U.S. patent application number 13/223437 was filed with the patent office on 2013-03-07 for stretch strap.
This patent application is currently assigned to THE HYGENIC CORPORATION. The applicant listed for this patent is Jason Crowell, Phillip Page. Invention is credited to Jason Crowell, Phillip Page.
Application Number | 20130059702 13/223437 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47753582 |
Filed Date | 2013-03-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130059702 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Page; Phillip ; et
al. |
March 7, 2013 |
Stretch Strap
Abstract
The present invention provides in some embodiments, a device for
stretching muscles having a series of loops. The device can be
formed from strips of elastic material periodically joined in order
to form loops. More particularly, a top portion of elastic material
can be laid on top of a bottom portion of elastic material. The top
and bottom portions of materials can be joined in a variety of
ways. A user of the device can engage different body parts with the
loops and use the device to facilitate a dynamic stretch of a
muscle. Dynamic stretching involves active contraction of the
muscle prior to the stretch.
Inventors: |
Page; Phillip; (Baton Rouge,
LA) ; Crowell; Jason; (Akron, OH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Page; Phillip
Crowell; Jason |
Baton Rouge
Akron |
LA
OH |
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
THE HYGENIC CORPORATION
Akron
OH
|
Family ID: |
47753582 |
Appl. No.: |
13/223437 |
Filed: |
September 1, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/125 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/0442 20130101;
A63B 21/4017 20151001; A63B 21/4011 20151001; A63B 21/0555
20130101; A63B 21/0552 20130101; A63B 2023/006 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/125 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/02 20060101
A63B021/02 |
Claims
1. A device for stretching muscles in a body comprising: a first
elongate portion made from an elastic material having a first end,
having a top surface and a bottom surface, and wherein the first
elongate portion defines a first longitudinal axis extending a
length of the first elongate portion; a second elongate portion
made from an elastic material having a second end, having a top
surface and a bottom surface, and wherein the second elongate
portion defining a second longitudinal axis extending along a
length of the second elongate portion; wherein the second elongate
portion is positioned above a top surface of the first elongate
portion and the longitudinal axis of the second elongate portion is
aligned with the longitudinal axis of the first elongate portion;
and wherein the second elongate portion is periodically attached to
the first elongate portion, such that the first and second elongate
portions define a loop between the top surface of the first
elongate portion and the bottom surface of the second elongate
portion.
2. The device for stretching of claim 1, wherein the first and
second elongate portions are formed from one of a polyester,
propylene, nylon, or cotton incorporating a natural or synthetic
elastomer.
3. The device for stretching of claim 1, wherein the elongation of
the first and second elongate portions is limited to between
approximately 40% and approximately 80%.
4. The device for stretching of claim 1 further comprising the
loops being configured to engage at least one of the hands, feet,
arms, and legs.
5. The device for stretching of claim 1 wherein the first elongate
portion and the second elongate portion are attached by sewing.
6. The device for stretching of claim 1 further comprising a toe
loop configured to engage a toe of a user.
7. The device for stretching of claim 1 further comprising between
approximately 5 to approximately 10 loops along a length of the
device.
8. The device for stretching of claim 7 further comprising markers
for the loops along the length of the device and configured to
provide guidance in stretching the muscles.
9. A device for stretching muscles in a body comprising: a base
strip made from an elastic webbing having a first end and a second
end and having a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein the
first end and the second end define a predetermined length
therebetween and wherein the base strip defines a first
longitudinal axis extending from the first end to the second end; a
top strip made from an elastic webbing having a first end and a
second end and having a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein
the top strip defines a second longitudinal axis extending from the
first end to the second end, and wherein the top strip is
positioned above a top surface of the base strip and the
longitudinal axis of the top strip is aligned with the longitudinal
axis of the base strip; and points of attachment between the top
strip and the base strip formed periodically along a length of the
device, wherein the points of attachment are formed by sewing the
top strip to the base strip, such that the base and top strips
define a loop between the points of attachment.
10. The device for stretching of claim 9, wherein the base and top
strips are formed from one of a polyester, propylene, nylon, or
cotton incorporating a natural or synthetic elastomer.
11. The device for stretching of claim 9, wherein the elongation of
the base and top strips is limited to between approximately 40% and
approximately 80%.
12. The device for stretching of claim 9 further comprising the
loops being configured to engage one of the hands, feet, arms, and
legs.
