Squat Double-Loop

Abstract

An exercise device is provided. The exercise device is formed of a resistance loop wearable on the lower back and feet to provide resistance for performing squat exercise. The resistance loop is light weight and portable and allows resistance squat exercise to be performed anywhere a freestanding squat exercise may be performed.

Description

FIELD

The present invention relates to a wearable resistance loop (an apparatus) that facilitates the building of the adductors, calves, glutes, hamstrings, hip flexors, and quadriceps.

BACKGROUND

During the 1970's the world began a fitness revolution. In the 1970's many Americans for the first time began exercising at home, running, or lifting weights on a daily basis. The importance and benefits of exercise have become more and more apparent since then with Americans living healthier and longer lives. Resistance training has been increasingly identified as an important way to improve not only specific targeted regions, but also cardiovascular, and mental health. Today, in 2023, especially with the advent of social media, exercising and lifting weights has continued to grow in popularity and participation. However, still today, many people struggle to consistently access and maintain fitness regimens. This often stems from the large and heavy resistance-training machines that either take up space in a home or require going to a gym. Given the large and heavy nature of resistance training devices, it is also difficult to use these devices and perform resistance training outdoors, when “on-the-go”, or when traveling. Therefore, there is a need for portable, efficient, and convenient, resistance exercise equipment that can be easily transported, used anywhere, and does not require excessive set-up in a user's home, or other exercise location.

A squat exercise is performed by standing upright and then bending the knees and hips to lower into a squatting position. The squat exercise is a fundamental exercise and may be the best way to build strength, mobility, and power in the legs. A squat exercise with resistance, a squat lift, is performed by applying weights to the upper body while performing the squat motion. Most typically, a squat lift is performed by placing a weighted bar across the shoulders or chest within a squat rack for safety. The weighted bar, weights, and squat racks are expensive, bulky, and typically require at a minimum a home gym if not a full corporate gym.

The present invention allows the squat exercises to be performed with resistance in any location in which a squat without resistance may be performed, and without the need for expensive and bulky gym equipment.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment of the invention, the invention comprises a loop band, strap, or belt (collectively defined herein as a loop) of a stretchable material with a connection point within the loop so that the loop forms a double-loop or a figure-eight shape (“double-loop”), and with additional openings within one half, or one loop, of the double-loop to place and secure one's feet into the loop (“lower loop”), while the alternative loop, the upper loop, will be placed around the lower back, neck, or shoulders of an individual (“upper loop”). The loop may be a closed double-loop in some embodiments, and in other embodiments, the lower loop may be open beyond the connection point such that the double-loop forms a Greek letter alpha shape, where the α would be turned sideways to resemble a capital A (“α-loop”). An individual's feet maybe secured into foot openings in each leg of the α-loop (“legs”). The lower loop of the double-loop and the legs of the α-loop may collectively be referred to herein as the “lower loop or legs”. The double-loop and α-loop may collectively be referred to herein as the “unit”. The connection point forming the double-loop or α-loop may be in the form of stitching (as seen in FIG. 1 depicting a double-loop), a clip, a pin, a ring, or any alternative device, removable or permanent, which holds the loop in a figure-eight or a shape. In some embodiments the double-loop or α-loop is composed of a single unit of material in other embodiments the double-loop or α-loop is formed from multiple units of material connected to form a double-loop or α-loop.

To use the present invention, one inserts their feet into the foot openings of the lower loop and then positions the upper loop around their lower back, or around their neck, or around their shoulders. By placing one's feet into the lower loop of the unit and securing the upper loop around one's lower back, or around one's neck, or around one's shoulders, provides resistance while performing the squat exercise motion.

In a further embodiment of the invention, securing the double-loop or α-loop under one's feet or a single foot by placing one's foot into the foot openings prevents the unit from retracting and subsequently striking the individual while performing a squat exercise.

