Strap device for isometric exercise

Abstract

 A device for isometrical exercise having a strap structure, made up as an integral-piece flexible, inextensible strap (1) folded onto itself starting from the two extremities (1'; 1") thereof abutted at the centre (C) of the strap (1), and fixed onto itself along sewing lengths (3', 3"; 5', 5"; 7', 7"; 9', 9"; 11', 11") staggered at a distance along the strap structure, defining a strap mesh chain, made up of the strap lengths left not sewn, connected by the sewing lengths, including a pair of extreme meshes constituting handle meshes (21', 21"), and at least a pair of intermediate meshes (13A', 13B'; 13A", 13B"; 15A', 15B'; 15A", 15B"; 17A', 17B'; 17A", 17B"; 19A', 19B'; 19A", 19B") constituting opening meshes for inserting a respective foot or hand thereinto (FIG. 1).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a device dedicated to strengthening and toning of muscle mass, for sporting and rehabilitative use.

[0002] More specifically, the present invention relates to a flexible inextensible strap device for isometric exercise.

PRIOR ART

[0003] Elastic strap devices for physical exercise are known, which however are exclusively fit for isotonic, i.e. movement, exercise, in contrast with isometric exercise, with muscle effort without movement, and therefore fall out of the field of the present invention.

[0004] Devices for physical exercise having a flexible, inextensible strap structure are disclosed in Documents US 6,921,354 B1 (SHIFFERAW, TESSEMA DOSHO), of 26th July, 2005, having the title "EXERCISE HARNESS AND METHOD" (Document D1 hereinafter); US 8,007,413 B1 (Wu, YING-CHING), of 30th August 2011, having the title "EXER-CISER WITH LENGTH-ADJUSTABLE INELASTIC STRAP" (Document D2 hereinafter); US 2004/0204300 A1 (HETRICK, RANDAL A.), of 14th October, 2004, having the title "EXERCISE DEVICE INCLUDING ADJUSTABLE, INELASTIC STRAPS" (Document D3 hereinafter); US 2009/0075788 A1 (HETRICK, RANDAL), of 19th March, 2009, having the title "INELASTIC EXERCISE DEVICE HAVING A LIMITED RANGE" (Document D4 hereinafter); US 2009/0075790 A1 (HETRICK, RANDAL) of 19th March, 2009, having the title "COMBINATION ANCHOR FOR AN EXERCISE DEVICE" (Document D5 hereinafter). The devices for physical exercise disclosed in Documents D1 to D5 envisage a length adjustment by means of buckles, and rigid handles for holding them, and for the use thereof they require fixing thereof to a bearing structure.

[0005] Document US 5,518,486 (SHEELER, JUDITH M.), of 21st May, 1996, having the title "EXERCISE STRAP DEVICE" (Document D6 hereinafter) discloses a physical exercise device including a flexible, inextensible strap structure, having a buckle-adjustable length, having a mesh with a buckle-adjustable wideness to insert a foot thereinto at an end, and a handle mesh with a buckle-adjustable wideness at the other end, with a hollow cylinder slideably assembled along it, and fit for making grip thereon by the hand of a user. For exercising both limbs contemporaneously, D6 envisages the use of two such devices in combination. By holding the handle in a hand on a side, and arranging a foot in the mesh relevant thereto, the user exerts opposite forces between the arms and the legs in a series of exercises being lying on the back, standing or sitting. By changing the intensity of the exerted forces and the movement velocity, the user can do isometric, isotonic, stretching or aerobic exercises.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0006] In isometric exercise the muscle tenses without movement, in that the generated force load is based on the constraint reaction of a rigid and stationary system.

[0007] In the training or in muscle strengthening, physical exercise is performed giving a lot of space to isotonic movement and proportionally leaving out the isometric one. However, the latter represents the ground of the muscular force utilized for posture or for the holding and the thrusting of all movements; these ones need force and an initial static thrust to be triggered, and the development of such a force is ensured by isometric exercise. Moreover, isometric principle has the advantage of ensuring the possibility of exercise for those who are to recover force, but it is impossible for them to perform movements. Isometric exercise, training muscles without movement, but through holding and static thrusting only, is fundamental for all those uses in injury medical-rehabilitative context, where a strengthening of musculature is necessary in the absence of movement.

