CALF EXERCISE DEVICE

Abstract

The device as disclosed herein is simple and easy to use, and inexpensive to produce. It provides a good calf workout from home for the calf and lower leg. It comprises a foot baseplate having a lower curved surface or frame, a series of straps to attach the user's foot to the baseplate and an attachment point for a resistance band.

Claims

1. A calf exercise device, comprising: a planar baseplate having an approximate size and shape of a user's foot, said baseplate having a toe region and a heel region and two essentially parallel side edges extending therebetween; a pair of similarly sized and shaped contoured side pieces, each of said contoured side pieces having an upper edge and a lower edge, each of said upper edges attached to one of said parallel side edges, and each of said lower edges having a convex shaped contour; one or more straps affixed to either said parallel side edges of said baseplate or said upper edges of said contoured side pieces, said straps positioned to extend over one or more of toes, arch or heel of said user's foot; a connection point or points for attachment of a resistance band or strap to said toe region of said baseplate.

2. The calf exercise device of claim 1, wherein said connection point or points is a notch formed in said contoured side pieces, said notch sized and configured to cooperate with said resistance band.

3. The calf exercise device of claim 2, wherein said notch forms a stop at said toe region.

4. The calf exercise device of claim 3, wherein said notch and said stop are a unitary structure.

5. The calf exercise device of claim 2, wherein said resistance band is a loop.

6. The calf exercise device of claim 5, wherein said resistance band has a widened section or a pad attached to said band.

7. The calf exercise device of claim 1, wherein said connection point or points are situated on said baseplate or on said contoured side pieces.

8. The calf exercise device of claim 7, wherein said connection point or points is one or more hooks.

9. The calf exercise device of claim 8, wherein said resistance band is a strap having two ends with rings, sized and proportioned to engage with said hook attached to either end.

10. The calf exercise device of claim 2, wherein said resistance band is releasably attached to said notch.

11. The calf exercise device of claim 1, wherein said baseplate, contoured side pieces, and connection point or points, are a unitary structure.

12. The calf exercise device of claim 11, wherein said unitary structure is fabricated from plastic.

13. The calf exercise device of claim 10, wherein said structure is fabricated by 3D printing, injection molding or extrusion techniques.

14. The calf exercise device of claim 1, wherein said one or more straps are fabricated from elastic.

15. The calf exercise device of claim 1, wherein said one or more straps are each fabricated from two strips of fabric or strapping, joined by hook and loop fasteners.

16. A method of exercising a user's calf muscles, using the device of claim 2, said method comprising: said user sitting on an object having a distance from a floor that results in said user's lower and upper leg being at approximate right angle at user's knee joint; inserting one or more of said user's toes, arch and heel between said one or more straps and said baseplate, forming a resting position; attaching said resistance band to said notch; attaching said resistance band to a horizontal section of said user's upper leg; said user pushing said toes down onto said baseplate, against said resistance band to a flexing position; said user relaxing and allowing said resistance band to pull baseplate back to said resting position; and said user repeating said flexing and relaxing positions.

17. The method of claim 14, wherein said user attaches a device to each foot, thereby flexing both of user's lower legs.

18. A method of exercising a user's calf muscles, using the device of claim 2, said method comprising: said user standing a flat surface; inserting one or more of said user's arch, toes, and heel between said one or more straps and said baseplate, forming a resting position; attaching said resistance band to said notch; holding said resistance band with user's hand; said user pushing said toes down onto said baseplate, against said resistance band to a flexing position; said user relaxing and allowing said resistance band to pull baseplate back to said resting position; and said user repeating said flexing and relaxing positions.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein said user attaches a device to each foot, and holding a resistance band in each of user's hands, thereby flexing both of user's lower legs.

20. A method of exercising a user's calf muscles, using the device of claim 2, said method comprising: said user standing a flat surface and attaching said device to one or both feet; said user inserting one or more of said user's arch, toes, and heel between said one or more straps and said baseplate, forming a resting position; said user pushing said toes down onto said baseplate, rocking on said contoured side pieces to a flexing position; said user relaxing and allowing baseplate back to said resting position; and said user repeating said flexing and relaxing positions.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] To easily identify the discussion of any particular element or act, the most significant digit or digits in a reference number refer to the figure number in which that element is first introduced.

[0029] FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of the subject matter in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

[0030] FIG. 2 illustrates an end view of the subject matter in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

[0031] FIG. 3 illustrates an underside view of the subject matter in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

[0032] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the subject matter in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

[0033] FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of the subject matter in accordance with an additional embodiment of the invention.

[0034] FIG. 6 illustrates an end view of the subject matter in accordance with an additional embodiment of the invention.

[0035] FIG. 7 illustrates an underside view of the subject matter in accordance with an additional embodiment of the invention.

[0036] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of the subject matter in accordance with an additional embodiment of the invention.

[0037] FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of the subject matter in accordance with an additional embodiment of the invention.

[0038] FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of the subject matter in use in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

[0039] FIG. 11 illustrates another side view of the subject matter in use in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

[0040] FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of the subject matter in an alternative use in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

[0041] FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of the subject matter in yet an alternative use in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

[0042] FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective view of the subject matter in an alternative use in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

[0043] FIG. 15 illustrates a perspective view of the subject matter in yet an alternative use in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

[0044] FIG. 16 illustrates a perspective view of the subject matter in an alternative use in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

[0045] FIG. 17 illustrates a perspective view of the subject matter in an alternative use in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] Devices and methods for carrying out the invention are presented in terms of embodiments depicted within the FIGS. However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiments, and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and the configurations shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope.

[0047] The device as disclosed herein is simple and easy to use, and inexpensive to produce. It provides a good calf workout from home for the calf and lower leg. It comprises a foot baseplate having a lower curved surface or frame, a series of straps to attach the user's foot to the baseplate and an attachment point for a resistance band.

[0048] The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out in the specification. The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are intended to be read in conjunction with both this summary, the detailed description and any preferred and/or particular embodiments specifically discussed or otherwise disclosed. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of illustration only and so that this disclosure will be thorough, complete and will fully convey the full scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0049] FIG. 1 shows a side view of the foot baseplate 102 in accordance with one embodiment.

[0050] The foot baseplate 102 having an upper surface 104, a contoured side 108, a heel region 106 and a toe region 112. A notch 114 can be seen formed in the contoured side 108 in the toe region 112.

[0051] FIG. 2 shows an end view of the foot baseplate 102 in accordance with one embodiment.

[0052] The upper surface 104 can be seen to be attached to the contoured sides 108 at approximately right angles to the flat upper surface 104. The contoured sides 108 having an inner side 202 and an outer side 206. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 2, lower surface 204 of the foot baseplate 102 and the inner sides 202 of the contoured sides 108 form an inner space 208. The floor contact surface 110 of the foot baseplate 102 can be seen to be positioned at the lower edges of the contoured sides 108.

[0053] FIG. 3 shows a top view of the foot baseplate 102 in accordance with one embodiment.

[0054] In one embodiment of the invention, the heel region 106 of the foot baseplate 102 is curved and the toe region 112 is essentially flat and at right angles to the contoured sides 108. The notch 114 can be seen formed in each of the contoured sides 108 in the toe region 112 of the foot baseplate 102.

[0055] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the foot baseplate 102 in accordance with one embodiment.

[0056] The shape of the foot baseplate 102 resembles that illustrated in FIG. 3 in that it has a curved heel region 106 and a flat toe region 112. The contoured sides 108 have a notch 114, as illustrated in FIG. 1. The notch 114 is formed between the floor contact surface 110 and a stop 402.

[0057] FIG. 5 shows a side view of the foot baseplate 102 in accordance with an additional embodiment of the invention.

[0058] The foot baseplate 102 having an upper surface 104, a contoured side 108, a heel region 106 and a toe region 112. A notch 114 can be seen formed in the contoured side 108 in the toe region 112.

[0059] FIG. 6 shows an end view of the foot baseplate 102 in accordance with an additional embodiment of the invention.

[0060] The upper surface 104 can be seen to be attached to the contoured sides 108 at approximately right angles to the flat upper surface 104. The contoured sides 108 having an inner side 202 and an outer side 206. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 2, lower surface 204 of the foot baseplate 102 and the inner sides 202 of the contoured sides 108 form an inner space 208. The floor contact surface 110 of the foot baseplate 102 can be seen to be positioned at the lower edges of the contoured sides 108.

[0061] In the embodiment illustrated herein, the contoured sides 108 and the stop 402 and the notch 114 form a unitary structure.

[0062] FIG. 7 shows a top view of the foot baseplate 102 in accordance with an additional embodiment of the invention.

[0063] In this embodiment of the invention, the both the heel region 106 and the toe region 112 of the foot baseplate 102. The notch 114 can be seen formed in the unitary comprising the contoured sides 108 and the stop 402 of the foot baseplate 102.

[0064] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of the foot baseplate 102 in accordance with an additional embodiment of the invention.

[0065] The shape of the foot baseplate 102 resembles that illustrated in FIG. 7 in that it has a curved heel region 106 and a curved toe region 112. The contoured sides 108 are continuous with the stop 402 have a notch 114, as illustrated in FIG. 5. The notch 114 is formed between the floor contact surface 110 and a stop 402.

[0066] FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of the foot baseplate 102 in accordance with an additional embodiment on the invention.

[0067] The shape of the foot baseplate 102 resembles that illustrated in FIG. 7 in that it has a curved heel region 106 and a curved toe region 112. The contoured sides 108 are continuous with the stop 402 have a notch 114, as illustrated in FIG. 5. The notch 114 is formed between the floor contact surface 110 and a stop 402. The central supporting member 702 can be seen running the length of the foot baseplate 102 on the lower surface 204.

[0068] FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of the foot baseplate 102 in use in accordance with one embodiment.

[0069] The foot baseplate 102 can be seen to comprise a contoured side 108, a heel region 106, a toe region 112, notch 114 and stop 402.

[0070] In addition, FIG. 10 illustrates that the device may comprise several straps designed and positioned to secure the foot of the user to the foot baseplate 102. In the embodiment shown, a toe strap 1006 can be seen securing the toe 1020 of the user to the foot baseplate 102. An arch strap 1008 can be seen securing the arch 1022 of the user to the foot baseplate 102. A heel strap 1010 can be seen securing the heel 1024 of the user to the foot baseplate 102.

[0071] In this embodiment, the toe strap 1006, is connected to the contoured side 108 at a toe strap attachment point 1016. The arch strap 1008 and the heel strap 1010 are connected to the contoured side 108 at a common arch strap and heel strap attachment point 1018 in this illustrated embodiment. In other embodiments (not shown) individual attachment points are utilized to attach each strap.

[0072] The toe strap 1006, arch strap 1008 and heel strap 1010 may be attached to the foot baseplate 102 by fastening mechanisms known to those of skill in the field. Snaps or poppers may be employed, and the straps may be continuous or they may be adjustable, for example by way of poppers or hook and loop fasteners including but not limited to Velcro™. The contoured sides 108 may be fabricated to have holes or slits (not shown) extending from the contoured sides 108 to the inner sides 202. In this embodiment, the toe strap 1006, arch strap 1008 and heel strap 1010 can be slotted through the hole or slit and secured on the inner side 202.

[0073] A resistance band 1002 can also be seen fitted into the notch 114 on the foot baseplate 102. The resistance band 1002 extends from the notch 114 to the user's knee 1014 in this embodiment. In some embodiments of the invention, the resistance band 1002 has a widened section 1004 that corresponds to the region of the contact point with the knee 1014. The widened section 1004 creates a more secure friction fit and reduces pressure from the resistance band 1002 on the surrounding tissue.

[0074] In use, the user secures the foot baseplate 102 onto their foot using a series of straps. In the embodiment as shown, this includes a toe strap 1006, and arch strap 1008 and a heel strap 1010. A resistance band 1002 is selected of an appropriate length to comfortably extend around the knee of the user and around the notch 114. The user, in a seated position, rocks the foot baseplate 102 in a motion guided by the shape of the contoured sides 106. At one extreme, the toe 1020 is in an elevated position and the heel 1024 in a depressed position. In the opposite extreme, the toe 1020 is in a depressed position and the heel 1024 in an elevated position. The up and down motion of the toe 1020 and heel 1024 cause the calf muscles 1012 to sequentially contract and relax.

[0075] FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of the foot baseplate 102 in use in accordance with one embodiment.

[0076] The foot baseplate 102 can again be seen to comprise a contoured side 108, a heel region 106, a toe region 112, notch 114 and stop 402. In some embodiments of the invention, the contoured side 108, stop 402 and notch are of a unitary construction.

[0077] In this illustration, the resistance band 1002 is pulling the toe region 112 of the foot baseplate 102 in an upward direction. This motion causes the user's toes to be elevated the heel to become depressed, leading to an extension of the user's calf muscles 1012.

[0078] FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of the foot baseplate 102 in use in accordance with one embodiment.

[0079] The foot baseplate 102 can be seen to comprise a contoured side 108, a heel region 106, a toe region 112, notch 114 and stop 402.

[0080] In this particular embodiment, however, the user is exercising their calf muscles 1012 in the standing position. The foot baseplates 102 have been affixed to both feet as previously described using toe straps 1006, arch straps 1008 and heel straps 1010. The resistance band 1002 is not attached in this particular embodiment.

[0081] In use, the user may hold onto a support 1202, including but not limited to a pole, chair back, table or counter top, if necessary. The user then rocks back and forward, in a motion guided by the contoured sides 108, the stops 402 preventing the user from over rotating in the forward direction.

[0082] FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of the foot baseplate 102 in use in accordance with one embodiment.

[0083] The elements shown are as described in previous figures.

[0084] In this illustration, the user has rocked backwards pushing the heel region 106 of the foot baseplate 102 in a downward direction. This motion causes the user's toes to be elevated and the heel to become depressed, leading to an extension of the user's calf muscles 1012.

[0085] FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of the foot baseplate 102 in use in accordance with one embodiment.

[0086] The illustration resembles the use described in FIG. 12, except that the device has only been applied to one of the user's feet. The device is being used in a freestanding orientation, without support 1202.

[0087] FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of the foot baseplate 102 in use in accordance with one embodiment.

[0088] The illustration resembles the use described in FIG. 13, except that the device has only been applied to one of the user's feet. The device is being used in a freestanding orientation, without support 1202.

[0089] In this illustration, the user has rocked backwards pushing the heel region 106 of the foot baseplate 102 in a downward direction. This motion causes the user's toes to be elevated and the heel to become depressed, leading to an extension of the user's calf muscles 1012.

[0090] FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of the foot baseplate 102 in use in accordance with one embodiment.

[0091] The illustration resembles the use described in FIG. 12 except that the user is not steadying themselves using a support 1202. The device is being used in a freestanding orientation and a resistance band 1002 is operatively associated with the notch 114. This use of the resistance band 1002 can also function to steady the user.

[0092] The user rocks backwards and forwards, alternatively pulling the toe region 112 of the foot baseplate 102 in an upward direction with the resistance bands 1002 and then and pushing the toe region 112 in a downward direction. This motion causes the heels 1024 to be alternatively depressed and then elevated in a flexing motion 1602 indicated by the arrow, thereby leading to an extension and relaxation of the user's calf muscles 1012.

[0093] shows a perspective view of the foot baseplate 102 in use in accordance with one embodiment.

[0094] The illustration resembles the use described in FIG. 16 except that the user is only using the device on one leg/foot. The device is being used in a freestanding orientation and a resistance band 1002 is operatively associated with the notch 114. This use of the resistance band 1002 can also function to steady the user.

[0095] The user similarly rocks backwards and forwards, alternatively pulling the toe region 112 of the foot baseplate 102 in an upward direction with the resistance bands 1002 and then and pushing the toe region 112 in a downward direction. This motion causes the heels 1024 to be alternatively depressed and then elevated in a flexing motion 1602 indicated by the arrow, thereby leading to an extension and relaxation of the user's calf muscles 1012.

[0096] The various embodiment illustrated and described above lend themselves to be varied in several way, all of which result in embodiments that fall within the scope of protection being sought.

[0097] The shape of the foot baseplate 102 and the contoured sides 108 may be varied from the shapes illustrated in the figures. The foot baseplate 102 will be fabricate in various sizes to accommodate varying sized feet. The foot baseplate 102 can be made from various different materials including but not limited to wood, metal and plastic.

[0098] The foot baseplate 102 are well suited to be made from plastics. The plastics may be 3D printed, injection molded or extruded. An example of 3D printable plastics includes polylactic acid, or PLA, this material has the benefit of being biodegradable as it is manufactured using renewable raw materials such as corn starch. ABS filament another type of 3D printing thermoplastic which contains a base of elastomers based on polybutadiene, making it more flexible, and resistant to shocks. ASA is a material that has similar properties to ABS, but has a greater resistance to UV rays. Polyethylene terephthalate, or PET, is ideal for fabricating larger more rigid frames. PETG, is a glycolyzed PET polymer that combines both the simplicity of PLA 3D printing and the strength of ABS, and it is 100% recyclable. Numerous other 3D printable polymers, hybrids and composites are known and considered to be within the scope of protection sought. Plastics that are particularly suitable for injection molding include Nylon™, acrylics, which are particularly suitable for being tinted, polycarbonate (PC), polyoxymethylene (POM), polystyrene (PS), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), and thermoplastic rubber (TPR). Plastics that are particularly suitable for extrusion include polyethylene (PE), polypropylene, acetal, acrylic, nylon (polyamides), polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and polycarbonate. Plastic foot baseplates 102 can be made from

[0099] The straps that hold the foot baseplate 102 onto the user's foot may comprise one or more of the toe strap 1006, arch strap 1008 and heel strap 1010. They may be attached to the surface of the foot baseplate 102, or to the contoured sides 108 of the device. They may be attached individually or in combinations as illustrated in FIGS. 10 to 10. The straps may be attached to the foot baseplate 102 or contoured sides 108 through holes or slits, the straps being threaded through the holes or slits and fastened to the inner side 202 or floor contact surface 110 by conventional fasteners. The straps may be continuous or they may be in two separate pieces that can be joined by poppers, snaps or hook and loop fasteners to accommodate different diameters of feet. In the alternative, the straps may be made from elastic, expanding to accommodate different sizes and shapes of foot.

[0100] The resistance bands 1002 can be supplied in various resistance levels. They may be continuous loops that cooperate with the notch 114 on the foot baseplate 102 or they can be strips having a hook or loop at either end that attached to a cooperating hook or loop on either side of the toe region 112 of the foot baseplate 102. The resistance bands 1002 are typically made from a polymeric or rubber material. The resistance bands 1002. May have widened sections 1004 or pads located in the region of the user's knee 1014 to render the device more comfortable to use. When the resistance bands are used in the standing position, it is typical that they are longer than the ones used in the sitting position.

[0101] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments described were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.