Foot and hand exercise device and method of use

Abstract

An improvement in foot and hand exercising devices featuring a depressible elongated device placeable in the palm of a hand or under the plantar region of a foot which can increase venous return in an aid to avoiding deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and resulting pulmonary embolism (PE), stroke, and edema. The depressible device reduces chance of foot or hand injury and improves the comfort of the user. The device can also be used for stretching the plantar tendons and thereby reducing foot pain.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An exerciser comprising:
 a depressible elongated body;   wherein said elongated body has a length, a width and a depth;   wherein said length of said elongated body is greater than said width;   wherein said width is approximately equal or less than a length of an arch of a normal human foot; and   wherein said depth is approximately slightly greater than the height of a normal arch of a foot.   
     
     
         2 . The exerciser of  claim 1  wherein said elongated body is comprised entirely of depressible material. 
     
     
         3 . The exerciser of  claim 1  wherein Said elongated body is comprised of a depressible material disposed on an upper surface of said elongated body and a rigid material. 
     
     
         4 . The exerciser of  claim 3  wherein said elongated body has at least four sides and wherein a depressible material is disposed on said upper surface of said elongated body and at least two sides of said elongated body. 
     
     
         5 . The exerciser of  claim 1  additionally comprising a core. 
     
     
         6 . The exerciser of  claim 5  wherein said core is hollow. 
     
     
         7 . The exerciser of  claim 5  wherein said core is comprised of a rigid material. 
     
     
         8 . The exerciser of  claim 7  wherein said core Is disposed in a group of structures selected from lattice and honeycomb. 
     
     
         9 . The exerciser of  claim 7  wherein said rigid material is selected from the group consisting of metal, wood, plastic, and weighted materials. 
     
     
         10 . The exerciser of  claim 5  wherein a depressible covering is disposed over said core. 
     
     
         11 . The exerciser of  claim 5  wherein said core is comprised of at least one spring. 
     
     
         12 . The exerciser of  claim 1  additionally comprising rounded edges adjoining an upper surface and at least four sides and a lower surface adjoining said at least four sides. 
     
     
         13 . The exerciser of  claim 1  wherein said elongated body is comprised of a depressible material wherein said depressible material is selected from the group consisting of plastics, foam, and rubber. 
     
     
         14 . The exerciser of  claim 13  wherein said depressible material is a visco-elastic polymer. 
     
     
         15 . The exerciser of  claim 1  additionally comprising a strap. 
     
     
         16 . The exerciser of  claim 15  wherein said strap is comprised of an elastic material. 
     
     
         17 . The exerciser of  claim 15  wherein said strap additionally comprises a fastener. 
     
     
         18 . (canceled) 
     
     
         19 . A method of exercising with a depressible exerciser comprising the following steps:
 placing the exerciser under either the bell of the foot or the plantar region of the foot;   placing the exerciser in a fixed or successive progressive locations of the foot, front to back or back to front; and   raising the heel or the toe ball portion of the foot up and down while pressing the foot down over the exerciser.   
     
     
         20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A method of exercising with a depressible exerciser comprising the following steps:
 placing the exerciser in the palm of the hand; and   squeezing the exerciser.   
     
     
         22 . (canceled)