[0008] The concept pertains to the state-of-the-art of exploiting the functionality of isometric exercise through devices having a flexible, inextensible band structure. The nearest prior art device is the one disclosed in D6 above. However, such devices are characterized by the presence of rigid handles, that leaves out the use thereof with wrists, and of mechanical buckle length adjustments and have such a size as to detract from the versatility thereof, reducing the quality of possible exercises, and, moreover, making the use almost impossible thereof for those who are affected by articular mutilations. Buckle adjustments, moreover, constitutes weakening elements, exposed to rupture.

OBJECTS, CHARACTERISTICS AND ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

[0009] In consideration of the significance of isometric exercise, and of the shortcomings of band i.e. strap devices put into evidence, the present invention puts itself the object of providing a strap device for isometric exercise that overcomes such shortcomings.

[0010] To reach such an object and obtain versatility, easiness of use and maximization of exploitation, the present invention in a strap device for sporting or rehabilitative isometric exercise, including a strap structure in a flexible inextensible material, including a handle strap mesh and a strap mesh to insert a foot or a hand thereinto, teaches the contrivance of constituting the strap structure as a strap mesh chain connected in succession through strap lengths, including a pair of extreme meshes constituting handle meshes, and at least a pair of intermediate meshes between said extreme meshes along the chain, constituting opening meshes to insert a respective foot or a hand thereinto.

[0011] Such a contrivance makes the inventive device the only means of its category that allows not to have to use the grip of hands for many of the potential exercises.

[0012] The opening meshes along the strap structure are studied to obtain an easy adjustment of the work length of the device as a function of performed exercises; such a structure gives the possibility to adjust the use position without addition of hooks, buckles or various mechanisms, decreasing the weight of the device ensuring an easy transportation thereof, wound as a spiral onto itself, and the use thereof in reduced spaces. In this way the inventive device can also be utilized by mutilated persons.

[0013] The inventive device has a unique capability of an immediate and intuitive adjustment of the work length, without the use of external adjustment mechanical means such as belts or buckles.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment the inventive device is made up as an high-strength integral piece of flexible inextensible strap, as can be realized for instance with a synthetic material, particularly polypropylene or nylon, folded onto itself starting from the two extremities thereof abutted at the centre of the strap, and fixed onto itself on symmetrical lengths having equal lengths on the one and the other side with respect to the centre. To fix the strap onto itself, sewing lengths may be utilized carried out with a high-resistance system in an outer holding quadrilateral and a diagonal cross on the four angles of the quadrilateral. The strap structure so constituted has a maximum tension which is double of that of the utilized starting strap, consequently to the conjunction of two overlaid lengths in parallel thereof.

[0015] The inventive device, by virtue of the fact that it does not have rigid parts and that it can be fitted to any condition, can be used for a variety of exercises that may be performed standing, sitting, laying or, by attaching the device upwards to a bearing structure, under suspension. Opening meshes are of use to position feet and hands in a differentiated manner so as to ensure the lengthening or the shortening of the device, as a function of the exercise performed. The inventive device may be utilized for both strengthening exercises, with a dedicated programme, and exercises in support of sporting and/or training programmes to the end of improving athletic performance; it may likewise be utilized in muscular and articular rehabilitation.

[0016] Exercise with the inventive strap device, of both strengthening and toning, is performed by applying a constant effort on the part of the user, who adjusts the intensity thereof based on the utilized force and on the holding time of the exercise; an opposite traction or thrust force is actually impressed to the device. The latter is so positioned, as to ensure an opposite and irremovable force with respect to the force applied by the user. The positions of the exercises, independently of the force employed by the user, may be held for instance for 6 to 9 or 15 seconds and respectively represent the correct value for a low-, medium- or high-intensity training.

