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.

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. S...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[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.

Problems solved by technology

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.

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.

Images