US20160199683A1

US20160199683A1 - Door Mounted Stretching and Exercise Device

Info

Publication number: US20160199683A1
Application number: US14/988,283
Authority: US
Inventors: Caleb Shamlin
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-01-14
Filing date: 2016-01-05
Publication date: 2016-07-14

Abstract

A door mounted stretching and exercise device is provided. The device comprises a strap system that affixes to a closed door and allows a user to apply tension or resistance to one body part while controlling the tension or resistance with another body part. The strap system comprises a first elongated strap, a strap loop disposed at the first end thereof, and a handle that is slidably positioned along the length of the first elongated strap. The handle is secured to the first elongated strap using a cam buckle, while the first elongated strap is secured to a closed door using a door overhang strap with a strap slider. The door overhang strap includes a strap length and a strap pull-through anchor, whereby the strap length is placed between a door and a door frame and the anchor prevents pull-through thereof when the first elongated strap is tensioned.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/103,287 filed on Jan. 14, 2015. The above identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to exercise and stretching devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to a strap system that is affixable to a door frame that allows a user to apply tension to different body parts for exercise or stretching activities.
The present invention relates to stretching as a means of improving flexibility, both for athletic and fitness purposes, but also for physical therapy purposes. In particular, the present invention provides a means to stretch the limbs of a user while standing or seated adjacent to a door frame. The device secures over a door when the door is closed against the door frame, and the assembly provides a strap system that can be used to pull and stretch parts of the user's body while applying tension with another part.
For those involved in athletics or seeking to improve physical fitness, stretching is critical to remaining limber and preventing injury. For users that require physical therapy, stretching is imperative to maintain or regain range of motion and flexibility, which may have reduced as a result of age or injury. Unfortunately, individual stretching has its limits, and it may be difficult to stretch fully without a second person present. Individuals may be limited by their own weakness or frailty, or the individual may need extreme angles to achieve the desired results. In either case, a means of introducing controlled resistance on the user's limbs eliminates the drawbacks of individual stretching. The present invention provides a device that allows a user to stretch individual while offering tension for static stretching and resistance for more active stretching or flexing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following summary is intended solely for the benefit of the reader and is not intended to be limiting in any way. The present invention provides a new door mountable strap system for exercising and stretching, wherein the same can be utilized for providing convenience for the user when stretching or exercising using tension and resistance.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved door mountable strap system that has all of the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a door mountable strap system that allows the user to provide resistance or tension on one or more parts of the body while controlling the resistance or tension using another part of the body using a strap system affixed to a door frame.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a door mountable strap system that comprises a first elongated strap having a first end, a second end, and a length. The first elongated strap supports an enclosed strap loop disposed at the first end of the first elongated strap, and a handle disposed along the length of the first elongated strap.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a door mountable strap system in which the handle is secured to the first elongated strap using a cam buckle connector that is adapted to operably affix or operably slide the handle with respect to the first elongated strap. This allows the position of the handle to be adjustable along the length of the first elongated strap.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a door mountable strap system that further comprises a door overhang strap that is slidably affixed along the length of the first elongated strap. The door overhang strap includes a strap length, a proximal end, and a distal end, and is adapted to be secured between a closed door and a door frame when the door is closed against the door frame.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a door mountable strap system in which the proximal end of the door overhang strap comprising a strap slider that allows the first elongated strap to slide therethrough and relative to the proximal end of the door overhang strap.