Calf extension training device

A calf extension training device which focuses training on the calf muscles is disclosed herein. The training device may comprise a frame, base, riser, sled, and one or more springs. The sled may comprise a sled frame and shoulder extensions, and is configured to move along the length of the frame while attached to one or more springs. Generally, the user stands on the riser leaving the user's heels unsupported while the user's shoulders are engaged by the shoulder extensions of the sled. The user may then lift and lower the sled using his or her calf muscles. This occurs by the user raising or lowering his or her body by extending and flexing the ankles. Resistance may be provided by one or more springs attached to the sled and the frame. The springs may provide variable resistance against the force of the user's calf muscles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a resistance training device for training the lower extremities and specifically the muscles and other structures of the calf and lower leg.

2. Related Art

Calf muscles are used in walking, running, jumping, and in nearly every sport. It is thus desirable to have a training device configured to focus training on these muscles and their corresponding body structures. Traditional training devices such as hack squat devices focus on the muscles of the thigh rather than on the calf muscles. A user of a traditional device may not be able to achieve the calf muscle training he or she desires because of the configuration of traditional devices. For instance, traditional devices allow a user to use other muscles, such as thigh muscles to offload weight or resistance. This consequently reduces the effectiveness of training on the calf muscles which the user is seeking.

In traditional devices, the user must be relatively skilled and maintain proper technique to achieve focused training on his or her calf muscles. Training of the calf muscles may be achieved without proper technique; however, such training will not be as effective in training the calf muscles because the user's other muscles are offloading weight or resistance from the user's calf muscles.

In addition, traditional devices using a fixed resistance do not provide variable resistance and are incapable of maximizing resistance across the range of motion of a user's legs. Thus, the same resistance or weight is provided regardless of how the user's legs are positioned. For this reason, the user may not receive the desired amount of resistance as the user moves during training.

Thus, what is disclosed herein is a novel calf extension training device that provides variable and adjustable resistance while focusing training on a user's calf muscles.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A calf extension training device which focuses training on the calf muscles is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the training device comprises a platform extending from a base, one or more risers attached to the platform configured to engage only a front portion of at least one of a user's feet, a frame having one or more frame attachment points, and a sled configured to move along the length of the frame. It is noted that the one or more risers may be adjustable in some embodiments.

The sled may comprise a sled frame, one or more shoulder extensions extending outward from the top of the sled frame, and one or more sled attachment points. The shoulder extensions may be configured to engage one or more of the user's shoulders. The sled may also include one or more handholds, and may have a padded sled frame or padded shoulder extensions.

One or more resistance devices may be configured to provide resistance as the sled is lifted and lowered. The resistance devices may be attached to the one or more frame attachment points and the one or more sled attachment points. For example, a plurality of sled attachment points may be attached at a bottom end of the sled frame, or a plurality of frame attachment points may be attached at a bottom end of the frame in some embodiments. The resistance devices may also be removably attached to the one or more frame attachment points and the one or more sled attachment points

In one or more embodiments, the frame may extend upward from the base. It is contemplated that in some embodiments, the frame may comprise two parallel C shaped beams configured to accept one or more wheels attached to the sled.

In another embodiment, the calf extension training device comprises a base, a frame extending upward at an angle from the base, a platform attached to the base, one or more risers attached to the platform configured to engage only a front portion of at least one of a user's feet, and a sled. The frame may have a top end, a bottom end, and one or more frame attachment points at the bottom end. The frame may comprise two parallel C shaped beams, the parallel C shaped beams configured to accept one or more wheels attached to the sled. In addition, at least a portion of the platform may extend upward at an angle from the base. The portion of the platform that extends upward at an angle from the base may extend at an angle perpendicular to the frame in some embodiments. It is contemplated that the platform may be attached to and extend from the frame.

The sled may be configured to be lifted and lowered along the length of the frame, and comprise a sled frame having a top end and a bottom end configured to engage the user's back, two shoulder extensions at the top end of the sled frame and one or more sled attachment points at the bottom end of the sled frame. The sled may have a padded sled frame, padded shoulder extensions, or both and include one or more hand holds in some embodiments. One or more resistance devices configured to provide resistance as the sled is lifted and lowered may be attached to the one or more frame attachment points and the one or more sled attachment points.

