Spring Ankle Torque Device

Abstract

A foot and ankle exercise system including a base, a slant board, and a torque bar. The lower end of the base for stabilizing the base with respect to a horizontal support surface. The slant board is supported at the upper end of the base. The torque bar dimensioned and configured to be disposed adjacent the slant board such that the torque bar extends upward with respect to the horizontal support surface. When the base is stabilized with respect to the horizontal support surface, the torque bar and slant board are positioned and configured such that the slant board is operable to receive a ball of a foot of a user while a heel of the foot of the user applies torque against the torque bar.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to co-pending U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63 / 656,132 filed Jun. 5, 2024, entitled “Spring Ankle Torque Device,” the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference.FIELD

[0002] This disclosure relates to the field of exercise and rehabilitation equipment. More particularly, this disclosure relates to foot and ankle strength and stability training equipment.BACKGROUND

[0003] Foot / ankle strength and stability has perhaps the greatest effect on athletic performance across sports. Foot and ankle strength also has a major effect on rehabilitation after lower body injuries. Athletes that suffer from weak feet and ankles commonly suffer from pain and injury throughout their legs at the knee, hip, and lower back. Surprisingly, however, strength and stability programs and exercises specifically directed to the foot and ankle are absent from most athletic training programs. The lack of foot and ankle strength and stability training can in some part be attributed to the fact many athletes do not know about the importance of such training programs and that such training programs are not yet “mainstream.” Further, there is currently a lack of equipment that allows users to perform such training programs safely and effectively. In fact, athletes and those undergoing rehabilitation must often rely on makeshift solutions to complete such training programs. These makeshift solutions do not work the targeted muscle groups effectively and potentially increase the chances of injury.

[0004] Considering the above, a “spring ankle” series of exercises / stretches was more recently developed by sport / speed performance coach Chris Karfist. The spring ankle series provides a systematic approach to strengthen the foot and ankle, optimizing power transfer and reducing energy leaks. By addressing the ankle stability and function, athletes can improve their acceleration, speed, and overall performance. However, the spring ankle exercises still lack an equipment system that is specifically directed to perform and enhance the exercises for helping athletes and others in developing a strong and stable foot and ankle complex while maintaining proper form through the exercises.

[0005] Accordingly, what is needed is an exercise equipment device that allows users to efficiently work targeted muscle groups as directed by a foot and ankle strength and stability program such as the spring ankle exercises at a relatively low cost.SUMMARY

[0006] According to one embodiment of the disclosure, a foot and ankle exercise system includes a base, a slant board, and a torque bar. The base includes an upper end and a lower end with the lower end dimensioned and configured to stabilize the base with respect to a horizontal support surface. The slant board is supported at the upper end of the base such that the slant board extends along the upper end of the base at an angle with respect to the horizontal support surface. The torque bar is dimensioned and configured to be disposed adjacent the slant board such that the torque bar extends upward with respect to the horizontal support surface. When the base is stabilized with respect to the horizontal support surface, the torque bar and slant board are positioned and configured such that the slant board is operable to receive a ball of a foot of a user while a heel of the foot of the user applies torque against the torque bar.

[0007] According to certain embodiments, the lower end of the base includes a plurality of stabilizing wings. In some embodiments, a lower end of each of the plurality of stabilizing wings includes a bumper positioned and configured for contacting the horizontal support surface and preventing movement of the base during use of the foot and ankle exercise system.

[0008] According to certain embodiments, the angle of the slant board is between 10 and 20 degrees. According to some embodiments, the angle of the slant board is about 15 degrees.

[0009] According to certain embodiments, the slant board is fixed to the base. In other embodiments, the slant board is operable to be rotated with respect to the base.

[0010] According to certain embodiments, the torque bar is configured to be removably secured to the base in a plurality of positions. In some embodiments, the slant board includes a front lower end, a rear raised end, a first side, and a second side, and the plurality of positions of the torque bar include at least a first position in which the torque bar is positioned adjacent the front lower end of the slant board and a second position in which the torque bar is positioned adjacent one of the first side and the second side of the slant board.

