Device for use in ankle rehabilitation and strengthening

Abstract

An exercise boot for use in exercising an ankle of a subject comprises: a heel strap, adapted to wrap around a heel of the subject's foot; a toe strap, adapted to wrap around a toe region of the subject's foot; and first and second extension straps extending from opposite ends of the toe strap and being connected to the heel strap; the boot further comprises one or more anchors adapted to be connected to an elastic band.

Description

DEVICE FOR USE IN ANKLE REHABILITATION AND STRENGTHENINGCROSS REFERENCE TO PRIOR APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to US Application No. 63 / 662,573, filed June 21 , 2024. The entire contents of such prior application are incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE DESCRIPTION

[0002] The present disclosure relates to an exercise device, or boot, for aiding the rehabilitation and strengthening of a joint of a subject. In one embodiment, the device is adapted for use in strengthening an ankle.BACKGROUND

[0003] Joint injuries are common and may occur in the course of daily activities, such as walking etc., as well as during exercise and playing sports, etc. Common joint injuries are sprains and fractures of an ankle or a wrist. Treatments for joint injuries usually involves various motion exercises, such as ankle dorsiflexion, plantarflexion, ankle eversion, and ankle inversion, etc., that serve to rehabilitate and strengthen the joint.

[0004] One of the above-mentioned treatments involves the use of elastic or therapy bands, also known as resistance bands, for applying a counterforce to the joint. One example of such elastic bands is the Theraband® product. These exercises are conducted by attaching one end of the elastic band to a stationary object and securing the other end of a band to a user’s foot, such as in the case of ankle rehabilitation. Once the band is attached, the user moves their foot against the resistance exerted by the band. Although such treatment is simple and effective, challenges exist in that securing the band to the foot is a manual process and the tying of the band to the foot is not always secure. Further, changing the direction of the exercise, such as between eversion and inversion, requires the band to be untied and retied in the required position.

[0005] There is, therefore, a need for a more efficient means of conducting the above-mentioned rehabilitative exercises.SUMMARY OF THE DESCRIPTION

[0006] In one aspect, there is provided an exercise boot for use in exercising an ankle of a subject, the boot comprising:

[0007] a heel strap, adapted to wrap around a heel of the subject’s foot; and

[0008] a toe strap, adapted to wrap around a toe region of the subject’s foot and having a first side and an opposite second side;

[0009] the heel strap having a first and a second end and a body portion therebetween, wherein first and second ends of the heel strap are adapted to be attached, respectively, to the first and second sides of the toe strap;

[0010] the boot comprising one or more anchors adapted to be connected to a resistance device.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0011] The features of certain embodiments will become more apparent in the following detailed description in which reference is made to the appended figures wherein:

[0012] Figs. 1 to 6 illustrate ankle motion exercises as known in the art, which are carried out using elastic bands. Figs. 1 and 2 illustrate a dorsiflexion motion, Figs. 3 and 4 illustrate an eversion motion, and Figs. 5 and 6 illustrate an inversion motion.

[0013] Fig. 7 is a top right perspective view of an exercise device according to an embodiment of the present description.

[0014] Fig. 8 is a top view of the exercise device of Fig. 7.

[0015] Fig. 9 is a left side view of the exercise device of Fig. 7.

[0016] Fig. 10 is a top right perspective view of the exercise device showing other embodiments, wherein the device is in an extended or loosened state.

[0017] Fig. 11 is a right perspective view of the exercise device of Fig. 10 in a tightened state.

[0018] Fig. 12 is a right perspective view of the exercise device according to another embodiment, wherein the device is a partially disassembled state.

[0019] Fig. 13 is a right perspective view of the exercise device of Fig. 12 showing the device in an assembled state prior to being installed on a foot.

[0020] Fig. 14 is a top view of one embodiment of the toe strap in an open position.

[0021] Fig. 15 is a bottom view of the toe strap of Fig. 14 in an open position.

