Resistance sleeve apparatus and methods of making the same

Abstract

An apparatus for being worn on a body part. The apparatus includes a tubular sleeve having a first opening and a second opening opposite the first opening. The tubular sleeve includes a first band channel and a second band channel spaced apart from the first band channel. The first band channel and the second band channel are each defined by a top tunnel fabric piece and a bottom tunnel fabric piece. A first resistance band is housed within the first band channel, and a second resistance band is housed within the second band channel. An inner ring fabric underlies the bottom tunnel fabric pieces such that the inner ring fabric is disposed between the first and second resistance bands and the body part.

Description

RESISTANCE SLEEVE APPARATUS AND METHODS OF MAKING THE SAMECROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This utility patent application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. provisional patent application serial no. 63 / 560,378, filed on March 01, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to apparatuses and methods for manufacturing wearable resistive equipment and, more particularly, a wearable resistive elbow and knee sleeve member that provides resistance for exercise, rehabilitation or casual, general use, while providing stabilization to the elbow and knee joints.BACKGROUND

[0003] Elbow and knee sleeves (referred herein as clothing, equipment, apparel or accessories) are known for providing various benefits to ordinary people and professional athletes alike. For example, elbow and knee sleeves may be designed to trigger the acceleration of blood flow, increase oxygen to muscles, and reduce the build-up of lactic acid. Elbow and knee sleeves can be designed to increase responsiveness from the joint, thus providing better control and stability. Knee sleeves specifically may help reduce the movement of the knee cap during exercise, rehabilitation or general movement. Elbow and knee sleeves can also be designed to provide benefits for support, compression and recovery. There remains a need for improvements to elbow and knee sleeves.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Aspects of the present disclosure provide advantages, including but not limited to, the ability of a resistance sleeve apparatus to follow the contours of a body part and providestability for a j oint of the body party and / or resistance training for the body part. Another advantage is that an inner fabric ring provides an internal protective and comfortable layer between the user’ s body and resistance bands of the resistances sleeve apparatus.

[0005] According to an aspect of the disclosure, an apparatus is provided for being worn on a body part. The apparatus includes a tubular sleeve having a first opening and a second opening opposite the first opening. The tubular sleeve includes a first band channel and a second band channel spaced apart from the first band channel. The first band channel and the second band channel are each defined by a top tunnel fabric piece and a bottom tunnel fabric piece. A first resistance band is housed within the first band channel, and a second resistance band is housed within the second band channel. An inner ring fabric underlies the bottom tunnel fabric pieces such that the inner ring fabric is disposed between the first and second resistance bands and the body part.

[0006] According to another aspect of the disclosure, an apparatus is provided for being worn on a body part includes a tubular sleeve that has a first opening and a second opening opposite the first opening. The apparatus also includes a first band channel and a second band channel spaced from the first band channel. The first and second band channels are positioned on a first side of the tubular sleeve. The apparatus also includes a third band channel and a fourth band channel spaced from the third band channel. The third and fourth band channels are positioned on a second side of the tubular sleeve opposite the first side. The first band channel, the second band channel, the third band channel, and the fourth band channel are each defined by a top tunnel fabric piece and a bottom tunnel fabric piece. A first resistance band is housed within the first band channel, a second resistance band is housed within the second band channel, a third resistance band is housed within the third band channel, and a fourth resistance band is housed within thefourth band channel. An inner ring fabric underlies the bottom tunnel fabric pieces such that the inner ring fabric is disposed between the first, second, third and fourth resistance bands and the body part.

[0007] According to another aspect of the disclosure, a method for assembling a resistance sleeve includes attaching overlapping first top and bottom tunnel pieces to a first side of a back panel to define a first band channel between the first top and bottom tunnel pieces. The method also includes attaching overlapping second top and bottom tunnel pieces to a second side of the back panel opposite the first side of the back panel to define a second band channel between the second top and bottom tunnel pieces. The method also includes attaching a first side of an outer panel fabric and a first side of a lining to the first side of the back panel. The outer panel fabric is positioned outward of, and overlies the top tunnel pieces, and the lining is positioned inward of, and underlies the bottom tunnel pieces. The method also includes attaching a second side of the outer panel fabric and a second side of the lining to the second side of the back panel. The method also includes inserting a first resistance band into the first band channel and attaching the first resistance band adjacent to a first end of the resistance sleeve. The method also includes inserting a second resistance band into the second band channel and attaching the second resistance band adjacent to the first end of the resistance sleeve.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] In the following description, details are set forth to provide an understanding of the present disclosure. In some instances, certain systems, structures and techniques have not been described or shown in detail in order not to obscure the disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a front, perspective view of first embodiment of a resistance sleeve apparatus;

