Patent Publication Number: US-8529411-B2

Title: Foot and ankle exercise device

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/086,529 filed on Aug. 6, 2008, entitled “FOOT AND EXERCISE DEVICE” which is incorporated herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a foot and exercise device. The device may be used to stretch or strengthen muscles and tissues during exercise or physical therapy. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Exercise boots with an arcuate base may be used to stretch or exercise muscles and connective tissue in the leg, particularly the lower leg. Such boots are used by placing one&#39;s foot on the boot, them moving the boot backward and forward on the arcuate base. These boots may be used one at a time, or two may be combined to allow exercise of both legs simultaneously. 
     In general, the range of motion for stretching or exercising available to a user is defined by the geometry of an exercise boot. An exercise boot with an arcuate base has a potential degree of rotation defined in part by the arcuate length of the base. An exercise boot may also have one or more stretch angles defined by a foot platform. 
     A prior art exercise boot  1  is depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . Rocker boot  1  includes a footrest and a base  30 . The footrest of boot  1  comprises a toe rest  10  and a heel rest  20 . Base  20  includes at least one arcuate rail  38 . Toe rest  10  includes a front edge  12 , a back edge  14 , sides  16   a  and  16   b , and a set of ridges  18 . Heel rest  20  includes a front edge  22 , a heel stop  24 , sides  26   a  and  26   b , and a set of ridges  28 . Base  20  includes a toe hole  32 , a heel hole  34 , a recess  36 , and at least one arcuate rail  38 . 
     Boot  1  may be used to stretch or exercise muscles and connective tissue in the leg, particularly the lower leg. Boot  1  may be used by placing one&#39;s foot on boot  1 , them moving boot  1  backward and forward on base  30 , rolling along arcuate rail  38 . Boot  1  may be used by itself, or joined with a second boot  1  to allow exercise of both legs simultaneously. 
     Boot  1  includes a potential degree of rotation defined by the geometry of boot  1 , including rotation angles labeled θ 1  and θ 2  in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . In addition, the geometry of boot  1  defines a stretch angle labeled β in  FIG. 2 . Angles θ 1 , θ 2 , and β are defined and fixed at the time boot  1  is made and cannot be changed later by a user. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with teachings of the present invention, a rocker boot and method of its use and manufacture are provided. The rocker boot may include a base having a arcuate surface and a footrest attached to the base. The footrest may include a plurality of connectors configured to receive an attachment configured to adjust a stretch angle provided by the rocker boot. 
     In accordance with teachings of the present invention, a platform for use with a rocker boot is provided. The platform may include a toe rest, a bracket configured to releasably attach the platform to the rocker boot, and a plurality of connectors configured to receive an attachment configured to a stretch angle of the rocker boot. 
     In accordance with teachings of the present invention, a method of using a rocker boot including a base having a arcuate surface and a footrest attached to the base is provided. The method may include selecting an attachment configured to adjust a stretch angle of the rocker boot, connecting the attachment to one or more of a plurality of connectors associated with the footrest of the rocker boot, placing a foot upon the footrest, and using the foot to rotate the rocker boot. 
     Rocker boots of the present invention may be made of a variety of materials, including metal and plastic, which may be formed using a variety of techniques, including injection molding, casting and machining. Rocker boots may include more than one type of material, which may be bonded to one another. 