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a door mountable strap system in which the distal end of the door overhang strap further comprising a strap pull-through anchor. The strap length of the door overhang strap is adapted to be placed over an edge of a door and placed between the door and a door frame when the door is closed against the door frame.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a door mountable strap system in which the strap pull-through anchor is adapted to be disposed on one side of the door while the strap slider is disposed on an opposite side of the door when the door is closed against the door frame. In this way, the pull-through anchor prevents the door overhang strap from being pulled from between the closed door and the door frame.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a door mountable strap system whereby the strap pull-through anchor comprises an enlarged cross section relative to the door overhang strap such that the strap pull-through anchor resists being drawn between the door and the door frame when the door overhang strap is tensioned and the strap slider is pulled away from the door.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a door mountable strap system in which the strap pull-through anchor further comprises a cylindrical member encircled by a closed strap loop disposed along the distal end of the door overhang strap.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a door mountable strap system in which the strap slider further comprises a hardware article forming at least one closed loop, whereby the at least one closed loop allows the first elongated strap and a closed strap loop disposed on the proximal end of the door overhang strap to slide therethrough.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a door mountable strap system wherein the enclosed strap loop disposed at the first end of the first elongated strap is removably affixed to the first end of the first elongated strap, and whereby the enclosed strap loop further comprises a spring clasp that removably affixes the enclosed strap loop to an enclosed loop disposed at the first end of the first elongated strap.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a door mountable strap system in which the enclosed loop disposed at the first end of the first elongated strap further comprises a ring hardware article that is affixed to the first end of the first elongated strap.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a door mountable strap system in which the enclosed strap loop disposed at the first end of the first elongated strap further comprises a strap forming a loop that is adapted to be utilized as a leg strap.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a door mountable strap system in which the handle disposed along the length of the first elongated strap is removably affixed to the cam buckle via a spring clasp.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a door mountable strap system in which the handle disposed along the length of the first elongated strap further comprises a strap forming a loop that is adapted to be utilized as a handheld pull strap.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a door mountable strap system that further comprises a tubular grip disposed along the loop of the handle.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a door mountable strap system in which the cam buckle further comprises a buckle hardware article with a first post, a second post, a pair of webs extending between the first post and second post, and a spring biased cam. The spring biased cam is adapted to be biased towards the first post to secure the first elongated strap between the first post and the spring biased cam. Furthermore, the spring biased cam is retractable to allow free sliding of the first elongate strap between the first post and the spring biased cam. This allows the handle to be repositioned and locked into position along the length of the elongated first strap. Finally, the handle is affixed to the second post of the cam buckle.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a door mountable strap system whereby tension placed on first elongated strap using the handle causes the first elongated strap to be pulled through the strap slider of the door overhang strap as the pull-through anchor maintains the door overhang strap between the door and door frame. The tension on the first elongated strap draws the enclosed strap loop disposed at the first end of the first elongated strap towards the strap slider. In this way, the user can draw place tension or pull the handle, which draws the elongated strap through the slider, while placing another limb in the enclosed loop. The tension or pulling motion stretches or places resistance on the user's limb in the enclosed loop. The slide is maintained in position by the door pull-through anchor of the overhang strap, which is held in place over a door edge that is closed against a door frame.
Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