As with above, the riser may be adjustable. In one embodiment, the training device further comprises one or more riser guides configured to accept one or more riser extensions attached to the riser. In this manner, the position of the riser may be adjusted and then secured by one or more pins inserted into one or more holes formed in one or more sides of the one or more riser guides. The position of the riser may also be secured by one or more threaded pins threaded into one or more threaded holes formed in the one or more sides of the one or more riser guides.

A method of calf training is also disclosed herein. The method, in one or more embodiments, comprises providing a frame extending upward from a base and a sled, engaging a front portion of one or more of the user's feet with at least one riser attached to a platform at the bottom end of the frame, engaging the user's shoulders with the one or more shoulder extensions, and resisting the motion of the sled as the sled is lifted by an upward force generated by the user extending one or more of the user's ankles while the front portion of one or more of the user's feet remain engaged to the at least one riser.

The sled may be configured to move along the length of the frame and comprise one or more shoulder extensions extending from a sled frame. One or more resistance devices may be attached to the sled by one or more sled attachment points and attached to the frame by one or more frame attachment points to provide resistance as the sled is lifted and lowered by a user;

The method of calf training may also comprise returning the sled to a lower position when the upward force generated by the user is insufficient to lift the sled. In addition adjusting the resistance provided by the one or more resistance devices by adding, removing, or replacing the one or more resistance devices, and adjusting the position of the riser may be included in one or more embodiments of the method.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Generally, the calf extension training device is configured to provide resistance training to the calf muscles. Training these muscles may be beneficial to other nearby body structures like joints and tendons as well, such as by increasing flexibility and range of motion. In addition, training of the calf muscles is beneficial to athletes and non-athletes alike because calf muscles are used in standing, walking, running, and jumping. The training device is well suited for rehabilitation as well as training because one or more embodiments of the training device may be adjustable to a user's strength, size, or other physical characteristics.

As will be described further below, training of the calf muscles generally occurs according to the method and apparatus herein by the user lifting and lowering a resistance which exerts a downward force upon the user's shoulders. This lifting and lowering is accomplished by the user extending or flexing his or her ankles while front portions of the user's feet are supported by an element of the apparatus. The calf muscles are attached at the heel of the foot and at a posterior section of the leg just below the knee and thus are heavily used and trained in extending and controlling movement of the ankle and foot.

FIG. 1illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention. In this example embodiment, the calf extension training device includes a frame104with a base120. Generally, the frame104provides a structure upon which the base120, and other elements of the training device may be attached. The frame104, base120, and other elements of the training device may be attached by various fasteners, structures, or both such as but not limited to welds, screws, rivets, nuts, bolts, and adhesives. The frame104has a top end160and a bottom end164. As illustrated, the training device comprises a plurality of tubes or bars having square or rectangular cross sections. However, it is noted that in one or more embodiments, these tubes or bars may have cross sections of different shapes and sizes. For example, the cross sections may be circular, hexagonal, or other shapes. In addition, the cross sections the cross sections may be I shaped (similar to an I-beam) or C shaped as well.

As shown in the embodiment ofFIG. 1, the frame104is an elongated structure extending upward from the base120. The frame104may comprise two parallel beams or pillars attached to a base120and extending upwardly therefrom. In some embodiments, the frame120may extend upward at an angle such as shown inFIG. 1. Generally, this angle is advantageous in that it allows a user to lean or recline back into the calf extension training device as will be discussed further below. Of course, the frame120may extend perpendicular to the base if so desired or in any other angle relative to a horizontal plane.

Various configurations are possible, and thus it is contemplated than any frame104capable of supporting the elements of the training device such that they operate according to the description herein may be used. For example, the frame104may be square or rounded in shape. In addition, the frame104may have fewer or additional horizontal beams or members extending from various points along its vertical length, or the frame may include diagonal members in one or more embodiments. It is contemplated that the frame is formed from rigid materials such as but not limited to steel, aluminum, carbon fiber, or one or more other metals or alloys.

The base120in one or more embodiments is a generally planar rigid structure that may be formed from similar materials and structures as the frame. The base120may have various shapes and sizes as well. The base120ensures that the frame104remains stationary and stable when the calf extension training device is in use and when it is not in use. In some embodiments, the base120may be secured to the floor so as to provide additional support such as to resist tipping. In other embodiments, the base120may be sufficiently large such that the training device remains stationary and stable without being secured to the floor. It is contemplated that a base120may not be necessary in all embodiments, as the training device may be secured to one or more walls. The training device may be secured with various fasteners such as but not limited to screws, brackets, nuts and bolts, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the frame104may be configured such that it is stationary and stable without a base120.

