US1509793A - Exercising apparatus for the feet - Google Patents

Description

Sept. 23, 1924;

R. S. THOMPSON Filed Jan. '7 1924 2 I \,-,-;,2 =1 n 9 &0 4 6 5% 19 3 EH,

21 6 Ed I I 22 INVENITOR.

.S. Thompson,

BY M

ATTORNEY.

Sept. 23 1924. 1,509,793 I R.S.THOMPSON EXERCISING APPARATUS FOR THE FEET Filed Jan. '7, 1924 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 mamm I INVENTOR. Q.S. Thompson,

A TTORNEY.

Patented Sept. 23, 1924.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

RALPH S, THOMPSON, OI NEW YORK, N. Y.

EXEBCISING APPARATUS FOR THE FEET.

' Application filed January 7, 1924. Serial No. 684,817.

ing Apparatus for the Feet, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to an exerclsing apparatus for the feet, and has for its object to provide an apparatus of such class, in a manner as hereinafter set forth, with means for strengthening, as well as restoring to normal the inside muscles of the leg, especially the fiexor longus muscles thereby overcoming fallen arches, flat feet and foot pains.

A further object of the invention is to provide an apparatus of such class, in a manner as hereinafter referred to, with means whereby selective action is attained on certain groups of muscles and without bringing into play the peroneal muscles which tend to roll the foot outward, while at the same time affording the widest range of action to the anterior and posterior tibial muscles.

A further object of the invention is to provide an exercising apparatus, in a manner as hereinafter set forth, with means to constitute a pivoted treadle carrying a cushion shaped to extend under the plantar arch to relieve the deformed foot of torture conse-. quent on any muscular action while the parts are in mal-position, and further whereby the cushion acts to so locate the foot on the treadle that the ivot of the treadle lies in the same vertica plane as the axis of rotation of the axle joint.

A further object of the invention is to provide, in a manner as hereinafter set forth,

an exercising apparatus including means to constitute an adjustable spring controlled pivotal foot support having cooperating therewith means to cause the rotating of the foot about its longitudinal axis to a degree proportional to its flexion, and to provide for fiexion to be had throughout its maximum range without bringing into play the peroneal muscles which on contraction tend to roll the foot outward, at the same time affording the widest range of action to the anterior and posterior tibial muscles to which they are capable. V

Further objects of the invention are to provide, in a manner as hereinafter set forth, an exe cising apparatus for orthopedical purposes, more particularly for restoring fallen arches, and which is simple in its construction, strong, durable, thoroughly efiicient in its use, conveniently operated, read- 11 y assembled, and comparatively inexpensive. I

With the foregoing and other objects in view, the invention consists of the novel construction, combination, and arrangement of' parts, as hereinafter more specifically described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein is shown an embodiment of the invention, but it is to be understood that changes, variations and modifications can be resorted to which come within the scope of the claims hereunto appended.

In the drawings wherein like reference characters denote corresponding parts throughout the several Views 1- Figure 1 is a top plan View of an excercising apparatus in accordance with this invention.

Figure 2 is a longitudinal section thereof.

Figure 3 is an end elevation showing the treadle. or foot support in full lines in normal position and in dotted lines in shifted position. i

Figure 4 is a cross sectional view.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the guide element.

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the coupling element between the treadle or foot support and the guide.

An exercising apparatus, in accordance with this invention and for the purpose referred to, comprises a base, a guide element v connected therewith, a cushioned treadle element, an adjustable tension applying device for the treadle element, a coupling member between the treadle and guide ele ments, and means on the base to provide an adjustable pivotal support for the treadle element.

The base, which is indicated by the reference character 1, is rectangular in contour each is of substantial length and of semi- The sections 4, 5 correspond in contour and oval shape. The rear end of each of the sections is rounded and the forward end squared.

The section 5, which is constructed of any suitable material, preferably sponge rubber, has its upper face formed with a lengthwise extending recess or pocket v6, and with the inner face of eachof the walls of the pocket bevelled, as at 7. The pocket 6 is of substantial depth and is adapted to have the foot mounted therein when the apparatus is employed, and said pocket 6 is of a contour similar to the shape of the section 5. Extending from a point removed from the rear end of the pocket 6 and terminating at a point substantially at the transverse center of the pocket 6, is an arch support 8,-of the same material as that from which the section 5 is set up. The support 8 is of greater length than its width and further is arcuate in transverse and longitudinal section, and is of a height to extend above the walls of the pocket 6. The support 8 extends under the plantar arch of the foot, when the apparatus isinuse, and relieves the deformed foot of torture consequent on any muscular action while the parts are in mal-position. The support 8 functions to locate the foot I on the section 5 so that the pivot of action of the apparatus will lie in the same vertical plane as the axis of rotation of the axle joint.

When the treadle element is mounted in position it projectsslightly rearward of the rear end of the base 1 and terminates at a point removed from th forward end of the base. The'treadleelement when in normal position is disposed at an angle with respect to the base 1.

' Secured to the forward end of the sections 4, 5 of the treadle element, is a coupling element which consistsof an angle-shaped body portion 9, having the vertical part thereoef abutting against the forward termini of the sections 4, 5' and the horizontal part positioned against the lower face of the section 4. Hold-fast devices 10 are employed for securing the body portion 9 to the treadle element and the said hold-fast devices are counter-sunk in and depend from the section 4, as well as extending through the horizontal part of the body portion 9. Each of the therewith a the lower face of the hold-fast devices consists of a bolt carrying on its lower end a nut which abuts against horizontal part of the body portion 9.

Formed integral with the vertical part of the body portion 9, as well as depending therefrom, and also projecting forwardly therefrom, isan arm 11 having connected pair of superposed forwardly projecting cylindrical directing protubertimes 12, 13 of substantial length. The protuberance 12 is positioned in clos posit-ion to-the upper end, of the arm 11, and the pro tuberance 13 is arranged in proximity to the lower end of the arm 11. The protuberances 12 and 13 extend in the same direction as the treadle element.

The vertical part of the body portion 9 extends above the treadle element to provide ,what may be termed a lip and which constito the treadle element, or in other words it pivotally supports the treadle element at a point between the transverse center and the rear end thereof. The said means which provides the pivotal support for the treadle element consists of a tubular upright 14, which is interiorly threaded and also provided at its lower end with lateral flanges 15, through which extend hold-fast devices 16 for fixedly securing the tubular member in position. Threadably engaging with the tubular member 14 is a vertically adjustable peripherally threaded cylindrical stem 17, having its upper end formed with a spheri cal enlargement 18 seated in a socket forming member 19, which is secured to and depends from the lower face of the section 4; of the treadle element. The spherical cnlargement 18 in connection with the member 19 sets up what may be termed a universal pivotfor the treadle element and which allows for the latter to pivot in any direction when pressure is applied thereto by the foot of the user.

The adjustable ten-sioning device for the treadle element not only constitutes a spring controlled means therefor, but also further provides a resilient connection between the treadle element and the base. The said adj ustable tensioning device for the treadle element consists of a coiled spring 20 of sub stantial length having its lower end connected to an adjustable headed bolt 21, which extends down through the base 1 and carries an adjusting nut 22 9n its lower end. The bolt 21 is positioned at the rear end of the base 1. The coil spring 20 is disposed at an upward and rearward inclination with respect to the base 1, and has its upperterminus of hook-like form, as at 23, for connection with an eye bolt 24, which is countersunk in the section 4 of the treadle element and depends therefrom The spring 20 normally maintains the treadle element at an inclination in the manner shown in F i 2, and the tension of the spring 20 can adjusted when desired, through the medium of the nut 22. The spring 20 can also be adjusted when desired, by vertically adjustin the stem 17 and for this purpose the stem 1 is provided with an opening 17 for the reception of a suitable instrument or tool to enable the turning of the stem to adjust it vertically to the point desired.

The downward shifting of the forward portion of the treadle element is had against the action of the spring 20, and When such movement of the treadle element is had it pivots upon the globular head 18 of the stem 17.

The guide element is arranged at the forward end of the base 1 and it consists of a rectangular base plate 25 positioned to extend transversely with respect to the forward end of the base 1. The base plate 25 extends from a point slightly from one side of the longitudinal center of the base 1 to the other side of the longitudinal center of the base 1, and in proximity to one side of said base. The base plate 25: has a lug 26 which engages-in the base 1 and said plate is formed with a socket 27 having a threaded wall with which engages the threaded shank 28 of a set screw 29. The shank 28 extends. up through the base 1 and engages the threaded wall of the socket 27. Carried by the screw 29 is a washer 30, which is ar is a vertically disposed curved arm 32 of substantial length. The arm 32 is provided with an elongated curved slot 33, which corresponds in curvature to the curvature of the arm. "The curvature of the arm is such that the vertical center of the base will be pierced by the center line of the slot 33 at the mid-point of the latter, and this arrangement is provided to minimize the disof the drawings. The protuberance 12 limits;

the upward movement of the treadle element, and the protuberance 13, the lowering movement of the treadle element.

Connected to the treadle element, that is the section 4 thereof, is a strap 34 for securing the foot to the treadle element. The strap 34 is arranged at the transverse cen ter of the treadle element.

The guide element is reversible so that the apparatus can be employed for either foot, and for such purpose the base 1, is provided with a pair of sockets 35, 36 and one of which is adapted to receive the lug 26. As

illustrated, the exercising apparatus is shown as set up for use in connection with the right foot but if it is desired to be used for the left foot, the set screw 31 is released and the base plate 25 swung around, and the lug 26 positioned in the socket 35. By setting up the guide element in the manner as stated, it permits of the apparatus being used for either foot.

The support 8-, which is an integral part of the section 5 of the treadle element, in connection with said section 5, provides a soft rubber cushion upon which the foot rests. The section 5 is designed for two purposes, one to cushion the foot and thereby relieve and soften the strain upon the muscles of the foot while the apparatus is being used, and the other, owing to the enlargement or support 8, the said support 8 is positioned underneath the arch of the foot which acts to massage and knead the muscles of the foot at the same time that the exercise is strengthening the muscles of the leg.

The contour of the section 5, of the treadle element, so locates the foot that the pivotal point of the treadle is-positioned in an approximate vertical line with the axis of rotation of the ankle joint. Consequently the foot is so guided in active flexion that selective action of the muscles is had, and the tibial group which are instrumental in supporting the plantar arch, are given the maximum of activity, while the peroneal group are left relatively in repose.

Owing to the manner in which the several elements of the apparatus are set up, an outstanding feature is that it provides for a selective action" on certain groups of muscles, which is the fundamental basis of any orthopedically corrective exerciser. This selection is accomplished by means of the curved guide at the front end which rotates the foot about its longitudinal axis to a degree proportional to its flexion, thus permitting fiexion'to be had throughout the maximum range without bringing into play the peroneal muscles on contraction of which tend to roll the foot outward, while afi'ording at the same time the widest range of actionto the anterior and posterior tibial muscles of which they are capable. Further, as an aid to this action, the position of the foot is controlled on the treadle element by the form of section 5 of said element which relieves the deformed foot of torture consequent of any muscular action while the parts are in mal-position.

. It is thought that the manner of operating the device can be readily understood in view of the foregoing description taken in connection with the illustrations, but it will be stated that the foot is strapped to the treadle element and the party using the apparatus depresses the treadle element, and

which rotates the foot about its longitudinal axis to a degree proportionalto its fiexion, and the user will oscillate and rotate the treadle element for any period oftime desired, preferably from five to ten minutes a day and by exercising the foot by the appa leg muscles, as such muscles receive the and very exercise they need to make them strong vigorous. As the foot descends it is swung inward still further which affords additlonalexercise to the inside leg muscles. When pressure is relieved upon the treadle element it moves upwardly to the position shown in Figure 2. The foregoing operation is repeated as many times as desired. So highly concentrated is this exercise that it requires just a few minutes a day, yet the results in strengthening the arches are had very quickly.

By quickly rebuilding the strained, weakened muscles on the inside of the calves of the legs without exercising the outside muscles, the fallen arch is drawn into proper position. This almost immediately relieves that unnaturalstrain and pressure that causes foot pains.

It is thought -that the many advantages of an exercisingapparatus for the purpose set forth as herembefore referred to, can be readily understood, and although the preferred embodiment of the invention is as illustrated and described, yet it is to be understood that changes in the details of construction can be had which will fall within the light of the invention as claimed.

What I claim is 1. In an exercising apparatus a treadle element formed of a rigid lower section and a resilient upper section provided with inherent means to constitute an arch support. 2. In an exercising apparatus a spring controlled treadle element formed of a rigid lower section and a resilient upper section provided with inherent means to constitute an arch support.

3. In an exercising apparatus a treadle element formed of a rigid lower section and a resilient upper section provided with resilient inherent means to constitute an arch support.

4. In an exercising apparatus a spring controlled treadle element formed of a rigid lower-section and a resilient upper section provided with resilient inherent means to constitute an arch support.

5. In an exercising apparatus a treadle element formed of a rigid lower section and a resllient upper section provided with a lengthwise extending pocket having its hottom formed with inherent means to constitute an arch support.

6. In an exercising apparatus a spring controlled treadle element formed of a rigid lower section and a resilient upper section provided with a lengthwise extending pocket having its bottom formed with inherent means to constitute. an arch support.

In an exercising apparatus a treadle element formed of a rigid lower section and a resilient upper section provided with a lengthwise extending pocket having its bottom formed with resilient inherent means to constitute an arch support.

8. In an exercising apparatus a spring controlled treadle element formed of a rigid lower section and a resilient upper section provided with a lengthwise extending pocket havingits bottom formed with a resilient inherent means to constitute an arch support.

9. In an exercising apparatus a treadl element formed of a rigid lower section and a resilient upper section provided with a lengthwise extending pocket having its bot tom formed with resilient inherent means to c nstitute an arch support, and means for adjus ing the tension of the controlling spring for said element.

10. In an exercising apparatus a spring controlled treadle element formed of a rigid lower section and a resilient upper section provided with a lengthwise extending pocket having its bottom formed with a resilient inherent means to constitute an arch support, and means for adjusting the tension of the controlling spring for said element.

11. In an exercising apparatus a spring controlled. treadle element, means to provide for the shifting of said element on its transverse and longitudinal axis on the application of pressure thereto, means for imparting to said element an arcuate movement when shifted, and means for adjusting the tension of the controlling spring for said element.

12. Inan exercising apparatus a spring controlled treadle element provided with an arch support, adjustable means to provide for the shifting of said element on its transverse and longitudinal axis on the application of pressure thereto, and means for imparting to said element an arcuate movement when shifted.

13. An exercising apparatus comprisin a treadle element, a support therefor, sai support including a globular head connected with and engaging said element at 1 point between its transverse center and rear end and providing means for the shifting of said element on its transverse and longitudinal axis when pressure is applied thereto, a controlling spring for said element connected to the rear end thereof, and

- support including a globular head connected with and engaging said element at a point between its transverse center and rear end and providing means for the shifting of said element on its transverse and longitudinal axis when pressure is applied thereto, a controlling spring for said element connected to the rear end thereof, and means arranged at the forward end of said element for imparting an arcuate movement thereto when shifted on its transverse and longitudinal axis, said support including means for vertically adjusting said head.

15. An exercising apparatus comprising a treadle element, a support therefor, said support including a globular head connected with and engaging said element at a point between its-transverse center and rear end and providing means for the shifting of said elementon its transverse and longitudinal axis when pressure is applied thereto, a controlling spring for said element connected to the rear end thereof, and means arranged at the forward end of said element for imparting an arcuate movement thereto when shifted on its transverse and longitudinal axis, said support including means for vertically adjusting said head, means for adjusting the tension of said spring.

16. An exercising apparatus comprising a treadle element, a support therefor, said support including a globular head connected with and engaging said element at a point -means carried by the forward end of said treadle element travelling in said slot for imparting to said element an arcuate movement when shifted on its transverse and lon- I gitudinal axis.

v 17. An exercising apparatus comprising a treadle element, a support therefor, said support including a globular head connected with and engaging said element at a point between its transverse center and rear end and providing means for the shifting of said its transverse said treadle element and travelling in said slot for imparting to said treadle element an arcuate movement when shifted on its transverse and longitudinal axis.

18. An exercising apparatus comprising an eccentrically fulcrumed spring controlled treadle element provided with a resilient arch support, a reversible guide element arranged forwardly of the treadle element and provided with means for imparting an arcuate movement to the treadle element when the latter is shifted, and means projecting forwardly from the forward end of the treadle element and extending in the means of the guide element for directing the movement of the treadle element in an arcuate path.

19. An exercising apparatus comprising an eccentrically fulcrumed spring controlled treadle element provided with a resilient arch support, a guide element arranged forwardly of the treadle element and provided with means for imparting an arcuate movement to the treadle element when the latter is shifted, and means projecting forwardly from the forward end of the treadle element an extending in the means of the guide element for directing the movement of the treadle element in an arcuate path.

20. An exercising apparatus comprising a spring controlled treadle element, a vertically disposed guide element formed with an arcuate slot having its upper end disposed in alignment with respect to the longitudinal axis of the treadle element and its lower end offset with respect to said axis, direction means carried by the treadle element and engaging in said slot for imparting an arcuate movement to the treadle when shifted, and supporting means to provide for the shifting of the treadle element on its transverse and longitudinal axis.

21. An exercising apparatus comprising a spring controlled treadle element, a vertically' disposed guide element formed with an arcuate slot having its upper end disposed in alignment with respect to the longitudinal axis of the treadle element and its lower end offset with respect to said axis,'

spring controlled treadle element, a verti cally disposed guide element formed with an arcuate slot having its upper end disposed in alignment with respect to the longitudinal axis of the treadle element and its lower end offset with respectto said axis, di-

rection means carried by the treadle element 7 and engaging in said slot for imparting an arcuate movement to the treadle when shifted, supporting means to provide for the shifting of the treadle element on its transverse and longitudinal axis, and means to provide for increasing or decreasing the tension of the controlling spring for said treadle element. v

23. An exercising apparatus comprising a spring controlled treadle element provided with a foot cushion formed with an inherent arch support, a treadle element support having means to provide for the pivoting of said element on its transverse and longitudinal axis when pressure is applied thereto, and means for imparting an arcuate movement to said element when pivoting on its transverse and longitudinal axis.

24. An exercising apparatus comprising a base, a treadle element arranged thereover and pivoted on its transverse and longitudinal axis, a support mounted on the base and providing a pivot for said element, a controlling spring between the rear end of said element and the rear end of the base. a. vertically disposed guide element carried at the forward end of the baseand provided with an arcuate slot, and a 'oupling element projecting from the forward end of the treadle element and extending into said slot to impart an arcuate movement to the pressure is applied treadle element when thereto. v

25. An exercising apparatus comprising a base, a treadle element arranged thereover and pivoted on its transverse and longitudinal axis, a support mounted on the base and providing a pivot for said element, a controlling spring between the rear end of said element and the rear end of the base, a vertically disposed guide element carried at the forward end of the base-and provided with an arcuate slot, and a coupling element projecting from the forward end of the treadle element and-extending into said slot to impart an arcuate movement to the treadle element when pressure is applied thereto, said support having means to permit of the vertical adjustment thereof.

26. An exercising apparatus comprising a spring controlled treadle element provi ed with a foot cushion formed with an inherentarch support, a treadle element support having means to provide for the pivoting of said element on its transverse and longitudinal axis when pressure is applied thereto, means for impartlng an arcuate movement to said element when pivoting on its transverse and longitudinal axis, and said guide element having means to permit of the reversal thereof.

27 An exercising apparatus comprising a spring controlled treadle element provided with a foot cushion formed with an inherent arch support, a treadle element support having means to provide for the pivoting of said element on its transverse and longitudinal axis when pressure is applied thereto, means for imparting an arcuate movement to said element when pivoting on its transverse and longitudinal axis, and means to provide for increasing or decreasing the tension of said controlling spring.

28. An exercising apparatus comprising a spring controlled treadle element pivoting on its transverse and longitudinal axis and moving in an arcuate path when pressure is applied thereto, a support providing a pivot for said element, and a reversible guide element for and arranged forwardly of the treadle element and further having the forward end of the treadle element slidably connected therewith.

29. An exercising apparatus comprising a spring controlled treadle element, and means to provide for the pivoting of said element on its transverse and longitudinal axis and further for moving it in an arcuate path when pressure is applied thereto, said means including a guard at the forward end of the treadle element.

30. An exercising apparatus comprising a spring controlled treadle element ivoting on its transverse and longitudinal axis and moving in an arcuate path when pressure is apphed thereto, a support providing the pivot for said element, a guide element, and a coupling element provided with means extending into said guide element for directing said treadle element in an arcuate path, said coupling element provided with means to constitute a guard for the forward end of said treadle element.

31. An exercising apparatus comprisin a spring controlled treadle element pivotin on its transverse and longitudinal axis an moving in an arcuate path when pressure is applied thereto, a support providing the pivot for said element, a guide element, and a coupling element provided with means extending into said guide element for directin said treadle element in an arcuate path, said coupling element provided with means to constitute a guard for the forward end of said treadle element, and said guide element having means to rovide for the reversing thereof whereby tiie treadle element can be employed for the right or left foot.

In testimony whereof, I afiix my signature hereto.

RALPH S. THOMPSON.

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