STRETCHING APPARATUS AND METHOD OF STRETCHING

Abstract

A hands-free human exercise apparatus and method, including a method of use. The stretching apparatus and method promote beneficial stretching of ambulatory muscles for a broad spectrum of users, to maintain and increase flexibility and dexterity, improved joint health, mobility, or pain management, and facilitating greater balance and proprioception and stimulating rehabilitation. The apparatus includes a multi-directional, multi-configurable, and adjustable harness comprising a one or dual strap configuration having a unique multi joint activating foot anchor. The apparatus and method facilitate stretching of a single leg, or both legs, through the ambulatory chain of muscles and joints, and with the foot anchor exploiting the flexion of the spine, full extension of the leg and pelvis, and the full flexion of the user's foot.

Claims

1: A method for stretching exercise comprising: disposing a harness body on a torso of a user; connecting at least one lower extremity fulcrum strap to the harness body; engaging at least one lower extremity with the at least one extremity fulcrum strap; and tensioning the at least one lower extremity fulcrum strap.

2: The method according to claim 1 wherein the step of disposing a harness system comprises: providing a diaphragm bolster connected to the harness body; and releasably securing, with an adjustable waist belt, the diaphragm bolster around the torso.

3: The method according to claim 2 wherein the step of disposing the harness system further comprises: providing adjustable shoulder straps connected to the harness body; placing the shoulder straps over the user's shoulders; releasably connecting the shoulder straps to the diaphragm bolster; and positioning the diaphragm bolster by adjusting effective lengths of the shoulder straps.

4: The method according to claim 3 wherein the step of connecting at least one lower extremity fulcrum strap to the harness body comprises: attaching an adjustable anchor loop to a side of the diaphragm bolster; engaging the at least one lower extremity fulcrum strap to the anchor loop; and adjusting an effective length of the anchor loop.

5: The method according to claim 4 wherein the step of engaging the at least one lower extremity fulcrum strap to the anchor loop comprises: situating a camming buckle on the anchor loop; and threading the at least one lower extremity fulcrum strap through the camming buckle.

6: The method according to claim 5 wherein the step of connecting at least one lower extremity fulcrum strap to the harness body comprises connecting two lower extremity straps to the harness body.

7: The method according to claim 5 further comprising securing a foot anchor to the at least one lower extremity fulcrum strap.

8: The method according to claim 7 wherein the step of securing a foot anchor to the at least one lower extremity fulcrum strap comprises securing the fulcrum strap to the foot anchor at a connection location wherein, when a user's foot is engaged with the foot anchor, the connection location is between the user's first and second metatarsal bones.

9: The method of claim 8 wherein the step of securing a foot anchor further comprises: providing a toe box; and providing a heel loop.

10: The method of claim 9 wherein the step of connecting at least one lower extremity fulcrum strap to the harness body comprises connecting two lower extremity fulcrum straps to the harness body, and further comprising: providing a first toe box on a first foot anchor; and providing a second heel loop on a second foot anchor; wherein the step of engaging at least one lower extremity with the at least one extremity fulcrum strap comprises: extending a first leg; engaging, with the first toe box, toes of the extended first leg; and engaging, with the second heel loop, a heel of the extended first leg.

11: The method of claim 10 further comprising adjusting an effective length of at least one of the two lower extremity fulcrum straps by controllably actuating or releasing the camming buckle.

12: The method of claim 11 further comprising stretching the first extended leg by cross-body motion.

13: The method of claim 12 further comprising: adjusting an extent of cross-body motion of the extended leg; adjusting a degree of plantar flexion in the foot; and adjusting a stretching of an ambulatory chain of muscles and joints of the extended leg.

14: The method of claim 9 wherein the step of connecting at least one lower extremity fulcrum strap to the harness body comprises connecting two lower extremity fulcrum straps to the harness body, and further comprising: providing a first toe box on a first foot anchor; providing a second toe box on a second foot anchor; providing a first heel loop on the first foot anchor; and providing a second heel loop on the second foot anchor; wherein the step of engaging at least one lower extremity with the at least one extremity fulcrum strap comprises: extending a first leg; extending a second leg; engaging, with the first toe box, toes of the extended first leg; engaging, with the second toe box, toes of the extended second leg; engaging, with the first heel loop, a heel of the extended first leg; and engaging, with the second heel loop, a heel of the extended second leg.