[0022] Fig. 16 is a top view of an exercise device according to another embodiment.

[0023] Fig. 17 is front, right view of the exercise device of Fig. 16.

[0024] Fig. 18 is a front, left view of the exercise device of Fig. 16.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The terms “comprise”, “comprises”, “comprised” or “comprising” may be used in the present description. As used herein (including the specification and / or the claims), and unless stated otherwise, these terms are to be interpreted as open-ended terms and as specifying the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, or components, but not as precluding the presence of one or more other feature, integer, step, component or a group thereof as would be apparent to persons having ordinary skill in the relevant art. Thus, the term "comprising" as used in this specification means "consisting at least in part of’. When interpreting statements in this specification that include that term, the features, prefaced by that term in each statement, all need to be present but other features can also be present. Related terms such as "comprise" and "comprised" are to be interpreted in the same manner.

[0026] The term "and / or" can mean "and" or "or".

[0027] Unless stated otherwise herein, the articles “a” and “the”, when used to identify an element, are not intended to constitute a limitation of just one and will, instead, be understood to mean “at least one” or “one or more”.

[0028] In the following description, it is to be understood that the terms “top, “bottom”, “left”, “right” and the like, may be used. Similarly, the terms “anterior” or “posterior” may be used. These terms are meant to describe the orientation of the components of the presentdescription when the exercise device is in use, that is, when secured to a foot of a user. Thus, these terms will be understood to mean relative orientations and positional relationships of the components of the exercise device with respect to the foot of a wearer and are not intended to mean orientations and positional relationships with respect to an external reference point.

[0029] As noted above, the strap described herein is designed to assist in the rehabilitation or the general strengthening of a joint. The strap is particularly suited for use in the rehabilitation and strengthening of an ankle. While the present description will primarily be directed to ankle joints, it will be understood that the description may be adapted for use with other joints, such as wrists. As discussed above, and as known in the art, the rehabilitation and strengthening of an ankle following an injury involves tying an elastic band to the foot and moving the foot in certain planes against the resistance of the elastic band. Figs. 1-6 illustrate examples of such exercises which use elastic bands for providing resistance to the movement of the foot in a given direction. As discussed above, these exercises are conducted by attaching one end of the elastic band to a fixed anchor (not shown in Figs. 1-6) and attaching the opposite end of the band to the foot. As illustrated in Figs. 1-6, the attachment of the band to the foot requires forming a loop in the band through with the foot is inserted. Such loops are formed by forming a knot at one end of the band, assuming that can be done. As known in the art, one problem associated with these forms of exercises is that the band is susceptible to slipping off the foot and either disengaging from the foot entirely or slipping to a location where the effectiveness of the exercise is compromised. As also observed in Figs. 1-6, the known methods often result in a localized concentration of force on the user’s foot, which may lead to discomfort.

[0030] As noted above, it is well-known in the art to use elastic bands or straps for conducting the aforementioned exercises and such bands are similarly usable with the present description. One example of such band is commercially available under the name Theraband®. It will, however, be understood that any source of resistance may be used herein. Ideally, such source of resistance is elastic, such as the aforementioned bands, which are capable of being stretched under force and returning to their original state once the force is removed. It will also be understood that the source of resistance may be any elastic cable or the like. Alternatively, the source of resistance may be a non-elastic cable that is attached to a weight etc. It will therefore be understood that the present description isnot limited to any source of resistance and any known sources of resistance, such as but not limited to those described above, may be referred to herein as a resistance means.

[0031] Figs. 7 to 9 illustrate an exercise device or “boot” 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present description. For convenience, the term “boot” or “exercise boot” will be used herein. It will be understood that this term is not intended to imply that the device completely encloses the foot but to mean a combination of straps that cover the foot of the user. The exercise boot 100 comprises a posterior or heel end 101 and an anterior or toe end 103. The heel end of the boot comprises a first or heel strap 102 having a first end 104 and a second end 106. The first and second ends 104 and 106 may be integrally formed with the heel strap 102 or may comprise a different material that is attached to the heel strap 102 by stitching or any other attachment means. Figs. 11 and 12 illustrate, by way of example, an embodiment where the first end 104 is attached to the heel strap 102 with stitching as shown at 113.

