"Leg Exercising Apparatus"
This invention relates to leg exercising apparatus for use in vehicles, such as coaches, trains, cars and particularly aircraft.
Prolonged confinement to vehicles may be detrimental to the health of passengers travelling therein. Cramped conditions and lower air pressure may lead to vascular problems, such as deep-vein thrombosis, in the lower limbs of passengers. This problem, in relation to travel in aircraft, is sometimes referred to as "Economy Class Syndrome". One way in which a passenger may avoid such a problem is to periodically walk during a long flight, thereby encouraging blood to flow in his or her legs. Such activity, however, is discouraged by aircraft operators as atmospheric disturbances, such as turbulence, which are known to cause unexpected movement of aircraft, may result in injury to passengers walking therein.
It is an object of this invention to address this problem.
According to a first aspect of this invention there is provided leg exercising apparatus for use in a vehicle, the apparatus including first and second foot- engaging means, each arranged to be engaged by a respective foot, including the heel, of a seated passenger, the foot-engaging means being arranged to be reciprocatingly displaced in response to movement of the feet, wherein the apparatus is arranged to minimise movement of the heels during the reciprocating displacement.
Minimisation of heel movement is advantageous in giving rise to comfort of operation of the apparatus by the passenger. Comfortable operation is likely to result in greater use of the apparatus by the passenger than would be the case were operation uncomfortable.
The apparatus is preferably for positioning on a surface, such as a floor, of the
vehicle during use and is preferably arranged such that the heels are not substantially elevated above the surface by operation of the apparatus.
The apparatus is preferably arranged such that each foot-engaging means is operable to be reciprocatingly displaced in response to angular movement of the respective foot, the angular movement being to vary the angle between the top of the or each foot and the respective leg of the passenger.
Preferably, the apparatus is arranged such that each foot pivots substantially about a point adjacent its heel, during said angular movement, that point being substantially fixed with respect to the surface.
Each foot-engaging means may include a respective inflatable and deflatable chamber, reciprocating displacement of each foot-engaging means resulting in alternately inflating and deflating the respective chamber. Each chamber may be filled with sponge, foam or some such other resiliently deformable material .
Each chamber may be in fluid communication with the respective other chamber such that each chamber is reciprocatingly inflatable by deflation of the respective other chamber.
According to another aspect of this invention, there is provided leg exercising apparatus for use in a vehicle, the apparatus including two foot-engaging inflatable chambers in fluid communication with one another, each inflatable chamber being arranged to be engaged by a respective foot of a seated operator and to be reciprocatingly inflated by deflation of the respective other chamber under action of the respective foot, wherein the apparatus is arranged to minimise movement of the heels of the passenger during use.
The apparatus preferably includes at least one heel-engaging portion arranged to be engaged by one or both heels such that the apparatus is maintained in position thereby. The or each heel-engaging portion may be such that it is
clampable to the surface by one or both heels. The or each heel engaging portion may be a web of material. The or each heel-engaging portion may define at least one hole therethrough, the or each hole being arranged to receive a respective heel therethrough such that, in use, the or each heel abuts the surface on which the apparatus is positioned, thereby pining the apparatus in position.
Each foot-engaging means preferably includes a respective heel-engaging portion. The or each heel-engaging potion may be integral with one or a respective one of the chambers, such that the or each heel-engaging portion is inflatable, but where this is the case, the or each heel-engaging portion is of reduced volume with respect to the chambers such that the or each heel- engaging portion is collapsible when a heel is placed thereon such that, during use, the heel does not tend to be lifted above the surface on which the apparatus is positioned.
Each chamber may include a respective one of the heel-engaging portions. Each chamber, when inflated, is preferably substantially wedge-shaped, the narrow end of each wedge constituting the respective heel-engaging portion.
The two chambers may be in fluid communication via flow resistance means, the flow resistance means being arranged to resist the flow of fluid therethrough. The flow resistance means may include a constriction, such as a narrow passage. The flow resistance means may include valve means. The valve means may be adjustable so as to allow varying rates of fluid flow therethrough. The valve means may include a clamp that is variably applicable to the constriction so as to variably constrict fluid flow therethrough.
At least one of the chambers may include a closeable air inlet/outlet valve arranged for the introduction of air into, and the expulsion of air from, the two chambers and the flow resistance means by the operator.
The apparatus is preferably arranged such that pressure exerted on one of the chambers by an operator pressing on it with his or her foot causes fluid to be forced from the one chamber, through the resistance means and into the other chamber, thereby causing the one chamber to partially collapse and the other chamber to partially expand.