[0017] The inventive strap device for sporting and rehabilitative exercise, by virtue of the versatility of its not elastic and light high-toughness structure which does not have rigid or mechanical parts, allows exercises to be performed aimed at strengthening, at toning only or at recovering muscular atrophy following traumata, lesions or inactivity. Such a versatility is allowed by the utilization of isometric training principle. When the strap device is utilized, the muscle contracts without movement, in that the generated force load is based on a rigid and immovable system. Therefore, a tension not accompanied by a movement is developed, which based on the generated force is incremental up to the maximum of the user. The utilization of the inventive strap device, therefore, will produce a force increment which, based on the seconds of utilization and on the thrust force employed by the user will be the more or less incremental. Such a system, moreover, reduces the possibility of training injuries, in that it does not allow any possibility of movement; ensuring the use for those too who have to recover force, but are unable to do movements.

[0018] The inventive device has a series of advantages. In the field of sports training the advantages are offered by the possibility of a incremental use of a force not restricted, if not the one of the athlete, utilizing the device as a support of all sports and trainings put into practice till today.

[0019] The flexibility of the inventive strap structure in the integrity thereof, including the handle and the various adjustment meshes, differently from the strap devices of known art, renders the inventive device utilizeable by both normally able subjects and subjects having particular physical handicaps.

[0020] Another advantage of the inventive device is that till now rehabilitative isometric exercise often has been restricted by the need for the presence of a physiotherapy operator who makes the patient to perform exercises of isometric type with a high efficiency; by virtue of the inventive device, the patient on indication of the physiotherapist will be able to operate autonomously and to considerably increment the recovery from injury or from muscular atrophy.

[0021] Therefore, the inventive strap device for isometric exercise ensures the maximization of the exploitation of isometric exercise. On the other hand, it may by utilized as an aid for training programmes, ensuring a full warming of muscular fasciae and sensibly reducing the risk of injury.

SUBJECT-MATTER OF THE INVENTION

[0022] Therefore, it is the subject-matter of the present invention a flexible inextensible strap device for isometric exercise according to Claim 1.

[0023] Preferred embodiments are set forth in dependant claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The present invention will be fully understood based on the following detailed description of preferred embodiments thereof, only given as a matter of example, absolutely not of restriction, having reference to the annexed drawings, wherein:

• FIGURE 1 is an overall view of the inventive device;
• FIGURE 2 depicts an extreme mesh of the inventive device;
• FIGURE 3 depicts an intermediate mesh of the inventive device;
• FIGURE 4 depicts an intermediate sewing length of the inventive device;
• FIGURE 5 depicts two central sewing lengths, abutted the one onto the other at the centre of the strap;
• FIGURES 6 to 15 depict various exercises that can be performed with the inventive device.

