Abstract:
An apparatus including a combined strap-length adjuster and strap keeper is disclosed for use with multiple embodiments of a strap-length adjuster. A tether is used in combination with the strap keeper. The arrangement allows the tether to not interfere with the positioning or movement of the straps and maintains the straps close to the strap-length adjuster and prevents slippage of the strap through the strap-length adjuster.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present patent application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/194,522, filed Jul. 29, 2011, entitled STRAP ADJUSTER AND KEEPER AND METHOD OF STRAP CONTROL, and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/730,883, filed Nov. 28, 2012, entitled STRAP ADJUSTER AND KEEPER, which prior applications are hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention generally relates to an apparatus having adjustable-length straps, and more particularly to an apparatus for strap control with a strap-length adjuster. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Mechanisms for adjusting the length of a strap, referred to herein as strap-length adjusters, are commonly used in belts, for tying down objects, and in adjustable exercise devices. Strap-length adjusters typically provide a gripping force on a strap at fixed positions (as in belt buckles) or at variable positions (using clamping devices). In both cases, the loose strap end protrudes away from the strap-length adjuster. In many instances, it is desirable to keep loose ends from moving by keeping them near the strap. Such devices are referred to as strap keepers. For some mechanisms, the movement of an end of the gripped strap may loosen the mechanism, rendering the mechanism ineffective. 
         [0004]    In other instances, there is a possibility of the failure of components of the strap-length adjuster. This may have safety implications, as with, for example, an exercise device having straps to support the weight of the user. The failure of a component of the strap-length adjuster, such as a buckle, for example, may result in a user of the exercise equipment losing his or her balance and falling to the ground. It would be desirable to provide a mechanism that can stop, or at least minimize or slow down, a device from coming apart due to the failure of a component of the device. 
         [0005]    There is a need in the art for an apparatus that includes a strap keeper that restrains loose strap ends near a strap-length adjuster. Such an apparatus should be easy to use and should automatically keep close to the strap-length adjuster. There is also a need in the art for an apparatus having a strap-length adjuster that can provide some safety to the user in the event of a failure of the components that support a strap. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    The present invention overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art by combining a tethered strap keeper with various designs of strap-length adjusters. 
         [0007]    In accordance with one embodiment of the presently claimed invention, an apparatus is provided for attaching to a closed loop of a first strap and for providing a gripping force to a second strap having a free end. The apparatus includes a strap keeper, a strap-length adjuster, and a tether attached to the strap keeper. 
         [0008]    In accordance with one embodiment of the presently claimed invention, an apparatus is provided for attaching to a closed loop of a first strap and for providing a gripping force to a second strap having a first portion and a second portion, wherein said first portion is folded over adjacent to said second portion, said apparatus comprising: 
         [0009]    a strap restraint, wherein said strap restraint encircles said first portion and said second portion, holding said first portion adjacent to said second portion; 
         [0010]    a tether, wherein said tether is operatively connected to said closed loop and is operatively connected to said strap restraint; and 
         [0011]    a strap-length adjuster, comprising:
       a frame comprising a first bar and a second bar; and   a movable gate, wherein said movable gate is movably connected to said frame and is separated from said first bar by a first opening and from said second bar by a second opening;       
 
         [0014]    wherein said closed loop encircles said first bar; and 
         [0015]    wherein said second strap passes through said first opening, over said movable gate, through said second opening, and under said second bar. 
         [0016]    In accordance with one embodiment of the presently claimed invention, an apparatus is provided for attaching to a closed loop of a first strap and for providing a gripping force to a second strap having a first portion, a second portion, and a free end, wherein said first portion is folded over adjacent to said second portion, said apparatus comprising: 
         [0017]    a strap restraint, wherein said strap restraint encircles said first portion and said second portion, holding said first portion adjacent to said second portion; 
         [0018]    a tether, wherein said tether is operatively connected to said strap restraint and is operatively connected to said closed loop; and 
         [0019]    a strap length adjuster, comprising:
       a frame, comprising a first end including an interior surface, a second end, a first crossbar, and a second crossbar,   wherein said first crossbar is separated from said first end by a first opening, said first crossbar is separated from said second crossbar by a second opening, said second crossbar is separated from said second end by a third opening, and said interior surface is located on the portion of said first end which faces said first crossbar; and       
 
         [0022]    wherein said first strap passes under said second end, through said third opening, over said second crossbar, and through said second opening such that said closed loop encircles said second crossbar; and 
         [0023]    wherein said second strap passes through said second opening, over said first crossbar, through said first opening, adjacent to said interior surface, and under said first end. 
