U.S. patent application number 11/726425 was filed with the patent office on 2007-10-04 for endless elastic resistance exercise device.
Invention is credited to Deborah Blank, Carol L. Levy.
Application Number | 20070232468 11/726425 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38559943 |
Filed Date | 2007-10-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070232468 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Levy; Carol L. ; et
al. |
October 4, 2007 |
Endless elastic resistance exercise device
Abstract
An elastic resistance exercise device includes an endless
elastic resistance member that returns to its original or near
original shape and length after being stretched. The elastic member
is loosely encased by an endless, gathered fabric sleeve that
permits the elastic member to stretch several times its original
length and also limits the amount of stretch of the elastic member.
Two handgrips are connected to the fabric encased elastic member,
and the handgrips are made of a material which is soft and
compressible by a user and which returns to its original shape or
near its original shape after it has been compressed.
Inventors: |
Levy; Carol L.; (Bethesda,
MD) ; Blank; Deborah; (Bethesda, MD) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Donald A. Kettlestrings
Suite 211, 414 Hungerford Drive
Rockville
MD
20850
US
|
Family ID: |
38559943 |
Appl. No.: |
11/726425 |
Filed: |
March 22, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60786756 |
Mar 29, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/121 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2208/0204 20130101;
A63B 21/00061 20130101; A63B 21/0555 20130101; A63B 21/028
20130101; A63B 21/0552 20130101; A63B 2208/0228 20130101; A63B
21/0004 20130101; A63B 21/00185 20130101; A63B 21/00043 20130101;
A63B 2209/14 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/121 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/02 20060101
A63B021/02 |
Claims
1. An exercise device, comprising: an endless elastic member; a
sleeve of gathered material positioned around and loosely covering
said elastic member; and a plurality of handgrips connected to said
elastic member and to said sleeve.
2. A device as in claim 1 wherein said elastic member is formed
from an elastic material which is capable of returning to
substantially its original shape and length after being
stretched.
3. A device as in claim 2 wherein said sleeve material is comprised
of a fabric which surrounds said elastic member.
4. A device as in claim 3 wherein said sleeve permits said elastic
member to stretch up to a predetermined amount greater than the
original length of said elastic member.
5. A device as in claim 4 wherein said sleeve limits the amount of
stretch of said elastic member as determined by the limit of
extension of said gathered sleeve material.
6. A device as in claim 5 wherein each of said handgrips is
comprised of a material which is soft and compressible by a user of
said device and wherein each of said handgrips returns to
substantially its original shape after being compressed.
7. A device as in claim 6 wherein each of said handgrips is
substantially encased by a covering material which also extends
around said elastic member and around said sleeve in the form of a
loop for connecting said handgrips to said elastic member and to
said sleeve.
8. A device as in claim 7 further including a reinforcement
material attached to said covering material and which, together
with said covering material, forms said loop.
9. A device as in claim 7 wherein each of said handgrips is
substantially spherical.
10. A device as in claim 7 wherein each of said handgrips is
substantially cylindrical.
11. A device as in claim 7 wherein each of said handgrips is a
cuboid.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional
application No. 60/786,756, filed Mar. 29, 2006.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to an endless elastic resistance
device for use in a variety of applications, including
exercise.
[0003] There are various elastic devices on the market used for
resistance, cardiovascular, flexibility and balance exercises,
examples of which are Theraband.RTM., manufactured by Hygienic
Corporation; and the Versa-Tube.TM. line of exercise bands, tubes
and cuffs. These devices are effective for a variety of strength,
fitness and therapeutic exercises; but there continues to be a need
for a circular or endless elastic resistance device that prevents
the skin from coming in contact with the elastic member and can be
comfortably used by individuals with tender or sensitive skin and
joints.
[0004] Examples of prior art include the Versa-Tube.RTM., Premium
Versa-Tube.TM., Versa-Tube Pro.TM., Versa-8.TM. and Versa-Tube.TM.
With Sleeve. All are made of elastic tubing attached to handles.
