupboard. The small and light construction of the apparatus 2 also
makes it ideal for sale by mail order. The apparatus 2 is easily
cleaned. The apparatus 2 does not require a dedicated seat. The
person 12 may sit on any chair, for example a kitchen chair, a
dining room chair, or an office chair. The clamp 36 is positioned
such that it is easy to use by the person 12. The clamp 36 secures
the length of the stretchable material 10 in a secure manner and
such that the length of material 10 does not slip with respect to
the clamp 10.
[0074] It is to be appreciated that the embodiment of the invention
described above with reference to the accompanying drawings has
been given by way of example only and that modifications may be
effected. Thus, for example, the peripheral shape of the footrest 6
and the kneerest 8 may be varied. The underside of the kneerest 8
may be provided with padding. Other constructions for the clamp 36
may be employed. One single roller 51 may be employed instead of
the two rollers 51 shown in FIG. 8. Other types of lengths of
stretchable material 10 may be employed, with the length of
stretchable material 10 being of any suitable and appropriate
construction. Individual components shown in the drawings are not
limited to use in their drawings and they may be used in other
drawings and in all aspects of the invention.
* * * * *