[0032] The heel strap 102 is adapted to wrap around the heel of a user’s foot when the boot 100 is in use. In one embodiment, the heel strap 102 may comprise a notch 128 along an upper edge thereof to accommodate the Achilles tendon of the user’s foot when the boot 100 is in use. It will be understood that the notch 128 serves to aid in the comfort of the user, particularly where the boot 100 is used directly on the foot of the user, and would be an optional feature.

[0033] In another embodiment, the first strap 102 may include a cushion or similar feature in the region of the strap 102 that contacts the user’s foot. As will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art, the use of such cushion or cushioning material serves to improve comfort for the wearer of the device. It will also be appreciated that the heel strap 102 may additionally or alternatively be made of a material that is less abrasive to skin so as to further improve comfort for the wearer.

[0034] In one embodiment, the heel strap 102 may comprise a mesh layer or mesh material at least on an inner surface 105 of the first strap 102, that is, the surface of the strap that would be in contact with the skin of the wearer when the boot 100 is in use. Such a mesh material is shown by way of example in Figs. 10 and 11 . As would be understood by persons skilled in the art, providing such a mesh layer enhances the breathability of the strap 102 thereby minimizing buildup of moisture when the boot 100 is in use and thereby furtherimproving the user’s comfort. In another embodiment, the heel strap 102 may include or comprise a wicking material.

[0035] For the purpose of this discussion, the above-mentioned optional features, such as cushioning, moisture wicking, etc., will be referred to as “comfort features” and will be understood to be applicable to any other components of the exercise boot 100 that contact the foot of the wearer. This term will also be understood to include any other feature or characteristic that would be known to persons skilled in the art and which aid in improving comfort for the wearer of the boot 100. Moreover, it will be understood that these features are not mutually exclusive. Therefore, any combination of such features may be incorporated into the boot 100. Additionally, as described herein, the subject exercise boot is not limited to use directly on a foot of a user. That is, the boot may be worn on a foot covered by a sock, a shoe, or any other footwear. As such, references to “foot” herein will be understood to encompass a bare foot or a foot having any covering or footwear.

[0036] The anterior end 103 of the exercise boot 100 comprises a second or toe strap 108 that is adapted to be wrapped around the forefoot of a user preferably at a location proximal to the user’s toes. In particular, in the embodiment shown in the figures, the second strap is designed to be wrapped around a user’s foot near the end of the metatarsals, or the ball of the foot, so that, once attached, the second strap is prevented from sliding over the foot in a direction towards the heel. To aid in securing the boot 100 to the user’s foot, the toe strap 108 may be configured in any manner as would be known in the art. In one preferred embodiment, as illustrated in Figs. 14 and 15, the toe strap 108 comprises a strap with first and ends 152 and 154, respectively, that are adapted to connect together. In the example illustrated, the first and second ends may be adapted to connect using a hook and loop fastener system (e.g., Velcro®). For this purpose, one part of the hook and loop fastener, such as the loop portion, shown at 156, may be provided at a region proximal to the first end 152 of the toe strap 108, while the other part of the fastener, such as the hook portion, shown at 158, may be provided at a region proximal to the second end 154 thereof. Although a hook and loop fastener system is described, it will be understood that the toe strap 108 may be provided with any other fastening means, such as hooks that are adapted to be secured to an array of fixed loops, a buckle system, or the like. The present description is not limited to any particular means of connecting the ends of the toe strap. As will be understood from the present description, the purpose of the toe strap 108 is to secure the toe end of the boot 100 to the front or toe portion of the user’s foot.

[0037] In another embodiment, the toe strap 108 may be a closed loop that is adapted to fit over the toe portion of the user’s foot. In such embodiment, all or part of the toe strap 108 may, for example, comprise an elastic material.

