Calf/ankle isolator

Abstract

Exercise machine targeting the calf, ankle, and Achilles tendon having a foot tray exercising both feet simultaneously, and a padded frame fitting over the knees. Shock resistance cylinders or stretch bands are attached between the tray and the frame for resistance to foot movement downward during ankle rotation. A two-tray adaptation for exercising each leg individually is also included, which may feature a heel and adjustable toe for different foot lengths.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/297,442, filed Jun. 13, 2001.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates generally to exercise devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to an exercise machine which targets the calf, the ankle, and the Achilles tendon.

[0004] 2. Description of Related Art

[0005] It would be desirable to provide an exercise device for the calf, the ankle, and the Achilles tendon which avoids the need for bulky, traditional, heavy weight devices. Desirably, the device would be of a light weight and subject to disassembly for use when traveling.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,954,622, issued Sep. 21, 1999, to Olschansky et al., describes a gluteal exercise system that includes an upper body section having two cushioned engagement arms for placement over the knees or upper legs and a coupling portion and a lower body section having foot bars and a coupling section. The coupling sections of the upper and lower body sections are coupled in a telescopic displaceable relation. An elastic band connects the two body portions and provides resistance during use. The '622 patent does not have foot trays or pads which would allow the user to exercise the calf, the ankle, and the Achilles tendon as is the function of the present invention.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,215,508, issued Jun. 1, 1993, to Bastow, describes an ankle rehabilitation device having two side hydraulic resistance members attached to a foot strap. A leg brace attaches to the leg and isolates the ankle and the subtalar joint. The '508 patent is for rehabilitation rather than exercise and is applied to only one ankle at a time, and does not provide foot trays or pads, nor does it interact with the user's knees.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 6,077,205, issued June 2000, to Zarillo et al. describes a hamstring exercising machine having a telescoping spring-biased shaft member attached to two ankle supporting elements at one end and a buttock support member at the other end. The '205 patent is arranged for compression resistance exercise between the feet and the buttocks as opposed to the extension of the present invention.

[0009] None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention as claimed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The present invention is an exercise machine adapted to target the calf, the ankle, and the Achilles tendon of the user, obviating the need for bulky, traditional, heavy weight devices. The first of the two described embodiments includes a solid foot tray for exercising both feet simultaneously. The tray is attached to a frame which fits over the user's knees. Padding is used for comfort in the portion that fits over the knees. Shock resistance cylinders or stretch bands are attached between the tray and the frame for resistance to foot movement downward during ankle rotation. A two-tray adaptation for exercising each leg individually is also proposed. The two trays may provide toe pieces adjustable relative to heel pieces for accommodation of different sized shoes.

[0011] Another embodiment of the inventive exercise machine has a pogo stick-style configuration, having an elongated telescopic shaft, two padded portions, to fit over the knees, a handgrip, and two foot pads on either side of the shaft. The shaft extends to a rubber tip for resting on the floor. The shaft includes a shock resistance cylinder or resistance bands for resistance to foot movement downward during ankle rotation. Both embodiments of the present invention are adjustable for accommodating legs of different lengths.

[0012] The benefits of the use of the inventive apparatus are many. The ability to exercise one of the most difficult muscles of not only the leg, but also the entire body is greatly enhanced. The inventive isolator allows the user to target the calf, ankle, and Achilles tendon without the use of the traditional bulky, heavy weight machines where the back, neck, and shoulders are susceptible to strain and injury. The elimination of wasted time and motion in not having to handle weights encourages the individual to be more dedicated to exercise due to its size and ease of use.

[0013] Allowing the user to have quick access in the home, work place, or gym, greatly increases effectiveness and results from use of the inventive apparatus. Physical therapy institutions, as well as health gyms, will be able to accommodate more individuals with the use of multiple isolators, at a fraction of the cost. In the rehabilitation of patients recovering from surgery of the leg, or where confinement in bed is necessary, patients find that the muscles have atrophied as much as 3% per day, which can be discouraging for many. With the inventive isolator, the muscles of the lower leg can be more conveniently rehabilitated, lessening the time of recovery. The calf and lower leg strength are a critical part of an athlete's ability to use quickness and acceleration, as well as for jumping for height, in most sports. The inventive isolator will give the individual an advantage of working these areas while in the comfort of a chair.