The Versa-Tube.TM., which is the most basic model, consists of a 48
inch elastic tube attached to hard plastic handles. The device is
difficult for some exercisers to use for the following reasons: (1)
individuals with tender or sensitive joints in the hand, wrist or
fingers have a hard time grasping the handles, (2) the elastic
tubing can pinch, chafe or irritate the skin, (3) if the tube
should break, it could recoil uncontrollably causing injury to the
user or bystanders or damage to property, (4) if one of the handles
is accidentally released, it could injure the user or bystanders
and (5) the tube is too long for many exercises, particularly if
the individual performs an exercise when seated. When the tube is
too long for a particular exercise, the user may wrap the tube
around the hands to "shorten" the tube. This practice can inhibit
circulation and/or irritate the skin or joints. Lastly, the handles
of these products cannot be used to perform a variety of
exercises.
[0005] The Premium Versa-Tube.TM. has padded handles which are more
comfortable than hard, plastic handles; however, it requires the
user to grip the handles, which may not be possible for exercisers
with tender or sensitive joints. The 48 inch length tube is too
long for many exercises traditionally done using an exercise band.
When confronted with a tube that is too long for executing the
desired exercise, individuals often wrap the tubing around the
hand, which can inhibit blood circulation, pinch or chafe the skin,
and lead to poor exercise form. Additionally, the handles are not
designed to be used to perform a variety of exercises.
[0006] The Versa-Tube.TM. Pro allows the user to adjust the tubing
length from 6 inches to 48 inches using a pressure locking system
to hold the tube in place. Although this feature allows the user to
customize the length of the band, an individual with tender or
sensitive hand joints would have difficulty using the locking
system and grasping the hard plastic handles attached to the tube.
In addition, if the tube should break, it could recoil
uncontrollably, and if a handle should accidentally be released, it
could injure the user or bystanders.
[0007] The Versa-8.TM. uses a figure eight shaped elastic tube. The
tube is fed through rubber or rubber-like material that serves as
handles which are located on the far ends of the figure eight. The
rubber handles may be difficult for people with sensitive joints to
grip, and the handles and tubing can be irritating to individuals
with sensitive skin. The handle design of this product make it
unusable for some exercises.
[0008] The Versa-Tube.TM. With Sleeve has a 23 inch nylon sleeve
that slides freely over the 48 inch tube. It has hard plastic
handles. The sleeve helps to protect the body from being rubbed by
the tube, but since the sleeve slides freely and is not the full
length of the tube, the skin comes in contact with the tube when
performing many exercises. The handles, tube length and likelihood
of tube-to-skin contact make exercising with this product difficult
for some, such as those with fragile skin, tender or sensitive
joints, or those who exercise in a seated position. In addition, if
the band should break, it could recoil uncontrollably, and if the
handles should accidentally be released, they could injure the
user. The handles are not designed to be used for a variety of
exercises.
[0009] Prior art also includes elastic bands or tubes which form a
loop, such as the Versa-Cuff.TM., Cuff.TM., Versa-O.TM., and
Versa-Loop.TM.. The Versa-O.TM. is a circular, endless elastic tube
that runs through two rubber grips. These grips may be
uncomfortable for individuals with tender or sensitive joints to
use. When used for certain exercises, such as when the band is used
around the legs for abduction exercises, the handles may irritate
fragile or delicate skin. Also, because the tubing is fed through
the handles which allow the tube to rotate within the handles, the
device has a tendency to roll up the legs during certain exercises.
The handles are not designed to be used for a variety of exercises,
such as those involving muscle adduction.
[0010] The Versa-Cuff.TM. is a circular, endless elastic tube that
runs through padded ankle cuffs. These cuffs prevent the tube from
rolling up the leg during exercise. Although these cuffs are
gentler on the skin, their Velcro.RTM. or Velcro.RTM.-like closure
may be difficult for individuals with sore hand joints or those
lacking fine motor skill so use. In addition, the Versa-Cuff.TM. is
specifically for exercising the lower body.
[0011] Versa-Loops.TM. are circular, endless elastic bands. When
they come in contact with the skin, these bands may irritate or
pinch the skin during exercise. If the bands break, they could
recoil uncontrollably and injure the user or bystanders.
