Flexibility and Fitness Increasing Apparatus
A flexibility and fitness increasing apparatus allows the user to stretch various muscles as if they are assisted by a partner. The flexibility and fitness increasing apparatus includes at least one foot support, at least one fastening strap, and an anchor. The anchor is opposite the at least one foot support along the at least one fastening strap. The anchor is fixed to a support during the implementation of the flexibility and fitness increasing apparatus such that the user can stretch effectively, unaided, and in a controlled fashion. The at least one fastening strap is adjustably connected to the at least one foot support through a securing buckle of the at least one foot support such that the length between the anchor and the at least on foot support is variable. The user increases the tension on the at least one fastening strap to effectively stretch their muscles.
The current application claims a priority to the U.S. Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 61/940,621 filed on Feb. 17, 2014.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates generally to flexibility and fitness improvement apparatuses. More specifically, the present invention is an exercise system that allows a user to improve overall health by improving lung function, circulation, and flexibility as well as reducing stomach size.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONA sedentary lifestyle is one of the leading causes of heart disease, obesity, and a host of additional health-related conditions. A growing number of occupations require the use of computers for extended periods of time, resulting in an increasing number of people who find it difficult to remain physically active throughout the day in the workplace. Recent workplace studies have documented reduced motivation, productivity, and creativity when physical activity is minimized for extended periods of time. The problem is exacerbated due to the rapid development of digital content delivery (movies, television shows, and music) and video games that further contribute to a sedentary lifestyle. Long term inactivity can also contribute to limited future mobility and additional lifestyle issues. One of the most basic forms of physical exercise is stretching. Stretching involves flexing or stretching specific muscles, tendons, and muscle groups in order to increase elasticity and achieve a comfortable muscle tone. Stretches are generally very simple to perform and can offer a wide range of health benefits including increased muscle control, flexibility, and range of motion. As a result, stretches are often performed prior to physical activity in order to reduce the likelihood of injury as well as to increase performance. However, stretches may be performed on their own in order to increase overall health. Proper resistance and support when performing stretches can further aid in increasing overall health.
The present invention is an exercise system that improves user lung function, circulation, and flexibility. The exercise system also allows the user to reduce his or her stomach size. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the user is seated on an anchor portion of the present invention, where their weight provides increased resistance for the stretch performed. From the anchor, straps travel along the user's back, across the user's shoulders, and to a foot support on the heel, of the user. Along the straps, a pair of buckle allows the straps to be adjustable. The user can pull on an end of the straps to force their head and shoulders toward their feet stretching the hamstrings, calves, and core of the user. The straps allow the user to increase their range as if they have a partner to assist them with various stretches.
The object of the present invention is to provide users with a means of improving overall health through straightforward exercises. The exercise system of the present invention improves user lung function and oxygenation. The stretching exercise performed through the present invention allows the user to improve his or her circulation and flexibility as well. Additionally, the user is able to strengthen his or her abdominal core and reduce the size of his or her stomach. Finally, the exercise system improves the health of the user's spine.
All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.
The present invention is for a flexibility and fitness increasing apparatus to stretch various muscles. Stretching is well known for providing increased range of motion and flexibility, relaxing muscles and reducing the risk of injury during sporting activities. The present invention is designed to be used where the user is in a seated bent stretching position, focusing on stimulating core and leg muscles, as shown in
As shown in
In accordance to
In accordance to the preferred embodiment, the present invention further comprises a first cross strap 10, a second cross strap 11, as shown in
Further in accordance to the preferred embodiment and
In accordance to
In accordance to the alternate embodiment, the user first loosens the single fastening strap 18 at both the loop buckle 20 and the securing buckle 9 of the single foot support 17 without disengaging the single fastening strap 18 and leaving some slack in the first end 4. The user then secures the anchor 3 to a top of a door or other horizontal support above the user's head. Subsequently, the user places their heel in the single foot support 17 depending on which leg they desire to stretch, as detailed in
The at least one foot support 1 and the at least one fastening strap 2 are preferred to be made from a flexible woven fabric, including but not limited to nylon, cotton, or any other suitable material having a tensile strength which would not deform when tension is applied through the application of the present invention. The mat 16 is preferred to be made from a flexible material such as a PVC polymer, rubber, cloth, or any other durable material which will withstand abrasion and prevent erosion from friction. The flexibility of the present invention allows the user to roll up the present invention for ease of transport and carrying convenience. Further, rolling the present invention allows the flexibility and fitness increasing apparatus to be stored in limited space.
Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.
Claims
1. A flexibility and fitness increasing apparatus comprises:
- at least one foot support;
- at least one fastening strap;
- an anchor;
- the at least one foot support comprises a securing buckle;
- the at least one fastening strap comprises a first end and a second end;
- the at least one foot support being slideably connected with the first end of the at least one fastening strap through the securing buckle;
- the anchor being adjacently connected with the second end of the at least one fastening strap; and
- the anchor being oppositely positioned from the at least one foot support across the at least one fastening strap.
2. The flexibility and fitness increasing apparatus as claimed in claim 1 comprises:
- the at least one foot support further comprises a heel receiving portion, an annular edge, and a pair of supporting straps;
- the annular edge being perimetrically connected around the heel receiving portion;
- the pair of supporting straps being adjacently connected to the annular edge;
- the pair of supporting straps being offset of each other; and
- the pair of supporting straps being connected to the securing buckle opposite of the annular edge.
3. The flexibility and fitness increasing apparatus as claimed in claim 2 comprises:
- a distal end for the pair of supporting straps being adjacently connected to each other and the securing buckle; and
- a proximal end for the pair of supporting straps being adjacently connected to the annular edge.
4. The flexibility and fitness increasing apparatus as claimed in claim 1 comprises:
- a first cross strap;
- a second cross strap;
- the at least one foot support comprises a left foot support and a right foot support;
- the at least one fastening strap comprises a left fastening strap and a right fastening strap;
- the first end of the left fastening strap being slideably engaged with the securing buckle of the left foot support;
- the first end of the right fastening strap being slideably engaged with the securing buckle of the right foot support;
- the first cross strap being perpendicularly connected to the left fastening strap and the right fastening strap;
- the second cross strap being slideably mounted to the left fastening strap and the right fastening strap;
- the second cross strap being perpendicularly positioned with the left fastening strap and the right fastening strap; and
- the anchor being connected to the second end of the left fastening strap and the second end of the right fastening strap.
5. The flexibility and fitness increasing apparatus as claimed in claim 4 comprises:
- the first cross strap being adjacently positioned with the anchor; and
- the second cross strap being adjacently positioned with the first cross strap opposite of the anchor.
6. The flexibility and fitness increasing apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein the anchor is a mat.
7. The flexibility and fitness increasing apparatus as claimed in claim 1 comprises:
- a loop buckle;
- the anchor comprises an anchor strap;
- the at least one foot support being a single foot support;
- the at least one fastening strap being a single fastening strap;
- the anchor being adjacently connected to the anchor strap;
- the loop buckle being adjacently connected to the anchor strap opposite of the anchor;
- the first end of the single fastening strap being slideably engaged with the securing buckle of the single foot support; and
- the second end of the single fastening strap being slideably engaged with the loop buckle.
8. The flexibility and fitness increasing apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein the anchor is a hook.
9. A flexibility and fitness increasing apparatus comprises:
- at least one foot support;
- at least one fastening strap;
- an anchor;
- the at least one foot support comprises a securing buckle, a heel receiving portion, an annular edge, and a pair of supporting straps;
- the at least one fastening strap comprises a first end and a second end;
- the at least one foot support being adjacently connected with the first end of the at least one fastening strap through the securing buckle;
- the anchor being adjacently connected with the second end of the at least one fastening strap;
- the anchor being oppositely positioned from the at least one foot support across the at least one fastening strap;
- the annular edge being perimetrically connected around the heel receiving portion;
- the pair of supporting straps being adjacently connected to the annular edge;
- the pair of supporting straps being offset of each other; and
- the pair of supporting straps being connected to the securing buckle opposite of the annular edge.
10. The flexibility and fitness increasing apparatus as claimed in claim 9 comprises:
- a distal end for the pair of supporting straps being adjacently connected to each other and the securing buckle; and
- a proximal end for the pair of supporting straps being adjacently connected to the annular edge.
