Exercise device

Abstract

An exercice device comprising a foot-rest (6) including a curved lower surface (1), and a substantially rigid upper surface (3), designed to deform under the body weight of the user. An embodiment may include means (4) for securing the device to a user's foot. Rocking of the device by a user enables them to exercice their leg while seated.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an exercise device.

[0002] Exercise is a requirement for a healthy lifestyle and can reduce the occurrence of coronary heart disease and other illnesses. However, getting enough activity can be a serious difficulty for disabled or elderly persons, who may not be very mobile. It has also been established that sitting for long periods, for example during an aeroplane flight, can cause life-threatening conditions such as deep vein thrombosis. Aeroplane passengers are advised to walk around the plane during the flight; however, this causes severe inconvenience to the flight staff and is a safety risk.

[0003] The present invention seeks to provide an exercise device suitable for use by seated persons.

[0004] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an exercise device comprising a foot-rest with a curved lower surface wherein the device is designed to deform under the full body weight of a user.

[0005] According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided an exercise device comprising a foot-rest with a curved lower surface and a substantially rigid support surface, wherein the foot-rest is inflatable. Preferably, the support surface of the device is foldable, so that it can be placed into a conveniently sized carrying or storage pouch when not in use.

[0006] The support surface of the device is preferably provided with at least one, and preferably two rigid support panels.

[0007] The inflatable version of the device may or may not be designed to deform under the full body weight of a user.

[0008] Preferably, there is provided means for securing the foot-rest to a user's foot, such as a strap, which may or may not be provided with a hook and eye fastening (such as Velcro™), a buckle or other fastening means, and which may or may not be elasticated. Such securing means may be an enclosure into which the user places their toes, or in the form of a sock or slipper that is removably attachable to the foot-rest. Such securing means ensures the device stays attached to the user's foot during exercise.

[0009] The lower surface of the foot-rest may be curved longitudinally, transversely, or both. In the preferred embodiment, the lower surface of the foot-rest is curved from the “heel” end to the “toe” end. Such longitudinal curvature increases the effort required by the leg muscles in order to effect the full rocking motion.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the upper surface of the foot-rest is moulded to the general shape of a foot, to support the arch of a user's foot.

[0011] Embodiments of the present invention are described below, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0012] FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of an embodiment of a right-footed exercise device;

[0013] FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the device of FIG. 1 from the opposite side;

[0014] FIG. 3 is a rear elevational view showing the “heel” end of the device of FIG. 1;

[0015] FIG. 4 is a front elevational view showing the “toe” end of the device of FIG. 1;

[0016] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view from above from the “toe” end of the device of FIG. 1;

[0017] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view from above from the “heel” end of the device of FIG. 1;

[0018] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of the device of FIG. 1 secured to a user's leg, in the “toe downward” position;

[0019] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of the device of FIG. 1 secured to a user's leg, in the “neutral” position;

[0020] FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of the device of FIG. 1 secured to a user's leg, in the “heel downward” position;

[0021] FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of an alternative foot-rest;

[0022] FIG. 11 shows a side elevational view of the foot-rest of FIG. 10;

[0023] FIG. 12 shows a plan view of the foot-rest of FIG. 10;

[0024] FIG. 13 is a front elevational view showing the “toe” end of the foot-rest of FIG. 10;

[0025] FIG. 14 shows the foot-rest of FIG. 10 with a sock converted for securing the foot-rest to the user's leg;

[0026] FIG. 15 shows the foot-rest of FIG. 10 with a slipper converted for securing the foot-rest to the user's leg;

[0027] FIG. 16 shows use of the foot-rest with a sock for securing to the user's leg; and

[0028] FIG. 17 shows use of the foot-rest with a slipper for securing to the user's leg;

[0029] FIG. 18 shows a perspective view of an inflatable version of the foot-rest;

[0030] FIG. 19 is a side elevational view of the foot-rest of FIG. 18;

[0031] FIG. 20 is a top plan view of the foot-rest of FIG. 18;

[0032] FIG. 21 is a front elevational view, showing the “toe” end of the foot-rest of FIG. 18;

[0033] FIG. 22 shows a perspective view of an alternative inflatable version of the foot-rest;

[0034] FIG. 23 is a side elevational view of the foot-rest of FIG. 22;

[0035] FIG. 24 is a top plan view of the foot-rest of FIG. 22;

[0036] FIG. 25 is a front elevational view, showing the “toe” end of the foot-rest of FIG. 22;

[0037] With reference to FIGS. 1-6, the device 2 comprises a foot-rest 6 including a lower surface 1, that is longitudinally curved from the “heel” end to the “toe” end, and a support surface which in this embodiment is an upper surface 3 moulded to the general shape of a right foot. This embodiment also includes a strap 4 with fastening means 5 that may be, for example, hook and eye or a buckle, for securing the device to a person's foot. Alternatively, the securing means 4 may comprise elastic or an enclosure into which the user places their toes for easier donning and removing. Other securing means may be envisaged.

[0038] In this embodiment, the foot-rest 6 is designed to deform under the body weight of the user, such that if the user were substantially to place their entire body weight on the device, the lower surface would lose a proportion of its curvature. In cases where the device does not deform in such a way, difficulties could arise if the user were to seek to stand or walk whist wearing the device. It is preferred that the device be fabricated from a lightweight material such as foam rubber or polyurethane, although any material could be used. Alternatively, polystyrene or similar could be used for a disposable version of the device.