[0038] The toe strap 108 further comprises longitudinal extension straps comprising first extension strap 110 and second extension strap 112. As shown, the extension straps 110 and 112 may be attached to the toe strap 108 at ends 116 and 117, respectively, thereof. Such attachment may be accomplished with stitching etc., or any other means of attachment that would be known in the art.

[0039] The first extension strap 110 is adapted to connect with the first end 104 of the heel strap 102. Similarly, the second extension strap 112 is adapted to connect with the second end 106 of the heel strap 102. In one embodiment, as shown in Figs. 7 to 11 , the first and second ends 104, 106 of the heel strap 102 may comprise buckles, 122 and 124, respectively, that are adapted to receive the first and second extension straps, 110, 112, respectively. For example, when the boot 100 is in use, the ends 114 and 118 of the first and second extension straps 110, 112 are inserted into the respective buckles 122, 124 and fed there-through. As known in the art, the buckles 122, 124 are preferably designed to include a friction stop to hold the straps 110, 112 in position until dislodged. In this way, the engagement of the first and second ends, 104, 106, with the extension straps is made adjustable thereby allowing for the boot 100 to be tightened as needed over a user’s foot by urging the heel strap 102 and toe strap 108 towards each other. In the embodiment shown, this can be achieved by inserting the ends 114, 118 of the extension straps 110, 112 through the buckles 122, 124 and by pulling the ends 114, 118. This is illustrated in Fig. 11 , wherein the pulling of the ends 114, 118 is illustrated by arrows 119. As discussed further with respect to Figs. 12 and 13, this arrangement may be reversed with buckles provided on the extension straps instead.

[0040] In another embodiment, the engagement between the ends 104, 106 and respective straps 110, 112 may be accomplished by respective hook and loop (e.g., Velcro®) fasteners or any other attachments methods as would be known to persons skilled in the art. In another embodiment, the ends 104 and 106 may be connected to or integral with the straps 110 and 112, respectively, and the ends 104 and 106 may be connected to the ends of the heel strap 102 by means of a hook and loop fastener system . The present description is not limited to any particular means of attaching the straps. A furtherembodiment of the boot showing another arrangement of straps is discussed below with respect to Figs. 16 to 18.

[0041] In one embodiment, the first and second extension straps 110 and 112 may be formed entirely of a non-elastic material or an elastic material. In one embodiment, the extension straps 110 and 112 may each be made of a non-elastic material having at least one elastic portion, as shown at 120 and 121 respectively. As would be understood, the elastic portions allow the boot 100 to be adjusted while allowing a degree of flexibility when installed on a user’s foot.

[0042] In another embodiment, it will be appreciated that the ends 104 and 106 of the heel strap 102 may be formed as an integral body with straps 110 and 112 of the toe strap 108. In such an embodiment, a buckle or the like may be provided to allow the tightening as mentioned above. Alternatively, in such embodiment, all, or a portion of the straps 104, 106 may be made of an elastic material to facilitate the placement and tightening of the boot 100 on a user’s foot.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment, the toe strap 108 of the boot 100 is provided with an underlayer 126 that serves to improve the comfort of the boot 100 when worn by a user. As shown for example in Figs. 7, 8, 10, and 11 , the underlayer 126 comprises an open strap that is attached to the toe strap 108, such as by way of stitching or any other attachment means as would be known in the art. As illustrated, the underlayer 126 may ideally be of a sufficient width so as to encompass a greater surface area of the toe region of the user’s foot. As with the heel strap 102, the underlayer 126 may preferably comprise a cushioned and / or moisture wicking material to improve comfort for the user of the boot 100. It will be understood that such “comfort features” are preferably provided where the boot 100 is adapted for use on a bare foot of a user. Such features, described anywhere herein, may be omitted or modified if the boot 100 is used on a user wearing any type of footwear.

