Resistive band/loop exerciser of thermoplastic elastomer

Abstract

A hypo-allergenic, latex-free, durable, versatile resistance exercise device in the form of a continuous, seamless loop comprised of a thermoplastic elastomer with an elastic range of 10-12 times resting length to allow resistance in a full range of motion and with thickness of 0.5 cm to 1.6 cm to allow the exercise device to stay in place without rolling up or pinching, thereby increasing the comfort for the user. In another embodiment, the device is a resistance band comprised of a first end and a second end and one or more grip holes through the first end and the second end which provide a means of facilitating grip for a user as to prevent or lessen the accidental release of the resistance exercise device.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The instant invention relates to exercise devices used to strengthen and tone a user's muscles.BACKGROUND[0002]Resistive bands are used by individuals who are looking to strengthen and tone their muscles in addition to the rehabilitation of patients with a wide variety of physical ailments. Subsequent to an injury or surgical procedure, a patient under the care of physicians, physical therapists, and / or trainers is guided through a series of exercises using a wide variety of devices, including resistive bands, which offer differing degrees of resistance for any targeted muscle groups.[0003]Commonly used resistive bands are manufactured using a variety of materials such as rubber, latex compounds, elastics, and metal springs. Each of the previously mentioned materials suffers from limitations concerning the overall performance and versatility of the resistive band. Resistive bands are generally thin, flat strips that require the user to wrap the band aroun...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006]A resistance exercise device in the form of a continuous, seamless loop comprised of a thermoplastic elastomer with an elastic range of 10-12 times resting length to allow resistance in a full range of motion and with thickness of 0.5 cm to 1.6 cm to allow the exercise device to stay in place without rolling up or pinching, thereby increasing the comfort for the user. In another embodiment, the device is a resistance band comprised of a first end and a second end and one or more grip holes through the first end and the second end which provide a means of facilitating grip for a user as to prevent or lessen the accidental release of the resistance exercise device.

Problems solved by technology

Each of the previously mentioned materials suffers from limitations concerning the overall performance and versatility of the resistive band.

These handles can be dangerous if the patient loses his or her grip and the resistive band snaps back.

Another shortcoming of the thin, flat resistive bands is that they have a tendency to bunch and roll up during use resulting in discomfort, restricted blood flow, and even the pulling of hair from the user's body.

This discomfort often leads to non-compliance with the prescribed or recommended exercise regimen.

Shorter resistive bands provide reasonable resistance in the initial portion of the range of motion, but then provide too much resistance in the later range of motion making completion of the range of motion too difficult or dangerous due to the elastic limit of the material.

Patients with sensitive skin, chronic pain, poor grip strength, or edema are typically unable to use the conventional resistive bands due to the discomfort associated with the bands bunching and “cutting in” at the point of contact.

Strengthening devices incorporating metal springs into their design can also pinch the skin and pose a danger to the user if the user's grip fails.

Conventional resistive bands are also hazardous due to the occurrence of snapping, tearing, and / or breaking of the band.

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