Resistance bands for proprioceptive effect during exercise

Abstract

Resistance bands incorporated into seats, benches, chairs, sofas, and exercise machines and equipment where the resistances bands can provide a proprioceptive effect during exercise are discussed. The resistance bands, when incorporated into seats, benches, chairs, sofas, and exercise machines and equipment, can introduce instability to a person performing exercise whereby the person's body must use additional muscles to maintain stability, thereby enhancing the effects of the exercise.

Description

RESISTANCE BANDS FOR PROPRIOCEPTIVE EFFECT DURING EXERCISE CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS:

[0001] This application claims priority of United States provisional patent application serial no.63 / 749,585 filed 25 January 2025, which is incorporated by reference into this application in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD:

[0002] The present disclosure is related to the field of resistance bands incorporated into seats, benches, chairs, sofas, and exercise machines and equipment where the resistances bands can provide a proprioceptive effect during exercise.BACKGROUND:

[0003] It is often difficult for people who are not in the best of physical shape to improve their physical well-being and health. Also, those who were more physically active and fit when they were younger tend to become more sedentary as they age, and their physical well-being and health can decline. In addition, those who have suffered a physical injury, notwithstanding that they may have been physically fit and healthy prior to the injury, may find it difficult to continue exercising as they could prior to their injury. In all of these cases, there is a need for improved physical fitness footwear, apparel and equipment that can enable anyone to enhance their exercise regime by causing them to use additional muscles to maintain their balance while exercise while lowering the amount of weight or force required so as to not overtax the person’s joints and muscles and improve proprioception, especially if they had been previously sedentary or are recovering from an injury.

[0004] In The Role of Proprioception in the Management and Rehabilitation of Athletic Injuries (SM Lephart et al., The American Journal of Sports Medicine, Vol. 25, No. 1) proprioception is defined as a specialized sensory modality of touch and encompasses the sensations of joint movement and joint position. Proprioception contributes to motor programing for neuromuscular control required for precision movements and also contributes to muscle reflexes, providingdynamic joint stability. Proprioceptive receptors found in the skin, muscles and joints provide input to the central nervous system (“CNS”) and, along with visual and vestibular centres, contributes afferent information to the CNS regarding body position and balance. A sports injury or other musculoskeletal trauma can lead to proprioceptive defects. Proprioceptive rehabilitation seeks to retrain altered afferent pathways to enhance sensation of joint movement.Traditional Bench Limitations:

[0005] Most fitness benches have solid surfaces (padded wood or metal) for the seat and backrest. While these offer stability, they also increase pressure on the body, particularly the spine, during exercises like bench presses or seated overhead presses. This compression can cause discomfort and long-term issues, especially for those with back problems.

[0006] It is, therefore, desirable to provide resistance bands that can be incorporated into seats, benches, chairs, sofas, and exercise machines and equipment to enhance the effects of physical exercise.SUMMARY:

[0007] Resistance bands can be provided that can be incorporated into seats, benches, chairs, sofas, and exercise machines and equipment to enhance the effects of physical exercise.

[0008] In some embodiments, resistance bands can be provided to provide a proprioceptive effect when contacted thereon. In some embodiments, the apparatuses can comprise the materials and devices as described in international patent application no. PCT / CA2017 / 050874 filed 20 July 2017, which is incorporated by reference into this application in its entirety, as well as in international patent application no. PCT / CA2024 / 050252 filed 29 February 2024, which is incorporated by reference into this application in its entirety.

[0009] By replacing the solid seat and backrest with flexible fitness bands, the bands can stretch and conform to the user's body. This can reduce compression on the spine, allowing for a more natural range of motion. It can also enhance core engagement as the body has to stabilize itself more than on a solid surface.

[0010] Newton’s Third Law states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. On a traditional bench, when lifting weights, the body pushes down into the bench, and the bench exerts an equal upward force. On a band-based bench, this principle still applies, but because the bands stretch and distribute force more evenly, the reaction force can be spread out over a larger area and in a more dynamic manner. This can potentially reduce the strain on specific pressure points, such as the lumbar spine or tailbone. The stretch of the band can also create a mild instability, prompting the body to engage stabilizing muscles.Potential Benefits

[0011] Reduced Compression: The dynamic nature of the bands can allow for less direct force on the spine, making the bench more suitable for those with back issues.

