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.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of a stretch strap in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a top down view of a stretch strap in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

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.

FIG. 4 illustrates a diagram of a method of stretching in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.