[0039] On donning the, or a pair of, exercise device(s), the user is able to exercise the muscles of the leg by rocking the device back and forth (see FIGS. 7-9). By extending the curved sole from the “heel” end of the device to the “toe” end, maximal movement will be achieved, increasing the actual amount of “work” done.

[0040] With reference to FIGS. 10-17, an alternative embodiment of the device comprises a foot-rest 6 including a lower surface 1, that is longitudinally curved from the “heel” end to the “toe” end, and a support surface that in this embodiment is an upper surface 3 that may be flat or moulded to the general shape of a foot. This embodiment is secured to the user's foot by means comprising a sock 11 or a slipper 12, converted for removable attachment to the foot-rest via, for example, a hook and eye fastening 10. This embodiment of the device may also be used with a standard sock or other foot-covering; it could also be used without the user having to remove their shoes.

[0041] With reference to FIGS. 18-21, an alternative embodiment of the device comprises a foot-rest 6 including a lower surface 1 that is longitudinally curved from the “heel” end to the “toe” end. This embodiment is fabricated from a light-weight plastics or rubberised material and is inflated by the user through a non-return valve 13. Optional foot-attachment means are shown; these may comprise a strap 4 with fastening means 5 that may be, for example, hook and eye or a buckle, for securing the device to a foot. Alternatively, the securing means 4 may comprise elastic or an enclosure into which the user places their toes, for easier donning and removing. Other securing means may be envisaged. Such securing means ensure the device stays attached to the user's foot during exercise.

[0042] The upper surface 3 of the foot-rest is provided with two substantially rigid foot-rest panels, comprising, in this embodiment, two pieces of cardboard 14 attached to the underside of the upper surface 3. The cardboard 14 prevents deformation of the upper surface 3 when pressure is placed on the foot-rest by the user. The provision of two separate pieces of cardboard enables the foot-rest to be folded to a convenient size when deflated and placed in a carrying or storage pouch for the convenience of the user when not in use.

[0043] An alternative inflatable embodiment of the device is shown in FIGS. 22-25. It is identical to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 18-21, except that it has no means of attaching to the user's foot. This embodiment is simply placed under the foot of the user, who rocks it back and forth. This embodiment can be used with or without shoes or socks and therefore does not require shoe removal by the user.

[0044] The non-inflatable embodiments of the device are preferably fabricated from a lightweight material such as foam rubber or polyurethane, although any other material could be used.

[0045] It is envisaged that there would be provided a pair of devices, one for the right foot, and one for the left. However, a single device with space for both feet, with or without securing means is also possible.

[0046] The lower surface of the foot-rest could be provided with ridges so as to allow “gripping” of the floor whilst in use. The upper surface could also be provided with ridges.

[0047] The device or its sock/slipper securing means could be manufactured to international standard shoe sizes, or to more general small, medium and large sizes.

[0048] The device could be used by persons too infirm to participate in conventional sporting activities or other exercise for example, in hospitals or old people's homes and similar. It may also be useful for office-workers who are seated all day or who have little time for exercise outside work hours. It could also be used by passengers in aircraft to aid blood circulation and help prevent formation of clots, which cause deep vein thrombosis. For safety reasons, any embodiment used in an aircraft should be quick and easy to remove.

[0049] There may be provided a covering for a non-disposable version of the device. The covering may be disposable, or washable. It is envisaged that a disposable version of the device, or a reusable version with a disposable or washable covering, could be provided for aeroplane passengers giving them the option of exercising “in-flight”. Alternatively, air travel operators may provide disposable or reusable socks or slippers converted for use with the foot-rest. Should an aeroplane passenger not wish to remove their own footwear, the foot-rest may simply be placed underfoot and thereafter be used as an exercise device as described. Air travel operators may wish to brand the device, its covering, the sock or the slipper with their name or logo. The cardboard inserts of the inflatable embodiment, for example, could be used to display branding or advertising.

Claims

1. An exercise device comprising of foot-rest (6) with a courved lower surface (1), wherein the device is designed to deform under the full body weight of a user.

2. An exercise device comprising a foot-rest (6) with a curved lower surface (1) and substantially rigid support surface (3), wherein the foot-rest is inflatable.

3. An exercise device as claimed in claim 2, wherein support surface of the device is foldable.

4. An exercise device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the support surface (3) is provided with at least one substantially rigid support panel (14).

5. An exercise device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the support surface (3) is provided with two substantially rigid support panels (14).

6. An exercise device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the foot-rest includes means for securing to the foot of a user (4,11,12).

7. An exercise device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the securing means comprises a strap (4).

8. An exercise device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the securing means comprises an enclosure into which the user places their toes.

9. An exercise device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the securing means comprises a removable attachable sock (11).

10. An exercise device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the securing means comprises a removable attachable slipper (12).

11. An exercise device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lower surface (1) of the foot-rest is longitudinally curved.

12. An exercise device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lower surface (1) of the foot-rest is curved from the toe end to the heel end.

13. An exercise device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the upper surface (3) of the foot-rest is moulded to the general shape of a right foot or a left foot.