15: The method of claim 14 further comprising adjusting an effective length of at least one of the two lower extremity fulcrum straps by controllably actuating or releasing the camming buckle.

16: The method of claim 15 further comprising extending the first and second legs in a split configuration.

17: The method of claim 16 further comprising: adjusting a degree of plantar flexion in the first foot; adjusting a degree of plantar flexion in a second foot; adjusting a stretching of an ambulatory chain of muscles and joints of the extended first leg; and adjusting a stretching of an ambulatory chain of muscles and joints of the extended second leg.

18: The method of claim 9 wherein the step of connecting at least one lower extremity fulcrum strap to the harness body comprises connecting two lower extremity fulcrum straps to the harness body, and further comprising: providing a first heel loop connected to a first fulcrum strap; and providing a second heel loop connected to a second fulcrum strap; wherein the step of engaging at least one lower extremity with the at least one extremity fulcrum strap comprises: engaging, with the first heel loop, a knee of a first leg; engaging, with the second heel loop, a knee of a second leg.

19: The method of claim 18 further comprising adjusting an effective length of at least one of the two lower extremity fulcrum straps by controllably actuating or releasing the camming buckle.

20: The method of claim 19 further comprising correcting posture during sitting, wherein the step of controllably actuating or releasing the camming buckle comprises providing a tension for incremental extension of the user's spine via a support provided by the diaphragm bolster.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and form a part of the specification, illustrate one or more embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. The drawings are only for the purpose of illustrating one or more preferred embodiments of the invention and are not to be construed as limiting the invention. In the drawings:

[0010] FIG. 1 diagrammatically illustrates a front view of the preferred embodiment of the stretching apparatus of the present invention, with the inset of FIG. 1 detailing the adjustability function of the harness;

[0011] FIGS. 2A and 2B are a left side view and a front perspective view, respectively, of the fully adjustable foot anchor according to the invention;

[0012] FIGS. 3A and 3B are anterior (front) and posterior (back) views, respectively, of one embodiment of the stretching apparatus as worn by a user;

[0013] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a person using both extremity fulcrum straps for a single leg extension in front and across the body, according to the present invention;

[0014] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a person using both extremity fulcrum straps for a dual leg extension in a split configuration, according to the present invention;

[0015] FIG. 6 is a side view of a person using a the extremity fulcrum strap for a single leg extension in front kick stance, according to the present invention;

[0016] FIG. 7A is a right side view of a person using the extremity fulcrum straps of a preferred embodiment, with associated heel loops, as a posture correction apparatus; and

[0017] FIG. 7B is a right side view of a person using the apparatus simultaneously as a corrective posture device and as a stretching apparatus, by positioning the heel loop of one fulcrum around one knee joint, and utilizing a second fulcrum strap and associated foot anchor to extend the opposing leg into a flexed position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The present disclosure is of an easily configurable exercise apparatus that provides a fulcrum harness system, with one or two associated foot anchor(s), for performing a variety of movements, exercises and stretches. The method of using the apparatus and the construction of the apparatus are detailed in the following disclosure. A harness body is devised to be worn about the torso of the user, and has at least one, preferably two, anchor loops secured thereto and adjustably extending therefrom. In the practice of the invention, a user's leg/foot interact with the harness body by means of a foot anchor operatively connected to the harness body by a lower extremity fulcrum strap adjustably engaged with an associated anchor loop.

[0019] A stretching apparatus comprising a multi-functional, multi-configurable, hands-free harness system with a unique multi joint activating foot anchor accordingly is disclosed. The preferred embodiment comprises a harnessing system constructed of stretch woven and spacer mesh, glued and stitched as a single embodiment to facilitate ease of wear. The harnessing system includes a harness body and padded shoulder straps, each strap adjustable through a ladder lock buckle, that extend to the body of the harness and connect to a posterior diaphragm bolster. The shoulder straps preferably are additionally secured through a sternum closure system including a pair of security straps extending between the shoulder straps, at the anterior face of the shoulder straps, that are adjustably interconnected by a small side release buckle. The harness system also is secured around the user's torso with a webbing waist belt, provided through or on the diaphragm bolster, secured and adjustable using a large side release buckle.

