U.S. patent application number 10/154378 was filed with the patent office on 2005-04-21 for swiveling exercise strap for stretching.
Invention is credited to Shen, Charles.
Application Number | 20050085350 10/154378 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34519576 |
Filed Date | 2005-04-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050085350 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Shen, Charles |
April 21, 2005 |
Swiveling exercise strap for stretching
Abstract
An exercise device is disclosed for enabling various stretching
exercises comprising an adjustable loop connected to a handle
element by a swivel connector. The adjustable loop can be placed
about a foot, ankle, or other body part, and the handle grasped in
one hand. The swivel connector allows a user to stretch in multiple
positions and postures without readjusting the exercise device. In
a preferred embodiment, the handle comprises either a handle loop
sized to accommodate a user's finger, fingers, or hand, or a series
of loops to allow the user to gradually increase the tension in the
stretch by grasping successive loops in the series. Alternatively,
the handle can comprise a hand support member that allows the user
to easily and firmly grasp the handle and apply a steady tension.
In addition, the handle can comprise an adjustable loop to
facilitate various lengths of stretching and levels of
difficulty.
Inventors: |
Shen, Charles; (Redondo
Beach, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FULWIDER PATTON LEE & UTECHT, LLP
200 OCEANGATE, SUITE 1550
LONG BEACH
CA
90802
US
|
Family ID: |
34519576 |
Appl. No.: |
10/154378 |
Filed: |
May 23, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/91 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 23/00 20130101;
A63B 2023/006 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/091 |
International
Class: |
A63B 021/002 |
Claims
1-3. (canceled)
4. An exercise strap comprising: a first loop for accepting a body
part and adjustable to varying circumferential lengths with a
fastening mechanism to set a desired circumferential length of said
loop; a handle having at least one loop that permits the handle to
be pulled by one or more fingers or a hand; a rotational connector
disposed between the handle and the first loop, the rotational
connector further providing free rotational movement between the
handle and the first loop without a presence of a restoring
counter-rotational force; and wherein the handle comprises a series
of loops in a chain, each loop sized to accommodate one or more
fingers or a hand, wherein a user can shorten a distance between a
location held by the user and the first loop by pulling on
successive loops in the chain.
5-9. (canceled)
10. An exercise strap comprising: an adjustable enclosure of
varying circumference securable about a human foot; a handle
defined by a plurality of closed loops connected in a chain, where
each loop corresponds to a different distance separating said loop
from the adjustable enclosure along said exercise strap; and a
rotational connector disposed between the handle and the adjustable
enclosure, the rotational connector permitting free rotation of the
handle relative to the adjustable enclosure without a restoring
counter-rotational force.
11. The exercise strap of claim 10 wherein the closed loops of the
handle are sized to accommodate one or more fingers or a hand.
12. An exercise strap comprising: an enclosure securable about a
human foot; a handle defined by a plurality of closed loops
connected end-to-end and each loop sized to receive one or more
fingers or a hand therein, where each loop corresponds to a
different distance separating said loop from the enclosure along
said handle; and a rotational connector disposed between the handle
and the enclosure, the rotational connector permitting free
rotation of the handle relative to the enclosure without a
restoring counter-rotational force.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates generally to the field of
exercise devices and more particularly to a novel exercise strap
for performing stretching exercises that includes a swivel
connection to a handle portion allowing the user to achieve a
deeper stretch with a fluid motion while preventing slippage.
[0003] 2. Description of Related Art
[0004] The public's awareness regarding the importance of
stretching muscles has increased in recent years. At one time, a
towel was the tool of choice to effect a good stretch, with the
user grasping both ends of the towel after placing the towel around
one or both feet. By pulling on the towel's ends, the user could
stretch desired muscles including the leg, back, and shoulder
muscles. A towel, however, can slip from the user's grip, usually
requires the use of two hands, and does not provide much in the way
of security as to the positioning of the towel across the user's
foot. Subsequently, cotton or fabric straps were used each having
loose ends that are sometimes grasped by both hands of the user,
one end in each hand. Others have loops at the ends or a buckle to
form an adjustable loop. The straps are held by the user while in a
variety of postures in order to stretch a variety of body muscle
groups. While providing more versatility that a towel, the cloth or
fabric straps have had some difficulties and problems associated
with their use, such as slippage from perspiration and oils that
are secreted from the hands that can lead to slippage. Moreover, in
order to accommodate different postures and positions, the user
must reposition himself and readjust the bands to maintain the
stretch. Therefore, a long-standing need has existed to provide an
exercise strap that will permit the user to gain a deeper stretch
while in a variety of postures, is not prone to slippage, and can
be employed by the user with one hand.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention is a swiveling exercise strap for
stretching including a first loop for receiving a body part such as
a foot, ankle, and so forth, and a second handle loop serving as a
handle element to be easily grasped and pulled with one hand. The
first and second loops are preferably joined by a rotating
connection that allows the two loops to swivel with respect to each
other. In a preferred embodiment, the second loop, or handle loop,
is sized to receive one or more fingers therein although in another
preferred embodiment the second loop can be large enough to
accommodate an entire hand. The first and second loops can also be
adjustable. In still another preferred embodiment, the handle
element comprises a series of loops connected in a chain to allow
the user to gradually increase the stretch by incrementally pulling
on successive or different loops in the chain to gradually shorten
the distance between the application of the tension force and the
first loop. In addition, the multiple handle loops permit the user
to vary the lengths of the handle portion without adjusting the
handle loop.
