Device for stretching feet and ankles

Description

1 / 9 DEVICE FOR STRETCHING FEET AND ANKLES FIELD OF APPLICATION

[001] The present invention applies to the area of ​​health, physiotherapy and physical preparation of dancers and other artists and athletes who need to increase the range of motion in the ankle and foot joints. FUNDAMENTALS OF THE INVENTION

[002] Proper stretching and mobility of the ankle joints are essential for the musculoskeletal health of dancers, athletes, and other professionals who rely on a large range of motion in their feet and ankles. Ankle flexibility is directly related to injury prevention, improved performance, and the maintenance of long-term joint health. Repetitive flexion and extension movements, typical in activities such as dance and high-intensity sports, require the ankle to have adequate strength, control, and mobility.

[003] Lack of ankle mobility can lead to compensations in other joints, such as the knees and hips, resulting in muscle overload, postural imbalances, and eventually, injuries. An insufficient range of motion can impede the execution of precise and fluid movements, as well as affect the technique and performance of dancers and athletes.Therefore, devices that allow for increased mobility in a safe way are of paramount importance to this audience.

[004] Currently, dancers and athletes use different methods to stretch and improve ankle mobility, such as the use of EVA blocks (usually yoga blocks), ankle braces, and even informal techniques, such as placing the Petition 870250012312, dated 02 / 14 / 2025, page 5 / 19 2 / 9 feet under furniture or sitting on it. These methods, however, have several disadvantages. Unmodified yoga blocks, for example, do not allow the dancer to fully relax their foot during the exercise, which reduces the effectiveness in gaining range of motion and does not adequately promote mobility between the metatarsals. The chin brace, in turn, can cause heel pain due to excessive pressure between the calcaneus and talus, in addition to being a bulky and difficult-to-transport product. Achilles tendon compression is also a frequent concern with many of these methods.

[005] The present invention arises to solve these deficiencies, offering a device that allows for an increase in the ankle's range of motion in an ergonomic and effective manner, without causing pain or compression in the joints. The device is a compact and easily transportable alternative, making it more convenient for dancers and athletes. By allowing complete relaxation of the foot muscles during use, the present device facilitates a deeper and more efficient stretch, promoting greater flexibility and mobility, without the painful side effects frequently observed in conventional methods.

[006] Furthermore, maintaining ankle mobility is fundamental to improving technique and preventing chronic movement problems. Smooth and consistent joint movements help preserve cartilage, reduce stiffness, and increase local blood circulation, which also aids in recovery after injuries. Therefore, the device contributes to improved performance. Petition 870250012312, dated 02 / 14 / 2025, page 6 / 19 3 / 9 immediate and long-term health benefits, by preventing joint and muscle problems.

[007] Thus, the present invention was designed to overcome the problems of existing methods, providing effective stretching without the risks of impact on the calcaneus or compression of the Achilles tendon, being a practical, affordable solution with great potential for application in physiotherapy and physical preparation of professionals seeking to increase joint mobility. STATE OF THE ART

[008] Document US2017225022A1 describes a yoga block designed to promote cervical lordosis, contoured to allow space for the shoulders and a cutout to accommodate the spinous processes on the top of the block.

[009] However, this document differs from the present invention as it is a device developed to improve cervical spine posture, focusing on supporting the head and neck. The present invention, on the other hand, has the specific objective of increasing the range of motion of the feet and ankles, and is not related to devices aimed at supporting the head or cervical spine.

[0010] Document CN109223427A describes an ankle stretching mechanism applied to a massage chair, which includes a fixed support assembly with a massage part for the leg and ankle. The mechanism includes telescopic rods and rotating mounting parts that allow for customized adjustments, providing stretching and massage to the ankle. Petition 870250012312, dated 02 / 14 / 2025, page 7 / 19 4 / 9

[0011] However, this document differs from the present invention since calf lengthening has as a consequence / objective the increase in dorsiflexion, while the present invention aims to increase plantar flexion, which occurs through the lengthening of the extensor muscles of the toes and ankle (tibialis anterior, extensor digitorum communis and extensor hallucis communis) and the gain in range of motion of the ankle and forefoot joints.

[0012] Document CN203075096U describes a U-shaped splint for abduction of the lower limbs. The splint is able to effectively maintain the neutral abduction position of a diseased limb, with the toes and dorsum of the foot fully exposed, providing comfort during rest, sleep, and functional exercises. The splint facilitates flexion and extension of the ankle and toe joints, promoting blood circulation and helping to reduce complications such as deep vein thrombosis, muscle atrophy, and ankylosis.

[0013] However, this document differs from the present invention as it describes a device to be used by patients in the postoperative period of hip prostheses, who have restricted hip adduction postoperatively, and this device in question allows the patient to safely perform physiotherapy exercises for hip strengthening, bend and straighten the ankle and foot joints safely, avoiding postoperative complications such as deep vein thrombosis, muscle atrophy, and ankylosis. Unlike the present invention, which aims at application in healthy dancers and with the exclusive objective of a passive exercise for the ankle and foot joint, the U-shaped lower-limb abduction splint is Petition 870250012312, dated 02 / 14 / 2025, page 8 / 19 5 / 9 is used to allow patients to perform active exercises.

[0014] Therefore, it can be concluded that the present invention differs from the prior art documents presented here, since none of them deals with a device specifically designed to passively increase the range of motion in plantar flexion. The present invention is a simple and ergonomic solution, consisting of a machined EVA block with an adjustable ramp, focused on promoting the safe stretching of the ankle and foot joints without generating compression or impact. Unlike devices intended for massage or post-operative recovery, the invention described here is intended for healthy individuals, such as dancers and athletes, providing complete muscle relaxation and increased mobility efficiently, with a portable and accessible design. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The present invention relates to an ergonomic device designed to increase the range of motion of the ankle and foot joints, with emphasis on plantar flexion. The device consists of a machined EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) block and an adjustable ramp, which together allow for safe and controlled passive stretching without causing compression of the calcaneus or Achilles tendon. Its ergonomic design allows the user to fully relax the muscles during exercise, facilitating an efficient increase in joint mobility.

[0016] The invention is especially suitable for dancers, athletes, and individuals who need to improve ankle and foot flexibility. In addition to being portable and Petition 870250012312, dated 02 / 14 / 2025, page 9 / 19 The accessible 6 / 9 device promotes complete muscle relaxation, optimizing range of motion gains without causing discomfort, making it a practical and effective alternative to traditional stretching methods. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0017] The invention can be better understood through the brief description in the following figures: Figure 1 shows perspective views of the block. Figure 2 shows perspective views of the ramp that accompanies the block, allowing for different configurations and angles for use. Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the two items being used together. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The invention can be better understood through the following detailed description, in accordance with the attached figures.

[0019] The present invention relates to an ergonomic device developed to increase the range of motion of the ankle and foot joints, focusing on passive stretching in plantar flexion. The device consists of two main components: a machined block (1) of flexible thermoplastic material and an adjustable ramp (3), designed to provide safe and effective stretching without generating compression in the joints or muscles.

[0020] The block (1) is preferably made of EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate), however, other materials that are not completely rigid can also be used. Petition 870250012312, dated 02 / 14 / 2025, page 10 / 19 7 / 9 EVA is presented as the preferred material for the device, as the density of EVA reduces pressure on the skin tissue, preventing skin lesions.

[0021] The device consists of a block (1) with approximate dimensions of 10 to 35 cm in width, 7 to 20 cm in height and 30 to 90 cm in length, preferably 23x15x75 cm (WxHxL). The machining of this block (1) creates a recess (2) that allows for ergonomic positioning of the foot, ensuring adequate support for the plantar arch, avoiding pressure on the calcaneus and compression of the Achilles tendon. The recess (2) is located on the upper surface of the block (1), has a depth between 40 and 120 mm, a width between 40 and 130 mm and an inclination between 30 and 80 degrees on both sides, and was designed to maximize the range of motion, providing stable and comfortable support during stretching.

[0022] The ramp (3) that accompanies the block (1), also made of EVA, measures approximately 10 to 35 cm wide, 3 to 10 cm high and 5 to 50 cm long, preferably 12x5x15 cm (WxHxL), and can be inserted under the main block (1) to provide an additional adjustable incline. This allows the user to modify the intensity of the stretch as needed, adjusting the angle of the device in a personalized way.

[0023] This device was designed for use by dancers, athletes and professionals seeking to increase the mobility of the ankle and foot joints, especially in physiotherapy and physical conditioning exercises. The invention is ideal for passive stretching, providing extension of the extensor muscles of the toes. Petition 870250012312, dated 02 / 14 / 2025, page 11 / 19 8 / 9 and ankle (such as the anterior tibialis and the extensors of the toes and hallux), allowing for an effective increase in mobility in the foot joints.

[0024] Unlike other conventional methods, such as the use of yoga blocks or chin straps, which can cause discomfort due to pressure on the heel or inadequate support, this device allows the foot to remain completely relaxed during exercise. The ergonomic design allows the user to maintain the stretching position for longer, without pain or discomfort.

[0025] The main advantage of the device lies in its ability to provide an increased range of motion safely, without risk of injury or impact to the joints. Compared to other available devices, such as massage chairs or abduction splints, this device was designed for healthy users, focusing on increasing ankle and foot mobility, without involving complex medical devices or those geared towards post-operative recovery.

[0026] Tests were conducted on professional dancers under the supervision of physiotherapists over a year, with at least 1 minute of use during treatment. Two professional dancers used the device for a period of two weeks, following a daily protocol of three two-minute sessions on each foot. The results showed that the device increases the range of motion of the ankle and forefoot joints, without causing heel pain, and also promotes an increase in the height of the demi-pointe and instep line. Petition 870250012312, dated 02 / 14 / 2025, page 12 / 19 9 / 9

[0027] An unexpected technical effect was the device's ability to promote complete relaxation of the foot muscles during stretching, something that is not achieved with yoga blocks or chin braces. This relaxation resulted in a more efficient gain in mobility, especially in the joint between the metatarsals, where conventional devices fail to act effectively.

[0028] The present invention has been disclosed in this descriptive report in terms of its preferred embodiment. However, other modifications and variations are possible from the present description, and are still within the scope of the invention disclosed herein. Petition 870250012312, dated 02 / 14 / 2025, page 13 / 19

Claims

1 / 1 CLAIMS 1. Device for stretching feet and ankles CHARACTERIZED by comprising a block (1) with a machined recess (2) disposed on the upper surface of the block (1), wherein the recess (2) comprises a depth between 40 and 120 mm, a width between 40 and 130 mm and an inclination between 30 and 80 degrees on both sides.

2. Device, according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that the block (1) comprises dimensions of 10 to 35 cm in width, 7 to 20 cm in height and 30 to 90 cm in length, preferably having 23x15x75 cm.

3. Device, according to claim 1 or 2, CHARACTERIZED in that it comprises a ramp (3) measuring from 10 to 35 cm wide, from 3 to 10 cm high and from 5 to 50 cm long, preferably 12x5x15 cm.

4. Device, according to any one of claims 1 to 3, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the block (1) and the ramp (3) are made of EVA. Petition 870250012312, dated 14 / 02 / 2025, p. 14 / 19

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