FIG. 1 shows the door mountable strap system of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a view of door overhang strap and pull-through anchor of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows a view of the strap slider and the connection between the door overhang strap and the first elongated strap of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows a view of the handle of the present invention and the cam buckle connection with the first elongated strap.

FIG. 5 shows another view of the cam buckle of the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows a view of the door mountable strap system of the present invention in a working state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the door mountable strap system of the present invention. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for allowing a user to stretch and exercise using resistance, whereby the strap system secures to a door and allows a user to apply tension or resistance to one part of the body while applying the tension or resistance with another part. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.
Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a view of the door mountable strap system of the present invention. The strap system is one that enables the user to support a first elongated strap 10 from a doorway and use the strap 10 as a means to apply tension or resistance to one limb, while controlling the tension or resistance using another limb. In particular, the strap 10 is secured over an edge of a door, whereby the door is then closed against a door frame. A door overhang strap 30 is used to secure the elongated strap 10 to the door when the door is closed, while a strap slider 80 allows the strap 10 to slide relative to the door overhang strap 30 after the door overhang strap 30 has been secured to a door.
The first elongated strap 10 has a first end, a second end, and an elongated length. At the first end of the strap 10 is an enclosed strap loop 70, which can be used to secure around a body part or limb to be exercised or stretched. The enclosed strap loop 70 is a length of strap material or other material that forms an enclosed loop 72, within which a body part can be placed or the user can use to grip the loop 70. The strap 10 engages the loop 70, and tension placed on the strap 10 pulls the loop 70 accordingly. In particular, tension or pulling motion one side of the slider 80 causes the strap 10 to slide through the slider 80 and commensurately draw the loop 70 closer to the slider 80. If the door overhand strap 30 supporting the slider 80 is elevated and positioned over the upper edge of a door, downward tension on the strap 10 will cause an upward tension on the limb placed within the loop 70.
Opposite of the strap loop 70 is the handle 50, which is disposed along the strap 10 along an opposite side of the slide 80. The handle 50 comprises a closed loop 52 of material that can be gripped and pulled by the user. The handle 50 connects to the strap 10 in a manner that allows the handle to be adjustable along the length of the strap 10. In particular, the handle 50 is secured to the first elongated strap 10 using a cam buckle connector 100 that is adapted to operably affix the handle 50 when desired, and additionally operably allow the handle 50 to slide with respect to the first elongated strap 10 along its length. This allows the user to adjust the distance along the strap 10 between the loop 70 and the handle 50 of different exercises or stretches. The cam buckle 100 is a mechanism that grasps the strap 100 and maintains the handle 50 position along the strap 10 until the user releases the cam buckle 100 to allow the cam buckle 100 to slide along the length of the strap 10 and to a new desired position. The repositioning step is conducted between exercises and for setting up a new configuration of the strap system.
Referring to FIGS. 1-5, there are shown views of the elements of the door mountable strap system. Each of these elements will be discussed in detail. The door overhang strap 30 of the present invention comprises a strap length 31, a proximal end 32, and a distal end 35. As shown in FIG. 2, the distal end 35 further comprises a strap pull-through anchor 36 that comprises an enlarged volume relative to the strap length 31 of the door overhang strap 30. The strap length 31 of the door overhang strap 30 is adapted to be placed over an edge of a door and then placed between the door and a door frame when the door is closed against the door frame. This sandwiches the strap length 31 therebetween and locks the door overhang strap 30 in place. To ensure the door overhang strap 30 remains stationary and sandwiched between the door and door frame, the door pull through anchor 36 comprises an enlarged volume that cannot fit between the door and the door frame when the door is closed. This prevents the strap length 31 from sliding completely through the door and door frame and ensures the overhang strap 30 remains connected to the door while the strap system is in use.
The anchor 36 may comprise many shapes and configurations. One embodiment contemplates a closed loop 37 of strap material that secures a cylindrical or enlarged object within the interior of the closed loop 37. Any structure that cannot be easily compressed to fit between the door and the door frame will suffice. The configuration of the door overhang strap 30 shown in FIG. 2 comprises a strap length 31 formed of a length of strap doubled back onto itself to form a closed loop, which is then sewn together 39 along its ends. This provides a strap length 31 with a first 33 and second 34 layer, and a closed loop at the proximal 32 and distal ends 35. The closed loop proximal end 32 allows the door overhang strap 30 to connect to the slider 80, while the closed loop distal end 35 is used to secure the anchor 36 therein. Alternative structural configurations are contemplated, falling within the scope of providing a strap length 31, a pull through anchor 36 sized to prevent pull through of the strap length 31, and a proximal end 32 that is secured to the slider 80.
The slider element 80 is shown in detail in FIG. 3. The slider 80 comprises a hardware article forming a closed loop or partially closed loop with an interior volume 81. The proximal end 32 of the door overhang strap 30 secures to the slider 80 on one end, while the elongated strap 10 slides through the interior 81 of the slider 80 at an opposite end. Therefore, the slider interior 81 preferably is sized to receive both the strap 10 and proximal end 32 of the door overhang strap 30 to allow the strap 10 to slide therethrough without the two contacting each other. This promotes free sliding. The slider 80 also preferably forms a closed loop to prevent separation of the strap 10 or the door overhang strap 30 from the slider 80, however, embodiments are contemplated in which a partially open slider ring is provided. Additionally, a slider with more than one closed or partially open loops may also be utilized. The slider is an article of hardware (e.g. metal, plastic, etc.) that allows the strap 10 to slide therethrough while the door overhang strap 30 remains statically connected to the slider 80 and affixed to the closed door.
The handle 50 of the present invention is one that affords a grip for the user along the strap 10 length. In one embodiment, the handle 50 comprises a length of material 53 forming an enclosed interior loop 52 such that a user can grasp the material 53 and tension the strap 10. The material 53 preferably comprises a strap material, which further comprises a tubular grip 51 therealong for increased comfort when grasping the handle. The handle 50 is one that secures to the strap 10 along its length using the cam buckle connector 100. The cam buckle 100 allows the handle 50 to be positioned at a desired location along the strap 10, thereby allowing the user to control the free length of strap 10 between the handle 50 and the enclosed strap loop 70 at the opposite end of the strap.
In one configuration, the handle 50 affixes to the cam buckle 100 using a spring clasp assembly 20. The spring clasp 20 may comprises a carabiner or similar connection that allows the handle to be operably attached to the cam buckle and released when a replacement handle is desired. The spring clasp assembly 20 comprises a hardware article with a closed loop 22, an enclosed ring 21, and a spring-biased relief 23 that pivots relative to the ring 21. The relief 23 is a link or section in the ring 21 that pivots inward and into the closed loop 22, thereby allowing the spring clasp 20 to be affixed or released from another structure. In this case, the relief 23 allows the spring clasp to affix to an end of the cam buckle 100, whereby a post 102 is provided that can be inserted into the interior 22 of the clasp 20.
In addition to the handle 50 being operably affixed to the cam buckle 100, the enclosed strap loop 70 may also be removable from the first end 14 of the strap 10. As shown in FIG. 1, the strap loop 70 may also include spring clasp 20 attachment. The spring clasp 20 affixes the loop 70 to a ring hardware article 15 disposed along the end 14 of the strap 10. The ring 15 comprises a rounded, enclosed hardware article that can easily affix to the clasp 20 and be removed therefrom. Alternatively, the loop 70 may not be removable from the strap 10 and the loop 70 may be formed as an integral end of the strap 10. Several embodiments are contemplated.
Connecting the handle 50 to the strap 10 is a cam buckle 100. The cam buckle 100 of the present invention is one that operably affixes to the strap 10 along its length, and on that can easily release the strap 10 to allow the strap 10 to slide therethrough when the user depresses the cam 110 of the cam buckle 100. The cam buckle 100 comprises a buckle hardware article with a first post 101, a second post 102, a pair of webs 105 extending between and securing to the first 101 and second 102 posts, and a spring biased cam 110 disposed therebetween. The cam buckle 100 includes an open interior volume 107 between the posts 101, 102, whereby the spring biased cam 110 is positioned within the interior 107 and is biased to bear against the first post 101. The cam 110 includes gripping teeth 108, whereby the cam 110 is designed to sandwich the strap 10 between the teeth 108 and the first post 101. The teeth 108 grip the strap 10 and prevent the strap 10 from sliding between the cam 110 and the post 101. The cam 110 is pivotably situated on a post 109 extending between the webs 105, and utilizes a spring to bias the cam teeth 108 against the first post 101.
When the user presses the cam 110 and rotates it away from the first post 101, the strap 10 freely passes through the cam buckle 100 and the cam buckle 100 can be positioned as desired along its length. This retracted state of the cam 110 allows the user to reposition the handle 50 along the length of the strap 10 and thus dictate the length strap 10 between the handle 50 and loop 70. The handle 50, in turn, is affixed to the second post 102 of the cam buckle 100 preferably using the spring clasp 20.
Referring now to FIG. 8, there is shown a view of the present invention in a working state. The door mountable strap system of the present invention is designed to function in combination with a door 200 and a door frame 201. The door overhang strap 30 is positioned over an edge 202 of the door 200, whereafter the door 200 is closed against the door frame 201. This sandwiches the strap 30 between the door 200 and door frame 201. Thereafter, the slider 80 is secured to the door and the strap 10 can slide therethrough based on movement or tension placed on the handle 50 and closed loop 70. The handle 50 position is controlled by the cam buckle 100 along the strap 10 on one side of the slider 80, while the closed loop 70 is disposed along the strap 10 on the opposite side of the slider 80. Tension placed on strap 10 using the handle 50 causes the strap 10 to be pulled through the strap slider 80 as the pull-through anchor maintains the door overhang strap 31 between the door 200 and door frame 201. The tension on the strap 10 draws the enclosed strap loop 70 disposed at the first end of the strap 10 towards the strap slider 80. Meanwhile, the strap pull-through anchor is disposed on one side of the door while the strap slider 80 is disposed on an opposite side of the door when the door is closed against the door frame. The user can thereby engage in various stretching or resistance training exercises, whereby tension or resistance is provided by the strap and user input on one end of the strap. The strap therefore allows the user to stretch or resist one body part by controlling the strap using a second body party, as shown in FIG. 8.
Overall, the present invention provides a device for stretching one's muscles and enhancing one's flexibility, thereby improving flexibility and functioning as an exercise device. Additionally, the present invention eliminates the need for assistance from a trainer or a second person. The present invention provides a door mountable strap system attachable to a door for maximum functionality, and can be used to stretch or resist movement with the user in a variety of positions.
It is submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.
Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

I claim:

1) A door mountable strap system for exercising and stretching activities, comprising:

a first elongated strap having a first end, a second end, and a length;

an enclosed strap loop disposed at the first end of the first elongated strap;

a handle disposed along the length of the first elongated strap;

the handle being secured to the first elongated strap using a cam buckle connector that is adapted to operably affix and operably slide the handle with respect to the first elongated strap;

a door overhang strap slidably affixed along the length of the first elongated strap;

the door overhang strap further comprising a strap length, a proximal end, and a distal end;

the proximal end of the door overhang strap further comprising a strap slider that allows the first elongated strap to slide therethrough and relative to the proximal end of the door overhang strap;

the distal end of the door overhang strap further comprising a strap pull-through anchor;

whereby the strap length of the door overhang strap is adapted to be placed around an edge of a door and placed between the door and a door frame when the door is closed against the door frame;

whereby the strap pull-through anchor is adapted to be disposed on one side of the door while the strap slider is disposed on an opposite side of the door when the door is closed against the door frame; and

whereby the strap pull-through anchor comprises an enlarged cross section relative to the door overhang strap such that the strap pull-through anchor resists being drawn between the door and the door frame when the door overhang strap is tensioned and the strap slider is pulled away from the door.

2) The door mountable strap system of claim 1, wherein the strap pull-through anchor further comprises a cylindrical member encircled by a closed strap loop disposed along the distal end of the door overhang strap.

3) The door mountable strap system of claim 1, wherein the strap slider further comprises a hardware article forming at least one closed loop, whereby the at least one closed loop allows the first elongated strap and a closed strap loop disposed on the proximal end of the door overhang strap to slide therethrough.

4) The door mountable strap system of claim 1, wherein:

the enclosed strap loop disposed at the first end of the first elongated strap is removably affixed to the first end of the first elongated strap; and

whereby the enclosed strap loop further comprises a spring clasp that removably affixes the enclosed strap loop to an enclosed loop disposed at the first end of the first elongated strap.

5) The door mountable strap system of claim 4, wherein:

the enclosed loop disposed at the first end of the first elongated strap further comprises a ring hardware article that is affixed to the first end of the first elongated strap.

6) The door mountable strap system of claim 1, wherein:

the enclosed strap loop disposed at the first end of the first elongated strap further comprises a strap forming a loop that is adapted to be utilized as a leg strap.

7) The door mountable strap system of claim 1, wherein:

the handle disposed along the length of the first elongated strap is removably affixed to the cam buckle via a spring clasp.

8) The door mountable strap system of claim 1, wherein:

the handle disposed along the length of the first elongated strap further comprises a strap forming a loop that is adapted to be utilized as a handheld pull strap.

9) The door mountable strap system of claim 8, further comprising a tubular grip disposed along the loop of the handle.

10) The door mountable strap system of claim 1, wherein:

the cam buckle further comprises a buckle hardware article with a first post, a second post, a pair of webs extending between the first post and second post, and a spring biased cam;

whereby the spring biased cam is adapted to be biased towards the first post to secure the first elongated strap between the first post and the spring biased cam;

whereby the spring biased cam is retractable to allow free sliding of the first elongate strap between the first post and the spring biased cam; and

whereby the handle is affixed to the second post of the cam buckle.

11) The door mountable strap system of claim 1, whereby:

tension placed on first elongated strap using the handle causes the first elongated strap to be pulled through the strap slider of the door overhang strap as the pull-through anchor maintains the door overhang strap between the door and door frame;

the tension on the first elongated strap draws the enclosed strap loop disposed at the first end of the first elongated strap towards the strap slider.