13. The device for stretching of claim 9 further comprising a toe
loop positioned at, at least one of, the first end of the base and
top strips.
14. The device for stretching of claim 9 further comprising between
approximately 5 to approximately 10 loops along a length of the
device.
15. The device for stretching of claim 14 further comprising
markers for the loops along the length of the device and configured
to provide guidance in stretching the muscles.
16. A method of dynamic stretching comprising: providing an elastic
stretching device having elastic loops extending along a length of
the device; engaging a portion of the body with one of the elastic
loops of the elastic stretching device; contracting muscles in the
engaged portion of the body; holding a portion of the elastic
stretching device; moving the engaged portion of the body in a
direction to provide a stretch to a muscle; and using the elastic
stretching device to resist the stretch of the muscle in the
engaged portion of the body.
17. The method of claim 16 further comprising using markers along
the length of the elastic stretching device to provide guidance in
stretching the muscles.
18. The method of claim 16 wherein the elongation of the elastic
stretching device is limited to between approximately 40% and
approximately 80%.
19. The method of claim 16 further comprising using a toe loop on
the elastic stretching device to engage the body for
stretching.
20. The method of claim 16 wherein the elastic stretching device
further comprises approximately 5 to 10 loops along the length of
the device.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention generally relates to an exercise
device. More particularly, the present invention pertains to a
strap for performing dynamic stretching.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Stretching and flexibility training has long been
incorporated into athletic training in order to help prevent
injury, enhance performance, and rehabilitate muscles after injury
or surgery. Stretching has also become a part of a well-rounded
physical activity program, along with cardiovascular exercise and
strength training. Both muscle fibers and the tissues surrounding
those fibers ("fascia") have viscoelastic properties. Stretching
soft tissues increases the length of the muscle fibers and to some
extent the fascia. A single stretching session can improve a
person's short-term range of motion, but these results are
short-lived. It has been found that repeated stretching sessions
over time provide the best sustained elongation of soft tissue.
Indeed, the American College for Sports Medicine ("ACSM") suggests
2 to 4 sets of 15 to 30 seconds of stretching is necessary to
improve flexibility in a muscle, at least 2 to 3 days per week.
[0003] Generally, there are 2 types of stretching exercises: static
stretching and dynamic stretching. Static stretching involves the
passive lengthening of the muscle, whereas dynamic stretching
involves active contraction prior to the muscle being stretched.
Dynamic stretching includes proprioceptive neuromuscular
facilitation ("PNF") or "contract-relax" stretching. PNF stretching
can decrease the muscle's excitability by reducing reflexive
activation, thus reducing its resistance to stretch and enhancing
its length.
[0004] Additionally, a hybrid PNF-type stretch can be performed by
varying the levels of contraction in which the muscle is first
contracted and then passively stretched. These techniques are known
as post isometric relaxation ("PIR") or post facilitation stretch
("PFS"). More specifically, PIR can be used to reduce trigger point
pain, while PFS can be used to alleviate chronic muscle tightness.
PIR utilizes a very low, 20% to 25% maximal contraction before
relaxation, while the PFS utilizes 100% maximal contraction.
[0005] It is therefore desirable to provide a device and method to
facilitate performing a stretch where the muscle is actively
contracted at different levels of activation and then passively
stretched.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The foregoing needs are met, to a great extent, by the
present invention, wherein in some embodiments a stretch strap that
is capable of overcoming the disadvantages described herein at
least to some extent is provided.
[0007] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a
device for stretching muscles in a body includes a first elongate
portion can be made from an elastic material having a first end and
a top surface and a bottom surface. The first elongate portion of
the device defines a first longitudinal axis extending a length of
the first elongate portion. A second elongate portion can also be
made from an elastic material having a second end, having a top
surface and a bottom surface, and wherein the second elongate
portion defining a second longitudinal axis extending along a
length of the second elongate portion. The device can also include
the second elongate portion being positioned above a top surface of
the first elongate portion and the longitudinal axis of the second
elongate portion being aligned with the longitudinal axis of the
first elongate portion. Additionally, the second elongate portion
can be periodically attached to the first elongate portion, such
that the first and second elongate portions define a loop between
the top surface of the first elongate portion and the bottom
surface of the second elongate portion.
