Stretching apparatus and method of stretching

Abstract

A hands-free human exercise apparatus and method, including a method of use. The stretching apparatus and method promote beneficial stretching of ambulatory muscles for a broad spectrum of users, to maintain and increase flexibility and dexterity, improved joint health, mobility, or pain management, and facilitating greater balance and proprioception and stimulating rehabilitation. The apparatus includes a multi-directional, multi-configurable, and adjustable harness comprising a one or dual strap configuration having a unique multi joint activating foot anchor. The apparatus and method facilitate stretching of a single leg, or both legs, through the ambulatory chain of muscles and joints, and with the foot anchor exploiting the flexion of the spine, full extension of the leg and pelvis, and the full flexion of the user's foot.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of the filing of U.S. Provisional Patent App. Ser. No. 62 / 781,967 entitled “Stretching Apparatus and Method for Stretching” filed on 19 Dec. 2018, and the entire specification thereof is incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONField of the Invention (Technical Field)[0002]The present invention relates to the field of exercise apparatuses and posture corrective devices, particularly to an apparatus and method for developing greater flexibility, stability (balance and proprioception), strength and neurological reprograming in a user.Background of the Invention[0003]Stretching is defined as providing a form of physical exercise in which a muscle, ligament, tendon, or joint is deliberately flexed or extended in order to improve muscle elasticity, increase blood flow, or stimulate cartilage health. Currently, persons exercising the foot / leg sometimes use stretching devices including a han...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is a hands-free device that allows full flexion of the body's muscles and joints. It improves upon existing stretching devices by including a unique system of straps and fasteners that can be adjusted for users ranging in size from extra-small to double extra-large. The invention is beneficial for a wide range of users, including high-level athletes, general population who want better joint health, mobility, or pain management, and aging or injured individuals who need better balance and proprioception for rehabilitation. It is easy to use and promotes greater flexibility and mobility. The invention allows for extension exercises and stretching, and it has been designed to exploit the full flexion of the foot.

Problems solved by technology

Known strap devices for exercising a leg are limited to a single-leg use.

Therefore, the effectiveness of stretching the ambulatory chain with current stretching devices is limited.

With the currently available devices, users can only minimally achieve full range of flexibility through activation of the lower extremities.

Particularly, known devices are ineffective in activating the first and second metatarsal, the achillies tendon, and the plantar fascia.

Such drawbacks are due to the limited function of the foot loop, in known devices, to provide the significant resistance needed for full extension of the foot joints and tendons listed above.

In addition, the resistance provided for an effective stretch is limited by the user's upper body strength, thus varying the degree of efficacy.

Currently known devices thus generally limit the user's ability to obtain a sufficient stretch, as the user must still perform the chosen movement to achieve any functionality of the device.

This in turn limits the marketability of these devices to people who can perform the movement; but flexibility is encouraged over all age groups including users who may have injuries that prevent them from operating such a device.

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