         [0024]    In accordance with one embodiment of the presently claimed invention, a method is provided for providing strap control using a strap restraint with a strap-length adjuster adapted to connect to a first strap which includes a closed loop and adapted to accept a free end of a second strap, said strap-length adjuster comprising a first bar, a second bar, and a third bar with a first opening disposed between said first bar and said second bar and a second opening disposed between said second bar and said third bar comprising: 
         [0025]    attaching said first strap to said third bar so that said third bar is located within said closed loop; 
         [0026]    using a tether to connect said closed loop to said strap restraint; and 
         [0027]    passing said free end through said strap restraint, through said second opening, over said second bar, through said first opening, under said first bar, and through said strap restraint such that said strap restraint holds said free end adjacent to said second strap; 
         [0028]    wherein said second strap is restrained by said strap restraint when said second strap is pulled away from said strap restraint in a direction parallel to the plane formed by said first bar and said second bar; and 
         [0029]    wherein said second strap may move freely through said strap restraint when said second strap is pulled in a direction perpendicular to the plane formed by said first bar and said second bar. 
         [0030]    These features together with the various ancillary provisions and features which will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, are attained by the combined strap-length adjuster and strap keeper of the present invention, preferred embodiments thereof being shown with reference to the accompanying drawings, by way of example only, wherein: 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0031]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a strap adjuster and keeper; 
           [0032]      FIG. 2  is a detailed perspective view of the first embodiment of the strap adjuster and keeper; 
           [0033]      FIGS. 3A and 3B  are a top and bottom view, respectively, of the strap adjuster and keeper of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0034]      FIGS. 4A ,  4 B, and  4 C are perspective, top, and side views, respectively, of the first element of the first embodiment of a strap-length adjuster; 
           [0035]      FIGS. 5A ,  5 B, and  5 C are perspective, top, and side views, respectively, of the second element of the first embodiment of a strap-length adjuster; 
           [0036]      FIGS. 6A ,  6 B, and  6 C are perspective, top, and side views, respectively, of the first embodiment of a strap keeper and tether; 
           [0037]      FIG. 7A  is a side view of the first embodiment of a strap adjuster and keeper in a “locked” configuration; 
           [0038]      FIG. 7B  is a side view of the first embodiment of a strap adjuster and keeper configured for adjusting the length of the strap; 
           [0039]      FIGS. 8A and 8B  are a top view and a side view, respectively, of a second embodiment of a strap adjuster and keeper; 
           [0040]      FIGS. 9A ,  9 B, and  9 C are a top view, a side view, and a sectional view, respectively, of the detail of the strap ends on the embodiments of  FIGS. 8A and 8B ; 
           [0041]      FIG. 10A  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a tethered strap keeper and a strap-length adjustment mechanism; 
           [0042]      FIGS. 10B ,  10 C,  10 D, and  10 E are assembly drawings for one embodiment of a tethered strap keeper; 
           [0043]      FIG. 10F  is a sectional view of  FIG. 8B ; 
           [0044]      FIGS. 11A and 11B  are a top view and a side view, respectively, of a barrel lock; 
           [0045]      FIGS. 12A ,  12 B, and  12 C illustrate the safety aspects of the embodiment of  FIGS. 8-11  in the event that the barrel lock fails; and 
           [0046]      FIGS. 13A ,  13 B, and  13 C are a perspective view, a top view and a side view, respectively, of a third embodiment of a strap length adjustment mechanism; and 
           [0047]      FIGS. 14A and 14B  are a perspective view and a bottom view, respectively, of the embodiments of  FIGS. 13A-13C  of the strap-length adjustment mechanism with a tethered strap keeper. 