In one or more embodiments a platform116is provided to support the user's feet. Like the frame104, the platform116may extend upward from the base120at various angles. For example, the platform116may extend from the base120at an angle such that it is perpendicular to the frame104or at any other angle. It is noted that the platform116may be attached to and extend from the frame104rather than the base120in some embodiments. For example, the platform116may be attached at the bottom end of the frame104and extend perpendicular or at an angle therefrom.

As illustrated inFIG. 1, the platform116is a planar rigid structure attached to the base120having one or more bends such that a portion of the platform extends upward from the base120. In this embodiment, the platform116extends such that it is perpendicular to the frame104. Of course, as stated, the platform116may extend at other angles as desired.

In one or more embodiments, a riser124may be attached to the top side of the platform116and extend upward therefrom. The riser124generally provides a raised area above the platform116which may be engaged by a front portion of either or both of the user's feet leaving the back or heel portion thereof unsupported. As shown inFIG. 1, the riser124is a rectangular shaped box, however, the riser124may take various forms. For example, the riser124may have a different shape such as a square, rounded, or other shape. In addition, the riser124may be a shelf or bar, and may comprise two or more separate portions for each foot. It is contemplated that any structure that provides a raised area above the platform116that may engage at least a portion of either or both of a user's feet may be used as a riser124.

AsFIGS. 1 and 2illustrate, in one or more embodiments, the calf extension training device includes a sled112configured to move along the length of the frame104as it is moved such as by, lifting and lowering, by a user during training. For example, the sled112may comprise a planer sled frame136having shoulder extensions140extending perpendicular from the sled frame at the top of the sled frame. Generally, as will be described further below, the shoulder extensions140engage a user's shoulders during training so that the resistance provided by the training device is applied to the user through his or her shoulders. It is contemplated that the shoulder extensions140may extend at various angles and may be configured to swing into and out of place to allow a user to more conveniently use the training device.

In one or more embodiments, two shoulder extensions140are attached at the top of the sled frame136such that they extend perpendicularly from the sled frame while being parallel to each other. As stated, the shoulder extensions140may engage a user's shoulders during training. Thus, the shoulder extensions140may be spaced apart such that a users head or neck may be placed or inserted therebetween allowing the each shoulder extension to be in contact with each of the user's shoulders. As discussed further below, the shoulder extensions140have the advantage of focusing training on the calf muscles because other muscles generally are not used when a user is lifting the sled112. This is because the shoulder extensions140allow the sled112and its corresponding resistance to be applied downward to the user's body through the shoulders. The user may then move the sled112with the moving force almost completely being provided by his or her calf muscles, as will be discussed further below.

Of course, rather than being configured to engage the user's shoulders, the sled112may be a structure configured to engage a user's arms, hands, torso, shoulders or a combination thereof without shoulder extensions140. For example, rather than shoulder extensions140, the sled112may comprise handlebars extending outward from the sled frame136that a user may grasp with his or her hands during training. In another embodiment, the sled112may comprise one or more shoulder straps attached to a sled frame136. As stated however, the shoulder extensions140provide the advantage of focusing training on the calf muscles, since only the calf muscle need be flexed to move the sled against the resistance.

The sled112may include additional elements as well. In one embodiment, the sled112may include one or more hand holds132attached to the sled frame136. In this embodiment, the hand holds132may be grasped by a user while training such as to place the arms in a comfortable position during training. In one embodiment, the sled112may include one or more pads144which allow the user to more comfortably engage the sled during training. For example, one or more pads144may be provided on the sled frame136, the shoulder extensions140or both.

Also, one or more sled attachment points152may be attached at the bottom of the sled frame136. As will be described further below, the sled attachment points152allow one or more springs108to be permanently or removably attached to the sled112in one or more embodiments.

The one or more hand holds132may be used to stabilize a user as he or she trains. However, a hand hold132is also advantageous where the training device is used for rehabilitation. Users undergoing rehabilitation may have difficulty standing and thus a hand hold132may be provided to allow these users to stabilize themselves while using the calf extension training device. The one or more hand holds132located on the frame104may also be employed to enhance or stabilize training as well. For example, some manner of upper extremity training is realized when a user is using upper body strength to stabilize his or her body during training. In addition, it is contemplated that a user may use the hand holds132, rather than the shoulder extensions140, to lift the sled112during training.