[0012] Increased Core Activation: The slight instability of the bands would require the user to engage their core and stabilizing muscles during exercises, improving functional strength.

[0013] Enhanced Blood Flow: A banded surface can reduce restricted blood flow compared to a hard bench, increasing comfort during longer workouts.

[0014] Customizability: Bands can be adjusted for tension and elasticity to suit individual preferences or body types,Design Considerations

[0015] 1. Material: In some embodiments, the bands can be durable, elastic, and supportive, capable of handling heavy loads without sagging or snapping. In some embodiments, they can be made from high-grade latex or fabric-based elastic material, similar to resistance bands but wider.

[0016] 2. Tension Adjustment: In some embodiments, users can adjust the tension of the bands to vary the level of support and instability. As an example, a beginner might prefer tighter bands for more support, while advanced users might opt for looser bands to challenge stability.

[0017] 3. Frame Support: In some embodiments, the bench frame would need to securely hold the bands in place while maintaining its own stability. In some embodiments, the design can allow for easy replacement or swapping of bands as needed.

[0018] 4. Ergonomics: In some embodiments, the banded surface can contour to the body while maintaining proper alignment for various exercises. An ergonomic shape (slightly curved bands or adjustable angles) can enhance comfort and performance.Applications

[0019] 1. Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation: In some embodiments, the apparatuses described herein can be ideal for patients recovering from spinal or musculoskeletal injuries due to its reduced compression and emphasis on intrinsic muscle engagement.

[0020] 2. Functional Fitness: In some embodiments, the apparatuses described herein can strengthen connective tissue, fascia, and intrinsic muscles.

[0021] 3. Home Gyms: In some embodiments, a lightweight and modular design of a banded bench can appeal to home gym users looking for versatile, space-saving equipment.Future Expansion

[0022] In some embodiments, the apparatuses described herein can further comprise add-on accessories like resistance band attachments for total-body workouts. This can include adjustable bench angles (incline, decline, flat) with the banded support system. This can further included customizable tension levels or interchangeable band widths for different user needs.Promote Hip Mobility

[0023] 1. Dynamic Feedback: In some embodiments, the elasticity of the bands can provide immediate feedback as users sit or lie on the bench. When the hips shift even slightly to one side, the bands will respond with a stretch or rebound effect. This feedback can help users become more aware of imbalances or asymmetries in their hip positioning.

[0024] 2. Encouraging Controlled Movement: In some embodiments, intentionally shifting the hips side-to-side while seated or lying down, users can feel the bands stretching and releasing.This action can naturally encourage controlled hip mobility. In some embodiments, the bands can provide resistance and assistance simultaneously, challenging the muscles while supporting the joints.

[0025] 3. Reduced Pressure: Traditional solid benches concentrate pressure on the pelvis and sacrum, potentially leading to stiffness in the hip flexors and restricted movement. In some embodiments, bands can distribute weight evenly and allow subtle micro-movements of the pelvis, encouraging relaxation and loosening of tight hip structures.Benefits for Hip and Spine Longevity

[0026] 1. Releases Tension in the Hips: Tight hip flexors and restricted pelvic movement are common contributors to lower back pain and poor spinal alignment. In some embodiments, the dynamic nature of the bands can help reduce tension in the hips, which, in turn, reduces strain on the lumbar spine.

[0027] 2. Improved Pelvic Awareness: Many people struggle to feel and control their pelvic positioning, often leading to excessive anterior or posterior pelvic tilts. In some embodiments, the elastic surface of the bands can highlight improper positioning and encourages subtle adjustments, promoting a neutral pelvis that protects the spine.

[0028] 3. Enhanced Core Engagement: As the hips shift on the elastic surface, the core muscles (especially the transverse abdominis) activate to stabilize the body. This promotes spinal support and reduces reliance on compensatory movements that stress the back.

