Abstract:
A dynamic body stretching device with an elastic loop stitched to a static loop. The elastic loop forms a hand strap with a threaded on end grip handle. The static loop forms a foot loop. Between the elastic loop and the foot loop are threaded on handgrips held in position by buckle type strap locks. The handgrips have mirrored end ovoid shape allowing gripping and pulling from alternative directions.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Not Applicable. 
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not Applicable. 
     REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX 
     Not Applicable. 
     RESERVATION OF RIGHTS 
     A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to intellectual property rights such as but not limited to copyright, trademark, and/or trade dress protection. The owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records but otherwise reserves all rights whatsoever. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to improvements in exercise equipment. More particularly, the invention relates to improvements particularly suited for a stretching apparatus that allows dynamic, active, and static stretching. 
     2. Description of the Known Art 
     As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, exercise and/or stretching devices are known in various forms. Patents disclosing information relevant to various aspects of exercising and stretching include: U.S. Pat. No. 5,984,845 issued to Powers on Nov. 16, 1999; U.S. Pat. No. 5,004,228 issued to Powers on Apr. 2, 1991; U.S. Pat. No. 9,017,235, issued to Khademi on Apr. 28, 2015; U.S. Pat. No. 8,961,376 issued to Sweeney, et al. on Feb. 24, 2015; U.S. Pat. No. 8,944,976 issued to Crowell, et al. on Feb. 3, 2015; U.S. Pat. No. 8,864,637, issued to Leirer on Oct. 21, 2014; U.S. Pat. No. 8,821,359 issued to Kassel on Sep. 2, 2014; U.S. Pat. No. 8,814,762 issued to Butler, et al. on Aug. 26, 2014; U.S. Pat. No. 4,277,062 issued to Lawrence on Jul. 7, 1981; U.S. Pat. No. 8,038,584 issued to Pruessner, et al. on Oct. 18, 2011; U.S. Pat. No. 7,955,236 issued to DiGiovanni, et al. on Jun. 7, 2011; U.S. Pat. No. 7,476,182 issued to DeNisco on Jan. 13, 2009; U.S. Pat. No. 7,172,534 issued to Joy, et al. on Feb. 6, 2007; U.S. Pat. No. 7,153,247 issued to Filkoff on Dec. 26, 2006; U.S. Pat. No. 7,014,602 issued to Yamauchi on Mar. 21, 2006; U.S. Pat. No. 6,840,894 issued to Lerner on Jan. 11, 2005; U.S. Pat. No. 6,450,930 issued to Kroke on Sep. 17, 2002; U.S. Pat. No. 5,277,680 issued to Johnston on Jan. 11, 1994; U.S. Pat. No. 4,819,936 issued to Muller on Apr. 11, 1989; U.S. Pat. No. 4,588,186 issued to Calabrese on May 13, 1986; U.S. Pat. No. 4,456,247 issued to Ehrenfried on Jun. 26, 1984; U.S. Pat. No. 4,177,542 issued to Denney on Dec. 11, 1979; U.S. Pat. No. 3,925,901 issued to McCormick on Dec. 16, 1975; U.S. Pat. No. 3,843,119 issued to Davis on Oct. 22, 1974; U.S. Pat. No. 3,369,809 issued to Morrill, Jr. on Feb. 20, 1968; U.S. Pat. No. 3,119,614, issued to Berry on Jan. 28, 1964; U.S. Pat. No. 324,498, issued to Surbaugh on Aug. 18, 1885; and United States Patent Application 20140329650 filed by Watry on Nov. 6, 2014. Each of these patents and publications is hereby expressly incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
     In addition to the prior art patents cited above, it is important to understand a little additional background information. Athletic trainers, coaches, athletes, fitness enthusiast, and personal trainers all recommend stretching to help performance, reduce injuries, and increase range of motion for flexibility. It is important to keep flexible for good health, athletic performance, and to help reduce injuries. 
     Body stretching is a broad term and it is important to define the specific types of stretching as it will become important as it relates to the present invention. Static stretching means holding a stretch in a challenging but comfortable position for a period of time, usually between 10 and 30 seconds. It is considered safe and more effective at the end of the activity. Dynamic Stretching are active movements, challenging but comfortable, through a range of motion repeatedly, usually 10 repetitions, that bring forth a stretch but are not held in the end position. Dynamic stretching requires more thoughtful coordination than static stretching. It is gaining more favor among athletes and coaches because of the apparent benefits improving functional range of motion in sports and activities. Active stretching means you are stretching a muscle by actively contracting the opposite muscle to the one that you are stretching. An example would be contracting the quadriceps muscle while stretching the hamstring muscle. Passive Stretching means you are using some sort of outside assistance to achieve a stretch, usually another person such as an athletic trainer. 