[0014] Accordingly, it is a principal object of the invention to provide an exercise device which targets the calf, ankle, and Achilles.

[0015] It is another object of the invention to provide an exercise device as above which is light and easily transported and used.

[0016] It is a further object of the invention to provide an exercise device as above which is adjustable to fit any size person.

[0017] Still another object of the invention is to provide an exercise device as above which employs shock resistance cylinders or stretch resistance bands in place of the lifting of weights.

[0018] It is an object of the invention to provide improved elements and arrangements thereof in an apparatus for the purposes described which is inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing its intended purposes.

[0019] These and other objects of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] FIG. 1 is an environmental, perspective view of one embodiment of a calf/ankle isolator exercise device according to the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 2A is a front elevational view of a device similar to that of FIG. 1 having a frame with adjustable length.

[0022] FIG. 2B is a front elevational view of another embodiment of the device of FIG. 2A.

[0023] FIG. 3 is a side view in elevation of the device of FIG. 1 with the ankle in a rotated position.

[0024] FIG. 4 is a side view in elevation of the device of FIG. 1 with the foot and ankle in the level position.

[0025] FIG. 5 is a front environmental view of another embodiment of the invention.

[0026] FIG. 6 is a front elevation view similar to that of FIG. 5 having stretch resistance bands.

[0027] FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of the embodiment of FIG. 6.

[0028] FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of another embodiment of the present invention similar to that of FIG. 4 providing a heel piece and an adjustable toe piece.

[0029] FIG. 9 is a front elevation view of the embodiment of FIG. 8.

[0030] FIG. 10 is a detail view of an adjustable toe piece of FIG. 9.

[0031] FIG. 11 is a plan view of the detail view of FIG. 10 showing an adjusting groove.

[0032] Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0033] The present invention is an exercise machine adapted to target the calf, the ankle, and the Achilles tendon of the user, obviating the need for bulky, traditional, heavy weight devices. The first of the two described embodiments includes a solid foot tray for exercising both feet simultaneously. The tray is attached to a frame which fits over the user's knees. Padding is used for comfort in the portion that fits over the knees. Resistance cylinders or stretch bands are attached between the tray and the frame for resistance to foot movement downward during ankle rotation. A similar two-tray version for exercising each leg individually is also provided.

[0034] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2A, calf/ankle isolator exercise system 10 includes exercise device 12 having an outer frame 14 Outer frame 14 includes frame upper portion 16, frame right upright 18, frame left upright 20, and frame lower portion 21. Upper portion knee pads 22 are located along frame upper portion 16 and positioned to protect the user's right leg RL and left leg LL when frame upper portion 16 is positioned above the user's knees. Pivot bar 24 extends between right upright 18 and left upright 20, near the lower ends thereof. Telescoping shaft 26 extends vertically between right leg RL and left leg LL and is connected to upper frame portion 16 at upright upper frame connection 28 at its upper end and pivot bar 24 at pivot bar upright connection 30 at its lower end.

