Patent Publication Number: US-7896784-B2

Title: Stride stretching apparatus and method

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This patent application claims priority to and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/075,078 filed Mar. 7, 2008 now abandoned entitled “Stride Stretcher,” which application is incorporated herein by this reference. 
     This patent application is related to and claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/906,045 filed Mar. 8, 2007 and entitled Stride Stretcher, which application is incorporated herein by this reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This invention relates to device-assisted stretching, as well as associated apparatuses and methods, to access the muscle groups found in the low back, upper thigh, lower legs, and feet, for the purpose of enhancing the gait pattern of the user. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     Some exercises, such as those as in an exercise class, may focus on biomechanical function of the lower body. During such exercises, an instructor may try to obtain certain foot motion using a strap. However, without the ability to stabilize the foot, the stretching activity/exercise may not be effective or as effective as it could be. 
     Often, canvas or woven straps are used in yoga exercises and the like to achieve stretching as about the hips when manual engagement of the feet is used to accomplish the stretch. Additionally, a strap may be used to control the ambulatory/gait activity of the person exercising. 
     The canvas material of the yoga strap would prevent ease of motion about the wrists and elbows which may create excessive tension in the upper body that conflicts with the intent to stretch in a relaxed manner. The present art enables individuals to flex and stretch the foot but without the ability to stabilize the foot, the stretch is not as effective. In the past, the canvas material of the yoga strap also prevented ease of motion about the wrist and elbows, creating excessive tension in the upper body while trying to do a relaxing stretch. 
     As can be understood, the use of single strap against the arch of the foot may be subject to slippage or instability. Consequently, it becomes more difficult to achieve the stretch or exercise desired as focus or concentration may be diverted from the stretch or exercise and delivered to the strap and its engagement with the foot. 
     With regard to existing devices, in the device disclosed by the Fulton patent (U.S. Pat. No. 4,728,103) the apparatus has four strap attachments with five different planes of motion based on the operator&#39;s ability to get straps in the correct position for the stretch they are wanting. By comparison, the current device has only two strap attachments, with only one strap position required to generate the same multi-planar effect on the ankle, knee, and hip joints. In addition, the low mobility population that would be drawn to this piece of equipment could also find the complexity of the Fulton device an inhibitor to executing the exercise correctly. Seniors and those with poor kinesthesia could potentially be lacking the fine motor skill necessary to clamp and unclamp any equipment fasteners. The present device, however, is a simplified, more user-friendly apparatus to achieve correct ankle, knee, hip, and low back mobility. 
     In the device disclosed by Chism et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,582,579), the apparatus prevents the maximal articulation of the ankle and sub-talar joint due to the fitted boot structure. The present device, by comparison, is designed to specifically articulate all joints required for optimal gait, including the ankle and sub-talar joint. 
     In the device disclosed by Sennet (U.S. Pat. No. 5,674,163), the apparatus articulates both hip joints into flexion, but prevents the individual articulation of the pelvis/hip articulation necessary for correct gait pattern. 
     Furthermore, many of the existing devices are not lightweight or portable. 
     Consequently, there are some shortcomings in current exercise straps and the like when used in conjunction with the user&#39;s foot and better engagement/stability is one area open for development. 
     DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of stride and leg stretching devices now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new device by which the user&#39;s gait/stride/leg exercises may be better accommodated and achieved wherein the same can be used for such exercises to improve physical fitness of the individual, particularly at/or below the hips. 
     The general purpose of the present invention, which is described in greater detail below, is to provide a new system by which leg exercises are better and more controllably achieved which has many of the advantage of prior leg/gait exercising systems mentioned heretofore and many novel features that result in a new stride stretching apparatus and method which are not anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, taught, or even implied by any of the prior art leg exercising systems, either alone or in any combination thereof. 
     The present invention disclosed herein better facilitates passive stretching for functional movements of the hips and legs while walking. The user of the present system has the ability to increase the range of motion of the ankle and knee, hips, and lower back. The present system can be used in the home of an individual, in a physical therapy/rehabilitation clinic, and/or in a fitness-class format. 
     The present system provides a unique foot support for holding the foot in an extended fashion with straps to facilitate manipulation of movement of the foot. This design maximizes the range of motion of the ankle in all three planes (sagittal, frontal, and transverse), while also allowing the user to keep the shoulders relaxed and the forearms from gripping excessively. 