     For several years it was thought that static stretching was the safest and best way to stretch before and after exercise for sporting events. In recent years, the NBA, NFL, Track and Field and other sports have changed to dynamic stretching prior to the sporting event because it is more effective as a warm up procedure to prepare the muscles for activity and use Static stretching at the end of the workout as part of the cool down phase of training. The present invention is designed to accommodate both dynamic and static stretching in one portable apparatus. 
     From these prior references and information it may be seen that the prior art is very limited in its teaching and utilization, and an improved dynamic body stretching apparatus is needed to overcome these limitations. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to an improved dynamic body stretching device using an elastic loop stitched to a static loop. The elastic loop forms a hand strap with a threaded on end grip handle. The static loop forms a foot loop and between the elastic loop and the foot loop are threaded on handgrips held in position by strap locks. The handgrips have a mirrored end ovoid shape allowing gripping and pulling from alternative directions with a central axial aperture so that the static strap can be folded and threaded through the aperture. 
     In use, the user&#39;s foot is placed in the foot loop and the hands hold onto the opposite end of the apparatus which has an elastic loop with a soft foam or rubber flexible end grip. The user will dynamically stretch specific muscle groups with continuous repetition, changing body positions without the need to let go of the apparatus except to change legs during lower body stretches. The dynamic stretch warm up may last a few minutes and by targeting large muscle groups the heart rate is slightly elevated providing oxygen to the muscles and increasing range of motion. For upper body stretching the center handgrips allow for different people whether short or tall in stature. Each of the mirror ovoid hand grips located between the static foot loop and the elastic loop strap offer the person a choice to pull in either direction providing more options to pull up and down or across the body. Other advanced upper body stretches allow the person to anchor one end to a fixed secure point via a carabiner or equivalent which allows the person to target specific muscles by grabbing the most comfortable handgrip based on their arm length and stature. The elasticity of flat bungee strap loop for example safely stretches to 50 percent of the bungee length. This elasticity component is vital as it provides a transition from the static portion of the apparatus and serves as a shock absorber effect which is dynamic and desired by athletic trainers and coaches to avoid over stretching which can cause soreness and injuries. There are several stretches that combine the elastic loop strap and the middle mirror ovoid handgrips. In addition, there are several stretches that involve only the static foot loop and the elastic loop strap. In another embodiment, the handgrips can be made with foam material that floats so the person can use the apparatus in aquatic exercise classes to stretch the upper body. 
     One advantage of the present invention include that the present invention allows for both static and dynamic stretching without an anchor point. 
     A further advantage of the present invention are the mirror ovoid handgrips with rounded ends to allow the user to pull from either direction which is helpful in many stretch positions. 
     A still further advantage are the loops at each end to allow the user to comfortably stretch in an elongated position. 
     Yet another advantage is the elastic being limited to one end of a static strap allowing for both static and dynamic stretching. 
     Another advantage is that the plurality of mirror ovoid handgrips with rounded ends allows the operator to perform dynamic, active, or static stretches. 
     Another advantage is that the present invention has a comfortable handgrip attached to the elastic end as well as ergonomically designed mirror ovoid handgrips for comfort under tension. 
     Another advantage is that the present invention is designed specifically for dynamic, static, and active stretching without a fixed anchor point. 
     Another advantage is that the present invention has a ratio of 25 percent elastic (which is designed to stretch 50 percent comfortably) to 75 percent static which is more comfortable and effective for dynamic stretching with continuous repetitions to warm up for sports activity. 