11. The flexibility and fitness increasing apparatus as claimed in claim 9 comprises:
- a first cross strap;
- a second cross strap;
- the at least one foot support further comprises a left foot support and a right foot support;
- the at least one fastening strap comprises a left fastening strap and a right fastening strap;
- the first end of the left fastening strap being slideably engaged with the securing buckle of the left foot support;
- the first end of the right fastening strap being slideably engaged with the securing buckle of the right foot support;
- the first cross strap being perpendicularly connected to the left fastening strap and the right fastening strap;
- the second cross strap being slideably mounted to the left fastening strap and the right fastening strap;
- the second cross strap being perpendicularly positioned with the left fastening strap and the right fastening strap; and
- the anchor being connected to the second end of the left fastening strap and the second end of the right fastening strap.
12. The flexibility and fitness increasing apparatus as claimed in claim 11 comprises:
- the first cross strap being adjacently positioned with the anchor; and
- the second cross strap being adjacently positioned with the first cross strap opposite of the anchor.
13. The flexibility and fitness increasing apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein the anchor is a mat.
14. The flexibility and fitness increasing apparatus as claimed in claim 9 comprises:
- a loop buckle;
- the anchor comprises an anchor strap;
- the at least one foot support being a single foot support;
- the at least one fastening strap being a single fastening strap;
- the anchor being adjacently connected to the anchor strap;
- the loop buckle being adjacently connected to the anchor strap opposite of the anchor;
- the first end of the single fastening strap being slideably engaged with the securing buckle of the single foot support; and
- the second end of the single fastening strap being slideably engaged with the loop buckle.
15. The flexibility and fitness increasing apparatus as claimed in claim 14, wherein the anchor is a hook.
16. A flexibility and fitness increasing apparatus comprises:
- at least one foot support;
- at least one fastening strap;
- an anchor;
- the at least one foot support comprises a securing buckle, a heel receiving portion, an annular edge, and a pair of supporting straps;
- the at least one fastening strap comprises a first end and a second end;
- the at least one foot support being adjacently connected with the first end of the at least one fastening strap through the securing buckle;
- the anchor being adjacently connected with the second end of the at least one fastening strap;
- the anchor being oppositely positioned from the at least one foot support across the at least one fastening strap;
- the annular edge being perimetrically connected around the heel receiving portion;
- the pair of supporting straps being adjacently connected to the annular edge;
- the pair of supporting straps being offset of each other;
- the pair of supporting straps being connected to the securing buckle opposite of the annular edge;
- a distal end for the pair of supporting straps being adjacently connected to each other and the securing buckle; and
- a proximal end for the pair of supporting straps being adjacently connected to the annular edge.
17. The flexibility and fitness increasing apparatus as claimed in claim 16 comprises:
- a first cross strap;
- a second cross strap;
- the at least one foot support further comprises a left foot support and a right foot support;
- the at least one fastening strap comprises a left fastening strap and a right fastening strap;
- the first end of the left fastening strap being slideably engaged with the securing buckle of the left foot support;
- the first end of the right fastening strap being slideably engaged with the securing buckle of the right foot support;
- the first cross strap being perpendicularly connected to the left fastening strap and the right fastening strap;
- the second cross strap being slideably mounted to the left fastening strap and the right fastening strap;
- the second cross strap being perpendicularly positioned with the left fastening strap and the right fastening strap;
- the anchor being connected to the second end of the left fastening strap and the second end of the right fastening strap;
- the first cross strap being adjacently positioned with the anchor; and
- the second cross strap being adjacently positioned with the first cross strap opposite of the anchor.
18. The flexibility and fitness increasing apparatus as claimed in claim 17, wherein the anchor is a mat.
19. The flexibility and fitness increasing apparatus as claimed in claim 16 comprises:
- a loop buckle;
- the anchor comprises an anchor strap;
- the at least one foot support being a single foot support;
- the at least one fastening strap being a single fastening strap;
- the anchor being adjacently connected to the anchor strap;
- the loop buckle being adjacently connected to the anchor strap opposite of the anchor;
- the first end of the single fastening strap being slideably engaged with the securing buckle of the single foot support; and
- the second end of the single fastening strap being slideably engaged with the loop buckle.
20. The flexibility and fitness increasing apparatus as claimed in claim 19, wherein the anchor is a hook.
Type: Application
Filed: Feb 17, 2015
Publication Date: Aug 20, 2015
Inventor: Joel Romero Urias (Monrovia, CA)
Application Number: 14/624,271