[0029] 4. Restores Natural Hip Motion: Over time, the repetitive feedback from the bands can help restore natural hip motion and improve joint lubrication. This can reduce stiffness and support long-term mobility.Functional Exercises to Explore Hip Mobility

[0030] Here are some exercises that can help users utilize the banded bench to enhance hip mobility and spinal longevity:

[0031] 1. Seated Hip Shift: Sit on the horizontal bands with feet flat on the floor. Slowly shift your hips side to side, feeling the stretch and rebound of the bands. Focus on even weight distribution between both sides of the pelvis.

[0032] 2. Seated Pelvic Tilts: While seated, gently rock the pelvis forward (anterior tilt) and backward (posterior tilt). The bands can provide subtle resistance and help the user find their neutral pelvis.

[0033] 3. Supine Hip Rolls: Lie on the bench with the back supported by the vertical, curved bands. Keep feet on the bench or elevated while slowly rolling the hips side to side. This movement can loosen the hips while engaging the obliques and core stabilizers.

[0034] 4. Single-Leg Bridge: Lie on the bench and perform a single-leg bridge. The banded surface allows the pelvis to naturally adjust during the movement, encouraging better alignment and mobility.Why This Improves Longevity

[0035] Spinal Alignment: Loosening tight hips can allow the pelvis to sit in a neutral position, preventing excessive spinal curvature or compression overtime.

[0036] Reduced Wear and Tear: Improved hip mobility means the body can move more efficiently, reducing compensatory patterns that often stress the spine and surrounding tissues.

[0037] Active Recovery: The gentle, supportive nature of the bands can encourage frequent, low-intensity movements that maintain joint health and circulation, even during rest periods.

[0038] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, an exercise bench can be provided, comprising: a frame having vertical legs and horizontal rails operatively coupled thereto; and a plurality of first and second resistance bands disposed between at least one pair of the vertical legs, wherein each of the plurality of first and second resistance bands is comprised of one or more of a group comprising rubber, thermoplastic rubber, foam rubber, polyurethane rubber, silicone rubber, thermoplastic resin and thermoplastic elastomer.

[0039] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the exercise bench can further comprise at least one third resistance band disposed between a pair of the horizontal rails, wherein the at least one third resistance band is comprised of one or more of a group comprising rubber, thermoplastic rubber, foam rubber, polyurethane rubber, silicone rubber, thermoplastic resin and thermoplastic elastomer.

[0040] Broad stated, in some embodiments, the exercise bench can further comprise a pair of vertical struts extending upwards from a pair of the vertical lets, and a fourth resistance band disposed between the pair of vertical struts, wherein the fourth resistance band is comprised of one or more of a group comprising rubber, thermoplastic rubber, foam rubber, polyurethane rubber, silicone rubber, thermoplastic resin and thermoplastic elastomer.

[0041] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, one or both of the plurality of first resistance bands and the plurality of second resistance bands can comprise a plurality of compressible protrusions disposed thereon.

[0042] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the at least one third resistance band can comprise a plurality of compressible protrusions disposed thereon.

[0043] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the fourth resistance band can comprise a plurality of compressible protrusions disposed thereon.

[0044] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the plurality of the first and second resistance bands can comprise the same resistance force.

[0045] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the plurality of the first and second resistance bands can comprise different resistance forces.

[0046] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, a chair can be provided, comprising: a seat comprising a plurality of first resistance bands disposed thereon; and a back operated coupled to the seat comprising a plurality of second resistance bands disposed thereon, wherein each of the plurality of first and second resistance bands is comprised of one or more of a group comprisingrubber, thermoplastic rubber, foam rubber, polyurethane rubber, silicone rubber, thermoplastic resin and thermoplastic elastomer.

[0047] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, wherein one or both of the plurality of first resistance bands and the plurality of second resistance bands of the chair can comprise a plurality of compressible protrusions disposed thereon.

[0048] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the plurality of the first and second resistance bands of the chair can comprise the same resistance force.