     Another advantage is that the present invention has an additional advantage allowing the user to perform static stretches at the end of the activity as part of the cool down phase of training. This is accomplished by using the static foot strap loop and a plurality of ergonomically designed handgrips. 
     The consensus in exercise physiology is that it is best to do dynamic stretching before the sporting event or activity and static stretching at the end of the activity. Another advantage is that the present invention allows for dynamic, static, and active stretching comfortably. 
     Another advantage is that the present invention is practical for all sports activities which can stretch both upper and lower body. 
     Therefore, in view of the above and other disadvantages of prior art body stretching apparatus, it is an object of the present invention to provide a dynamic, static, and active stretching apparatus that enables the user to stretch each muscle group with safe repetitions as part of a warm up routing that prepares the body for the activity in a safe comfortable manner. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide an elastic strap on one end to gradually increase tension while stretching to reduce over stretching which can cause soreness and injury. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide one end of the invention elasticity with a flexible handgrip to comfortably hold while stretching. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide multiple mirror ovoid handgrips that can be pulled from either direction while stretching the upper and lower body. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide handgrips and a static foot strap to be used for static stretching as part of the cool down phase of training. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that can be used for upper and lower body stretches to target specific muscle groups that are hard to stretch allowing continuous repetitions to actively warm up the muscles prior to activity or sporting event. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide handgrips and static foot loop strap to be used to static stretching as part of the cool down after exercise. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to create a versatile apparatus that gives the operator many options for handholds as there are dozens of different stretches that are more efficient to use hand grips and or loops in combination. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to combine a static loop on one end of the invention with the opposite end providing elasticity via an elastic strap loop on the opposite end which is a safer warm up routine as the elastic end acts as a buffer or shock absorber to help prevent over stretching which is common with static stretching and can cause soreness. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to be buoyant to accommodate aquatic exercise classes via the option for floatable foam handgrips as required for stretching in the water. 
     Additionally, it is an object of the present invention to provide a small, practical, inexpensive training device which provides new technology that has been proven in exercise physiology as a more effective way to warm up for fitness enthusiasts, athletes, and physical therapy patients that is easily transportable. 
     These and other objects and advantages of the present invention, along with features of novelty appurtenant thereto, will appear or become apparent by reviewing the following detailed description of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the following drawings, which form a part of the specification and which are to be construed in conjunction therewith, and in which like reference numerals have been employed throughout wherever possible to indicate like parts in the various views: 
         FIG. 1  is an isometric view of the current body stretching apparatus. 
         FIG. 2  is a side of the handgrip with dashed lines showing the internal structure. 
         FIG. 3  is an end view of the handgrip. front view, in a horizontal plane, of the plastic handgrip. 
         FIG. 4  is an isometric view of a stretched version of the body stretching apparatus. 
         FIG. 5  is a side view of the body stretching apparatus. 
         FIG. 6  is a top view of the body stretching apparatus. 
         FIG. 7  is a side view of an operator using the dynamic body stretching apparatus of the present invention between an arm and leg. 
         FIG. 8  is a side view of a an operator using the dynamic body stretching apparatus of the present invention between two arms. 
         FIG. 9  is an exploded view the dynamic body stretching apparatus. 
