US20070037672A1 - Toe exercise apparatus - Google Patents
Toe exercise apparatus Download PDFInfo
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- US20070037672A1 US20070037672A1 US11/491,479 US49147906A US2007037672A1 US 20070037672 A1 US20070037672 A1 US 20070037672A1 US 49147906 A US49147906 A US 49147906A US 2007037672 A1 US2007037672 A1 US 2007037672A1
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- Prior art keywords
- outer frame
- toe
- frame section
- heel resting
- board
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B23/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body
- A63B23/035—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body for limbs, i.e. upper or lower limbs, e.g. simultaneously
- A63B23/04—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body for limbs, i.e. upper or lower limbs, e.g. simultaneously for lower limbs
- A63B23/10—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body for limbs, i.e. upper or lower limbs, e.g. simultaneously for lower limbs for feet or toes
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
- A61H1/00—Apparatus for passive exercising; Vibrating apparatus ; Chiropractic devices, e.g. body impacting devices, external devices for briefly extending or aligning unbroken bones
- A61H1/02—Stretching or bending or torsioning apparatus for exercising
- A61H1/0237—Stretching or bending or torsioning apparatus for exercising for the lower limbs
- A61H1/0266—Foot
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
- A61H39/00—Devices for locating or stimulating specific reflex points of the body for physical therapy, e.g. acupuncture
- A61H39/04—Devices for pressing such points, e.g. Shiatsu or Acupressure
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/02—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using resilient force-resisters
- A63B21/023—Wound springs
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/02—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using resilient force-resisters
- A63B21/04—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using resilient force-resisters attached to static foundation, e.g. a user
- A63B21/0407—Anchored at two end points, e.g. installed within an apparatus
- A63B21/0428—Anchored at two end points, e.g. installed within an apparatus the ends moving relatively by linear reciprocation
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/02—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using resilient force-resisters
- A63B21/055—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using resilient force-resisters extension element type
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/40—Interfaces with the user related to strength training; Details thereof
- A63B21/4027—Specific exercise interfaces
- A63B21/4033—Handles, pedals, bars or platforms
- A63B21/4034—Handles, pedals, bars or platforms for operation by feet
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/40—Interfaces with the user related to strength training; Details thereof
- A63B21/4041—Interfaces with the user related to strength training; Details thereof characterised by the movements of the interface
- A63B21/4045—Reciprocating movement along, in or on a guide
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B23/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body
- A63B23/035—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body for limbs, i.e. upper or lower limbs, e.g. simultaneously
- A63B23/03516—For both arms together or both legs together; Aspects related to the co-ordination between right and left side limbs of a user
- A63B23/03533—With separate means driven by each limb, i.e. performing different movements
- A63B23/03541—Moving independently from each other
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
- A61H1/00—Apparatus for passive exercising; Vibrating apparatus ; Chiropractic devices, e.g. body impacting devices, external devices for briefly extending or aligning unbroken bones
- A61H1/02—Stretching or bending or torsioning apparatus for exercising
- A61H1/0237—Stretching or bending or torsioning apparatus for exercising for the lower limbs
- A61H1/0266—Foot
- A61H2001/027—Toes
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
- A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
- A61H2201/16—Physical interface with patient
- A61H2201/1657—Movement of interface, i.e. force application means
- A61H2201/1664—Movement of interface, i.e. force application means linear
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
- A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
- A61H2201/16—Physical interface with patient
- A61H2201/1683—Surface of interface
- A61H2201/169—Physical characteristics of the surface, e.g. material, relief, texture or indicia
- A61H2201/1695—Enhanced pressure effect, e.g. substantially sharp projections, needles or pyramids
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B23/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body
- A63B2023/006—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body for stretching exercises
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2209/00—Characteristics of used materials
- A63B2209/08—Characteristics of used materials magnetic
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2220/00—Measuring of physical parameters relating to sporting activity
- A63B2220/17—Counting, e.g. counting periodical movements, revolutions or cycles, or including further data processing to determine distances or speed
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2220/00—Measuring of physical parameters relating to sporting activity
- A63B2220/50—Force related parameters
- A63B2220/51—Force
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B71/00—Games or sports accessories not covered in groups A63B1/00 - A63B69/00
- A63B71/06—Indicating or scoring devices for games or players, or for other sports activities
- A63B71/0619—Displays, user interfaces and indicating devices, specially adapted for sport equipment, e.g. display mounted on treadmills
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a toe exercise apparatus, in particular, an exercise apparatus which is preferably used to build planter muscle (planter muscle of thumb).
- valgus deformities a symptom that thumb curves in a direction to index finger relative a center line of body.
- Such valgus deformities are known to have the potential for liver damages, and building up of planter muscle is said to be the most appropriate way to treat and prevent the valgus deformities.
- One object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for toe exercise and toe stretch with reduced size at reduced manufacturing cost.