[0011] According to certain embodiments, the base includes a first side, a second side opposite the first side, a third side, and a fourth side opposite the third side, the base further including a first slot extending through the first and second sides and a second slot extending through the third and fourth sides. According to this embodiment, the torque bar is L-shaped with a horizontal portion having a proximal end and a distal end, and the torque bar is operable to be removably secured to the base by inserting the proximal end of the horizontal portion through one of the first slot and the second slot of the base.

[0012] According to another embodiment of the disclosure, a foot and ankle exercise system includes a base, a slant board, and a torque bar. The base includes an upper end and a lower end with the lower end dimensioned and configured to stabilize the base with respect to a horizontal support surface. The slant board is supported at the upper end of the base with the slant board extending along the upper end of the base at an angle with respect to the horizontal support surface. The torque bar is removably connected to the base such that a position of the torque bar may be adjusted in relation to the slant board between a plurality of positions with the torque bar extending upward with respect to the horizontal support surface in each of the plurality of positions. When the base is stabilized with respect to the horizontal support surface, the torque bar and slant board are positioned and configured such that the slant board is operable to receive a ball of a foot of a user while a heel of the foot of the user applies torque against the torque bar in each of the plurality of positions of the torque bar.

[0013] According to certain embodiments, the lower end of the base includes a plurality of stabilizing wings. In some embodiments, a lower end of each of the plurality of stabilizing wings includes a bumper positioned and configured for contacting the horizontal support surface and preventing movement of the base during use of the foot and ankle exercise system.

[0014] According to certain embodiments, the angle of the slant board is between 10 and 20 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle of the slant board is about 15 degrees.

[0015] According to certain embodiments, the slant board is fixed to the base.

[0016] According to certain embodiments, the slant board includes a front lower end, a rear raised end, a first side, and a second side, and the plurality of positions of the torque bar include at least a first position in which the torque bar is positioned adjacent the front lower end of the slant board and a second position in which the torque bar is positioned adjacent one of the first side and the second side of the slant board.

[0017] According to certain embodiments, the base includes a first side, a second side opposite the first side, a third side, and a fourth side opposite the third side, the base further including a first slot extending through the first and second sides and a second slot extending through the third and fourth sides. The torque bar is L-shaped with a horizontal portion having a proximal end and a distal end, with the torque bar being operable to be removably secured to the base by inserting the proximal end of the horizontal portion through one of the first slot and the second slot of the base.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Other embodiments of the disclosure will become apparent by reference to the detailed description in conjunction with the figures, wherein elements are not necessarily to scale so as to more clearly show the details, wherein like reference numbers indicate like elements throughout the several views, and wherein:

[0019] FIG. 1 depicts a front perspective view of a foot and ankle exercise system according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 2 depicts a right-side elevational view of the foot and ankle exercise system of the embodiment of FIG. 1

[0021] FIG. 3 depicts a front elevational view of the foot and ankle exercise system of the embodiment of FIGS. 1-2.

[0022] FIG. 4 depicts an overhead view of the foot and ankle exercise system of the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3.

[0023] FIG. 5 depicts a user using the foot and ankle exercise system of the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4 in a first exemplary position with the big toe being in a low position, the heel being in a low position, and the heel driving outward on the torque bar.

[0024] FIG. 6 depicts a user using the foot and ankle exercise system of the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4 in a second exemplary position with the big toe being in a high position, the heel being in a low position, and the heel driving inward on the torque bar.

[0025] FIG. 7 depicts a user using the foot and ankle exercise system of the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4 in a third exemplary position with the big toe being in a low position, the heel being in a high position, and the heel driving inward on the torque bar.