       
    
    
       [0048]    Reference symbols are used in the Figures to indicate certain components, aspects or features shown therein, with reference symbols common to more than one Figure indicating like components, aspects or features shown therein. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0049]      FIG. 1  illustrates one embodiment of strap adjuster and keeper  100 , shown as a strap adjuster and keeper  100   a  and  100   b  as utilized in an exercise device  10 . Exercise device  10  is shown for illustrative purposes only and is not meant to limit the scope of the present invention, except as explicitly claimed. 
         [0050]    Exercise device  10 , for example, includes a door mount  20 , a first inelastic strap  11  having a first free end  13   a  and a second free end  13   b , and second and third inelastic straps  15   a  and  15   b  terminating in grips  17   a  and  17   b , respectively. First strap adjuster and keeper  100   a  and second strap adjuster and keeper  100   b  accept free ends  13   a  and  13   b , respectively, and permit adjustment of the supporting length of first strap  11  (where the length may be measured, for example and without limitation, as the distance between grips  17   a  and  17   b , or the distance between one of grips  17   a  or  17   b  and door mount  20 ), by pulling on one or more of first free end  13   a  and second free end  13   b , as discussed subsequently. First strap adjuster and keeper  100   a  and second strap adjuster and keeper  100   b  also support second strap  15   a  and third strap  15   b , respectively. Examples of exercise device  10  may be found, for example and without limitation, in co-owned U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,044,896 and 7,762,932, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
         [0051]    One embodiment of strap adjuster and keeper  100 , which is generally similar to first strap adjuster and keeper  100   a  or second strap adjuster and keeper  100   b , is shown in  FIGS. 2-6 , where  FIG. 2  is a detailed perspective view of another embodiment of the strap adjuster and keeper,  FIGS. 3A and 3B  are a top and bottom view, respectively, of the strap adjuster and keeper,  FIGS. 4A ,  4 B, and  4 C are a perspective view, a top view, and a side view, respectively, of the first element of a strap-length adjuster,  FIGS. 5A ,  5 B, and  5 C are perspective, top, and side views, respectively, of the second element of a strap-length adjuster, and  FIGS. 6A ,  6 B, and  6 C are perspective, top, and side views, respectively, of a strap keeper and tether. 
         [0052]    As shown in  FIGS. 2 ,  3 A, and  3 B, strap adjuster and keeper  100  includes a strap-length adjuster (or “strap adjuster”)  200 , a strap keeper  230 , and a tether  201  that connects the strap-length adjuster  200  to the strap keeper  230 . Strap  15  is generally similar to straps  15   a  and  15   b  and end  13  is generally similar to ends  13   a  and  13   b  except as explicitly noted. 
         [0053]    Strap-length adjuster  200  includes a first ring  210  and a second ring  220 , both of which may be generally flat and rectangular rings, and have one or more openings. First ring  210 , which is shown in greater detail in  FIGS. 4A ,  4 B, and  4 C, has an opening  213  with a tab  211  and a surface  215  at one end, and a bar  401  at an opposing end. First ring  210  has a thickness T 1  and a width W 1 , and opening  213  has a width S 1  that is sized to accept the width of strap  11  and a length L 1 , and tab  211  protrudes a distance A from the opening. 
         [0054]    Second ring  220 , which is shown in greater detail in  FIGS. 5A ,  5 B, and  5 C, has a first opening  221  and a second opening  223  separated by a crossbar  229 . Specifically, first opening  221  is bounded on one side by a first bar  501  and on the opposite side by crossbar  229 , and second opening  223  is bounded on one side by the crossbar  229  and on the opposite side by a second bar  503 . Crossbar  229  has a first hole  225  and a second hole  227  forming passageways through second ring  220 . Second ring  220  has a thickness T 2 , length L 2 , and width W 2 . First opening  221  has a width S 2  and length U sized to accept loop  12 , and second opening  223  has a width S 3  and length V sized to accept the width of strap  13 . Holes  225  and  227  each have a diameter D sized to accept tether  201 . 