In one embodiment of the present invention a double-loop or α-loop is worn on the feet or on a single foot via the foot openings and the lower back or the neck or shoulders simultaneously. In a further embodiment of the present invention the double-loop or α-loop unit is worn on the feet, or on a single foot; and across the lower back or, across the back of the shoulders or, across the back of the neck of a user simultaneously. In a further embodiment of the present invention the double-loop or α-loop is a single and cohesive unit worn on the feet and around the user's lower back simultaneously for the purpose of resistance training. In a further embodiment the present invention the double-loop or α-loop is a single unit which may be adjusted and/or opened via use of an adjustment mechanisms located at one or more locations on the double-loop or α-loop. As defined herein an adjustment mechanism is adjustable, capable of adjusting the length of the loop, and may or not be capable of releasing either side of the loop, that is, capable of opening the loop. In a further embodiment the present invention, the double-loop is a single unit which may be adjusted and/or opened via use of an adjustment mechanism located at one or more locations on the double-loop (See FIG. 4).

In one embodiment of the present invention the invention is composed of a material which is stretchable or flexible.

In one embodiment, the present invention consists of a double-loop with a connection point forming the double-loop, with two openings within one of the loops of the double-loop to place and secure one's feet, and is a singular unit, and is not comprised of any additional accessories, attachments, or accoutrements (See FIG. 3). In a further embodiment of the present invention, the double-loop or α-loop may be put on or worn without fastening, tying, or any type of adjustment to the double-loop or α-loop. In a further embodiment of the present invention, the double-loop rests on the lower back, back of the shoulders, or back of the neck of the user and provides resistance.

In one embodiment, the present invention consists of a resistance band or loop with a connection point forming a double-loop or α-loop, with two openings within one of the loops of the double-loop or α-loop to place and secure one's feet, and includes two adjustable and releasable buckles, one for the upper loop and another for the lower loop (See FIG. 4). In a further embodiment of the present invention, the double-loop or α-loop may be put on or worn by opening and/or adjusting the upper loop and/or lower loop or legs via adjustable and/or releasable buckles.

In a separate embodiment of the present invention the feet openings are each comprised of a strip of material attached to the lower-loop creating openings in which a person's feet may be inserted. In a separate embodiment of the present invention the feet openings of the legs of the α-loop are formed by attaching the material of each leg to itself creating openings in which a person's feet may be inserted.

In a further embodiment the double-loop or α-loop may be comprised of material that is double-layered with the two layers left unconnected, or unsewn, at each foot opening for the individual's feet to fit into the unit. In a further embodiment, the two layers may be connected together continuously or periodically along the remainder of the length of the double-loop or α-loop.

In a further embodiment of the present invention an additional piece of material or additional tube or open sock is attached within the unsewn openings of the double-layered double-loop or α-loop. In a further embodiment the flexible material in which the double-loop or unit is made from will allow individuals with different foot sizes to use the loop.

The securing of the double-loop or α-loop under one's feet or by use of the foot openings is a key advantage of the present invention over resistance bands without foot openings. An additional aspect of the present invention is that securing one's feet into the double-loop or α-loop allows the individual to adjust the resistance by moving their feet further or closer apart while in position to perform the squat exercise. The capability to adjust the resistance of the double-loop or α-loop vis-à-vis the positioning of the feet in the double-loop or unit is a key advantage of the present invention over equipment currently available on the market today. The further the user's feet are spread apart, the tighter the band will be and therefore the greater the resistance will be.

In a further embodiment of the invention the connection point of the double-loop or α-loop may be adjustable such that double-loop or α-loop may be adjusted to increase or decrease the length of the upper loop and lower loop of the double-loop, or the upper loop and the legs of the α-loop.

In a further embodiment the double-loop or α-loop may be adjusted for individuals of different heights and/or sizes at adjustable regions of the unit such as by use of a buckle, a clamp, a hook, and loop connector such as Velcro®, or any other adjustment mechanism. In a further embodiment of the invention there may be a single adjustment mechanism at a single adjustment region of the double-loop or α-loop, in alternative embodiments there may be numerous adjustment mechanisms at numerous adjustment regions of the double-loop or α-loop. In a further embodiment of the present invention one or more adjustment mechanisms is located between the foot openings of the bottom loop.