[0026] FIG. 8 depicts a user using the foot and ankle exercise system of the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4 in a fourth exemplary position with the big toe being in a high position, the heel being in a high position, and the heel driving inward on the torque bar.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] With reference to FIGS. 1-4, a foot and ankle exercise system 10 according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure generally includes a base 20, a slant board 40, and a torque bar 60. In operation, a user places the ball of their foot on the slant board 40 such that the heel of the user's foot is positioned against the side of the torque bar 60. As explained further below, the user is able to perform a variety of different spring and ankle movements / exercises (e.g., “spring ankle” related exercises) by placing the user's foot on the slant board in different orientations / positions and then either pushing the user's heel inward or outward against the torque bar 60.

[0028] With continued reference to FIGS. 1-4, the base 20 includes an upper end 22 and a lower end 24. The lower end 24 is dimensioned and configured to stabilize the base 20 with respect to a horizontal support surface (e.g., a floor). To help stabilize the base 20, the lower end 24 of this embodiment includes a plurality of stabilizing wings 26 extending radially outward around the base 20. The bottom of each of the stabilizing wings 26 include a bumper 28 that is positioned and configured for providing the contact point between the base 20 and the horizontal support surface. While the bumpers 28 may include many different configurations and be formed of varying materials, the bumpers 28 are intended to prevent movement / sliding of the base 20 along the horizontal surface during use of the system 10.

[0029] The slant board 40 is supported at the upper end 22 of the base 20. As shown, the slant board 40 extends along the upper end 22 of the base 20 at an angle with respect to the intended horizontal support surface. In preferred embodiments, the angle of the slant board 40 is between about 10° and about 20°. In most preferred embodiments, the slant board 40 includes an angle of about 15°. Given the angle of the slant board 40, the slant board includes a front lower end 42 and a rear raised end 44 (i.e., raised end 44 with respect to the front lower end 42). Disposed between the front lower end 42 and rear raised end 44 is a first side 46 and a second side 48. While the slant board 40 is depicted herein as circular, it should be understood that other shapes may be used such as square or rectangular slant boards 40.

[0030] According to certain embodiments, the slant board 40 is fixed at the upper end 22 of the base 20. In other embodiments, the slant board 40 is removably secured to the base 20. In embodiments in which the slant board 40 is fixed to the base 20, the torque bar 60 is preferably able to be repositioned with respect to the slant board 40 as described further below for maximizing the number of potential exercise positions for the system 10. On the other hand, in alternate embodiments, the torque bar 60 may be secured to the base 20 while the slant board 40 is able to be repositioned / rotated with respect to the base 20 to similarly maximize the number of potential exercise positions for the system 10.

[0031] With reference again to FIGS. 1-4, the torque bar 60 is dimensioned and configured to be disposed adjacent the slant board 40 such that the torque bar 60 extends upward with respect to the horizontal support surface. The positioning of the torque bar 60 with respect to the slant board 40 permits the system 10 to receive a foot of a user such that the slant board 40 is configured to receive the ball of the foot in varying positions with the heel positioned next to the torque bar 60. The user then applies rotational torque against the torque bar 60 for performing varying spring ankle exercises as desired.

[0032] In preferred embodiments, and as shown in FIGS. 1-4, the torque bar 60 is able to be removably secured to the base 20 in a plurality of positions. For example, the torque bar 60 may generally include an L-shape as shown with a horizontal portion 62 and a vertical portion 64. To removably secure the torque bar 60 to the base in different positions, the base 20 includes at least a first set of torque bar apertures 30 with a corresponding first set of locking pin apertures 34 and a second set of torque bar apertures 32 with a corresponding second set of locking pin apertures 36. The first set of torque bar apertures 30 and second set of locking pin apertures 36 are disposed in the walls of the base 20 below the front lower end 42 and rear raised end 44 of the slant board 40. The second set of torque bar apertures 30 and first set of locking pin apertures 34 are disposed in the walls of the base 20 below the first side 46 and second side 48 of the slant board 40.

