US20140274589A1

US20140274589A1 - Lower extremity exercise wedge

Info

Publication number: US20140274589A1
Application number: US14/209,893
Authority: US
Inventors: George Christopher Harkins
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-03-14
Filing date: 2014-03-13
Publication date: 2014-09-18

Abstract

A lower extremity exercise device for performing strengthening exercises for the calf muscles, as well as for performing static or dynamic stretching of the calf muscles. The device is preferably configured to have a generally wedge-shape positionable upon a flat surface. The wedge defines an upper, inclined platform surface for receiving the foot of a user, and has a rounded base portion having an asymmetric, gradually increasing radius to allow the user's foot to smoothly roll or rotate the device forward when pushed thereagainst. In use, the device allows for natural, relative rotations between the forefoot pivot-point and the ankle joint in the sagittal plane.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/784,680, entitled LOWER EXTREMITY WEDGE, filed Mar. 14, 2013, all of the teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference.

STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND

Exercises for strengthening and stretching the calf muscles are well-known in the art. Generally, calf muscle exercises involve calf “raises” where an individual raises his or her heel up into the air by pushing up on the balls of the individual's feet. Typically such calf-raises are performed with the individual assuming a standing position, although calf-raises may be performed with the individual in a seated position. To increase the range of motion, the individual may stand such that the heels of the individual extend off the ledge of a step or stair to thus increase the linear range of motion the individual can raise and lower the individual's heel, which thus in turn increases the length the calf muscles can transition from extended to flexed positions.
Numerous other exercises are well-known and frequently employed to develop the strength of calf muscles. Exemplary of such further prior art exercises include jumping exercises, such as box jumps and even simply jumping rope, that deploy a repetitive jumping motion to target the calf muscles. Alternatively, a number of squatting and pulling exercises are frequently performed, such as the dumb-bell jump squats and various dragging or pulling exercises whereby the individual is caused to walk or jog on the balls of the individual's feet.
Problematic with all such calf strengthening exercises is the linear nature of such exercise whereby the calf muscles are only worked along a common axis without any regard to an individual's natural motion, or the movements and shift of a person's weight that comes with performing a standing calf raise. Moreover, many of the aforementioned prior art exercise are high-impact in nature, and thus are well-known to increase the risk of damage and/or injury to the individual, and most notably to the individual's ankles and knees.
With respect to stretching the calf muscles, such process typically involves little more than an individual leaning into a wall or other sturdy support with arms stretched out at chest level with the individual extending one or both legs rearwardly with his or her knees straight, with the heel or heels still in contact or in as close contact with the ground as possible. While effective, such stretching motion is likewise linear in nature, as discussed above, and does not take into account the individual's natural movement or range of motion that occurs with standing or weight bearing plantar flexion, much less the shift of the individual's center of mass that occurs as the individual's weight shifts from leg to leg during a walking or running motion. Such conventional stretching action likewise does not accommodate the shift in weight that occurs from the heels to the balls of the feet of the individual during such walking or running motions.
There is thus a substantial need in the art for an exercise device that can be utilized to strengthen calf muscles that does so in a way that approximates the natural movement and range of motion of an individual's foot and ankle relative the lower leg as would occur during walking or running. There is likewise a need in the art for a device that can be utilized to facilitate the stretching of calf muscles that accommodates the individual's normal range of motion, and particularly so with natural plantar flexion motion and how such motion fluctuates with changes in an individual's center of mass during walking, or running forward, jumping motions and the like. There is yet a further need for such a device that is of simple construction, easy to use, is exceptionally effective and efficient for use in performing calf strengthening and stretching exercises, substantially minimizes, if not eliminates, impact, and is compact and easily transportable in nature.