[0049] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the plurality of the first and second resistance bands of the chair can comprise different resistance forces.

[0050] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, a bicycle seat can be provided, comprising: a plurality of resistance bands disposed thereon, wherein each of the plurality of resistance bands is comprised of one or more of a group comprising rubber, thermoplastic rubber, foam rubber, polyurethane rubber, silicone rubber, thermoplastic resin and thermoplastic elastomer.

[0051] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the plurality of resistance bands of the bicycle seat can comprises a plurality of compressible protrusions disposed thereon.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:

[0052] Figure 1 is a front perspective view depicting one embodiment of an exercise bench comprising a plurality of resistance bands disposed thereon.

[0053] Figure 2 is a left-side perspective view depicting the exercise bench of Figure 1.

[0054] Figure 3 is a right-side perspective view depicting the exercise bench of Figure 1.

[0055] Figure 4 is a top plan view depicting the exercise bench of Figure 1.

[0056] Figure 5 is a perspective view depicting a person using the exercise bench of Figure 1.

[0057] Figure 6 is a perspective view depicting a second embodiment of an exercise bench comprising a plurality of resistance bands disposed thereon.

[0058] Figure 7 is a perspective view depicting one embodiment of a chair comprising a plurality of resistance bands disposed thereon.

[0059] Figure 8 is a perspective view depicting one embodiment of a sofa comprising a plurality of resistance bands disposed thereon.

[0060] Figure 9 is a top plan view depicting embodiments of resistance bands for use with the exercise benches, chairs, and sofas presented herein.

[0061] Figure 10 is a perspective view depicting a third embodiment of an exercise bench comprising a plurality of resistance bands disposed thereon.

[0062] Figure 11 is a front elevation view depicting the exercise bench of Figure 10.

[0063] Figure 12 is a top plan view depicting the exercise bench of Figure 10.

[0064] Figure 13 is a perspective view depicting an exercise machine comprising a plurality of resistance bands disposed thereon.

[0065] Figure 14 is a top plan view depicting a bicycle seat comprising a plurality of resistance bands disposed thereon.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS:

[0066] In this description, references to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, or “embodiments” mean that the feature or features being referred to are included in at least one embodiment of the technology. Separate references to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, or “embodiments” in this description do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment and are also not mutually exclusive unless so stated and / or except as will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the description. For example, a feature, structure, act, etc. described in one embodiment may also be included in other embodiments but is not necessarily included. Thus, the present technology can include a variety of combinations and / or integrations of the embodiments described herein.

[0067] The presently disclosed subject matter is illustrated by specific but non-limiting examples throughout this description. The examples may include compilations of data that are representative of data gathered at various times during the course of development and experimentation related to the present invention(s). Each example is provided by way ofexplanation of the present disclosure and is not a limitation thereon. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment.

[0068] All references to singular characteristics or limitations of the present disclosure shall include the corresponding plural characteristic(s) or limitation(s) and vice versa, unless otherwise specified or clearly implied to the contrary by the context in which the reference is made.

[0069] All combinations of method or process steps as used herein can be performed in any order, unless otherwise specified or clearly implied to the contrary by the context in which the referenced combination is made.

[0070] While the following terms used herein are believed to be well understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, definitions are set forth to facilitate explanation of the presently disclosed subject matter.

[0071] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the presently disclosed subject matter belongs. Although any methods, devices, and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the presently disclosed subject matter, representative methods, devices, and materials are now described.

[0072] Following long-standing patent law convention, the terms “a”, “an”, and “the” refer to “one or more” when used in this application, including the claims.

[0073] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities, properties, and so forth used in the specification and claims 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 in this specification and claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the presently disclosed subject matter.

[0074] As used herein, the term “about”, when referring to a value or to an amount of mass, weight, time, volume, concentration or percentage is meant to encompass variations of in some embodiments + / - 50%, in some embodiments + / - 40%, in some embodiments + / - 30%, in some embodiments + / - 20%, in some embodiments + / - 10%, in some embodiments + / - 5%, in some embodiments + / - 1%, in some embodiments + / - 0.5%, and in some embodiments + / - 0.1% from the specified amount, as such variations are appropriate to perform the disclosed method.