[0033] Thus, the first set of torque bar apertures 30 form a first slot through the base 20 in which the horizontal portion 62 of the torque bar 60 is able to be inserted when it is desired to secure the torque bar 60 such that the vertical portion 64 is disposed adjacent the front lower end 42 (as shown) or the rear raised end 44 of the slant board 40. To secure the torque bar 60 to the base 20 in either the front / rear positions, a locking pin 70 is inserted through the first set of locking pin apertures 34 and a corresponding locking pin aperture of the horizontal portion 62 of the torque bar 60 (not shown). Similarly, the second set of torque bar apertures 32 form a second slot through the base 20 in which the horizontal portion 62 of the torque bar 60 is able to be inserted when it is desired to secure the torque bar 60 such that the vertical portion 64 is disposed adjacent either the first side 46 or the second side 48 of the slant board 40. To secure the torque bar 60 to the base 20 in one of the side positions, the locking pin 70 is inserted through the second set of locking pin apertures 36 and the corresponding locking pin aperture of the horizontal portion 62 of the torque bar 60.

[0034] According to certain embodiments, the system 10 may further comprise additional components such as foot guards or rails disposed along the sides or ends of the slant board 40 that prevent a user's foot from slipping down the slant board 40. The device may also comprise various engagement mechanisms that allow the device to be secured to standard gym equipment such as the base rails of power racks to provide additional stabilization.

[0035] With reference to FIGS. 5-8, exemplary spring ankle positions and corresponding exercises are depicted. With reference to FIG. 5, the big toe of the ball of the foot is shown in a “low” position (i.e., towards the front lower end 42 of the slant board 40) while the heel of the user is also in a “low” position with respect to the torque bar 60. In this exercise, the user is driving the heel in an “outward” rotational direction against the torque bar as indicated by the arrow.

[0036] With reference to FIG. 6, the big toe is in a “high” position (i.e., towards the rear raised end 44 of the slant board 40) while the heel is still in a low position. In this exercise, the user is driving the heel “inward” against the torque bar.

[0037] With reference to FIG. 7, the big toe in a low position, the heel is in a high position, and the heel is driving inward against the torque bar.

[0038] With reference to FIG. 8, the big toe is in a high position, the heel is in a high position, and the heel is driving inward against the torque bar.

[0039] The chart below includes the above and other spring angle positions according to a preferred exercise routine using the system 10.PositionBig ToeHeelHeel#Benefit To Running / SprintingPositionPositionDrive1Acceleration & Force Absorption / LowLowOutLanding2Top End Speed / Drive / Push OffLowHighOut3COD Force Absorption / LandingHighLowIn4COD DriveHighHighIn5Cross Over & Lateral Acceleration / LowHighInPush Off6Cross Over Absorption / LandingLowLowIn7Acceleration Drive / Push OffHighHighOut8Force Absorption / LandingHighLowOut

[0040] Made clear by the depictions of FIGS. 5-8 and the chart above, various spring ankle training positions may be trained using the system 10. Further, various configurations of the base 20, slant board 40, and torque bar 60 are possible and within the scope of the present disclosure in order to perform spring ankle training exercises as described herein where the user drives their heel in varying inward and outward directions with respect to torque bar while their foot is positioned at different angles and positions on a slant board.

[0041] The foregoing description of preferred embodiments for this disclosure have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise form disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments are chosen and described in an effort to provide the best illustrations of the principles of the disclosure and its practical application, and to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the disclosure in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the disclosure as determined by any future claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally, and equitably entitled.

Claims

1. A foot and ankle exercise system comprising:a base having an upper end and a lower end, the lower end dimensioned and configured to stabilize the base with respect to a horizontal support surface;a slant board supported at the upper end of the base, the slant board extending along the upper end of the base at an angle with respect to the horizontal support surface; anda torque bar dimensioned and configured to be disposed adjacent the slant board such that the torque bar extends upward with respect to the horizontal support surface,wherein, when the base is stabilized with respect to the horizontal support surface, the torque bar and slant board are positioned and configured such that the slant board is operable to receive a ball of a foot of a user while a heel of the foot of the user applies torque against the torque bar.