[0006] To achieve the swivel operation of the present invention, a
rotating swivel that permits endless rotation couples the two
loops. The swivel has the advantage of eliminating a restoring
force when twisted such as one might experience if the two loops
were joined by a linking member such as a strap or cable, and also
maintains a uniform distance between the two loops as a relative
rotation is experienced. The swivel also provides fluid motion and
permits the user to shift stretches without removing the first
loop, such as stretches that apply pressure on the bottom of the
foot to stretches that apply pressure to the top of the foot or to
the side of the foot. The swivel can also comprise a swivel hook
that permits the easy and rapid exchange of handle loops of various
lengths.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] The exact nature of this invention, as well as its objects
and advantages, will become readily apparent upon reference to the
following detailed description when considered in conjunction with
the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals
designate like parts throughout the figures thereof, and
wherein:
[0008] FIG. 1 is an elevated perspective view of a first preferred
embodiment of the present invention;
[0009] FIG. 2 is a front view of the preferred embodiment of FIG.
1;
[0010] FIG. 3 is an elevated perspective view of the first
preferred embodiment of the present invention with a second, larger
adjustable loop;
[0011] FIG. 4 is a front view of a user illustrating a use of the
preferred embodiment of FIG. 1 and applying force to the bottom of
the user's foot;
[0012] FIG. 5 is a side view of a user illustrating a first
preferred embodiment of the present invention applying force
through the present invention to the top of the user's foot;
[0013] FIG. 6 is an elevated perspective view of a second preferred
embodiment of the present invention with multiple handle loops;
and
[0014] FIG. 7 is an elevated perspective view of a third preferred
embodiment of the present invention with a hand support member.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0015] The following description is provided to enable a person
skilled in the art to make and use the invention and sets forth the
best modes contemplated by the inventor of carrying out his
invention. Various modifications, however, will remain readily
apparent to those skilled in the art, since the general principles
of the present invention have been defined herein specifically to
provide an exercise strap for stretching wherein a handle element
swivels with respect to an adjustable loop element to allow
continuous stretch capability in multiple postures without the need
to readjust the exercise strap.
[0016] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a first preferred embodiment 100 of
the present invention. The exercise device of FIG. 1 comprises a
handle 110 connected to an adjustable loop 120 by a swiveling
connector 130. In this embodiment, the handle 110 comprises a
single handle loop made of a polypropylene web type material of
approximately four inches in length, and stitched into an endless
loop. At four inches in circumferential length, the loop can
accommodate a finger or two but not an entire hand. In a preferred
embodiment, the loop is made of a non-elastic material so as to
provide a constant tension in the device as the handle is
pulled.
[0017] The handle 110 preferably passes through a swiveling
connector 130 known as a J-hook. The J-hook has a rectangular
eyelet 140 that permits the handle to pass through, and provides a
bar 150 or roller that transfers the tension in the handle 110 to
the connector 130. The swiveling connector 130 further preferably
includes a J-shaped hook 170 with a resilient closing latch 180
that allows the connector to be opened and closed by pressing on
the resilient closing latch 180.