[0012] The Thera-Band.RTM. line of products includes rubber tubing
and latex and latex-free bands for resistive exercises. The product
line also includes handles. However, none of these exercise
products protect the user from coming in contact with the band or
tubing, and the handles are not designed to be used as a modality
to perform exercise.
[0013] There are many products similar to the Versa-Tube.TM. and
Thera-Band.RTM. lines of exercise bands, tubes and cuffs, but there
continues to be a need for a circular, endless resistance device
that (1) protects the skin from coming in contact with the elastic
member, (2) protects the user and bystanders from injury if the
elastic member should break, (3) has handles that are soft enough
to protect the user and bystanders from injury if the user
accidentally releases a handle, causing the handle to recoil, (4)
protects the user and bystanders from recoil of the elastic member,
(5) can be comfortably used by individuals with tender or sensitive
joints, (6) can be comfortably used for exercise or other activity
when the user is seated (7) has handles which are soft enough that
injury is unlikely if a handle should be accidentally released
during exercise, and (8) has handles that can themselves be used to
perform a variety of exercises.
[0014] Several objects and advantages of the present invention are:
[0015] (a) to provide an improved elastic resistance device; [0016]
(b) to provide a elastic resistance device that prevent the elastic
member, such as a tube or band from coming in contact with the
skin; [0017] (c) to provide an elastic resistance device that does
not use handles that may be difficult for individuals with tender
or sensitive joints to grip; [0018] (d) to provide an elastic
resistance device that minimizes the likelihood of injury if any
part of the device should strike a user or bystander; [0019] (e) to
provide an elastic resistance device that has handles that are
attached in such a way that the device will withstand repeated use;
[0020] (f) to provide an elastic resistance device that encases the
elastic member in order to prevent the elastic member from
recoiling uncontrollably if it should break; [0021] (g) to provide
an elastic resistance device that provides a stretch limitation for
the elastic member; [0022] (h) to provide elastic resistance
devices that combine and improve upon the benefits of balls and
resistance bands or tubing or other forms of elastic members;
[0023] (i) to provide an elastic resistance device that can be
securely "anchored" under a body part; [0024] (j) to provide an
elastic resistance device which is more comfortable for individuals
who have tender or sensitive joints, or fragile skin that may be
irritated upon contact with elastic members, such as bands or tubes
made of rubber, latex or other similar elastic material; [0025] (k)
to provide an elastic resistance device that has handles that may
be used to perform a variety of exercises.
[0026] Further objects and advantages will become apparent from a
consideration of the ensuing description and drawings.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0027] The present invention, an improved resistance device,
provides a sleeve over a substantially circular, endless elastic
resistance member that returns to its original or near original
shape when stretched. The endless elastic member is made of rubber,
latex, or other elastic materials known in the art. The sleeve is
less elastic than the elastic resistance member and may be made of
cotton, nylon, polypropylene, polyester, wool or other material
known in the art. The sleeve acts to protect the elastic member
from wear and tear, eliminate skin irritation resulting from
contact with the elastic member, limit the stretch of the elastic
member, and protect the user or bystanders from injury by retaining
the elastic member within its interior.
[0028] A preferred embodiment of the present invention includes two
balls securely attached to the encased member. Alternative
embodiments include one or more balls, square or other geometric
shapes attached to the encased member. The shapes are made of foam,
sponge, rubber or other similar material known in the art. The
shapes return to their original or near original dimensions after
being released from compression. The shape(s) are covered in
cotton, nylon, polypropylene, polyester, wool or other material
known in the art. The shape(s) may be various sizes, ranging from
one to twelve inches in diameter. The shape(s) is connected to the
encased elastic member. The connection may be accomplished by
various embodiments to include the use of reinforcement fabric or
material, rings, clips, hooks, or other connection embodiments know
in the art.
[0029] The objective of the present invention is to provide an
endless, elastic resistance device that is: comfortable for the
user, gentle on joints and skin, has safety features that protect
the user and bystanders, and can be used to exercise multiple body
parts whether the user is seated or standing.
[0030] One embodiment of the invention comprises an endless elastic
member made of rubber, latex or other similar elastic material
which returns to its original or near original shape when
stretched. The member may be of varying size, circumference,
resistance level, and/or diameter to allow for users of different
sizes and strengths and to accommodate individuals who exercise
when seated. The member is loosely covered in fabric or similar
material gathered to allow the band to stretch but limits the
stretch of the elastic member. The covering material is soft, and
suitable for containing the elastic member in the event it should
break. A soft hand grip, which may be in the form of a ball,
cylinder, square or other shape, is attached to opposite ends of
the loop formed by the fabric-encased elastic member. The hand
grips serve many purposes including "anchoring" the device under
the foot or other appendage and as a resistance medium for
exercise. The handgrips may also be used as an unstable surface for
conducting balance training exercises. Each hand grip is made of a
either solid or hollow soft rubber, foam or similar product. Each
hand grip is covered by fabric or a similar material. The handgrips
are attached to the fabric-encased elastic member in such a manner
that the handgrips remain securely attached to the fabric-encased
elastic member when the handgrips are pulled in opposite
directions.
[0031] An alternative embodiment consists of the aforementioned
elastic member covered in fabric or similar material gathered to
allow the elastic member to stretch but limits the stretch of the
elastic member to its maximum or near maximum length. The material
is suitable for containing the band in the event it should break.
This device is suitable for strengthening and stretching the
muscles of the upper and lower body of the user.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0032] FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of one presently
preferred embodiment of the elastic member encased by a fabric
sleeve.
[0033] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the sleeve
in an assembled state covering the elastic member.
[0034] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment hand
grip shape.
[0035] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another alternate embodiment
hand grip shape.
[0036] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another alternate embodiment
hand grip shape.
[0037] FIG.6 is a fragmentary view, partially in cross-section, of
one preferred embodiment of a means to connect a hand grip to the
sleeved elastic member.
[0038] FIG. 7 is an assembled perspective view of one embodiment of
the invention and showing two hand grips connected to an encased
elastic member.
[0039] FIG. 8 is a view of cutting patterns for the fabric covering
and reinforcement material for one presently preferred embodiment
of a spherical handgrip.
[0040] FIGS. 9 through 12 illustrate some of the exercises that can
be performed using the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0041] The preferred embodiments of the present invention may be
understood by reference to FIGS. 1 through 8 wherein like parts are
designated by like numbers throughout. The components of the
invention may be arranged in alternative configurations, and the
description of the embodiments is representative of presently
preferred embodiments, but is not intended to limit the scope of
the invention.
[0042] The most basic embodiment of the instant invention is
partially illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. The elastic cord member 1
is encased in a fabric sleeve 2. Sleeve 2 is preferably endless.
The elastic member is endless and is formed of an elastic material
which is capable of returning to near its original shape and length
after being stretched, such as latex or rubber. The elastic member
may stretch many times its original length. The elastic member 1 is
covered by a fabric sleeve 2 which consists of gathered material.
This permits the elastic member 1 to stretch several times its
original length and limits the amount of stretch. Sleeve 2 limits
the amount of stretch of elastic member 1 as determined by the
limit of extension of the gathered sleeve material. The
circumference, resistance, diameter and/or width of the elastic
member 1 will vary to provide for alternative resistance levels.
The sleeve 2 protects the user from coming in contact with the
elastic member 1. The sleeve 2 also prevents uncontrollable recoil
which could occur if the elastic member 1 were to break.
[0043] The sleeve 2 is hollow and surrounds the elastic member. The
sleeve 2 is not attached to the elastic member 1. The sleeve 2 is
made of fabric and is of such a length to allow the elastic member
1 to stretch several times the original length of the member 1 and
limits the stretch of the elastic member 1. The sleeve 2 may be
formed by stitches, glue or other means known in the art.
[0044] Referring to FIGS. 3 though 8, the preferred embodiments of
the instant invention include hand grips 3-3'' connected to the
sleeve 2 encased elastic member 1. The sleeve 2 loosely covers the
elastic member 1. The hand grips 3-3'', may be of various shapes
including, but not limited to those shown in FIGS. 3-5. The
handgrips 3-3'' are made of foam, rubber, plastic or other similar
soft material which returns to near its original shape after it is
compressed. The handgrips are encased in a soft material such as
fabric. The fabric covering 4 may be formed by sewing, gluing or
other means known in the art.
[0045] FIG. 6 illustrates the preferred embodiment for attaching
the handgrip 3 encased in fabric 4 to the elastic member 1 encased
in fabric 2. In the preferred embodiment, reinforcement material 5
is a conventional reinforcement material with high seam, tear and
tensile strength at low fabric weight, such as spunbond nylon
fabric, and forms a loop around the elastic member 1 encased in
fabric 2. In the preferred embodiment, the reinforcement material 5
encircles the handgrip and the elastic member 1 encased in fabric
2. The reinforcement material 5 may be attached to the fabric 4
encasing the handgrip 3 by sewing, gluing or other means known in
the art. The reinforcement material 5 renders the connection of the
handgrips 3 to the elastic member 1 covered by fabric 2 strong
enough to withstand repetitive pulling on the handgrips 3. In
another embodiment of the present invention, the fabric 4 covering
the handgrip 3 is made of material strong enough to withstand
repeated pulling of the handgrip 3 without compromising the
strength of the connection between the handgrip 3 and the elastic
member 1 encased in fabric 2. This embodiment would eliminate the
need for reinforcement material 5.
[0046] FIG. 7 illustrates an assembled version of the preferred
embodiment of handgrips 3 connected to the assembled embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 2.
[0047] FIG. 8 illustrates cutting patterns for the fabric 4 and
reinforcement material 5 for the preferred embodiment shown in FIG.
6. In this preferred embodiment, the reinforcement material 5 is
cut in a strip. The fabric 4 is cut into a "baseball" design with
extensions to form the loop which encircles the elastic member 1
encased in fabric 2. The reinforcement material 5 is attached to
the fabric 4 by sewing, gluing or other means known in the art. In
an alternative embodiment, the reinforcement material 5 is cut
using the FIG. 8 pattern for the fabric 4. In this embodiment, the
reinforcement material 5 is cut in the same "baseball" design as
the fabric 4. The fabric 4 and the reinforcement material 5 encase
the handgrip 3 and form the loop connecting the handgrip 3 to the
elastic member 1 encased in fabric 2. The reinforcement material 5
could, but need not be, attached to the fabric 4 by sewing, gluing,
or other means known in the art.
MODE OF OPERATION OF INVENTION
[0048] In operation, one uses the device to perform traditional
exercise activities. FIG. 9 shows a user performing a combination
arm and leg exercise. One fabric 4 covered hand grip 3 is secure
between the legs. The user squeezes this handgrip 3, thus
performing a leg adduction exercise. The user also grips the fabric
2 encased elastic member 1 near the other fabric 4 covered hand
grip3. This hand grip 3 serves as a "stopper" to prevent the fabric
covered elastic member from slipping out of the user's hand. The
soft hand grip 3 rests on the user's index finger and thumb, and a
firm grip is not required, thus minimizing pressure on tender or
sensitive joints. Because the elastic member 1 is encased in fabric
2, the elastic member does not come in contact with the skin.
[0049] FIG. 10 shows a shoulder exercise using the hand grips as
"stoppers" for the fabric covered 2 elastic member 1. The user
grasps the elastic member 1 encased in fabric 2 near the two
handgrips 3 covered in fabric 4. The handgrips serve as "stoppers"
to keep the elastic member 1 covered in fabric 2 from slipping out
of the user's hands. The soft hand grip 3 covered in fabric 4 rests
against the outside of the user's hand. Because the handgrips serve
as "stoppers", a firm grip is not required to grasp the elastic
member 1 encased in fabric 2, thus minimizing pressure on tender or
sensitive joints.
[0050] FIG. 11 shows a leg/hip exercise. The legs are placed inside
the loop formed by the fabric 2 encased elastic member 1. One leg
is raised to the side. The fabric covering 2 prevents the elastic
member 1 from coming in contact with the user's skin.
[0051] FIG. 12 show a hand exercise performed with one of the
fabric 4 covered hand grips 3. The user squeezes the hand grip 3
which returns to its original or near original size when
released.
[0052] The invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the
specific details shown and described, and departures may be made
from such details without departing from the principles of the
invention and without sacrificing its chief advantages.
* * * * *