U.S. patent application number 11/365109 was filed with the patent office on 2007-09-06 for elastic exercise device.
Invention is credited to Julius S. Csabai.
Application Number | 20070207903 11/365109 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38458602 |
Filed Date | 2007-09-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070207903 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Csabai; Julius S. |
September 6, 2007 |
Elastic exercise device
Abstract
An elastic exercise device is provided, which is made of an
expanded elastomer that has the strength and elasticity suitable
for performing tension-type exercises. The device preferably
consists of a single elongated piece or of an endless loop of
desired size and shape. The device can have various cross-sectional
profiles, such as a fully filled cylindrical configuration, a
tubular configuration, an oval or flat band configuration or a
multistrand configuration. The device can be made from elastomer
materials such as neoprene or polyethylene by extrusion, casting or
injection molding.
Inventors: |
Csabai; Julius S.; (Baie
d'Urfe, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GEORGE J. PRIMAK
13480 HUNTINGTON
MONTREAL
QC
H8Z 1G2
CA
|
Family ID: |
38458602 |
Appl. No.: |
11/365109 |
Filed: |
March 2, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/121 ;
482/126 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/1645 20130101;
A63B 21/169 20151001; A63B 21/0552 20130101; A63B 21/0442 20130101;
A63B 21/055 20130101; A63B 71/0622 20130101; A63B 21/0004 20130101;
A63B 21/00069 20130101; A63B 2209/00 20130101; A63B 2071/027
20130101; A63B 2208/0204 20130101; A63B 21/0555 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/121 ;
482/126 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/02 20060101
A63B021/02 |
Claims
1. An exercise device comprising a stretchable resilient member
essentially consisting of an expanded elastomer, having size,
shape, strength and elasticity suitable for performing tension-type
exercises.
2. An exercise device according to claim 1, consisting of a single
stretchable resilient member made of the expanded elastomer.
3. An exercise device according to claim 2, in which said single
stretchable resilient member is an elongated open-ended piece
having a length between 3 and 10 feet (0.9 m-3 m).
4. An exercise device according to claim 2, in which said single
stretchable resilient member is in the form of a closed loop.
5. An exercise device according to claim 1, in which said expanded
elastomer is expanded neoprene.
6. An exercise device according to claim 1, in which said expanded
elastomer is expanded polyurethane.
7. An exercise device according to claim 1, in which said expanded
elastomer is selected from the group consisting of natural rubber,
styrene-butadiene rubber, nitride rubber, silicone rubber,
ethylene-propylene polymer, fluorinated hydrocarbon polymer,
fluorosilicone polymer, chlorosulfonated polyethylene polymer,
ethylene-vinyl acetate polymer and a plastisol.
8. An exercise device according to claim 1, in which said expanded
elastomer is an open cell expanded elastomer.
9. An exercise device according to claim 1, in which said expanded
elastomer is a closed cell expanded elastomer.
10. An exercise device according to claim 1, in which said expanded
elastomer has a volumetric expansion to solid ratio
(expansion/solid) of between about 2 and 10.
11. An exercise device according to claim 1, in which said expanded
elastomer has a tensile strength of between about 100 psi and 500
psi (7 kg/cm.sup.2-35 kg/cm.sup.2)
12. An exercise device according to claim 1, in which said expanded
elastomer has an elongation to break of between about 100% and
600%.
13. An exercise device according to claim 1, in which said expanded
elastomer has a specific weight of between about 10 lbs/ft.sup.3
and 25 lbs/ft.sup.3 corresponding to a density of between about
0.15-0.40.
14. An exercise device according to claim 1, in which the
stretchable resilient member is formed by extrusion.
15. An exercise device according to claim 1, in which the
stretchable resilient member is formed by casting.
16. An exercise device according to claim 1, in which the
stretchable resilient member is formed by injection molding.