         FIG. 10  is an end view of the handgrip showing the longitudinal fold of the parallel mid straps. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1 through 10  of the drawings, one may understand various aspects and uses of one embodiment of the present invention&#39;s dynamic body stretching apparatus  100  for use by a user  10 . For consistency in terminology, the user  10  is described as follows. The user  10  is shown with a torso  11  connected to an upper arm  12  connected by an elbow  14  to a lower arm  16  connected by a wrist  18  to the user&#39;s hand  20 . Also shown connected to the user&#39;s torso  11  is an upper leg  22  connected by a knee  24  to a lower leg  26  connected by an ankle  28  to the user&#39;s foot  30 . 
     The dynamic body stretching apparatus  100  includes a loop lower end  102  connected by a middle body  104  to a loop upper end  106 . The lower end  102  and middle body are formed using a base of a static lower strap  200  and the upper end  106  is formed using a base of an upper elastic strap  40 . The static lower strap  200  is approximately fifty seven to seventy three inches in length before it is folded into a loop and the elastic upper strap  400  has an unstretched elastic length of approximately twenty four inches to thirty two inches in length before it is folded into its loop. This maintains an ideal ratio of approximately twenty five percent unstretched elastic material length to seventy five percent static material length. The static lower strap  200  is folded into a loop and the ends are approximately one and a quarter inches with the upper elastic strap  400  and this overlap is secured with sewing stitches  700 . The sewing stitches  700  include at least cross stitches but may be as detailed as a rectangular outline stitch  702  and an inner cross stitch  704 . The stitches  700  are preferably formed from an appropriate synthetic material such as nylon thread that can withstand the stresses involved in the use of the device as well as the long term environmental considerations of exposure to seat, temperature changes, humidity variations, sunlight exposure, transportation, storage, and other environmental characteristics associated with indoor and outdoor sports where the user  10  benefits from stretching with the apparatus  100 . 
     The static lower strap  200  is formed using a flat flexible static body  202  preferably formed from a nylon webbing or the like. The static lower strap  200  includes an outer static face  204 , an inner static face  208 , a first static strap edge  210 , and a second static strap edge  212 . The static lower strap  200  is folded to form a first static side  220  joined by a flexible static end curve  230  to a second static side  240 . The first static side  220  extends from a first static lock end  222  to a first static curve end  224 . Similarly, the second static side  240  extends from a second static lock end  242  to a second static curve end  244 . In this manner, the first static side  220  and the second static side  240  are equal in length. 
     A static end tension lock  250  is secured to the first static side  220  and second static side  240  by routing the static sides  220 ,  240  under a first static cross bar  252 , over a second static cross bar  254 , and back under a third static cross bar  256 . The cross bars  252 ,  254 ,  256  are joined by a first side static connecting frame  258  and second side static connecting frame  260  such that they are fixably positioned to frictionally engage the outer static face  204  of the static lower strap  200 . The static end tension lock  250  defines the foot loop lower end  102  and the middle body  104 . 
     In the middle, the static lower strap  200  forms parallel mid straps  300  with a first middle strap section  302  and second middle strap section  304 . Both middle strap sections  302 ,  304  are placed with their various faces  204 ,  208  aligned and then have the a first static strap edge  210 , and a second static strap edge  212  folded toward each other to form a longitudinal fold  306  to pass through the strap aperture  650  in the mirror ovoid mid handgrips  600 . In this manner, the mirror ovoid mid handgrips  600  are threaded onto the parallel mid straps  300 . In the preferred embodiment, four to five handgrips  600  are provided but it should be understood that the number of handgrips is dependent only on the length of the parallel mid straps  300 . The five provided handgrips  600  include the first handgrip  661 , second handgrip  662 , third handgrip  663 , fourth handgrip  664 , and fifth handgrip  665 . 