[0020] The harnessing system also integrates two anchor loops. The anchor loops may be provided by means of, for example, the shoulder straps extending from the ladder lock buckles, and secured to the diaphragm bolster by, for example, a 45-degree fold with a triangular stitch. Each anchor loop may be fortified by a bar tack. An anchor loop preferably extends through a secondary ladder lock buckle, then looping onto itself to form an adjustable tail. At least one, preferably two, lower extremity fulcrum straps are connected to the anchor loops.

[0021] The one or two lower extremity fulcrum straps attach to distal ends of the corresponding anchor loops by means of camming buckles known in the art with spring-loaded locking systems. Thus, the lower extremity fulcrum straps are connected, by the intermediate anchor loops, at the inferior lateral aspects of the diaphragm bolster. The fulcrum straps are made of nylon webbing and terminate at their distal ends with a secure connection to a multi joint activating foot anchor. The fulcrum strap webbing secures to the foot anchor at the user's first and second metatarsal junction, and extends along a rubber sole terminating at an arch enclosure of the foot anchor.

[0022] Each multi joint activating foot anchor includes a toe box constructed of unidirectional stretch fabric stitched to a rubber sole and padded with a cloth-covered Styrofoam foot bed. The toe box enclosure preferably is edged with flexible binding material. The toe box is secured around the arch of the foot by an arch enclosure made of webbing, which in turn is secured inside the posterior aspect of the toe box and stitched along the rubber sole. The arch enclosure transitions from the inside of the toe box, to the outside of the unidirectional stretch fabric thereof, via a reinforced spacer mesh port on the lateral and medial aspects of the toe box. The webbing of the arch enclosure extends from the lateral aspect and connects to a rectangular buckle. The webbing extending from the medial aspect incorporates female Velcro fastener fabric followed by male Velcro fastener fabric, and is terminated with a multi-folded stitch. The medial aspect webbing of the arch enclosure engages through the rectangular buckle on the opposite side of the toe box to permit adjustment of the effective circumference of the arch enclosure to adapt to the user's foot, and then secures (with the Velcro fastener) the webbing tightly around the foot. A heel loop is incorporated in the foot anchor in order to engage the back of the foot with the toe box and arch enclosure. The heel loop has a strap of webbing that is secured to the lateral aspect of the arch enclosure. The heel loop webbing incorporates female Velcro fastener fabric on the posterior aspect of the heel loop. It is terminated with a vertically oriented rectangular buckle that is secured to the lateral aspect of the arch enclosure. A separate heel pad is attached to the heel loop through a constructed tunnel made of spacer mesh and high-density foam. The tunnel allows for the heel pad to be selectively moved on and along the heel loop, to permit placement of the heel pad against the user's heel, to accommodate to foot size. The posterior aspect of the heel pad incorporates male Velcro fastener fabric that engages with a female Velcro fastener fabric on the tail of the heel loop.

[0023] The present invention, including a stretching apparatus, thus preferably comprises a substantially multi-configurational harness and foot anchor that is easily conformable into a plurality of different sizes, and which provides a method for the user to easily perform a variety of varying directional stretches with full range of motion.

[0024] FIG. 1 illustrates the front view of the preferred embodiment of the stretching apparatus of the present invention, furnishing a multi-configurable, hands-free, harness system combined with a unique multi-joint activating foot anchor. FIGS. 1, 2A, And 2B collectively illustrate generally the stretching apparatus described herein, with the hands-free harness system 100 shown in FIG. 1 and the foot anchor 102 shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. The harness system with the structure of shoulder straps 1, supported by the sternum closure system 2 and harness body 3 with the diaphragm bolster 4, provides support for the functionality and comfort of the apparatusthus allowing for ease during implementation of the stretching apparatus and method for use as a corrective posturing device. A foot anchor 102 includes a toe box 16 and a heel loop 18 with heel pad 19; the toe box and/or the heel loop jointly or individually provide a means for engaging a user's lower extremity with the apparatus. Lower extremity means a user's leg or portion thereof, including the knee and/or foot.

