Foot Stretching Device

Abstract

A foot stretching device for stretching the structures of a foot comprises a base for receiving a rear portion of the foot to be stretched and a toe plate for receiving the toes of the foot to be stretched. The toe plate is disposed on and pivotable relative to the base. The device further comprises a member coupled to and/or configured to engage the toe plate, such that a tensile force applied to the member by a user pivots the toe plate relative to the base. and thus the user's toes relative to the rear portion of their foot. This action causes the toes to move into a more extended position thus producing a stretch in the tissues of the foot, in particular the musculature associated with the planar fascia.

Claims

1. A foot stretching device for stretching the structures of a foot, the device comprising: a base for receiving a rear portion of the foot to be stretched thereon; a toe plate for receiving the toes of the foot to be stretched thereon, wherein the toe plate is disposed on and pivotable relative to the base; and a member coupled to and/or configured to engage the toe plate such that a tensile force applied to the member pivots the toe plate relative to the base.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the base comprises a plurality of base portions, and wherein the base portions are removably coupled together.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the base is rigid or substantially rigid.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the toe plate and the base are integrally formed, the interface between the toe plate and the base defining a living hinge.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the toe plate is coupled to the base.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein the toe plate is indirectly coupled to the base.

7. The device of claim 6, comprising a mounting bracket for mounting the toe plate to the base.

8. The device of claim 7, wherein the mounting bracket comprises or takes the form of one or more mounting portion.

9. The device of claim 7, wherein the toe plate is pivotably coupled to the mounting bracket.

10. The device of claim 8, wherein the toe plate and the mounting bracket are integrally formed, the interface between the toe plate and the mounting bracket defining a living hinge.

11. The device of claim 7, wherein the mounting bracket is removably coupled to the base.

12. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is configured so that the toe plate is pivotable between a first position and a second position, the toe plate being moveable from the first position to the second position by the user applying the tensile force to the member.

13. The device of claim 12, wherein at least one of: the toe plate is biased towards the first position; the device is configured so that in the first position the toe plate is initially disposed at an inclined position with respect to the base; and comprising one or more wedge portion configured to dispose the toe plate at the inclined position with respect to the base.

14. (canceled)

15. (canceled)

16. The device of claim 1, comprising a linkage for controlling the range of movement of the toe plate.

17. (canceled)

18. The device of claim 1, wherein the member comprises or takes the form of: a strap; a tie, a cable; a rope; a string; or a wire.

19. The device of claim 1, comprising a heel stop.

20. The device of claim 19, wherein at least one of: the heel stop is removably coupled to the base; the heel stop is arcuate in shape; and the heel stop comprises a roller.

21. (canceled)

22. (canceled)

23. The device of claim 1, comprising or more resilient member configured for location over an upper portion of the foot.

24. A method for stretching a foot, the method comprising: providing a foot stretching device according to claim 1; placing the foot on the device with the rear portion of the foot placed on the base and the toes placed on the toe plate; and applying a tensile force to the member so as to force to the toes by applying force to a member coupled to the toe plate.

25. A method of massaging a foot, the method comprising: providing a foot stretching device according to claim 1; placing a foot on a roller coupled to the base and moving the foot across the roller; and moving the foot backwards and forwards across the roller.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0110] These and other aspects will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

[0111] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a foot stretching device;

[0112] FIG. 2 shows another perspective view of the foot stretching device shown in FIG. 1;

[0113] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of an alternative foot stretching device;

[0114] FIG. 4 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of part of the foot stretching device shown in FIG. 3;

[0115] FIG. 5 shows a bottom view of the base of the foot stretching device shown in FIG. 3;

[0116] FIG. 6 shows a perspective exploded view of a heel stop of the foot stretching device shown in FIG. 3

[0117] FIG. 7 shows an end view of the heel stop shown in FIG. 6;

[0118] FIGS. 8, 9 and 10 show the foot stretching device shown in FIG. 3, being used by a seated user;

[0119] FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of an alternative foot stretching device, in use;