- a toe exercise apparatus comprises: a heel resting board mounted at a rear portion of an outer frame section, the outer frame section being an outer frame of the entire apparatus; a pair of right and left sliding exercise boards mounted in front of the heel resting board and being movable forward and backward relative to the outer frame section; biasing portion for constantly biasing the sliding exercise boards forward; and a convex section disposed on each sliding exercise board at a position corresponding to base portion of a user's toes when the user rests his/her heels on the heel resting board.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an entire structure of a toe exercise apparatus of a first embodiment according to the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a view showing a toe exercise apparatus in use with feet on;
- FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view illustrating a configuration of a toe exercise apparatus
- FIG. 4 is a view illustrating a use of a toe exercise apparatus with right and left toes being stretched;
- FIG. 5 is a view illustrating a use of a toe exercise apparatus with right and left toes being bent;
- FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view illustrating a procedure to tilt a heel resting board
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a tilted heel resting board with Achilles tendon, calf, and planter muscle of thumb being stretched;
- FIG. 8 is a view showing an example provided with measuring portion for measuring toe power
- FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view showing a second embodiment of the present invention, and schematically illustrate a configuration of a measuring apparatus for measuring toe power.
- FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the second embodiment of the present invention, and schematically illustrate a configuration of a measuring apparatus for measuring toe power;
- FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view illustrating a configuration of a toe exercise apparatus.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an entire structure of a toe exercise apparatus 1 of this embodiment.
- the toe exercise apparatus 1 of this embodiment comprises an outer frame section 2 having a rectangular shape, and a heel resting board 3 disposed on a rear end of the outer frame section 2 .
- a pair of right and left flat plate-like sliding exercise boards 5 A and 5 B are provided in the outer frame section 2 which is divided by a central dividing section 4 .
- the sliding exercise boards 5 A and 5 B of this embodiment are slidably fit in a sliding groove 8 (see FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 ) formed in the inner surface of the outer frame section 2 , and slidable in right and left directions of FIG. 1 individually.
- a convex section 6 is formed which engages with base portion of toes.
- the sliding exercise boards 5 A and 5 B are constantly biased forward by springs 7 (see FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 ) so that the front ends of each sliding exercise boards 5 A and 5 B are in contact with the outer frame section 2 in a free state.
- FIG. 2 shows the toe exercise apparatus 1 of this embodiment in use with left foot LF and right foot RF being on it.
- the base portions of the right and left toes are brought into contact with the convex sections 6 to pull the convex sections 6 by the right and left toes so that the sliding exercise boards 5 A and 5 B are slided and pulled.
- the heel resting board 3 on which right and left heels 10 are rested have a plurality of grooves 3 a formed therein.
- the grooves 3 a increase a frictional force between the heel resting board 3 and the heels 10 , and prevents slipping of the heels 10 on the heel resting board 3 when the toes 9 are hooked on the convex sections 6 to slide the sliding exercise boards 5 A and 5 B.
- the grooves 3 a also makes the surfaces of the heel resting board 3 have uneven texture, which stimulates the heels 10 and provides acupressure effects.
- FIG. 3 shows a cross sectional view of the toe exercise apparatus 1 .
- the toe exercise apparatus 1 of this embodiment includes the sliding grooves 8 which are formed in the outer frame section 2 and the central dividing section 4 respectively, and into these sliding grooves 8 , the right and left sliding exercise boards 5 A and 5 B are slidably fitted with a play provided therebetween to slidably move forward and backward.
- each of the springs 7 is provided in a stretched state, and each of the springs 7 has an end locked to the outer frame section 2 and the other end locked to a locking pin 7 a which juts out under the lower surface of the sliding exercise boards 5 A and 5 B.
- the sliding exercise boards 5 A and 5 B have female threaded portions formed therein, and the locking pin 7 a has a male threaded portion formed therein, so that the male threaded portion is threadedly engaged with the female threaded portion.
- the tension of the springs 7 can be arbitrary adjusted by choosing one of the female threaded portions to be threadedly engaged with the locking pin 7 a, and thereby any size of load as desired can be provided to a user.
- the tension of the springs 7 may be adjusted by any mechanism.
- the springs 7 constantly bias each of the sliding exercise boards 5 A and 5 B forward.
- the convex sections 6 formed on the sliding exercise boards 5 A and 5 B are configured to lock the base portions of the toes 9 of the right and left feet when the user puts his/her weight on them with the heels 10 being on the heel resting sections 3 .
- the members which a user touches such as the outer frame section 2 , the heel resting board 3 , the central dividing section 4 , the sliding exercise boards 5 A and 5 B are made of natural woods to make the members comfortable to the touch in use.
- the dividing section 4 serves to hold the sliding exercise boards 5 A and 5 B and to make the sliding exercise boards 5 A and 5 B smoothly slide, and also is formed to have a cross sectional shape of a semi-circle to provide a so-called stamp bar (a foot health appliance) when feet are rested on in a perpendicular direction to the dividing section 4 , which allows the toe exercise apparatus 1 to be multi-functional in use.
- a pressure corresponding to the user's weight is applied to his/her feet bottoms.
- acupressure is applied to a plurality of points of the heels 10 due to the plurality of grooves 3 a formed in the heel resting board 3 .
- effective acupressure is applied to the base portion of the right and left toes 9 due to the pressing of the convex sections 6 disposed on each sliding exercise boards 5 A and 5 B against the base portion of toes 9 .
- the sliding exercise boards 5 A and 5 B are returned to their original positions by the bias of the springs 7 .
- the repetition of this bending and stretching of the toes 9 with the reciprocation of the sliding exercise boards 5 A and 5 B over a stroke length L as shown provides training to build planter muscle.
- the number of the reciprocation is counted by a sensor S of a counting apparatus mounted on the outer frame section 2 by detecting the locking pins 7 a of the springs 7 mounted on the sliding exercise boards 5 A and 5 B, the result of which will be displayed on a display section 30 .
- the toe exercise apparatus 1 of this embodiment in order to slide the sliding exercise boards 5 A and 5 B by the bending/stretching exercise of the toes 9 , since a significantly large power against the tension of the springs 7 is required to repeatedly bend the toes 9 , planter muscle, especially, planter muscle of thumb can be extremely effectively built up.
- the training board when used as a daily health appliance, not only the training contributes to improvement of the basic physical strength, the training is extremely effective to treatments and correction of the valgus deformities and flat foot, and as the soles of fee are stimulated and the planter muscle is built up, the viscera is innervated so that better health can be achieved.
- the toe exercise apparatus 1 of this embodiment includes a tilting mechanism. That is, as shown in FIG. 6 , the heel resting board 3 of this embodiment is liftably attached at its rear end portion to the outer frame section 2 via a hinge mechanism 60 .
- a fitting hole 2 a is formed in the outer frame section 2 which is positioned at the rear potion of the toe exercise apparatus 1 .
- an angle adjusting stopper 20 is removably attached to the outer frame section 2 .
- the angle adjusting stopper 20 has fitting holes 20 a formed in its bottom and side.
- the outer frame section 2 has fitting projections 2 b on its upper surface.
- the angle adjusting stopper 20 is configured to be fixed on the upper surface of the outer frame section 2 by fitting the fitting projection 2 b into the fitting hole 20 a with the heel resting board 3 being lifted up.
- the heel resting board 3 when the heel resting board 3 is pushed down with the angle adjusting stopper 20 being fixed on the outer frame section 2 , as shown in the perspective view of FIG. 7 , the heel resting board 3 is tilted at a predetermined angle relative to the outer frame section 2 .
- a user puts his/her tiptoes on the heel resting board 3 and transfers his/her weight to the tiptoes with the heels 10 being remained on the floor, his/her Achilles tendon, calf and planter muscle of thumb can be stretched.
- FIG. 6 shows the angle adjusting stopper 20 mounted by fitting the fitting hole 20 a formed in the bottom of the angle adjusting stopper 20 with the fitting projection 2 b formed on the outer frame section 2 , but the heel resting board 3 may be tilted at a wider angle when the fitting hole 20 a formed in a side of the angle adjusting stopper 20 (not shown) is fitted with the fitting projection 2 b.
- the heel resting board 3 has a surface having a plurality of grooves 3 a formed therein.
- the grooves 3 a increase a frictional force between the heel resting board 3 and a user's feet bottoms in stretching Achilles tendon, calf, planter muscle of thumb and the like.
- the uneven texture of the grooves 3 a is pressed against his/her feet bottoms to stimulate them. The stimulation promotes recovery from general fatigue, warm-up exercises for sports, recovery from muscular pain, and the like, and provides an advantage to allow the toe exercise apparatus 1 to be multi-functional in use.
- the above described embodiment shows a basic configuration of the toe exercise apparatus 1 according to the present invention, and various functions may be added to the toe exercise apparatus 1 other than those described above.
- measuring portion 80 for measuring toe power may be mounted on the toe exercise apparatus 1 . If the measuring portion 80 is mounted, as shown in FIG. 8 , the measuring portion 80 is removably mounted between the outer frame section 2 and the sliding exercise boards 5 A and 5 B.
- the measuring portion 80 may be mechanical measuring apparatus or electrical measuring apparatus (for example, an apparatus having a piezo-electric device) both of which are known, and so the measuring portion 80 will not be explained in detail below.
- FIG. 1 shows an example provided with a displaying apparatus 101 on the outer frame 2 for displaying a result measured by the measuring portion 80 .
- the measuring portion for measuring toe power makes it possible for a user to recognize an improved athletic ability of planter muscle and the like as a numeric value after the toe exercises using the toe exercise apparatus of the present invention, which serves as an encouragement to the user for the toe exercise, and is effective to make the user continue the toe exercise.
- the heel resting board 3 has a plurality of grooves 3 a formed therein to provide uneven texture on the surface of the heel resting board 3 .
- the surface of the heel resting board 3 may be provided with a plurality of convex portions to provide uneven texture.
- Forming a plurality of grooves 3 a or a plurality of convex portions in or on the heel resting board 3 made of wood requires considerable efforts, and leads to a higher manufacturing cost, and so, a synthetic resin sheet, rubber sheet or the like with uneven texture may be attached to the surface of the heel resting board 3 so that the surface of the heel resting board 3 can be provided with the uneven texture.
- the toe exercise apparatus since the toe exercise apparatus according to the present invention has a simple configuration as an exercise apparatus for both toe exercise and toe stretch, an apparatus for both toe exercise and toe stretch with reduced size at reduced manufacturing cost can be achieved. In this way, a toe exercise apparatus can be provided which not only improves the basic ability of athletes, but also are readily available to general users.
- the measuring portion 80 illustrated in FIG. 8 for measuring toe power is an example which is incorporated in the toe exercise apparatus 1 .
- a measuring portion 100 for measuring toe power is a single unit which is separate from the toe exercise apparatus.
- the heel resting board 3 is not an element to be lifted up, and in this context, the angle adjusting stopper 20 , the fitting hole 20 a, and the fitting projection 2 b are not included.
- the spring 7 and locking pin 7 a are not included, neither.
- a displaying apparatus for displaying a measured result to a user may be disposed at any position on a surface of the measuring apparatus 100 .
- FIG. 10 shows an example in which a displaying apparatus 101 is disposed on a surface of the front portion of the outer frame 2 .
- the displaying apparatus 101 may be any mechanical, electrical, or other style of displaying apparatus, depending on the type of measuring portion 80 .
- the measuring apparatus 100 of this embodiment has a structure similar to that of the toe exercise apparatus 1 , and this provides an advantage that toe power can be measured with a user being in the position similar to that during toe exercise. Thus, conveniently, a user can know the result of toe exercise without fail by using the measuring apparatus 100 with the toe exercise apparatus 1 .
- magnet 201 and 202 for holding an outer frame section 2 and a heel resting board 3 with magnetic force may be mounted on the toe exercise apparatus 1 ( 100 ).
- magnet 203 and 204 for holding an outer frame section 2 and an angle adjusting stopper 20 with magnetic force may be mounted on the toe exercise apparatus 1 ( 100 ).
- the apparatus includes a heel resting board mounted at a rear portion of an outer frame section, the outer frame section being an outer frame of the entire apparatus; a pair of right and left sliding exercise boards mounted in front of the heel resting board and being movable forward and backward relative to the outer frame section; biasing portion for constantly biasing the sliding exercise boards forward; a convex section disposed on each sliding exercise board at a position corresponding to base portion of a user's toes when the user rests his/her heel on the heel resting board; a hinge mechanism for liftably supporting the heel resting board relative to the outer frame section; and tilting and supporting portion for fixedly supporting the heel resting board at a predetermined angle with the heel resting board being lifted up and tilted at the angle, and this configuration normally enables training of planter muscle of thumb and the like by sliding the sliding exercise boards forward and backward by the toes with heels resting on the heel resting board which is pushed flat.
- the configuration of the apparatus enables stretching of Achilles tendon, calf, planter muscle of thumb and the like. In this way, an apparatus for toe exercise and toe stretch can be achieved with reduced size at reduced manufacturing cost.
Abstract
The apparatus includes: a heel resting board mounted at a rear portion of an outer frame section, the outer frame section being an outer frame of the entire apparatus; a pair of right and left sliding exercise boards mounted in front of the heel resting board and being movable forward and backward relative to the outer frame section; springs for constantly biasing the pair of right and left sliding exercise boards forward; convex sections disposed on each sliding exercise board at positions corresponding to base portions of a user's toes when the user rests his/her heels on the heel resting board.
Description
- This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from the prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2005-230851, filed on Aug. 9, 2005, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
- [Field of the Invention]
- The present invention relates to a toe exercise apparatus, in particular, an exercise apparatus which is preferably used to build planter muscle (planter muscle of thumb).
- [Description of the Related Art]
- Generally, nerves of viscera and so-called “trigger points” meet together at soles of feet, and it is said that training and stimulating the soles of feet makes the viscera innervated and health improved. It is also believed that muscle force of thumb is especially important for running ability, jumping ability, instantaneous force and the like which are the basic skill for any sports. This is why many athletes train to build their planter muscle.
- Meanwhile, influences of recent life style and the like have made planter muscle weakened, and generally, more people increasingly have had their foot thumbs with valgus deformities (a symptom that thumb curves in a direction to index finger relative a center line of body). Such valgus deformities are known to have the potential for liver damages, and building up of planter muscle is said to be the most appropriate way to treat and prevent the valgus deformities.
- One object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for toe exercise and toe stretch with reduced size at reduced manufacturing cost.
- A toe exercise apparatus according to the present invention comprises: a heel resting board mounted at a rear portion of an outer frame section, the outer frame section being an outer frame of the entire apparatus; a pair of right and left sliding exercise boards mounted in front of the heel resting board and being movable forward and backward relative to the outer frame section; biasing portion for constantly biasing the sliding exercise boards forward; and a convex section disposed on each sliding exercise board at a position corresponding to base portion of a user's toes when the user rests his/her heels on the heel resting board.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an entire structure of a toe exercise apparatus of a first embodiment according to the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is a view showing a toe exercise apparatus in use with feet on; -
FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view illustrating a configuration of a toe exercise apparatus; -
FIG. 4 is a view illustrating a use of a toe exercise apparatus with right and left toes being stretched; -
FIG. 5 is a view illustrating a use of a toe exercise apparatus with right and left toes being bent; -
FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view illustrating a procedure to tilt a heel resting board; -
FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a tilted heel resting board with Achilles tendon, calf, and planter muscle of thumb being stretched; -
FIG. 8 is a view showing an example provided with measuring portion for measuring toe power; -
FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view showing a second embodiment of the present invention, and schematically illustrate a configuration of a measuring apparatus for measuring toe power; and -
FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the second embodiment of the present invention, and schematically illustrate a configuration of a measuring apparatus for measuring toe power; -
FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view illustrating a configuration of a toe exercise apparatus. - Now, embodiments of a toe exercise apparatus according to the present invention will be explained in detail below with reference to accompanying drawings.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an entire structure of atoe exercise apparatus 1 of this embodiment. As shown inFIG. 1 , thetoe exercise apparatus 1 of this embodiment comprises anouter frame section 2 having a rectangular shape, and aheel resting board 3 disposed on a rear end of theouter frame section 2. In front of theheel resting board 3, a pair of right and left flat plate-like slidingexercise boards outer frame section 2 which is divided by a central dividingsection 4. - The sliding
exercise boards FIG. 4 andFIG. 5 ) formed in the inner surface of theouter frame section 2, and slidable in right and left directions ofFIG. 1 individually. On each of the slidingexercise boards convex section 6 is formed which engages with base portion of toes. The slidingexercise boards FIG. 4 andFIG. 5 ) so that the front ends of each slidingexercise boards outer frame section 2 in a free state. -
FIG. 2 shows thetoe exercise apparatus 1 of this embodiment in use with left foot LF and right foot RF being on it. As shown inFIG. 1 , in using thetoe exercise apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the base portions of the right and left toes are brought into contact with theconvex sections 6 to pull theconvex sections 6 by the right and left toes so that the slidingexercise boards - As shown in
FIG. 2 , in this embodiment, theheel resting board 3 on which right andleft heels 10 are rested have a plurality ofgrooves 3a formed therein. Thegrooves 3 a increase a frictional force between theheel resting board 3 and theheels 10, and prevents slipping of theheels 10 on theheel resting board 3 when thetoes 9 are hooked on theconvex sections 6 to slide thesliding exercise boards grooves 3 a also makes the surfaces of theheel resting board 3 have uneven texture, which stimulates theheels 10 and provides acupressure effects. -
FIG. 3 shows a cross sectional view of thetoe exercise apparatus 1. As shown inFIG. 3 , thetoe exercise apparatus 1 of this embodiment includes thesliding grooves 8 which are formed in theouter frame section 2 and the central dividingsection 4 respectively, and into thesesliding grooves 8, the right and left slidingexercise boards - Below the
sliding grooves 8, thesprings 7 are provided in a stretched state, and each of thesprings 7 has an end locked to theouter frame section 2 and the other end locked to alocking pin 7 a which juts out under the lower surface of the slidingexercise boards exercise boards locking pin 7 a has a male threaded portion formed therein, so that the male threaded portion is threadedly engaged with the female threaded portion. - There are formed a plurality of female threaded portions in the lateral direction of
FIG. 4 , so that the tension of thesprings 7 can be arbitrary adjusted by choosing one of the female threaded portions to be threadedly engaged with thelocking pin 7 a, and thereby any size of load as desired can be provided to a user. The tension of thesprings 7 may be adjusted by any mechanism. Thesprings 7 constantly bias each of the slidingexercise boards - The
convex sections 6 formed on the slidingexercise boards toes 9 of the right and left feet when the user puts his/her weight on them with theheels 10 being on the heelresting sections 3. - In this embodiment, the members which a user touches such as the
outer frame section 2, theheel resting board 3, the central dividingsection 4, the slidingexercise boards section 4 serves to hold the slidingexercise boards exercise boards section 4, which allows thetoe exercise apparatus 1 to be multi-functional in use. - (First Method to Use)
- Now, a first method to use a
toe exercise apparatus 1 of this embodiment having a configuration described above will be explained with reference toFIG. 4 andFIG. 5 . - When a user puts his/her weight on the
toe exercise apparatus 1 with the base portions of thetoes 9 being hooked on theconvex sections 6, a pressure corresponding to the user's weight is applied to his/her feet bottoms. In particular, acupressure is applied to a plurality of points of theheels 10 due to the plurality ofgrooves 3 a formed in theheel resting board 3. Also, effective acupressure is applied to the base portion of the right andleft toes 9 due to the pressing of theconvex sections 6 disposed on each slidingexercise boards toes 9. - In the above state, when the user bends the right and
left toes 9 downward against the bias of the springs, thesliding exercise boards FIG. 5 which shows this state. - When the
bent toes 9 are stretched again as they were, the slidingexercise boards springs 7. The repetition of this bending and stretching of thetoes 9 with the reciprocation of the slidingexercise boards outer frame section 2 by detecting thelocking pins 7 a of thesprings 7 mounted on the slidingexercise boards display section 30. - According to the
toe exercise apparatus 1 of this embodiment, in order to slide the slidingexercise boards toes 9, since a significantly large power against the tension of thesprings 7 is required to repeatedly bend thetoes 9, planter muscle, especially, planter muscle of thumb can be extremely effectively built up. - Therefore, when athletes continue a training of about 200 times a day using the
toe exercise apparatus 1 with a stroke length L of about one inch, they can significantly build up the planter muscle of thumb in a short period, resulting in a significant build up of running ability, jumping ability, instantaneous force and the like which are the basic skills for any sports. - Meanwhile, when the training board is used as a daily health appliance, not only the training contributes to improvement of the basic physical strength, the training is extremely effective to treatments and correction of the valgus deformities and flat foot, and as the soles of fee are stimulated and the planter muscle is built up, the viscera is innervated so that better health can be achieved.
- (Second Method to Use)
- The
toe exercise apparatus 1 of this embodiment includes a tilting mechanism. That is, as shown inFIG. 6 , theheel resting board 3 of this embodiment is liftably attached at its rear end portion to theouter frame section 2 via ahinge mechanism 60. - As shown in
FIG. 4 andFIG. 5 , afitting hole 2 a is formed in theouter frame section 2 which is positioned at the rear potion of thetoe exercise apparatus 1. With thefitting projection 21 being fitted into thefitting hole 2 a, anangle adjusting stopper 20 is removably attached to theouter frame section 2. - The
angle adjusting stopper 20 hasfitting holes 20 a formed in its bottom and side. On the other hand, theouter frame section 2 hasfitting projections 2 b on its upper surface. Theangle adjusting stopper 20 is configured to be fixed on the upper surface of theouter frame section 2 by fitting thefitting projection 2 b into thefitting hole 20 a with theheel resting board 3 being lifted up. - As described above, when the
heel resting board 3 is pushed down with theangle adjusting stopper 20 being fixed on theouter frame section 2, as shown in the perspective view ofFIG. 7 , theheel resting board 3 is tilted at a predetermined angle relative to theouter frame section 2. When a user puts his/her tiptoes on theheel resting board 3 and transfers his/her weight to the tiptoes with theheels 10 being remained on the floor, his/her Achilles tendon, calf and planter muscle of thumb can be stretched. -
FIG. 6 shows theangle adjusting stopper 20 mounted by fitting thefitting hole 20 a formed in the bottom of theangle adjusting stopper 20 with thefitting projection 2 b formed on theouter frame section 2, but theheel resting board 3 may be tilted at a wider angle when thefitting hole 20 a formed in a side of the angle adjusting stopper 20 (not shown) is fitted with thefitting projection 2 b. - As described above, in the
toe exercise apparatus 1 of this embodiment, theheel resting board 3 has a surface having a plurality ofgrooves 3 a formed therein. Thegrooves 3 a increase a frictional force between theheel resting board 3 and a user's feet bottoms in stretching Achilles tendon, calf, planter muscle of thumb and the like. Also, in transferring a user's weight to his/her feet bottoms for the stretching, the uneven texture of thegrooves 3 a is pressed against his/her feet bottoms to stimulate them. The stimulation promotes recovery from general fatigue, warm-up exercises for sports, recovery from muscular pain, and the like, and provides an advantage to allow thetoe exercise apparatus 1 to be multi-functional in use. - The above described embodiment shows a basic configuration of the
toe exercise apparatus 1 according to the present invention, and various functions may be added to thetoe exercise apparatus 1 other than those described above. - For example, measuring
portion 80 for measuring toe power may be mounted on thetoe exercise apparatus 1. If the measuringportion 80 is mounted, as shown inFIG. 8 , the measuringportion 80 is removably mounted between theouter frame section 2 and the slidingexercise boards portion 80 may be mechanical measuring apparatus or electrical measuring apparatus (for example, an apparatus having a piezo-electric device) both of which are known, and so the measuringportion 80 will not be explained in detail below.FIG. 1 shows an example provided with a displayingapparatus 101 on theouter frame 2 for displaying a result measured by the measuringportion 80. - As described above, the measuring portion for measuring toe power makes it possible for a user to recognize an improved athletic ability of planter muscle and the like as a numeric value after the toe exercises using the toe exercise apparatus of the present invention, which serves as an encouragement to the user for the toe exercise, and is effective to make the user continue the toe exercise.
- In the above described embodiment, the
heel resting board 3 has a plurality ofgrooves 3 a formed therein to provide uneven texture on the surface of theheel resting board 3. Alternatively, the surface of theheel resting board 3 may be provided with a plurality of convex portions to provide uneven texture. Forming a plurality ofgrooves 3 a or a plurality of convex portions in or on theheel resting board 3 made of wood requires considerable efforts, and leads to a higher manufacturing cost, and so, a synthetic resin sheet, rubber sheet or the like with uneven texture may be attached to the surface of theheel resting board 3 so that the surface of theheel resting board 3 can be provided with the uneven texture. - As described above, since the toe exercise apparatus according to the present invention has a simple configuration as an exercise apparatus for both toe exercise and toe stretch, an apparatus for both toe exercise and toe stretch with reduced size at reduced manufacturing cost can be achieved. In this way, a toe exercise apparatus can be provided which not only improves the basic ability of athletes, but also are readily available to general users.
- Now, a second embodiment of the present invention will be explained in detail below with reference to
FIG. 9 andFIG. 10 . The measuringportion 80 illustrated inFIG. 8 for measuring toe power is an example which is incorporated in thetoe exercise apparatus 1. - To the contrary, in this embodiment, a measuring
portion 100 for measuring toe power is a single unit which is separate from the toe exercise apparatus. Specifically, theheel resting board 3 is not an element to be lifted up, and in this context, theangle adjusting stopper 20, thefitting hole 20 a, and thefitting projection 2 b are not included. Moreover, thespring 7 and lockingpin 7 a are not included, neither. - A displaying apparatus for displaying a measured result to a user may be disposed at any position on a surface of the measuring
apparatus 100. For example,FIG. 10 shows an example in which a displayingapparatus 101 is disposed on a surface of the front portion of theouter frame 2. The displayingapparatus 101 may be any mechanical, electrical, or other style of displaying apparatus, depending on the type of measuringportion 80. - With this configuration, in an exercise facility where a plurality of the
toe exercise apparatuses 1 are used, one measuringapparatus 100 is to be provided for the apparatuses. This configuration eliminates user's effort to attach and remove thespring 7 and measuringportion 80, since a user can use the measuringapparatus 100 which is for measuring purpose only when the user wants to measure toe power. - The measuring
apparatus 100 of this embodiment has a structure similar to that of thetoe exercise apparatus 1, and this provides an advantage that toe power can be measured with a user being in the position similar to that during toe exercise. Thus, conveniently, a user can know the result of toe exercise without fail by using themeasuring apparatus 100 with thetoe exercise apparatus 1. - In the above described each embodiment, as shown in
FIG. 11 ,magnet outer frame section 2 and aheel resting board 3 with magnetic force may be mounted on the toe exercise apparatus 1(100). Furthermoremagnet outer frame section 2 and anangle adjusting stopper 20 with magnetic force may be mounted on the toe exercise apparatus 1(100). - According to the present invention, the apparatus includes a heel resting board mounted at a rear portion of an outer frame section, the outer frame section being an outer frame of the entire apparatus; a pair of right and left sliding exercise boards mounted in front of the heel resting board and being movable forward and backward relative to the outer frame section; biasing portion for constantly biasing the sliding exercise boards forward; a convex section disposed on each sliding exercise board at a position corresponding to base portion of a user's toes when the user rests his/her heel on the heel resting board; a hinge mechanism for liftably supporting the heel resting board relative to the outer frame section; and tilting and supporting portion for fixedly supporting the heel resting board at a predetermined angle with the heel resting board being lifted up and tilted at the angle, and this configuration normally enables training of planter muscle of thumb and the like by sliding the sliding exercise boards forward and backward by the toes with heels resting on the heel resting board which is pushed flat. With the heel resting board being tilted at a predetermined angle and fixedly supported at the angle, the configuration of the apparatus enables stretching of Achilles tendon, calf, planter muscle of thumb and the like. In this way, an apparatus for toe exercise and toe stretch can be achieved with reduced size at reduced manufacturing cost.
Claims (5)
1. A toe exercise apparatus, comprising:
a heel resting board mounted at a rear portion of an outer frame section, the outer frame section being an outer frame of the entire apparatus;
a pair of right and left sliding exercise boards mounted in front of the heel resting board and being movable forward and backward relative to the outer frame section;
biasing portion for constantly biasing the sliding exercise boards forward; and
a convex section disposed on each sliding exercise board at a position corresponding to base portion of a user's toes when the user rests his/her heels on the heel resting board.
2. The toe exercise apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a hinge mechanism for liftably supporting the heel resting board relative to the outer frame section; and
tilting and supporting portion for fixedly supporting the heel resting board at an angle with the heel resting board being lifted up and tilted at the angle.
3. The toe exercise apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the heel resting board has a surface having uneven texture so that a frictional force between a user's feet bottoms and the heel resting board is increased and the user's feet bottoms are stimulated by the uneven texture when the user rests his/her feet on the heel resting board.
4. The toe exercise apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the tilting and supporting portion comprises a bar-like object, and the bar-like object has a fitting projection formed thereon, so that the bar-like object is mounted on the outer frame section by fitting the fitting projection into a fitting hole formed in the outer frame section.
5. The toe exercise apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising measuring portion disposed between the sliding exercise boards and the outer frame section for measuring toe power.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP2005230851 | 2005-08-09 | ||
JP2005-230851 | 2005-08-09 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20070037672A1 true US20070037672A1 (en) | 2007-02-15 |
Family
ID=36992732
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/491,479 Abandoned US20070037672A1 (en) | 2005-08-09 | 2006-07-24 | Toe exercise apparatus |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20070037672A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1752196A1 (en) |
Cited By (16)
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US20100242310A1 (en) * | 2009-03-31 | 2010-09-30 | Prasad Gourineni | Achilles and foot arch stretching devices and methods performed therewith |
US20100279835A1 (en) * | 2007-12-25 | 2010-11-04 | Takahisa Ozawa | Auxiliary exercise equipment |
US20120028764A1 (en) * | 2010-07-27 | 2012-02-02 | Miller Richard D | Hand-exercising and wrist-massaging platform |
US20120190515A1 (en) * | 2007-03-07 | 2012-07-26 | James Anthony Barry | Limb and limb extremity exercise device |
US20140135179A1 (en) * | 2012-11-12 | 2014-05-15 | Power-Web International, Inc. | Hand exerciser device |
US20150126337A1 (en) * | 2012-05-11 | 2015-05-07 | Miroslav POPOV | Lateral Foot Sliding Mechanism |
WO2017179821A1 (en) * | 2016-04-14 | 2017-10-19 | 주식회사 이랜시스 | Toe tapping exercise equipment |
US9962574B2 (en) | 2011-05-10 | 2018-05-08 | Sperry Product Innovation, Inc. | Exercise apparatus |
USD827333S1 (en) | 2016-10-28 | 2018-09-04 | Varidesk, Llc | Mat |
USD847536S1 (en) | 2016-10-28 | 2019-05-07 | Varidesk, Llc | Mat |
US10549142B1 (en) * | 2018-04-10 | 2020-02-04 | Randall Ash | Calf-stretching device |
WO2021061426A1 (en) * | 2019-09-23 | 2021-04-01 | Yamada Spencer Fumio | Foot exercise device |
CN113017604A (en) * | 2021-03-04 | 2021-06-25 | 长春大学 | Plantar pressure detection system for rehabilitation department |
US20210353492A1 (en) * | 2019-06-11 | 2021-11-18 | Korea Advanced Institute Of Science And Technology | Foot stretching and diagnosis device, and method for calculating stiffness of foot |
US11364417B1 (en) * | 2021-11-22 | 2022-06-21 | Dylan Prejean | Foot exercise apparatus for eliminating flat feet |
US11951060B2 (en) * | 2019-06-11 | 2024-04-09 | Korea Advanced Institute Of Science And Technology | Foot stretching and diagnosis device, and method for calculating stiffness of foot |
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GB2464326A (en) * | 2008-10-10 | 2010-04-14 | Gerrard Farrell | Device for excercising the plantar fascia of the foot |
US8360940B2 (en) | 2009-11-17 | 2013-01-29 | Rk Inventions, Llc | Lower leg and foot exercise device |
DE202009015542U1 (en) * | 2009-11-17 | 2010-03-25 | Janson, Michael, Dr. | Foot Trainer |
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US11364417B1 (en) * | 2021-11-22 | 2022-06-21 | Dylan Prejean | Foot exercise apparatus for eliminating flat feet |
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Legal Events
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