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The present invention specifically addresses and alleviates the above-identified deficiencies in the art. In this regard, the present invention is directed to an exercise device for use in performing strengthening exercises for the calf muscles, as well as to provide stretching exercises for the calf muscles. According to a preferred embodiment, the device is fashioned as a wedge having a generally triangular profile having a rounded base portion for performing a rocking-type motion via the user's foot. In this regard, the device defines an inclining upper platform surface upon which an individual positions his or her foot. The generally wedge-type shape, which is specifically designed and configured to have an asymmetrical, increasing radius extending from the rounded base portion to the forefront of the platform surface, is operative to cause the upper platform surface to transform from its upwardly-extending incline relative level ground, per a first position, and roll forward about rounded base portion such that the upper platform surface can rock forwards and backwards such that the platform surface can perform see-saw like movements in a second active configuration. According to a preferred embodiment, the rounded base portion is defined by a gradually-increasing radius as measured from the upper platform surface extending thereacross. The forward-most portion of the platform surface defines a working resistance range of the platform that can preferably range from 7-10 inches, with 8-9 inches being preferred. In addition, the radius of the rounded base portion gradually increases, which according to a preferred embodiment increases by a factor of approximately 50% from the starting point to end point of the individual's full plantar flexion motion (i.e., a standing calf-raise) while the individual stands on the platform.
To perform static calf stretches, the individual places a respective one of his or her heels at the back of the platform surface while the device is in its first resting position such that the individual's foot and toes extend upwardly along the incline, whereby the user transitions his or her weight on that foot. To perform dynamic stretching and calf-raises, the individual places his or her forefoot in front of the fulcrum (i.e., the forward-most portion of the upper platform surface) and performs a forward rocking motion thus causing the device to correspondingly roll about the rounded base portion towards its second active position. To create the desired resistance, the individual can adjust the exact placement of the foot upon the upper platform surface.
The device may be made from a variety of materials and may further include optional mechanisms to limit the range of motion the device rotates as may be desired for certain applications, including physical therapy and rehabilitation purposes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These as well as other features of the present invention will become more apparent upon reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is an elevated perspective view of a lower extremity exercise device constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a frontal view of the exercise device of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the exercise device of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the exercise device of the present invention further showing the general dimensions and the asymmetrical, variable radius incorporated as part of the device design of the device.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the exercise device of the present invention illustrating the foot and leg of a user positioned thereon and illustrating the corresponding motion of the device corresponding to the plantar flexion of the foot positioned thereon.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description set forth below is intended as a description of the presently preferred embodiment of the invention, and is not intended to represent the only form in which the present invention may be implemented or performed. The description sets forth the functions and sequences of steps for practicing the invention. It is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by different embodiments and that they are also intended to be encompassed within the scope of the invention.
Referring now to the drawings, and initially to FIG. 1, there is shown a lower extremity exercise device 10 constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, the exercise device 10 is fashioned generally as a wedge defining an upper platform surface 12 extending upwardly via sidewall 14 operative to define a generally triangular profile having a rounded base portion 18. Such rounded base portion 18, discussed more fully below, is operative to enable the device to transition from a first resting position, as shown, whereby the platform surface 12 extends in an upwardly-inclined manner, and roll forward about rounded base portion 18 such that the upper platform surface 12 can rock forwards and backwards such that the platform surface 12 can perform see-saw like movements in a second active configuration.
Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a frontal view of the device 10 assuming the first position, which shows body member 18 at the foremost portion of the device 10 flanked by side walls 14 and 16 and defining the upper platform surface 12 atop thereof in the first position. FIG. 3, which shows the rear view of the device 10, illustrates how the upper platform surface 12 inclines upwardly from the rear portion, as shown, and towards the front of the device 10 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.