DISCLOSURE OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0025] Having reference to FIGURES 1 to 5, according to a preferred embodiment the inventive strap device is made up as an integral-piece strap 1 having a length of 6 metres and a width of 3 centimetres, and which is flexible and inextensible (by 'flexible' and 'inextensible' attributes are meant in the present application not in the abstract sense of Rational Mechanics, but in the real sense respectively as 'sensibly flexible' and 'sensibly inextensible'). The strap, for instance, may be in a high-toughness synthetic material, for instance in nylon; according to a preferred embodiment the strap is in polypropylene with a maximum tension of 450 kg-force, for a total weight as light as 130 grammes. However, the strap could also be in a natural fibre, for instance cotton. The strap is folded onto itself, starting from the two extremities 1'; 1" thereof abutted at centre C of the strap, and fixed onto itself along pairs of lengths 3', 3"; 5', 5"; 7', 7"; 9', 9"; 11', 11" staggered at a distance therebetween, the one on a side and the other on the other side with respect to centre C of the strap in each pair, starting from two central lengths abutted at the centre of the strap with said extremities 1', 1" each one having a length of 16 centimetres, and with other eight intermediate lengths having a length of 6 centimetres, at an equal distance of 22 centimetres the one from the other along the folded strap structure so formed, which so turns out to have a halved length of 3 metres and a redoubled thickness, and therefore having a doubled maximum tension. To fix strap 1 onto itself, sewing lengths may be utilized, as depicted in FIGURE 2 and in FIGURE 3, with a high-strength system with an outer holding quadrilateral 101 and diagonal cross 103 on the four angles of the quadrilateral. The sizes indicated above are only examples and may be changed without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0026] So, in the disclosed structure, eight pairs of intermediate opening ansae turn out to be defined 13A', 13B'; 13A", 13B"; 15A', 15B'; 15A", 15B"; 17A', 17B'; 17A", 17B"; 19A', 19B'; 19A", 19B", from the two strap branches which are juxtaposed, but left not sewn between sewing lengths 3', 3"; 5', 5"; 7', 7"; 9', 9"; 11', 11". The pairs of ansae form as many opening meshes, in pairs of meshes, the one on a side, the other on the other side with respect to centre C of the strap structure. In this embodiment each opening ansa has a length of 22 centimetres. The opening ansae, according to a preferred embodiment, bear an identification sign S13; S15; S17; S19 of the belonging to the same pair of opening meshes, serving to allow an immediate recognition of the pairs of opening meshes and so to facilitate the positioning of feet or hands in the device. The identification signs may be arranged in each pair on an only ansa, the one belonging to the same juxtaposition branch of strap 1 onto itself in the strap structure, on the strap branch face turned outwardly, as depicted in FIGURE 1.

[0027] At the ends of the strap structure, on the other hand, two handle meshes 21', 21" turn out to be defined each one by a respective strap branch left not sewn having a length of 44 centimetres, with an apex in the sewing.

[0028] So a chain of meshes turns out to be formed, connected through the sewing lengths, including a pair of handle extreme meshes 21', 21", and at least a pair of intermediate meshes 13', 13"; 15', 15"; 17', 17"; 19', 19" to insert a respective foot or hand therein, and so the subject-matter of the present invention is realized.

[0029] The disclosed strap device is easily transported and has a minimum encumbrance; the spiral winding thereof in fact implies an encumbrance which can be reduced to a diameter equal to 12 centimetres with a height equal to 3 centimetres.

[0030] The exercises that can be performed with the inventive device are manifold; basic ten thereof, which involve all of the muscular masses are set forth hereinafter, having reference to FIGURES 6 to 15:

• (Exercise 1) having reference to FIGURE 6, while standing, position the device by inserting the feet in the adjustment opening meshes that turn out to be fit for the height of the user; utilize indication signs S13, S15; S17; S19 present on the ansae to define symmetry. Hold the device by the two handles 21', 21" thereof with the palm of the hand turned upwards and pull upwards. This movement mainly ensures strengthening the muscles of arms, also involving the muscles of the bust;
• (Exercise 2) having reference to FIGURE 7, while standing, position the device by inserting the feet in the adjustment opening meshes that turn out to be fit for the height of the user; utilize identification signs S13, S15; S17; S19 present on the ansae to define symmetry. Insert the hands in handles 21', 21" till positioning these ones on the wrists with the palms downwards. Pull frontally upwards. This movement mainly ensures strengthening deltoid and pectoral muscle, also involving the muscles of the bust;
• (Exercise 3) having reference to FIGURE 8, while standing, position the device by inserting the feet in the adjustment opening meshes that turn out to be fit for the height of the user; utilize identification signs S13, S15; S17; S19 present on the ansae to define symmetry. Insert the hands in handles 21', 21" till positioning them on the wrists with the palms downwards. Widen the arms cross-like and pull upwards. This movement mainly allows strengthening of deltoid muscle, also involving the muscles of the bust;
• (Exercise 4) having reference to FIGURE 9, while standing, bend the bust forwards, without reaching 90°. Position the device by inserting the feet in the adjustment opening meshes that turn out to be fit for the height of the user; utilize indication signs S13, S15; S17; S19 present on the ansae to define symmetry. Insert the hands in handles 21', 21" till positioning them on the wrists with the palms downwards and pull laterally upwards. This movement mainly ensures strengthening of deltoid and dorsal muscle and involves all the muscles of the back;
• (Exercise 5) having reference to FIGURE 10, while standing, bend the bust forwards, without reaching 90°. Position the device by inserting the feet in the adjustment opening meshes that turn out to be suitable to the height of the user; utilize indications signs S13, S15; S17; S19 present on the ansae to define symmetry. Hold the device with the palms of the hands turned upwards. This movement mainly ensures strengthening the dorsal muscle and involves all of muscles of the back;
• (Exercise 6) having reference to FIGURE 11, while standing, position the device by inserting the feet in the adjustment opening meshes that turn out to be fit for the height of the user; utilize identification signs S13, S15; S17; S19 present on the ansae to define symmetry. The arms are to be stretched out and perpendicular to the ground. Hold 21', 21" the device with the palms of the hands turned towards oneself and pull upwards. This movement mainly ensures strengthening the muscles of the neck involving the whole structure of the shoulders;
• (Exercise 7) having reference to FIGURE 12, while standing, position the device by inserting the feet in the adjustment opening meshes that turn out to be fit for the height of the user; utilize the identification signs S13, S15; S17; S19 present on the ansae to define symmetry. The arms are to be stretched out and perpendicular to the ground. Hold 21', 21" the device with the palms of the hands turned towards oneself and push with the tips of the feet trying to lift oneself from the ground. This movement mainly ensures strengthening of the calf, involving the whole structure of the body;
• (Exercise 8) having reference to FIGURE 13, while standing, position the device by inserting the feet in the adjustment opening meshes that turn out to be fit for the height of the user; utilize the identification signs S13, S15; S17; S19 present on the ansae to define symmetry. The arms are to be stretched out and perpendicular to the ground and the legs bent. Hold 21', 21" the device with the palms of the hands towards oneself and push downwards by utilizing the muscles of the legs trying to lift oneself from the ground. This movement mainly ensures strengthening of the muscles of the legs and of the calf involving the whole structure of the body;
• (Exercise 9) having reference to FIGURE 14, lay down on the ground and position the device by inserting the feet in the adjustment opening meshes that turn out to be fit for the height of the user; utilize indication signs S13, S15; S17; S19 present on the ansae to define symmetry. The arms are to be stretched out and parallel to the ground and the legs are to be bent. Hold 21', 21" the device with the palms of the hands turned towards oneself and push by utilizing the muscles of the legs trying to straighten the legs. This movement mainly ensures strengthening the muscles of the legs and of the calf involving the whole structure of the body;
• (Exercise 10) having reference to FIGURE 15, lay down on the ground and position the device by inserting the feet in the adjustment opening meshes that turn out to be fit for the height of the user; utilize indication signs S13, S15; S17; S19 present on the ansae to define symmetry. The arms are to be stretched and parallel to the ground and the legs stretched to form an angle of about 140° with the bust. Hold 21', 21" the device with the palms of the hands turned towards oneself and push the legs towards the ground. This movement mainly ensures strengthening of glutei, of lumbar muscles and of the muscles of the legs involving the whole structure of the body.

[0031] The indicated exercises, performed regularly or associated with a more articulated training programme, are sufficient to ensure the correct use of the inventive strap device for isometric exercise and the short-term results. The described positions and exercises may also be different from those indicated and performed in con-comitancy or as a support of an isotonic training programme at both an amateur and professional level.

[0032] The present invention has been disclosed and depicted having reference to preferred embodiments thereof, but it is to be understood that variations, additions or omissions may be made without departing from the scope of protection relevant thereto, which only remains defined by the annexed claims.