         [0055]    Strap keeper  230 , which is shown in greater detail in  FIGS. 6A ,  6 B, and  6 C, has an opening  603  sized to accept two layers of strap  13 . Strap keeper  230  has a width W 3  sized to accept the width of strap  13 , and a length L 3 . Tether  201  is a loop of material of length 2×L 4  that is attached to strap keeper  230 , for example, by stitches  601  to the inside surface of opening  603 . 
         [0056]    In general, first ring  210  and second ring  220  are formed from a rigid material, such as metal, plastic, aluminum or steel. In one embodiment, straps  11  and  13  both have a width of 38 mm and a thickness of 2 mm, and rings  210  and  220  are sized, for example and without limitation, with T 1 =3 mm, L 1 =27 mm, W 1 =53 mm, S 1 =39 mm, A=22 mm, T 2 =3 mm, L 2 =34 mm, W 2 =52 mm, S 2 =39 mm, U=7 mm, S 3 =39 mm, V=7 mm and D=5 mm. In other embodiments, straps  11  and  13  may have the same or different sizes, ranging from 6 mm to 75 mm, and the sizes of rings  210  and  220  may be sized appropriately. 
         [0057]    Strap keeper  230  is formed from elastic or inelastic webbing. For the example wherein straps  11  and  13  both have a width of 38 mm and a thickness of 2 mm, W 3  may be 38 mm and L 3  may be 38 mm. 
         [0058]    Tether  201  may be formed from elastic or inelastic cord or line. The length L 4  may be, for example and without limitation, from 25 mm to 100 mm. The length L 4  may thus be 25 mm, 50 mm, 75 mm, or 100 mm. 
         [0059]    In an alternative embodiment, tether  201  passes through one hole in crossbar  229 , and is knotted to secure the tether to second ring  220 . 
         [0060]      FIG. 7A  is a side view of strap adjuster  200  and strap keeper  230  in a “locked” configuration. Loop  14  is secured over bar  401  through opening  213 , and over bar  503  through opening  223 . Loop  12  is formed by passing end  13  first through opening  213 , then through opening  221 , over bar  501 , and back through opening  213 , as is also shown in  FIGS. 2 ,  3 A, and  3 B. Loop  12  is thus provided with frictional forces from first ring  210  on surface  215  and second ring  220  to prevent slippage of strap  11 . In addition, tether  201  retains the movement of strap keeper  230 , keeping strap keeper  230  near strap-length adjuster  200 , thus keeping the portions of strap  11  near each other. 
         [0061]      FIG. 7B  is a side view of strap adjuster  200  and strap keeper  230  configured for adjusting the length of strap  11 . When tab  211  is moved away from strap  11 , the hold of first ring  210  and second ring  220  on strap  11  is loosened, permitting the movement of strap  11  through strap keeper  230  to either lengthen or shorten strap  11 . Tether  201  continues to retain the movement of strap keeper  230  to be near strap-length adjuster  200 . It is apparent from  FIGS. 7A and 7B  that tether  201  limits the distance between strap-length adjuster  200  and strap keeper  230 , while not interfering with the movement of strap  11 , when required. 
         [0062]      FIGS. 8A and 8B  are a top view and a side perspective view, respectively, of a second embodiment of a strap adjuster and keeper  800 , shown as a strap adjuster and keeper  800   a  and  800   b  as utilized in an exercise device  80 . Exercise device  80  is shown for illustrative purposes only and is not meant to limit the scope of the present invention, except as explicitly claimed. 
         [0063]    Exercise device  80 , for example, includes a carabiner  82  connected to an anchor strap  83 , a first inelastic strap  11  supported by anchor strap  83  and having free ends  13  (i.e., a first free end  13   a  and a second free end  13   b ), and second and third inelastic straps  15   a  and  15   b  terminating in grips  17   a  and  17   b , respectively. Grips  17   a  and  17   b  support secondary user support straps  84   a  and  84   b , respectively. Strap adjuster and keeper  800 , shown as a first strap adjuster and keeper  800   a  and a second strap adjuster and keeper  800   b , accepts free ends  13   a  and  13   b , respectively, and permits adjustment of the supporting length of first strap  11  by pulling on one or more of first free end  13   a  and second free end  13   b , as discussed subsequently. 