[0035] Pivot bar 24 supports right foot tray 32 between right heel tray portion 34 and right toe tray portion 36. Tray 32 may be pivotally connected with pivot bar 24 by one or more bearings and bearing supports(not shown) which are well-known devices. Right foot tray shock device 38 includes a right shock resistance cylinder body 40 and has an upper connector rod 42 having a pivot 44 connected with the outer side of frame right upright 18 by pivot pin 46, and a lower connector rod 48 connected to a pivot 50 located on right foot tray 32 at the right side of the toe end portion 36 by pivot pin 52. (Note in FIG. 2A pivot pin 52 attaches directly into the side of foot tray 32 at toe end portion 36) Similarly, pivot bar 24 supports left foot tray 60 between left heel tray portion 62(see FIG. 2A) and left toe tray portion 64. Tray 60 may be pivotally connected with pivot bar 24 by one or more bearings and bearing supports (not shown) which are well-known devices. Left foot tray shock device 66 includes a left shock resistance cylinder 68 and has an upper connector rod 70 having a pivot 72 connected with the outer side of frame left upright 20 by pivot pin 74 (see FIG. 2A), and a lower connector rod 76 connected to a pivot 78 located on left foot tray 60 at the left side of the toe end 64 by pivot pin 80. (Note in FIG. 2A pivot pin 80 attaches directly into the side of left foot tray 60 at toe end portion 64) Front right foot strap 82 adjustably holds right toe RT to toe portion 36 of right foot tray 32, and rear right foot strap 84 adjustably holds right ankle RA to right heel tray portion 34 of right foot tray 32. Front left foot strap 86 holds left toe LT to toe portion 64 of left foot tray 60 and rear left foot strap 88 adjustably holds left ankle LA to left heel tray portion 64.

[0036] As seen in FIG. 2A outer frame 14 is adjustable in length in this version by providing overlapping right frame upright portions having adjustment pins 92 selectively engageable through a plurality of adjustment bores 94, and overlapping left frame upright portions having adjustment pins 96 selectively engageable through a plurality of adjustment bores 98. In this version frame 14 includes a lower bar portion 21.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 2B there is depicted another embodiment of the invention which is identical to that of FIG. 2A, except that a single foot tray 100 is provided pivotally mounted on pivot bar 24 employing bearings as in the embodiments of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2A described above.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 3, there is shown-the right side view in elevation of the embodiment of FIG. 2A with the right toe RT extended against the resistance of shock resistance cylinder 40 by rotation of right ankle RT. Right foot tray 32 is pivoted around pivot bar 24 with the foot tray heel portion 34 in an up position and the toe portion 36 in the downward position.

[0039] Referring to FIG. 4, there is shown the right side view in elevation of the embodiment of FIG. 1 with the right toe RT retracted and ankle RT rotated to the normal level position. Right foot tray 32 rests on pivot bar 24 with the foot tray heel portion 34 and the toe portion 36 at about the same height.

[0040] In operation, the user places his feet upon foot trays 32,60, or foot tray 100, and adjusts toe straps 32,86 and ankle straps 84,88 to fit. The user then places upper frame portion having knee pads 22 over his knees. If length adjustment is required, he may remove length adjusting pins 92,96 from adjustment bores 94,98, adjust the length and replace the adjusting pins 92,96 in the desired bores 94,98. The user then rotates his ankles, thrusting his toes downward against foot tray toe portions 36,64 and, thus, the resistance of shock resistance cylinders 40,68 to a downward position as shown in FIG. 3. Then the user releases pressure on foot tray toe portions 36,64 allowing shock resistance cylinders 40,68 to recover to the level position as shown in FIG. 4. This movement may be repeated to accomplish the desired amount of exercise. The apparatus of FIG. 2B may be used in a similar manner employing foot tray 100.

[0041] Another embodiment of the inventive exercise machine has a pogo stick-style configuration, having an elongated telescopic shaft, two padded portions, to fit over the knees, a handgrip, and two foot pads on either side of the shaft. The shaft extends to a rubber tip for resting on the floor. The shaft includes a shock resistance cylinder or resistance bands for resistance to foot movement downward during ankle rotation. Both embodiments of the present invention are adjustable for accommodating legs of different lengths.

[0042] Referring to FIG. 5, there is shown another embodiment of the present invention having an extensible mechanical resistor device. In this embodiment the resistor device is a shock resistance cylinder. Center post shock resistance cylinder system 110 includes center post shock resistance cylinder exercise device 112 having upper cross piece 114 has a handle 116 connected by handle connector 118. Upper cross piece 114 has right knee pad 120 located between the right portion of upper cross piece 114 and the user's right knee, and left knee pad 122 located between the left portion of upper cross piece 114 and the user's left knee. The center post shock resistance cylinder exercise device 112 has an adjustable center tube 124 mounted on center shock resistance cylinder frame mount 126 located at the center of upper cross piece 114, and includes upper center extension tube 128 inserted in lower center extension tube 130 wherein adjustment pins 132 are insertable in a plurality of bores as desired to adjust the length of center tube 124. Lower extension tube 136 is separated from lower center extension tube by shock resistance cylinder 137. Toe rest cross piece 138 is located normal to lower extension tube 136 below shock resistance cylinder 136. Lower extension tube 136 ends with boot 140 which is preferably of rubber or polymeric material.

