US20230201648A1

US20230201648A1 - Body stretch pose assisting strap and related method

Info

Publication number: US20230201648A1
Application number: US18/084,924
Authority: US
Inventors: Lucille DeHart
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2021-12-29
Filing date: 2022-12-20
Publication date: 2023-06-29

Abstract

A body stretch pose assisting strap is elongated and flexible and configured to be wrapped around a portion of an arm or leg of a user. A fastener is associated with the strap for selectively attaching and detaching the strap to the arm or leg of the user. A grip loop extends from the strap, enabling the user to hold the loop while performing a body stretch or pose.

Description

DESCRIPTION

Related Application

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/294,500, filed on Dec. 29, 2021.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to movement, balance, stretch and pose driven exercise devices. More particularly, the present invention is directed to stretch pose assisting straps that may be used in connection with yoga, Pilates, and other stretching exercises.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are many kinds of yoga, as well as many reasons to practice yoga. The focus is on balance, strength, flexibility, and coordination on both sides of the body. The benefits of yoga are not to perfect the practice, but to achieve proper alignment with modifications as needed. There are many types of yoga including: Vinyasa, Hatha, Lyengar, Kundalini, Ashtanga, Bikram, Yin, Restorative, Prenatal, Anusara and Jivamukti. All involve body-mind-breath work alignment.
A fundamental part of yoga, in its simplest form, is the mindful movement of the body into and out of poses in varying combinations of movements. For example, the body forward bends, backward bends, twists right and left, bend from side to side right and left, and extends, stretching from head to toe. Moving with symmetry is an important aspect of all yoga; doing movements and poses on both sides of the body.
Yoga postures are based and taught that the postures are built from the foundation up, analogous to the building of a house. The definition of “foundation” for this purpose is the part of the body touching the floor. There are basically two kinds of foundations: 1) down on the floor, for example, prone, supine or sitting; and 2) up off the floor, for example standing, balancing, mountain, kneeling, headstand, elbow stand, handstand, shoulder stand. There are over one thousand yoga postures. Standing balancing poses need a good foundation so that the practitioner doesn’t fall out of alignment or lose stability in weakness or age.
Yoga poses can be challenging and may be held for long periods of time. Some poses may require the practitioner to reach for areas of their body or grasp on body parts to better balance. These movements might require some type of extension prop to get into and/or keep alignment.
Accordingly, there is a continuing need for a stretch pose strap, for use in yoga, Pilates and the like, which is readily accessible and does not create a disruption the flow or practice or routine. The present invention fulfills these needs and provides other related advantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention resides in a body stretch pose assisting strap which enables a user to reach for areas of their body to perform a stretch, hold a pose, and to provide balance to the user while performing the stretching and/or pose exercise, such as in yoga, Pilates and the like.
The body stretch pose assisting strap comprises an elongated, flexible strap configured to be wrapped around a portion of an arm or leg of a user. The strap may be configured to be wrapped around and attached to an ankle of the user. The strap may be between 6 and 24 inches in length and 1 and 4 inches in width.
A fastener is associated with the strap for selectively attaching and detaching the strap to the arm or leg of the user. The fastener may comprise hook and loop tape extending a length of the strap.
A grip loop extends from the strap, enabling the user to hold the loop while performing a body stretch pose. The grip loop may extend from an end of the strap. The grip loop is configured to receive one or more fingers of the user therein. The grip loop may be between 1 and 6 inches in width.
An extension strap includes a connector for detachably connecting the extension strap to the grip loop of the strap so as to extend away from the strap. The connector may comprise hook and loop tape disposed along a length of the extension strap. The extension strap has an extension grip loop extending therefrom, enabling a user to hold the extension grip loop of the extension strap while performing a body stretch pose.
In accordance with the method for assisting body stretching poses, in accordance with the present invention, the elongated and flexible strap having a grip loop extending from the strap and a fastener is provided. The strap is wrapped around a portion of an arm or leg, such as an ankle. The fastener is secured to attach the strap to the portion of the arm or leg. The user grasps the grip loop to hold a stretching pose. The user may grasp the grip loop by inserting one or more fingers within the grip loop.
An extension strap having an extension grip loop may be attached to the strap so as to extend therefrom. A portion of the extension strap is inserted through the grip loop of the strap, and a connector is closed enabling the user to hold an extension grip loop of the extension strap while holding a stretch pose.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. In such drawings:

FIG. 1 is an upper perspective view of a body stretch pose assisting strap embodying the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the strap of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged and fragmented perspective view of a grip loop of the strap;

FIG. 4 is an upper perspective view illustrating the strap in a folded configuration with the grip loop extending therefrom, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic view illustrating a user with the straps of the present invention attached to her ankles and holding a stretch or pose using the strap, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic perspective view illustrating attachment of an extension strap, in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 7 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 6 , illustrating the extension strap attached to the strap and extending therefrom in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As shown in the accompanying drawings, for purposes of illustration, the present invention is directed to a strap, generally referred to by the reference number 100, for use during stretching and/or holding poses, such as yoga, Pilates and related exercises. The strap 100 of the present invention is configured and designed to be detachably connected to a portion of a user’s body so as to be mobile and accessible to maintain movement while practicing yoga, Pilates, etc. without disruption.
With reference now to FIGS. 1-3 , a strap 100 embodying the present invention is illustrated in an unfolded and extended state. The strap 100 is elongated and flexible and configured to be wrapped around a portion of an arm or a leg of a user. The strap 100 is typically comprised of a strip 102 of material which is flexible and having characteristics to achieve the objectives of the present invention. While the strap 100 of the present invention may be comprised of any suitable material, it has been found that a nylon webbing, such as grosgrain-type nylon material, is suitable for use as the material choice for the strap 100. The strap 100, however, can be comprised of various materials and still meet the objectives of the present invention
Typically, the strap is between 6 and 24 inches in length, and more preferably between 10 and 20 inches in length, so as to be wrapped around a portion of a body of a user, typically a portion of an arm or leg of a user, and more typically an ankle of the user. The strap may be between 1 and 4 inches in width. The strap 100, however, may be longer or shorter or wider or narrower as needed. The strap 100, however, should be sufficiently long so as to be wrapped and secured around at least an ankle of a user.
At least one fastener is associated with the strap 100 for selectively attaching and detaching the strap 100 to the arm or leg of the user. The fastener may comprise snaps, slides, etc. However, in a particularly preferred embodiment, as illustrated, the fastener comprises sections of hook and loop tape 104 and 106 which are detachably connected to one another. The hook and loop tape 104 and 106 may comprise multiple sections or an elongated section, and extend along a length of the strap 100 so as to secure the strap 100 around an object, such as an arm or leg, and more particularly an ankle, of a user. While the fastener could comprise any fastener, including any attachment and/or adjustable fitting mechanism, in a particularly preferred embodiment, the hook and loop closure material 104 and 106 is utilized as it allows for a custom snug and comfortable “universal” fit around the user’s ankle or other body part.
With continuing reference to FIGS. 1-3 , a grip loop 108 extends from the strip 102 forming the strap 100. The grip loop 108 may be formed or attached to an end of the strip 102, as illustrated. The grip loop 108 may be attached to the end of the strap by folding an end of the strip of material through and over the loop 108 and adhering, or otherwise fastening, such as X Center Stitching or the like 112, to securely fasten the grip loop 108 to the end of the strip of material 102 forming the strap 100. The grip loop extends from the strip of material 102, such as extending generally transverse to a long axis or the planar portion of the strip of material 102, as illustrated.
The grip loop is configured to enable the user to hold the grip loop while performing a body stretch pose when the strap is attached to a portion of the body of the user. The grip loop 108 may extend from an end of the strap 100, as shown, or intermediate the ends. The grip loop 108 is comprised of a substantially durable material so as to be grasped and pulled by the user. The grip loop 108 may be comprised of the same material as the strip 102 forming the strap 100.
The grip loop 108 is sized and configured so as to receive one or more fingers of the user therein so that the user can grip or grasp the grip loop 108. The grip loop 108 may be between 1 and 6 inches in width. The grip loop may be approximately 2 inches in radius, and between 3 and 4 inches when folded in half and approximately ½ to 1 inch in width. It will be appreciated, however, that the grip loop 108 may be of varying sizes or even configurations so long as the user is able to grasp the grip loop 108, such as with his or her fingers, so as to hold and even pull on the grip loop 108 for balance and stretching purposes.
With reference now to FIG. 4 , the strap 100 is shown in a wrapped or folded and closed configuration. This may be done, for example, for transportation and storage purposes. The strap 100, however, when in use is intended to be detachably connected to a body part of interest, such as a user’s ankle or another portion of the user’s leg, arm, etc. The strip of material 102 forming the strap 100 is wrapped around an object, such as a portion of a user’s body, or folded upon itself until the fasteners or closure mechanism, such as the hook and loop tape 104 and 106 coming into gripping contact with one another, so as to secure the strap 100 to the object or in a folded position, as illustrated in FIG. 4 .
With reference now to FIG. 5 , a diagrammatic view of a user 10 is shown with the strap 100 of the present invention attached to the user’s ankle 12. This is done by encircling the strap 100 around the ankle 12, or other body part, such as by wrapping the strap 100 around the ankle or other portion of an arm or leg of the user 10 and securing the fastener to attach and secure the strap onto that portion of the arm and leg, such as an ankle 12, as illustrated. FIG. 5 illustrates a strap 100 attached to both ankles of the user, which enables the user to perform stretches, poses, etc. with either ankle or leg without the need of detaching and reattaching the strap 100. As illustrated in FIG. 5 , the user grasps the grip loop 108 with his or her fingers 14 in order to hold a stretching pose. As can be seen in FIG. 5 , the gripping loop 108 extends outwardly, such as generally transversely, from the attached strap 100 so that it is easy to be grasped and gripped by the user 10. This allows for the user to reach for the grip loop 108 anytime they need during the exercise without disruption.
The strap 100 of the present invention may be used during yoga in positions like dancers pose, tree pose, forward fold, boat pose, pyramid/side angle and other positions where a fixed strap would be useful and handy. The strap 100 of the present invention may also be used by those who are fairly new to yoga, or are looking to incorporate stretching exercises into their routine or are looking to modify their existing practice to get into and/or hold a pose. For example, those users who cannot reach their toes may instead grasp and reach and hold the strap 100 of the present invention, whether the strap be attached to their ankle or higher up on the leg.
The strap 100 of the present invention can be attached to an ankle, feet, wrists, or other body parts that align with the pose needs. As the strap 100 is adjustable in length and fitting, it can be used by a wide variety of different sized individuals and used on different portions of the user’s body. The grip loops 108 may be longer or shorter. The strap 100 may be directly placed onto the body part or even over a user’s piece of clothing, such as a sock, pant leg, etc.
With reference now to FIGS. 6 and 7 , in some cases a user may have difficulty reaching for the grip loop 108 of the strap 100 when performing the stretch pose or other exercise. This may be due to the lack of physical fitness, flexibility or the user being a novice to the exercise, or a particular pose or stretch. In these cases, an extension strap 200 may be attached to the strap 100 so that the user may more easily grasp the extension strap. The extension strap 200 is comprised of a length of a strip of material, which may be similar in size, configuration and material as strap 100. The extension strap 200 is preferably comprised of a flexible yet durable material, such as nylon webbing or the like such that the user can tug and pull on the strap 200 without damaging it. The extension strap 200 is comprised of a strip 202 of material of a sufficiently small width so as to be inserted through the grip loop 108 of the strap 100, as illustrated in FIG. 6 .
The extension strap 200 includes a connector or fastening mechanism for detachably connecting the extension strap 200 to the grip loop 108 of the strap 100. Such a connector may comprise a variety of connectors, such as snaps, buckles, etc., however, in a particularly preferred embodiment, the connector comprises strips of hook and loop tape 204 and 206 which are attached to a length of the strip of material 202 and which can be securely brought into connective contact with one another, as illustrated in FIG. 7 . The extension strap 200 has an extension grip loop 208 attached to the strap 200 so as to extend outwardly therefrom, as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7 , to enable a user to insert his or her fingers therethrough and grasp the extension grip loop 208 in order to hold a stretching pose.
When attached and secured to the strap 100, the extension strap 200 provides an additional few inches of length extending from the grip loop 108. Typically, the extension strap 200 will be several inches up to a foot in length so as to provide several inches of additional extension from the grip loop 108 of strap 100 to enable the user to grasp the extension grip loop 208 to hold the stretching pose when the user may have difficulty reaching grip loop 108 during such a stretching pose. It will be understood, however, that the length of the extension strap 200 can vary.
It will be appreciated that the body stretch pose assisting strap 100 of the present invention assists users in exercising so as to maintain balance, improve the intended stretch, maintain a pose hold or the like. A user may utilize a single body stretch pose assisting strap 100 and move the strap to the desired portion of the body. However, in a particularly preferred embodiment, a pair of straps 100 are used, typically one attached to each ankle, as illustrated in FIG. 5 , such that when the user changes the pose or position, the strap is already attached to the user and it can be easily and readily grasped, allowing the user continued mobility and continuation of the exercise routine without interruption.
Although several embodiments have been described in detail for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited, except as by the appended claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A body stretch pose assisting strap, comprising;

an elongated, flexible strap configured to be wrapped around a portion of an arm or a leg of a user;

a fastener associated with the strap for selectively attaching and detaching the strap to the arm or leg of the user;

a grip loop extending from the strap enabling the user to hold the grip loop while performing a body stretch pose.

2. The strap of claim 1, wherein the strap is between 6 and 24 inches in length and 1 and 4 inches in width.

3. The strap of claim 1, wherein the grip loop extends from an end of the strap.

4. The strap of claim 1, wherein the grip loop is configured to receive one or more fingers of the user therein.

5. The strap of claim 4, wherein the grip loop is between 1 and 6 inches in width.

6. The strap of claim 1, wherein the fastener comprises hook and loop tape extending a length of the strap.

7. The strap of claim 1, including an extension strap including a connector for detachably connecting the extension strap to the grip loop of the strap so as to extend away from the strap, the extension strap having an extension grip loop extending therefrom enabling a user to hold the extension grip loop of the extension strap while performing a body stretch pose.

8. The strap of claim 7, wherein the connector of the extension strap comprises hook and loop tape disposed along a length of the extension strap.

9. The strap of claim 1, wherein the strap is configured to be wrapped around and attached to an ankle of the user.

10. A method for assisting body stretching poses, comprising the steps of:

providing an elongated and flexible strap having a grip loop extending from the strap and a fastener;

wrapping the strap around a portion of an arm or leg and securing the fastener to attach the strap on the portion of the arm or leg; and

grasping the grip loop to hold a stretching pose.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the providing step includes the step of providing a strap that is between 6 and 24 inches in length and 1 and 4 inches in width.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein the providing step comprises providing a grip loop that extends from an end of the strap.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein the grasping step includes inserting one or more fingers of a user within the grip loop.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the providing step comprises providing a grip loop that is between 1 and 6 inches in width.

15. The method of claim 10, wherein the fastener comprises hook and loop tape extending a length of the strap.

16. The method of claim 10, including the step of attaching an extension strap having an extension grip loop to the strap.

17. The method of claim 16, including the step of inserting a portion of the extension strap through the grip loop and closing a connector and enabling a user to hold the extension grip loop of the extension strap while holding a stretch pose.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the connector of the extension strap comprises hook and loop tape disposed along a length of the extension strap.

19. The method of claim 10, wherein the strap is wrapped around and attached to an ankle of the user.