Flexible Ankle-Based Inversion Device

Abstract

This document presents a design for an ankle-based inversion device which can be constructed entirely from webbing. All individual design components are described in detail, and complete instructions for use and assembly are provided.

Claims

1. A device, which can suspend a human user by the ankles in an inverted posture, comprising: a) a primary webbing loop, with a circumference which varies based on applied tension, where the sides intersect at the bottom of said primary loop and ends connect at the top of the device; b) at least one retainer loop, attached to each side of the primary loop and encircling the opposite, with said retainer loops equidistant from the center-line of the device; c) a release loop, with ends connected to the top of the primary loop and sides enveloped by the retainer loops, which extends beneath the primary loop; d) at least one linkage loop, which connects the lowest points of the primary and release loops; e) a connector loop, which joins the ends of the primary loop; and f) a mounting loop, linked to the connector loop.

2. The device of claim 1, in which a hardware ring is substituted for the connector loop component.

3. The device of claim 1, in which material sheaths surround webbing regions which are exposed to friction and potential contact abrasion.

4. The device of claim 1, in which a material other than webbing, but with the requisite material properties to conform to the topological configuration described, is used for construction of the whole device or any of its individual components.

5. The device of claim 1, in which the retainer loop component is comprised of multiple segments.

6. The device of claim 1, in which a thumb loop is attached to the primary loop, between the retainer loops, for holding the device in an open position.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] FIG. 1 is a detailed drawing of the device, with leaders and numbers corresponding to the individual components which are described in the claims section.

[0015] FIG. 2 depicts the spatial relationships between the horizontal support structure, the device, and the user's legs.

[0016] FIG. 3 shows the potential for replacing the connector loop with a hardware ring while still meeting the functional design requirements of the connector loop component.

[0017] FIG. 4 is a black and white photograph of a working test model, assembled according to the design described in the claims section.

[0018] FIG. 5 presents a flattened sketch of the topology of the device, viewed from the front as it appears when facing the user.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] Directions for Use:

[0020] *It is highly recommended to cover the ankle area with a protective layer (such as cotton sweat bands, neoprene sleeves, or socks with open toe-boxes) before using the device, and to never directly interface the device with exposed skin. *When raising the upper-body to gain a hand-hold on the mounting bar, an attachment which is at a lower elevation than the bar itself (such as a rope or handle which connects to the bar) may be used to climb upward and decrease the required reaching distance.

[0021] Entry: [0022] 1) Place the mounting loop of one device over the mounting bar, and thread the rest of the device through it to encircle the bar within the mounting loop, as shown in FIG. 2. Repeat for the second device. The devices should be oriented so that the bowed region of the retainer loops face away from the user (as depicted in the figures). [0023] 2) Space the devices apart to a comfortable distance (slightly less than shoulder width). [0024] 3) Expand each primary loop to its maximum circumference, and place the thumb of each hand through the thumb loop of the corresponding device in order to hold the primary loop open. With the other four fingers of each hand, grip the horizontal support bar on the outside of each device. [0025] 4) Lift both feet upward to the bar, and insert each foot through its corresponding device until the primary loop is loosely surrounding the lower shin region, just above the ankle. [0026] 5) Move both feet downward in order to tension and close the primary loop around the ankle. This secures the connection between the device and the user. [0027] 6) Release the manual grip on the support bar, and lean back into the inverted position.

[0028] Exit: [0029] 1) Raise the torso upward until the bar is within reach, and establish a secure hold on the bar with both hands to support body weight.* [0030] 2) Move one foot upward, and exert downward tension on the release loop of its surrounding device with the opposite foot. This process expands and de-tensions the primary loop. Withdraw the leg and foot from the inversion device which has now been opened. [0031] 3) Repeat Step 2 for the leg which has not yet been released from its inversion device. [0032] 4) Lower both feet to the ground and establish secure footing and balance before releasing the hands from the bar.

[0033] Directions for Assembly:

[0034] The device can be assembled based on the figures and claims provided in this document, using standard best practices for sewing webbing for load-bearing applications.

[0035] Attach the retainer loops to the primary loop webbing first, then close the primary loop by threading each end of its webbing through the opposite retainer loop and terminating said ends at the connector loop. This creates the functional topology of the device, after which the auxiliary components listed in the claims may be attached.

[0036] It is important to note that the retainer loops and the connector loop envelope both sides of the webbing which they are attached to.

[0037] For production models, it may be useful to cover areas which are exposed to contact abrasion from friction (such as the retainer loops and the mounting loop) with material sheaths.

[0038] The test model depicted in FIG. 4 uses 2 width webbing for the connector loop, 1.5 width for the retainer loops, for the mounting loop, and 1 for all other loop components.

[0039] The lengths of webbing required for the primary loop and release loop are scalable, depending on the user's foot size and ankle circumference, though one general device size can accommodate a wide range of users.

[0040] Retainer loops are ideally positioned when collinear with the inner and outer talus bone protrusions when the device is closed (fully tensioned) around the lower tibia region.