Claims

1. A strap device for isometric exercise, including a flexible, inextensible material strap structure, characterized in that said strap structure is made up of a chain, having two extremities and a centre (C) equidistant therefrom along the chain, of a flexible, inextensible strap meshes connected by means of flexible, inextensible strap lengths, including a pair of extreme meshes constituting handle meshes (21', 21"), and at least a pair of intermediate meshes (13A', 13B'; 13A", 13B"; 15A', 15B'; 15A", 15B"; 17A', 17B'; 17A", 17B"; 19A', 19B'; 19A", 19B") constituting opening meshes for inserting a respective foot or hand thereinto, the one on a side and the other on the other side with respect to said centre (C) of the strap structure in each pair, between said extreme meshes (21', 21").

2. A strap device for isometric exercise according to Claim 1, wherein said meshes of each pair are arranged along said strap structure in positions symmetrical to each other with respect to said centre (C) of said strap structure.

3. A strap device for isometric exercise according to Claim 1, characterized in that said strap structure is formed as an integral-piece flexible, inextensible strap (1) folded onto itself starting from the two extremities (1'; 1") thereof abutted at the centre (C) of the strap (1), and fixed onto itself along fixation lengths (3', 3"; 5', 5"; 7', 7"; 9', 9"; 11', 11") staggered at a distance along said strap structure, in pairs of a length on a side and the other on the other side with respect to said centre (C) of the strap structure in each pair.

4. A strap device for isometric exercise according to Claim 3, wherein said lengths (3', 3"; 5', 5"; 7', 7"; 9', 9"; 11', 11") of fixation of said strap (1) onto itself are realized with sewing lengths made with an outer holding quadrilateral (101) and a diagonal cross (103) at the four angles of the quadrilateral.

5. A strap device for isometric exercise according to Claim 1, wherein said flexible, inextensible material is a synthetic material.

6. A strap device for isometric exercise according to Claim 5, wherein said synthetic material is polypropylene.

7. A strap device for isometric exercise according to Claim 1, wherein each one of said opening meshes bears identification signs (S) of the pair which it belongs to.

Amended claims

Amended claims in accordance with Rule 137(2) EPC.

1. A strap device for isometric exercise, including a flexible, inextensible material strap structure, characterized in that said strap structure is made up of a chain, having two extremities and a centre (C) equidistant therefrom along the chain, of a flexible, inextensible strap meshes connected by means of flexible, inextensible strap lengths, including a pair of extreme meshes constituting handle meshes (21', 21"), and at least a pair of intermediate meshes (13A', 13B'; 13A", 13B"; 15A', 15B'; 15A", 15B"; 17A', 17B'; 17A", 17B"; 19A', 19B'; 19A", 19B") constituting opening meshes for inserting a respective foot or hand thereinto, the one on a side and the other on the other side with respect to said centre (C) of the strap structure in each pair, between said extreme meshes (21', 21")
characterized in that said strap structure is formed as an integral-piece flexible, inextensible strap (1) folded onto itself starting from the two extremities (1'; 1") thereof abutted at the centre (C) of the strap (1), and fixed onto itself along fixation lengths (3', 3"; 5', 5"; 7' , 7"; 9', 9"; 11' , 11") staggered at a distance along said strap structure, in pairs of a length on a side and the other on the other side with respect to said centre (C) of the strap structure in each pair..

2. A strap device for isometric exercise according to Claim 1, wherein said meshes of each pair are arranged along said strap structure in positions symmetrical to each other with respect to said centre (C) of said strap structure.

3. A strap device for isometric exercise according to Claim 3, wherein said lengths (3', 3"; 5', 5"; 7', 7"; 9', 9"; 11', 11") of fixation of said strap (1) onto itself are realized with sewing lengths made with an outer holding quadrilateral (101) and a diagonal cross (103) at the four angles of the quadrilateral.

4. A strap device for isometric exercise according to Claim 1, wherein said flexible, inextensible material is a synthetic material.

5. A strap device for isometric exercise according to Claim 5, wherein said synthetic material is polypropylene.

6. A strap device for isometric exercise according to Claim 1, wherein each one of said opening meshes bears identification signs (S) of the pair which it belongs to.

Drawing