[0025] Attention is invited to FIGS. 3A and 3B, providing contextual overviews of the harness system as disposed for use on the torso of a user. The harness body 3 is worn in a somewhat vest-like manner upon the upper torso. The harness body 3 includes a diaphragm bolster 4, which is releasably disposed circumferentially around the torso. Free ends of the bolster 4 are brought into proximity, and connected via a waist belt (e.g., waist belt 8 seen in FIG. 1), fastenable with a two-part side-release buckle (e.g., buckle 9 in FIG. 1), known in the art. One component of the releasable side buckle 9 is slidably adjustable on an associated portion of the waist belt 8, permitting the effective length of the waist belt to be regulated so to adjustably adapt the harness system to the circumferential size of the user's torso. A pair of shoulder straps 1 extend front-to-back over the user's shoulders in a generally conventional manner. At the rear of the apparatus, the shoulder straps 1 may be, and preferably are, integrated with the harness body 3, as seen in FIG. 3B. At the front sides of the apparatus, the shoulder straps 1 are releasably connectable to the bolster 4 by means of conventional ladder-lock type buckles 5 (FIG. 1). Ladder-lock buckles 5 are known in the art for providing releasable connectivity between the ends of straps portions, as well as for adjusting the effective length of the connected straps. Such buckles 5 are provided at the free ends of configurable loop straps (see element 7), whose base ends are attached to the bolster, also as seen in FIG. 1. After their respective releasable connections, a manipulation of the ladder-lock buckles 5 relative to the configurable loop straps 7 permits the effective lengths of the shoulder straps 1 to be adjustable to comfortably to position the harness system 100 on the user's body.

[0026] Combined reference is made to FIGS. 1 and 3A. The shoulder straps 1 are fully and independently adjustable by using the ladder-lock buckles 5 (two seen in FIG. 3A). Each ladder lock buckle 5 is attached to the diaphragm bolster 4 by a webbing strap (see element 7 in FIG. 1), preferably with a 45-degree fold sewn in the webbing by a triangular stitch 6. Each shoulder strap 1, buckle 5, and corresponding webbing thus creates a configurable loop 7. The harness system is secured around the user's torso by the webbing waist belt 8 through or on the diaphragm bolster 4. As mentioned, the free ends of the waist belt 8 are held and, the belt 8 is adjustable, by means of a large side release buckle 9.

[0027] FIGS. 3A and 3B generally illustrate the anterior and posterior views, respectively, of one embodiment of the stretching apparatus, particularly the harnessing system. The apparatus size configuration is fully adjustable using the ladder-lock buckles 5 provided at the shoulder straps 1. The shoulder straps 1 may be releasably interconnected laterally by the sternum strap closure system 2. The ladder-lock buckles 5 permit the diaphragm bolster 4 to be controllably raised or lowered in relation to the user's body, as suggested in FIG. 3A and described previously. The location during use of the diaphragm bolster 4 of the multi-configurational harness body 3 is deliberately selected to release the arcuate ligament and the attachment of the diaphragm in the lower thoracic spine. The flexibility of this region can have many benefits including increased breathing capacity, more efficient blood flow through the diaphragm and kidneys, increased flexibility of the psoas, and overall mobility of the lumbar and thoracic spine junction. FIG. 3A also illustrates the configurable loop 7 that is effectively a continuation of shoulder straps 1 and which ensures a secure and supportive fit.

[0028] As best seen in FIG. 1, attached to the right and left exterior sides of the diaphragm bolster 4 of a preferred embodiment of harness system 100 are two anchor loops 10. The inset view of FIG. 1 illustrates the provision of a left-side anchor loop 10, its connection to the bolster 4 at the triangular stitch 6, and its engagement (by means of a camming buckle 15) with a left-side lower extremity fulcrum strap. It is understood that the apparatus has at least one anchor loop and fulcrum strap assembly, and preferably two such assemblies as suggested in FIG. 1. Accordingly, description of the left-side anchor loop and fulcrum strap assembly detailed in the inset view of FIG. 1 serves to describe a right-side such assembly as well.

[0029] Each loop 10 is fortified by a bar tack, extends through a secondary ladder-lock buckle 11, and loops onto itself to form an adjustable tail 12. The ladder-lock buckle 11 permits (according to conventional such buckles) an adjustment to the effective length (from the bolster 4) of the anchor loop 10. The doubling-back of the strap through the ladder-lock buckle 11 thus defines a strap loop to which the camming buckle 15 of the fulcrum strap is slidably connected. The effective distance of the closed loop of the anchor loop from the bolster (as measured from the stitching point connection 6 on the bolster 4) is adjustable, via manipulation of the buckle 11, so to accommodate different users of varying torso sizes. Each of the two anchor loops 10 may be used for engagement of the dual lower extremity fulcrum straps (to be described further herein) in relation to the harness.