[0044] As shown in Figs. 7-11 , the boot 100, and in particular the toe end 103 is further provided with one or more anchors, or resistance connection points, as described further below, which serve as connection points for any form of resistance, such as one or more elastic, or resistance, straps (not shown). For example, Figs. 7-11 show an embodiment where the boot 100 is preferably provided with at least one right anchor 130 and at least one left anchor 132. Similarly, the boot 100 is preferably provided with at least one top, or superior anchor 134 and at least on inferior, or bottom anchor 136. It will beunderstood that the boot 100 is provided in one embodiment with anchors at all four of the aforementioned locations; however, in other embodiments, any number of anchor positions may be employed.

[0045] The anchors or resistance connection point 130, 132, 134, and 136 may be the same or different in shape. In one embodiment, the anchors may comprise “D” rings as known in the art, which comprise a solid material made of a rigid plastic or metal. In other embodiments, the anchors may comprise a loop of the respective strap material. In general, and as will be understood from the present description, the anchors may comprise any structure having an opening to which a resistance means may be attached. As discussed above, the resistance means may comprise an elastic band, a cable, or any other resistance device or mechanism as would be known to persons skilled in the art.

[0046] In the embodiment illustrated in the accompanying figures, the anchors 130, 132, 134, and 136 preferably comprise D rings that are provided on and attached to the toe end 103 of the boot 100. In one embodiment, the respective straps are inserted through the D ring and stitched in place, thus securing the ring in a desired position. For example, as shown, the right and left anchors 130, 132 are secured by passing the first extension strap 110 and second extension strap 112, respectively, through the D rings comprising the anchors 130, 132 and stitching the straps 110 and 112 to the toe strap 108 and / or the underlayer 126. The top and bottom anchors 134, 136 are similarly attached in the respective positions.

[0047] As will be understood from the following description, the positioning of the anchors at the toe region is intended to correspond with positions of the user’s foot as shown in Figs. 1-6 where the elastic bands used in exercises is attached.

[0048] Figs. 12 and 13 illustrate a further embodiment of the description, where a modification is provided on the heel end 101 of the boot. In the illustrated embodiment, features that are the same as those discussed are identified with like reference numerals and features similar but different are identified with like reference numerals but with the suffix “a” added for clarity. As shown, the boot 100a includes a heel cradle strap, or heel cradle, 140 that is adapted to be connected to the heel end 101 of the boot 100a. The heel cradle 140 generally comprises a strap that, when in use, is designed to wrap around the bottom of the heel of the user. As will be understood, such cradle prevents the heel end 101 of the boot 100a from moving upwards the user’s heel. The heel cradle comprises first and secondends, 142, 144, which are adapted to be connected to the heel strap 102a. Such connection can be permanent or reversible. For example, in one embodiment the ends 142 and 144 may simply be secured, such as by stitching, to opposed sides of the heel strap 102a. In one embodiment, as illustrated in Figs. 12 and 13, the first and second ends 142, 144 of the heel cradle may be passed through respective rings 146, 148 attached to the heel strap 102a. This attachment is illustrated in Fig. 12 by the arrows 150. The first and second ends may then be secured by either stitching in place, in the case of a permanent attachment as shown. Alternatively, each of the first and second ends 142, 144 may be attached to itself by means of a hook and loop fastening mechanism, as known in the art.

[0049] Figs. 12 and 13 illustrate another embodiment, wherein the buckles 122 and 124 are provided on ends of the extension straps 110, 112 instead of on the end of the heel strap 102. In this embodiment, the heel strap 102 is provided with free ends 160 and 162 that are adapted to enter through and engage with the buckles 122 and 124, respectively. It will be understood that the engagement between the ends of the straps and the buckles will be the same as that described above.

[0050] The boot 100 will now be described with respect to its manner of use. Initially, the boot 100 is provided in an assembled form as shown in Figs. 7-11. The boot 100 is positioned on a user’s foot by placing the heel strap 102 around the heel of the user’s foot and securing the toe strap 108 around the toe region of the foot, anterior of the ball of the foot. In the case of the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 12 and 13, the heel cradle 140 is brought against the lower portion the heel of the user. Once in position, the boot 100 is then tightened on the user’s foot by pulling the ends 114 and 118 of the extension straps 110 and 112, respectively, which, as described above, urges the heel strap 102 and the toe strap 108 toward each other. With respect to the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 12 and 13, it will be understood that the boot 100 will be tightened against the user’s foot by pulling the ends 160 and 162. As a result of the heel strap bearing against the user’s heel and the toe strap bearing against the metatarsals of the foot, the boot 100 is tightened against the user’s foot. As noted above, the buckles 122 and 124 serve to “lock” the extension straps 110 and 112, or in the case of Figs. 12 and 13, the ends of the heel strap 102, in such tightened position. This serves to secure the boot 100 to the foot.

[0051] Thereafter, at least one resistance means, such as an elastic exercise strap, is provided. As with the known methods, one end of the resistance means is attached to afixed anchor, which may be an exercise apparatus, a wall, etc. The other end of the resistance means is then attached to one or more of the anchors or resistance connection points, 130-136 of the boot. The location of the anchor to which the elastic strap is attached will depend on the exercise to be conducted. For example, the left and right anchors, 130, 132, would be used for conducting eversion (see Figs. 3 and 4) or inversion exercises (see Figs. 5 and 6), respectively, while the top and bottom anchors, 134, 136, would be used for conducting plantarflexion (Fig. 1) and dorsiflexion (Fig. 2) exercises, respectively. It will also be understood that the boot 100 may be used for another other movements for strengthening an ankle. As discussed above, although the resistance means may preferably comprise an elastic resistance band, cable, or the like, any other resistance applying means may be used, such as an non-elastic cable attached to a movable weight, etc.

[0052] As will be appreciated, by providing the anchors 130 to 136, the resistance means needed for the exercises, such as one or more elastic exercise bands or cables, can be secured to the toe end 103 of the boot 100 in a more convenient and efficient manner. As would be understood, by tying, for example, an elastic resistance band to one of the anchors, the resistance band is not able to slip along the foot as with prior known methods. Further, by distributing the resistance force offered by the resistance band across the toe strap 108, and in particular, the underlayer 126, the user is able to perform the necessary strengthening exercises without discomfort associated with the resistance bands applying a concentrated force on the user’s foot. Moreover, it will be understood that opposing elastic bands may be attached to two or more of the anchors of the boot 100, thereby permitting multiple exercises to be performed in an alternating manner, where desired.

[0053] Another embodiment of the present exercise device, or boot, is illustrated in Figs. 16 to 18. As shown, the device 200 is similarly structured as the previously described in that it comprises a posterior or heel end 201 , comprising a heel strap 202, and an anterior or toe end 203, comprising a toe strap 205. The toe strap 205 may be similar to that discussed above. For example, the toe strap preferably comprises an underlayer 207 that is adapted to be in contact with the foot or shoe (or other foot covering) of the user. In one embodiment, the underlayer 207, if adapted for use directly on a foot, may comprise a cushioned and / or moisture wicking material to improve comfort for the user.

[0054] In this embodiment, the heel end 201 of the device comprises a continuous heel strap 202 having a first end 204 that is fixed to a first side of the toe end 203, and anelongate and free second end 206. As illustrated in Fig. 18, the free end 206 of the heel strap 202 is designed to be extended through a loop 208 that is secured to a second side of the toe end 203. The free end 206 of the heel strap 202 is preferably provided with a hook and loop fastener system such that, after the end 206 is inserted through the loop 208, it may be secured to a portion of the heel strap 202. For example, the end 206 may be provided with the hook portion of the hook and loop fastener and the rest of the heel strap 202 may be provided with the loop portion to which the end 206 may be attached. As would be understood, having a unitary heel strap as shown in Figs. 16-18 not only results a device that is more simple to manufacture and use, but may also improve comfort by avoiding the lateral buckles and other fasteners discussed above.

[0055] It will also be understood that one or more of the features discussed above may be incorporated into the embodiment of Figs. 16-18. For instance, in one embodiment, a cradle strap may be incorporated into the device, such as attached, permanently or detachably, to the heel strap 202.

[0056] The toe end 203 may comprise the same two strap configuration as described above. As shown, the toe end 203 comprises any number of resistance connection points, such as shown at 210, 212, and 214. As discussed above, the resistance connection points, or anchors, are preferably D-rings that are adapted to be connected to a resistance device, such as a resistance band or the like. As also discussed above, the positions of the anchors correspond to the direction of force against which the foot is moved to perform the desired exercise.

[0057] In using the exercise device 200 of Figs. 16 to 18, the user’s foot is inserted into the toe strap 205 and tightened. In one embodiment, the toe strap 205 may have the arrangement as shown in Figs. 16-18 where the toe strap 205 has a first end secured to the rest of the two end 203 components and free end that is passed through a loop, such as shown at 216 and then secured back onto the rest of the toe strap 205 such as with a hook and loop fastener system or the like. As described above the heel strap 202 is then directed around the user’s heel and the free end 206 is passed through the loop 208 and then secured onto another portion of the heel strap 202.

[0058] As can be appreciated, the location where the free end 206 of the toe strap 202 is attached to the rest of the heel strap 202 will depend on the size of the user’s foot. Ascan also be appreciated, the attachment of the embodiment shown in Figs. 16-18 to the user’s foot is simplified over the embodiment discussed earlier.

[0059] In one embodiment a portion of the heel strap 202 may be provided with a cushioned and / or reinforced portion, not shown, similar to that described above.

[0060] The present description has been provided with respect to a “foot” of a user. Generally, the known exercise methods are known to be conducted by securing the elastic band directly to the user’s foot. However, and as described above, it will be understood that the embodiments of the exercise device, or boot described herein may equally be used over a shoe or other foot covering that may be worn by the user. Thus, all references to “foot” provided herein will be understood to encompass a foot covered by a shoe or any other such footwear.

[0061] Although the above description includes reference to certain specific embodiments, various modifications thereof will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Any examples provided herein are included solely for the purpose of illustration and are not intended to be limiting in any way. Any drawings provided herein are solely for the purpose of illustrating various aspects of the description and are not intended to be drawn to scale or to be limiting in any way. The scope of the claims appended hereto should not be limited by the preferred embodiments set forth in the above description but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the present specification as a whole. The disclosures of all references in the present description herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Claims

WE CLAIM:1 . An exercise boot for use in exercising an ankle of a subject, the boot comprising: a heel strap, adapted to wrap around a heel of the subject’s foot; and a toe strap, adapted to wrap around a toe region of the subject’s foot and having a first side and an opposite second side; the heel strap having a first and a second end and a body portion therebetween, wherein first and second ends of the heel strap are adapted to be attached, respectively, to the first and second sides of the toe strap; the boot comprising one or more anchors adapted to be connected to a resistance device.

2. The exercise device of claim 1 , wherein the first end of the heel strap is secured to the first side of the toe strap and the second end of the heel strap is adapted to engage a loop secured to the second side of the toe strap and wherein the second end of the heel strap is further adapted to be secured to the body portion of the heel strap.

3. The exercise boot of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first and second ends of heel strap is connected to an extension strap extending from one side of the toe strap and wherein the at least one of the first and second end of the heel strap is adapted to be connected to the extension strap.

4. The exercise boot of claim 3, wherein the at least one of the first and second ends of the heel strap is connected to the extension strap with a connection means.

5. The exercise boot of claim 4, wherein the connection means comprises a buckle or a hook and loop fastener system.

6. The exercise boot of any one of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the one or more anchors are provided on the toe strap.

7. The exercise boot of any one of claims 1 to 7 further comprising a cradle strap adapted to support wrap around a bottom portion of the subject’s foot.

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