         [0064]    Each strap adjuster and keeper  800  (i.e., strap adjuster and keepers  800   a  and  800   b ) includes an end strap keeper  801  (i.e., a first end strap keeper  801   a  and a second end strap keeper  801   b ), a tethered strap keeper  803  (i.e., a first tethered strap keeper  803   a  and a second tethered strap keeper  803   b ), a strap adjuster  805  (i.e., a first strap adjuster  805   a  and a second strap adjuster  805   b ), and a tether  807  (i.e., a first tether  807   a  and a second tether  807   b ). 
         [0065]    Strap keepers  801  and  803  are generally similar to strap keeper  230 , strap adjuster  805  is generally similar to strap adjuster  200 , and tether  807  is generally similar to tether  201 , except as explicitly noted. 
         [0066]    Strap  11  may be formed from one or more inelastic materials and may be considered to be divided into: 1) a portion  11   a - 3 , which extends from free end  13   a  and passes through first end strap keeper  801   a , through first tethered strap keeper  803   a , to a strap fold  11   a - 2  in first strap adjuster  805   a;  2) a portion  11   a - 1 , which extends from strap fold  11   a - 2  in first strap adjuster  805   a , through first tethered strap keeper  803   a  and first end strap keeper  801   a;  3) a portion  11 - 5  which extends from first end strap keeper  801   a  to second end strap keeper  801   b;  4) a portion  11   b - 1 , which extends through second end strap keeper  801   b , second tethered strap keeper  803   b , to a strap fold  11   b - 2  in second strap adjuster  805   b ; and 5) a portion  11   b - 3 , which extends from strap fold  11   b - 2  in second strap adjuster  805   b , through second tethered strap keeper  803   b  and second end strap keeper  801   b  and ends at free end  13   b.    
         [0067]    First strap adjuster and keeper  800   a  and second strap adjuster and keeper  800   b  also support second strap  15   a  and third strap  15   b , respectively. Thus, for example, strap  15   a  includes a loop  14   a  that is attached to first strap length adjuster  805   a , and strap  15   b  includes a loop  14   b  that is attached to second strap length adjuster  805   b.    
         [0068]    In an embodiment: first end strap keeper  801   a  is attached to portion  11   a - 3  and can slide along portion  11   a - 1 , and second end strap keeper  801   b  is attached to portion  11   b - 3  and can slide along portion  11   b - 1 ; first tether  807   a  connects to first tethered strap keeper  803   a  and passes through loop  14   a  of strap  15   a , and second tether  807   b  connects to second tethered strap keeper  803   b  and passes through loop  14   b  of strap  15   b.    
         [0069]      FIGS. 9A ,  9 B, and  9 C are a top view, a side view, and a sectional view, respectively, of the detail of the strap ends on the embodiments of  FIGS. 8A and 8B .  FIG. 9C  shows that strap portion  11 - 3  (which may be portion  11   a - 3  or  11   b - 3 ) includes a first strap material  901  and a second strap material  903 . Strap materials  901  and  903  are stitched to each other and to strap keeper  801 . The end of strap  13  is formed by stitches  907  in strap material  903 . 
         [0070]      FIG. 10A  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a tethered strap keeper  803  and a strap-length adjuster  805 .  FIGS. 10B-10E  are assembly drawings for one embodiment of a tethered strap keeper, wherein tether  807  is sewn into an inelastic piece  1001 , which is then sewn into an outer shell  1003 . With the piece shown in  FIG. 10E  inverted (turned inside-out), strap portions  11 - 1  and  11 - 3  are threaded on either side of piece  1001 . As shown in the sectional view of  FIG. 10F  (which is taken from  FIG. 8B ), strap portions  11 - 1  and  11 - 3  are separated within strap keeper  803  by piece  1001 , to which tether  807  is attached, and strap  11  is free to move relative to tethered strap keeper  803 . 
         [0071]      FIGS. 11A and 11B  are a top view and side view, respectively, of strap adjuster  805 . Strap adjuster  805 , sometimes referred to herein as a “barrel lock,” is similar to a “triglide buckle,” where the center piece is movable to facilitate securing a strap. Thus, for example, strap adjuster  805  is shown as including a frame  1101  and a movable gate  1103 , as indicated in  FIG. 11B . 
         [0072]    In an embodiment, movable gate  1103  may be substantially rounded. In another embodiment, movable gate  1103  may have a flattened surface on the portion closest to strap keeper  803  and a rounded surface on the portion farthest from strap keeper  803 . The movable gate  1103  may be configured to increase the gripping force between the strap adjuster  805  and the strap  11  by increasing the friction between the movable gate  1103  and the strap  11 . In an embodiment, the flattened surface is rough or textured while the rounded surface is smooth. As will be clear to one of skill in the art, this configuration increases the friction between the strap  11  and the strap adjuster  805  as the strap  11  is pressed against the flattened surface, thereby preventing the strap  11  from moving through the strap adjuster  805  when tension is applied, for example, through strap portion  11 - 5  and strap  15   a . This configuration may be desirable, for example, to securely restrain the strap  11  when the device  80  is in use. This configuration still allows strap  11  to easily slide through the strap adjuster  805  when tension is applied through free end  13   a  and strap  15   a , as the strap  11  will primarily contact the movable gate  1103  via the rounded surface. This allows, for example, the distance between the anchor strap  83  and the grip  17   a  to be easily decreased. Additionally, the distance between the anchor strap  83  and the grip  17   a  may be easily increased by turning the strap adjuster  805   a  so that the strap  11  is substantially perpendicular to the frame  1101 . In this fashion, the strap  11  primarily contacts the rounded portion of the movable gate  1103 , thereby decreasing the friction between the movable gate  1103  and the strap  11 . In another embodiment, the entity of the movable gate  1103  is rounded and smooth, aside from the flattened surface, to more easily allow the strap  11  to slide along the rounded portions of the movable gate. 
         [0073]    From the above description, it will be obvious that tether  807  extends from strap  11  to strap  15  and thus may provide some support to prevent or slow the separation of components of exercise device  80 .  FIGS. 12A ,  12 B, and  12 C illustrate the safety aspects of the embodiment of  FIGS. 8-11  in the event of a failure of the barrel lock of strap adjuster  805 . 
         [0074]      FIG. 12A  shows strap  11  separated from strap adjuster  805 . This separation may occur, for example and without limitation, by a mechanical failure of gate  1103 . In the event that such a failure occurs when exercise device  80  is in use, tension within straps  11 ,  15   a , and  15   b  will cause strap  11  to move away from strap  15 . 
         [0075]      FIG. 12B  shows the result of tension on the straps due to force F, which causes an increase in length of strap  11 , as measured by the distance between a grip  17  and anchor strap  83 , for example. The length of portion  11 - 3  decreases as strap end  13  and strap keeper  801  are pulled towards strap keeper  803 , while strap fold  11 - 2  is pulled into strap keeper  803 , where it is stopped by and supported by piece  1001 . 
         [0076]      FIG. 12C  shows the device at a later time. Strap end  13  and strap keeper  801  have moved together, with portion  11 - 3  having a minimum distance. At this point, the force between straps  11  and  15  is supported by tension in tether  807 . Depending on the strength of tether  807  and its connections to strap keeper  803 , the tether may prevent further lengthening of device  80 , or it may then fail, albeit in a slower and more controlled manner than if tether  807  was not present. 
         [0077]      FIGS. 13A ,  13 B, and  13 C are a perspective view, a top view, and a side view, respectively, of strap adjuster  1300 , which is also referred to as a “tension lock.” As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art, strap adjuster  1300  may be used in place of, for example, strap adjuster  200  or strap adjuster  805 . 
         [0078]    As shown in  FIGS. 13A ,  13 B, and  13 C, strap adjuster  1300  includes a frame  1302 , which may be generally flat and rectangular in shape and have one or more openings. Frame  1302  has a first end bar  1304  and a second end bar  1312  located at opposite ends of the frame  1302  and separated by a first opening  1314 , a first crossbar  1308 , a second opening  1316 , a second crossbar  1310 , and a third opening  1318 . More specifically, first end bar  1304  is separated from first crossbar  1308  by first opening  1314 ; first crossbar  1308  is separated from second crossbar  1310  by second opening  1316 ; and second crossbar  1310  is separated from second end bar  1312  by third opening  1318 . An interior protrusion  1306  may be located adjacent to first end bar  1304  so as to be between first end bar  1304  and first opening  1314 . 