In a further embodiment of the present invention the double-loop may have two adjustment mechanisms, one mechanism for each loop (upper and lower) of the double loop (See FIG. 4). In some embodiments the adjustment mechanism is releasable and adjustable, allowing a loop (or both loops) of the double-loop to come open and to allow a loop (or both loops) of the double-loop to be adjusted at each buckle by shortening or extending the length of a loop (or both loops) of the double loop. In some embodiments the adjustment mechanism is only adjustable and is not releasable. In a further embodiment of the present invention, the double-loop has two adjustable and/or releasable mechanisms, one placed at any region along the upper loop, and one placed at any region along the lower loop. In a further embodiment of the present invention the double-loop has two adjustment mechanisms placed on opposite sides of the connection point, leaving two sides of the connection point without an adjustment mechanism, and two sides of the connection point with an adjustment mechanism (See FIGS. 4, 5, 6). In a further embodiment of present invention the double-loop has a single adjustment mechanism on the top loop and two adjustment mechanisms on the bottom loop.

In a further embodiment of the present invention the double-loop or α-loop may include an adjustable connection point, as well as one or more adjustment mechanisms at numerous adjustment regions of the double-loop or α-loop. In a further embodiment the double-loop or α-loop may be composed of a material with varying levels of resistance to make the squat exercise more or less difficult. In an additional embodiment the double-loop or α-loop is made from a material which will not chafe or damage an individual's skin. The difference of materials is a key advantage of the present invention over rubber resistance bands.

In a further embodiment of the present invention an additional piece of material or additional double-layered double-loop or α-loop. In a further embodiment the flexible material in which the double-loop or unit is made from will allow individuals with different foot sizes to use the loop.

In an additional embodiment the double-loop or unit is made from a material which will not chafe or damage an individual's skin such as a stretchable fabric including, but not limited to spandex. The difference of materials is a key advantage of the present invention over rubber resistance bands.

In a further embodiment, the double-loop or α-loop may have a resistance level that is determined by the flexibility of the material used in its composition. In another embodiment of the invention, the length of the double-loop or α-loop is made longer or shorter to increase or decrease the resistance of the double-loop or α-loop and consequently make the squat exercise while wearing the double-loop or unit more or less difficult. In another embodiment of the invention, the length of the double-loop or α-loop is made longer or shorter by using one or more adjustment mechanisms at one or more adjustment regions along the double-loop or α-loop. In a further embodiment the double-loop or α-loop may be adjusted in length to add or decrease resistance and therefore make the squat exercise while wearing the double-loop or α-loop more or less difficult. In a further embodiment the double-loop or α-loop is composed of stretchable and non-stretchable material. In a further embodiment the length the of the double-loop or α-loop is composed of stretchable and non-stretchable material that may be adjusted in length without increasing the resistance of the unit.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the double-loop or α-loop has an additional pad surrounding the double-loop or α-loop where the loop contacts an individual's lower back, back of the shoulders, or back of the neck. In a separate embodiment the additional pad is a long cylindrical tube pad formed to either be permanent or removable from the double-loop or α-loop. In a further embodiment, said additional pad is in the shape of a long triangle to prevent the double-loop or α-loop from rolling down the individual's lower back, back of the shoulders, or back of the neck while performing the squat exercise and can be permanent or removable.

In a further embodiment the removable pad will be of any shape or size to aid in comfort and reduce slipping of the double-loop or α-loop while performing squat exercises. In another embodiment of the invention, a portion of the double-loop or α-loop is composed of a padded or more padded material where the double-loop or α-loop will make contact with an individual's lower back, back of the shoulders, or back of the neck to reduce any discomfort caused by the resistance in the double-loop or α-loop while performing a squat exercise. In another embodiment of the invention, the portion of the double-loop or α-loop which contacts an individual's lower back, back of the shoulders, or back of the neck is made from a material with a higher friction coefficient to reduce slippage of the double-loop or α-loop while performing squat exercises. In a further embodiment of the invention, any of the said pads, whether removable or not removable, are made from a material with a higher friction coefficient to reduce slippage while performing a squat exercise.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a user wearing the double-loop in a standing position

FIG. 2 depicts a user wearing the double-loop in a squatting position.