     In one embodiment, a foot securing system is used to engage the foot while an elongated strap is attached with one end on either side of the individual&#39;s foot. In another embodiment, the strap is attached towards the front part of the foot-securing device. Other geometries and configurations may be used. The foot-securing device may be in the form of a sandal or the like, for easy engagement with the foot and removable pivoting handles may attach to the elongated strap using a metal hook. By use of removable pivoting handles, the user can better engage the elongated strap in order to control the action on the foot. Additionally, the user&#39;s hand may engage a more comfortable device by which the user can engage and manipulate the present system as well as articulating the foot and/or leg. 
     By enabling greater articulation and control over the articulation and movement of the lower leg by means located at the user&#39;s foot, the present invention enables better stretching and exercise in a manner that is consistent with yoga practices and other exercise systems. 
     Other embodiments of the present invention are set forth in more detail, below, and the embodiments set forth above are made for purposes of example only and not of limitation. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a right side elevational view of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a top plan view of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a front perspective view of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the present invention showing the sole of the unit, front securing strap, front securing hand strap, sole traction pads, sole insert, unit hand strap, and the rear ankle strap. 
         FIG. 5  is a side view of the removable pivoting handles. 
         FIG. 6  is a topside view of the small ankle strap and sole insert. 
         FIG. 7  is a side view of the stride and leg stretching system without the straps attached. 
         FIG. 8  is a top side view of the stride and leg stretching system without the straps attached. 
         FIG. 9  is a view of the unit strap ring. 
     
    
    
     BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION 
     The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of presently preferred embodiments of the invention and is not intended to represent the only forms in which the present invention may be constructed and/or utilized. The description sets forth the functions and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating the invention in connection with the illustrated embodiments. However, it is to be understood that the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the invention. 
     The masculine pronoun is generally used herein to indicate the generic individual and as a matter of convention and convenience. 
     The present invention resides in a foot and leg stretching systems that enables better stretching of the ankle, leg, and hip as well as enabling gait pattern enhancement. The foot is secured in a sandal-like restraint system while a removably attachable strap enables stretching and gait-enhancement. A variety of configurations and positions enable the strap to better manipulate the foot, ankle, leg and hip. 
     Referring to the drawings, where like numerals of reference designate like elements throughout, it will be noted that the stride and leg stretching system provides a unique apparatus that is intended to stretch the area from the user&#39;s foot to the user&#39;s pelvis as a unit. Unlike other stretching gadgets and straps, the stride and leg stretching system set forth herein includes a shoe like member as well as hand controls that allow the user to change the angle of the sub-talar (ankle) joint and not just the sagittal plane, but also in the frontal plane to obtain inversion and/or eversion. 
     The “shoe”  102  of the present systems generally prevents the longitudinal arch of the foot from shortening during stretching, thereby increasing the stretch of the plantar fascia of the foot, this being a component of stretching that is often missing from other stretching tools and devices currently and/or previously known. The stride and leg stretching system  100  also maintains the position of the foot relative to the leg during adduction of the femur, which, in turn, increases the stretch of the hip. 
     One significant feature of the stride and leg stretching system set forth herein is its adjustability and its ability to stretch the entire walking unit of the skeleton from the pelvis to the toes. In the past, although many different stretching routines are required for exercise classes, including those required to become a certified fitness trainer, generally, no single piece of equipment, band, or strap was available to create the type of total stretch available through the stride and leg stretching system of the present invention. 
     The stride and leg stretching system  100  is designed with a hard insole  104  which creates support when articulating the strap  106  in various movements. The hard insole  104  provides the stride and leg stretching system  100  with its ability to be able to be used in a standing position with the user&#39;s full weight bearing on it as well when the user is in a sitting position or when the user is lying down. The sole  108  of the shoe  102  has a hook and loop fastener bottom  110  which provides the left and right strap harnesses  120 ,  122  the ability to be easily adjusted to accommodate feet of various sizes and to allow for proper foot alignment. Both the upper and lower sections  126 ,  128  of the shoe harness  140  are designed to saddle the foot. 
     The stride and leg stretching system has a main strap  106  that has two female ends  130  on it that connect to male ends  132  of the strap harness  124 . Alternatively, one female end  130  may attach to the front male end  136  to provide an additional useful configuration. The stride and leg stretching main strap  106  can be removed from the sole  108  and may have a D-ring  134  at one side of the strap  106  to allow the other female end  130  of the strap to loop through the D-ring  134  and be used as another stretching configuration. 
     Generally, the stride and leg stretching system may have four distinct components, including the main strap  106 , a strap harness  124 , a shoe harness  140  and a shoe sole  108 . 
