Lower extremity exercise wedge

Abstract

A lower extremity exercise device for performing strengthening exercises for the calf muscles, as well as for performing static or dynamic stretching of the calf muscles. The device is preferably configured to have a generally wedge-shape positionable upon a flat surface. The wedge defines an upper, inclined platform surface for receiving the foot of a user, and has a rounded base portion having an asymmetric, gradually increasing radius to allow the user's foot to smoothly roll or rotate the device forward when pushed thereagainst. In use, the device allows for natural, relative rotations between the forefoot pivot-point and the ankle joint in the sagittal plane.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 784,680, entitled LOWER EXTREMITY WEDGE, filed Mar. 14, 2013, all of the teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference.STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH / DEVELOPMENT[0002]Not ApplicableBACKGROUND[0003]Exercises for strengthening and stretching the calf muscles are well-known in the art. Generally, calf muscle exercises involve calf “raises” where an individual raises his or her heel up into the air by pushing up on the balls of the individual's feet. Typically such calf-raises are performed with the individual assuming a standing position, although calf-raises may be performed with the individual in a seated position. To increase the range of motion, the individual may stand such that the heels of the individual extend off the ledge of a step or stair to thus increase the linear range of motion the individual can raise and lower th...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a device that helps individuals perform calf stretches and raises by supporting their foot and toes on a platform surface. The device has two positions: a resting position and a dynamic position. To perform calf stretches, the user puts their heel on the back of the platform surface and shifts their weight onto the foot. To do dynamic stretches and raises, the user puts their forefoot in front of the platform surface and rocks back and forth, causing the device to move around. To create resistance, the user adjusts the placement of their foot on the platform surface. Overall, this device helps individuals to stretch their calves by providing a safe and effective method to transition between resting and dynamic positions.

Problems solved by technology

Problematic with all such calf strengthening exercises is the linear nature of such exercise whereby the calf muscles are only worked along a common axis without any regard to an individual's natural motion, or the movements and shift of a person's weight that comes with performing a standing calf raise.

Moreover, many of the aforementioned prior art exercise are high-impact in nature, and thus are well-known to increase the risk of damage and / or injury to the individual, and most notably to the individual's ankles and knees.

Such conventional stretching action likewise does not accommodate the shift in weight that occurs from the heels to the balls of the feet of the individual during such walking or running motions.

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