Abstract
A calf exerciser includes a free standing platform with independent foot braces that pivot and rotate for providing an optimally positioned foot and ankle position for a calf exercise. A handle and locking knob provide one-handed control. A pair of rotating platforms mount to a base, and each rotating platform has a pivot brace that angles left and right. Positioning and locking the foot braces at various positions of rotation and right/left angles provide a selectable, varied position as the calf exercises generally involve an ankle driven force against the foot braces, often bearing on the ball or arch of the foot. A beveled or curved edge with a grip surface further enhances contact with the user's foot.
Claims
1. A foot positioning apparatus for varying foot orientation during an exercise regimen, comprising: opposed rotating platforms disposed in an adjacency on a plane for rotation; pivoting foot braces on each of the rotating platforms, each of the foot braces disposed to pivot in a pivot axis perpendicular to the plane for rotation; a footrest defined by an elevated surface having a predetermined elevation above the rotating platforms, the predetermined elevation based on a heel travel imposing calf resistance; and a rotational control, the rotational control applying a rotational force to the opposed rotating platforms.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the rotational control further comprises an angular linkage, the angular linkage engaged with at least one of the rotating platforms and configured for applying the rotational force to the rotating platform.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 further comprising a handle, wherein the angular linkage is attached to the handle, the handle configured for transferring a force to the angular linkage for applying the rotational force.
4. The apparatus of claim 2 further comprising a shuttle in sliding engagement with a rail, the handle attached to the shuttle and responsive to linear movement, the angular linkage defined by elongated members extending from the shuttle to the at least one rotating platform.
5. The apparatus of claim 4 further comprising a pair of elongated members extending from the shuttle to a respective pair of rotating platforms of the at least one rotating platform, the pair of rotating platforms responsive to concurrent movement of the shuttle for rotation at a common angle.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a locking mechanism for securing a position of the rotation of the rotating platforms.
7. The apparatus of claim 4 further comprising a locking shaft, the locking shaft extending through the shuttle for engaging a plurality of rotation receptacles, each rotation receptacle of the plurality of rotation receptacles corresponding to an angular position of the rotating platform.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a rotational linkage between the rotating platforms, the rotational linkage disposing each of the rotating platforms in a pivot corresponding to the other of the opposed rotating platforms.
9. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a locking pin adapted for engagement in an interference fit with each respective pivoting foot brace for locking the angle of the pivot.
10. The apparatus of claim 4 further comprising an attachment bracket, the attachment bracket connecting the rail and the base with a freestanding exercise frame.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description of particular embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention.
[0008] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view on an exercise environment and apparatus suitable for use with configurations herein;
[0009] FIGS. 2A-2B show deployment and usage of the foot positioning apparatus of FIG. 1;
[0010] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the foot positioning apparatus of FIGS. 1 and 2;
[0011] FIG. 4 shows a disassembled view of the rotating platforms in FIGS. 1-3;
[0012] FIG. 5 shows a plan view of an alternate configuration of the foot positioning apparatus of FIGS. 1-4;
[0013] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of the foot positioning apparatus of FIG. 5;
[0014] FIGS. 7A-7C show rotation of the foot platforms in the apparatus of FIGS. 5 and 6;
[0015] FIGS. 8A-8C show various pivot positions of the foot brace; and
[0016] FIGS. 9A-9B show schematic views of an alternate rotational locking using a sliding shuttle on a rail; and
[0017] FIGS. 10A-10C show perspective views the configuration of FIGS. 9A-9B with alternate deployed shuttle positions and corresponding rotational positions.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] The description below presents an example of the foot positioning apparatus (brace) used for calf exercises with or without an accompany weight rack or exercise frame. The foot positioning apparatus may be integrated as part of a larger exercise machine, and may also be deployed as a standalone aid placed in adjacency with a resistance (weight) training implementation. The approach described below may employ various materials for construction, and alternate fabrication of materials may follow from configurations described below.
[0019] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view on an exercise environment and apparatus suitable for use with configurations herein. Calf exercises are a popular part of many exercise and fitness routines. Calf exercise machines may be dedicated frames directed to calf exercise, while other configurations, particularly home machines, may attempt to utilize a common weight stack or arrangement with multiple exercise devices or movements. In configurations herein, the foot positioning apparatus 100 for varying foot orientation during an exercise repetition includes opposed rotating platforms 110-. 1 . . . 110-2 (110 generally) disposed in an adjacency on a base 112 for rotation parallel to the plane underlying the frame 102 or other floor surface. Pivoting foot braces 120-1 . . . 120-2 (120 generally) rest on each of the rotating platforms 110, such that each of the foot braces 120 is disposed to pivot in a pivot plane perpendicular to the plane for rotation, and a locking mechanism secures a position of the rotation and an angle of the pivot independently for each rotating platform. The apparatus 100 therefore provides a foot brace adapted to receive each foot at the fixed rotation and pivot, providing movement of the foot brace in 3 dimensions defined by perpendicular planes. The foot positioning apparatus 100 may be a primary fixture of a calf exerciser, an accessory or an attachment to a calf exercise machine, or it may be a freely positionable base that may be simply placed beneath a resistance device or frame 102 and frictionally engaged from the underlying floor or additionally by the substantial downward force resulting from normal use. As the foot positioning apparatus 100 will bear the weight of the user, positioning is largely static and slippage or unintended movement is unlikely.
