Stretch Strap

Abstract

The present invention provides in some embodiments, a device for stretching muscles having a series of loops. The device can be formed from strips of elastic material periodically joined in order to form loops. More particularly, a top portion of elastic material can be laid on top of a bottom portion of elastic material. The top and bottom portions of materials can be joined in a variety of ways. A user of the device can engage different body parts with the loops and use the device to facilitate a dynamic stretch of a muscle. Dynamic stretching involves active contraction of the muscle prior to the stretch.

1 . A device for stretching muscles in a body comprising:
 a first elongate portion made from an elastic material having a first end, having a top surface and a bottom surface, and wherein the first elongate portion defines a first longitudinal axis extending a length of the first elongate portion;   a second elongate portion made from an elastic material having a second end, having a top surface and a bottom surface, and wherein the second elongate portion defining a second longitudinal axis extending along a length of the second elongate portion;   wherein the second elongate portion is positioned above a top surface of the first elongate portion and the longitudinal axis of the second elongate portion is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the first elongate portion; and   wherein the second elongate portion is periodically attached to the first elongate portion, such that the first and second elongate portions define a loop between the top surface of the first elongate portion and the bottom surface of the second elongate portion.   
     
     
         2 . The device for stretching of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second elongate portions are formed from one of a polyester, propylene, nylon, or cotton incorporating a natural or synthetic elastomer. 
     
     
         3 . The device for stretching of  claim 1 , wherein the elongation of the first and second elongate portions is limited to between approximately 40% and approximately 80%. 
     
     
         4 . The device for stretching of  claim 1  further comprising the loops being configured to engage at least one of the hands, feet, arms, and legs. 
     
     
         5 . The device for stretching of  claim 1  wherein the first elongate portion and the second elongate portion are attached by sewing. 
     
     
         6 . The device for stretching of  claim 1  further comprising a toe loop configured to engage a toe of a user. 
     
     
         7 . The device for stretching of  claim 1  further comprising between approximately 5 to approximately 10 loops along a length of the device. 
     
     
         8 . The device for stretching of  claim 7  further comprising markers for the loops along the length of the device and configured to provide guidance in stretching the muscles. 
     
     
         9 . A device for stretching muscles in a body comprising:
 a base strip made from an elastic webbing having a first end and a second end and having a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein the first end and the second end define a predetermined length therebetween and wherein the base strip defines a first longitudinal axis extending from the first end to the second end;   a top strip made from an elastic webbing having a first end and a second end and having a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein the top strip defines a second longitudinal axis extending from the first end to the second end, and wherein the top strip is positioned above a top surface of the base strip and the longitudinal axis of the top strip is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the base strip; and   points of attachment between the top strip and the base strip formed periodically along a length of the device, wherein the points of attachment are formed by sewing the top strip to the base strip, such that the base and top strips define a loop between the points of attachment.   
     
     
         10 . The device for stretching of  claim 9 , wherein the base and top strips are formed from one of a polyester, propylene, nylon, or cotton incorporating a natural or synthetic elastomer. 
     
     
         11 . The device for stretching of  claim 9 , wherein the elongation of the base and top strips is limited to between approximately 40% and approximately 80%. 
     
     
         12 . The device for stretching of  claim 9  further comprising the loops being configured to engage one of the hands, feet, arms, and legs. 
     
     
         13 . The device for stretching of  claim 9  further comprising a toe loop positioned at, at least one of, the first end of the base and top strips. 
     
     
         14 . The device for stretching of  claim 9  further comprising between approximately 5 to approximately 10 loops along a length of the device. 
     
     
         15 . The device for stretching of  claim 14  further comprising markers for the loops along the length of the device and configured to provide guidance in stretching the muscles. 
     
     
         16 . A method of dynamic stretching comprising:
 providing an elastic stretching device having elastic loops extending along a length of the device;   engaging a portion of the body with one of the elastic loops of the elastic stretching device;   contracting muscles in the engaged portion of the body;   holding a portion of the elastic stretching device;   moving the engaged portion of the body in a direction to provide a stretch to a muscle; and   using the elastic stretching device to resist the stretch of the muscle in the engaged portion of the body.   
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16  further comprising using markers along the length of the elastic stretching device to provide guidance in stretching the muscles. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 16  wherein the elongation of the elastic stretching device is limited to between approximately 40% and approximately 80%. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 16  further comprising using a toe loop on the elastic stretching device to engage the body for stretching. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 16  wherein the elastic stretching device further comprises approximately 5 to 10 loops along the length of the device.