17. An exercise device according to claim 1, in which the
stretchable resilient member has the shape of an elongated
cylindrical piece with a circular cross-section having a diameter
of between about 0.75 inch and 1.5 inch (1.9 cm-3.8 cm).
18. An exercise device according to claim 1, in which the
stretchable resilient member has the shape of a tube with a hollow
core in the middle, an outer diameter of between about 0.75 inch
and 1.5 inches (1.9 cm-3.8 cm) and the hollow core diameter of
between about 0.25 and 0.5 inch (0.6 cm-1.2 cm).
19. An exercise device according to claim 1, in which the
stretchable resilient member has the shape of a multi-strand
cord.
20. An exercise device according to claim 1, in which the
stretchable resilient member has the shape of an oval or flat
band.
21. An exercise device comprising a stretchable resilient member
made of an expanded elastomer having a volumetric expansion to
solid ratio of between about 2 and 8, a density of between about
0.15 and 0.40, a tensile strength of between about 100 psi and 500
psi (7 kg/cm.sup.2-35 kg/cm.sup.2) and an elongation to break of
between about 100% and 600%, said stretchable resilient member
having a length of between about 3 ft and 10 ft (0.9 m-3 m) and a
cross-sectional area of between about 0.45 in.sup.2 and 1.75
in.sup.2 (2.9 cm.sup.2-11.3 cm.sup.2).
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to an elastic exercise device. In
particular, it relates to a tension-type exercise device, such as a
cord, band, tube or loop, made of an expanded elastomer
material.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Many elastic exercise devices, such as bands, cords, tubes,
loops and the like, have been disclosed in the past. Examples of
such devices may be seen from U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,663,641; 2,224,103;
3,655,185; 3,807,730; 3,819,177; 3,838,852; 4,019,734; 4,033,580;
4,040,620; 4,059,265; 4,090,706; 4,195,835; 4,121,827; 4,251,071;
4,852,874; 5,614,300; 5,945,060 and 6,287,242. All such exercise
devices are made of rubber or similar solid elastomers, and most of
them require handles or similar attachments to facilitate their
use.
[0003] Due to the type of material used, namely a solid elastomer,
the resilient member of the device must be thin enough to provide
adequate stretchability in order to perform tension-type exercises.
Such resilient members are hard to the touch and essentially not
compressible when squeezed by hand during the exercises. This makes
such devices uncomfortable for a hand grip, and hence the provision
of handles or other features to provide a more hand grippable
surface. Also, such devices are even less comfortable in contact
with various parts of the exerciser's body when performing
different types of workouts.
[0004] Another well recognized drawback of presently known elastic
exercise devices is that when they are grasped at their ends,
either by means of handles or by wrapping them around the fingers
and then pulled by the exerciser, the tension progressively
increases with the stretching rather than being constant throughout
the exercise routine. This produces an uneven result when
exercising the various muscles of the body.
[0005] Another disadvantage of the presently known and used elastic
exercise devices made from solid elastomers, such as rubber or
thermoplastic materials, is that they snap-back if suddenly
released after stretching. This back-snapping property of such
devices is very inconvenient and even dangerous if by accident the
device is released when fully stretched.
[0006] For the above reasons, despite their considerable number and
variety, known elastic exercise devices have not achieved a
widespread use, particularly in home environments. There is thus a
need for a simple, inexpensive and versatile elastic exercise
device well adapted for personal use not only in fitness clubs, but
also at home, in a hotel room or anywhere else.
OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] It is an object of the present invention to provide an
elastic exercise device that will obviate or greatly reduce the
disadvantages of known exercise devices described above.
[0008] Another object of this invention is to produce a simple,
safe and multi-functional elastic exercise device, made of a single
component which could readily be used anywhere by anyone.
[0009] Other objects and advantages of the invention will be
apparent from the following description thereof.
[0010] In essence, the present invention provides an elastic
exercise device comprising a stretchable resilient member
essentially consisting of an expanded elastomer having size, shape,
strength and elasticity suitable for performing tension-type
exercises.
[0011] The exercise device of the present invention is normally a
single component device that may have an elongated open-ended
structure with round or a flattened cross-section, or a tubular
structure or a cord like structure with multi-strand configuration
or any other structure that is easy to grasp and hold by hand,
which is made of an expandable elastomer having desired properties.
The various above mentioned structures may be formed as a loop by
connecting their ends to one another. Although the exercise device
of the present invention does not require the addition of a handle
or other attachments, such additional attachments may be used
therewith if for some reason they are desired, for example as wall
or door mountings.
[0012] The term "expanded" as used herein in conjunction with
"elastomer" is also interchangeably referred to in the elastomer
industry as "foamed", "cellular" and/or "sponge". In order to be
expanded, the elastomer must be expandable by proper treatment.
There are open cell and closed cell expanded elastomers and both
are suitable for the purpose of the present invention. Open cell
expanded elastomers have interconnecting cells produced by
expansion of gases from chemical reactions when manufacturing such
elastomers. Closed cell type expanded elastomers have
non-interconnecting cells produced by controlled release of inert
gases during the curing process; these gases are permanently
entrapped as a multiplicity of separate bubbles in the elastomer
matrix. The closed cell expanded elastomers are preferred for
making the exercise device of this invention because, due to their
closed cell configuration, they preclude moisture or body fluid
absorption and therefore are more hygienic. If, however, open cell
elastomers are used for economic or availability reasons, it is
preferable to coat them with a thin elastic polymer skin or surface
coating to provide a moisture impervious barrier.
[0013] A partial list of elastomers that may be expanded to form an
expanded elastomer for the purposes of the present invention is as
follows:
[0014] Neoprene Rubber (Chloroprene)
[0015] SBR Rubber (Styrene Butadiene)
[0016] Nitrile Rubber (Butadiene Acrylonitrile)
[0017] EPDM (Ethylene Propylene)
[0018] Viton (Fluorinated Hydrocarbon)
[0019] Natural Rubber (Natural Polyisoprene)
[0020] Fluorosilicone (Fluoro-Vinyl Silane)
[0021] Hypalon (Chlorosulfonated Polyethylene)
[0022] Silicone Rubber (Polysiloxane)
[0023] EVA (Ethylene-vinyl acetate)
[0024] Polyurethane (Polyester or Polyether Urethane)
[0025] PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) based and non-PVC based
plastisols
[0026] A practical and most cost effective manner of manufacturing
the resilient member which forms or is an essential part of the
exercise device of the present invention is by extrusion. A
longitudinal closed cell elastomer shape may be produced by
extruding the raw compound through a die orifice, which determines
the cross-section of the extruded product. Then, the extruded stock
is carried from the die orifice by a conveyor system in a
continuous manner through vulcanizing chambers where heat causes
the blowing agent to decompose and produce an inert gas which
expands the extruded stock. This is followed by a continuous curing
operation until vulcanization is complete. On emerging from the
vulcanization chamber, the extrusion product is cooled to stabilize
it dimensionally and in subsequent operations, the product is cut
to predetermined lengths and if a loop is desired, its ends may be
spliced to produce an endless loop. It should be noted that the
process may be controlled to produce a desired volumetric expansion
which may be anywhere from 100% to 1000%, typically an
expansion/solid ratio of between 2 and 10. The elastomer must,
however, be selected in conjunction with the expansion so as to
produce adequate strength and elasticity of the product having an
appropriate size and shape for the exercise function. These
properties are determined by the tensile strength of the product
which should normally be between about 75 psi and 500 psi (5
kg/cm.sup.2-35 kg/cm.sup.2) and its elongation to break which
should be between about 100% and 600%. The preferred range for the
tensile strength is between 100 psi and 400 psi (7 kg/cm.sup.2-28
kg/cm.sup.2) and for the elongation to break it is between 200% and
400%. Under these conditions, the specific weight of the device
will normally be between about 10 lbs/ft.sup.3 and 25 lbs/ft.sup.3,
corresponding to a density of between about 0.15 and 0.40.
[0027] The highly favorable characteristics of closed cell
elastomers include (a) a direct formation of a natural skin that is
clean and smooth, (b) the possibility of producing a continuous
product of a desired diameter or shape that may be cut to desired
lengths, and (c) the ability to produce hollowed or tubular
profiles.
[0028] If a highly durable skin is desired for the extruded
product, particularly with open cell elastomers, or for strenuous
exercise or tear and wear, especially when in contact with
attachments, a secondary vulcanization may be performed to form a
thin, uniform, solid coating from the same or another polymer.
Alternatively, an additional protective layer may be applied by
liquid coating using known techniques, such as brushing, spraying
or dip-coating. Such protective skin material should be more
flexible and stretchable than the elastic exercise device on which
it is applied and should have good adhesion to the substrate of
such device and a good resistance to nicking and abrasion.
[0029] Moreover, the chosen coating may be pigmented to provide a
desired coloring on the outside surface of the device. Some
expanded elastomers are available only in one color, and they may
be coated with a layer having any desired color. For example,
neoprene is available only in black and, if desired, it can be
coated with highly elastic colored polyurethane. Logos or other
ornamentation may also be provided on the surface of the exercise
device to make it more decorative or attractive. Moreover, graphic
illustrations may be added which would be deformed during
stretching to give a visual indication of the force level attained
by the exerciser.
[0030] An alternative manufacturing process for making an exercise
device in accordance with this invention is to cast the expanded
elastomer in a molding die or to injection mold it. Casting or
injection molding of this product would require a separate and
fairly costly casting or molding die set for every size and
sectional profile of the product. Also, hollowed or tubular
profiles cannot be made in this manner. On the other hand, certain
types of expandable elastomer, such as plastisols, cannot be easily
extruded and therefore expanded plastisols are most conveniently
made by casting or injection molding in multi-component dies. A
further benefit of casting and injection molding is the elimination
of splicing when making an endless exercise loop.
[0031] One of the preferred materials to produce the exercise
device of the present invention is expanded neoprene rubber.
Neoprene is the generic name for polychloroprene synthetic
elastomers. It is readily available, moderately priced and
non-allergenic. It is one of the best all-purpose elastomers with
resistance to ozone, sunlight and oxidation. Added advantages are
resistance to water, sun tanning oil and many chemicals. It also
has good elasticity and tensile strength as well as is resistant to
tear and repeated bendings.
[0032] Another very good material is expanded polyurethane. The
benefits of making the exercise device from polyurethane include
increased tensile strength over neoprene and better resistance to
surface damage such as nicking. Also, polyurethane can be
formulated in any desired color coding for differentiating multiple
grades of tensile, strengths and providing greater appeal to
stylish users. However, the expanded polyurethane extrusions are
more expensive than those of neoprene.
[0033] The length and shape or cross-sectional profile of the novel
exercise device may vary depending on who will use it. For women
and youngsters, the device will usually be 0.75 inch to 1 inch (1.9
cm-2.5 cm) in diameter when it is of circular shape or its
equivalent profile area with a different geometric shape. For a
male user, it will normally be between 1 inch and 11/4 inches (2.5
cm-3.2 cm) in diameter or equivalent profile area. And for a well
conditioned athlete, it may be as high as 11/2 inches (3.8 cm) in
diameter or equivalent profile area. One very good dimension is a
tubular construction of 11/4 inches (3.2 cm) outer diameter with
0.5 inch (1.2 cm) hollow core. Thus, the overall cross-sectional
profile area will normally vary between about 0.45 in.sup.2 and
1.75 in.sup.2 (2.9 cm.sup.2-11.3 cm.sup.2).
[0034] The length of the exercise device in either looped or
open-ended configuration can vary from about 3 to 10 feet (0.9-3 m)
with the most practical length being between about 7 and 8 feet
(2.1-2.4 m).
[0035] As already mentioned above, the novel exercise device or its
elastic member if other elements or features are used with it is
characterized in that it essentially consists of a suitable
expanded elastomer. The expression "essentially consists of" is
used to mean that the expanded elastomer provides the required
condition for the device to be used as a tension-type physical
exerciser, however, it may contain some other features, such as an
additional coating or coloring or the like to improve its
properties or appearance.
[0036] It should be noted that the use of an expanded elastomer for
performing tension-type exercises is both novel and surprising
because such materials have until now been used only for
compression-type applications, such as cushions, paddings, sponges,
and the like. The applicant has found no known application of such
materials where they would be used in tension-type application, let
alone as an elastic exercise device. For this reason, technical
data and characterization of properties of expanded elastomers for
use under tension were not available from the prior art and had to
be devised by the applicant for the purposes of this invention.
[0037] Thus, the applicant discovered that in order to make an
exercise device with an expanded elastomer that has satisfactory
strength and elasticity, a substantially increased cross-sectional
area over known such devices is needed, generally between about
0.75 and 1.5 inches (1.9 cm-3.8 cm) in diameter for a circular
profile or equivalent area if a different shape is used, which
represents a cross-sectional area of between about 0.45 in.sup.2
and 1.75 in.sup.2 (2.9 cm.sup.2-11.3 cm.sup.2). It was also found
that such increased size in the profile of the device is ideal to
achieve a good ergonomic hand grip. Because of its expanded
condition, the device is somewhat compressible when grasped by hand
and assures a secure, cushioned and comfortable hold anywhere over
its entire length. Also, by slightly releasing the grip, the user
can slide his/her hand on the surface of the device, thereby
controlling the tension as the device is stretched, making the load
as even as possible over the movement range. To applicant's
knowledge this cannot be achieved with any presently known elastic
exercise device.
[0038] Further properties that favorably affect the device of the
present invention were also found as a result of applicant's
investigation into the use of expanded elastomers in tension. Thus,
an exercise device made from an expanded elastomer stretches
farther than an equal weight solid elastomer cord or band, when
both are subjected to identical tensions. In this regard, it was
found that an expanded elastomer, when used in tension, not only
elongates in a linear molecular orientation, but additional
stretching is generated by the geometric deformation of its cell
structure. A microscopic examination showed that in a stretched
expanded elastomer, the spherical forms of its cell matrix flatten
into elliptical configuration as the normal polymeric elongation
(also know as molecular orientation) of the solid portion of the
elastomer also takes place. The resulting simultaneous interaction
of these two elongations produces a significantly longer extension
range than in an equivalent weight solid elastomer material. The
applicant also found that this dual simultaneous stretching lasts
only on approximately the first 200% of elongation and after this
highly elastic zone is exceeded, only the polymeric deformation
progresses further as in the solid elastomers. This property is
quite useful for the purposes of the present invention, since the
exercise workout range with elastic devices almost never exceeds
the 200% stretch limit and thus, with the expanded elastomer, fully
uses the enhanced elongation ability of the device.
[0039] Another surprising and useful property of expanded elastomer
is that it exhibits a dampened retraction after being released
suddenly from a stretched condition. Thus, the stretched expanded
elastomer exercise device will not snap-back when suddenly
released, as this occurs with known solid elastomer devices, but
will retract in a dampened fashion which is much less dangerous for
the user. Although the applicant does not wish to be restricted by
the explanation of this dampening effect, it is believed to result
from several causes. One of them is believed to be the elastomer's
polymeric memory stabilization in the form of geometric restitution
due to the retraction of the stretched molecules to their resting
position. The other cause for the dampening effect is believed to
result from cellular air/gas chamber cushioning, because the closed
cell structure of expanded elastomers is composed of a multitude of
air or gas bubbles which are compressible and which respond to the
sudden contraction with a kind of shock absorption. Also, some
air/gas diffusion through the microscopic porosity of the surface
membrane of the elastic device during stretching and subsequent
rapid retraction is also believed to contribute to the recoil
dampening. This dampening phenomenon is very useful since it
essentially eliminates potential injuries due to accidental release
of the device, called back-snapping, which sometimes happens during
workouts.
[0040] Interestingly, all these properties of the exercise device
of the present invention are believed to also make it ideal for
exercising under weightless environment, for example in space,
performing the mandatory exercises prescribed by the NASA's Crew
Health Care System on the International Space Station. Applicant
has tested the device under water, simulating weightless conditions
and found it very satisfactory. Moreover, applicant consulted a
specialist at the University of Montreal doing research work on
space exercising requirements and found that this exercise device
will likely meet all required conditions for use in space.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0041] The invention will now be described, by way of example, with
reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0042] FIG. 1 is a side view of the simplest embodiment of the
elastic exercise device in accordance with this invention, namely a
single longitudinal piece made of an expanded elastomer;
[0043] FIG. 2 is a side view of another embodiment of the invention
where the exercise device is in the form of a loop;
[0044] FIG. 3 illustrates the use of the device in accordance to
the present invention, while maintaining substantially constant
tension;
[0045] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of one profile of the
exercise device according to the invention, which has a fully
filled tubular configuration;
[0046] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of another profile of the
exercise device according to the invention, which has a tubular
configuration;
[0047] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a further profile of the
exercise device according to the invention, which has a cord-like
multi-strand configuration;
[0048] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a still further profile
of the exercise device according to the invention, which has a
generally oval configuration; and
[0049] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of still another profile of
the exercise device according to the invention which has a wider
band configuration.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0050] The exercise device 10 shown in FIG. 1 represents the
simplest form of applicant's invention.
[0051] It is a single longitudinal resilient piece made of an
expanded elastomer that may have any desired cross-sectional
configuration, provided it can be comfortably grasped by user's
hands. Because it is used as a tension-type exercise device, for
example, as illustrated in FIG. 3, it must possess adequate
strength and elasticity for this purpose. This exercise device is
also very convenient because it can be rolled into a compact
package that may be taken anywhere by the user. It is, therefore,
eminently portable. Although this simplest form of applicant's
exercise device does not require any attachments, it is obvious
that attachments may be affixed to it, if desired.
[0052] The endless loop 12 shown in FIG. 2 represents another
embodiment of the present invention which the applicant considers
to be the most preferred configuration of the exercise device. It
may be produced from the elongated piece such as shown in FIG. 1,
by solidly connecting the two ends of such piece at the joint 14.
This joint 14 may be mechanical, but preferably it is made by cold
vulcanization of the two ends, making sure that the tensile
strength of the joint 14 is higher than that of the expanded
elastomer, and preferably at least twice that of the expanded
elastomer.
[0053] The endless loop exercise device is considered preferable to
the open-ended version because it is more functional. Several
hundred exercise routines can be performed with it, such as muscle
toning, aerobics, stretching and physiotherapy and, in addition, it
can be used in recreational exercises such as hula dancing and
buoyancy assisted swimming. Moreover, it can be connected to a door
frame supported pull-up bar or other types of wall-mounted
implements without providing it with any attachments or the
like.
[0054] FIG. 3 illustrates a squat exercise performed with the
exercise device 10. As shown by arrows 16 and 18, the hand 20 of
the exerciser can be slipped from a lower position to a higher as
the load increases due to the stretching of the device 10, thereby
maintaining an essentially equal tension during the exercise and
allowing the exerciser to finish the movement throughout its full
range of the workout motion.
[0055] FIG. 4 illustrates the basic cross-section of the exercise
device 10 or 12 shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 respectively. It has a
circular configuration which is fully filled with a cellular
expanded elastomer material 11.
[0056] FIG. 5 illustrates a tubular or cored cross-sectional
profile that may be used in accordance with this invention. Here,
the cellular elastomer 11 surrounds a hollow core 13 to form a
tubular configuration. The outer diameter of the tube is typically
between about 0.75 to 1.5 inches (1.9-3.8 cm) and the hollow core
diameter is typically between about 0.25 to 0.5 inches (0.6 and 1.9
cm). Such cored design has the advantage of an increased overall
cross-sectional dimension, while maintaining essentially the same
amount of the expanded elastomer material as in FIG. 4. Moreover,
the hollow core allows the device to flatten out more readily and
on a wider area, providing more comfort when the device is being
pushed against the user's body. The size of the core 13 may vary to
suit a desired optimal configuration of the device. It should be
noted also that although the device illustrated in FIG. 5 shows a
tubular construction with only one core, it is also possible to
have multiple cores in such tubular devices. For example, a triple
cored extrusion can readily be made to provide a firmer tubular
design. Thus, when reference is made herein to a tubular
construction or cross-sectional profile, it includes designs with
one or several cores.
[0057] FIG. 6 illustrates a multi-strand exercise device that may
be used pursuant to the invention. Although this figure shows a
configuration of six strands 22 wound around a central strand 24,
it should be noted that two or more of such strands may be twisted
or banded together to form a cord that is easy and comfortable to
grasp and hold in a hand and which gives a more secure grip than a
smooth surface of a cylindrical device shown in FIG. 4 or tubular
device shown in FIG. 5. The size of the strands of the multi-strand
device is normally adjusted to provide a comfortable hand grip as
in the other configurations. It should be noted, however, that
production of the multi-strand devices is more costly and such
devices would be more expensive than the devices of FIG. 4 and FIG.
5, since they cannot be made by direct extrusion, casting or
injection molding.
[0058] FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 illustrate further types of exercise
devices which may be provided in accordance with this invention.
These are band or ribbon type devices made of the expanded
elastomer material 11, but providing more of a flat surface which
is more comfortable when in contact with body parts of the user.
Such devices are particularly useful for rehabilitation purposes.
Due to the expanded elastomer characteristics, the pliable device
of FIG. 8 can be readily crumpled by hand to maintain good control
during the exercise.
[0059] The following non-limitative examples are provided by way of
best mode realization of the present invention.
EXAMPLE 1
[0060] A 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter expanded neoprene extrusion
was produced having the following properties:
[0061] Tensile strength: 146 psi (10.3 kg/cm.sup.2)
[0062] Elongation to break: 260%
[0063] Specific weight: 12 lbs/ft.sup.3 (Density: 0.19)
[0064] Volumetric expansion/solid ratio: 6.5
[0065] This extrusion was cut at a length of 7 ft (2.10 m) and
spliced by its ends to form a loop. The splicing was done by cold
vulcanization.
[0066] The obtained loop was extensively used as an exercise device
performing a number of workout routines. The exercise device proved
to be very satisfactory and durable.
EXAMPLE 2
[0067] A 11/4 inch (3.2 cm) in diameter expanded polyurethane
casting was made which was 8 feet (2.4 m) long. The so produced
piece had the following properties:
[0068] Tensile strength: 210 psi (14.7 kg/cm.sup.2)
[0069] Elongation to break: 370%
[0070] Specific weight: 17 lbs/ft.sup.3 (Density: 0.27)
[0071] Volumetric expansion/solid ratio: 4.4
[0072] This cast piece was tested extensively as an exercise
device, giving excellent performance for a wide variety of workout
routines.
[0073] It should be understood that the invention is not limited to
the specific embodiments described and illustrated herein, but that
various modifications obvious to those skilled in the art may be
made without departing from the invention and the scope of the
following claims.
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