[0075] Alternatively, the terms “about” or “approximately” can mean within an acceptable error range for the particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art, which will depend in part on how the value is measured or determined, i.e., the limitations of the measurement system. For example, “about” can mean within 3, or more than 3, standard deviations, per the practice in the art. Alternatively, “about” can mean a range of up to 20%, preferably up to 10%, more preferably up to 5%, and more preferably still up to 1% of a given value. Alternatively, particularly with respect to biological systems or processes, the term can mean within an order of magnitude, preferably within 5-fold, and more preferably within 2-fold, of a value. Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities, properties, and so forth used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about”. And so, the numerical parameters set forth in this specification and claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the presently disclosed subject matter.

[0076] As used herein, ranges can be expressed as from “about” one particular value, and / or to “about” another particular value. It is also understood that there are a number of values disclosed herein, and that each value is also herein disclosed as “about” that particular value in addition to the value itself. For example, if the value “10” is disclosed, then “about 10” is also disclosed. It is also understood that each unit between two particular units are also disclosed. For example, if 10 and 15 are disclosed, then 11, 12, 13, and 14 are also disclosed.

[0077] In some embodiments, a loop exercise band can be provided. Referring to Figures 1 to 5, one embodiment of an exercise bench, denoted as exercise bench 10, is illustrated. In some embodiments, exercise bench 10 can comprise of a frame comprising vertical legs 11 operatively coupled to horizontal rails 13 and 15 to form the structure thereof. In some embodiments, exercise bench 10 can comprise a plurality of resistance bands 12 and 14 disposed between vertical legs 11. In some embodiments, resistance bands 12 and 14 can be configured in a vertical configuration as shown in Figure 2. In some embodiments, resistance bands 12 and 14 can be configured in a horizontal configuration as shown in Figure 3. In some embodiments, resistance bands 12 and 14 can be configured in an alternating configuration as shown in Figures 1 to 3. In some embodiments, resistance bands 12 and 14 can comprise similar resistance strengths whereas in other embodiments, resistance bands 12 and 14 can comprise different resistance strengths compared to each other. In some embodiments, resistance bands 12 and 14 can each be comprised of stretchable elastomeric material, wherein the elastomeric material can comprise one or more of a group comprising rubber, thermoplastic rubber, foam rubber, polyurethane rubber, silicone rubber, thermoplastic resin and thermoplastic elastomer. In some embodiments, the elastomeric material can comprise variations in the chemical composition to vary the tensile stretch strength of resistance bands 12 and 14 to vary the stretch resistance of the bands. In some embodiments, the thickness and width of resistance bands 12 and 14 can be varied to vary the stretch resistance of the bands.

[0078] In some embodiments, exercise bench 10 can comprise of a plurality of resistance bands 16 disposed between horizontal rails 15, as shown in Figures 1, 3, and 5. In some embodiments, exercise bench 10 can comprise a single resistance band 24 disposed between horizontal rails 15, as shown in Figure 4. In some embodiments, resistance bands 16 and 24 can each be comprised of stretchable elastomeric material, wherein the elastomeric material can comprise one or more of a group comprising rubber, thermoplastic rubber, foam rubber, polyurethane rubber, silicone rubber, thermoplastic resin and thermoplastic elastomer. In some embodiments,the elastomeric material can comprise variations in the chemical composition to vary the tensile stretch strength of resistance bands 16 and 24 to vary the stretch resistance of the bands. In some embodiments, the thickness and width of resistance bands 16 and 24 can be varied to vary the stretch resistance of the bands.

