AU2002317625A1 - Apparatus for use in exercising - Google Patents

Apparatus for use in exercising

Info

Publication number
AU2002317625A1
AU2002317625A1 AU2002317625A AU2002317625A AU2002317625A1 AU 2002317625 A1 AU2002317625 A1 AU 2002317625A1 AU 2002317625 A AU2002317625 A AU 2002317625A AU 2002317625 A AU2002317625 A AU 2002317625A AU 2002317625 A1 AU2002317625 A1 AU 2002317625A1
Authority
AU
Australia
Prior art keywords
foot
user
leg
engaging
endless loop
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
AU2002317625A
Other versions
AU2002317625B2 (en
AU2002317625C9 (en
AU2002317625C1 (en
Inventor
Rodney Edward Wilcocks
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from AUPR6143A external-priority patent/AUPR614301A0/en
Priority claimed from AUPS0912A external-priority patent/AUPS091202A0/en
Priority claimed from AUPS2063A external-priority patent/AUPS206302A0/en
Priority claimed from AU2002317625A external-priority patent/AU2002317625C9/en
Priority to AU2002317625A priority Critical patent/AU2002317625C9/en
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of AU2002317625A1 publication Critical patent/AU2002317625A1/en
Publication of AU2002317625B2 publication Critical patent/AU2002317625B2/en
Publication of AU2002317625C1 publication Critical patent/AU2002317625C1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of AU2002317625C9 publication Critical patent/AU2002317625C9/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Description

APPARATUS FOR USE IN EXERCISING
The present invention relates to apparatus for use in exercising.
Blood flows under pressure from the heart down the legs via several arteries and returns to the heart from the lower limbs via two main vein types, deep and superficial, where the superficial veins generally act as tributaries to the deep veins. Blood is returned to the heart along the veins by a muscle pump action. An example of such a muscle pump action is the contraction of a calf muscle which constricts the deep veins in and around the calf muscle and forces blood to move away from the area of constriction along the veins. Veins contain valves which ensure that all blood flow that results from a muscle pump action is directed towards the heart.
When the body is in an upright stationary position for extended periods muscle pump action is substantially reduced and as a result gravity tends to pool blood in the lower regions of the body.
In general, blood has a tendency to clot when it slows or stops and the mentioned pooling of blood in the lower limbs creates an environment conducive of clotting. If a blood clot, also known as a thrombosis, forms in the described manner and dislodges from a lower region of the body, it will travel along the veins back towards the heart. A dislodged thrombosis, known as an embolus, will then enter the right hand side of the heart and will be pumped from the heart to the lungs via the pulmonary artery. The diameter of the veins on which the embolus travels, as it moves towards the heart from the lower regions of the body, increases as the embolus approaches the heart and, as a result, the rate at which the embolus travels along the veins increases until it reaches the pulmonary artery. The pulmonary artery feeds blood from the right hand side of the heart into the lungs via numerous blood vessels. The diameter of each of these blood vessels is substantially less than the diameter of the pulmonary artery and as a result the embolus stops or slows as it attempts to flow into one or more of them. An embolus that stops or slows in the pulmonary artery effectively blocks or slows the rate at which these blood vessels take blood from the pulmonary artery to the lungs. Such an embolus is known as a pulmonary embolism.
Since the amount of blood flowing into the lungs has been reduced, due to the presence of the pulmonary embolism, the amount blood returning to the heart from the lungs is also reduced. Further, the pulmonary artery has a reduced capacity to distribute blood to the lungs and the right hand side of the heart continues to pump blood into the pulmonary artery, therefore, a build up of blood generally occurs stemming back from the pulmonary artery the heart.
Generally, a pulmonary embolism subjects a heart to stress and in some cases this stress can cause heart failure.
Individuals tend to remain in upright stationary positions for extended periods when travelling in vehicles for long distances. When travelling on an aeroplane, for example, a passenger may remain in a seated position for several hours with little to no movement of the legs. Space on board aeroplanes is generally very limited and, accordingly, there is little opportunity to exercise the leg muscles to thereby effect the above described muscle pump action in the lower limbs.
In accordance with the present invention there is provided, an apparatus for use in exercising, including means for engaging the foot of one leg of a user of the apparatus, wherein the means for engaging is adapted to retard movement of the foot as the foot moves from a first position towards a second position.
Preferably, said means for engaging is also adapted to engage a portion of said leg above the knee of said leg.
Preferably, said means for engaging is in the form of an endless loop that is at least partially elastically deformable, said loop being positionable beneath the user's foot and above the knee of said leg.
In accordance with the present invention, there is also provided exercising apparatus including elastic means positionable to extend from beneath the foot of one leg of a user to a position on that leg above the knee and being elastically deformable so that, when so positioned, the user may exercise by repetitive downward pivotal movement of the foot about the ankle joint alternating with upward pivotal movement under the influence of the elastic means.
Preferably, said elastic means is in the form of an endless loop.
In accordance with the present invention, there is also provided apparatus for use in exercising, including means for engaging the foot of one leg of a user of the apparatus and a second portion of said leg, wherein the means for engaging retards movement of the foot as the foot pivots about a respective ankle from a first position towards a second position.
Preferably, said foot is in said first position when the heel of the foot is substantially in contact with a surface and when the ball of said foot is elevated above the surface and the foot moves from the first position towards the second position as the foot pivots and the ball of the foot moves towards the surface.
Preferably, the means for engaging is in the form of an endless loop that is at least partially elastically deformable, said loop being positionable beneath the foot of the user and said second portion of said leg.
In accordance with the present invention, there is also provided an apparatus for use in exercising, including means for engaging the foot of one leg of a user of the apparatus, wherein, in use, the means for engaging retards movement of the foot as the foot moves from a first position towards a second position and the means for engaging substantially prevents movement of the foot with respect to the means for engaging. Preferably, the means for engaging at least partially receives the foot of the user.
Preferably, the foot moves from the first position towards the second position as the foot substantially pivots about a respective ankle joint.
Preferably, the means for engaging includes an endless loop, wherein the endless loop is at least partially elastically deformable and is positionable above the knee of said leg.
Preferably, the means for engaging includes a foot piece.
In accordance with the present invention, there is also provided an apparatus for use in exercising, including means for engaging the foot of one leg of a user of the apparatus, wherein, in use, the means for engaging retards movement of the foot as the foot moves from a first position towards a second position and the means for engaging includes a strap to substantially prevent movement of the foot with respect to the means for engaging.
Preferably, lsaid strap is formed first and second strips, the strips being positionable for mutual engagement over the foot of the user to thereby substantially prevent movement of the foot with respect to the means for engaging.
Preferably, the strips are at least partially elastically deformable and are thereby positionable for mutual engagement over the foot of the user.
Preferably, the endless loop includes a handle, the handle being graspable by the user to thereby hold a portion of the endless loop in a position above the knee of said leg.
In accordance with the present invention, there is also provided a method of exercising using an apparatus including an elastic means which is at least partially elastically deformable, including the steps of: positioning the elastic means so that it extends beneath the foot of one leg of a user to a position on that leg above the user's knee; and alternately pivoting the foot about the ankle joint of the foot between first and second positions under the influence of the elastic means.
Preferably, the elastic means is an at least partially elastically deformable endless loop.
In accordance with the present invention, there is also provided a method of preventing deep vein thrombosis by administering to a person an apparatus in accordance with the above-described apparatus.
In accordance with the present invention, there is also provided a method of effecting a muscle pump action in a leg of a user of an apparatus, the apparatus including an elastic means which is at least partially elastically deformable, including the steps of: positioning the elastic means so that it extends beneath the foot of one leg of a user to a position on that leg above the user's knee; and alternately pivoting the foot about the ankle joint of the foot between first and second positions under the influence of the elastic means.
Preferably, the elastic means is an at least partially elastically deformable endless loop.
In accordance with the present invention, there is also provided a method of effecting a muscle pump action in a leg of a user of an apparatus in accordance with the above- described apparatus, including the steps of: positioning the apparatus so that it extends beneath the foot of one leg of a user to a position on that leg above the user's knee; and alternately pivoting the foot about the ankle joint of the foot between first and second positions under the influence of the elastic means.
Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a side view of an apparatus in accordance with the invention, arranged in one condition for use;
Figure 2 is a further side view of the apparatus shown in Figure 1, but showing the apparatus in a different condition occurring in use;
Figure 3 is a front view of the apparatus shown in Figures 1 and 2;
Figure 4 is a side view of another apparatus in accordance with the invention, arranged in one condition for use;
Figure 5 is a further side view of the apparatus shown in Figure 4, showing the apparatus in a different condition occurring in use;
Figure 6 is a front view of the apparatus shown in Figures 4 and 5;
Figure 7 is a diagrammatic illustration of an apparatus in accordance with the invention, arranged in one condition;
Figure 8 is a diagrammatic illustration of the apparatus of Figure 7, showing the apparatus arranged in a different condition; and
Figure 9 is a diagrammatic illustration of the apparatus of Figures 7 and 8 arranged in one condition of use.
Figure 10 is a diagrammatic illustration of the apparatus of Figures 7, 8 and 9 arranged in a further condition of use.
An apparatus 10 shown in Figure 1, Figure 2 and Figure 3 includes an elastically deformable endless loop 12 and a belt 14. The endless loop 12 includes a plate 18 secured to a first portion 20 of the endless loop 12. The plate 18 is arranged to underly engage a foot 22 of one leg 30 of a user 16 of the apparatus.
The belt 14 is attached to the endless loop 12 at second and third portions 24, 26 of the endless loop 12 by velcro hook and loop contacts. However, the belt 14 may be secured to the endless loop 12 by any suitable means. The belt is used to secure an upper portion of the apparatus to the user 16. A user 16 may operate the apparatus 10 from a seated position. In this case, the user 16 fits the apparatus 10 to the leg 30 of their body before commencing exercising. To fit the apparatus, the user positions the plate 18 under a respective foot 22 and stretches the elastically deformable endless loop 12 over a thigh portion 28 of the corresponding leg 30. The belt 14 is secured around the user's waist 32 and prevents second and third portions 24, 26 of the endless loop 12 from slipping down the user's thigh 28.
The user 16, being in a seated position with their foot 22 in a first position 34, moves their foot 22 towards a second position 36 by pivoting the foot 22 about an ankle joint 38 of the foot 22. As this action is executed by the user 16, the elastically deformable endless loop 12 bears against the user's foot 22 via the plate 18 and thereby retards the movement of the foot 22. Accordingly, the amount of work required to move the foot 22 from the first position 34 towards the second position 36 is increased. This movement effects a muscle pump action in the leg 30.
The user 16, at some point during the movement of the foot 22 towards the second position 36, stops moving the foot 22 towards the second position 36 and begins to move the foot 22 back towards the first position 34 by pivoting the foot 22 about the user's ankle joint 38. As this action is executed by the user 16 of the apparatus 10, the elastically deformable endless loop 12 bears against the user's foot 22 via the plate 18 to thereby assist in moving the foot 22 back towards the first position 34.
The user's foot 22 is in the first position 34 when the heel 40 of the user's foot 22 is in contact with the ground, or floor surface, and the ball 42 of the user's foot 22 is elevated from the ground. The user's foot 22 is in the second position 36 when the heel 40 of the user's foot is in contact with the ground and the ball 42 of the user's foot 22 is also in contact with the ground.
In alternative embodiments of the invention, the user's foot 22 is in the first position when the heel 40 is closer to the ground or floor surface than the ball 42 and the user's foot 22 is in the second position when the ball 42 of the user's foot 22 approaches the ground or floor surface.
Repeating the above described actions using the apparatus 10 for an extended period increases the muscle pump action activity in the leg 30 being exercised.
In one example of the invention, the belt 14 is permanently attached to the endless loop 12 and the belt 14 includes an adjustable "snap lock" clip. The adjustable "snap lock" clip has first and second parts, where the first part is adapted to receive the second part and secure the second part therein. The belt 14 is fitted to the user 16 of the apparatus 10 by arranging the belt 14 around the user's waist 32 and engaging the first and second parts of the "snap lock" clip. The adjustable "snap "lock" clip can also be used to alter the length of the belt 14 in order to best fit the user 16.
In a further example of the invention, the endless loop includes a "snap lock" clip that is used to fit the endless loop around the user's foot 22 and thigh 28 by engaging the male and female parts of the "snap lock" clip. In this example of the invention, the "snap lock" clip is also used to alter the length of the endless loop 12 in order to best fit the user 16.
Accordingly, the length of the endless loop 12 as presented between the foot 22 and thigh 28 of a user 16 can be varied.
In yet another example of the invention, the elastically deformable endless loop 12 includes two parallel sides, being generally parallel to the user's leg 30, formed from an inelastic material. In this example of the invention, corresponding adjacent ends of the two parallel sides are bridged by elastic material, adapted to engage the user's foot 22 and the user's thigh 28.
In yet another example of the invention, the elastically deformable endless loop 12 includes two parallel sides, being generally parallel to the user's leg 30, formed from an inelastic material. In this example of the invention, one of the adjacent ends of the two parallel sides is ridged by elastic material adapted to engage the user's foot and another one the adjacent ends of the parallel sides, is bridged by an inelastic material adapted to engage the user's thigh 28.
An apparatus 50 shown in Figures 4, 5 and 6 includes an elastically deformable endless loop 52, a handle 54 and a foot piece 56. The handle 54 is sewn to a first section 57 of the endless loop 52 and is arranged so that, in use, a user 58 may grasp the handle 54 and thereby control movement of the first section 57 with respect to a corresponding leg of the user 58. Alternatively, the handle 54 may be secured to the endless loop 52 by a vulcanisation process or by any other any suitable means.
The foot piece 56 is secured to a second section of the endless loop 52 and is arranged to receive a front portion of a foot 60 of the user 58. The second section of the endless loop 52 opposes the above-mentioned first section when the endless loop 52 is in use. A sole portion of the foot piece 56 is secured to the endless loop 52 by a suitable adhesive. Alternatively, the foot piece 56 may be secured to the endless loop 52 by any suitable means. In use, the foot piece 56 substantially prevents movement of the foot 60 with respect to the second section of the endless loop 52.
A user 58 may operate the apparatus 50 from a seated position. In this case, the user 58 first fits the apparatus to a leg 62 of their body before commencing exercising. To fit the apparatus 50, the user 58 inserts his/her foot 60 into the foot piece 56 and stretches the first section of the endless loop 52 over a thigh portion 66 of the corresponding leg 62. The user 58 grasps the handle 54 in either one or two hands and is ready to commence exercising.
The user 58, with their foot 60 in a first position 68, moves their foot 60 towards a second position 70 by pivoting their foot 60 about a corresponding ankle joint 72. In doing so, the foot 60 extends away from a shin 74 portion of the leg 62. As this action is executed, the endless loop 52 bears against the user's foot 60, via the foot piece 56, and thereby retards the movement of the foot 60. The endless loop, when used in the described manner, increases the work required by the relevant muscle groups of the user's leg 62 to move the foot 60 from the first position 68 towards the second position 70.
At some point during the described action, the user 58 momentarily stops moving the foot 60 and moves the foot 60 back towards the first position 68 by pivoting their foot 60 about the corresponding ankle joint 72. As this action is executed by the user 58, the endless loop 52 bears against the user's foot 60, via the foot piece 56, and forces the foot 60 back towards the first position 68.
Alternately moving the foot 60 between the first and second positions 68, 70, effects a muscle pump action in the relevant muscle groups of the user's leg 62.
An upper potion of the foot piece 56 may be secured to an outer peripheral portion of the second section of the endless loop 52, the foot piece 56 being secured thereto by an adhesive. Alternatively, the foot piece 56 may be secured to the endless loop 52 using any suitable means.
The foot piece 56 may be coupleable to the endless loop 52 by a connection device, (not shown) In this case, the sole of the foot piece includes a first part of the connection device that is connectable to a corresponding second part secured to the second section of the endless loop 52. In use, the user 58 fits the foot piece 56 on a respective foot 60 and connects the foot piece to endless loop 52 by connecting the first and second parts of the connection device. Alternatively, any suitable method of temporarily securing the foot piece 56 to the endless loop 52 may be used.
In one example of the invention, the foot piece 56 is coupleable to the second section of the endless loop 52 and the foot piece 56 is a shoe.
An apparatus 80 shown in Figures 7, 8 and 9 includes an elastically deformable endless loop 82, a handle 84 and a strap 86. The handle 84 is sewn to a first section 87 of the endless loop 82 and is arranged so that, in use, a user 88 may grasp the handle 84 and thereby control movement of the first section 87 of the endless loop 82 with respect to a corresponding leg of the user 88. Alternatively, the handle 84 may be secured to the endless loop 82 by a vulcanisation process or by any other any suitable means.
The strap 86 includes first and second strips 90,92, each having an end secured to a second section 93 of the endless loop 82. The strips 90,92 are designed to be arranged over a user's foot 94 to thereby secure the user's foot 94 between the endless loop 82 and the strap 86.
In one embodiment of the invention the strips 90,92 include corresponding hook and loop velcro pieces 96,98, so that a user may position their foot 94 inside the endless loop 82 and secure their foot 94 in that position by overlapping the hook and loop velcro pieces 96,98 over their foot 94. The hook and loop pieces 96,98 interlock over the foot 94 to substantially prevent movement of the foot 94 with respect to the second section 93 of the endless loop 82.
In further embodiments of the invention, the strips 90,92 are formed of an elastically deformable material. The strips 90,92 are designed to stretch over a user's foot 94 to thereby secure the user's foot 94 between the endless loop and the strap 86. Preferably, the strips 90,92 include hook and loop velcro pieces 96,98, so that a user may position their foot 94 inside the endless loop 82 and secure their foot in that position by overlapping the hook and loop velcro pieces 96,98. In use, the elastically deformable strips 90,92 substantially prevents movement of the foot 94 with respect to the second section 93 of the endless loop 82 and the elastically deformable strips 90,92 permits the strap 86 to be arranged over the user's footwear.
A user 88 may operate the apparatus 80 from a seated position. In this case, the user 88 first fits the apparatus to a leg 99 of their body before commencing exercising. To fit the apparatus 80, the user 88 inserts his/her foot 94 between the endless loop 82 and the strap 86 and secures their foot 94 in that position by arranging the strap 86 securely over their foot 94. The user 88 then stretches the first section 87 of the endless loop 82 over a thigh portion 100 of the corresponding leg 96. The user 88 grasps the handle 84 in either one or two hands and is ready to commence exercising.
The user 88, with their foot 94 in a first position 102, moves their foot 94 towards a second position 104 by pivoting their foot 94 about a corresponding ankle joint 106. In doing so, the foot 94 extends away from a shin portion 108 of the leg 99. As this action is executed, the endless loop 82 bears against the user's foot 94 and thereby retards the movement of the foot 94. The endless loop 82, when used in the described manner, increases the work required by the relevant muscle groups of the user's leg 99 to move the foot 94 from the first position 102 towards the second position 104.
At some point during the described movement, the user 88 momentarily stops moving the foot 94 towards the second position 104 and moves the foot 94 back towards the first position 102 by pivoting their foot 94 about the corresponding ankle joint 106. As this action is executed by the user 88, the endless loop 82 bears against the user's foot 94 and forces the foot 94 back towards the first position 102.
Alternately moving the foot 94 between the first and second positions 102,104, as described, effects a muscle pump action in the relevant muscle groups of the user's leg 99.
Embodiments of the invention have been described by way of reference to a user in a seated position. However, the embodiments of the invention may be applicable to a user in any suitable exercise position.
In alternative embodiments of the invention, the endless loop 12,52,82 is formed in sections. In further embodiments of the invention, the endless loop 12,52,82 is formed in sections, where the sections include elastically deformable material and inelastic material.

Claims (28)

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:
1. Apparatus for use in exercising, including means for engaging the foot of one leg of a user of the apparatus, wherein the means for engaging is adapted to retard movement of the foot as the foot moves from a first position towards a second position.
2. The apparatus claimed in claim 1, wherein said means for engaging is also adapted to engage a portion of said leg above the knee of said leg.
3. The apparatus claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said means for engaging is in the form of an endless loop that is at least partially elastically deformable, said loop being positionable beneath the user's foot and above the knee of said leg.
4. The apparatus claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the means for engaging the foot includes a foot pedal for engaging an underside of the foot.
5. Exercising apparatus including elastic means positionable to extend from beneath the foot of one leg of a user to a position on that leg above the knee and being elastically deformable so that, when so positioned, the user may exercise by repetitive downward pivotal movement of the foot about the ankle joint alternating with upward pivotal movement under the influence of the elastic means.
6. The apparatus claimed in claim 5, wherein said elastic means is in the form of an endless loop.
7. The apparatus claimed in any one of claims 3 and 6, wherein the endless loop is adjustable to permit adjustment of the length of the endless loop.
8. The apparatus claimed in any one claim 2 to 7, wherein the apparatus includes a belt, the belt being positionable around the waist of the user to thereby prevent a portion of the apparatus from moving with respect to the knee.
9. The apparatus claimed in claim 8, wherein the belt is adjustable to permit adjustment of the length of the belt.
10. Apparatus for use in exercising, including means for engaging the foot of one leg of a user of the apparatus and a second portion of said leg, wherein the means for engaging retards movement of the foot as the foot pivots about a respective ankle from a first position towards a second position.
11. The apparatus claimed in claim 10, wherein said foot is in said first position when the heel of the foot is substantially in contact with a surface and when the ball of said foot is elevated above the surface and the foot moves from the first position towards the second position as the foot pivots and the ball of the foot moves towards the surface.
12. The apparatus claimed in claim 10 or claim 11, wherein the means for engaging is in the form of an endless loop that is at least partially elastically deformable, said loop being positionable beneath the foot of the user and said second portion of said leg.
13. An apparatus for use in exercising, including means for engaging the foot of one leg of a user of the apparatus, wherein, in use, the means for engaging retards movement of the foot as the foot moves from a first position towards a second position and the means for engaging substantially prevents movement of the foot with respect to the means for engaging.
14. An apparatus claimed in claim 13, wherein the means for engaging at least partially receives the foot of the user.
15. An apparatus claimed in claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the foot moves from the first position towards the second position as the foot substantially pivots about a respective ankle joint.
16. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 15, . wherein the means for engaging includes an endless loop, wherein the endless loop is at least partially elastically deformable and is positionable above the knee of said leg.
17. An apparatus as claimed in claim 16, wherein the means for engaging includes a foot piece.
18. An apparatus for use in exercising, including means for engaging the foot of one leg of a user of the apparatus, wherein, in use, the means for engaging retards movement of the foot as the foot moves from a first position towards a second position and the means for engaging includes a strap to substantially prevent movement of the foot with respect to the means for engaging.
19. An apparatus claimed in claim 18, wherein said strap is formed first and second strips, the strips being positionable for mutual engagement over the foot of the user to thereby substantially prevent movement of the foot with respect to the means for engaging.
20. An apparatus claimed in claim 19, wherein the strips are at least partially elastically deformable and are thereby positionable for mutual engagement over the foot of the user.
21. An apparatus claimed in claim 19 or claim 20, wherein the first and second strips include corresponding hook and loop velcro portions positionable for mutual engagement over the foot of the user.
22. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 3, 4, 6, 7, 12, 16, 17 and 20, wherein the endless loop includes a handle, the handle being graspable by the user to thereby hold a portion of the endless loop in a position above the knee of said leg.
23. A method of exercising using an apparatus including an elastic means which is at least partially elastically deformable, including the steps of: positioning the elastic means so that it extends beneath the foot of one leg of a user to a position on that leg above the user's knee; and alternately pivoting the foot about the ankle joint of the foot between first and second positions under the influence of the elastic means.
24. A method claimed in claim 23, wherein the elastic means is an at least partially elastically deformable endless loop.
25. A method of preventing deep vein thrombosis by administering to a person an apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 22.
26. A method of effecting a muscle pump action in a leg of a user of an apparatus, the apparatus including an elastic means which is at least partially elastically deformable, including the steps of: positioning the elastic means so that it extends beneath the foot of one leg of a user to a position on that leg above the user's knee; and alternately pivoting the foot about the ankle joint of the foot between first and second positions under the influence of the elastic means.
27. A method claimed in claim 26, wherein the elastic means is an at least partially elastically deformable endless loop.
28. A method of effecting a muscle pump action in a leg of a user of an apparatus claimed in any one of claims 1 to 22, including the steps of: positioning the apparatus so that it extends beneath the foot of one leg of a user to a position on that leg above the user's knee; and alternately pivoting the foot about the ankle joint of the foot between first and second positions under the influence of the elastic means.
DATED this 5th day of July 2002
RODNEY EDWARD WILCOCKS
By his patent attorneys Davies Collison Cave
AU2002317625A 2001-07-05 2002-07-05 Apparatus for use in exercising Ceased AU2002317625C9 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2002317625A AU2002317625C9 (en) 2001-07-05 2002-07-05 Apparatus for use in exercising

Applications Claiming Priority (8)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AUPR6143 2001-07-05
AUPR6143A AUPR614301A0 (en) 2001-07-05 2001-07-05 Apparatus for use in exercising
AUPS0912A AUPS091202A0 (en) 2002-03-05 2002-03-05 Apparatus for use in exercising
AUPS0912 2002-03-05
AUPS2063A AUPS206302A0 (en) 2002-05-01 2002-05-01 Apparatus for use in exercising
AUPS2063 2002-05-01
AU2002317625A AU2002317625C9 (en) 2001-07-05 2002-07-05 Apparatus for use in exercising
PCT/AU2002/000895 WO2003004106A1 (en) 2001-07-05 2002-07-05 Apparatus for use in exercising

Related Child Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
AU2004212520A Addition AU2004212520A1 (en) 2003-09-19 2004-09-14 Apparatus for use in exercising

Publications (4)

Publication Number Publication Date
AU2002317625A1 true AU2002317625A1 (en) 2003-05-22
AU2002317625B2 AU2002317625B2 (en) 2007-11-29
AU2002317625C1 AU2002317625C1 (en) 2008-05-29
AU2002317625C9 AU2002317625C9 (en) 2008-06-05

Family

ID=27158303

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
AU2002317625A Ceased AU2002317625C9 (en) 2001-07-05 2002-07-05 Apparatus for use in exercising

Country Status (6)

Country Link
US (1) US20040192520A1 (en)
AU (1) AU2002317625C9 (en)
CA (1) CA2452316A1 (en)
GB (1) GB2393666A (en)
NZ (1) NZ530515A (en)
WO (1) WO2003004106A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20030158132A1 (en) * 2002-01-22 2003-08-21 Genvec, Inc. Method for enhancing bone density or formation
WO2005046803A1 (en) * 2003-11-14 2005-05-26 Johan David Van Wyk Device for reducing the risk of the developing of deep vein thrombosis
US7087003B1 (en) * 2005-02-09 2006-08-08 Carol Katterjohn Exercise system and method
CA2551590C (en) * 2006-07-07 2013-04-30 Robert Kenneth Gideon Grisdale Exercise device and method
US20130231227A1 (en) * 2011-10-20 2013-09-05 Steve Ranieri Resistance exercise device
US9914004B2 (en) * 2012-07-13 2018-03-13 Keith Howard Hatfield Device and method for passive flexibility training
US20150045193A1 (en) * 2013-08-08 2015-02-12 Lee Morton Apparatus for use in exercising a person's calves
US20190201731A1 (en) * 2017-12-30 2019-07-04 Thang Nguyen Adjustable leg exercise apparatus
CN110898394A (en) * 2019-11-26 2020-03-24 新疆医科大学第四附属医院 Lower limb rehabilitation device
GB202115459D0 (en) * 2021-10-27 2021-12-08 Hatem Tamer An exercise apparatus
CN114404870B (en) * 2022-01-25 2023-05-09 重庆大学附属肿瘤医院 Self-control lower limb exercise belt