     In one embodiment, the sole  108  of the stride and leg stretching system  100  may be molded plastic material approximately 3/16 inches thick with a length of approximately 10 inches. The front width may be approximately 4 and ⅝ (4.625) inches with the rear heel insert being approximately 3 inches. Raised sides may be present on the sole  108  and may be approximately 1 inch in height tapering to 2 inches at the heel insert. 
     The hand strap  106  may be soft, pliable woven material approximately 6 feet in length and approximately 1 and ½ (1.5) inches in width. The hand strap  106  may be approximately 1/16 inch thick. A first opening or hand insert  107  may be present in the hand strap  106  approximately 18 inches from the point of attachment with the sole  108 . A corresponding hand insert  107  may be present on the other side of the strap  106 . The hand insert  107  is preferably a series of loops, each being approximately 5 inches long, with about 2 inches between each loop. The loops could be formed by affixing an additional ply of the hand strap  106  to the remainder of the hand strap  106  at the regions marked  109  in  FIG. 4 .  FIG. 4  shows a series of four such loops for the use of hands to articulate the device  100 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , there may be two interchangeable handles  150  used in tandem with the stride and leg stretching system. The handles  150  may have a hollow plastic sleeve approximately 5 inches in width and ¾ inch in diameter. A hook  154  with the hollow plastic sleeve  152  being on the handles  150  may attach to the hand openings of the hand strap  106 . A handle strap  156  connects the sleeve  152  and the hook  154 . The handle strap  156  may be approximately 1 inch thick and 15 inches in length. The pivoting handles  150  removably attach to the main hand strap  106  using the metal hook  154  which is approximately 3 inches long and approximately 3/16 inch in diameter. The mouth  158  of the hook  154  may have a 1-inch opening that enables it to feed into the hand openings of the main hand strap  106 . 
     As shown in an alternative embodiment portrayed in FIGS.  4  and  6 - 8 , a front securing strap  170  of the shoe harness  140  may be used to secure the foot in the sole  108  and/or hard insoles  104  and may be approximately 2 inches wide and 12 inches in length. 
     The front securing hold-downs  172  are situated on either side of the front part of the sole  108 . The front securing hold-downs  172  may be plastic reticular rings with radius edges that may allow the front securing strap  170  to feed through and return over the foot to secure the foot in the unit  100 . The front securing hold-downs may be approximately 2 and ⅜ inches wide by approximately ¾ inches tall. 
     A rear ankle strap  178  of the shoe harness  140  serves to secure the ankle onto the hard insole  104 . The rear ankle strap  178  may be approximately 2 inches wide by approximately 3 inches long by approximately ⅜ inches thick. The rear ankle strap  178  may be constructed of pliable materials so that the ankle may be strapped into place within the unit. 
     A small ankle strap  180  is shown in  FIG. 6  and may be attached to an upward rear collar portion of the sole insert  182  of the system  100 . The small ankle strap  180  may be approximately 6 inches long and approximately 1 inch wide and may be constructed of soft pliable material that serves to seat the heel into the unit. 
     A sole insert  182  as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 8  may be present at the heel portion of the unit  100 . The sole insert  182  may be constructed of memory foam material and may line the inside of the hard plastic molded unit  104 . The sole insert may be approximately 10 inches in length and ½ inch thick material as shown in  FIG. 6 . In  FIG. 6 , the small ankle strap  180  serves to hold the user&#39;s ankle in place on the hard insole  104 . The sole insert  182  may serve to cushion the user&#39;s foot. 
     A sole traction pad  184  may cover the bottom of the sole  108 . The sole traction pad  184  lines the bottom of the sole  108  and may be approximately 8 and ¾ inches in length and approximately 3 and ¼ inches wide at the front while being approximately 2 and ½ inches wide at the rear radius corners for the conforming heel of the sole  108 . 
     A unit strap ring of metal may generally be used to feed the strap  106  through for storage purposes. The unit strap ring  190  may measure approximately 1 and ⅜ inch in diameter and approximately ⅛ inch in thickness. The unit strap ring  190  may be located as desired along the unit, but possible along an exterior portion thereof for the outside of each foot. 
     These and other solutions provided by the present invention will be apparent from a review of the specification herein and accompanying drawings. The foregoing are some of but a few of the goals sought to be attained by the present invention and are set forth for the purposes of example only and not those of limitation. 
     While the present invention has been described with regards to particular embodiments, it is recognized that additional variations of the present invention may be devised without departing from the inventive concept. 
     INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY 
     This invention may be industrially applied to the development, manufacture, and use apparatuses for device-assisted stretching to access the muscle groups found in the low back, upper thigh, lower legs, and feet, for the purpose of enhancing the gait pattern of the user.