     The mirror ovoid mid handgrips  600  are formed with a grip body  602  including a first end  610  with a first flattened face  612  connected by a transition radius  620  to a middle section  630 . The middle section  630  is then connected to the second transition radius  644  to connected to the second flattened face  642  on the second end  640 . The overall length of each handgrip  600  is approximately three inches and the ends are approximately one inch wide. The middle section  630  includes a central mirror line  632  that defines a mirroring point for the two center to end reductions  634  such that they are mirror images of each other. The width of the handgrip  600  at the mirror line is approximately one and five eighth inches. The center to end reductions  634  includes a reducing ovoid outer surface  636  that is gripped by the user&#39;s hand  20  such that these surfaces may be textured if desired. Each end  610 ,  640  forms the termination point for the strap aperture  650  that passes all the way through the mid handgrips  600 . The strap aperture is approximately five eights of an inch in diameter. The mirror ovoid mid handgrips  600  are preferably formed from a hard plastic or can even be formed from foam to give the apparatus  10  buoyancy for use in water. 
     The mirror ovoid mid handgrips  600  are adjustably locked in place by the static end tension lock  250  and the joint end tension lock  350 . Because both the locks  250 ,  350  can be repositioned and the handgrips  600  are slideably adjustable along the length of the mid parallel straps, the apparatus  100  is extremely adjustable and versatile for many body sizes and stretch positions. The parallel mid straps  300  pass through the joint end tension lock  350  in a similar manner to the static end tension lock  250 . The joint end tension lock  350  includes a first joint cross bar  352 , second joint cross bar  354 , and third joint cross bar  356  joined by a first side joint connecting frame  358  and second side joint connecting frame  360 . 
     The static lock ends  222 ,  242  of the parallel mid straps  300  are lapped over and connected with stitches  700  to the first elastic lock end  422  and second elastic lock end  442  of the elastic upper strap  400 . 
     The elastic upper strap  400  is formed with a flat elastic body  402  including an outer elastic face  404 , an inner elastic face  408 , a first elastic strap edge  410 , and a second elastic strap edge  412 . In this manner, the elastic upper strap  400  is basically constructed as a loop of elastic flat bungee cord. The flat elastic body  402  runs from a first elastic side  420  extending from a first elastic lock end  422  to a first elastic curve end  424  where it transitions to a first flexible elastic end curve  430 . The first flexible elastic curve end  430  transitions to a flexible elastic cross section  432  and then to a second flexible elastic end curve  434  to a second elastic curve end  444  of the second elastic side  440  that terminates in the second elastic lock end  442 . In this manner, the first elastic side  420  and the second elastic side  440  are equal in length. 
     The end grip handle  500  defines an inner pass through aperture  504 . The flexible elastic cross section  432  passes through the inner pass through aperture  504  in the end grip handle  500 . The end grip handle  500  also includes an outer grip surface  502 . Both the inner pass through aperture  504  and the outer grip surface  502  extend from the first handle end  506  to the second handle end  508 . The end grip handle  500  is preferably made from a foam rubber. 
       FIG. 7  of the drawings shows the user lying on their back with the torso  11  in a horizontal position for using the stretching apparatus  100  between a hand  20  and foot  30  to stretch the connecting muscles and tissues. The user&#39;s foot  30  is placed in the lower loop end  102 . The static end tension lock  250  is strategically placed as to provide enough space to put the foot  30  into the lower loop end  102 . The joint end tension lock  350  holds the handgrips  600  in place. The user  10  grips the end grip handle  500  on the upper loop end  106  to lift the foot  30  upwards thereby stretching the connecting muscles and tissues. 
       FIG. 8  of the drawings shows the user standing with the torso  11  in a vertical position for using the stretching apparatus  100  between two hands  20  to stretch the connecting muscles and tissues. The upper hand  20  grips one of the handgrips  600  being held in place by the static end tension lock  250 . The joint end tension lock  350  also holds the handgrips  600  in place. The user  10  grips the end grip handle  500  and the two hands  20  apply opposing forces to the end of the device  100  thereby stretching the connecting muscles and tissues either up, down, or they may apply equal forces to do isometric exercises. 
     Reference numerals used throughout the detailed description and the drawings correspond to the following elements: 
     