[0079] In some embodiments, exercise bench 10 can comprise a pair of vertical struts 17 disposed on legs 11 wherein struts 17 can support resistance band 18 disposed therebetween, as shown in Figures 1 and 5. In some embodiments, resistance band 18 can be comprised of stretchable elastomeric material, wherein the elastomeric material can comprise one or more of a group comprising rubber, thermoplastic rubber, foam rubber, polyurethane rubber, silicone rubber, thermoplastic resin and thermoplastic elastomer. In some embodiments, the elastomeric material can comprise variations in the chemical composition to vary the tensile stretch strength of resistance band 18 to vary the stretch resistance of the band. In some embodiments, the thickness and width of resistance band 18 can be varied to vary the stretch resistance of the band. In some embodiments, a person can place one of their limbs, denoted as limb 20 in the Figures, between a pair of adjacent resistance bands, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, to move limb 20 in a horizontal or vertical motion, as the case may be, to encounter resistance from the resistance band as a means to exercise limb 20. As shown in Figure 5, a person can place limb 20 between resistance bands 16 and 18 and move limb 20 up and down therebetween resistance bands 16 and 18 as a means to exercise limb 20.

[0080] Referring to Figure 6, one embodiment of exercise chair 26 is shown, wherein chair 26 can comprise of seat 28 having substantially parallel seat rails 29 disposed thereon, and of back 30 having substantially parallel back rails 31 disposed thereon. In some embodiments, seat 28 can comprise a plurality of resistance bands 32 disposed between seat rails 29. In some embodiments back 30 can comprise a plurality of resistance bands 34 disposed between back rails 31. In some embodiments, resistance bands 32 and 34 can each be comprised of stretchable elastomeric material, wherein the elastomeric material can comprise one or more of a groupcomprising rubber, thermoplastic rubber, foam rubber, polyurethane rubber, silicone rubber, thermoplastic resin and thermoplastic elastomer. In some embodiments, the elastomeric material can comprise variations in the chemical composition to vary the tensile stretch strength of resistance bands 32 and 34 to vary the stretch resistance of the bands. In some embodiments, the thickness and width of resistance bands 32 and 34 can be varied to vary the stretch resistance of the bands. When a person performs exercise while sitting on exercise chair 26, the person can experience instability due to the proprioceptive effects caused by the resistance bands thereby causing the person to utilize additional muscles to maintain stability and, thus, enhance the effects of the exercise performed by the person.

[0081] Referring to Figure 7, one embodiment of chair 36 is shown, wherein chair 36 can comprise of seat 38 having substantially parallel seat rails 39 disposed thereon, and of back 40 having substantially parallel back rails 41 disposed thereon. In some embodiments, seat 38 can comprise a plurality of resistance bands 42 disposed between seat rails 39. In some embodiments back 40 can comprise a plurality of resistance bands 44 disposed between back rails 41. In some embodiments, resistance bands 42 and 44 can each be comprised of stretchable elastomeric material, wherein the elastomeric material can comprise one or more of a group comprising rubber, thermoplastic rubber, foam rubber, polyurethane rubber, silicone rubber, thermoplastic resin and thermoplastic elastomer. In some embodiments, the elastomeric material can comprise variations in the chemical composition to vary the tensile stretch strength of resistance bands 42 and 44 to vary the stretch resistance of the bands. In some embodiments, the thickness and width of resistance bands 42 and 44 can be varied to vary the stretch resistance of the bands. When a person sits on chair 36, the person can experience instability due to the proprioceptive effects caused by the resistance bands thereby causing the person to utilize additional muscles in their core and elsewhere in their body to overcome the instability and, thus, can provide a physical benefit to the person while sitting in chair 36.

[0082] Referring to Figure 8, one embodiment of sofa 46 is shown, wherein sofa 46 can comprise a plurality of resistance bands 48 disposed thereon. In some embodiments, resistance bands 48 can be comprised of stretchable elastomeric material, wherein the elastomeric material can comprise one or more of a group comprising rubber, thermoplastic rubber, foam rubber, polyurethane rubber, silicone rubber, thermoplastic resin and thermoplastic elastomer. In some embodiments, the elastomeric material can comprise variations in the chemical composition to vary the tensile stretch strength of resistance bands 48 vary the stretch resistance of the bands. In some embodiments, the thickness and width of resistance bands 48 can be varied to vary the stretch resistance of the bands. When a person sits on sofa 46, the person can experience instability due to the proprioceptive effects caused by the resistance bands thereby causing the person to utilize additional muscles in their core and elsewhere in their body to overcome the instability and, thus, can provide a physical benefit to the person while sitting in sofa 46.

[0083] Referring to Figure 9, examples of resistance bands 50 and 52 are shown. In some embodiments, resistance bands 50 and 52 can each be comprised of stretchable elastomeric material, wherein the elastomeric material can comprise one or more of a group comprising rubber, thermoplastic rubber, foam rubber, polyurethane rubber, silicone rubber, thermoplastic resin and thermoplastic elastomer. In some embodiments, the elastomeric material can comprise variations in the chemical composition to vary the tensile stretch strength of resistance bands 50 and 52 to vary the stretch resistance of the bands. In some embodiments, the thickness and width of resistance bands 50 and 52 can be varied to vary the stretch resistance of the bands. In some embodiments, resistance band 50 can comprise a plurality of compressible protrusions 54 disposed thereon in a space-apart configuration. Similarly, in some embodiments, resistance band 52 can comprise a plurality of compressible protrusions 56 disposed thereon in a space-apart configuration. In some embodiments, compressible protrusions 54 can be smaller in diameter than that of compressible protrusions 56. In some embodiments, compressible protrusions 54 and 56 can comprise the compressible protrusions as disclosed in internationalpatent application no. PCT / CA2024 / 050252 filed on 29 February 2024, which incorporated by reference into this application in its entirety. In some embodiments, either or both of resistance bands 50 and 52 can be substituted for any of the resistance bands described herein and be incorporated into any of the seats, benches, chairs, sofas, and exercise machines and equipment described herein.

[0084] Referring to Figures 10 to 12, one embodiment of workout bench 57 is shown. In some embodiments, bench 57 can comprise a plurality of resistance bands 52 of Figure 9 disposed thereon wherein compressible protrusions 56 can provide a proprioceptive effect to a person performing exercising on bench 57 by introducing instability thereby causing the person to utilize additional muscles to maintain stability and, thus, enhance the effects of the exercise performed by the person.

[0085] Referring to Figure 13, one embodiment of exercise machine 62 is shown, having one or more resistance bands disposed thereon to allow a person to place a limb therebetween and move the limb against the resistance bands to provide resistance in an exercise movement. In the illustrated embodiment of Figure 13, a paid of resistance bands 58 and 60 are disposed on exercise machine 62. In some embodiments, resistance bands 58 and 60 can comprise similar resistance strengths whereas in other embodiments, resistance bands 58 and 60 can comprise different resistance strengths compared to each other. In some embodiments, resistance bands 58 and 60 can each be comprised of stretchable elastomeric material, wherein the elastomeric material can comprise one or more of a group comprising rubber, thermoplastic rubber, foam rubber, polyurethane rubber, silicone rubber, thermoplastic resin and thermoplastic elastomer. In some embodiments, the elastomeric material can comprise variations in the chemical composition to vary the tensile stretch strength of resistance bands 58 and 60 to vary the stretch resistance of the bands. In some embodiments, the thickness and width of resistance bands 58 and 60 can be varied to vary the stretch resistance of the bands. In this embodiment, a person can performresistance exercise training by moving their limbs 20 up and down between resistance bands 58 and 60.

[0086] Referring to Figure 14, one embodiment of bicycle seat 64 is shown having a plurality of resistance bands 66 disposed thereon. In some embodiments, resistance bands 66 can be comprised of stretchable elastomeric material, wherein the elastomeric material can comprise one or more of a group comprising rubber, thermoplastic rubber, foam rubber, polyurethane rubber, silicone rubber, thermoplastic resin and thermoplastic elastomer. In some embodiments, the elastomeric material can comprise variations in the chemical composition to vary the tensile stretch strength of resistance bands 66 to vary the stretch resistance of the bands. In some embodiments, the thickness and width of resistance bands 66 can be varied to vary the stretch resistance of the bands. When a person rides a bicycle while sitting on bicycle seat 64, the person can experience instability due to the proprioceptive effects caused by the resistance bands thereby causing the person to utilize additional muscles to maintain stability while sitting on bicycle seat 64 and, thus, enhance the effects of the exercise while riding the bicycle. In some embodiments, bicycle seat 64 can comprise a plurality of compressible protrusions 68 disposed on resistance bands 66 to provide a proprioceptive effect to a person sitting on bicycle seat 64 while riding the bicycle by introducing instability thereby causing the person to utilize additional muscles to maintain stability and, thus, enhance the effects of the exercise of riding the bicycle by the person.

[0087] Although a few embodiments have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made to these embodiments without changing or departing from their scope, intent or functionality. The terms and expressions used in the preceding specification have been used herein as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention in the use of such terms and expressions of excluding equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof, it being recognized that the invention is defined and limited only by the claims that follow.

Claims

WE CLAIM:

1. An exercise bench, comprising:a) a frame having vertical legs and horizontal rails operatively coupled thereto; and b) a plurality of first and second resistance bands disposed between at least one pair of the vertical legs, wherein each of the plurality of first and second resistance bands is comprised of one or more of a group comprising rubber, thermoplastic rubber, foam rubber, polyurethane rubber, silicone rubber, thermoplastic resin and thermoplastic elastomer.

2. The exercise bench as set forth in claim 1 , further comprising at least one third resistance band disposed between a pair of the horizontal rails, wherein the at least one third resistance band is comprised of one or more of a group comprising rubber, thermoplastic rubber, foam rubber, polyurethane rubber, silicone rubber, thermoplastic resin and thermoplastic elastomer.

3. The exercise bench as set forth in claim 2, further comprising a pair of vertical struts extending upwards from a pair of the vertical lets, and a fourth resistance band disposed between the pair of vertical struts, wherein the fourth resistance band is comprised of one or more of a group comprising rubber, thermoplastic rubber, foam rubber, polyurethane rubber, silicone rubber, thermoplastic resin and thermoplastic elastomer.

4. The exercise bench as set forth in claim 1 , wherein one or both of the plurality of first resistance bands and the plurality of second resistance bands comprise a plurality of compressible protrusions disposed thereon.

5. The exercise bench as set forth in claim 2, wherein the at least one third resistance band comprises a plurality of compressible protrusions disposed thereon.

6. The exercise bench as set forth in claim 3, wherein the fourth resistance band comprises a plurality of compressible protrusions disposed thereon.

7. The exercise bench as set forth in claim 1, wherein the plurality of the first and second resistance bands are of a same resistance force.

8. The exercise bench as set forth in claim 1, wherein the plurality of the first and second resistance bands are of different resistance forces.

9. A chair, comprising:a) a seat comprising a plurality of first resistance bands disposed thereon; and b) a back operated coupled to the seat comprising a plurality of second resistance bands disposed thereon, wherein each of the plurality of first and second resistance bands is comprised of one or more of a group comprising rubber, thermoplastic rubber, foam rubber, polyurethane rubber, silicone rubber, thermoplastic resin and thermoplastic elastomer.

10. The chair as set forth in claim 9, wherein one or both of the plurality of first resistance bands and the plurality of second resistance bands comprise a plurality of compressible protrusions disposed thereon.

11. The chair as set forth in claim 9, wherein the plurality of the first and second resistance bands are of a same resistance force.

12. The chair as set forth in claim 9, wherein the plurality of the first and second resistance bands are of different resistance forces.

13. A bicycle seat, comprising a plurality of resistance bands disposed thereon, wherein each of the plurality of resistance bands is comprised of one or more of a group comprising rubber, thermoplastic rubber, foam rubber, polyurethane rubber, silicone rubber, thermoplastic resin and thermoplastic elastomer.

14. The bicycle seat as set forth in claim 13, wherein the plurality of resistance bands comprises a plurality of compressible protrusions disposed thereon.

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