[0020] FIGS. 2A-2B show deployment and usage of the foot positioning apparatus of FIG. 1. Referring to FIGS. 1-2B, FIG. 2A shows a rest or commencement position where the user rests the toe or ball of the foot on the foot brace 120. A top surface of the foot brace 120 operates as a footrest 122-1 . . . 122-2 (122 generally) defined by an elevated surface having a predetermined elevation 124 above the rotating platforms. FIG. 2B shows an extension position where the predetermined elevation is based on a heel travel imposing calf resistance, as the user elevates the heel against whatever resistance (or simply the user's own body weight) is grasped or held. The amount of heel travel 126 is based on the elevation 124 and the distance defined by an angle of elevation and the length of the user's foot. Successive iterations provide the calf resistance training sought.
[0021] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the foot positioning apparatus 100 of FIGS. 1 and 2. Referring to FIGS. 1-3, the foot brace 120 and footrest 122 may be of any suitable shape for receiving a shoe or footwear of the user, and may have a chamfered or rounded edge and/or frictional or rubberized material 123 for facilitating a frictional grip with the footwear. Generally the footwear bears on the foot brace via gravitational downward force of the user, and need not employ straps or other restraint.
[0022] FIG. 4 shows a disassembled view of the rotating platforms in FIGS. 1-3. Referring to FIGS. 1-4, the rotating platforms 110 each reside on the base 112, such that the base has a pair of protrusions 114-1 . . . 114-2 (114 generally) or shafts defining a respective axis of rotation 116-1 . . . 116-2 (116 generally) for each of the rotating platforms 110. The protrusions 114 extend through a receptacle 118-1 . . . 118-2 on a respective underside of each of the rotating platforms for rotation thereabout.
[0023] FIG. 5 shows a plan view of an alternate configuration of the foot positioning apparatus of FIGS. 1-4. Referring to FIGS. 3-5, a locking mechanism and a rotational linkage between the platforms 110 is shown. A locking mechanism 130 for the rotating platforms 110 includes a locking member 132 passing through an aperture 134 in the rotating platform and engaged in a receptacle 136 in the base 112 aligned with the aperture. The base 112 further includes a series of engaging receptacles 136 for defining a plurality of fixation positions, typically 5. Each of the engaging receptacles aligns with the aperture 134 in the rotating platform for receiving a rotational locking member 134 when aligned with an engaging receptacle at an increment of rotation. In other words, as the platform rotates, each of the 5 engaging receptacles passes under and aligns with the aperture for receiving a locking member and fixing the rotating platform via an interference fit at the respective position. Any suitable number and granularity of receptacles 136 may also be employed. The locking member 134 may be a handled 135 dowel or other rigid member capable of extending through the aperture in the rotating platform and into the aligned engaging receptacle.
[0024] The rotating platforms 110 each include a cooperative rotational linkage 140 between the rotating platforms 110. The rotational linkage disposes each of the rotating platforms 110 in a rotational increment or pivot corresponding to the other of the opposed rotating platforms 110-N. In the example configuration, each platform 110 has a respective row 142-1, 142-2 of resilient, engaged teeth intermeshed in a rotational linkage for imparting an equal pivot to each of the opposed rotating platforms. In contrast to the approach depicted in FIG. 3, having independently rotating platforms 110, the rotational linkage 140 embraces the reality that most users prefer an equal angular rotation for each foot. The rotational linkage 140 also provides that only one of the platforms 110 need the locking mechanism 130, as the opposed rotational platform will be fixed by the rotational linkage.
[0025] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of the foot positioning apparatus of FIG. Continuing to refer to FIGS. 3-6, in a somewhat similar arrangement, a pivot shaft 150-1, 150-2 (150 generally) provides a fulcrum for engaging each of the pivoting foot braces for rotation thereof, and a pivot locking pin 152 is adapted for engagement in an interference fit with each respective pivoting foot brace 120 for locking the angle of the pivot. Flanking fulcrum blocks 156 support the pivot shaft for pivot/rotational movement. The locking pin 152 may engage corresponding holes in the pivoting foot brace 120, or may simply reside in a transverse orientation beneath the foot brace. An aperture block 154-1 . . . 154-2 has a bore for fixing the locking pin 152 in an interference fit with the foot brace 120. Any suitable number of pivot positions and engaging receptacles may be provided depending on a desired range and increment of movement.
[0026] FIGS. 7A-7C show rotation of the foot platforms in the apparatus of FIGS. 5 and 6. Referring more specifically to FIGS. 5 and 7A-7C, FIG. 7A shows a toc-outward pivot, shown by arrows 160-1, where the footrest 122 is shown in a position for toes angled out, converging towards the heel (the examples show platform 110-1 disposed for a left foot and platform 110-2 for a right foot, with friction material 123 on a shoe-engaging side of the footrest 122). FIG. 7B shows the footrests angled ahead, for disposing the feet in a substantially parallel arrangement by arrows 160-2, and FIG. 7C shows a toe-in configuration converging towards the toe, shown by arrows 160-3.
[0027] FIGS. 8A-8C show various pivot positions of the foot brace 120. In contrast to the variations of FIGS. 7A-7C, the foot brace adjusts (pivots) in a vertical plane relative to the base 112, while the rotational positions of the platforms 110 depict rotation in a plane parallel to the base 112. In an example arrangement, the locking pin 152 is positionable for three pivot positions, including a level horizontal position (FIG. 8A), a sloped inward (FIG. 8B) and a sloped outward position (FIG. 8C).
[0028] FIGS. 9A-9B show schematic views of an alternate rotational locking using a sliding shuttle on a rail. Some users appreciate a common lever and handle control of the rotating platforms 110 to the manual insertion of pins and sockets disclosed above. In an alternate configuration, a rotational control is employed rather than a locking pin extending through each rotating platform. The rotational control applies a rotational force to the opposed rotating platforms from a connected rod or member. FIG. 9A shows a top or plan view of a rotational control 200, and FIG. 9B shows a side elevation. Referring to FIGS. 9A-9B, the rotational control 200 further comprises an angular linkage engaged with at least one of the rotating platforms 110 and configured for applying the rotational force to the rotating platform 110, shown by arrows 205. The rotational linkage may be defined by a pair of elongated members 210-1 . . . 210-2 (210 generally) attached to an outer radius of the rotating platforms 110 for imparting a rotation at an angle based on the linear movement of the elongated members 210.
[0029] Manual control may be facilitated by a shuttle 220 in sliding engagement with a rail 222, where a handle 224 attaches to the shuttle 220 and is responsive to linear movement, such that the angular linkage is defined by the elongated members 210 extending from the shuttle 220 to at least one rotating platform 110.
[0030] More commonly, the pair of elongated members 210-1 . . . 210-2 extends from the shuttle 220 to the respective pair of rotating platforms 110, where the pair of rotating platforms 110 is responsive to concurrent movement of the shuttle 220 for rotation at a common angle. Using the handle 224, the attached angular linkage is configured for transferring a linear force of handle movement for applying the rotational force to the platforms. The shuttle 220 and attached elongated members 210 therefore define a synchronized rotational linkage between the rotating platforms 110, such that the rotational linkage disposes each of the rotating platforms 110 in a pivot corresponding to the other of the opposed rotating platforms 110 so that each rotates to the same angular degree.
[0031] To lock the rotated position, a knob 230 raises a locking shaft 232 extending through the shuttle 220 for engaging a plurality of rotation receptacles 233, such that each rotation receptacle of the plurality of rotation receptacles corresponds to an angular position of the rotating platform. Simultaneous grasping of the handle 224 and knob raises the locking shaft 232 while sliding the shuttle 220 with the handle 224 for changing the angle of rotation. The locking shaft may be spring loaded or biased for engaging the receptacle 233. Further, each of the elongated members 210 pivotally attaches by a screw or shaft to the shuttle 220 and the rotating platforms to accommodate the lateral cam movement as the rotating platforms 110 rotate.
[0032] FIGS. 10A-10C show perspective views of the configuration of FIGS. 9A-9B with alternate deployed shuttle 220 positions and corresponding rotational positions. FIG. 10A shows the rotating platforms 110 in a mid position where the foot braces 120 are linearly aligned facing a forward position. An attachment bracket 240, plate or screw(s) may be employed to firmly connect the rail 222 and the base 112 with the freestanding exercise frame 102 defining the forward position of a user. In FIG. 10B, the shuttle 220 is pulled rearward to the most distal receptacle 233 for a toe in position angling the users feet outward. FIG. 10C shows a toe out stance where the shuttle 220 advances fully forward in the frontmost receptacle 233 nearest the exercise frame 102.
[0033] A further addition is the pivot locking pin 152 resides on an upper side of the foot brace 120 for engaging receptacles in a pivot post 153-1 . . . 153-2 (153 generally). The pivot post 153 provides a more accessible location than locating the pivot locking pin below the foot surface.
[0034] While the system and methods defined herein have been particularly shown and described with references to embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention encompassed by the appended claims.
