Hookless ankle-based inversion device

Abstract

A device for performing ankle-based inversion therapy, based on the method established by gravity boots. The device includes a mounting component at its top which enables attachment to support bars, while the primary loop of the device is adjustable in size and conforms to the ankle. A handle and extension are used to enter the inverted posture and to open the primary loop upon exit. Grip loops on the outside of the primary loop are used to manipulate the device with opposite toes during use.

Claims

1. A device which enables suspension from a user's ankles in a fully inverted physical posture, comprising: a) a primary webbing loop comprising a strap portion, a mounting loop attachment point at a first end of the strap portion; and a self-encircling loop extending from a second end of the strap portion, wherein the strap portion is threaded through the self-encircling loop such that the self-encircling loop is moveable along the strap portion to create an ankle-surrounding region which can change circumference based on applied tension; b) a mounting loop connected to the strap portion at the mounting loop attachment point; c) a handle extending from a handle strap which is connected to the primary webbing loop strap portion adjacent the mounting loop attachment point, wherein the handle strap extends through the self-encircling loop and is of sufficient length to remain therein throughout a total range of motion of the primary webbing loop; and d) at least one toe loop connected to the ankle-surrounding region of the primary webbing loop strap portion and proximate the self-encircling loop which provides a toe-hold for controlling the device with an opposite foot.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 depicts the device of claim 1, where the mounting loop (1) connects the device to a bar support structure, the primary loop (2) retains the ankle, the handle-extension (3) provides leverage for expanding and opening (2) when load is applied to the handle (4), and the toe-hold loops (5) allow movement and control of (2) with an opposite foot.

(2) FIG. 2 depicts two devices attached to a horizontal mounting bar and secured around both ankles.

(3) FIG. 3 depicts a pair of devices and the directional difference between the left and right version.

(4) FIG. 4 depicts the moveable end of the primary loop with an attached shield to prevent abrasion.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The Primary Loop of the Device Will not Open or Expand after being Tensioned Around the Ankle if the Handle Extension is Outside of the Moveable End of the Primary Loop

(5) Directions for Entering the Inverted Posture: 1. Verify left and right device orientation. The left should form a lowercase D letter shape, and the right should form a lowercase B letter shape, as shown in FIG. 3. 2. Attach a pair of devices to the horizontal support bar, by placing the mounting loop over the bar and then threading the body of the device through the loop as shown in FIG. 2. 3. Expand the primary loop into the fully open position. This provides maximum surface area for foot insertion. 4. Grasp the handle of the left-foot device with the left hand, and grasp the right-foot device handle with the right hand, and verify that all connections are secure by lifting feet off the ground and applying body-weight load to the pair of devices. 6. Raise feet upward to the bar while holding device handles, and lean back simultaneously to minimize the amount of upper-body effort required. 7. Position the device around each ankle by inserting the left and right foot through the opening provided by the primary loop of each device. 8. While still holding the handles, tighten each device around the ankles by pulling both feet downward. 9. Release the handles and move backward into a fully inverted posture.

(6) Directions for Exiting the Inverted Posture: 1. Raise the torso upward until the handles are within reach. 2. Grasp the left handle with the left hand, and the right handle with the right hand. Apply load to each handle by pulling downward as if the weight of the upper body were being supported by the handles and their extensions. 3. Shifting the static load application point, as described in the previous step, allows the main loop of the device to be relaxed and expanded. While supporting the majority of body weight with the handles, use the toes of an opposite foot to manipulate the toe-hold loop and pull the primary loop from the ankle. 4. Using a controlled movement, while holding the handles securely, lower the feet to the ground. Do not release the handles until footing is secure.

(7) Load tension can be applied to the device by a user at either the primary loop, when closed around the ankle and suspended, or at the handle, when using the hands and arms to engage the device.

(8) Applied user load tension can only be transferred to a support structure at the top-most point of the device, by either the mounting loop or the connected handle-extension. This is a requirement for device operation.

(9) Instructions for Assembling the Device:

(10) The bowed region of (2), as shown in FIG. 1, is directed outward when facing the user and the straight region of (2) is on the inside, to optimally distribute the load tension around the ankle and avoid pressure point formation.

(11) The size of the device can be scaled according to foot-size and ankle circumference. The relative dimensions of the components shown in FIG. 1 are critical.

(12) The handle (4) must be large enough to accommodate the hand, the primary loop (2) must be sized to accommodate the through-passage of the foot, and the handle extension (3) must be of sufficient length to remain inside of the moveable end of the primary loop (2) when (2) is fully contracted around the ankles. The size of the mounting loop (1) must enable encirclement of the supporting bar structure and allow the whole device to pass through during the device-mounting process.

(13) An ideal construction material is polyester webbing, with 2 width used for the main loop and body of the device, and 1 width used for all other components. The width-reducing attachment interface between the main loop and the handle extension maximizes the surface area of the seams connecting these two components.

(14) Webbing used for assembly is heat sealed at exposed ends to prevent fraying. Heat-treated ends are hard and brittle and can be folded to prevent contact abrasion.

(15) Sheaths to prevent webbing abrasion can be installed on sections of the device which are exposed to friction. These sections can include the moveable end of the primary loop (2), the mounting loop (1), and the handle (4).