     Two rocker boots may be attached together, for example with a bar, to allow exercise of both feet and legs simultaneously. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A more complete and thorough understanding of the present invention and advantages thereof may be acquired by referring to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numbers indicate like features, and wherein: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates an isometric view of a prior art rocker boot; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a side view of a prior art rocker boot; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates an isometric view of a rocker boot, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a side view of a rocker boot, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS. 5A-5C  illustrate a rocker boot with an adjustment platform according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS. 6A-6C  illustrate multiple views of a platform for use with a rocker boot according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS. 7A and 7B  illustrate isometric views of a platform for use with a rocker boot including an optional attachment according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 7C  shows an isometric view of the optional attachment shown in  FIGS. 7A and 7B ; 
         FIGS. 8A and 8B  illustrate isometric views of a rocker boot including an optional attachment according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS. 9A and 9B  illustrate side views of a rocker boot including an optional attachment according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 10  illustrates an isometric view of a rocker boot including another example adjustable footrest according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a side view of a rocker boot including another example optional attachment according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Specific embodiments of the invention and its advantages are best understood by reference to  FIGS. 3-8B  wherein like numbers refer to same and like parts. As previously mentioned rocker boots with an arcuate base may be used to stretch or exercise muscles and connective tissue in the leg, particularly the lower leg. The range of motion available to a user may affect the utility and/or effectiveness of the exercise. 
     It is sometimes desirable to limit the degree of rotation for some users in order to allow a more defined workout, to add stability, or for other reasons. In other cases, it may be desirable to extend the degree of rotation in order to provide a deeper stretch or additional range of motion. In other cases, it may be desirable to increase or decrease one or more parameters of rocker boot  2  to provide a shallower or deeper stretch of the leg and/or legs. 
     In some cases, the users of an rocker boot such as those depicted in  FIGS. 3-8B  may prefer to vary the parameters of rocker boot  2  to vary the exercise. For example, a user may wish to vary the stretch angle, β, to change the angle between the toe rest and the heel rest. As another example, a user may wish to vary rotation angles, θ 1  and θ 2 . Various features, components, and/or devices of boot  2  may allow a user to adjust these angles and/or other parameters and/or characteristics of boot  2 . 
       FIGS. 3 and 4  illustrate a rocker boot  2 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , rocker boot  2  may include a toe rest  40 , a heel rest  50 , and a base  60 . 
     Toe rest  40  may include any feature or component of rocker boot  2  configured to provide a rest for the toes and/or the ball of the foot of a user. In some embodiments, toe rest  40  may include an extended flat plate. In such embodiments, toe rest  40  may include an outer edge  42 , an inner edge  44 , plate  45 , and sides  46   a  and  46   b . In some embodiments, toe rest  40  may include ribs  48  and connectors  49 . 
     Outer edge  42 , inner edge  44 , and sides  46   a  and  46   b  may define the perimeter of toe rest  40 . Outer edge  42 , inner edge  44 , and sides  46   a  and  46   b  may include ridges, lips, and/or other features configured to facilitate use for stretching or exercise. Ribs  48  may include any component and/or feature of toe rest  40  configured to provide an interface between rocker boot  2  and a user&#39;s foot and/or shoe. 
     Connectors  49  may include any feature and/or component of toe rest  40  configured to connect accessory devices and/or additional components to rocker boot  2 . For example, connectors  49  may include a set of matched holes configured to receive pegs on an accessory device. As another example, connectors  49  may include pegs configured to be received in holes on an accessory device. Persons having ordinary skill in the art will be able to apply the teachings of the present disclosure using a wide variety of connectors known in the art. 
     Heel rest  50  may include any feature or component of rocker boot  2  configured to provide a rest for the heel of a user. In some embodiments, heel rest  50  may include an extended flat plate. In such embodiments, heel rest may include an inner edge  52 , a heel stop  54 , sides  56   a  and  56   b , and ribs  58 . 
     Inner edge  52 , heel stop  54 , and sides  56   a  and  56   b  may define the perimeter of heel rest  50 . Inner edge  52 , heel stop  54 , and sides  56   a  and  56   b  may include ridges, lips, and/or other features configured to facilitate use for stretching or exercise. Ribs  58  may include any component and/or feature of heel rest  50  configured to provide an interface between rocker boot  2  and a user&#39;s foot and/or shoe. 
     Arcuate base  60  may be any curvilinear shape (e.g., a semi-circular or ellipsoid shape). The shape of base  60  may be chosen to affect the operation of rocker boot  2  (e.g., exercise difficulty and stability). Base  60  may include a single arcuate rail  68  or multiple arcuate rails. 
     Rocker boot  2  may include one or more holes configured to fit a connector (e.g., a bar) to secure two rocker boots  2  together, thus allowing simultaneous use. Two such holes  62  and  64  are depicted in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . For example, two rocker boots  2  may be connected by placing one end of a bar in hole  62  on a first rocker boot  2  then placing the other end of the bar in hole  62  of a second rocker boot  2 . Other mechanisms may also be used to secure two boots for simultaneous rocking. 
     All or selected parts of rocker boot  2  may be made of any suitable material, such as plastic, particularly injection-molded plastic, metal, particularly machined or cast metal, or combinations thereof. For example, metal parts may be made of cast aluminum. Rocker boot  2  may actually represent a continuous piece of material, or the individually numbered parts may be separately formed and then attached to one another. For example, toe rest  40 , heel rest  50 , and base  60  may all be made from a single piece of injection-molded plastic. Other suitable combinations of metal, plastic and other materials as well as suitable production designs will be apparent to one of skill in the art. 
     Toe rest  40  and heel rest  50  may be separate as shown, or they may form a continuous footrest (not shown). Further, rests  40  and  50  may individually or both have ridges ( 48  and  58 ) to aid in securing a foot when the rocker boot is in use. Such ridges may be formed from the material of the footrests themselves, or they may be supplied as a separate component, which may be made from a different material (e.g., adhesive rubber pads). 
     Rocker boot  2  may be used by placing a foot on toe rest  40  and heel rest  50 , then using the foot to rotate the rocker boot in one direction along the arcuate surface of base  60 . The foot may then used to rotate rocker boot  2  in the opposite direction along the arcuate surface of base  20 . Using a foot to rotate rocker boot  2  stretches and/or strengthens tissues in the foot and attached leg, particularly the lower leg. When rocker boot  2  is rotated in a forward direction, plantarflexion occurs, thereby stretching and/or strengthening the anterior flexors such as the anterior tibialis and extensor digitorum longus, and potentially the plantar fascia. When rocker boot  2  is rotated in a backward direction, dorsiflexion occurs, thereby stretching and/or strengthening the plantar flexors such as the gastrocnemius and soleus calf muscles, the achilles tendon and the plantar fascia. 
     If two rocker boots  2  are connected as described above, they may be operated by both feet and legs simultaneously. In such event, both feet may be used to rotate both rocker boots in one direction at substantially the same time. Both feet may then be used to rotate rocker boots  2  in the opposite direction. 
       FIG. 5A  illustrates an isometric view of a rocker boot  3  including a platform  70  according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Platform  70  may include any component, device, and/or feature of rocker boot  3  configured to replace and/or enhance toe rest  40 . For example, platform  70  may include a removable unit configured to slide onto, snap onto, and/or otherwise connect toe rest  40 . 
     Platform  70  may include outer edge  72 , inner edge  74 , plate  75 , and sides  76   a  and  76   b . Platform  70  may be formed in any suitable process and of any suitable material (e.g., those discussed in relation to rocker boot  2 ). Platform  70  may be configured as a permanent replacement for toe rest  40  and/or may be one of a set of replaceable attachments configured to vary the geometry of rocker boot  3 . 
     As discussed in relation to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , platform  70  may include any features appropriate for toe rest  40 . For example, platform  70  may include ridges  78  and connectors  79 . Ridges  78  may include any component and/or feature of platform  70  configured to enhance the interaction between rocker boot  3  and a user&#39;s foot and/or shoe (e.g., to increase friction, stability, comfort, etc.). 
     Connectors  79  may include any feature, component, and/or device of platform  70  configured to releasably attach an accessory device to rocker boot  3 . For example, connectors  79  may include a set of matched holes (as shown in  FIGS. 6A-6C ). In other embodiments, connectors  79  may include brackets, snaps, posts, and/or any other appropriate connector for releasably attaching one or more accessory pieces to rocker boot  3 . 
       FIGS. 5B and 5C  show side views of rocker boot  3  including additional platforms  70   b  and  70   c . As shown in these FIGURES, platforms  70   b  and  70   c  may allow a user to change the stretch angle of rocker boot  3 . As shown in  FIG. 5B , stretch angle β′ provided by platform  70   b  may be smaller than the original stretch angle β provided by rocker boot  3 . As shown in  FIG. 5C , stretch angle β″ provided by platform  70   c  may be smaller than the original stretch angle β provided by rocker boot  3  and smaller than the stretch angle β′ provided by platform  70   b.    
       FIGS. 6A-6C  illustrate multiple views of platform  70  for use with rocker boot  3  according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.  FIG. 6A  shows a top view of platform  70 . Platform  70  may include any features and/or components appropriate for toe rest  40  as discussed with relation to  FIG. 3 . 
       FIG. 6B  shows an isometric view of platform  70 . The geometry of sides  76   a  and  76   b  may include any shapes and/or features appropriate for controlling the geometry of rocker boot  3 . For example, as discussed with relation to  FIGS. 5A-5C , the shape of sides  76   a  and  76   b  may control the stretch angle β provided by rocker boot  3 . 
       FIG. 6C  shows a bottom view of platform  70 . Platform  70  may include braces  80 , and/or brackets  82 . Braces  80  may include any features, components, and/or devices configured to provide structure and/or strength to platform  70 . Brackets  82  may include any features, components, and/or devices configured to attach platform  70  to toe rest  40  of rocker boot  3 . Platform  70  may be configured to attach permanently to rocker boot  3  or to releasably attach so it may be used as desired. For example, brackets  82  may include a sliding connection with physical detents configured to snap onto toe rest  40 . 
       FIGS. 7A and 7B  illustrate isometric views of platform  70  for use with rocker boot  3  including an optional attachment  90  according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in  FIGS. 7A and 7B , connectors  79  of platform  70  may be configured to receive posts associated with attachment  90 . The array of connectors  79  along platform  70  may define the range of attachment points for attachment  90  along platform  70 . One example of an attachment  90  for use with platform  70  includes a toe wedge shown in  FIGS. 7A and 7B . 
     Attachment  90  may include outer edge  92 , inner edge  94 , and/or face  96 . Outer edge  92  may include any shape or feature of attachment  90  configured to mate appropriately with platform  70 . Inner edge  94  my include any shape or feature of attachment  90  configured to mate appropriately with platform  70  and/or interact with the foot and/or shoe of a user. Face  96  may include any component and/or feature of attachment  90  configured to interact with the foot and/or shoe of a user (e.g., a contoured surface, a flat plane, a ridged plane, etc.). 
     Embodiments of attachment  90  including a toe wedge may be used to vary the contour of platform  70 . In contrast to platform  70  alone, a toe wedge may be configured to allow a user to apply an additional or deeper stretch to his or her toes. In some embodiments, a toe wedge may provide additional stability when rocker boot  3  is rotated along arcuate base  60  toward the toe rest  40 . As shown in  FIGS. 7A and 7B , toe wedge may be located at any of several locations along platform  70  as selected by a user. 
       FIG. 7C  illustrates an isometric view of an attachment  90  that includes a toe wedge as discussed in relation to  FIGS. 7A and 7B . Attachment  90  may include connectors as previously discussed, configured to mate with platform  70 . In the example embodiment shown, the connectors include pegs  98  configured to connect attachment  90  to holes  79  in platform  70 . Attachment  90  may also be used with rocker boot  2  as shown in  FIGS. 8A and 8B . 
       FIGS. 8A and 8B  illustrate isometric views of rocker boot  2  including optional attachment  90  according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Attachment  90  may interact with connectors  49  of rocker boot  2  in a similar manner as connectors  79  of platform  70 . One embodiment of attachment  90  may include a toe wedge as shown in  FIGS. 8A and 8B . 
       FIGS. 9A and 9B  illustrate side views of rocker boot  2  including optional attachments  100   a  and  100   b  according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in  FIGS. 9A  and  9 B, attachments  100   a  and  100   b  may provide a user with multiple stretch angles β (e.g., β′ and β″). 
       FIG. 10  illustrates an isometric view of a rocker boot  4  including another example adjustable footrest according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in  FIG. 10 , rocker boot  4  may include an adjustable heel rest  50 . Heel rest  50  may be moved closer to toe rest  40  or farther away. In such an embodiment, the adjustment between toe rest  40  and heel rest  50  may accommodate multiple users with feet of different lengths. In addition, an adjustable heel rest  50  may provide limitations on the rotation angle of rocker boot  4 . 
     In another embodiment, rocker boot  4  may include one or more optional attachments configured to partially and/or completely restrict the full range of motion of rocker boot  4 . For example, a heel extension  110  may restrict the rotation of rocker boot  4  so that the user&#39;s heel will not approach the floor. As another example, a toe stop  120  may restrict the rotation of rocker boot  4  so that the user&#39;s toes will not approach the floor. In combination, heel extension and toe stop  120  may substantially eliminate rotation of rocker boot  4 . 
     Heel extension  110  may include one or more features configured to allow a user to select more than one angle for rocker boot  4 . For example,  FIG. 10  shows an extended lever  112  that may reduce the allowable degree of rotation beyond the limits imposed by heel extension  110 . In another example, heel extension  110  may be removable. As described with relation to attachment  50  or platform  70 , heel extension  110  may be provided with several alternative angles. In such embodiments, the collection of heel extensions  110  may allow a user or therapist to select among several rotation angles as appropriate for any given user. 
     Toe stop  120  may include any features, components, and/or devices configured to allow selective connection to rocker boot  4 . For example, toe stop  120  may include foot  122  and interface  124 . Foot  122  may be configured to provide a firm and stable platform for rocker boot  4 . Interface  124  may be configured to interact with holes and/or other connection schemes described in relation to the proceeding figures. 
       FIG. 11  illustrates a side view of a rocker boot including another example optional attachment, weight  130 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Weight  130  may include one or more physical masses configured to attach to rocker boot  2 . Weight  130  may attach to toe platform  40  and/or any other appropriate part of rocker boot  2 . The use of weight  130  may provide increased strengthening benefit to a user. 
     In one embodiment, weight  130  may include one or more bottles and/or other containers. These containers may be selectively filled with water, sand, and/or another material to provide additional weight for use but allow minimal weight for packaging and/or transportation. Some embodiments including weight  130  may also include a foot strap  140 . 
     Foot strap  140  may include any component, feature, and/or device configured to hold a user&#39;s foot to rocker boot  2 . As weight  130  increases in mass, securing the user&#39;s foot to rocker boot  2  may become more important. Foot strap  140  may include a buckle  142 , another device, and/or component operable to secure foot strap  140  around a user&#39;s foot. 
     Rocker boots  2  may be used in physical therapy or rehabilitation programs. More specifically, rocker boots  2  may be used to stretch and strengthen the tissues described above following a surgical procedure on one or more of such tissues. Rocker boots  2  may also be employed in a regular exercise program. For example, they may be employed as part of a stretching routine before rigorous leg exercise, or they may be used to maintain flexibility in the elderly. 
     The present disclosure teaches one to adjust one or more parameters of rocker boot  2 . This function may provide added stability to an exercise regimen. It may also allow selecting the difficulty or stress of exercise using rocker boot  2 . Adjustments to control the degree of rotation, stretch angle, or other geometric parameters in many embodiments may be made by most individuals without the need for specialized tools. In selected embodiments no tools are normally required. Furthermore, rocker boots  2  may be made at lower cost than many other rotating rocker boots with a limited degree of rotation. 
     Although the present invention and its advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alternations can be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.