FIG. 3 depicts an upper perspective view of an embodiment of the double-loop.

FIG. 4 depicts an upper perspective view of an embodiment of the double-loop.

FIG. 5 depicts an alternative upper perspective view of an embodiment of the double-loop.

FIG. 6 depicts an alternative upper perspective view of an embodiment of the double-loop.

FIG. 7 depicts a side view of the double-loop.

FIG. 8 depicts an alternative side view of the double-loop.

FIG. 9 depicts a top side view of two double-loops.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description and examples illustrate a preferred embodiment of the present invention in detail. Those of skill in the art will recognize that there are numerous variations and modifications of this invention that are encompassed by its scope. Accordingly, the description of a preferred embodiment should not be deemed to limit the scope of the present invention.

In one embodiment of the present invention the present invention consists of a loop of flexible material with a single connection point to form a double-loop or figure-eight pattern (previously defined as a “double-loop”), with two foot openings, and capable of being worn on the user's feet and across, either, the user's lower back, across the back of a user's shoulders, or across the back of a user's neck, simultaneously.

In alternative embodiment of the present invention the present invention consists of a loop of flexible material with two straps descending from the loop to form a capital α-pattern (previously defined as a “α-loop”), the two descending straps each include at least one foot opening capable of being worn on the user's feet, and across either the user's lower back, across the back of a user's shoulders, or across the back of a user's neck, simultaneously.

The connection point in the loop of flexible material forming a double-loop or α-loop may be a sewn stitch, a pin, ring, clamp, or any other adjustable or permanent connection mechanism which holds one side of the loop to the other side of the loop. The connection point of the double-loop or α-loop may be in any location of the loop to enhance the wearability (fit) of the double-loop or α-loop for performing squats. For example, the connection point maybe sewn or clamped at a position which makes the lower loop of the double-loop larger or the upper loop of the double-loop larger. The adjustment of the connection point of the α-loop would make the upper loop larger or the legs longer. FIG. 3 shows one embodiment of the double loop where the connection point is a diamond and x patterned stitch.

In alternative embodiments of the present invention the two openings for the feet are created by attaching an additional strip of material to the double-loop or α-loop of flexible material. In a preferred embodiment the additional strip of material is also flexible material so that openings are flexible on both sides and synch around a user's feet. In a further embodiment the additional material is different material than that of the double-loop or α-loop to enhance the wearability (fit) of a user's feet. For example, in some embodiments the additional material attached to the double-loop or α-loop to create the foot openings may be more flexible than the some or all of the double-loop or α-loop material to increase the range of size of feet and shoes or both which may fit into the openings. In a further embodiment the additional material is soft or lined to enhance the wearability (fit) and comfort (feel) of the user's feet. The strip or strips forming the foot openings may be permanently attached to the double-loop or α-loop in one embodiment. In another embodiment, one end of the strip or strips may be permanently attached to the double-loop or α-loop to form the foot opening, with an opposite end of the strip being removably connectable to the double-loop or α-loop, so as to allow adjustable foot opening sizing, as well as easy release of the feet from the foot openings. In still another embodiment, both ends of the strip or strips may be removably connectable to the double-loop or α-loop, so as to allow adjustable foot opening sizing, as well as easy release of the feet from the foot openings.

In a preferred embodiment the present invention the double-loop or α-loop and the additional material to create the foot openings are 4 inches wide. In further embodiment the double-loop or α-loop material and additional attached material for the foot openings are 1 inch to 15 inches wide. In a further embodiment of the present invention the additional material attached to the double-loop or α-loop to create the foot openings varies in width from the double-loop or α-loop from which it is attached.

In preferred embodiment of the invention the additional material attached to the double-loop or α-loop to create the foot openings is 8 inches in length and is secured at each end to an area which is 6 inches in length along the double-loop or α-loop. In further embodiments of the present invention the additional material attached to the double-loop or α-loop to create the foot openings may range from 2 inches to 12 inches and may be attached to a portion of the double-loop or α-loop that ranges from 2 inches to 12 inches. In the preferred embodiment the additional length of the attached material in comparison to the double-loop or α-loop material creates an arch shape or bows the additional attached material so that a user may insert their feet. In another embodiment of the present invention the additional material attached to the double-loop or α-loop to create the foot openings are attached to a portion of the double-loop or α-loop that is the same length as to not create arches or bows for the foot openings, but rather an unopened foot opening or envelope. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the additional material attached to the double-loop or α-loop to create the foot openings are spaced 5 inches apart. In further embodiment of the present invention the foot openings are spaced anywhere from ½ of an inch apart to 60 inches apart. In a further embodiment the additional material attached to the double-loop or α-loop to create the foot openings is sewn or attached in diagonal fashion to create an opening that is larger on one side than the other, in order to create a tapered or contoured foot opening.

In a further embodiment the additional openings are paired for different sizes of feet, for example women's feet and men's feet, or, with shoes and without shoes. It should be noted however, that the invention contemplates use of flexible material which is capable of stretching and securing a majority of feet and shoes of various different sizes with one set of openings. The foot openings may be used by a user having shoes on, wearing socks, and/or barefoot, without straying from the scope of the invention.

In an additional embodiment of the present invention the double-loop or α-loop has a single opening for both feet to fit securely into. Such single opening may be created using additional material in various lengths as described above for paired openings and multiple pair openings.

In additional embodiments of the present invention the double-loop or α-loop maybe made from two strips or pieces of material attached together to create a double-layered, double-loop or α-loop. In one embodiment of the present invention only portions of the double-loop or α-loop will be double layered, for example the lower loop of the double-loop may be double layered only. In a preferred embodiment, the material used for the layers of a double-loop or α-loop will be of the same width. In a preferred embodiment the inner layer will not be attached to the outer layer in certain areas to create openings for the user's feet. In a preferred embodiment the inner layer will be four inches longer than the outer layer such as to create two separate foot openings or sleeves with arched or bowed foot openings. In a preferred embodiment the openings will be composed of sections of material which are 6 inches on the outside band and 8 inches on the inside band to create sleeves and the openings will be 5 inches apart. In a further embodiment the foot openings may vary in size as demonstrated above for the foot openings created by the additional attached material. In further embodiments such double-loop or α-loop may be attached or sewn together in various places so as to leave openings which may be worn on the feet. In additional embodiments the double-layered double-loop or double-layered α-loop will be composed of two pieces of material identical or nearly identical in length to create no arches or bowed effect at the foot openings. In such an embodiment the foot openings or sleeves are intentionally not perceivable.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the double-loop or α-loop will be composed of material with known resistance. In a further embodiment, the double-loop or α-loop may have a predetermined resistance level based on the flexibility of the material in which they are composed of. In one embodiment of the present invention the resistance of the material will be equivalent to 50 pounds or resistance. In additional embodiments of the invention the resistance of the material will range from 1 pound of resistance to 1000 pounds of resistance. In a further embodiment of the present invention the double-layered double-loop or double-layered α-loop discussed above may be created with material with the same resistance to create a final double-layered double-loop or unit for use with double the resistance (for example two 50-pound resistance bands attached together will create a 100-pound resistance double-loop). In further embodiments the double-layered double-loop or double-layered α-loop may be created with material with different resistances to create a final double-layered double-loop or double-layered α-loop with varying final resistances, for example a 50-pound resistance loop attached to a 100-pound resistance loop for a total of 150-pound final resistance loop.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the double-loop or unit will be 30 inches long when laid flat, and therefore will be composed of 60 inches of material when not enclosed in a loop. In an additional embodiment of the invention the double-loop or α-loop will be 5 inches to 100 inches when laid flat, and therefore be comprised of 10 inches to 200 inches of material. In another embodiment of the invention, the length of the double-loop or α-loop is made longer or shorter to increase or decrease the resistance of the loop, and consequently make the squat exercise while wearing the double-loop or α-loop more or less difficult. In a further embodiment the double-loop or α-loop may be adjusted in length to add resistance and therefore make the squat exercise while wearing the double-loop or α-loop more or less difficult. In a further embodiment the double-loop or α-loop is composed of stretchable and non-stretchable material. For example, the portion of the double-loop or unit that is worn across the lower back, across the back of the shoulders, or back of the neck is not stretchable while the portion of the double-loop or α-loop which travels down the side of the body and is worn over the legs has a designated resistance and is stretchable, or vice-versa. In a further embodiment of the invention the non-stretchable or, portion of the double-loop or α-loop that does have flexible resistance will be adjustable to allow the double-loop or α-loop unit to have a set resistance but be adjustable for different sized users. For example, a 50-pound double-loop or unit could be extended to 40 inches or decreased to 20 inches while maintaining the same resistance.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the double-loop or α-loop is adjustable through use of one or more locking buckle, adjustable buckle, releasable buckle, or buckle which would be placed on the portion of the double-loop or unit that is worn on the front of the user's legs or body. In a further embodiment one or more locking buckle, adjustable buckle, releasable buckle, or buckle would be positioned on both sides of the double-loop or α-loop that is worn on the outside of the legs or body of the user. In an additional embodiment the locking buckle/s, adjustable buckle/s, or releasable buckle/s may be placed anywhere along the length of the double-loop or α-loop. In an additional embodiment the locking, adjustable, and/or releasable buckle may be replaced with any mechanism for adjusting, opening and closing, and/or securing the double-loop or α-loop.