[0018] When a closed ring such as a circular ring 160 or a D-shaped
ring is inserted into the J-shaped hook 170, and the J-shaped hook
170 and the closed ring 160 are placed in tension, the connection
reliably joins the two components. This arrangement is convenient
because it provides a quick release by pressing the resilient
closing latch 180 to open the J-shaped hook 170 whereupon the
J-shaped hook and the handle 110 can be easily removed and replaced
with a different length handle and its J-shaped hook. The closed
ring 160 can be secured to the adjustable loop 120 by looping the
strap that forms the adjustable loop 120 over upon itself and
stitching the mating surfaces together. This connection forms the
loop 190 that traps and secures the closed ring 160. A second
connection loop 200 can be formed in a like manner to retain a ring
buckle 210 on the end of the strap. The ring buckle 210 is used to
receive the terminating end 220 of the strap 230 where the end 220
is folded over upon itself at wider mid portion 240 so that the two
complimentary components of a hook and loop fastening material such
as Velcro.RTM. 260 and 270 disposed on the end 220 and the mid
portion 240 cooperate to secure the strap at a given length. The
free end 220 of the strap 230 is fed through and between the rings
of the retaining ring buckle 210 so that the fastening components
can be connected together in a non-slip fashion. Adjustments can be
made about the foot of the user by adjusting the length of the
terminating end 220 of the strap 230 that forms the closure.
[0019] Referring to FIG. 3, in another preferred embodiment the
handle 110 is made adjustable by utilizing similar structure to
that shown with respect to the adjustable loop 120. That is, the
handle loop 111 is adjustable when one end 201 of the handle strap
231 is fed through a rectangular eyelet 150, folded upon itself to
retain ring buckle 211. The other end 221 of the handle strap 231
is fed through the ring buckle 211 and secured into an adjustable
loop. Other fastening devices such as a cinch buckle can work as
well, and hook and loop fastening material can be placed on the
strap 231 at 241 and the mating surface to further secure the
strap. The handle loop can also include hook and loop fastening
material on adjacent surfaces. This embodiment allows the user's
hand to grip the loop handle, and to have the ability to adjust the
size of the loop length for various stretches and levels of
difficulty.
[0020] Referring to FIG. 4, an example of a posture and stretching
exercise is illustrated using two of the first preferred
embodiments of the present invention. It can be seen that the
handle 110 is attached to the swiveling connector 130 and the
user's finger or fingers are passed through the handle 110 placing
the strap in tension. Since the swiveling connector 130
interconnects the adjustable loop 120, force applied at the handle
110 will be transmitted to the adjustable loop 120, applying
pressure to the bottom of a user's feet.
[0021] Referring to FIG. 5, the loop 120 is shown applying pressure
to the top of a user's foot. FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate two
additional preferred embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 6
illustrates a handle having multiple loops, each sized to receive a
finger, or fingers, arranged serially in the configuration of a
chain. Using this embodiment, a user can begin stretching with the
furthest loop 300 and gradually increase by grasping adjacent loops
310, 320, 330 as the stretches progresses. In this manner, the
series of loops permit the user to incrementally increase the
stretching tension or shorten the distance without deviating from
the original position. In FIG. 7, the handle includes a hand
support member such as a cylindrical tube 400 that can comprise a
rigid structure or a flexible plastic tubing, on a strap 410 that
allows the user to grasp the roller and pull the adjustable loop
120. When a user pulls on the hand support 400, the tensile force
is distributed between ends 420 of the hand support and applied
therefrom to the swivel connector and to the adjustable loop 120.
For a more comfortable grip, the hand support 400 can be fitted
with a foam exterior that absorbs perspiration and is soft to the
touch. Moreover, the strap 410 can be adjustable to permit various
stretches and levels of difficulty.
[0022] In view of the foregoing, the inventive strap aides an
exercising practitioner, particularly in the field of yoga, to
achieve a deeper stretch in a variety of physical postures with
fluid motion. The functions or purposes of the invention reside in
assisting the practitioner or exerciser to achieve a deeper
stretch, avoiding slippage when the user perspires due to oils that
secrete within the glands of hands and feet, and permitting the
easy shifting of stretching positions and the easy substitution of
different lengths of the loops. By employing the swivel connector,
slippage is prevented by gripping the handle and applying tension
to the device while the adjustable loop carries the tension to the
foot, arm, or other applied area. The swivel connector also
facilitates shifting to different stretches without removing or
adjusting the foot loop. Unlike conventional stretching bands or
straps that require two hands, the present invention not only
requires only a single hand but with the swivel connector the user
doesn't constantly need to readjust the strap for different
postures. Further, the swivel connector maintains a constant
distance throughout the range of rotation of the connector. That
is, unlike ropes, bands, and straps, the swivel connector does not
shorten as it twists but rather a constant distance between loops
is maintained.
[0023] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various
adaptations and modifications of the just-described preferred
embodiment can be configured without departing from the scope and
spirit of the invention. Therefore, it is to be understood that,
within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be
practiced other than as specifically described herein.
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