2. The foot and ankle exercise system of claim 1 wherein the lower end of the base includes a plurality of stabilizing wings.

3. The foot and ankle exercise system of claim 2 wherein a lower end of each of the plurality of stabilizing wings includes a bumper positioned and configured for contacting the horizontal support surface and preventing movement of the base during use of the foot and ankle exercise system.

4. The foot and ankle exercise system of claim 1 wherein the angle of the slant board is between 10 and 20 degrees.

5. The foot and ankle exercise system of claim 1 wherein the angle of the slant board is about 15 degrees.

6. The foot and ankle exercise system of claim 1 wherein the slant board is fixed to the base.

7. The foot and ankle exercise system of claim 1 wherein the slant board is operable to be rotated with respect to the base.

8. The foot and ankle exercise system of claim 1 wherein the torque bar is configured to be removably secured to the base in a plurality of positions.

9. The foot and ankle exercise system of claim 8 wherein the slant board includes a front lower end, a rear raised end, a first side, and a second side, and the plurality of positions of the torque bar include at least a first position in which the torque bar is positioned adjacent the front lower end of the slant board and a second position in which the torque bar is positioned adjacent one of the first side and the second side of the slant board.

10. The foot and ankle exercise system of claim 1 wherein:the base includes a first side, a second side opposite the first side, a third side, and a fourth side opposite the third side, the base further including a first slot extending through the first and second sides and a second slot extending through the third and fourth sides, andthe torque bar is L-shaped with a horizontal portion having a proximal end and a distal end, the torque bar being operable to be removably secured to the base by inserting the proximal end of the horizontal portion through one of the first slot and the second slot of the base.

11. A foot and ankle exercise system comprising:a base having an upper end and a lower end, the lower end dimensioned and configured to stabilize the base with respect to a horizontal support surface;a slant board supported at the upper end of the base, the slant board extending along the upper end of the base at an angle with respect to the horizontal support surface; anda torque bar removably connected to the base such that a position of the torque bar may be adjusted in relation to the slant board between a plurality of positions, the torque bar extending upward with respect to the horizontal support surface in each of the plurality of positions,wherein, when the base is stabilized with respect to the horizontal support surface, the torque bar and slant board are positioned and configured such that the slant board is operable to receive a ball of a foot of a user while a heel of the foot of the user applies torque against the torque bar in each of the plurality of positions of the torque bar.

12. The foot and ankle exercise system of claim 11 wherein the lower end of the base includes a plurality of stabilizing wings.

13. The foot and ankle exercise system of claim 11 wherein a lower end of each of the plurality of stabilizing wings includes a bumper positioned and configured for contacting the horizontal support surface and preventing movement of the base during use of the foot and ankle exercise system.

14. The foot and ankle exercise system of claim 11 wherein the angle of the slant board is between 10 and 20 degrees.

15. The foot and ankle exercise system of claim 11 wherein the angle of the slant board is about 15 degrees.

16. The foot and ankle exercise system of claim 11 wherein the slant board is fixed to the base.

17. The foot and ankle exercise system of claim 11 wherein the slant board includes a front lower end, a rear raised end, a first side, and a second side, and the plurality of positions of the torque bar include at least a first position in which the torque bar is positioned adjacent the front lower end of the slant board and a second position in which the torque bar is positioned adjacent one of the first side and the second side of the slant board.

18. The foot and ankle exercise system of claim 11 wherein:the base includes a first side, a second side opposite the first side, a third side, and a fourth side opposite the third side, the base further including a first slot extending through the first and second sides and a second slot extending through the third and fourth sides, andthe torque bar is L-shaped with a horizontal portion having a proximal end and a distal end, the torque bar being operable to be removably secured to the base by inserting the proximal end of the horizontal portion through one of the first slot and the second slot of the base.

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