Field of the Invention

The present invention primarily relates to a device used in exercising, and more particularly to an apparatus for stretching muscles.

Background of the Invention

The stretching out of muscles before exercise is known today to help prevent muscle injury during exercise. To a certain degree a person can stretch his own muscles alone by bending and' twisting. However, certain muscles may be more thoroughly stretched with the aid of another person. A second person can apply extra force to the stretching movements to further enhance the effects of stretching. The need for a second person, however, is a disadvantage in that a second person is not always available when a person must stretch. A need thus exists for an apparatus that allows a single person to more thoroughly stretch their muscles, without the need for a second person to assist them.

Summary Of The Invention This need is met, and the disadvantages of prior stretching methods overcome, by the exercise strap of

the subject invention. Accordingly, a principle object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for stretching muscles.

It is a further object of the invention to provide such an apparatus which can be used by one person without the aid of another person.

The main components of the subject invention include a plurality of means for engaging a limb. These engaging means are connected adjacent to one another and may comprise loops or pockets, for example. The engaging means may be attached to a cord in adjacent fashion. The apparatus for stretching muscles is preferably made of inelastic material such as nylon, or a net-like material _* In its use, one of the engaging means is used to engage a portion of a limb. Engaging means on each side of the "engaged" engaging means are then grasped as the engaged limb is moved in a direction. The grasped engaging means are then pulled in the direction of limb movement, or opposite the direction of ^' limb movement, in order to enhance stretching of muscles in the engaged limb.

Brief Description of the Figures These and other objects, features and advantages of the subject invention will be evident from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a top view of one embodiment of the apparatus of the subject invention wherein the engaging means comprises a pocket;

Figure 2 is a top view of another embodiment of the apparatus of the subject invention wherein the engaging means comprises a loop;

Figure 3 is a top view of a further embodiment of the apparatus of the subject invention wherein the engaging means are attached to a cord;

Figure 4 is a perspective view illustrating use of an apparatus of the subject invention by pulling away from the direction of limb movement; and Figure 5 is a perspective view illustrating use of an apparatus of the subject invention by pulling toward the direction of limb movement.

Detailed Description of the Invention The main components of one preferred embodiment of the subject invention are depicted in Figure 1.

Figure 1 illustrates the apparatus 16 for stretching muscles which comprises a plurality of means for engaging a limb 10 connected adjacent to one another.

The engaging means 10 are sized such that each engaging means could hold part of a human limb, such as a foot, knee, elbow or hand. The engaging means are preferably of equal size, however, the sizes may be varied for specific exercises and function. Any compartment, pocket or loop capable of holding or engaging the above limbs is meant to be encompassed within the term engaging means 10. A pocket 12 is shown in Figure l. In the embodiment of the apparatus 18 shown in Figure 2, the engaging means 20 comprises a loop 14. As shown in Figure 3, the apparatus 22 may be formed by simply attaching a plurality of engaging means 30 to a cord 15.

The invention may be made of various materials having the characteristics of being pliable yet substantially inelastic. An example of such a material is nylon. Alternatively, the material could be a net-like material.

The plurality of engaging means may be formed from a single piece of material. A piece of material that is substantially rectangular may be folded over such that one edge of the material comes in contact with the opposite edge. Then, at certain chosen points the two edges are permanently attached, thereby forming a series of engaging means between the points of attachment. The width of the enclosure may be determined by the distance between the points of attachment, and the depth may be determined by the width of the unfolded material. The points of attachment may be made by stitching, bartacking or bonding the two edges of the material together. The apparatus may further be formed by individually connecting several engaging means, end to end, so that a line of engaging means are formed. The engaging means may be attached by stitching, bartacking or bonding the enclosures together. However, any means for connecting the material forming the engaging means commonly known in the art can be used.

In its use, as shown in Figure 4, one of the plurality of engaging means 34 of the apparatus 24 is used to engage a portion of a limb. Engaging means 32 on each side of the "engaged" engaging means are then grasped as the engaged limb is moved in a direction 36. The grasped engaging means are then pulled 38 opposite the direction of limb movement in

order to enhance stretching of muscles 40 in the engaged limb.

Alternatively, as shown in Figure 5, it may be desirable to pull 48 the grasped engaging means 42 in a direction which is the same direction 46 in which the engaged limb is being moved. Again, however, the force applied to the engaging means 44 of the apparatus 26 enhances stretching of muscles 50 in the engaged limb by creating resistance which increases the benefits of the stretching. This allows the limbs to achieve a greater degree of flexion or extension than would have been possible without the added force applied via the apparatus of the present invention. The present invention can be utilized with any methods of stretching commonly used or known today. Although preferred embodiments have been depicted and described in detail herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art that various modifications, additions, substitutions and the like can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention and these are therefore considered to be within the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.