Leg exerciser

• US 4,364,559 A
• Filed: 12/22/1980
• Issued: 12/21/1982
• Est. Priority Date: 12/22/1980
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: John B. Valentine
• Original Assignee: John B. Valentine
• Inventors: Valentine, John B.
• Primary Examiner(s): Pinkham, Richard C.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Browne, William R.
• Application Number:
  US06/218,546
• Time in Patent Office: 729 Days
• Field of Search: 272/142, 272/135, 272/DIG. 4, 272/70, 272/96
• US Class Current: 482/130
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2022/0038 One foot moving independently from the other, i.e. there is no link between the movements of the feet
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/023 Wound springs
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/0428 the ends moving relatively by linear reciprocation
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/055 extension element type
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/151 Using flexible elements for reciprocating movements, e.g. ropes or chains
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/154 using special pulley-assemblies
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/203 in a horizontal plane
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/205 in a substantially vertical plane, e.g. for exercising against gravity exercising for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a user's body weight A63B21/068; with adjustable inclination A63B22/0023
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2208/0233 in 90/90 position, like on a chair
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2208/0252 supine
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2210/50 Size reducing arrangements for stowing or transport

Abstract

A leg exerciser is provided in two hinged panels or subframes, each of which mounts parallel tracks in which slides a stirrup-foot piece which is connected through a rope and pulley system to a resistance spring so that each foot piece individually resists translation and acts as an exercise device for both feet individually, the two panels being collapsible together along their hinge line for storage when not in use.

Claims

1. A portable leg exerciser comprising:

(a) a frame having two sub-frames each defining parallel tracks;

(b) two foot pieces engageable by the left and right feet respectively and slideable in said respective sub-frames;

(c) resistance means reacting against the sliding of said foot pieces in said sub-frames in at least one direction whereby the feet and legs are exercised by overcoming said resistance means; and

,

(d) said two sub-frames being hinged together along an axis parallel to the direction of sliding of said foot pieces to permit said frame to collapse for storage.

2. Structure according to claim 1 and including a sliding bracket mounted on one of said sub-frames and slideable to alternatively release or to fixedly engage the other of said sub-frames such that in the fixed mode said sub-frames are co-planar and adapted for simultaneous use of said foot pieces.

3. Structure according to claim 1 wherein said resistance means comprises a separate extension spring mounted on each of said sub-frames and respectively to said foot pieces by means of respective pulleys and ropes, said frame is made of a generally continuous channel and portions of said channel house said springs, and said parallel tracks are also defined by channels and said foot pieces each comprising parallel runners engaged in said channel tracks and a central metal web spanning between said runners and having a hole therein to define a foot stirrup and a bent flange defining the bottom of said foot stirrup.