[0030] The lower extremity fulcrum straps 13 and 14 extend from the anchor loop 10 . (See also FIGS. 3A and 4.) Referring particularly to the inset view of FIG. 1, it is seen that the anchor loop 10 is passed through a slot in a commercially available spring-biased camming buckle 15, so that the buckle 15 is movably situated on the closed loop 10. An associated lower extremity fulcrum strap 14 is slidably threaded through the camming buckle 15 thereby to connect the fulcrum strap to the anchor loop 10. During the practice of the invention, the working length of the fulcrum strap 14 (or 13) can be adjusted by controlled engagement/release of the camming buckle 15. To accomplish a stretch method according to the invention, a lower extremity fulcrum strap 14 (and/or 13) is controllably tensioned (and the tension regulated or released). The tension is applied by the extension/flexion of a lower extremity, and regulated by the operation of the camming buckle 15 which is biased to be in clamping engagement with a strap, but selectively releasable by the user's pulling on the free (distal) and of the strap. The apparatus is controlled by fully configurable camming buckles 15 with spring-loaded locking systems, providing the control center for performing the stretching exercises according to the invention.

[0031] Each of the lower extremity fulcrum straps 13, 14, is complemented with a connected foot anchor 102, as particularly illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B, and seen also in FIG. 1. As indicated in the figures, a foot anchor 102 is reliably secured to the distal end of each lower extremity fulcrum strap 13, 14. Such a connection may be made in any suitably secure manner, such as sewing a portion of the end of the strap 13, 14, to a rubber sole 21 (e.g., between the sole 21 and a padded foot bed 20).

[0032] Each integrated foot anchor 102 includes a toe box 16 supporting the user's metatarsi, as well as the rubber sole 21 above which is provided the padded foot bed 20. The toe box 16 is held around the foot with an adjustable self-adhering arch enclosure 17, and with a heel loop 18 equipped with a heel pad 19, allowing for fully adjustable sizing. The arch enclosure 17 includes a webbing strap with a first end secured, as for example by sewn stitches, to the rubber sole 21. The other, free, end of the webbing strap is passed upward through a first port in one side of the toe box 16 (seen in FIG. 2A), over the top rear portion of the toe box 16, through a loop buckle attached to the other side of the toe box (seen in FIG. 2B), and then is doubled-back upon itself to be releasably connected to itself by means of Velcro fabric fasteners as known in the art. The heel loop 18 also has a first end reliably secured (again, as by sewn stitches or the like) to the rubber sole 21 at a juncture beneath the rear of and to a first side of the toe box 16, as suggested by FIG. 2A. The other, free, end of the heel loop 18 is wrapped around the user's heel as seen in FIGS. 2A and 2B. A heel loop buckle, seen in FIG. 2A, is anchored to a second side of the rubber sole 21. The free end of the heel loop 18 is passed through the heel loop buckle, permitting the user to adjust the tension in the heel loop; the heel loop is then doubled over onto itself and releasably attached to itself with Velcro fabric fasteners on the heel loop (as known in the art).

[0033] An aspect of the foot anchor 102 is the multi-layered toe box 16 with its selected placement of a fulcrum strap 13 or 14 under the padded foot bed 20 above the rubber sole 21. The foot anchor 102 is configured such that the location of secure connection between the respective fulcrum strap 13, 14, and the foot anchor preferably is at a juncture between a user's first and second metatarsal bones; such a connective point of security of a fulcrum strap under the foot bed advantageously promotes flexion and extension of the first and second toe principally, and secondarily the other tarsals. The deliberate location of the fulcrum strap's point of connection at the juncture of the first and second metatarsals promotes activation (during the practice of the invention) of the first and second metatarsals, the Achilles tendon, and the plantar fascia. This focused and controlled and deliberate flexion and extension are specific advantages of the apparatus and method. The foot anchor 102 is fully adjustable for different sized feet by releasing the arch enclosure 17, and by sliding the heel loop 18 to the appropriate size.

