Calf exercise foot positioner

Abstract

A calf exerciser includes a free standing platform with independent foot braces that pivot and rotate for providing an optimally positioned foot and ankle position for a calf exercise. A handle and locking knob provide one-handed control. A pair of rotating platforms mount to a base, and each rotating platform has a pivot brace that angles left and right. Positioning and locking the foot braces at various positions of rotation and right/left angles provide a selectable, varied position as the calf exercises generally involve an ankle driven force against the foot braces, often bearing on the ball or arch of the foot. A beveled or curved edge with a grip surface further enhances contact with the user's foot.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A foot positioning apparatus for varying foot orientation during an exercise regimen, comprising:
 opposed rotating platforms disposed in an adjacency on a plane for rotation;   pivoting foot braces on each of the rotating platforms, each of the foot braces disposed to pivot in a pivot axis perpendicular to the plane for rotation;   a footrest defined by an elevated surface having a predetermined elevation above the rotating platforms, the predetermined elevation based on a heel travel imposing calf resistance; and   a rotational control, the rotational control applying a rotational force to the opposed rotating platforms.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the rotational control further comprises an angular linkage, the angular linkage engaged with at least one of the rotating platforms and configured for applying the rotational force to the rotating platform. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2  further comprising a handle, wherein the angular linkage is attached to the handle, the handle configured for transferring a force to the angular linkage for applying the rotational force. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 2  further comprising a shuttle in sliding engagement with a rail, the handle attached to the shuttle and responsive to linear movement, the angular linkage defined by elongated members extending from the shuttle to the at least one rotating platform. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 4  further comprising a pair of elongated members extending from the shuttle to a respective pair of rotating platforms of the at least one rotating platform, the pair of rotating platforms responsive to concurrent movement of the shuttle for rotation at a common angle. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising a locking mechanism for securing a position of the rotation of the rotating platforms. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 4  further comprising a locking shaft, the locking shaft extending through the shuttle for engaging a plurality of rotation receptacles, each rotation receptacle of the plurality of rotation receptacles corresponding to an angular position of the rotating platform. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising a rotational linkage between the rotating platforms, the rotational linkage disposing each of the rotating platforms in a pivot corresponding to the other of the opposed rotating platforms. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising a locking pin adapted for engagement in an interference fit with each respective pivoting foot brace for locking the angle of the pivot. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 4  further comprising an attachment bracket, the attachment bracket connecting the rail and the base with a freestanding exercise frame.