As will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art, the device 10 may be fabricated from any of a variety of durable materials utilized in the field of exercise and physical training, physical therapy, rehabilitation and the like. In this regard, and as discussed more fully below, the device 10 is operative to fully support the weight of a user standing thereon, as well as the ability of the user to perform plantar flexion motions and exercise motions, such as calf raises, while standing on the device 10. Accordingly, it will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art that the robustness and durability of the wedge given its use in exercise and weight-supporting applications must be appreciated.
Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a side view of the device 10 illustrating the various dimensions and structure thereof. According to a preferred embodiment, the top platform surface 12 will be sized and configured to receive the foot of an individual thereon, as well as support the weight of an individual standing the device 10. According to a preferred embodiment, upper platform surface 12 will have a length ranging from approximately 18 to 24 inches. Per the preferred embodiment, the upper platform surface 12 will have a length of approximately 19-22 inches defined by a first forward-most portion 20 having a length ranging from 7 to 10 inches and a rear platform portion 22 having a length ranging from 9 to 15 inches. In a more highly preferred embodiment, upper platform surface 12 will have a length of approximately 20.5 inches whereby first forward-most portion 20 will have a length ranging from 8 to 9 inches, with 8.5 inches being most preferred, and a rear platform portion 22 having a length ranging from 11.5 to 12.5 inches, with 12 inches being most preferred. At the juncture between upper platform portions 20 and 22 is point 24, which defines upwardly extending arch 26, the latter having a progressively-expanding radius as shown by radii 28, 30, 32, 34 respectively. According to a preferred embodiment, the upwardly extending arch 26 will have a beginning radius of 28 that will range from 5 to 7 inches, with 6 inches being preferred. The radius 28 will become progressively larger to radius 30, 32 and ultimately 34, the latter preferably having a length of approximately 1.5 times longer than beginning radius 28.
By virtue of such design, the application of force or pressure forward of point 24 will result in a forward rocking motion. Alternatively, application of force behind point 24 results in no rocking, but rather the lifting of an individual's heel off the platform 12, discussed more fully below. To achieve the optimal design of the device 10 as shown, it will be understood that angles A and B will be formed at the forward-most and rear-most ends of the device 10 as shown. By constructing the device 10 in the aforementioned manner, angle A will thus form an acute angle ranging from 70 to 90 degrees and angle B will range from 20 to 40 degrees.
Key to the invention is the rounded base portion 18, defined by gradually extending arch 26 which provides the rocking motion of the device 10 when in use, will gradually increase as the device is rotated forward. In this regard, such increase is illustrated by virtue of the difference in the length between radius 28 of semicircle 26 and length 20 defining the length of the upper portion of platform surface 12. Using the gradually increasing radius along body portion 18 during the forward rocking motion of the device 10 is essential to the utility of the present invention. Insofar as such feature creates a mechanism that offers a broad range of resistance for performing calf raise exercises; placing one's foot further back on the platform surface 12 of device 10 offers greater resistance while placing one's foot more forward offers less resistance.
Such feature likewise provides counter-resistance against two innate, biomechanical mechanism which would otherwise propel the user's center of mass too far forward and render a constant-radius device useless. The first biomechanical mechanism involved is gait initiation whereby the body moves its center of mass forward in order to load the calf muscle in preparation of forward locomotion and yet remain in a balanced upright position. The second biomechanical mechanism is the motion of the ankle joint as it rises and moves forward in a circular path about the forefoot during a standing calf-raise. The forward distance which the ankle joint moves, relative to the forefoot pivot point is approximately 40% of the distance from the ankle joint to the forefoot pivot point while standing at rest. In similar fashion to gait initiation, the action of the ankle joint moving forward requires the individual's center of mass to move forward as well.
The device 10 was made to allow for the natural, relative rotations between the forefoot pivot-point and the ankle joint in the sagittal plane. Since no other part of the body is attached to any other piece of hardware, as would take place with a conventional gym machine, the user's legs, hips and torso are free to rotate about their normal vertical axes. The device 10 can be made with different ranges of radii to accommodate any foot size. The ideal starting radius should be similar in magnitude to the distance from the ankle's axis of rotation to the ball of the foot. Too small a radius would reduce the device to a simple rocker board; too large a radius and resistance would be too great for the device to be functional. The device is made with a starting radius of approximately 6 inches to match a generalized or average foot measurement and to account for the added elevation due to wearing running shoes while using this device.
The purpose of this device is to negate the need for or consideration of:
1. A large heavy object against which one needs to push while extending an individual's leg(s) behind them in order to achieve a calf muscle stretch;
2. gym machines with shoulder harnesses and static platforms for performing calf-raise exercises;
3. flexibility of an individual's shoes which hinder movement through the full range of ankle dorsiflexion and plantar flexion motions while performing calf raises;
4. an individual's shoes slipping off an edge such as a curb or block or other platform while performing standing calf stretches or raises; and
5. the need to “hook” an individual's forefoot over the edge of a curb or block to keep from slipping off during the duration of the stretch or exercise.
With respect to the use of the device, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the same is believed to be readily apparent to those skilled in the art whereby the foot of the user 30 is positioned upon the upper platform surface 12 of the device 10 as shown. The device 10 is to be used one foot or leg at a time in order to employ one's own body weight as the source of resistance. To perform static calf stretches, one would place their heel at the back of the platform 12 and shift his or her body weight on that foot. To perform dynamic stretching and calf raises, one would place his or her forefoot in front of the fulcrum (forward of the center point 24) and adjust exact placement for the desired resistance. By simply performing plantar flexion, the device 10 correspondingly transitions from first to second positions and thus provides for the aforementioned benefits to be realized.
Advantageously, the device 10 is thus capable of enabling an individual to perform a variety of static and dynamic motions that are vastly superior to prior art exercise and stretching techniques that purportedly target the calf muscles. Not only is such device 10 well suited for general stretching and exercise applications, the same may also be readily used for physical therapy and rehabilitation purposes. Along those lines, and not illustrated in the drawings, it is understood that any of a variety of mechanisms and modifications may be made so as to limit the rocking motion of body member 18 in a manner illustrated in FIG. 5 so as to limit the range of motion and, where appropriate, focus on specific types and degrees of stretching as may be desired for a particular application, most notably those in physical therapy and rehabilitation purposes that would not necessarily seek to utilize the full range of motion offered by the device 10 of the present invention. As will further be appreciated, to the extent necessary to achieve a wider range of motion and/or exceptionally large feet (e.g., for professional athletes and the like), the platform surface 12, side wall portions 14, 16, and body portion 18 may be proportionately enlarged relative one another so as to accommodate specific strength and training needs.
Also, although depicted as a solid body member 18, it is understood that side wall portions 14, 16 may be operative simply to define side walls, rails, supports and the like about which upper platform 12 will rotate in a manner illustrated by FIG. 5 and thus achieve all of the desired results specified herein without the need for portion 18. Similarly, body portion 18 may be formed integral with or simply attachable to upper platform surface 12 and may desired for disassembly, easy manufacturing and shipping, and space efficiency. The device can also be made to be solid or hollow in nature.
Additional modifications and improvements of the present invention may also be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Thus, the particular combination of parts and steps described and illustrated herein is intended to represent only certain embodiments of the present invention, and is not intended to serve as limitations of alternative devices and methods within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A lower extremity exercise device operative to strengthen and stretch the calf muscles of an individual comprising:

a. a platform surface sized and adapted to receive the foot of an individual;

b. at least one side wall member formed beneath said upper platform surface and defining a wedge-shaped profile having a rounded base portion; and

c. wherein said device is operative to position said platform surface in an upwardly inclined position relative level ground in a first resting position and to rotate about said rounded base portion in a second active configuration such that said platform surface correspondingly performs see-saw movements, said transition from said first position and second active configuration corresponding with plantar flexion of said individual's foot positioned upon said upper platform surface.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein said upper platform surface has a length extending from 19 inches to 22 inches.

3. The device of claim 2 wherein said upper platform surface has a length of approximately 20.5 inches.

4. The device of claim 3 wherein said rounded base portion is characterized by an upwardly extending arch having a progressively expanding radius, said radius having a length between 5-7 inches.

5. The device of claim 4 wherein said radius has a length of approximately 6 inches.

6. The device of claim 4 wherein said radius progressively expands from a first minimum length to a second maximum length, said second maximum length being 1.5 times said minimum length.