The chambers may be of a repeatedly deformable material that is not readily air permeable, for example vinyl, plastic, rubber or an air-tight cloth. The chambers and at least a portion of the flow resistance means may be integral. The chambers and at least a portion of the flow-resistance means may be a one-piece moulding.
The first and second foot-engaging means may be mechanically coupled.
According to a further aspect of this invention, there is provided leg exercising apparatus for use in a vehicle, the apparatus including first and second foot- engaging means, each operable to be engaged by a respective foot of a seated passenger and to be reciprocatingly displaced in response to movement of the feet of the passenger, wherein the first and second foot-engaging means are mechanically coupled so as to resist at least part of said reciprocating displacement and thereby to resist at least part of said movement of the feet.
The first and second foot-engaging means may be coupled such that, during operation, the feet move in opposite directions.
The first and second foot-engaging means may be interconnected by an elongate flexible member, the elongate flexible member passing over pulley means such that movement of the first foot-engaging means in one direction causes movement of the second foot-engaging means in an opposite direction. The pulley means may be operable to resist movement of the elongate flexible member relative thereto. The surface of the pulley means and the surface of the elongate flexible member may be such that friction therebetween substantially
resists relative movement thereof. The pulley means may be a pulley mounted on a spindle such that rotation of the pulley relative to the spindle is resited, thereby resulting in movement of the elongate flexible member relative to the pulley also being resisted. The foot-engaging means may be foot pedals that are pivotably mounted along a respective edge for angular movement thereabout.
Specific embodiments of the invention are now described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of leg exercising apparatus;
Figure 2 is a plan view of alternative leg exercising apparatus in a deflated state;
Figure 3 is a perspective view of the alternative leg exercising apparatus of
Figure 2, inflated for use; Figure 4 is a perspective view of a clip;
Figure 5 is a perspective view of the alternative leg exercising apparatus of
Figures 2 and 3, including the clip of Figure 4; and
Figure 6 is a perspective view of another alternative leg exercising apparatus.
Figure 1 shows leg exercising apparatus 10. The apparatus 10 includes a first chamber 20, a second chamber 30 and a passageway 40, the passageway 40 extending between the first and second chambers 20,30. The first and second chambers 20, 30 are substantially the same, each being hollow and substantially wedge-shaped so that each has a base 21,31, an upper wall 22,32 inclined to the base 21,31, an inner wall 23,33 and an outer wall 24,34. The first and second chambers 10,20 are arranged in spaced parallel relationship such that a narrow end of each wedge-shaped chamber 20,30 points in the same direction. The passageway 40 extends from the inner wall 23 of the first chamber 20 to the inner wall 33 of the second chamber 20. Together, the first and second chambers 20,30 and the passageway 40 are in air-tight fluid communication so as to constitute a closed system.
The first and second chambers 20,30 and the passageway 40 are fabricated from a flexible, air-tight fabric such as vinyl. It is envisaged that these three components 20,30,40 may be integral. The first chamber 20 includes an air valve 50 of the sort that is commonly found on swimming arm bands or on inflatable dinghies.
The passageway 40 includes a restriction valve (not shown) placed therein. The restriction valve serves to reduce the cross sectional area of the space enclosed by the passageway 40.
The first and second chambers 20,30 each include an integral rectangular pad 26,36. Each pad 26,36 is coplanar with the base 21,31 of the respective chamber 20,30 and projects from the narrow end thereof. The pads 26,36 are joined by an interconnecting web 60. It is envisaged that the pads 26,36 and the web 60 are integral with the first and second chambers 20,30 and the passageway 40. Each pad 26,36 is thin with respect to its length and width. It is envisaged the each pad 26,36 may be replaced with a respective non- inflatable web of material in alternative embodiments.
In operation, air is introduced into the first and second chambers 20,30 and the passageway 40 by an operator (not shown) blowing into the valve 50. After enough air has been introduced to fill one of the chambers 20,30, the valve 50 is closed. It should be noted that, in Figure 1, both the chambers 20,30 are shown fully inflated to more easily illustrate their shape, whereas in use, the apparatus would only contain enough air to fully inflate one of the chambers 20,30. The apparatus 10 is then placed on the floor of an aircraft (not shown) in which the operator is seated, such that the base 21,31 of each chamber 20,30 rests on the floor of the aircraft. The operator places his or her feet onto the apparatus 10, each foot resting on a respective one of the two upper walls 22,32, such that each heel rests on a respective pad 26,36. The two uppermost walls 22,32 constitute the foot-engaging means referred to hereinbefore.
The operator presses down onto the uppermost wall 22 of the first chamber 20 with a first one of his or her feet. Air in the first chamber 20 is forced out of the first chamber 20, into the passageway 40, though the restricting valve 60, and into the second chamber 30. This results in the first chamber 20 being deflated and the second chamber 30 being inflated. In deflating the first chamber 20, the first foot pressing thereon pivots about its heel, increasing the angle between the top of the foot and the shin of the operator's respective leg until the sole of the first foot comes to rest on top of the base 21 of the first chamber 20, and hence on the floor of the aircraft. In performing this movement, the operator has contracted the calf muscle in a first one of his or her legs, the first leg being attached to the first foot. Inflation of the second chamber 30 results in the other foot placed thereon pivoting about its heel so as to reduce the angle between the top of the other foot and shin of the operator's other leg so that the other foot makes an oblique angle with the floor at its heel. In performing this movement, the operator has relaxed the calf muscle in his or her other leg.
The operator then presses down on the uppermost surface 32 of the second chamber 30, causing air in the second chamber 30 to be forced out of the second chamber 30, into the passageway 40, through the restricting valve 60 and into the first chamber 20. This results in the second chamber 30 being deflated and the first chamber 20 being inflated. It will be appreciated that this is the reverse of the operation described above and results in the first foot rotating about its heel and moving to a position in which it is oblique to the floor, and the other foot rotating about its heel and moving to a position in which it rests on the floor. This is brought about by the operator relaxing the calf muscles in his or her first leg and contracting the calf muscles in his or her other leg.
The operator repeats these two movements alternately so that each chamber 20,30 is repeatedly inflated and deflated under the action of the operator's feet as moved by repeated contraction and relaxation of the operator's calf muscles.
The action of the operator's feet may therefore be considered to resemble a pedalling action.
It will be appreciated that repeated contraction and relaxation of the operator's calf muscles tends to encourage blood to flow in the operator's legs.
Throughout operation of the apparatus 10, the operator's heels remain in place on the pads 26, 36. As the pads 26, 36 are thin and therefore filled with only a little air, each heel tends to force an upper most surface of the respective pad 26, 36 against a lower most surface thereof, and the two surfaces of the respective pad 26, 36 against the floor of the aircraft. This prevents undesirable movement of the apparatus 10 across the floor. Furthermore, by allowing each heel to remain at floor level in this way, the apparatus 10 gives rise to a more comfortable operation that would be the case were the heels periodically elevated above the floor.
Upon ceasing operation, the valve 50 is opened and air inside the apparatus 10 is expelled therefrom through the valve 50. The apparatus, being deflated, occupies a small volume and lends itself to convenient storage in a pocket of clothing, or in a bag.
Figure 2 shows alternative leg exercising leg apparatus 100. The alternative apparatus 100 is substantially similar to the apparatus 10 descried above with reference to Figure 1. The alternative apparatus 100 is formed from two sheets of vinyl, only a top one 110 of which is shown in Figure 2. Each sheet 110 is the same shape and is substantially pear-shaped. However, each sheet 110 includes two holes 112 spaced side-by-side adjacent a narrower end of the pear-shape. The top sheet 110 and the bottom sheet are welded together around the periphery of each, and around the periphery of each hole 112. The two sheets 110 are also welded together by a weld seam 120 running along a line of symmetry from the narrower end of the pear-shape towards, but not to, the wider end of the pear-shape. Thus, the two sheets 110 form an enclosed space
comprised of two chambers, one each adjacent a respective side of the pear-shape, with a communicating restriction therebetween defined by a gap between the weld seam 120 and the wider end of the pear-shape.
The alternative apparatus 100 includes a valve 130, similar to that 50 described previously with reference to Figure 1. The valve 130 is mounted in the top sheet 110, adjacent to the restriction.
The alternative apparatus 100 is used in the same way as that 10 described above with reference to Figure 1. It will be appreciated that, when inflated, each chamber is substantially wedge-shaped. Figure 3 shows the alternative apparatus 100 with one chamber inflated and the other chamber deflated, as would be the case in use. When inflated, each chamber is substantially wedge- shaped, a larger end of the wedge corresponding to the wider end of the pear- shape and a narrower end of the wedge corresponding to the narrower end of the pear shape. The narrower end of the pear shape is a heel-receiving portion of the apparatus 10; and the wider end of the pear shape is for receiving the remainder of a foot of an operator. The operator's heels is placed on the narrower end of the apparatus, with a respective heel projecting through each of the holes 112 and resting on a surface on which the alternative apparatus 100 is positioned. Thus the heels of the operator pin the alternative apparatus 100 in position and prevent it from moving away from the operator during use.
Figure 4 shows clamping means in the form of a clip 150. The clip 150 is a one-piece plastic moulding and includes two webs 152,154 joined to each other at a respective edge by a hinge portion 156 of the clip. The arrangement is such that the two webs 152,154 are spring-biased against one another so as to be in mutual abutment. One of the webs 152 has an elongate recess 158 formed therein, running from the edge opposite the hinge portion 156, towards the hinge portion 156.
It is envisaged that the clip 150 may be included in the alternative apparatus
100 described previously with reference to Figures 2 and 3. With reference to Figure 5, the clip 150 is for fitting to the two sheets 110 of the alternative apparatus 100. The clip 150 is so fitted such that the upper and lower sheets 110 of the alternative apparatus 100 are between the two webs 152,154 of the clip 150 and are clamped thereby. The clip 150 is positioned so that the valve 130 of the alternative apparatus 100 is located in the recess 158 of the clip 150. This serves to locate the clip 150 relative to the remainder of the alternative apparatus 100 during use and ensures that the two webs 152,154 of the clip 150 clamp the two sheets 110 of the alternative apparatus 100 in the region of the restriction that connects the two chambers of that apparatus 100. Thus, the clip 150 serves to further restrict airflow between the two chambers during use, thereby increasing the resistance to operation of the device by an operator. The amount of further restriction due to the clip, and hence the increase in resistance to operation, is increasable by moving the clip such that more of the restriction is clamped therebetween and reducible by moving the clip such that less of the restriction is clamped therebetween.
Figure 6 shows another alternative leg exercising apparatus 200. The other alternative apparatus 200 includes a base plate 210, a first pedal 220 and a second pedal 230. Each pedal 220,230 is rectangular with a length and a width that are each of the same general size as the length and width of a foot of a human operator. The base plate 210 is also rectangular, with a width that is slightly greater that the combined widths of the two pedals 220,230 and a length that is slightly greater than the length of one of the pedals 220,230.
Each pedal 220,230 is pivotably mounted along a respective shorter edge to one of the shorter edges of the base plate 210, each pedal 220,230 being so mounted to the same edge of the base plate 210. The pivotable mounting is by way of a hinge 235. Pulley support structure 240 is attached to the other shorter edge of the base plate 210. The pulley support structure 240 is a bracket, having a base section 242 with an arm 244 projecting at right-angles from a midpoint of the base section 242. The pulley support structure 240 is
attached such that the base section 242 extends along the other shorter edge of the base plate 210 and the arm 244 projects perpendicular to the base plate 210.
The apparatus 200 includes a pulley 250. The pulley 250 is rotatably mounted on a shaft 255, the shaft being attached to an end of the arm 244 remote from the base section 242. The axis of rotation of the pulley 250 is substantially parallel to the direction of the length of the base plate 210 and hence the direction of the length of each pedal 220,230. A length of cord 260 passes round the pulley 250. Each end of the cord 260 is attached to a respective one of the pedals 220,230 at an end remote from the hinge 235. The length of the cord 260 is such that when one of the pedals 220,230 is adjacent the base plate, the other pedal 220,230 is adjacent the pulley 250. It is envisaged that the pulley is approximately 0.1m from the base plate 210.
The components of the other alternative apparatus 200 are made from plastic in order to minimise the weight thereof.
The pulley 250 is mounted on the shaft 255 such that rotation of the pulley 250 relative to the shaft 255 is resisted. It is envisaged that the degree of resistance may be variable and controllable by the operator in any known manner.
In operation, the other alternative apparatus 200 is placed on the floor of an aircraft in which the operator is seated. The apparatus is orientated such that the arm 244 extends above the base plate 210. The operator places a foot on each of the pedals such that his or her toes are adjacent the pulley 250. The operator then presses down with each foot alternately so that each pedal rises and falls alternately. This motion is resited by the resistance between the shaft 255 and the pulley. It will be appreciated that this has the same effect as the apparatus 10 described above with reference to Figure 1 and the alternative apparatus 100 described above with reference to Figures 2 and 3 in tending to encourage blood to flow in the operator's legs.