[0034] The padded foot bed 20 of the foot anchor relieves overall tension in the foot during stretching. The full flexion of this region of the foot, particularly but not limited to plantar flexion, is important for increased proprioception and balance for added mobility and also prevention and treatment of bunion conditions.

[0035] The presence of the heel loop 18 encourages complete Achilles tendon flexibility, while providing plantar fascia mobility and increased blood flow through the plantar portion of the foot during practice of the invention. In addition, such anchoring at the back of the heel provides increased flexibility of the posterior knee joint, specifically activating the condyle attachments of the hamstring and the calf, facilitating increased blood flow and lymphatic drainage and mobility through the lower extremity.

[0036] FIG. 4 is an illustration of one possible, exemplary, method of use of the present invention implementing both extremity fulcrum straps 13 and 14 for a single leg extension across the body. In this example, the user secures the harness around his or her torso, and adjusts it to a comfortable fit by means of the waist belt 8 and shoulder straps 1 and associated buckles. The user then lies on his or her back, with the support of the diaphragm bolster 4 facilitating a safe spine placement while stretching. Placing his or her foot in the foot anchor 102 adjacent to the loose leg (in the example of FIG. 4, the loose left leg is adjacent to the right-side foot anchor and is not incorporated in the device), he or she extends the right-side foot anchor leg, while adjusting (via the spring-biased camming buckle 15) the fulcrum strap 13 for length. The user preferably simultaneously engages the second fulcrum strap 14 with the heel of the extended foot, using the second strap's 14 unused heel loop 18 beneath the heel, and supported by the heel pad 19 around the heel contained in the used foot anchor. Deliberately and controllably tightening either or both fulcrum straps 13, 14, as engaged through the respective anchor loop 10, draws the leg cross-body for a comprehensive stretch. This stretch is extended through the full range of motion by controlled adjustment of the dual camming buckles 15 of the system. By alternatively locking and releasing the respective camming buckles 15 on the two fulcrum straps 13, 14, the user can regulate the effective working length of the fulcrum straps (and associated anchor loops) to adjust not only the extent of cross-body motion of the extended leg, but the degree of plantar flexion in the foot and the stretching of the complete ambulatory chain of muscles and joints of the extended leg. It is readily understood that the right leg exercise of FIG. 4 can be formed on the left leg by simply reversing the operative configuration of the apparatus. It also is to be recognized that the exercise can be performed hands free, with the user having to use their hands only as needed for timely manipulation of a camming buckle 15.

[0037] In the case of injury, the apparatus of the present invention provides the user a method to target or avoid uncomfortable positions, facilitating recovery while still enabling the user to achieve the benefits of stretching without causing pain. Typically, this range of motion is achieved through advanced yoga poses and is not feasible through stretching devices presently known in the art. The invention described here thus provides a method and apparatus for a broader range of users to achieve the benefits of such a movement in a relaxed position. Due to the apparatus' versatility of configuration, the above-mentioned usage may be extended to both legs through independent configurations and more complex exercises.

[0038] FIG. 5, for example, is an illustration of another method according to the present invention, using both extremity fulcrum straps 13, 14 for a dual leg extension in a split configuration. FIG. 5 illustrates a split configuration that relies on the novel harness apparatus of the present invention for support in this relatively difficult position. The user lies on his/her back, and places a foot in each of the two respective foot anchors 102 on the distal ends of the corresponding fulcrum straps 13, 14. This dual leg configuration and method is believed to be unique for the invention disclosed herein, because a variety of exercises and movements are achieved through the full range of motion with full support, and yet relatively little effort on behalf of the user. The effective length of each lower extremity fulcrum strap 13, 14 can be adjusted independently depending on, for instance, the desired leg configuration based on injuries, the flexibility or mobility of the user, the skill level of the user, age of the user, etc., by using the controllably engageable/releasable camming buckles 15 with spring-biased locking.

[0039] FIG. 5 illustrates also the advantage of adjusting the working length of the extremity fulcrum straps 13, 14, as connected to the foot anchors 102 between the user's first and second metatarsals, to optimize plantar flexion of the foot. Further, as tension in the fulcrum straps 13, 14 is controllably increased/decreased by changing the effective length of the fulcrum straps, the user is able to customize the stretching of the full collection of muscles, tendons, and joints of each leg. Again, and as depicted in FIG. 5, the practice of the invention to accomplish beneficial stretching exercise can be accomplished in an essentially hands free mode.