[0008] In accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention, the first and second elongate portions of the device for
stretching can be formed from one of a polyester, propylene, nylon,
or cotton incorporating a natural or synthetic elastomer.
Additionally, the elongation of the first and second elongate
portions can be between approximately 40% and approximately 80%.
The loops of the device can be configured to engage at least one of
the hands, feet, arms, and legs. The device can include a toe loop
configured to engage a toe of a user and can also include
approximately 5 to 10 loops along the length of the device. The
loops can also include markers along the length of the device that
are configured to provide guidance in stretching the muscles.
[0009] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
a device for stretching muscles in a body includes a base strip
made from an elastic webbing having a first end and a second end
and having a top surface and a bottom surface. The first end and
the second end can define a predetermined length therebetween, and
the base strip can define a first longitudinal axis extending from
the first end to the second end. A top strip can be made from an
elastic webbing having a first end and a second end and having a
top surface and a bottom surface. The top strip can define a second
longitudinal axis extending from the first end to the second end,
and the top strip can be positioned above a top surface of the base
strip. The longitudinal axis of the top strip is aligned with the
longitudinal axis of the base strip. Additionally, points of
attachment between the top strip and the base strip can be formed
periodically along a length of the device, wherein the points of
attachment are formed by sewing the top strip to the base strip,
such that the base and top strips define a loop between the points
of attachment.
[0010] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
the top strips can be formed from one of a polyester, propylene,
nylon, or cotton incorporating a natural or synthetic elastomer.
The elongation of the base and top strips can be limited to between
approximately 40% and approximately 80%. The loops can be
configured to engage one of the hands, feet, arms, and legs. The
device can also include a toe loop positioned at, at least one of,
the first end of the base and top strips, and can include between
approximately 5 to approximately 10 loops along a length of the
device. The device can further include markers for the loops along
the length of the device and configured to provide guidance in
stretching the muscles.
[0011] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present
invention, a method of dynamic stretching can include providing an
elastic stretching device having elastic loops extending along a
length of the device. The method can also include engaging a
portion of the body with one of the elastic loops of the elastic
stretching device and contracting muscles in the engaged portion of
the body. The method can also include holding a portion of the
elastic stretching device, and moving the engaged portion of the
body in a direction to provide a stretch to a muscle. Additionally,
the method can include using the elastic stretching device to
resist the stretch of the muscle in the engaged portion of the
body.
[0012] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
the method can include using markers along the length of the
elastic stretching device to provide guidance in stretching the
muscles. The device used in the method can include an elongation
percentage that is limited to between approximately 40% and
approximately 80% and between approximately 5 to 10 loops along the
length of the device. The method can also include using a toe loop
on the elastic stretching device to engage the body for
stretching.
[0013] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, certain
embodiments of the invention in order that the detailed description
thereof, herein may be better understood, and in order that the
present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There
are, of course, additional embodiments of the invention that will
be described below and which will form the subject matter of the
claims appended hereto.
[0014] In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment
of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the
invention is not limited in its application to the details of
construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in
the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The
invention is capable of embodiments in addition to those described
and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is
to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed
herein, as well as the abstract, are for the purpose of description
and should not be regarded as limiting.
[0015] As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the
conception upon which this disclosure is based may readily be
utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods
and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present
invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded
as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not
depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of a stretch strap in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0017] FIG. 2 illustrates a top down view of a stretch strap in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0018] FIG. 3 illustrates a top down view of a schematic diagram of
a point of connection of the stretch strap in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention.
[0019] FIG. 4 illustrates a diagram of a method of stretching in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] The present invention provides in some embodiments, a device
for stretching muscles having a series of loops. The device can be
formed from strips of elastic material periodically joined in order
to form loops. More particularly, a top portion of elastic material
can be laid on top of a bottom portion of elastic material. The top
and bottom portions of materials can be joined in a variety of
ways. A user of the device can engage different body parts with the
loops and use the device to facilitate a dynamic stretch of a
muscle. Dynamic stretching involves active contraction of the
muscle prior to the stretch.