[0043] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, there is depicted in a front elevation and a side elevation view, respectively, an embodiment identical to that of FIG. 5 with the exception that the extensible mechanical resistor device has stretch resistance bands. Lower center extension tube 130 extends over lower extension tube 136 (see FIG. 7) in sliding engagement and stretch resistance bands 142 are mounted at opposite ends to center extension tube 130 and lower extension tube 136 by upper pins 144 and lower pins 146, respectively. As seen in FIG. 7 foot rests 148 are provided along toe rest cross piece 138 for comfort for the user.

[0044] In operation, the user places upper cross piece 114 with right knee pad 120 and left knee pad 122 over his knees. He then places toes RT and LT on foot rests 142. If length adjustment is needed, center tube extension pins 132 may be removed, lower center extension tube 130 is adjusted relative to upper center extension tube 128 and extension pins 132 placed in appropriate extension pin bores 134. Boot 40 may be placed on the floor to steady the device. The device may be steadied by holding handle 116. The user rotates his ankles, pushing his toes down against foot rests 142 mounted on toe rest cross piece 138, and, thus, against the shock resistance cylinder 137, extending lower extension tube 136 and toe rest cross piece 138 relative to lower center extension tube 130. The user then relaxes pressure against foot rests 142, thus allowing his foot to rotate to a level position and the device to return to its original position. This procedure may be repeated as desired to complete the exercise. The stretch resistance band embodiment of FIG. 6 is operated in a similar manner.

[0045] Referring to FIGS. 8-11, there is shown still another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a side view in elevation of this embodiment which is similar to that of FIGS. 1-4 with the addition of heel piece 160 and adjustable toe piece 162 mounted on right foot tray 32 for use when the user is wearing a shoe such as right shoe RS. Right toe piece 162 is adjustable along right foot tray 32 to accommodate various shoe lengths and includes right toe adjusting screw 164 for securing right toe piece 162 at the desired position along right foot tray 32. A handle 116 and handle connector 118 are attached to frame upper portion 16 in the manner of the embodiment of FIGS. 5-7, described above.

[0046] Referring more particularly to FIG. 9 there is shown a front view in elevation of the present embodiment similar to that of FIG. 2A featuring handle 116 and handle connector 118 connected with frame upper portion 16. Right toe piece 162 is adjustably positioned on right foot tray 32 by right toe piece adjusting screw 164 turning on right toe adjustment protrusion 166 and tightened by means of right toe nut 168. Similarly, left toe piece 182 is adjustably position on left foot tray 60 by left toe piece adjusting screw 184 turning on left toe adjustment protrusion 186 and tightened by means of left toe nut 188.

[0047] Referring more particularly to FIG. 10 there is shown a detail of FIG. 9 wherein right toe piece 162 is shown with right toe nut 168 removed from right toe piece adjusting screw 164 exposing the threaded portion 169 of right toe piece adjusting screw 164.

[0048] Referring more particularly to FIG. 11 there is shown a plan view of the detail of FIG. 10 showing right toe piece 162 held by right toe piece adjusting screw 164 located in right toe adjustment protrusion 166 at the desired point along right adjustment groove 170. The left toe piece 182 has a similar adjustment groove(not shown). Stretch resistance bands of rubber or polymer material are substitutable for shock resistance cylinders in all the embodiments of the invention. Tubular frames may be substituted for bar frames as desired.