The one or more hand holds132may be configured in various ways. InFIG. 1, a hand hold132is shown as a bent bar attached at the top of the sled frame136. Of course, the hand holds132may be other types of handles or grips that a user can grasp during training. The hand holds132may be attached at the bottom or at any other point on the sled112as well. The user may grasp portions of the sled112as hand holds as well. It is contemplated that multiple hand holds132may be present in one or more embodiments.

The hand holds132may also allow a user to control one or more safety locks. In general, a safety lock will hold a sled112in place to protect a user from injury by physically or frictionally stopping motion of the sled relative to the frame104. A safety lock may comprise one or more articulating or retracting stops which engage a portion of the frame104to hold a sled112in place. Safety locks, now known, such as those found on traditional squat machines, or later developed may be used with the apparatus herein.

In the event a user is suddenly (or otherwise) unable to carry or lift the sled, a safety lock may engage to hold the sled112allowing the user to safely disengage the device. In one or more embodiments, the user must squeeze or rotate a portion of the hand holds132to activate the safety lock. In another embodiment, the safety lock is activated unless the user squeezes or rotates a portion of the hand holds132to deactivate the safety lock to allow movement of the sled112. In this embodiment, the safety lock automatically holds the sled112in place once the user releases the hand holds132. This is advantageous because the user does not have to take specific action to activate the safety locks. It is contemplated that a safety lock may be activated and deactivated in ways other than the user squeezing or rotating a portion of the hand holds132.

As stated, the sled112is configured to move along the length of the frame104. In this manner, the sled112may be moved from a first lower position on the frame104to a second higher position and vice versa. In one embodiment, wheels128attached to the sled frame136allow the sled112to move or roll within the frame104when a user is training. The wheels128may be attached to the sled frame136through one or more axles extending outward perpendicular to the direction in which the sled112will move.

FIG. 2illustrates a top view of an embodiment of a sled136showing the sled's wheels128held within the frame104. In this embodiment, the upwardly extending beams of the frame104have a C shaped cross section sized to accept the wheels128of the sled112. It can thus be seen that the sled136may be both lifted and lowered along the frame104.

Of course, the sled112may be configured to move along the length of the frame104in various other ways. For example, a track may be attached to the frame104to accept the wheels128of the sled112. In some embodiments, wheels may be attached to the frame104rather than attached to the sled112. For example, a series of wheels along the length of the frame104and within the C shaped cross section of the frame's104beams may be provided. The sled frame136would then be able to roll along the length of the frame104on top of or in between the frame's wheels. It is contemplated that any device or structure capable of allowing the sled112to be lifted and lowered along the length of the frame104while retaining the sled within the frame may be used with the invention herein.

In one or more embodiments, the frame104may include one or more stops204to prevent the wheels128(and consequently the sled112) from moving past a certain point. In this manner, a stop204may prevent the sled112from moving above a certain point or below a certain point. The one or more stops204may define the maximum range of motion for the sled112in one or more embodiments. It is contemplated that one or more stops204may be below the sled112to hold the sled at a position on the frame104when not in use. For example, the one or more stops204may hold the sled112at a raised position to allow a user to conveniently engage the sled112prior to starting his or her exercise.

A stop204may be any structure which blocks movement of a wheel128. For example, a plate, one or more pins or rods, one or more protrusions, a narrow section of the frame, or a combination thereof may be attached or formed at any point along the frame104to block the movement of the wheels128. To illustrate, as shown inFIG. 1, a crossbar or plate is at the top of the frame104which prevents the sled112from being lifted out the top end160of the frame. As shown inFIG. 2, a stop204in the form of a rod extending from the frame104prevents the wheels128from moving past a certain point.

It is contemplated that the stop204may be adjusted along the frame by a user in one or more embodiments. For example, a stop204may be moved upward to allow additional upward movement of the sled112or to raise the lowest point a sled may reach. A stop204may be moved downward to allow additional downward movement of the sled or to lower the highest point a sled may reach.

The frame104may include a series of openings in some embodiments to allow one or more stops204to be inserted therein. The stops204and openings may be configured such that, when inserted properly, at least a portion of a stop will contact the sled112or a part thereof to prevent motion of the sled past a certain point. It will be understood that the frame may utilize other structures besides openings to allow one or more stops204to be adjusted.