Family Cites Families (19)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US930768A (en) * 1908-09-12 1909-08-10 Franklin E Kelly Obstetrical appliance.
US2467943A (en) * 1946-06-19 1949-04-19 Jr Ovid P Mikell Exercise device
US4019734A (en) * 1975-07-31 1977-04-26 Wayne Lee Elastic pull type isotonic/isometric exerciser
US4588186A (en) * 1983-05-31 1986-05-13 John Calabrese Stretching apparatus
US4930767A (en) * 1988-06-21 1990-06-05 Ronald Hanna Therapeutic device
SU1729535A1 (en) * 1989-09-29 1992-04-30 М.И.Вечерский Method for training of extremities
US5013037A (en) * 1990-10-30 1991-05-07 Todd Stermer Physical therapy device
US5256119A (en) * 1991-05-15 1993-10-26 Tudor E Jess Leg extension exercise device
US5122107A (en) * 1991-10-09 1992-06-16 Gardner William G Situp exercise head-support harness
US5643184A (en) * 1993-08-16 1997-07-01 Toso; Victor Back support with knee and foot engaging straps
US5372565A (en) * 1993-11-23 1994-12-13 Igor N. Burdenko Universal exercise device
US5768702A (en) * 1994-03-17 1998-06-23 Kim; Sinil Upper-extremity direct power-input device for bicyclists
US5489251A (en) * 1995-02-09 1996-02-06 Robles, Jr.; Sherman U. Exercise device
DE29617030U1 (en) * 1996-09-30 1996-11-28 Neidhardt Silvester Training device
US5954622A (en) * 1998-01-26 1999-09-21 Olschansky; Scott Gluteal exercise system
US6036626A (en) * 1998-10-20 2000-03-14 Taylor; Brent N. Adjustable resistance exercise device
US6368258B1 (en) * 2000-05-02 2002-04-09 Edward J. Emlaw Exercise system
US6450930B1 (en) * 2000-11-22 2002-09-17 Michael C. Kroke Rehabilitation strap system
US6679817B1 (en) * 2001-01-06 2004-01-20 Mary S. R. Williams Lower body exercise device and method

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US5551950A (en) Rehabilitation method
US10434357B2 (en) Dorsiflex and plantarflex exercise machine
US5891002A (en) Orthopedic device ankle exerciser and method
US5507106A (en) Exercise shoe with forward and rearward angled sections
US6063013A (en) Resistive ankle exercise device
US1663641A (en) Exerciser and blood circulator
US7101330B2 (en) Proprioceptive/kinesthetic apparatus and method
US20040009850A1 (en) Exercise board with elastic foot strap
US20080039303A1 (en) Method of alleviating symptoms of restless legs syndrome
US20060265910A1 (en) Training shoe with swivel attachment points and method of use
US8864632B2 (en) Exercise apparatus and method
US20040192520A1 (en) Apparatus for use in exercising
CN212548128U (en) Ankle pump athletic training equipment
NZ538361A (en) Proprioceptive/kinesthetic footwear
AU2002317625A1 (en) Apparatus for use in exercising
US20050192168A1 (en) Apparatus for use in exercising
US6401256B1 (en) Orthopedic sock system
EP1455905A1 (en) Apparatus for use in exercising
US9604093B2 (en) Exercise device and method of using the same
JP2750398B2 (en) Foot dumbbell holder
KR910008364Y1 (en) Foot exerciser
JP2001178847A (en) Exerciser for foot joint
JP2012228506A (en) Board for strengthening lower half of body
US20230398403A1 (en) Seesaw exercise device
JP3135248U (en) Stepping health equipment for nursing care