[0120] FIG. 12 shows an enlarged perspective view of a mounting bracket and toe plate of the foot stretching device shown in FIG. 11;

[0121] FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of an alternative foot stretching device;

[0122] FIG. 14 shows an enlarged perspective view of a mounting bracket and toe plate of the foot stretching device shown in FIG. 13;

[0123] FIG. 15 shows an exploded view of an adjustment mechanism of the foot stretching device shown in FIG. 13;

[0124] FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of an alternative foot stretching device;

[0125] FIG. 17 shows an enlarged perspective view of part of the foot stretching device shown in FIG. 16;

[0126] FIG. 18 shows a side view of an alternative foot stretching device;

[0127] FIG. 19 shows a bottom view of the foot stretching device shown in FIG. 18;

[0128] FIG. 20 shows an alternative foot stretching device; and

[0129] FIG. 21 shows an alternative design of the heel stop.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0130] Referring initially to FIGS. 1 and 2 of the accompanying drawings, there is shown a foot stretching device 10.

[0131] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the device 10 comprises a base 12 for receiving a rear portion of the foot to be stretched thereon, a toe plate 14 for receiving the toes of the foot to be stretched thereon. The toe plate 14 is disposed on and pivotable relative to the base 12. The device 10 further comprise a member 16 coupled to and/or configured to engage the toe plate 14 such that a tensile force Ft applied to the member 16 pivots the toe plate 14 relative to the base 12.

[0132] In use, the foot is located on the base 12 with the toes (or in some instances the toes and the ball of the foot) on the toe plate 14 whilst the heel rests on the base 12. Force is then exerted on the toe plate 14 by pulling (applying a tensile force) on the member 16 in for example the direction A shown in FIG. 2. The force produced on the toe plate 14 will be transmitted to the toes and will cause them to move into a more extended position thus producing a stretch in the tissues of the foot. This action causes the toes to move into a more extended position thus producing a stretch in the tissues of the foot, in particular the musculature associated with the planar fascia. Repeated exercise over time assists in progressive strengthening and improved user flexibility. Putting tension on the toe plate 14 by pulling on the member 16 will now not only extend the toes but reduce the distance between the ball of the foot and the heel thus stretching the structures of the midfoot in a more targeted fashion.

[0133] Beneficially, the device 10 facilitates the stretching of the foot, in particular the musculature associated with the planar fascia, to retain or restore mobility and/or flexibility, and is particularly beneficial for those for those of limited general flexibility.

[0134] In the illustrated device 10, the base 12 comprises a unitary construction, that is the base 12 is formed as a single piece. The base 12 is rigid or substantially rigid, that is the base 12 is of sufficient stiffness that the base 12 does not flex in normal use.

[0135] The provision of a rigid or substantially rigid base 12 permits the foot to work against the base 12 without causing the base 12 to flex, thereby ensuring that the tensile force applied to the member 16 is converted efficiently into pivoting of the toe plate 14 rather than to flexing the base 12.

[0136] In the illustrated device 10, the base 12 and the toe plate 14 are constructed from a plastic material. However, it will be understood that the base 12 may alternatively be constructed from other suitable materials.

[0137] As described above, the toe plate 14 is pivotable relative to the base 12 and in the illustrated device 10, the toe plate 14 is pivotably coupled directly to the base 12 via a hinge 18.

[0138] As described above, the member 16 is coupled to and/or configured to engage the toe plate 14 such that a tensile force applied to the member 16 pivots/pitches the toe plate 14 relative to the base 12.

[0139] In the illustrated device 10, the member 16 comprises or takes the form of an elongate strap.

[0140] A first end of the member 16 is configured for coupling to or configured to engage the toe plate 14 and has a free end for grasping by the user.

[0141] In use, the device 10 is configured so that the tensile force applied to the member 16 results in a moment force about the hinge 18 between the toe plate 14 and the base 12, the moment force pivoting the toe plate 14 relative to the base 12.

[0142] The member 16 is coupled to or configured to engage a distal end portion of the toe plate 14. Beneficially, this maximizes the conversion of the tensile force applied by the user into the moment force which pivots the toe plate 14 relative to the base 12. This is particularly beneficial for users with limited arm strength. However, it will be understood that the member 16 may be coupled to or configured to engage any suitable portion of the toe plate 14.

[0143] The member 16 may be coupled to the toe plate 14 by any appropriate means. In the illustrated device 10, the member 16 is coupled to the toe plate 14 by means of an anchorage point 20 on the toe plate 14. The anchorage point 20 in the illustrated device 10 comprises or takes the form of a hook.

[0144] In the illustrated device 10, the member 16 is constructed from leather. However, it will be understood that the member may alternatively or additionally be constructed from another fabric material, e.g. a webbing material or the like, rope, string, wire or other suitable material.

[0145] Referring now to FIGS. 3 to 10 of the accompanying drawings, there is shown an alternative foot stretching device 110.

[0146] As shown in FIG. 3, the device 110 comprises a base 112 for receiving a rear portion of the foot to be stretched thereon, a toe plate 114 for receiving the toes of the foot to be stretched thereon. The toe plate 114 is disposed on and pivotable relative to the base 112. The device 110 further comprise a member 116 coupled to and/or configured to engage the toe plate 114 such that a tensile force Ft applied to the member 116 pivots the toe plate 114 relative to the base 112.

[0147] The member 116 may be coupled to the toe plate 114 by any appropriate means. In the illustrated device 10, the member 116 is coupled to the toe plate 114 by means of an anchorage point 120 on the toe plate 114. The anchorage point 120 in the illustrated device 10 comprises or takes the form of a hook.

[0148] In the illustrated device 110, The toe plate 14 is hingedly attached to a mounting bracket in the form of second plate 122 by hinge 124. The second plate 122 can move on the base 112. Movement of the second plate 122 is guided by a bolt 126 (as shown in FIG. 4) which passes through the base 112 and in a slot 130 (as shown in FIG. 5).

[0149] Adjustments to the device 110 are made by loosening a nut 132 on the bolt 126 and then moving the second plate 122 until it is on the desired position on the base 12. The assemblage can then be fixed in position by tightening the nut 132.

[0150] In the illustrated device 110, and referring in particular to FIGS. 6 and 7 of the accompanying drawings, the device 110 further comprises a heel stop 134 is provided to reduce movement of the foot on the base 112.

[0151] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the heel stop 134 is disposed on a rear portion of an upper surface 136 of the base 112 the base 112. The heel stop 134 comprises an elongate roller 138 and a sleeve 140 disposed on the roller 138.

[0152] The heel stop 134 further comprises a roller support arrangement, generally denoted 142, for rotatably supporting the roller 138. The roller support arrangement 142 comprises roller support members 144 extending from the upper surface 136 of the base 112. The roller support members 144 are disposed at respective ends of the roller 138 so as to rotatably support the roller 138 and are shaped or otherwise configured to define seats 145 for receiving the roller 138. A plain bearing is provided or defined between the roller 138 and the roller support members 144, to facilitate rotation of the roller 138 relative to the roller support arrangement 142.

[0153] As shown in FIG. 6, the device 110 is configured so that the roller 138 is removable from the roller support arrangement 142. Beneficially, this permits a range of rollers 138 to be used and/or facilitates removal of the roller 138 for replacement.

[0154] The ends of the roller 138 can be held in place by locking members 146 which pivot about hinges 148.

[0155] Beneficially, locking members can be removed or pivoted to facilitate access to the roller, to permit replacement and/or to permit the insertion of another roller.

[0156] Alternatively, roller 138 and sleeve 140 may be coupled together so that they rotate as a single unit.

[0157] As shown in FIG. 10, the heel stop 134 can be used as a foot roller to massage a surface of the foot. To achieve the massage effect, the foot is positioned on top of the roller 138 and the foot is moved backwards and forwards across the roller 138.

[0158] Referring now to FIGS. 11 and 12 of the accompanying drawings, there is shown an alternative foot stretching device 210. FIGS. 11 shows a perspective view of the foot stretching device 210, in use. FIG. 12 shows an enlarged perspective view of a mounting bracket and toe plate of the foot stretching device 210 shown in FIG. 11.

[0159] As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the device 210 comprises a base 212 for receiving a rear portion of the foot to be stretched thereon, a toe plate 214 for receiving the toes of the foot to be stretched thereon. The toe plate 214 is disposed on and pivotable relative to the base 212. The device 210 further comprise a member 216 coupled to and/or configured to engage the toe plate 214 such that a tensile force Ft applied to the member 216 pivots the toe plate 214 relative to the base 212.

[0160] As shown in FIG. 11, the device 210 comprises a foot stop 234, which in the illustrated device 210 takes the form of a rectangular plate extending upwards from the base 212.

[0161] In the illustrated device 210, the device 210 further comprises a resilient member 250 for location over an upper portion of the foot. The device 210 comprises one resilient member 250. However, it will be understood that the device 210 may alternatively comprise a plurality of resilient members 250. The resilient member 250 exerts a resistive force on the foot as the foot is moved.

[0162] In the illustrated device 210, the resilient member 250 comprises an elastic band, cord or the like. The resilient member 250 is adapted to stretch and contract in response to movement of the foot between extended and retracted positions, whereby repeated movement facilitates progressive strengthening of the foot, for example the muscles associated with the plantar fascia.

[0163] The resilient member 250 is coupled to the base 212 by fasteners 252, which in the illustrated device 210 take the form of rivets.

[0164] As shown most clearly in FIG. 12 toe plate 214 is hingedly coupled to a mounting bracket in the form of wedge 254 via hinge 218. The wedge 254 is constructed to hold the toe plate 214 at an inclined angle

[0165] Referring now to FIGS. 13, 14 and 15 of the accompanying drawings, there is shown an alternative foot stretching device 310. FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of the foot stretching device 310. FIG. 14 shows an enlarged perspective view of a mounting bracket and toe plate of the foot stretching device shown in FIG. 13. FIG. 15 shows an exploded view of an adjustment mechanism of the foot stretching device shown in FIG. 13.

[0166] As shown in FIG. 13, the device 310 comprises a base 312 for receiving a rear portion of the foot to be stretched thereon, a toe plate 314 for receiving the toes of the foot to be stretched thereon. The toe plate 314 is disposed on and pivotable relative to the base 312. The device 310 further comprise a member 316 coupled to and/or configured to engage the toe plate 314 such that a tensile force Ft applied to the member 316 pivots the toe plate 314 relative to the base 312.

[0167] The device 310 comprises a foot stop 334, which in the illustrated device 310 takes the form of a rectangular plate extending upwards from the base 312.

[0168] The device 310 further comprises a resilient member 350 for location over an upper portion of the foot. The device 310 comprises one resilient member 350. However, it will be understood that the device 310 may alternatively comprise a plurality of resilient members 350. The resilient member 350 exerts a resistive force on the foot as the foot is moved. The resilient member 350 is coupled to the base 312 by fasteners 352, which in the illustrated device 210 take the form of rivets.

[0169] In the illustrated device 310, the resilient member 350 comprises an elastic band, cord or the like. The resilient member 350 is adapted to stretch and contract in response to movement of the foot between extended and retracted positions, whereby repeated movement facilitates progressive strengthening of the foot, for example the muscles associated with the plantar fascia.

[0170] In the device 310, the toe plate 314 is hingedly coupled to a mounting bracket in the form of wedge 354 via hinge 324. The wedge 354 is constructed to hold the toe plate 314 at an inclined angle (first position)

[0171] As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, in addition, the toe plate 314 may be located at a range of angles (range of different first positions) relative to the base 312 by an adjustment mechanism, generally denoted 356. The adjustment mechanism 356 comprises a linkage 358 fixed to the toe plate 314 but can move around the fixation bolt 360. A second fixation bolt 362 can tighten and fix the linkage 358.

[0172] Referring now to FIGS. 16 and 17 of the accompanying drawings, there is shown an alternative foot stretching device 410. FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of the foot stretching device 410. FIG. 17 shows an enlarged perspective view of part of the foot stretching device shown in FIG. 16.

[0173] As shown in FIG. 16, the device 410 comprises a base 412 for receiving a rear portion of the foot to be stretched thereon, a toe plate 414 for receiving the toes of the foot to be stretched thereon. The toe plate 414 is disposed on and pivotable relative to the base 412. The device 410 further comprise a member 416 coupled to and/or configured to engage the toe plate 414 such that a tensile force Ft applied to the member 416 pivots the toe plate 414 relative to the base 412.

[0174] As shown, toe plate 414 is hingedly coupled to a mounting bracket in the form of second plate 422 by hinge 42.

[0175] The device 410 further comprises a heel stop 434 provided to reduce movement of the foot on the base 412. The heel stop 434 is disposed on a rear portion of an upper surface 436 of the base 412 the base 412. In the illustrated device 410, the heel stop 434 comprises a fixed bar 438 mounted on a support arrangement, generally denoted 442, comprising support arms 444.

[0176] The device 410 further comprises a resilient member 450 for location over an upper portion of the foot. The device 410 comprises one resilient member 450. However, it will be understood that the device 410 may alternatively comprise a plurality of resilient members 450. The resilient member 450 exerts a resistive force on the foot as the foot is moved.

[0177] The ends of the resilient member 450 are coupled to sliders 466 by cleats 468 coupled to sliders 468 slidably mounted on rails 470 on the sides of the base 412.

[0178] In the illustrated device 410, the resilient member 450 comprises an elastic band, cord or the like. The resilient member 450 is adapted to stretch and contract in response to movement of the foot between extended and retracted positions, whereby repeated movement facilitates progressive strengthening of the foot, for example the muscles associated with the plantar fascia.

[0179] Referring now to FIGS. 18 and 19 of the accompanying drawings, there is shown an alternative foot stretching device 510. FIG. 18 shows a side view of the device 510. FIG. 19 shows a bottom view of the device 510 shown in FIG. 18.

[0180] As shown in FIG. 18, the device 510 comprises a base 512 for receiving a rear portion of the foot to be stretched thereon, a toe plate 514 for receiving the toes of the foot to be stretched thereon. The toe plate 514 is disposed on and pivotable relative to the base 512. The device 510 further comprise a member 516 coupled to and/or configured to engage the toe plate 514 such that a tensile force Ft applied to the member 516 pivots the toe plate 514 relative to the base 512.

[0181] As shown, toe plate 514 is directly coupled to the base 512 by hinge 518.

[0182] The device 510 further comprises a heel stop 534 provided to reduce movement of the foot on the base 512. In the illustrated device 510, the heel stop 534 takes the form of a rectangular plate extending upwards from the base 512.

[0183] As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, in the device 510 the base 512 comprises two sections 512a,512b coupled together by a plate 572 which allows the sections to be moved relative to each other and then fixed in place by a securing means such as a nut and bolt arrangement 574.

[0184] It will be understood that various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0185] For example, FIG. 20 shows an alternative foot stretching device 610.

[0186] As shown in FIG. 20, the device 610 comprises a base 612 for receiving a rear portion of the foot to be stretched thereon, a toe plate 614 for receiving the toes of the foot to be stretched thereon. The toe plate 614 is disposed on and pivotable relative to the base 612. The device 610 further comprise a member 616 coupled to and/or configured to engage the toe plate 614 such that a tensile force Ft applied to the member 616 pivots the toe plate 614 relative to the base 612.

[0187] In the device 610, the toe plate 614 is pivotably coupled to the base 612 via a mounting bracket which comprises a second plate 622 and a third plate 623. The toe plate 614 is pivotably coupled to the second plate by hinge 624.

[0188] The base 612 is configured to resist movement of the base 612 relative to a support surface, the base 612 comprising feet 676.

[0189] FIG. 21 shows an alternative design of the heel stop, generally denoted 734. As shown in FIG. 21, the heel stop 734 is a padded arcuate block with pins 778 on its bottom surface which can be used to securely position the heel stop 734 by engaging with holes 780 located in base 712.