AU2002317625B2

AU2002317625B2 - Apparatus for use in exercising

Info

Publication number: AU2002317625B2
Application number: AU2002317625A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Rodney Edward Wilcocks
Original assignee: RODNEY WILCOCKS
Current assignee: RODNEY WILCOCKS
Priority date: 2001-07-05
Filing date: 2002-07-05
Publication date: 2007-11-29
Anticipated expiration: 2022-07-05
Also published as: NZ530515A; AU2002317625C9; AU2002317625C1; CA2452316A1; WO2003004106A1; US20040192520A1; GB0330181D0; GB2393666A

Description

P 'Om,RCX\iOO1Octobcr\1 15I I spa do-26110/2C07 -1- O APPARATUS FOR USE IN EXERCISING

ID

Field of Invention In

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D- 5 The present invention relates to apparatus for use in exercising.

Background of Invention Blood flows under pressure from the heart down the legs via several arteries and returns to the heart from the lower limbs via two main vein types, deep and superficial, where the superficial veins generally act as tributaries to the deep veins. Blood is returned to the heart along the veins by a muscle pump action. An example of such a muscle pump action is the contraction of a calf muscle which constricts the deep veins in and around the calf muscle and forces blood to move away from the area of constriction along the veins. Veins contain valves which ensure that all blood flow that results from a muscle pump action is directed towards the heart.

When the body is in an upright stationary position for extended periods muscle pump action is substantially reduced and as a result gravity tends to pool blood in the lower regions of the body.

In general, blood has a tendency to clot when it slows or stops and the mentioned pooling of blood in the lower limbs creates an environment conducive of clotting. If a blood clot, also known as a thrombosis, forms in the described manner and dislodges from a lower region of the body, it will travel along the veins back towards the heart. A dislodged thrombosis, known as an embolus, will then enter the right hand side of the heart and will be pumped from the heart to the lungs via the pulmonary artery. The diameter of the veins on which the embolus travels, as it moves towards the heart from the lower regions of tilhe body, increases as the embolus approaches the heart and, as a result, the rate at which the embolus travels along the veins increases until it reaches the pulmonary artery. The pulmonary artery feeds blood from the right hand side of the heart into the lungs via P 'Op ,RIC\2'0('Ocopcr%1153350 I sp do.26/.:f07 -2c,) O numerous blood vessels. The diameter of each of these blood vessels is substantially less Ithan the diameter of the pulmonary artery and as a result the embolus stops or slows as it attempts to flow into one or more of them. An embolus that stops or slows in the In pulmonary artery effectively blocks or slows the rate at which these blood vessels take blood from the pulmonary artery to the lungs. Such an embolus is known as a pulmonary embolism.

(ci Since the amount of blood flowing into the lungs has been reduced, due to the presence of the pulmonary embolism, the amount blood returning to the heart from the lungs is also reduced. Further, the pulmonary artery has a reduced capacity to distribute blood to the lungs and the right hand side of the heart continues to pump blood into the pulm1-onary artery, therefore, a build up of blood generally occurs stemming back from the pulmonary artery the heart.

Generally, a pulmonary embolism subjects a heart to stress and in some cases this stress can cause heart failure.

Individuals tend to remain in upright stationary positions for extended periods when travelling in vehicles for long distances. When travelling on an aeroplane, for example, a passenger may remain in a seated position for several hours with little to no movement of the legs. Space on board aeroplanes is generally very limited and, accordingly, there is little opportunity to exercise the leg muscles to thereby effect the above described muscle pump action in the lower limbs.

It is generally desirable to overcome, or ameliorate, one or more of the above described difficulties, or to at least provide a useful alternative.

Summary of Invention In accordance with the present invention there is provided, apparatus for use in exercising, including means for engaging the foot of one leg of a user of the apparatus, wherein the P 1O RuJC017OCobWl 1215 50l 1O I p d.6/ I O/CM7 -3- 0 means for engaging is adapted to retard movement of the foot as the foot moves from a IDfirst position towards a second position, said means for engaging being in the form of an endless loop that is at least partially elastically deformable, said loop being positionable beneath the user's foot and above the knee of said leg, said apparatus further including a handle coupled to and extending outwardly away from a section of the endless loop that is postionable over the knee, the handle being graspable by the user to control movement of said section with respect to said knee.

In another aspect of the present invention there is provided, exercising apparatus including elastic means positionable to extend from beneath the foot of one leg of a user to a position on that leg above the knee and being elastically deformable so that, when so positioned, the user may exercise by repetitive downward pivotal movement of the foot about the ankle joint alternating with upward pivotal movement under the influence of the elastic means, wherein said elastic means is in the form of an endless loop, said apparatus further including a handle coupled to and extending outwardly away from a section of the endless loop that is postionable over the knee, the handle being graspable by the user to control movement of said section with respect to said knee.

In another aspect of the present invention there is provided, a method of exercising using the above described apparatus including the steps of: positioning the endless loop so that it extends beneath the foot of one leg of a user to a position on that leg above the user's knee; and alternately pivoting the foot about the ankle joint of the foot between first and second positions under the influence of the elastically deformable endless loop.

In another aspect of the present invention there is provided, a method of preventing deep vein thrombosis by effecting a muscle pump action in a leg of a user of the above described apparatus, including the steps of: positioning the endless loop so that it extends beneath the foot of one leg of a user to a position on that leg above the user's knee; and alternately pivoting the foot about the ankle joint of the foot between first and second positions under the influence of the elastically deformable endless loop.

In another aspect of the present invention there is provided, a method of preventing deep \Op cr\RJC%.101Oc bA 1O 35 do1.sa 1Ifl/ 207 -4c, O vein thrombosis by effecting a muscle pump action in a leg of a user of the above Idescribed apparatus, including the steps of: positioning the endless loop so that it extends beneath the foot of one leg of a user to a position on that leg above the user's knee; and t alternately pivoting the foot about the ankle joint of the foot between first and second positions under the influence of the elastically deformable endless loop.

I In another aspect of the present invention there is provided, use of means for engaging the Sfoot of one leg of a person, wherein the means for engaging is adapted to retard movement of the foot as the foot moves from a first position towards a second position, wherein said means for engaging is in the form of an endless loop that is at least partially elastically deformable, said loop being positionable beneath the user's foot and above the knee of said leg, in the manufacture of an apparatus for the prophylaxis of deep vein thrombosis.

Brief Description of the Drawings Preferred embodiments of the invention are hereafter described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a side view of an apparatus, arranged in one condition for use; Figure 2 is a further side view of the apparatus shown in Figure 1, but showing the apparatus in a different condition occurring in use; Figure 3 is a front view of the apparatus shown in Figures 1 and 2; Figure 4 is a side view of another apparatus, arranged in one condition for use; Figure 5 is a further side view of the apparatus shown in Figure 4, showing the apparatus in a different condition occurring in use; Figure 6 is a front view of the apparatus shown in Figures 4 and Figure 7 is a front view of yet another apparatus, arranged in one condition; Figure 8 is a front view of the apparatus of Figure 7, showing the apparatus arranged in a different condition; and Figure 9 is a side view of the apparatus of Figure 7 arranged in one condition of use.

Figure 10 is another side view of the apparatus of Figure 7 arranged in a further condition P'OpcRCl20CU07lOcobc :153350 [spa d 0I /201:7 O of use.

(ND

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments of the Invention D 5 The apparatus 10 shown in Figure 1, Figure 2 and Figure 3 includes an elastically deformable endless loop 12 and a belt 14. The endless loop 12 includes a plate 18 secured c to a first portion 20 of the endless loop 12. The plate 18 is arranged to underly engage a foot 22 of one leg 30 of a user 16 of the apparatus.

The belt 14 is attached to the endless loop 12 at second and third portions 24, 26 of the endless loop 12 by velcro hook and loop contacts. However, the belt 14 may be secured to the endless loop 12 by any suitable means. The belt is used to secure an upper portion of the apparatus to the user 16.

P 'Opcr'RJ]C\2M7"Oclcbcr i 1215 3 350 1 sp a dm-26/I0W207 o -6o) This page is intentionally left blank.

IND

cIN WO 03/004106 PCT/AU02/00895 -7- A user 16 may operate the apparatus 10 from a seated position. In this case, the user 16 fits the apparatus 10 to the leg 30 of their body before commencing exercising. To fit the apparatus, the user positions the plate 18 under a respective foot 22 and stretches the elastically deformable endless loop 12 over a thigh portion 28 of the corresponding leg The belt 14 is secured around the user's waist 32 and prevents second and third portions 24, 26 of the endless loop 12 from slipping down the user's thigh 28.

The user 16, being in a seated position with their foot 22 in a first position 34, moves their foot 22 towards a second position 36 by pivoting the foot 22 about an ankle joint 38 of the foot 22. As this action is executed by the user 16, the elastically deformable endless loop 12 bears against the user's foot 22 via the plate 18 and thereby retards the movement of the foot 22. Accordingly, the amount of work required to move the foot 22 from the first position 34 towards the second position 36 is increased. This movement effects a muscle pump action in the leg The user 16, at some point during the movement of the foot 22 towards the second position 36, stops moving the foot 22 towards the second position 36 and begins to move the foot 22 back towards the first position 34 by pivoting the foot 22 about the user's ankle joint 38.

As this action is executed by the user 16 of the apparatus 10, the elastically deformable endless loop 12 bears against the user's foot 22 via the plate 18 to thereby assist in moving the foot 22 back towards the first position 34.

The user's foot 22 is in the first position 34 when the heel 40 of the user's foot 22 is in contact with the ground, or floor surface, and the ball 42 of the user's foot 22 is elevated from the ground. The user's foot 22 is in the second position 36 when the heel 40 of the user's foot is in contact with the ground and the ball 42 of the user's foot 22 is also in contact with the ground.

In alternative embodiments of the invention, the user's.foot 22 is in the first position when the heel 40 is closer to the ground or floor surface than the ball 42 and the user's foot 22 is in the second position when the ball 42 of the user's foot 22 approaches the ground or floor WO 03/004106 PCT/AU02/00895 -8surface.

Repeating the above described actions using the apparatus 10 for an extended period increases the muscle pump action activity in the leg 30 being exercised.

In one example of the invention, the belt 14 is permanently attached to the endless loop 12 and the belt 14 includes an adjustable "snap lock" clip. The adjustable "snap lock" clip has first and second parts, where the first part is adapted to receive the second part and secure the second part therein. The belt 14 is fitted to the user 16 of the apparatus 10 by arranging the belt 14 around the user's waist 32 and engaging the first and second parts of the "snap lock" clip. The adjustable "snap "lock" clip can also be used to alter the length of the belt 14 in order to best fit the user 16.

In a further example of the invention, the endless loop includes a "snap lock" clip that is used to fit the endless loop around the user's foot 22 and thigh 28 by engaging the male and female parts of the "snap lock" clip. In this example of the invention, the "snap lock" clip is also used to alter the length of the endless loop 12 in order to best fit the user 16.

Accordingly, the length of the endless loop 12 as presented between the foot 22 and thigh 28 of a user 16 can be varied.

In yet another example of the invention, the elastically deformable endless loop 12 includes two parallel sides, being generally parallel to the user's leg 30, formed from an inelastic material. In this example of the invention, corresponding adjacent ends of the two parallel sides are bridged by elastic material, adapted to engage the user's foot 22 and the user's thigh 28.

In yet another example of the invention, the elastically deformable endless loop 12 includes two parallel sides, being generally parallel to the user's leg 30, formed from an inelastic material. In this example of the invention, one of the adjacent ends of the two parallel sides is ridged by elastic material adapted to engage the user's foot and another one WO 03/004106 PCT/AU02/00895 -9the adjacent ends of the parallel sides, is bridged by an inelastic material adapted to engage the user's thigh 28.

An apparatus 50 shown in Figures 4, 5 and 6 includes an elastically deformable endless loop 52, a handle 54 and a foot piece 56. The handle 54 is sewn to a first section 57 of the endless loop 52 and is arranged so that, in use, a user 58 may grasp the handle 54 and thereby control movement of the first section 57 with respect to a corresponding leg of the user 58. Alternatively, the handle 54 may be secured to the endless loop 52 by a vulcanisation process or by any other any suitable means.

The foot piece 56 is secured to a second section of the endless loop 52 and is arranged to receive a front portion of a foot 60 of the user 58. The second section of the endless loop 52 opposes the above-mentioned first section when the endless loop 52 is in use. A sole portion of the foot piece 56 is secured to the endless loop 52 by a suitable adhesive.

Alternatively, the foot piece 56 may be secured to the endless loop 52 by any suitable means. In use, the foot piece 56 substantially prevents movement of the foot 60 with respect to the second section of the endless loop 52.

A user 58 may operate the apparatus 50 from a seated position. In this case, the user 58 first fits the apparatus to a leg 62 of their body before commencing exercising. To fit the apparatus 50, the user 58 inserts his/her foot 60 into the foot piece 56 and stretches the first section of the endless loop 52 over a thigh portion 66 of the corresponding leg 62. The user 58 grasps the handle 54 in either one or two hands and is ready to commence exercising.

The user 58, with their foot 60 in a first position 68, moves their foot 60 towards a second position 70 by pivoting their foot 60 about a corresponding ankle joint 72. In doing so, the foot 60 extends away from a shin 74 portion of the leg 62. As this action is executed, the endless loop 52 bears against the user's foot 60, via the foot piece 56, and thereby retards the movement of the foot 60. The endless loop, when used in the described manner, WO 03/004106 PCT/AU02/00895 increases the work required by the relevant muscle groups of the user's leg 62 to move the foot 60 from the first position 68 towards the second position At some point during the described action, the user 58 momentarily stops moving the foot 60 and moves the foot 60 back towards the first position 68 by pivoting their foot 60 about the corresponding ankle joint 72. As this action is executed by the user 58, the endless loop 52 bears against the user's foot 60, via the foot piece 56, and forces the foot 60 back towards the first position 68.

Alternately moving the foot 60 between the first and second positions 68, 70, effects a muscle pump action in the relevant muscle groups of the user's leg 62.

An upper potion of the foot piece 56 may be secured to an outer peripheral portion of the second section of the endless loop 52, the foot piece 56 being secured thereto by an adhesive. Alternatively, the foot piece 56 may be secured to the endless loop 52 using any suitable means.

The foot piece 56 may be coupleable to the endless loop 52 by a connection device. (not shown) In this case, the sole of the foot piece includes a first part of the connection device that is connectable to a corresponding second part secured to the second section of the endless loop 52. In use, the user 58 fits the foot piece 56 on a respective foot 60 and connects the foot piece to endless loop 52 by connecting the first and second parts of the connection device. Alternatively, any suitable method of temporarily securing the foot piece 56 to the endless loop 52 may be used.

In one example of the invention, the foot piece 56 is coupleable to the second section of the endless loop 52 and the foot piece 56 is a shoe.

An apparatus 80 shown in Figures 7, 8 and 9 includes an elastically deformable endless loop 82, a handle 84 and a strap 86. The handle 84 is sewn to a first section 87 of the endless loop 82 and is arranged so that, in use, a user 88 may grasp the handle 84 and WO 03/004106 PCT/AU02/00895 -11thereby control movement of the first section 87 of the endless loop 82 with respect to a corresponding leg of the user 88. Alternatively, the handle 84 may be secured to the endless loop 82 by a vulcanisation process or by any other any suitable means.

The strap 86 includes first and second strips 90,92, each having an end secured to a second section 93 of the endless loop 82. The strips 90,92 are designed to be arranged over a user's foot 94 to thereby secure the user's foot 94 between the endless loop 82 and the strap 86.

In one embodiment of the invention the strips 90,92 include corresponding hook and loop velcro pieces 96,98, so that a user may position their foot 94 inside the endless loop 82 and secure their foot 94 in that position by overlapping the hook and loop velcro pieces 96,98 over their foot 94. The hook and loop pieces 96,98 interlock over the foot 94 to substantially prevent movement of the foot 94 with respect to the second section 93 of the endless loop 82.

In further embodiments of the invention, the strips 90,92 are formed of an elastically deformable material. The strips 90,92 are designed to stretch over a user's foot 94 to thereby secure the user's foot 94 between the endless loop and the strap 86. Preferably, the strips 90,92 include hook and loop velcro pieces 96,98, so that a user may position their foot 94 inside the endless loop 82 and secure their foot in that position by overlapping the hook and loop velcro pieces 96,98. In use, the elastically deformable strips 90,92 substantially prevents movement of the foot 94 with respect to the second section 93 of the endless loop 82 and the elastically deformable strips 90,92 permits the strap 86 to be arranged over the user's footwear.

A user 88 may operate the apparatus 80 from a seated position. In this case, the user 88 first fits the apparatus to a leg 99 of their body before commencing exercising. To fit the apparatus 80, the user 88 inserts his/her foot 94 between the endless loop 82 and the strap 86 and secures their foot 94 in that position by arranging the strap 86 securely over their foot 94. The user 88 then stretches the first section 87 of the endless loop 82 over a thigh WO 03/004106 PCT/AU02/00895 -12portion 100 of the corresponding leg 96. The user 88 grasps the handle 84 in either one or two hands and is ready to commence exercising.

The user 88, with their foot 94 in a first position 102, moves their foot 94 towards a second position 104 by pivoting their foot 94 about a corresponding ankle joint 106. In doing so, the foot 94 extends away from a shin portion 108 of the leg 99. As this action is executed, the endless loop 82 bears against the user's foot 94 and thereby retards the movement of the foot 94. The endless loop 82, when used in the described manner, increases the work required by the relevant muscle groups of the user's leg 99 to move the foot 94 from the first position 102 towards the second position 104.

At some point during the described movement, the user 88 momentarily stops moving the foot 94 towards the second position 104 and moves the foot 94 back towards the first position 102 by pivoting their foot 94 about the corresponding ankle joint 106. As this action is executed by the user 88, the endless loop 82 bears against the user's foot 94 and forces the foot 94 back towards the first position 102.

Alternately moving the foot 94 between the first and second positions 102,104, as described, effects a muscle pump action in the relevant muscle groups of the user's leg 99.

Embodiments of the invention have been described by way of reference to a user in a seated position. However, the embodiments of the invention may be applicable to a user in any suitable exercise position.

In alternative embodiments of the invention, the endless loop 12,52,82 is formed in sections. In further embodiments of the invention, the endless loop 12,52,82 is formed in sections, where the sections include elastically deformable material and inelastic material.

Claims

1. Apparatus for use in exercising, including means for engaging the foot of one leg of a user of the apparatus, wherein the means for engaging is adapted to retard Smovement of the foot as the foot moves from a first position towards a second position, said means for engaging being in the form of an endless loop that is at Sleast partially elastically deformable, said loop being positionable beneath the user's foot and above the knee of said leg, said apparatus further including a handle coupled to and extending outwardly away from a section of the endless loop that is postionable over the knee, the handle being graspable by the user to control movement of said section with respect to said knee.

2. The apparatus claimed in claim 1, wherein the means for engaging the foot includes a foot pedal for engaging an underside of the foot.

3. Exercising apparatus including elastic means positionable to extend from beneath the foot of one leg of a user to a position on that leg above the knee and being elastically deformable so that, when so positioned, the user may exercise by repetitive downward pivotal movement of the foot about the ankle joint alternating with upward pivotal movement under the influence of the elastic means, wherein said elastic means is in the form of an endless loop, said apparatus further including a handle coupled to and extending outwardly away from a section of the endless loop that is postionable over the knee, the handle being graspable by the user to control movement of said section with respect to said knee.

4. The apparatus claimed in claim 2 or 3, wherein the endless loop is adjustable to permit adjustment of the length of the endless loop. The apparatus claimed in any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the apparatus includes a belt, the belt being positionable around the waist of the user to thereby prevent a portion of the apparatus from moving with respect to the knee. P \Opcr'RIC'2007AO(1obcrn 11350 1spa joc., IoC2007 -14- O 6. The apparatus claimed in claim 5, wherein the belt is adjustable to permit ID adjustment of the length of the belt.

7. The apparatus claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the means for q engaging substantially prevents movement of the foot with respect to the means for 5 engaging. C<

8. The apparatus claimed in claim 7, wherein the means for engaging at least partially rC< receives the foot of the user.

9. The apparatus claimed in claim 8, wherein the means for engaging includes a foot piece.

10. The apparatus claimed in any one of the preceding claims, including a strap to substantially prevent movement of the foot with respect to the means for engaging.

11. The apparatus claimed in claim 10, wherein said strap is formed first and second strips, the strips being positionable for mutual engagement over the foot of the user to thereby substantially prevent movement of the foot with respect to the means for engaging.

12. The apparatus claimed in claim 11, wherein the strips are at least partially elastically deformable and are thereby positionable for mutual engagement over the foot of the user.

13. The apparatus claimed in claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the first and second strips include corresponding hook and loop velcro portions positionable for mutual engagement over the foot of the user.

14. A method of exercising using the apparatus claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13 including the steps of: positioning the endless loop so that it extends beneath the foot of one leg of a user to a position on that leg above the user's knee; and alternately pivoting the foot about the ankle joint of the foot between first and second positions under the influence of the elastically deformable P: )OpcRJCV0X7lOcobXcnl 21 $3J50 I Ip. oc-2(110/1007 0 endless loop. (N A method of preventing deep vein thrombosis by administering to a person an t' apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13. IN

16. A method of preventing deep vein thrombosis by effecting a muscle pump action in a leg of a user of the apparatus claimed in any one of claims I to 13, including the Ssteps of: positioning the endless loop so that it extends beneath the foot of one leg of a user to a position on that leg above the user's knee; and alternately pivoting the foot about the ankle joint of the foot between first and second positions under the influence of the elastically deformable endless loop.

17. A method of effecting a muscle pump action in a leg of a user of an apparatus claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13, including the steps of: positioning the apparatus so that it extends beneath the foot of one leg of a user to a position on that leg above the user's knee; and alternately pivoting the foot about the ankle joint of the foot between first and second positions under the influence of the elastic means.

18. Use of means for engaging the foot of one leg of a person, wherein the means for engaging is adapted to retard movement of the foot as the foot moves from a first position towards a second position, wherein said means for engaging is in the form of an endless loop that is at least partially elastically deformable, said loop being positionable beneath the user's foot and above the knee of said leg, in the manufacture of an apparatus for the prophylaxis of deep vein thrombosis.

19. Apparatus for use in exercising substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings. \OpMRJCCCM) 7OcbcrA I 530 :spa doc..6iOI200 16-

20. Exercising apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

21. A method of exercising using the apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described N with reference to the accompanying drawings.

22. A method of preventing deep vein thrombosis by effecting a muscle pump action in a leg of a user of the apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with CN reference to the accompanying drawings.

23. A method of effecting a muscle pump action in a leg of a user of an apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

24. Use of means for engaging the foot of one leg of a person substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.