[0049] It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A calf/ankle exercise device comprising:

a) an outer frame having an upper portion, a first upright portion having a lower portion, and a second upright portion having a lower portion;

b) first and second knee pads located on the underside of said upper frame portion for fitting over a user's knees;

c) a pivot bar extending between said lower end portions of said first and said second upright portions, respectively, and normal thereto;

d) at least one foot tray having a heel portion and a toe portion and pivotally connected therebetween to said pivot bar; and

e) a shock resistance cylinder pivotally connected between each of said first and said second upright frame portions and said toe portion of said at least one foot tray, said shock resistance cylinder connection with said first and said second upright frame portions spaced above said pivot bar.

2. The calf/ankle exercise device of claim 1, wherein said first and said second upright frame portions are adjustable in length.

3. The calf/ankle exercise device of claim 1, further comprising a frame lower portion extending between said first and said second frame uprights below said pivot bar.

4. The calf/ankle exercise device of claim 1, further comprising a heel piece and a length adjustable toe piece located on said at least one foot tray.

5. The calf/ankle exercise device of claim 1, further comprising a toe strap and an ankle strap located on said at least one foot tray.

6. The calf/ankle exercise device of claim 1, wherein said at least one foot tray comprises a left foot tray having a left toe portion and a right foot tray having a right toe portion and wherein said shock resistant cylinders are connected to said left toe portion and said right toe portion, respectively.

7. The calf/ankle exercise device of claim 6, said left foot tray and said right foot tray being spaced along said pivot bar and said upper frame portion having a central portion between said knee pads, and further comprising a telescoping central upright extending between said upper frame central portion and said pivot bar between said left foot tray and said right foot tray.

8. The calf/ankle exercise device of claim 7, wherein said left foot tray and said right foot tray each have a heel piece and an adjustable toe piece, respectively, and defining a toe adjustment groove for lengthwise adjustment of each said toe piece relative to its respective heel piece.

9. The calf/ankle exercise device of claim 8, wherein each said toe piece has an adjusting screw extending through said adjustment groove and secured at a desired point along said adjustment groove by a washer and a nut.

10. The calf/ankle exercise device of claim 1, further comprising a horizontally disposed handle having a connector centrally connected with said outer frame upper portion and extending upward therefrom.

11. A calf/ankle exercise device comprising:

a) an upper cross piece having a left portion, a right portion, and a center portion;

b) an upper tube assembly extending downward from said center portion of said upper cross piece and normal thereto;

c) left and right knee pads located on the lower surface of said upper cross piece along said left portion and said right portion, respectively;

d) a lower extension tube located below and in line with said upper tube assembly;

e) an extensible mechanical resistor having and upper end and a lower end and mounted to said upper tube assembly at said upper end and to said lower extension tube at said lower end, thereof; and

f) a toe rest cross piece having a left toe rest and a right toe rest, said cross piece being mounted to said lower extension tube between said left and right toe rests and extending parallel to said upper cross piece.

12. The calf/ankle exercise device of claim 11, wherein said upper tube assembly is adjustable in length.

13. The calf/ankle exercise device of claim 12, wherein said upper tube assembly comprises an upper center extension tube attached to said upper cross piece and a lower center extension tube extending over said upper center extension tube, each said center extension tubes having a series of corresponding pin bores for receiving a pin, whereby said upper tube assembly may be adjusted in length.

14. The calf/ankle exercise device of claim 11, further comprising a boot attached to the extreme lower end of said lower extension tube.

15. The calf/ankle exercise device of claim 11, wherein said extensible mechanical resistor device is a retracting shock resistance cylinder.

16. The calf/ankle exercise device of claim 11, wherein said lower center extension tube extends over lower said lower extension tube in sliding engagement therewith and said extensible mechanical resistor device comprises a pair of stretch resistance bands mounted at opposite upper and lower ends thereof to said center extension tube and said lower extension tube.

17. The calf/ankle exercise device of claim 16, wherein said lower center extension tube has horizontally disposed opposed upper pins extending from a lower end thereof and wherein said lower extension tube has horizontally disposed opposed lower pins extending from a point above its intersection with said toe rest cross piece, said upper pins receiving said upper ends of said stretch resistance bands and said lower pins receiving said lower ends of said stretch resistance bands.