         [0079]    As shown in  FIGS. 13B and 13C , strap adjuster  1300  has a thickness T 5 , a length L 5 , a width W 5 , and an opening width S 5 . In general, strap adjuster  1300  is formed from a rigid material, such as metal, plastic, aluminum or steel. In one embodiment, strap adjuster  1300  may be used with straps  11  and  13  (shown for example in  FIGS. 12A-C ) where both straps  11  and  13  have a width of 38 mm and a thickness of 2 mm, and strap adjuster  1300  is sized, for example and without limitation, with T 5 =3 mm, L 5 =27 mm, W 5 =53 mm and the opening width S 5  is 38 mm wide. In other embodiments, straps  11  and  13  may have the same or different sizes, ranging from 6 mm to 75 mm, and the size of strap adjuster  1300  may be sized appropriately. 
         [0080]    As shown in  FIG. 13C , the interior protrusion  1306  may be shaped to comprise a first wall that is substantially perpendicular to the top surface of the frame  1302 , a second wall that is adjacent to the first wall and slopes away from the first wall, and a third wall that is substantially opposite the top surface of the frame  1302  and may be separated from the second wall by a rounded portion. All or part of the interior protrusion  1306  may be configured to increase the gripping force applied to a strap  11  by increasing the friction between the interior protrusion  1306  and the strap  11 . In an embodiment, only the third wall of the interior protrusion  1306  is configured to increase the friction between the interior protrusion  1306  and a strap  11 . For example, the third wall may be rough or textured or may include one or more projections. These one or more projections may be triangular in shape. One of skill in the art will readily appreciate that additional shapes may be used for the protrusions. 
         [0081]    As shown in  FIG. 13C , in an embodiment the first crossbar  1308 , second crossbar  1310 , and second end  1312  may be rounded and/or smooth. As will be clear to one of skill in the art, such configuration reduces the friction between these elements and straps  11  and  15 , thereby allowing the straps to more easily slide through the strap adjuster  1300 . This offers several advantages, for example preventing unnecessary wear on strap  15  (shown in  FIG. 14A  as strap portions  1406  and  1408 ) as strap  15  rubs against the strap adjuster  1300 . Similarly, this allows strap  11  to easily move through the strap adjuster  1300  when the strap adjuster is moved to be perpendicular to the strap  11 , such that strap  11  primarily contacts the rounded portion of first crossbar  1310 . Additional benefits will be readily apparent to one of skill in the art. 
         [0082]      FIGS. 14A and 14B  are a perspective view and a bottom view, respectively, of an embodiment of strap adjuster  1300  in use, for example, in an exercise device such as exercise device  80 . In this example, strap portions  1402  and  1404  may be portions of first strap  11 , while strap portions  1406  and  1408  may be portions of strap  15   a . In this configuration, strap adjuster  1300  allows the length of strap  11  to be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the length of the portion of strap  11  that is folded over, that is, the length of portion  1404 . 
         [0083]    Strap keeper  1412  (also referred to as a strap restraint) is generally similar to strap keepers  230  and  803 , strap adjuster  1300  is generally similar to strap adjusters  200  and  805 , and tether  1410  is generally similar to tethers  201  and  807 , except as explicitly noted. 
         [0084]    As shown, first bottom strap portion  1402  passes up through second opening  1316 , over first crossbar  1308 , and down through first opening  1314  and under first end bar  1304 , becoming first top strap portion  1404  which terminates in strap end  1414 . Second bottom strap portion  1406  passes up through second opening  1316 , over second crossbar  1310 , down through third opening  1318  and under second end bar  1312  to become second top strap portion  1408 . Strap portions  1406  and  1408  are attached together, forming a closed loop around second crossbar  1310 . In contrast, strap end  1414  is left free, allowing for the adjustment of the length of strap  11  by pulling on strap end  1414 . 
