Adjustable strap apparatus and method for use

• US 9,849,325 B1
• Filed: 06/11/2015
• Issued: 12/26/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 06/13/2014
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Heartfelt Designs Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Heartfelt Designs Incorporated
• Inventors: Robinson, Cheryl Faust
• Primary Examiner(s): Fernstrom, Kurt
• Application Number:
  US14/736,585
• Time in Patent Office: 929 Days
• Field of Search: 434247, 482 92, 482121, 482122, 482124-126, 482131, 224219-221, 224250
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 1/0274 for the upper limbs
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 1/0296 Neck
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/1261 combined with active exercising of the patient
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/1269 Passive exercise driven by movement of healthy limbs
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/1609 Neck
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/1635 Hand or arm, e.g. handle hand-held, A61H2201/0153; fore-arm support, A61H2003/006
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2022/0092 for training agility or co-ordination of movements
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2022/0094 for active rehabilitation, e.g. slow motion devices
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/0004 Exercising devices moving as a whole during exercise bar bells or dumb bells A63B21/072; on wheels A63B22/20
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/00185 using resistance provided by the user, e.g. exercising one body part against a resistance provided by another body part A63B21/068 takes precedence; isometric exercise A63B21/0023
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/4021 to the wrist
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/4025 Resistance devices worn on the user's body A63B21/065 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/03533 With separate means driven by each limb, i.e. performing different movements
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/1209 Involving a bending of elbow and shoulder joints simultaneously
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 19/003 Repetitive work cycles; Sequence of movements

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention provide an adjustable strap apparatus and methods of instructing a patient to perform an exercise using the adjustable strap apparatus. An apparatus according to embodiments of the present invention includes a strap, a plurality of hook patches and a plurality of loop patches joined thereto. A hook patch and a loop patch of the present invention are removably engageable to form pull loops from ends of the apparatus and to form a pull belt between the pull loops. A therapist may instruct a patient to perform a mobilization exercise or a stretching exercise by forming pull loops about extremities of the patient and pulling on the apparatus without grasping to exert a stabilization force or resistance force upon a part of the body of the patient.

Claims

1. An adjustable strap apparatus, comprising:

a strap having a first end and a second end; and

a first outer hook patch, a first inner hook patch, a first outer lateral loop patch, a first inner lateral loop patch, a medial loop patch, a second inner lateral loop patch, a second outer lateral loop patch, a second inner hook patch, and a second outer hook patch each joined to the strap;

wherein a hook patch is removably engageable with a loop patch to form a pull loop from the length of the strap between the engaged hook patch and the engaged loop patch.

2. The adjustable strap apparatus of claim 1, wherein a first of the hook patches is removably engageable with a loop patch to form a first pull loop from the length of the strap between the engaged first of the hook patches and the engaged loop patch;

and a second of the hook patches is removably engageable with a loop patch to form a second pull loop from the length of the strap between the engaged second of the hook patches and the engaged loop patch.

3. The adjustable strap apparatus of claim 2, wherein a length of the strap not forming the first pull loop or the second pull loop forms a pull belt.

4. The adjustable strap apparatus of claim 2, wherein a first of the hook patches and a second of the hook patches are each removably engageable with a loop patch to form a first pull loop from the length of the strap between the engaged first and second of the hook patches and the engaged loop patch;

and a third of the hook patches and a fourth of the hook patches are each removably engageable with a loop patch to form a second pull loop from the length of the strap between the engaged third and fourth of the hook patches and the engaged loop patch.