       
         
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
                 User 10 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                 Torso 11 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Upper arm 12 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Elbow 14 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Lower arm 16 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Wrist 18 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Hand 20 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Upper leg 22 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Knee 24 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Lower leg 26 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Ankle 28 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Foot 30 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 dynamic body stretching apparatus 100 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                 lower loop end 102 
               
               
                   
                   
                 middle body 104 
               
               
                   
                   
                 upper loop end 106 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 static lower strap 200 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                 flat flexible static body 202 
               
               
                   
                   
                  outer static face 204 
               
               
                   
                   
                  inner static face 208 
               
               
                   
                   
                  first static strap edge 210 
               
               
                   
                   
                  second static strap edge 212 
               
               
                   
                   
                 first static side 220 
               
               
                   
                   
                  first static lock end 222 
               
               
                   
                   
                  first static curve end 224 
               
               
                   
                   
                 flexible static end curve 230 
               
               
                   
                   
                 second static side 240 
               
               
                   
                   
                  second static lock end 242 
               
               
                   
                   
                  second static curve end 244 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 static end tension lock 250 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                 first static cross bar 252 
               
               
                   
                   
                 second static cross bar 254 
               
               
                   
                   
                 third static cross bar 256 
               
               
                   
                   
                 first side static connecting frame 258 
               
               
                   
                   
                 second side static connecting frame 260 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 parallel mid straps 300 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                 first middle strap seciton 302 
               
               
                   
                   
                 second middle strap section 304 
               
               
                   
                   
                 longitudinal fold 306 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 joint end tension lock 350 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                 first joint cross bar 352 
               
               
                   
                   
                 second joint cross bar 354 
               
               
                   
                   
                 third joint cross bar 356 
               
               
                   
                   
                 first side joint connecting frame 358 
               
               
                   
                   
                 second side joint connecting frame 360 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 elastic upper strap 400 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                 flat elastic body 402 
               
               
                   
                   
                  outer elastic face 404 
               
               
                   
                   
                  inner elastic face 408 
               
               
                   
                   
                  first elastic strap edge 410 
               
               
                   
                   
                  second elastic strap edge 412 
               
               
                   
                   
                 first elastic side 420 
               
               
                   
                   
                  first elastic lock end 422 
               
               
                   
                   
                  first elastic curve end 424 
               
               
                   
                   
                 first flexible elastic end curve 430 
               
               
                   
                   
                 flexible elastic cross section 432 
               
               
                   
                   
                 second flexible elastic end curve 434 
               
               
                   
                   
                 second elastic side 440 
               
               
                   
                   
                  second elastic lock end 442 
               
               
                   
                   
                  second elastic curve end 444 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 end grip handle 500 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                 outer grip surface 502 
               
               
                   
                   
                 inner pass through aperture 504 
               
               
                   
                   
                 first handle end 506 
               
               
                   
                   
                 second handle end 508 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 mirror ovoid mid handgrips 600 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                 grip body 602 
               
               
                   
                   
                 body shape 603 
               
               
                   
                   
                  first end 610 
               
               
                   
                   
                   first flattened face 612 
               
               
                   
                   
                  transition radius 620 
               
               
                   
                   
                  middle section 630 
               
               
                   
                   
                   central mirror line 632 
               
               
                   
                   
                   center to end reduction 634 
               
               
                   
                   
                    reducing ovoid outer surface 636 
               
               
                   
                   
                  second end 640 
               
               
                   
                   
                   second flattened face 642 
               
               
                   
                   
                  second transition radius 644 
               
               
                   
                   
                 strap aperture 650 
               
               
                   
                   
                 first handgrip 661 
               
               
                   
                   
                 second handgrip 662 
               
               
                   
                   
                 third handgrip 663 
               
               
                   
                   
                 fourth handgrip 664 
               
               
                   
                   
                 fifth handgrip 665 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 sewing stitches 700 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                 rectangular outline stitch 702 
               
               
                   
                   
                 inner cross stitch 704 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     From the foregoing, it will be seen that this invention well adapted to obtain all the ends and objects herein set forth, together with other advantages which are inherent to the structure. It will also be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims. Many possible embodiments may be made of the invention without departing from the scope thereof. Therefore, it is to be understood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. 
     When interpreting the claims of this application, method claims may be recognized by the explicit use of the word ‘method’ in the preamble of the claims and the use of the ‘ing’ tense of the active word. Method claims should not be interpreted to have particular steps in a particular order unless the claim element specifically refers to a previous element, a previous action, or the result of a previous action. Apparatus claims may be recognized by the use of the word ‘apparatus’ in the preamble of the claim and should not be interpreted to have ‘means plus function language’ unless the word ‘means’ is specifically used in the claim element. The words ‘defining,’ ‘having,’ or ‘including’ should be interpreted as open ended claim language that allows additional elements or structures. Finally, where the claims recite “a” or “a first” element of the equivalent thereof, such claims should be understood to include incorporation of one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements.