Method and device to enable and assist the elderly and females to exercise their shin muscles

Abstract

This dorsal flex exercise machine is comprised of a static seat connected to the frame of the said machine. There is a foot-plate pivoted approximately under the position of the heel, when feet rest on the said foot-plate. The upholstered cylindrical lifting roller pads, one for each foot, are lifted by the upper side of the foot, lifting the said roller pads simultaneously. The said roller pads are adjustable vertically to fit the range of peoples' feet and shoe sizes. The dorsal flex exercise machine exercises the shin muscles otherwise known as the tibialis anterior muscles. The movement performed by use of this exercise machine is called the dorsal flex. At least one hand bar is positioned to aid entry to and exit from the machine and to stabilize the user while exercising.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . An exercise machine comprising
 a frame,   a seat with an angled back-rest,   a foot-plate attached pivotally to the said frame,   a roller pad attached to the said foot-plate by two bars perpendicular to each other, so that the said roller pad is situated above the said foot-plate,   adjustable selectorized resistance weights attached by a cable to the said foot-plate,   at least one static handle to aid stabilization,   whereby people generally and especially the elderly, the infirm and females can exercise their tibialis anterior muscles.   
     
     
         2 . An exercise machine as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the said selectorized resistance weights are adjustable so that the number of weights used is proportional to the degree of resistance in small increments of not more than 0.5 kilogram. 
     
     
         3 . An exercise machine as claimed in  claim 2  wherein the said adjustability is in increments of at most 0.5 kilogram. 
     
     
         4 . An exercise machine as claimed in  claim 3  where the said degree of resistance is chosen by means of inserting a pin in a horizontal hole passing through the width of a chosen weight and into a bored pin-rod that is attached to a cable joining the said bored pin-rod to the said foot-plate whereby that weight and all the weights above it are lifted by the said connecting cable when the said foot bars are lifted. 
     
     
         5 . An exercise machine as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the said weights are attached by means of a cable and pulleys to the said foot-plate at a point between the pivot point and the front end of the said foot-plate. 
     
     
         6 . An exercise machine as claimed in  claim 5  wherein the stack of weights and the said pin are reachable by the user of the said exercising machine from his exercising position. 
     
     
         7 . An exercise machine as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the position of the said roller pad is adjustable vertically. 
     
     
         8 . An exercise machine as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the position of the said roller pad is adjustable horizontally. 
     
     
         9 . An exercise machine as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the said angled back-rest is at an angle of 75° from the horizontal, leaning backward. 
     
     
         10 . An exercise machine as claimed in  claim 9  wherein the said angled back-rest is at an angle of 75°±3° from the horizontal, leaning backward. 
     
     
         11 . An exercise machine as claimed in  claim 1  further comprising at least three wheels for transporting the machine where at least one wheel mechanism lifts the said exercise machine off the ground causing the weight of the said exercising machine to rest on the said wheel and of which at least one wheel is lockable thereby enabling the said exercise machine to rest firmly on the ground or optionally, be moved on the said wheels. 
     
     
         12 . An exercise machine as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the access to the said exercise machine is open and uncluttered thereby easing the entry to and exit from the said exercising machine by the elderly or infirm and easing the work of a helper of the said elderly or infirm. 
     
     
         13 . An exercise machine as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the said stabilization is during entry to and exit from the said exercising machine as well as during the action of exercising. 
     
     
         14 . An exercise machine comprising
 a frame,   a seat with an angled back-rest, a foot-plate attached pivotally to the said frame,   a bar attached to the said foot-plate with two bars perpendicular to each other, so that the said roller pad is situated above the said foot-plate,   adjustable resistance weights attached by a cable to the said foot-plate,   instructions for use of the said exercising machine,   at least one picture of an everyday task that is enhanced by the use of the said exercising machine,   whereby people generally and especially the elderly,   the infirm and females can exercise their shin muscles.   
     
     
         15 . An exercise machine as claimed in  claim 14  wherein the said instructions are in large clear print well contrasted with the background of the said print being visible and readable by the user of the said exercise machine from the position of the user when ready to exercise. 
     
     
         16 . An exercise machine as claimed in  claim 14  wherein the said picture of an everyday task is affixed to the body of the said exercise machine in a position easily visible and designed to be easily understandable which task is being represented. 
     
     
         17 . An exercise machine as claimed in  claim 14  wherein the said everyday task is walking. 
     
     
         18 . An exercise machine as claimed in  claims 1  and  14  wherein the said cable is substituted by a belt or chain. 
     
     
         19 . An exercise machine as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the said angled seat back-rest is at an angle of 75° from the horizontal, leaning backward. 
     
     
         20 . An exercise machine as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the said angled seat back-rest is at an angle of 75°±3° from the horizontal, leaning backward.