         [0085]    Both first bottom strap portion  1402  and first top strap portion  1404  pass through strap keeper  1412 . Strap keeper  1412  is similar to end strap keeper  803  and is configured to hold strap portions  1402  and  1404  together. Strap keeper  1412  slides along strap portions  1402  and  1404 , allowing for the length of strap  11  to be adjusted. Strap restraint  1412  is attached to tether  1410 , which is similar to tether  807 . Tether  1410  passes through the closed loop formed by strap portions  1406  and  1408 . Similar to tether  807 , tether  1410  secures strap  11  to strap  15  and thus may provide some support to prevent or slow the separation of components of the exercise device. Additionally, tether  1410  serves to keep strap keeper  1412  near strap adjuster  1300 . 
         [0086]    With reference to  FIG. 8 , in an embodiment, distinctive colors are used on the exercise device  80  to quickly convey to users the proper way to adjust the distance between the grip  17   a  and the anchor strap  83 . For example, strap ends  13   a  and  13   b  may be colored bright yellow while the remainder of strap  11  is colored black. Similarly, straps  15   a  and  15   b  may be colored bright yellow. In this example, a user would place one hand on the yellow portion at strap end  13   a  and the other hand on the yellow portion of strap  15   a  in order to decrease the length between the grip  17   a  and the anchor strap  83  by increasing the length of the portion  11   a - 3  of strap  11  that is folded over. The distance between the grip  17   a  and the anchor strap  83  could be shortened by pulling apart on these two yellow portions  13   a  and  15   a . Conversely, to lengthen the distance between the grip  17   a  and the anchor strap  83 , the user could place one hand on the yellow portion of strap  15   a  and a second hand on the strap-length adjuster  805   a . The distance between the grip  17   a  and the anchor strap  83  could then be increased by pulling on the yellow portion of strap  15   a  while lifting strap adjuster  805   a  towards the user. This use of distinctive colors to highlight the portions  13   a  and  15   a  of the strap  11  that should be grabbed in order to adjust the distance between the grip  17   a  and the anchor strap  83  makes the exercise device  80  easier to use, particularly in a group setting wherein an instructor must quickly convey instructions to a large number of users on how to use the device  80 . 
         [0087]    In another embodiment, distinctive markings may be made along strap  11  to indicate to a user where the strap ends  13   a  and  13   b  should be positioned for particular exercises. For example, a marking such as the letter “A” could be placed on each of strap portions  11   a - 1  and  11   b - 1  so that the distances between each letter “A” and the anchor strap  83  are equal to a first predetermined distance. By positioning strap ends  13   a  and  13   b  on the markings, the distance between the anchor strap  83  and the first grip  17   a  will be equal to the distance between the anchor strap  83  and the second grip  17   b . The marking of the letter “A” thus indicates a first position. In a similar fashion, additional letters (e.g., “B” and “C”) could be placed on each of strap portions  11   a - 1  and  11   a - 2  to indicate additional positions. As will be clear to one of skill in the art, other markings such as arabic numbers (e.g., “1” and “2”), roman numerals (e.g., “I” and “II”), or any other type of marking could also be used. These markings could be created, for example, by stitching them on to the strap  11 . Other methods of creating these markings will be clear to one of skill in the art. These markings may be made in a distinctive color that is different from the color of the strap  11 . For example, the markings could be made in a bright yellow color while the strap  11  is black. In addition to ensuring the distances between the anchor strap  83  and each of the grips  17   a  and  17   b  are equivalent, these markings allow a group of users, each user with a separate exercise device  80 , to quickly adjust each user&#39;s individual exercise device to the same configuration. Further, these markings allow an individual user to quickly and reliably adjust the exercise device  80  to a desired configuration that has previously been used. 
         [0088]    In an embodiment, the markings and the portions of the device  80  (e.g., strap portions  13   a  and  15   a ) with which a user must interact in order to adjust the device  80  are done in the same color (e.g., bright yellow) while the remainder of the device is a different color (e.g., black). In this embodiment, a user will quickly be able to determine the proper method for adjusting the device. 
         [0089]    Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments. 
         [0090]    Similarly, it should be appreciated that in the above description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention.