Device for training the muscles of the sole of the foot

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for training the muscles of the sole of the foot, comprising a base (2), the upper face of which constitutes a standing surface (5) for both soles of the feet from the heels to the ball of the feet, and a toe support (10), which is movably arranged on the base (2) adjacently to the ball region (9) of the standing surface (5), wherein the toe support (10) is arranged on one end (16) of at least one projecting leaf spring (14, 15), the other end (17) of which is secured to the base (2). The invention is characterized in that the central region of the at least one leaf spring (14, 15) is supported on a support slide (21) which is adjustably mounted on the base (2) in the longitudinal direction of the leaf spring(s) (14, 15).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for training the muscles of the soles of the feet, comprising a base which provides a standing surface on its upper side for both soles of the feet from their heels to their balls, and a toe support movably arranged at the base next to the ball area of ​​the standing surface, wherein the toe support is arranged at one end of at least one projecting leaf spring, the other end of which is fixed at the base.

[0002] Document KR 102 081 901 B1 discloses a device according to the preamble of independent claim 1. Another device of this type is known from JP 2022011573 A. A similar device, but without a standing surface for the soles of the feet, is described in DE 10 2014 113 458 B3.

[0003] In devices known from JP 10179793 A, JP 2015-221202 A, US 2012 / 0190515 A1 or US 4,577,861, the toe rest is pivotally attached to the ball-side end of the standing surface via a hinge and actuated by separate springs, elastic elements, or weights to form a "pedal" that can be pressed down with the toes. However, the hinged mounting of the toe rest results in a physiologically maladaptive movement of the toe rest; that is, it does not anatomically follow the movement of the toes correctly when the plantar muscles are tensed and the arch of the foot is flexed, which impairs the physiotherapeutic training effect of the device.

[0004] The invention aims to create a training device for the muscles of the soles of the feet, which enables ergonomic and effective training.

[0005] This objective is achieved with a device of the type mentioned in the introduction, which, according to the invention, is characterized in that the at least one leaf spring is supported in its central region on a support slide, which is adjustable at the base in the longitudinal direction of the leaf spring(s).

[0006] The inventive arrangement of the toe support at the end of a projecting leaf spring enables movement of the toe support that anatomically follows the curvature of the arch of the foot when the plantar muscles are tensed and the associated toe movement is performed, thus achieving a particularly gentle and efficient training experience. The support slide allows adjustment of both the counterforce and the curvature of the leaf spring(s). This allows the device to be adapted to individuals with varying muscle strength and / or different training objectives. Furthermore, the curvature of the leaf spring can be adjusted when the toe support is activated so that it is optimally aligned with the pivot point of the big toe joint, for example, to address or treat deformities of the big toe, such as hallux valgus.

[0007] Preferably, the other end of the leaf spring is fixed at its base near the heel area of ​​the standing surface. The leaf spring thus extends along the entire length of the plantar fascia of the arch of the foot to the toe rest, so that when the toe rest is actuated, it implicitly follows the curvature of the arch. Furthermore, a particularly compact design of the device is achieved, as the longitudinal extension of the leaf spring can be accommodated along the available space at the base of the standing surface, from the heel to the ball of the foot.

[0008] In order to optimally adapt the curvature of the leaf spring to the pivot point of the big toe joint when the toe support is actuated, for example to take into account or treat misalignments of the big toe, such as hallux valgus, it is particularly advantageous if the top of the support slide slopes down towards the toe support, preferably rounded.

[0009] The support carriage can be adjusted, for example, by means of handles, hand sliders, operating rods, etc., which are accessible through corresponding openings in the base. Preferably, however, the support carriage is adjustable by means of a threaded spindle rotatably mounted on the base, which allows for particularly precise adjustment of the position of the support carriage along the leaf spring(s).

[0010] According to a further preferred feature of the invention, the standing surface can be formed by two spaced-apart base plates, between which at least one leaf spring extends from the heel area to the ball of the foot and beyond. This allows the space remaining between the feet when standing relaxed to be used as installation space for the leaf spring.

[0011] In an optional embodiment of the invention, two parallel leaf springs can be provided. This achieves better lateral stabilization of the toe support when pressing down.

[0012] The toe rest can, for example, be a crossbar that is pressed down with the toes, similar to a toe pedal. Preferably, however, the toe rest is formed by a crossbar which is mounted in its center to at least one leaf spring. Due to its rounded shape, the bar allows the toes to roll along it when pressed down.

[0013] For this purpose, it is particularly advantageous if a sleeve is rotatably mounted on each end of the crossbar, so that no friction occurs between the toes and the toe pad when the toes are pressed down. Because the sleeves rotate relative to the crossbar, they can be fitted with a non-slip coating, allowing the toes to roll with minimal slippage when pressed down, which is especially beneficial for protecting the big toes.

[0014] The leaf spring(s) can, in the device's rest position, run parallel to the standing surface, i.e., particularly horizontally, and in the same plane as, below, or preferably above the standing surface. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, each leaf spring, in its rest position, can be inclined downwards at an angle of 5° to 30°, preferably 10° to 20°, and particularly preferably about 15°, relative to the standing surface in the direction of the toe rest. This ensures that the toe rest at the end of the leaf spring(s) is at or below the plane of the standing surface, or only slightly above it. As a result, the user does not need to excessively bend their toes in the starting position, i.e., before pressing down on the toe rest.

[0015] The inclined position of the leaf spring(s) is particularly advantageous in conjunction with a toe support in the form of a crossbar, on which the leaf spring(s) act radially, so that the upper end of the crossbar does not protrude or only protrudes slightly above the plane of the standing surface.

[0016] If desired, each leaf spring can be combined with at least one auxiliary leaf spring to form a leaf spring assembly, thereby increasing the spring force. Each auxiliary leaf spring can be mounted at one end on the toe support and guided at its other end either on the respective leaf spring or in a sliding guide at the base.

[0017] Alternatively or additionally, to increase the spring force at the base, a coiled auxiliary spring with two projecting ends can be mounted, with one end at the base and the other end attacking the underside of the respective leaf spring or the toe support.

[0018] In a further variant of the embodiment according to the invention with support slide, the wound auxiliary spring is mounted on this with two projecting ends, wherein one end engages the support slide or the base and the other end engages the underside of the respective leaf spring or the toe support.

[0019] In each of the aforementioned embodiments, according to a further preferred feature of the invention, the base can be equipped with a pull rope and handle on its side facing the toe rest. This allows the user to additionally pull themselves against the standing surface to counteract the counterforce exerted by the leaf spring with increased body tension.

[0020] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The drawings show: the Fig. 1 und 2 a first embodiment of the device of the invention in a top view ( Fig. 1 ) and in one cut ( Fig. 2 ) along the intersection line II-II of Fig. 1 ; Fig. 3 a second embodiment of the device of the invention in a top view; Fig. 4 a third embodiment of the device of the invention in a schematic side view; and the Fig. 5 - 7 a fourth embodiment of the device of the invention in a top view ( Fig. 5 ), in one cut ( Fig. 6 ) along the intersection line VI-VI of Fig. 5 and in a rear view ( Fig. 7 ).

[0021] In the Fig. 1 und 2 A first embodiment of a device 1 for training the foot muscles is shown. The device 1 has a base 2, e.g., a frame or other support structure, which rests flat on its underside or on supports 3 on the floor 4. The upper side of the base 2 is provided with a standing surface 5 for the soles of the feet – from the heels to the balls of the feet – of a user standing on it.

[0022] In the example shown, the standing surface 5 is formed by two spaced-apart base plates 6, 7. The user stands with their left foot on the left base plate 6 and with their right foot on the right base plate 7, from heel to ball of foot. The standing surface 5, or rather the base plates 6, 7, each thus have a heel area 8 and a ball of foot area 9.

[0023] Next to the ball of the foot area 9 of the standing surface 5, a toe rest 10 is arranged, on which the user's toes rest when standing on the standing surface 5. The toe rest 10 can, for example, be a crossbar whose upper surface is slightly above the level E of the standing surface 5, so that the user must slightly angle their toes upwards in the resting or starting position. In the example shown, the toe rest 10 is a crossbar with an approximately round cross-section. Optionally, a sleeve 12, 13 is rotatably mounted on each of the two ends of the crossbar 11. The sleeves 12, 13 can be provided with a non-slip covering, such as foam or rubber, as can the standing surface 5 and the base plates 6, 7.

[0024] The toe rest 10 (here: the crossbar 11) is movably mounted at the base 2 via at least one (here: two) leaf spring(s) 14, 15. The toe rest 10 can thus be moved by the user from the in Fig. 2 The starting or resting position shown with solid lines is in a Fig. 2 The operating position shown with dashed lines must be pressed down.

[0025] In detail, the toe support 10 is arranged at the freely projecting "ball-side" ends 16 of the leaf springs 14, 15, which extend from the standing surface 5, while the opposite "heel-side" ends 17 of the leaf springs 14, 15 are fixed at the base 2.

[0026] In the example shown, the leaf springs 14, 15 run in the space between the base plates 6, 7. If, on the other hand, the standing surface 5 forms a continuous surface, the leaf springs 14, 15 could also run below the standing surface 5 in a corresponding recess in the base 2.

[0027] The ball-side ends 16 of the leaf springs 14, 15 can be rigidly connected to the toe support 10 in any desired manner, e.g., inserted, screwed, riveted, glued, welded, etc., or even formed integrally with the toe support 10. In the example shown, the ball-side ends 16 of the leaf springs 14, 15 pass diametrically through the crossbar 11 and are welded to it at 18.

[0028] The heel-side ends 17 of the leaf springs 14, 15 are clamped or screwed into a clamp 19 of the base 2 by means of screws 20. Alternatively, they can be fixed to the base 2 in any other way, e.g., inserted, screwed, riveted, glued, welded, etc.

[0029] The leaf springs 14, 15 can extend freely from their fixed heel-side ends 17. If desired, they could also be shorter than the longitudinal extent of the standing surface 5 from the heel area 8 to the ball area, e.g., only half as long or one-third as long. For this purpose, the clamp 19 could, for example, be located in the middle of or closer to the ball area 9 of the standing surface 5. In the example shown, however, the leaf springs 14, 15 extend over the entire length of the standing surface 5 or base plates 6, 7 from their heel area 8 to their ball area 9 and beyond to the toe support 10.

[0030] In their central region, i.e., between the ends 16, 17, the leaf springs 14, 15 are optionally supported on a support slide 21, which is adjustable at the base 2 in the longitudinal direction R of the leaf springs 14, 15. For example, the support slide 21 rests on a sliding guide 22 of the base 2 and can be adjusted in the longitudinal direction R of the leaf springs 14, 15 by means of a threaded spindle 23. The threaded spindle 23 engages, for example, in a threaded bore 24 of the support slide 21, is rotatably mounted in a bearing 25 of the base 2, and projects outwards from the base 2, where it may be equipped with a knurled wheel 26, ball joint, internal or external hexagon, etc., to allow for easy rotation.

[0031] The support slide 21 is rounded on its upper side towards the toe support 10 at 27, so that the leaf springs 14, 15 follow the rounding 27 of the support slide 21 when the toe support 10 is pressed down, see Fig. 2 .

[0032] In the embodiment of the Fig. 1 und 2 In their rest position, the leaf springs 14, 15 are inclined at an angle α of approximately 15° relative to the standing surface 5, downwards towards the toe rest 10. This ensures that, in their initial position, the upper end of the crossbar 11, when the leaf springs 14, 15 are radially attached to it, is not too far above the plane E of the standing surface 5, thus preventing the user from having to bend their toes excessively upwards. To adjust the support slide 21 parallel to the longitudinal direction R of the leaf springs 14, 15, the guide surface 22 is inclined at the same angle α. Generally speaking, the angle α can be in the range of 0° to 30°, preferably 5° to 30°, particularly preferably 10° to 20°, and especially at approximately 15°.

[0033] Fig. 3 shows an alternative embodiment of device 1, whereby in the following only the differences compared to the embodiment of the Fig. 1 und 2 The following is discussed. Instead of two leaf springs 14, 15, a single central leaf spring 14 is provided here, which lies between the two base plates 6, 7. An eyelet 28 for anchoring a pull rope with a handle (not shown) is formed in a tab 29 projecting from the base 2 under the toe rest 10. Alternatively, the tab 29 could also be attached to the toe rest 10. With the help of the pull rope, the user can additionally pull themselves against the device 1 while standing on the standing surface 5.

[0034] Fig. 4 Figure 1 schematically shows a third embodiment of the device 1. The (at least) one leaf spring 14 runs approximately horizontally (α = 0). Below the leaf spring 14, an auxiliary spring 30 is wound onto a transverse pin 31 of the support slide 21, such that it has two oppositely projecting ends 32, 33. One end 32 is fixed to the base 2, e.g., sliding in a slot 34, while the other end 33 rests against the underside of the leaf spring 14, thus increasing its spring force. Alternatively, the other end 33 could engage directly with the toe support 10. It is also possible to mount the auxiliary leaf spring 30 directly to the base 2, particularly if no support slide 21 is provided.

[0035] In the Fig. 5 - 7 A fourth embodiment of the device 1 is shown, again with (at least) one leaf spring 14 lying horizontally (α = 0). The leaf spring 14 is clamped with its heel end 17 in the clamp 19 of the base 2 with washers 34 inserted between it, so that a gap 35 remains above and a gap 36 below it in the clamp 19.

[0036] An auxiliary leaf spring 37 is slidably inserted into the gap 35. The auxiliary leaf spring 37 rests slidably on the leaf spring 14 and is mounted with its ball-side end 16 on the toe support 10. Leaf spring 14 and the auxiliary leaf spring 37 above it thus form a spring assembly.

[0037] It is understood that more than one auxiliary leaf spring 37 can be provided and that these can run both above and below the leaf spring 14. It is particularly advantageous if the auxiliary leaf spring(s) 37 are located above the leaf spring 14, because then when pressing down (see Fig. 2 ) resulting in fewer slip-stick effects between the springs of the leaf spring pack.

[0038] Generally speaking, the heel-side end 17 of the auxiliary leaf spring(s) 37 can be guided slidably in a sliding guide of the base 2, or directly on the respective associated leaf spring 14 or 15, e.g. by means of a retaining ring 38 ( Fig. 1 - 3 ), which encompasses the respective leaf spring 14, 15. Alternatively, the auxiliary leaf spring 37 could be fixed at its heel-side end to the base 2 and guided slidably at its ball-side end on the respective leaf spring 14, 15.

[0039] In the various forms of the Fig. 3 - 7 The leaf springs 14, 15, which in the rest position run approximately horizontally and parallel to the standing surface 5, with their optional auxiliary leaf springs 37, can be located approximately at the level of the plane E of the standing surface 5, below or above it.

[0040] As in the Fig. 5 - 7As shown, the base 2 can be equipped with a left and a right eyelet 28 for anchoring a handle pull rope via a pull rope triangle. The two eyelets 28 are located, for example, near the ball area 9 of the standing surface 5. Instead of a threaded spindle 23, a push rod 39 is provided here for adjusting the support slide 21, which protrudes from the base 2 and can be actuated there via a ball joint 40.

[0041] All leaf springs 14, 15, auxiliary springs 30 and auxiliary leaf springs 37 can be made of any elastically deformable material, e.g. elastic plastic, spring steel, stainless spring steel or titanium spring steel. All other components of the device 1 can also be made of any material, for example metal, wood and / or plastic.

[0042] The invention is not limited to the embodiments shown, but includes all variants, modifications and combinations thereof that fall within the scope of the attached claims.

Claims

1. A device for training the muscles of the sole of the foot, comprising a base (2), the upper face of which provides a standing surface (5) for both soles of the feet from their heels to their balls, and a toe support (10) which is movably arranged on the base (2) adjacent to the ball region (9) of the standing surface (5), wherein the toe support (10) is arranged at one end (16) of at least one projecting leaf spring (14, 15), the other end (17) of which is fixed to the base (2), characterised in that the at least one leaf spring (14, 15) is supported in its central region on a support slide (21) which is mounted on the base (2) in a manner adjustable in longitudinal direction of the leaf spring / s (14, 15).

2. The device according to claim 1, characterised in that said other end (17) is fixed to the base (2) close to the heel region (8) of the standing surface (5).

3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the upper face of the support slide (21) slopes downwards towards the toe support (10), preferably with a rounded form.

4. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the support slide (21) is adjustable by means of a threaded spindle (23) rotatably mounted on the base (2).

5. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the standing surface (5) is formed by two spaced apart standing plates (6, 7), between which the at least one leaf spring (14, 15) extends from the heel region (8) to the ball region (9) and beyond.

6. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that two leaf springs (14, 15) are provided extending in parallel next to one another.

7. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the toe support (10) is formed by a cross bar (11) which is mounted in its center on the at least one leaf spring (14, 15).

8. The device according to claim 7, characterised in that a sleeve (12, 13) is rotatably mounted on each of the two ends of the cross bar (11).

9. The device according to claim 8, characterised in that the sleeves (12, 13) are provided with a non-slip coating.

10. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that each leaf spring (14, 15) in its position of rest extends parallel to the standing surface (5) and preferably above it.

11. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that each leaf spring (14, 15) in its position of rest is inclined downwards at an angle α of 5° to 30°, preferably 10° to 20°, particularly preferably about 15°, relative to the standing surface (5) in the direction of the toe support (10).

12. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterised in that each leaf spring (14, 15) is combined with at least one auxiliary leaf spring (37) to form a leaf spring assembly.

13. The device according to claim 12, characterised in that each auxiliary leaf spring (37) is mounted with its one end (16) on the toe support (10) and is guided in a sliding manner with its other end (17) on the respective leaf spring (14, 15) or in a sliding guide (35) of the base (2).

14. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterised in that a coiled auxiliary spring (30) with two projecting ends (32, 33) is mounted on the base (2), wherein the one end (32) engages on the base (2) and the other end (33) engages on the underside of the respective leaf spring (14, 15) or on the toe support (10).

15. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterised in that a coiled auxiliary spring (30) with two projecting ends (32, 33) is mounted on the support slide (21), wherein the one end (32) engages on the support slide (21) or on the base (2) and the other end (33) engages on the underside of the respective leaf spring (14, 15) or on the toe support (10).

16. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterised in that the base (2) is provided with a pull rope with a hand grip on its side facing the toe support (10).

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