[0010] FIG. 2 is a front view of an exterior surface of the first embodiment of the resistance sleeve apparatus laid substantially flat or planar;

[0011] FIG. 3 is a front view of the exterior surface of the first embodiment of the resistance sleeve apparatus;

[0012] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional top view of the first embodiment of the resistance sleeve apparatus;

[0013] FIG. 5 is a side view of the first embodiment of the resistance sleeve apparatus being worn on an arm;

[0014] FIG. 6 is a rear view of the first embodiment of the resistance sleeve apparatus being worn on an arm;

[0015] FIG. 7 is a front view of the first embodiment of the resistance sleeve apparatus being worn on an arm;

[0016] FIG. 8 is a side view of the first embodiment of the resistance sleeve apparatus being worn on a leg;

[0017] FIG. 9 is a front view of the first embodiment of the resistance sleeve apparatus being worn on a leg;

[0018] FIG. 10 is a rear view of the first embodiment of the resistance sleeve apparatus being worn on a leg;

[0019] FIG. 11 is a front, perspective view of a second embodiment of the resistance sleeve apparatus;

[0020] FIG. 12 is a front view of an exterior surface of the second embodiment of thr resistance sleeve apparatus laid substantially flat or planar;

[0021] FIG. 13 is a front view of the exterior surface of the second embodiment of the resistance sleeve apparatus;

[0022] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional, top view of the second embodiment of the resistance sleeve apparatus;

[0023] FIG. 15 is side view of the second embodiment of the resistance sleeve apparatus being worn on an arm;

[0024] FIG. 16 is a rearview of the second embodiment of the resistance sleeve apparatus being worn on an arm;

[0025] FIG. 17 is a front view of the second embodiment of the resistance sleeve apparatus being worn on an arm;

[0026] FIG. 18 is a side view of the second embodiment of the resistance sleeve apparatus being worn on a leg;

[0027] FIG. 19 is a front view of the second embodiment of the resistance sleeve apparatus being worn on a leg;

[0028] FIG. 20 is a rearview of the second embodiment of the resistance sleeve apparatus being worn on a leg;

[0029] FIG. 21 is a top view of a tunnel fabric of the resistance sleeve apparatus;

[0030] FIG. 22 is a top view of a top cuff of the resistance sleeve apparatus;

[0031] FIG. 23 is a top view of a bottom cuff of the resistance sleeve apparatus;

[0032] FIG. 24 is a top view of a lining layer of the resistance sleeve apparatus;

[0033] FIG. 25 is a top view of an inner ring fabric of the resistance sleeve apparatus;

[0034] FIG. 26 is a top view of an outer panel fabric of the resistance sleeve apparatus;

[0035] FIG. 27 is a flow diagram of method of assembling a resistance sleeve apparatus;

[0036] FIG. 28 is a flow diagram of a method of assembling a resistance sleeve apparatus; and

[0037] FIG. 29 is a flow diagram of a method for wearing a resistance sleeve apparatus.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ENABLING EMBODIMENTS

[0038] Aspects of the present disclosure involve a resistance sleeve apparatus 100A, 100B for resistance training, stability, and rehabilitation that can be worn by a user over various body parts. According to a first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-10, the resistance sleeve apparatus 100A includes a tubular sleeve 102 with two band channels 104 spaced apart from each other. A resistance band 106 is located in each of the band channels 104. The resistance bands 106 are configured to follow the contours of a body part 108 and provide stability and / or resistance training for the body part 108. According to a second embodiment shown in FIGS. 11-20, the resistance sleeve apparatus 100B includes four band channels 104 each housing a resistance band 106. Other numbers of band channels 104 and resistance bands 106 may be used based on specific needs. As set forth in FIGS. 27-29, methods for assembling the apparatus 100 are also provided. The methods broadly include the steps of cutting components of the apparatus 100, creating the band channels 104, inserting resistance bands 106 into the band channels 104, and attaching the resistance bands 106 to the sleeve 102.

[0039] With reference to the first embodiment of the resistance sleeve apparatus 100A shown in FIGS. 1-10, the resistance sleeve apparatus 100A includes a tubular sleeve 102 that has an upper opening 110 at one end and a lower opening 112 at an opposite end. A user can insert a body part 108 such as an arm or leg into the sleeve 102 through either the upper or lower openings 110, 112, but preferably the user first inserts the body part 108 through the upper opening 110. A top cuff 114 secures the sleeve 102 to an upper area of the body part 108 such as above an elbowjoint (e.g., proximal to a middle to lower bicep or tricep region, or the like, e.g., FIG. 5) or above a knee joint (e.g., a lower, middle, or upper region of a thigh, or the like, e.g., FIG. 8). A bottom cuff 116 secures the sleeve 102 to a lower area of the body part 108 such as below the elbow joint (e g., proximal to a middle forearm area, or the like, e.g., FIG. 5) or below the knee joint (e.g., a lower, middle, or upper region of a calf, e.g., FIG. 8). The top and bottom cuffs 114, 116 may be configured to secure the sleeve 102 to the body part 108 via an inward radial force against the body part 108, friction between an inner surface of the sleeve 102 and the body part 108, or the like, or a combination or sub-combination thereof. In some embodiments, the top and bottom cuffs 114, 116 include, or entirely made of an elastic material, and may further include an adjustable strap to further secure the sleeve 102 to the body part 108.

[0040] The sleeve 112 may be comprised of a materials configured to expand radially and longitudinally to conform to or compress the body part 108 and return to an original shape and size when removed from the body part 108. For example, the sleeve 112 may be comprised of combinations of elastic fabric, polymer, or the like. From the upper opening 110 to the lower opening 112, the sleeve 102 may be uniform in diameter, may be tapered, or may have a contour aligned to the natural lines or shape of the body part 108, or the like, or a combination or subcombination thereof. Similarly, the top and bottom cuffs 110, 112 may include an identical or different diameter, shape, material, or the like.

[0041] FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view which lays out the various layers of materials which make up the first embodiment of the resistance sleeve apparatus 100A. The sleeve 102 includes an outer panel fabric 115 that constitutes an outermost layer along with a back panel 121 located between sides of the outer panel fabric 115. The sleeve 102 also includes two band channels 104 which are each comprised of atop tunnel fabric pieces 117 and a bottom tunnel fabricpiece 119 which overlie one another to define the band channel 104 therebetween which receives the resistance bands 106. An inner ring fabric 126 underlies the bottom tunnel fabric pieces 119 and serves as an innermost layer which contacts the user during use. The top tunnel fabric piece 117, the bottom tunnel fabric piece 119 and inner ring fabric 126 are each stitched, fused or the like, to the outer panel fabric 115.

[0042] According to this embodiment, the two band channels 104 are spaced apart from each other by the back panel 121 and each extend generally from the top cuff 114 to the bottom cuff 116. The band channels 104 are substantially parallel to each other and may be aligned to the natural lines of the body. The band channels 104 are each designed to generally house or enclose one or more of the resistance bands 106 such that the resistance band 106 does not contact a surface of the body part 108, but rather the surface of the body part 108 (e.g., skin) is in contact with the inner ring fabric 126. The arrangement of the inner ring fabric 126 and bottom tunnel fabric 119 of each of the band channels 104 create safety layers between the resistance band 106 and the user’s skin, which decreases the risk of injury in the event the resistance band 106 breaks during use. The resistance band 106 is also not exposed to the outside environment due to the presence of the outer panel fabric 115 and top tunnel fabric 117. In some embodiments, more than one resistance band 106 is positioned within each of the band channels 104. The resistance band 106 may be disposed in a free-floating, adhered, fused or the like manner within the at least two band channels 104 to allow the resistance bands 106 to stretch and provide for better tensile strength, among other advantages.

[0043] In certain embodiments, the resistance bands 106 are shorter than a total length between the top cuff 114 and the bottom cuff 116 (e.g., the resistance bands 106 may be between 70% to 95% of the total length, 60% to 75% of the total length, 40% to 65% of the total length, orthe like). According to these arrangements, ends of the resistance bands may be fixed to the sleeve 102 beneath the top and bottom ends 110, 112. The resistance bands 106 are configured to stretch such that the user experiences resistance from the resistance bands 106 when performing movements or motions. Additionally, as the resistance bands 106 stretch, the resistance bands 106 may follow the contours of the body part 108 of the user and may not otherwise obstruct or block the user from performing certain movements. For example, referring to FIGS. 5-7, the resistance bands 106 may overlie a back or front of an arm and extend down the arm from the middle tricep area towards a wrist in a generally vertical alignment. The arm may still move when flexing at the elbow joint (e.g., extending and retracting, curling, or pivoting). Referring to FIGS. 8-10, the resistance bands 106 may overlie the back or front of a leg and extend down the leg from a middle thigh area towards the ankle in a generally vertical alignment. The leg may still move when flexing at the knee joint. Flexing at either the elbow joint or knee joint causes the resistance bands 106 to stretch and subsequently cause the user to experience a variable resistance strength of the resistance bands 106.

[0044] According to embodiments, the resistance bands 106 may be aligned to the outside or laterally to a joint of the body part 108 (e.g., the elbow joint, knee joint, or the like) such that lateral movement of the sleeve 102 or the body part 108 is reduced. Restriction of lateral movement may further secure the sleeve 102 to the body part 108 or provide stability for the body part 108. In further embodiments, the resistance bands 106 are positioned to an outside or laterally to a joint of the body part 108. For example, referring to FIGS. 5-7, the resistance bands 106 are aligned laterally to the elbow joint. Referring to FIG. 8-10, the resistance bands 106 are aligned laterally to the knee joint to reduce lateral movement of the patella.

[0045] Various shapes, sizes, and resistance or tensile strengths are considered for the resistance band 106 and in embodiments with more than one resistance band 106, the respective resistance bands 106 may feature different shapes, sizes, and resistance strengths, or the like, or a combination or sub-combination thereof relative to each resistance band 106. Furthermore, in some embodiments the tensile strength of the resistance bands 106 may vary between one to one hundred pounds, or the like. The thickness of the resistance bands 106 may also vary to provide a desired tensile strength or alignment to the joint of the body part 108.

[0046] With reference to the second embodiment of the resistance sleeve apparatus 100B shown in FIGS. 11-20, the resistance sleeve apparatus 100B is substantially the same as the first embodiment but includes four band channels 104 and associated resistance bands 106 instead of two band channels 104 and resistance bands 106 like the first embodiment. The band channels 104 are positioned in circumferentially spaced relationship with one another around the sleeve 102. The band channels 104 may be spaced apart from one another such that two of the band channels 104 are positioned on the rear side of the body part 108, and two of the band channels 104 are positioned on the front side of the body part 108. For example, as shown in FIGS. 15-17, two of the resistance bands 106 may be aligned laterally to the elbow joint on the rear side, and two of the resistance bands 106 may be aligned laterally to the elbow joint on the front side. Referring to FIGS. 18-20, two of the resistance bands 106 may be aligned laterally to the knee joint on the rear side, and two of the resistance bands 106 may be aligned laterally to the knee joint on the front side. The increased number of band channels 104 and resistance bands 106 provides for increased stability of the body part 108, resistance training of the body part 108 and associated muscles, or the like, or a combination or sub-combination thereof. The four band channels 104 may be formedvia the same arrangement of an outer panel fabric 115, top and bottom tunnel fabric layers 117, 121 and an inner ring fabric 126 as previously described.

[0047] Referring to FIGS. 21-26, the resistance sleeve apparatus 100A, 100B may be assembled from components or fabric layers such as a back panel fabric 121 between the band channels 104 (FIG. 25), an outer panel fabric 115 (FIG. 26), a tunnel fabric 113 (FIG. 21) which can be cut any number of times to create the top and bottom tunnel fabrics 117, 119, the top and bottom cuffs 114, 116 (FIGS. 22 and 23) as well as an inner ring fabric 126 (FIG. 24). All of these components may be cut out of a material in a direction with the grainline perpendicular to the stretch direction as appropriate. Similarly, the resistance band 106 may be cut, to a desired length, with the grainline perpendicular to the stretch direction. The apparatus 100 may be assembled from the cut components by means of fabric integration, adhesion, sewing or the like, or a combination or sub-combination thereof to form the final sleeve apparatus 100. The shapes of these components may vary depending on the specific application.

[0048] In certain embodiments, the resistance bands 106 may be permanently attached to the components by those or other similar means. For example, the resistance bands 106 may be attached below the upper arm area and / or within the forearm area, below the upper thigh area and / or within the calf area. In some embodiments, the sewing of the components may include a four thread over lock, single needle, or the like, or a combination or sub-combination thereof. In other embodiments, the resistance bands 106 may be removably attached to the sleeve 102.

[0049] Referring to FIG. 27, a method 200 for preparing components of the resistance sleeve apparatus 100A, 100B includes 202 cutting four tunnel pieces 117, 119, the top cuff 114, the bottom cuff 116, the outer panel fabric 115, back panel 121 between the band channels 104, and inner ring fabric 126. The method 200 also includes 204 cutting an elastic gripper for both thetop and bottom cuffs 114, 116 which is combined with the top and bottom cuffs 114, 116 to provide elasticity. The method 200 further includes 206 cutting the resistance band 106 based on size requirements.

[0050] Referring to FIG. 28, another method 300 for assembling the resistance sleeve apparatus 100A, 100B includes 302 creating a first band channel 104 by overlaying top and bottom tunnel fabric layers 117, 119 and attaching the two tunnel fabric layers 117, 119 together along each outer edge (e.g., the left and right side, longitudinal sides, first edge and second edge, etc.). At 304 a second band channel 104 is created in the same manner as the first band channel 104. At 306 the first band channel 104 is attached to the back panel fabric 121 between the band channels 104. At 308 the second band channel 104 is attached to the opposite side of the back panel fabric 121 in the same manner. At 310 the outer panel fabric 115 and lining 126 are attached together along each outer edge (e.g., the left and right side, longitudinal sides, first edge and second edge, etc.) of the first band channel 104. At 312 a second band channel 104 is attached to outer panel fabric 115 and lining 126 created in the same manner as the first band channel 104. At 314 a first resistance band 106 is inserted into the first band channel 104 and attached to the sleeve 102 at a first location of the sleeve 102. The first location may be at or adjacent to the upper opening 110 or the lower opening 112, or between the first and second openings 110, 112, or the like. At 316 a second resistance band 106 is connected in the same manner as described in step 314 in a second band channel 104. At 318 the top cuff 114 is secured around the circumference at the first end of the sleeve 102. At 320 the bottom cuff 110 is attached around the circumference of the sleeve 102 at a second end of the apparatus 100 distal to the first end of the apparatus 100. As previously mentioned, the resistance sleeve apparatus 100 may be assembled according to method 300 such that the aligned to the outside of or laterally to a joint of the body part 108. For example, the firstand second band channels 104 may be attached in a manner such that the first and second band channels 104 are spaced apart and configured to be aligned to the outside of or laterally to a joint of the body part 108.

[0051] Steps 310 and 312 may include attaching the first and second resistance bands 106 to the first end of the sleeve 102 by sewing, stitching, stapling, adhesives, or the like, or a combination or sub-combination thereof. For example, a portion of the first and second resistance bands 106 are fixedly attached to the first end of the sleeve 102 by applying an stitching, adhesive or the like within the each of the first and second band channels 104 such that the other nonattached portions of the first and second resistance bands 106 are “floating” within the respective first and second band channels 104. In some embodiments, the steps 310 and 312 include attaching the first and second resistance bands 106 to a second end of the sleeve 102 opposite to the first end by any of the aforementioned attaching means. In another embodiment, the entire first and second resistance bands 106 are fixedly attached to the outer band fabric 115 by adhesion, fusing or the like to create a “non-floating” resistance band 106, then fixedly attached the end of the sleeves 102 in the same manner stated above.

[0052] The resistance band 106 is attached to the sleeve 102 and / or the top cuff 114 and the bottom cuff 116 by a means of stitching, an adhesive, or the like, or a combination or subcombination thereof. As previously mentioned, the inner ring fabric 126 protects the surface of the body part 108 by adding an additional layer of protection between the resistance band 106 and the surface of the body part 108.

[0053] Referring to FIG. 10, a method 400 of wearing the apparatus 100 of the first embodiment, includes 402 inserting the body part 108 through the upper opening 110, wherein the apparatus 100 is a resistance sleeve configured to expand to conform to the shape of the body part108 and wherein the apparatus 100 is fittingly secured to the body part 108 adjacent to the upper opening 110 and the lower opening 112. At step 404 the resistance bands 106 are aligned laterally to the joint of the body part 108 for increasing stability of the joint or for providing resistance training of the body part 108 and associated muscles. In some embodiments, step 402 includes fittingly securing the apparatus 100 to the body party 108 by either compression, friction (e.g., the apparatus is composed of material that grip the body party), or the like.

[0054] Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings and may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described while within the scope of the appended claims. These antecedent recitations should be interpreted to cover any combination in which the inventive novelty exercises its utility. The use of the word "said" in the apparatus claims refers to an antecedent that is a positive recitation meant to be included in the coverage of the claims whereas the word "the" precedes a word not meant to be included in the coverage of the claims. The use of the words “upper,” “lower,” “top,” “bottom,” “side,” refer to a relative orientation of the invention and are not meant to be limiting in scope.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. An apparatus for being worn on a body part, the apparatus comprising: a tubular sleeve having a first opening and a second opening opposite the first opening, wherein the tubular sleeve includes a first band channel and a second band channel spaced apart from the first band channel; wherein the first band channel and the second band channel are each defined by a top tunnel fabric piece and a bottom tunnel fabric piece; a first resistance band housed within the first band channel, and a second resistance band housed within the second band channel; and an inner ring fabric underlying the bottom tunnel fabric pieces such that the inner ring fabric is disposed between the first and second resistance bands and the body part.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first and second resistance bands are permanently attached to the tubular sleeve.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the first and second resistance bands are permanently attached to the tubular sleeve at an area adjacent to the first opening and an area adjacent to the second opening.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first and second resistance bands are between forty to ninety -five percent of a length between the first opening and the second opening.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first and second resistance bands extend from an upper arm area to a forearm area when worn by a user.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first and second resistance bands extend from a thigh area to a calf area when worn by a user.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first and second resistance bands are laterally aligned to an elbow joint and are positioned on a backside of an arm for reducing lateral movement.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first and second resistance bands are laterally aligned to a knee joint and are positioned on a front side of a leg for reducing lateral movement of a patella.

9. An apparatus for being worn on a body part, the apparatus comprising: a tubular sleeve having a first opening and a second opening opposite the first opening; a first band channel and a second band channel spaced from the first band channel, wherein the first and second band channels are positioned on a first side of the tubular sleeve; a third band channel and a fourth band channel spaced from the third band channel, wherein the third and fourth band channels are positioned on a second side of the tubular sleeve opposite the first side;wherein the first band channel, the second band channel, the third band channel, and the fourth band channel are each defined by a top tunnel fabric piece and a bottom tunnel fabric piece; a first resistance band housed within the first band channel, a second resistance band housed within the second band channel, a third resistance band housed within the third band channel, and a fourth resistance band housed within the fourth band channel; an inner ring fabric underlying the bottom tunnel fabric pieces such that the inner ring fabric is disposed between the first, second, third and fourth resistance bands and the body part.

10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the first, second, third, and fourth resistance bands are permanently attached to the tubular sleeve at an area adjacent to the first opening and an area adjacent to the second opening.

11. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the first, second, third, and fourth resistance bands are between forty to ninety-five percent of a length between the first opening and the second opening.

12. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the first, second, third, and fourth resistance bands extend from a first position adjacent to the first opening to a second position adjacent to the second opening.

13. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein at least the first and second resistance bands or the third and fourth resistance bands are laterally aligned to a joint of the body part for reducing lateral movement.

14. A method for assembling a resistance sleeve, the method comprising: attaching overlapping first top and bottom tunnel pieces to a first side of a back panel to define a first band channel between the first top and bottom tunnel pieces; attaching overlapping second top and bottom tunnel pieces to a second side of the back panel opposite the first side of the back panel to define a second band channel between the second top and bottom tunnel pieces; attaching a first side of an outer panel fabric and a first side of a lining to the first side of the back panel, wherein the outer panel fabric is positioned outward of, and overlies the top tunnel pieces, and wherein the lining is positioned inward of, and underlies the bottom tunnel pieces; attaching a second side of the outer panel fabric and a second side of the lining to the second side of the back panel; inserting a first resistance band into the first band channel and attaching the first resistance band to a first end of the resistance sleeve; and inserting a second resistance band into the second band channel and attaching the second resistance band to the first end of the resistance sleeve.

15. The method of claim 14 wherein the attaching steps of the tunnel pieces, outer panel fabric, and lining includes utilizing four thread over lock sewing.

16. The method of claim 14 wherein the attaching steps of the first resistance band and the second resistance band are accomplished by single needle sewing.

17. The method of claim 14 further comprising: cutting out the tunnel pieces, portions of a top cuff, portions of a bottom cuff, the outer panel fabric and the lining from pieces of fabric; cutting an elastic gripper for both the top and bottom cuffs from a piece of an elastic material; and cutting the first and second resistance bands from the piece of elastic material to a desired length.

18. The method of claim 17 further comprising: attaching the top cuff around a circumference of the resistance sleeve at the first end of the resistance sleeve; and attaching the bottom cuff around the circumference of the resistance sleeve at a second end of the resistance sleeve distal to the first end.

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