[0040] The previously described exercises have been performed in a relaxed state on the ground. More advanced movements are implemented in a standing position.

[0041] FIG. 6 is an illustration of a method of the present invention using the left extremity fulcrum strap 14 for a single-leg extension in a front kick stance. The left leg, as supported by the fulcrum strap 14 connected to the anchor loop 10, is extended in front of the body. The controllably releasable-engageable camming buckle 15 provides for incremental adjustment of the height of the leg, thus progressing the difficulty and resistance of the movement with minimal adjustments by the user. The stretching device is thereby extended into dynamic functionality.

[0042] This usage demonstrates a unique benefit of the stretching apparatus, leading to the development of flexibility with neurological control. This type of conditioning is important for elite level athletes, mixed martial artists, and dancers in order to increase performance while preventing injury. Such dynamic movement not only benefits the extended leg, but it develops a high level of proprioception and balance in the supporting leg.

[0043] The feature of a hands free apparatus with dynamic functionality facilitates complete control of each movement described above in a repetitive fashion. Replication of each movement is important for progression in athletic performance. This is unique to the current invention, due to the fact that the support of the lower extremities does not depend on the user's strength and dexterity, including upper-body strength.

[0044] In the case of posture correction, the apparatus of the present invention provides the user a method to sit in a relaxed state while facilitating increased spinal extension to rehabilitate poor posture and to relieve users of back and hip pain.

[0045] For example, FIG. 7A is an illustration of an example method of use to correct posture during sitting. The respective heel pads 19 are positioned around the knees, and the fulcrum straps 13, 14 are adjusted using the camming buckles 15 to provide tension for incremental extension of the spine via the support provided by the diaphragm bolster 4. The present invention allows for corrective posture measures in all seated positions, and is not limited to the current state of the art chair position. Correct posturing of the lumbar spine allows for natural curvature of the thoracic spine, thereby relieving back, neck, and hip pain. The unique positioning of heel pads 19 in FIG. 7A allows for direct pressure to be applied to the inferior patellar tendon, causing more blood flow and hydrating scar tissuetherefore eliminating knee discomfort and increasing mobility of the knee joint. The present apparatus thus is a versatile apparatus that allows for a single embodiment to be used as a stretching device and as a posture correction device. Further, FIG. 7B is an illustration of an example where the apparatus can be used simultaneously as a corrective posture device and as a stretching apparatus, by positioning the heel pad 19 of a first fulcrum strap 13 around one knee joint, and utilizing the second fulcrum strap 14 and associated foot anchor 102 to extend the opposing leg into a flexed position.

[0046] Existing devices known in the art typically comprise one single strap with modular sections, such as ladder loops for different hand positions or handles, which are typically monolithic pieces of webbing or cotton sashes. All of the current devices thus require the user disadvantageously to involve her or his hand, with the support of his or her arm strength, to leverage the lower extremity.

[0047] The apparatus of the present invention, including as it does the torso harness system 100, as it permits a hands-free usage, yet by operation of the camming control buckle 15 allows full range adjustability. Moreover, the apparatus and method advantageously include the toe box 16, which allows for beneficial targeted flexion and extension of the metatarsi. These features provide the user with the ability to establish replication of resistance, which is essential for injured or rehabilitating patients to recover faster and avoid re-injuring themselves. Replicable resistance is essential for high level athletes to track performance and progress.

[0048] Although the invention has been described in detail with particular reference to these preferred embodiments, other embodiments may achieve the same results. In the previous description, specific details are set forth, such as specific materials, structures, processes, etc., in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, as one having ordinary skill in the art would recognize, the present invention can be practiced without resorting to all the details specifically set forth. In other instances, well-known principles of mechanics, physiology, and physics have not been described in detail, in order not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention.

[0049] Only some embodiments of the invention and a few examples of its versatility are described in the present disclosure. It is understood that the invention is capable of use in various other combinations and is capable of changes or modifications within the scope of the inventive concept as expressed herein. Modifications of the invention will be obvious to those skilled in the art and it is intended to cover with the appended claims all such modifications and equivalents.