Exercise devices – For foot or ankle
Reexamination Certificate
1999-12-16
2001-06-12
Crow, Stephen R. (Department: 3764)
Exercise devices
For foot or ankle
C482S019000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06244992
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a stretching device and more particularly to a portable calf stretcher for stretching calf muscles of a person.
BACKGROUND
When a person performs activities that require extensive use of their legs such as running, it is often desirable to stretch the leg muscles to avoid injury or to increase flexibility. The calf muscles in particular are difficult to isolate without the aid of a wall or similar structure to lean against. The use of various supports and devices are known for isolating the calf muscles, however these devices are generally awkward in shape and size such that they are not suitable to be carried while running.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,693,470 to Ogawa describes a device for use in stretching the Achilles' tendon and calf muscles of a person. A support base pivotally mounts a flat treading base thereon. An angle adjusting member supports the treading base on the support base at various angles therebetween. A person places their feet on the treading base and leans forward to perform stretching exercises of the lower leg. The device however is large and awkward in size such that it is not easily carried by an athlete while performing a running exercise. The angle adjusting member requires removal in order collapse the device for storage which further makes the device too awkward and bulky for an athlete to carry while running.
SUMMARY
According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a portable stretching device for stretching calf muscles of a person, the device comprising:
a base member arranged to be supported on a supporting surface;
a foot plate suitably sized to support a single foot of the person thereon, the foot plate being pivotally mounted at a first end on the base member such that the foot plate is pivotal through a range of angles relative to the supporting surface; and
an adjustable support pivotally mounted on the base member, the support being pivotal between a stretching position wherein the support engages the foot plate such that the foot plate is supported above the base member at a fixed angle therebetween within the range of angles and a storage position wherein the foot plate is oriented substantially flat adjacent the base member.
The portable calf stretcher is arranged to support a person's foot thereon at an upward incline such that the person's foot does not flex for isolating the person's calf muscles when the person leans forwards. The small size of the foot plate and pivotal coupling of the adjustable support allow the stretcher to be compactly stored for easily carrying the stretcher while running or exercising.
Preferably the first end of the foot plate is pivotally mounted on a corresponding first end of the base member, the foot plate and base member each comprising a substantially rectangular plate.
The adjustable support preferably comprises a rectangular plate member which is pivotally mounted on the base such that a free end of the plate member engages a bottom face of the foot plate at various locations, each corresponding to a fixed angle between the foot plate and the base member.
A plurality of stops may be mounted on the bottom face of the foot plate for engaging the free end of the adjustable support.
The adjustable support may be pivotally mounted on a second end of the base member opposite a first end mounting the foot plate thereon.
There may be provided a gripping member mounted on an upper face of the foot plate for gripping the foot of the person. Accordingly there may be provided a gripping member mounted on bottom face of the base member for engaging the supporting surface.
The adjustable support and the foot plate are preferably mounted on opposing ends of the base member wherein a combined length of the adjustable support and the base member is substantially equal to a length of the foot plate such that the adjustable support and the base member form a substantially flat and rectangular shape with the foot plate when collapsed in the storage position.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a portable stretching device for stretching calf muscles of a person, the device comprising:
a base member arranged to be supported on a supporting surface, the base member being substantially rectangular and having respective first and second ends;
a foot plate which substantially rectangular in shape and suitably sized to support a single foot of the person on an upper face of the plate, the foot plate being pivotally mounted at a coupled end on the first end of the base member such that the foot plate is pivotal through a range of angles relative to the base member;
and an adjustable support pivotally mounted at a coupled end on the second end of the base member, the support being pivotal between a stretching position wherein a free end of the support engages a bottom face of the foot plate such that the foot plate is supported above the base member at a fixed angle therebetween within the range of angles and a storage position wherein the foot plate and the adjustable support extending therefrom are oriented substantially flat adjacent the base member such that a combined length of the adjustable support and the base member is substantially equal to a length of the foot plate.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2144962 (1939-01-01), Bresnahan
patent: 3401931 (1968-09-01), Mccafferty et al.
patent: 4429868 (1984-02-01), LeBlanc et al.
patent: 4561649 (1985-12-01), Forsythe
patent: 4693470 (1987-09-01), Ogawa
patent: 5087036 (1992-02-01), Cooper
Battison Adrian D.
Campbell Donald
Crow Stephen R.
LandOfFree
Portable calf stretcher does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Portable calf stretcher, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Portable calf stretcher will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2467644