In a further embodiment of the present invention the double-loop or unit may be constructed of rubber tubing, or bungee-like material. In a further embodiment the double-loop or unit could be comprised of a series of rubber tubing, or bungee like material, so that the foot openings would be formed by attachments of the tubing or bungee like material at specified locations. The foot openings between the tubing could be any dimension suitable for use.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the double-loop or α-loop has an additional pad surrounding the double-loop or α-loop where the double-loop or α-loop is worn across the lower back, the across back of the shoulders, or the across back of the neck. In a further embodiment the pad is a long cylindrical tube which may be removed from the portion of the double-loop or α-loop. In a further embodiment, said additional pad is in the shape of a long triangle to ensure the tube stays along the waist of the user. In a further embodiment the pad may be attached to the double-loop or α-loop where the double-loop or α-loop is worn across the lower back, the back of the shoulders, or the back of the neck. In a separate embodiment of the present invention the pad is placed on any portion of the double-loop or α-loop which is suitable. In another embodiment of the present invention the pad is permanently attached to the double-loop or α-loop. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the double-loop or α-loop is comprised of rubber tubing or bungee cord like material that has a pad surrounding the tubing to distribute the weight across the lower back, back of the shoulders, or back of the neck more evenly.

Turning to FIGS. 1, provides a view of an embodiment of the double-loop in use. Here, a user has the double-loop worn across the lower back with both feet passing through the foot openings. The double-loop, in this embodiment, is worn across the user's lower back. To engage in the exercise, the user bends at the knees and hips into a squat position and then returns to a standing position. The double loop is held in place by the user's feet engaged with foot openings and the lower back preventing it from moving. The double-loop worn has two adjustable and releasable buckles on two opposite sides of the connection point. In FIG. 1 the user is depicted in a squatting position.

FIGS. 2, provides a view of an embodiment of the double-loop in use. Here, a user has the double-loop worn across the lower back with both feet passing through the foot openings. The double-loop, in this embodiment, is worn across the user's lower back. To engage in the exercise, the user bends at the knees and hips into a squat position and then returns to a standing position. The double loop is held in place by the user's feet engaged with foot openings and the lower back preventing it from moving. The double-loop worn has two adjustable and releasable buckles on two opposite sides of the connection point. In FIG. 2 the user is depicted in a standing position.

FIGS. 3, upper perspective view of the double-loop of the present disclosure is shown. The apparatus comprises a loop with a single connection point to form a double-loop of a stretchable material, having, in this embodiment, two-foot openings. The foot openings are formed in this view by strips which define the foot opening on one side, while the opposite side of the foot opening is defined by the loop. The strips may be connected to the loop directly, indirectly, or integrally formed with the loop material by, for example, weaving and/or molding.

FIGS. 4, upper perspective view of the double-loop of the present disclosure is shown. The apparatus comprises a loop with a single connection point to form a double-loop of a stretchable material, having, in this embodiment, two-foot openings, and two releasable and adjustable buckles. The foot openings are formed in this view by strips which define the foot opening on one side, while the opposite side of the foot opening is defined by the loop. The strips may be connected to the loop directly, indirectly, or integrally formed with the loop material by, for example, weaving, and/or molding. The adjustable and releasable buckles are attached directly to the connection point and on opposites sides of the connection point, one adjustable and releasable buckle for each loop, upper and lower.

FIGS. 5, upper perspective view of the double-loop of the present disclosure is shown. The apparatus comprises a loop with a single connection point to form a double-loop of a stretchable material, having, in this embodiment, two-foot openings, and two releasable and adjustable buckles. The foot openings are formed in this view by strips which define the foot opening on one side, while the opposite side of the foot opening is defined by the loop. The strips may be connected to the loop directly, indirectly, or integrally formed with the loop material by, for example, weaving, and/or molding. The adjustable and releasable buckles are attached directly to the connection point and on opposites sides of the connection point, one adjustable and releasable buckle for each loop, top and bottom.

FIGS. 6, upper perspective view of the double-loop of the present disclosure is shown. The apparatus comprises a loop with a single connection point to form a double-loop of a stretchable material, having, in this embodiment, two-foot openings, and two releasable and adjustable buckles. The foot openings are formed in this view by strips which define the foot opening on one side, while the opposite side of the foot opening is defined by the loop. The strips may be connected to the loop directly, indirectly, or integrally formed with the loop material by, for example, weaving and/or molding. The adjustable and releasable buckles are attached directly to the connection point and on opposites sides of the connection point, one adjustable and releasable buckle for each loop, top and bottom.

FIGS. 7, side perspective view of the double-loop of the present disclosure is shown. In this perspective the adjustable and releasable buckles are visible as well as the top and bottom loops.

FIGS. 8, side perspective view of the double-loop of the present disclosure is shown. In this perspective the adjustable and releasable buckles are visible as well as the top and bottom loops.

FIGS. 9, top perspective view of the double-loop of the present disclosure is shown. In this perspective the edge of the adjustable and releasable buckles are visible.

All references cited herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. To the extent publications and patents or patent applications incorporated by reference contradict the disclosure contained in the specification, the specification is intended to supersede and/or take precedence over any such contradictory material.

To the extent publications and patents or patent applications incorporated by reference herein contradict the disclosure contained in the specification, the specification is intended to supersede and/or take precedence over any such contradictory material.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) are to be given their ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and are not to be limited to a special or customized meaning unless expressly so defined herein.

Terms and phrases used in this application, and variations thereof, unless otherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open ended as opposed to limiting. As examples of the foregoing, the term ‘including’ should be read to mean ‘including, without limitation’ or the like; the term ‘comprising’ as used herein is synonymous with ‘including,’ ‘containing,’ or ‘characterized by,’ and is inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps; the term ‘example’ is used to provide exemplary instances of the item in discussion, not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof; adjectives such as ‘known’, ‘normal’, ‘standard’, and terms of similar meaning should not be construed as limiting the item described to a given time period or to an item available as of a given time, but instead should be read to encompass known, normal, or standard technologies that may be available or known now or at any time in the future; and use of terms like ‘preferably,’ ‘preferred,’ ‘desired,’ or ‘desirable,’ an words of similar meaning should not be understood as implying that certain features are critical, essential, or even important to the structure or function of the invention, but instead as merely intended to highlight alternative or additional features that may or may not be utilized in a particular embodiment of the invention. Likewise, a group of items linked with the conjunction ‘and’ should not be read as requiring that each and every one of those items be present in the grouping, but rather should be read as ‘and/or’ unless expressly stated otherwise. Similarly, a group of items linked with the conjunction ‘or’ should not be read as requiring mutual exclusivity among that group, but rather should be read as ‘and/or’ unless expressly stated otherwise. In addition, as used in this application, the articles ‘a’ and ‘an’ should be construed as referring to one or more than one (i.e., to at least one) of the grammatical objects of the article. By way of example, ‘an element’ means one element or more than one element.