[0021] The invention will now be described with reference to the
drawing figures, in which like reference numerals refer to like
parts throughout. FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of a stretch strap
device 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention. The stretch strap device 10 includes a base portion 12
and a top portion 14. The base portion 12 can be formed from a
length of material having a first end 16 and a second end 18, and
the top portion 14 can also be formed from a second length of
material having a first end 20 and a second end 22. Alternately,
the base portion 12 and the top portion 14 can be formed by folding
over a continuous length of a material used to form the base
portion 12 and the top portion 14. The stretch strap device 10 can
be formed from a material such as polyester, propylene, nylon, or
cotton that also incorporates an elastic component such as a
natural or synthetic elastomer. In some embodiments, a nylon
surrounding a latex cord for elasticity can be used. However, any
suitable elastic material can be used to create the top portion 12
and the bottom portion 14 of the stretch strap device 10.
Preferably, the stretch strap device can have an elongation
percentage limited to between approximately 40% and approximately
80%. Again, however, any elongation percentage that can be used to
yield a dynamic stretch of a muscle can be used.
[0022] FIG. 1 also illustrates that the base portion 12 and the top
portion 14 can be connected at points along their length, such that
a loop 24 is formed between the base portion 12 and the top portion
14. The loops can be connected in any suitable fashion such as
sewing or heat bonding. As illustrated in the example device 10 in
FIG. 1, there are six large loops 24 and two small loops 26 formed
periodically along the length of the device 10. Preferably, there
are between approximately 5 to approximately 10 loops along the
length of a stretch strap device, but any suitable number of loops
can be used. Additionally, the loops can take any size suitable for
facilitating a dynamic stretch. For example, the two small loops 26
illustrated in FIG. 1, can be used to engage a users toe in order
to facilitate a dynamic stretch of the foot and leg. Alternately,
the stretch strap device 10, need not contain any small loops. The
toe loops 26 can be positioned near the middle of the stretch strap
device 10, as shown in FIG. 1 or can be positioned anywhere along
the length of the stretch strap device 10, such that a foot and/or
leg dynamic stretch can be facilitated.
[0023] FIG. 2 illustrates a top down view of the stretch strap
device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. As
illustrated in FIG. 2, the stretch strap device 10 can include
markers 28. The stretch strap device can include markers 28 in the
form of numbers labeling the loops 24 and 26 from one end 30 of the
stretch strap device 10 to a second end of the stretch strap device
32. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the markers 28 are positioned between
the loops 24, 26 of the stretch strap device 10. While FIG. 2
illustrates the markers 28 taking the form of numbers, this is only
one example of a way to mark the different regions of the stretch
strap device 10. The markers can also take the form of colors,
letters, symbols, patterns, or any other appropriate marking.
Additionally, while the markers 28 are shown between the loops 24
and 26, in FIG. 2, the markers can be positioned in any place on
the stretch strap device that facilitates the users dynamic
stretch.
[0024] FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic diagram of a box stitch
connection in accordance with an embodiment of this invention. As
illustrated in FIG. 3, the base portion (not shown) and the top
portion 14, of the stretch strap device 10, can be joined by sewing
the two pieces of material together. In the example illustrated in
FIG. 3, the base portion and the top portion 14 are connected using
a simple box stitch connection. The connecting stitch is formed by
stitching a box-shape 34 and stitching an x-shape 36 within the
boundaries of the box 34. This stitch provides durability such that
the stretch strap device 10, can be used to facilitate a dynamic
stretch.
[0025] FIG. 4 illustrates a method of performing a dynamic stretch
using a stretch strap in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention. The method can include step 100 which provides an
elastic stretching device having elastic loops extending along a
length of the device. The elastic stretching device can take the
form of the example device described with respect to FIGS. 1-3 or
can take the form of any stretch strap device that can be used for
a dynamic stretch. Step 110 can include engaging a portion of the
body with one of the elastic loops of the elastic stretching device
and step 120 can include contracting muscles in the engaged portion
of the body. During the stretch the user can execute step 130 of
holding a portion of the elastic stretching device. The method can
also include step 140 of moving the engaged portion of the body in
a direction to provide a stretch to a muscle. Additionally, the
method can include step 150 of using the elastic stretching device
to resist the stretch of the muscle in the engaged portion of the
body.
[0026] The many features and advantages of the invention are
apparent from the detailed specification, and thus, it is intended
by the appended claims to cover all such features and advantages of
the invention which fall within the true spirit and scope of the
invention. Further, because numerous modifications and variations
will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired
to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation
illustrated and described, and accordingly, all suitable
modifications and equivalents may be resorted to falling within the
scope of the invention.
* * * * *