The sled112and some of its elements such as but not limited to the sled frame136, shoulder extensions140, and hand holds132may be formed from similar materials as the frame104as described above. Thus, in one embodiment, the sled frame136and shoulder extensions140may be formed from metal bars of various shapes and sizes.

Referring back toFIG. 1, the calf extension training device generally provides training by resisting the movement of its user through one or more resistance devices108. Generally, a resistance device is a resilient spring or band which resists being stretched. In one or more embodiments, one or more springs108may be used as resistance. Note that, though the resistance herein is generally described as provided by a spring108, it is contemplated that other resistance devices, such as elastic bands or elastic tubing, may be used alone or in combination with the springs108to provide resistance. For example, one or more elastic bands or elastic tubing may be used alone in combination with the springs108in some embodiments. The elastic bands may be configured to attach to the training device in a similar manner to the springs108. [PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL EXAMPLES OF RESISTANCE DEVICES IF DESIRED]

A spring108is advantageous because it may provide variable resistance in one or more embodiments. A person's strength is not constant, but rather, varies as he or she moves. For example, the strength of a muscle may increase during flexion. It is also known that a resistance may be more or less easily moved by a fulcrum and lever depending on its position with respect the lever's fulcrum or pivot point. The body's skeletal structure contains many fulcrum and lever structures. For example, a person's arms and legs pivot along at one or more joints. Thus, resistance training with a fixed resistance is less effective than training with variable resistance because the resistance does not increase with as the body's strength increases.

In contrast, a variable resistance, in one or more embodiments, may increase with the body's strength. In this manner, training is more effective because a muscle must work against a resistance that increases as the muscle moves from its weakest to strongest position. Generally a muscle exerts its greatest force at or near full contraction and the least force when extended. A fixed resistance is limited, in that, the amount of resistance is generally the force a muscle can exert at its weakest position. Therefore, it can be seen that while fixed resistance may be sufficient for training the body at its weakest point, a lesser amount of training is achieved for the muscles used when the body is at stronger points.

The spring108may be adjusted to correspond to the varying strength of the calf muscles of a particular user. For example, the size and number of coils, or the thickness, rigidity, or both of the materials used to form a spring108may be varied across the length of the spring. In this manner the spring108may be configured to provide more or less resistance in a nonlinear manner as it is stretched. It is contemplated, that one or more fixed resistance devices, such as weights, may be used in addition to one or more variable resistance devices to increase resistance, if desired.

Generally, the spring108has two ends and is attached at one end to the sled attachment point152on the sled112and at the other end to a sled attachment point148on the frame104. For example, one or more springs108may be attached to one or more sled attachment points at the bottom of the sled112and to one or more frame attachment points at the bottom end of the frame104.

The sled attachment point152and the sled attachment point148may allow the spring108to be attached permanently. For example, the attachments may be welds or rivets which hold the spring108to the sled112and frame104. It is contemplated that any one or more fasteners or structures, now known or later developed, capable of permanently securing the spring108to the sled112and the frame104may be used as well.

In some embodiments, the spring108may be removably attached. This allows a spring108to be removed and replaced for maintenance or to adjust the resistance provided by the calf extension training device. Removable attachment may be accomplished in various ways. For example, one or more screws, nuts, bolts, pins, clips, clamps, hooks, loops, or a combination thereof may be used. In one embodiment, both ends of the spring108have a hook which engages a sled attachment point148and a sled attachment point152comprising an eyelet or a loop. In one or more embodiments, either or both ends of the spring108may have a hole, hook, or eyelet, or loop to allow a screw, bolt, pin, or other removable fastener to be inserted therethrough. In other embodiments, the spring's108hole or loop may engage a frame attachment148or a sled attachment point152comprising a hook to allow the spring108to be removably attached. It is contemplated that any one or more fasteners or structures capable of removably securing the spring108to the sled112and the frame104may be used.

It is contemplated that a plurality of springs108may be attached in one or more embodiments. In these embodiments, multiple sled attachment points152, frame attachment points148, or both may be provided, or the individual sled and frame attachment points may be configured to allow multiple springs108to be attached thereto. The plurality of springs may be permanently or removably attached as described above. The amount of resistance provided may be adjusted by adding or removing one or more springs108. Weight may be added to add resistance in addition to the springs108.

In one or more embodiments, the elements of the calf extension training device may be adjustable such as by repositioning them to accommodate the size, strength, or physical characteristics of a user.FIG. 3illustrates an embodiment of the training device with an adjustable riser124.

As shown, the riser124is not directly attached to the platform116, but is held to the platform by a riser guide308configured to accept a riser extension304therethrough. The riser extension304is a bar or rod attached to and extending from the riser124in one or more embodiments. In one embodiment, the riser guide308is a hollow tubular structure with an opening large enough to accept the riser extension304. It is noted that, though shown as cylindrical in shape, the riser guide308and riser extension304may have various shapes, such as a square or other shaped tube. The shape of the riser guide308may correspond to the riser extension's304cross-section, and vice versa in one or more embodiments.

The riser guide308allows the riser extension304to slide or move back and forth therein. Thus, the riser's124movement during adjustment is guided by its riser extension304and the riser guide308. In one or more embodiments, the riser guide308is aligned such that it is parallel to the platform116. This allows the riser124to be moved toward or away from the frame104on a path parallel to the platform116. This adjustability is advantageous in that it allows a user to stand closer or further away from the frame104as desired or as dictated by physical characteristics such as height.

The riser guide308may include one or more threaded holes in its side (if round) or sides configured to accept a pin312or other fastener to secure the riser124in place. In one embodiment, the riser124may be secured by inserting a threaded pin312into the riser guide's308hole and then tightening the pin against the riser extension304. This tightening clamps the riser extension304in place. Of course, the riser extension304may be secured in various ways. Thus, it is noted that any fastener or structure capable of securing the riser extension304, including but not limited to clamps, screws, clips, nuts, bolts, or a combination thereof may be used.

It is contemplated that some embodiments of the calf extension training device may include more than one riser guide308. In these embodiments, a corresponding number of riser extensions304may be attached to the riser304. For example, the training device may have two riser guides308and two riser extensions304. This is advantageous because each riser guide308and riser extension may be used to guide and secure a portion of the riser124, such as left and right portions of the riser. This is also advantageous because two separate risers124may provided, if desired. For example, a left riser124may be used to support the left foot while a right riser supports the right foot of a user. In this manner, support for either foot may be independently adjusted and secured.

Other structures may be used to secure a riser extension304as well. For example, a riser extension304may be secured by a quick release clamping system such as the quick release clamping systems often found on bicycles. Generally, such systems operate by providing a hollow guide having an opening to accept an adjustable element. When the adjustable element is in the desired position, the opening of the hollow guide is tightened which clamps the adjustable element in place. With regard to the present invention, the riser extension304may be inserted into the hollow guide and clamped in place when the riser is124positioned as desired.

It is also noted, that the riser124may be adjustable without the need for riser guides308or riser extensions304in some embodiments. For example, the riser124may be positioned as desired and then removably attached to the frame104, the platform116, or both by one or more pins or by any other fastener, including but not limited to screws, nuts, bolts, or a combination thereof.

It is contemplated that the stops204which prevent the sled112from moving past a certain point on the frame may be adjustable in some embodiments. For example, in one embodiment, the frame104may have a plurality of holes or grooves along its length to accept one or more movable stops. In this manner, the extent the sled112can move along the frame104may be adjusted for various users, various springs108, or both.

The supports140may be adjustable side to side also. This provides users having different neck and shoulder widths to locate support pads140at a desired location on the top of the shoulders.

Training with the calf extension training device will now be described referring toFIGS. 4-5. Generally, a user may utilize the training device by performing one or more repetitions of lifting and lowering the sled112. The sled112provides resistance against the user's motion through one or more springs108which are attached to the sled112by one or more sled attachment points152and to the frame104by one or more frame attachment points148. This resistance provides the training or rehabilitation of the calf muscles because the muscles work against and overcome the resistance during training. In addition, the repetitions of lifting and lowering the sled112may also be used to train or rehabilitate joints, tendons, and other body structures associated with the ankles, legs, thighs, and hips. For example, articulation or range of motion of the ankles may be improved through regular training on the training device.

FIGS. 4 and 5show a user utilizing the calf extension training device to perform a calf extension exercise according to an embodiment of the invention. Generally, the user stands in the training device with the user's feet on the riser124and the user's shoulders in contact with the shoulder extensions140of the sled112. The user's head is thus positioned between the shoulder extensions140. In this position, the resistance from the sled112is applied to the user through the user's shoulders. In this manner, the user does not need to exert other forces to lift the sled112. This is one advantage of the training device. To illustrate, a seated leg extension device may require a user to grasp the seat of the device and exert force through the user's arms to prevent the user's body from moving during training. This is especially so where the training on a seated device involves heavy weights. With the invention herein, training is focused on the calf muscles, in part, because the sled112and its resistance are securely supported by the user's shoulders and by the frame104.

It is noted that focused training of the calf muscles is highly desirable because the calf muscles are used in standing, walking, running, and jumping. Thus, the calf extension training device provides a further advantage in that calf training can occur for longer because the user is not fatigued by having to exert other forces with other muscles.

It is also noted that in one or more embodiments the riser124is configured to support a front portion of each foot leaving a back or heel portion of each foot unsupported. This is advantageous in that training is focused on the calf muscles and greater calf muscle extension and contraction may occur when the back or heel portion of the foot is unsupported. This is generally because the calf muscles attach on one end to the back or heel portion of the foot. Of course, a user may stand such that his or her foot is completely supported by the riser124, however, this may be considered improper form as leaving the heel portion of each foot unsupported helps focus training on the calf muscles.

FIGS. 4 and 5also show an embodiment where the frame104is attached at an angle. In this manner, the user is able to lean into the calf extension training device with the sled112supporting the user's back. This is advantageous in that training is further focused on the calf muscles because the training device, through its sled112, supports the user's body. Thus, the use of other muscles to stabilize or support the user's body is reduced and training may be focused on the calf muscles.

As shown inFIG. 4, the user is standing on the riser124leaving the heel portion of his or her feet unsupported. The user's shoulders engage the shoulder extensions140through their pads144while the user's back is supported by the pad on the sled frame136. As shown, the user may grasp the hand hold132to release the stops or when exercising. Of course, grasping the hand hold132is not always required, and the pads144may not be provided in all embodiments.

As stated, the sled112includes a pad144that may cover the surfaces of the sled which a user comes into contact with during training in one or more embodiments. For example, the shoulder extensions140and the front of the sled frame136may have one or more pads144attached thereto. In padded embodiments, the user would engage the sled112, the sled's shoulder extensions144, or both through contact with one or more pads144such as shown inFIG. 4. However, where there are no pads144, a user may directly engage the sled112or the shoulder extensions144.

The user may lift the sled112along a path or track defined by the frame104by exerting an upward force through his or her calf muscles. Generally, this occurs by the user raising his or her body by extending the ankles while front portions of the user's feet are supported by the riser124. As shown inFIG. 5, lifting the sled112stretches the spring108which provides resistance against the user's upward force. The sled112may be lifted as far as desired or to a certain extent, such as where one or more stops prevent the sled from being lifted or lowered past a certain point.

The user may then reduce the upward force on the sled112to allow the sled to return downward to a lower position along the frame. It is noted that the one or more springs108continue to exert a downward force as the sled112is lowered. In one or more embodiments, the sled112may be lowered back to its original position which may be defined by one or more stops below the sled. Reducing the upward force may occur by the user reducing the extension of the user's ankles which consequently lowers the sled112. Some force against the return motion of the sled112may be applied by the user as the sled is lowered. In this manner, training of the calf muscles also occurs as the sled112returns.

In one or more embodiments, the sled112is guided by the frame104as it is lifted and lowered. For example, in the embodiment shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, a sled112having wheels128moves along the length of a frame104. This may occur by the wheels128rolling within the frame or on or in a track. As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, the frame104comprises two C shaped beams each of which accepts at least one wheel128on both sides of the sled112. When lifted or lowered, the frame104guides the wheels128allowing the sled112to move along the frame's length. In this manner, the calf extension training device ensures that resistance is applied. This enhances calf training because the spring force must be overcome by the calf muscles and because the user does not have to exert any force to control lateral motions of the sled112and its corresponding resistance.

It is noted that most if not all of the training performed on the calf extension training device, such as the training described above, may exert some forces on the hips, thighs, legs, and ankles. Thus, the muscles, joints, tendons, and other body structures associated with these body parts may also undergo training, rehabilitation, or both when a user is training.

As stated above, the calf extension training device may be adjustable in one or more embodiments. Thus, adjusting the training device may be included in some embodiments of the method of training. As described above, a user may adjust the position of the riser124. The user may also adjust the amount of resistance the hip flexor provides such as by replacing one or more springs108or by adjusting the angle at which the spring108or springs meet the actuator arm120. Such adjustments may be made according to the user's physical characteristics, such as height or strength, or a training or rehabilitation program.