The presence in some instances of broadening words and phrases such as ‘one or more’, ‘at least’, ‘but not limited to’, or other like phrases shall not be read to mean that the narrower case is intended or required in instances where such broadening phrases may be absent.

All numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, reaction conditions, and so forth used in the specification are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term ‘about.’ Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth herein are approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of any claims in any application claiming priority to the present application, each numerical parameter should be construed in light of the number of significant digits and ordinary rounding approaches. Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that the upper and lower limit and each intervening value between the upper and lower limit of the range is encompassed within the embodiments.

Furthermore, although the foregoing has been described in some detail by way of illustrations and examples for purposes of clarity and understanding, it is apparent to those skilled in the art that certain changes and modifications may be practiced. Therefore, the description and examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention to the specific embodiments and examples described herein, but rather to also cover all modification and alternatives coming with the true scope and spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. An exercise apparatus comprising: a loop of stretchable material sized to be engaged with a user's lower back and with feet of the user; and a single connection point such that the loop forms a figure-eight shape; anda foot opening formed at least partially by the loop, the foot opening sized to receive a foot of a user such that when the foot is engaged with the foot opening and the loop is engaged with the user's lower back, the user may apply a force against the loop, causing a stretching of the material.

2. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 wherein the apparatus has exactly two foot openings.

3. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 wherein the apparatus has only one foot opening.

4. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 wherein the loop is a closed loop.

5. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 wherein the loop has one or more adjustment mechanisms.

6. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 wherein the foot opening is defined by a strip of material attached to the loop.

7. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 wherein the loop is formed of two partially connected layers, and wherein the foot opening is defined on a top by one of the two layers, and on the bottom by the other of the two layers, the two layers being disconnected at the foot openings.

8. The exercise apparatus of claim 2 further comprising a shoe in each of the two foot openings.

9. The exercise apparatus of claim 2 further comprising a sock in each of the two foot openings.

10. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 wherein the connection point is formed by stitching.

11. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 wherein the connection point is adjustable.

12. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 wherein the length of the loop is adjustable by one or more of the following adjustment mechanisms, a buckle, a hook and loop connector, and a clamp.

13. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 wherein the loop is formed of a combination of stretchable and non-stretchable material.

14. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a pad attached to the loop on a side opposite to the foot openings.

15. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 wherein the foot opening is defined by a strip of material attached to the loop, the strip being formed of a material which is more easily stretched than the stretchable material of the loop.

16. An exercise apparatus consisting of: a loop of stretchable material sized to be engaged with a user's lower back and with the feet of the user; a single connection point; and two foot openings formed at least partially by the loop, the two foot openings each sized to receive a foot of a user such that when the foot is engaged with the foot openings and the loop is engaged with the user's lower back, the user may apply a force against the loop, causing a stretching of the material.

17. The exercise apparatus of claim 16 wherein the foot opening is defined by a strip of material attached to the loop.

18. The exercise apparatus of claim 16 wherein the loop is formed of two partially connected layers, and wherein the foot opening is defined on top by one of the two layers, and on the bottom by the other of the two layers, the two layers being disconnected at the foot openings.

19. The exercise apparatus of claim 16 wherein the loop is a closed loop.

20. A method of using an exercise apparatus comprising the steps of: placing a first foot through a first foot opening of the exercise apparatus;placing a second foot through a second foot opening of the exercise apparatus;engaging a portion of a loop of the exercise apparatus with the user's lower back; andmoving the legs from a squatting position to a standing position, the moving of the legs causing a stretching of a material of the loop.