U.S. patent application number 12/467302 was filed with the patent office on 2010-11-18 for resistive band/loop exerciser of thermoplastic elastomer.
Invention is credited to Paul Forrest Harris, JR., Amy Lynn Karpus.
Application Number | 20100292054 12/467302 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43068976 |
Filed Date | 2010-11-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100292054 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Karpus; Amy Lynn ; et
al. |
November 18, 2010 |
RESISTIVE BAND/LOOP EXERCISER OF THERMOPLASTIC ELASTOMER
Abstract
A hypo-allergenic, latex-free, durable, versatile resistance
exercise device in the form of a continuous, seamless loop
comprised of a thermoplastic elastomer with an elastic range of
10-12 times resting length to allow resistance in a full range of
motion and with thickness of 0.5 cm to 1.6 cm to allow the exercise
device to stay in place without rolling up or pinching, thereby
increasing the comfort for the user. In another embodiment, the
device is a resistance band comprised of a first end and a second
end and one or more grip holes through the first end and the second
end which provide a means of facilitating grip for a user as to
prevent or lessen the accidental release of the resistance exercise
device.
Inventors: |
Karpus; Amy Lynn; (Ladson,
SC) ; Harris, JR.; Paul Forrest; (Ladson,
SC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Amy L Karpus
222 Towering Pine Road
Ladson
SC
29456
US
|
Family ID: |
43068976 |
Appl. No.: |
12/467302 |
Filed: |
May 17, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/122 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/0555 20130101;
A63B 2209/00 20130101; A63B 21/0004 20130101; A63B 21/0552
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/122 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/02 20060101
A63B021/02 |
Claims
1. A resistance exercise device in the form of a continuous,
seamless loop being comprised of a thermoplastic elastomeric
material with Shore OO Durometer of less than 30.
2. The resistance exercise device of claim 1 wherein said
resistance exercise device being capable of stretching to a length
of 10 to 12 times its resting length providing resistance
throughout a full range of motion.
3. The resistance exercise device of claim 1 wherein said device
having a circumference in the range of 30 to 80 centimeters.
4. The resistance exercise device of claim 1 wherein said device
having a material thickness of 0.5 to 1.6 centimeters to prevent
said device from rolling and/or sliding out of position throughout
a full range of motion.
5. The resistance exercise device of claim 1 further comprising: an
antimicrobial agent incorporated into the thermoplastic elastomeric
material to prevent or minimize bacterial growth on or within said
device.
6. The resistance exercise device of claim 1 wherein said device
having a specific gravity of less than 0.9 and being non-water
absorbent thereby allowing said device to float in water and be
used for aquatic applications.
7. The resistance exercise device of claim 1 wherein the resistance
of said device being changed by altering the composition of the
thermoplastic elastomeric material without altering the thickness
of said device.
8. The resistance exercise device of claim 1 wherein said device
being tear and/or break resistant, even when damaged, cut,
punctured, or abraded.
9. A resistance exercise device in the form of a band with Shore OO
durometer of less than 30 having no knit line comprising: a first
end having one or more grip holes; and a second end having one or
more grip holes; wherein said grip holes provide facilitation of
grip for a user as to prevent accidental release of said resistance
exercise device.
10. The resistance exercise device of claim 9 further comprising:
one or more gripping materials being encapsulated into said first
end and said second end; wherein said gripping materials being
selected from the group comprising: a mesh, a cord, a plastic
shape, or combinations thereof.
11. The resistance exercise device of claim 9 being comprised of a
thermoplastic elastomeric material having a thickness of 0.5 to 1.6
centimeters to prevent said device from rolling, bunching and/or
sliding out of position throughout a full range of movement.
12. The resistance exercise device of claim 9 wherein said
resistance exercise device being capable of stretching to a length
of 10 to 12 times its resting length, providing resistance
throughout a full range of motion.
13. The resistance exercise device of claim 9 wherein said device
having a length in the range of 15 to 35 centimeters.
14. The resistance exercise device of claim 10 wherein said device
having a specific gravity of less than 0.9 and being non-water
absorbent thereby allowing said device to float in water and be
used for aquatic applications.
15. The resistance exercise device of claim 9 wherein the
resistance of said device being changed by altering the composition
of the thermoplastic elastomeric material without altering the
thickness of said device.
16. The resistance exercise device of claim 9 wherein said device
being tear and/or break resistant, even when damaged, cut,
punctured, or abraded.
17. A method of producing a resistance exercise device using
injection molding comprising the steps of: heating and mixing a
thermoplastic elastomer material in an extruder to a temperature in
excess of 175 degrees centigrade; extruding said thermoplastic
elastomer into a heated injection cylinder; injecting said
thermoplastic elastomer into a heated centrifugal aluminum mold
while said centrifugal aluminum mold is spinning at a rate of 100
to 350 RPM; cooling said centrifugal aluminum mold as it continues
to spin until said thermoplastic elastomer has cured enough to
maintain its shape while handled; stopping said centrifugal
aluminum mold; removing said thermoplastic elastomer; and curing
said thermoplastic elastomer by cooling in air or liquid.
18. The method of claim 17 further comprising the steps of:
incorporating an antimicrobial agent into the thermoplastic
elastomeric material to prevent or minimize bacterial growth on or
within said device.
19. The method of claim 17 wherein said resistance exercise device
having a thickness of 0.5 to 1.6 centimeters.
20. The method of claim 17 wherein said resistance exercise device
being capable of stretching to a length of 10 to 12 times its
resting length.
21. The method of claim 17 wherein said resistance exercise device
having a Shore OO durometer of less than 30.
22. The method of claim 17 wherein said resistance exercise device
having a circumference in the range of 30 to 80 centimeters.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The instant invention relates to exercise devices used to
strengthen and tone a user's muscles.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Resistive bands are used by individuals who are looking to
strengthen and tone their muscles in addition to the rehabilitation
of patients with a wide variety of physical ailments. Subsequent to
an injury or surgical procedure, a patient under the care of
physicians, physical therapists, and/or trainers is guided through
a series of exercises using a wide variety of devices, including
resistive bands, which offer differing degrees of resistance for
any targeted muscle groups.
[0003] Commonly used resistive bands are manufactured using a
variety of materials such as rubber, latex compounds, elastics, and
metal springs. Each of the previously mentioned materials suffers
from limitations concerning the overall performance and versatility
of the resistive band. Resistive bands are generally thin, flat
strips that require the user to wrap the band around their hands or
tie a knot to form a loop for the desired exercises. Some have
handles made of a harder material such as wood, plastic, or metal,
are attached separately. These handles can be dangerous if the
patient loses his or her grip and the resistive band snaps back.
Another shortcoming of the thin, flat resistive bands is that they
have a tendency to bunch and roll up during use resulting in
discomfort, restricted blood flow, and even the pulling of hair
from the user's body. The patient or therapist then must reposition
the band to continue the exercise and re-attain the appropriate
resistance. This discomfort often leads to non-compliance with the
prescribed or recommended exercise regimen. Conventional resistive
bands typically stretch from only 1-3 times their resting length,
thereby making resistance available only through a portion of the
range of motion. Shorter resistive bands provide reasonable
resistance in the initial portion of the range of motion, but then
provide too much resistance in the later range of motion making
completion of the range of motion too difficult or dangerous due to
the elastic limit of the material. Longer resistive bands provide
too little resistance in the initial portion of the range of
motion, and then provide reasonable resistance at the end of the
range of motion.
[0004] Patients with sensitive skin, chronic pain, poor grip
strength, or edema are typically unable to use the conventional
resistive bands due to the discomfort associated with the bands
bunching and "cutting in" at the point of contact. Strengthening
devices incorporating metal springs into their design can also
pinch the skin and pose a danger to the user if the user's grip
fails. Conventional resistive bands are also hazardous due to the
occurrence of snapping, tearing, and/or breaking of the band.
[0005] There is a need for a hypoallergenic thermoplastic elastomer
band having a greater thickness, a softer feel, and having the
security and durability of being tear and break resistant during
conventional use resulting in greater comfort, compliance, and
positive neuro-sensory stimulation feedback during use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] A resistance exercise device in the form of a continuous,
seamless loop comprised of a thermoplastic elastomer with an
elastic range of 10-12 times resting length to allow resistance in
a full range of motion and with thickness of 0.5 cm to 1.6 cm to
allow the exercise device to stay in place without rolling up or
pinching, thereby increasing the comfort for the user. In another
embodiment, the device is a resistance band comprised of a first
end and a second end and one or more grip holes through the first
end and the second end which provide a means of facilitating grip
for a user as to prevent or lessen the accidental release of the
resistance exercise device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 is a profile view of a combination chest pull and
loop with four grip holes on each end to accommodate the
fingers.
[0008] FIG. 2 is a profile view of a combination chest pull and
loop with a single grip hole on each end.
[0009] FIG. 3 is a profile view of a continuous loop device.
[0010] FIG. 4 is a side view of a chest pull exerciser with four
grip holes on each end to accommodate the fingers.
[0011] FIG. 5 is a side view of a chest pull exerciser with grip
holes with optional inserted reinforcement.
[0012] FIG. 6 is a side view of a straight band chest pull with
enlarged ends to facilitate grip of the device.
[0013] FIG. 7 is a view of the continuous loop device of FIG. 3
being used to demonstrate the range of elasticity of 10-12.times.
resting length to permit full range of motion exercise.
[0014] FIG. 8 is a view of the continuous loop device of FIG. 3 in
use to demonstrate the device's unique ability to stay in place
without rolling up or pinching during exercise.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0015] The present invention of a resistance exercise device may
provide strengthening and rehabilitation to all major muscle
groups. The resistance exercise device may be provided in a variety
of sizes and resistance levels to fit various user needs and
objectives. Under the direction of a physician, physical therapist,
and/or trainer, the proper device parameters can be custom fitted
to the patient. The resistance exercise device may be applied to
fitness or body building wherein the user can determine the
resistance level that best suits his or her needs. The bands can be
sold individually or in sets of varying resistance for progressive
development. The color or shading of the material may be used to
indicate the level of resistance offered by the device.
[0016] Looking now to FIGS. 1 and 2, a resistance exercise device
is illustrated in the form of a band comprised of a first end and a
second end. There are one or more grip holes through the first end
and the second end which provide facilitation of grip for a user in
order to prevent or decrease the risk of accidental release of the
resistance exercise device. FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of
the present invention showing a set of four grip holes 10 for
fingers on both the first end and the second end of the device. The
grip holes for fingers are proximate to one another and generally
in a row on each end of the device in the embodiment illustrated.
FIG. 2 illustrates another embodiment wherein the first end and the
second end each have a single opening 15 for a user to grip.
[0017] The thermoplastic elastomeric material is elastic, tear
resistant, and soft. The elastomeric material may be able to be
stretched up to 10 to 12 times its original length, provide a
resistance throughout a full range of motion (as illustrated in
FIG. 7) not achievable with other materials, and may also have a
Shore OO durometer of less than 30.
[0018] In one embodiment of the present invention, the resistance
exercise device may be comprised of any polymeric material that
possesses a high degree of stretchability during extension of the
device caused by opposing pressure applied by the hands, arms,
trunk, head, jaw, feet, legs, or combination thereof, while
maintaining the desired shape at rest, and further, maintaining the
proper degree of resistance, even after extensive repeated
stretching. Preferably the polymeric material is a moldable elastic
material such as a thermoplastic elastomer which includes, but is
not limited to, chlorinated polyethylene (CPE), ethylene
polysulfide (ET), ethylene-propylene copolymers (EPM);
organopolysiloxane (SI), polybutadiene (BP), polysoprene, or
polyurethane (PUR). The thermoformed elastomer material used in the
device is 100% recyclable.
[0019] The polymeric material may make up an elastomeric material
that is a mixture of a thermoplastic elastomer and an oil (or
plasticizer). In one embodiment of the present invention, the
elastomeric material comprises a mixture of styrenic block
copolymer and an oil, where the oil is in excess, by weight, of the
copolymer. In another embodiment, the elastomeric material
comprises a mixture of one or more styrenic block copolymers and at
least two oils, where the oil is in excess, by weight, of the
copolymer and one oil is used in excess of the other oil, by
weight. In still another embodiment, the elastomeric material
comprises a styrenic block copolymer and an oil mixture of a first
oil and a second oil where the first oil has a viscosity that is
greater than a viscosity of the second oil and the second oil is
used in excess of the first oil.
[0020] The styrenic block copolymers, which are thermoplastic
elastomers, have a structure normally consisting of a block of a
rigid styrene on each end with a rubbery phase in the center.
Styrenic block copolymers include, but are not limited to, SBS
(styrene butadiene styrene), SIS (styrene isoprene styrene), SEPS
(styrene ethylene/propylene styrene), SEBS (styrene
ethylene/butylene styrene), and SEEPS (styrene ethylene/ethylene
propylene styrene). These materials are commercially available
from, for example, SEPTON Company of America (Pasadena, Tex.), and
Kraton Polymers (Houston, Tex.). Exemplary SEPTON (US) products
include SEPTON 4055 (SEEPS); SEPTON 8006 (SEBS); and SEPTON 2006
(SEPS). Exemplary Kraton (US) products include KRATON 1651 (SEBS).
It is possible to use just one of these polymers or a combination
of these polymers. It will be known to those of ordinary skill in
the art that by varying the amount of copolymer and oil one can
achieve an end product having different durometer readings.
[0021] The oil or plasticizer generally refers to mineral oils or
silicone (dimethyl silaxone) oil. The oil is mixed with the
styrenic block copolymer. The heavier oils (i.e., greater molecular
weights or greater viscosity) decreased heat deformation and
processibility and increased surface tack. Such oils are
commercially available from, for example, Crompton Corporation
(Witco Refined Products), Greenwich, Conn. Exemplary oils include:
BLANDOL white mineral oil, specific gravity @ 25OC/25OC (ASTM
D4052)--0.839/0.855; Kinematic viscosity @ 40 OC, CST (ASTM
D445)--14.2/17.0 (heavy oil), and SEMTOL white mineral oil,
specific gravity @ 25OC/25OC (ASTM D4052)--0.804/0.827, Kinematic
viscosity @ 40 OC, CST (ASTM D445)--3.9/5.5 (light oil). Other
conventional additives may also be added to the elastomeric
material which include, but are not limited to, UV-stabilizer,
heat-stabilizer, antimicrobial agents, antiviral agents,
antioxidants, pigments, glitters, dyes, or combinations
thereof.
[0022] In one embodiment of the present invention, the
thermoplastic elastomer may be white mineral oil-based, and may
include 40 to 90 centistoke viscosity medical grade mineral oil,
Kraton 1651 thermoplastic rubber, Septon 4055 (SEEPS), and
anti-oxidant Irganox HP2215FF (Linear low-density polyethylene/High
density polyethylene--from Ciba Specialty Chemicals) as selected in
combination by one of ordinary skill in the art.
[0023] In another embodiment of the present invention, the
resistance exercise device may also be further comprised of an
antimicrobial agent incorporated into the elastomeric material to
effectively inhibit the growth of bacteria on the surface of the
device, within the device, or combinations thereof. Any
antimicrobial agent that inhibits the growth of Gram-positive and
Gram-negative bacteria may be used. Examples of antimicrobial
agents include, but are not limited to, metal salts or like
compounds with antibacterial metal ions (e.g., copper mercury or
silver and optionally with additional nonmetallic ions of
antibacterial properties), antibiotics (e.g., neomycin, soframycin,
bacitracin, polymein, etc.), antibacterials (e.g., chlorhexidine
and its salts), quaternary ammonium compounds (e.g., centrimide,
domiphen bromide, and polymeric quaternaries), iodophors (e.g.,
providone iodine, and polyvinylpyrrolidone-iodine (PVP-I)),
acridine compounds (e.g., 9-aminoacridine, 3,6-diaminoacridine, and
6,9-diamino-2-ethoxyacridine), biguanidine compounds (e.g.,
1,6-di(4-chlorophenylbiguanido)hexane, diaminohexylbiguanide,
1,6-di(aminohexylbiquanido)hexane, and polyhexamethylenebiguanide),
halogenated hydroxyl diphenyl derivatives such as triclosan
(2,4,4'-trichloro-2'hydroxydiphenyl ether) available under the
trade name Microban from Microban Products and suitable for use in
the food industry, or combinations thereof.
[0024] To produce the resistance exercise device with the inclusion
of the antimicrobial agent, the polymeric materials and a least one
antimicrobial agent are combined so that the antimicrobial agent is
uniformly and stably dispersed within the polymeric material. The
antimicrobial agent may be introduced into the polymeric material
using any known method including, but not limited to, as a dry,
crystalline substance, in a paste wherein the antimicrobial agent
is mixed with a small amount of the acrylic material, by means of
an emulsion wherein the antimicrobial agent is dissolved or
dispersed in a solvent such as water, mineral oil, methanol,
ethanol, ethyl acetate, or tetrahydrofuran, or combinations
thereof.
[0025] In one embodiment of the present invention, the
antimicrobial agent is present in the resistance exercise device in
an amount between 0.003% to 2.5% by weight of polymeric substrate
material. In another embodiment, the antimicrobial agent is present
in the resistance exercise device in an amount between 0.1% to
about 5% by weight of the polymeric material. In yet another
embodiment, the antimicrobial agent is
2,4,4'-trichloro-2'hydroxydiphenyl ether (triclosan). It has been
found that triclosan provides extended protection lasting the
useful life of the product because the antimicrobial protection is
incorporated directly into the polymeric matrix of the resistance
exercise device during the fabrication process and is more than a
mere surface coating. Triclosan can be chemically bonded into the
polymer's molecular structure while not significantly altering the
physical properties of the polymeric material. As the antimicrobial
agent is removed from the surface during use of the resistance
exercise device, additional active agent particles are released
from within the polymer and migrate to the surface thereby
providing a long-lasting antimicrobial surface.
[0026] Other additives may be included in the polymeric material to
enhance durability of the end product, flowability of the polymeric
melt, and/or esthetics of the end product such as coloring,
plasticizers, evaporative solvents, and the like. Additionally, a
variety of durometer materials may be used for the resistance
exercise device as selected by one of ordinary skill in the art.
The various resistance levels may be achieved by varying the amount
of mineral oil and powdered elastomer, or by changing the cross
sectional area of the band.
[0027] In one embodiment of the present invention as illustrated in
FIGS. 1 and 2, the resistance exercise device is a rectangular
shape approximately 10 centimeters by 26 centimeters by 1.3
centimeters thick on the substantially planar portion 50. The
resistance exercise device may be made in a variety of sizes and
dimensions. The center enlarged portion or "loop" 50 is half of the
thickness of the two handle shaped ends when present. The grip
holes 10 may be sized according to an estimated diameter for users
in general or for a particular user, and may be for example,
approximately from 0.8 to 1.9 centimeters in diameter, and will
stretch to fit snugly around the fingers.
[0028] The resistance exercise device can be made by any
conventional molding processes, wherein the flexible elastomeric
material may be diced and placed in or extruded into a mold under
heat and pressure and partially cured. The partially cured device,
having enough integrity to be handled, is then removed from the
mold. The device is then cured further to the desired durometer, by
air cooling or in a water bath. In one embodiment, the resistance
exercise device may be manufactured in a wide variety of colors
which include, but are not limited to, transparent, translucent,
opaque, or combinations thereof. In yet another embodiment, the
resistance exercise device may be manufactured in a wide variety of
sizes and with or without handles (FIGS. 3-6). In still another
embodiment, the resistance exercise device may further comprise the
incorporation of other materials 45 including, but not limited to,
nylon mesh, hard plastic, cords, or combinations thereof in order
to enhance the device as a whole, or in order to limit the stretch
at the grip holes/handles 25 of the device FIG. 6.
[0029] In one embodiment of the present invention illustrated in
FIG. 1, the resistance exercise device that is hypo-allergenic is
comprised of an elastomeric body with grip holes for fingers 10 on
each side of the continuously molded band. These grip holes serve
as a convenient, secure handle on each side of the band that is as
soft as the resistive band and provides resistance on the fingers
for a more secure grasp. The grip holes eliminate the potential
dangers associated with a harder handle as well. The thicker band
and softer grade of thermoplastic elastomer contribute
significantly to the comfort of the user. The method of manufacture
of this embodiment of the invention is injection molding. In one
embodiment, the thermoplastic elastomer is heated and mixed in a
conventional extruder to a temperature of over 148.degree. C. The
extruder then forces the material into a heated injection cylinder.
At the time of the injection of the material into the mold, an air
or hydraulic cylinder forces the material from the injection
cylinder into the aluminum mold cavity. This method increases the
speed of the injection and holds sufficient pressure on the
material to compensate for shrinkage during the initial cooling
stage. In another embodiment, the resistance exercise device may be
injection molded at a temperature in excess of 148.degree. C. in an
aluminum mold that is temperature controlled by both a heating
system and a cooling system.
[0030] In another embodiment of the present invention, the band has
no grip holes/handles, but the band is still a continuously formed
loop as illustrated in FIG. 3. This eliminates the need to tie ends
together, and is therefore safer than the tied bands. The
handle-less version can be made in a variety of widths, lengths,
and resistance levels, thus being customized for the individual
user. In this embodiment, the bands are from 0.5 to 1.6 centimeters
in thickness and 5 to 8 centimeters wide. FIG. 8 demonstrates the
device's unique characteristic of staying in place without rolling
up and pinching into the user's body due to the thickness and
softness of the material. The specified method of manufacture of
this embodiment is to melt the thermoplastic elastomer material is
excess of 175.degree. C. and inject the molten material into a
heated centrifugal aluminum mold. The mold revolves at a rate of
100 to 350 RPM as the material is introduced. The mold is then
cooled as it continues to spin until the material has cured enough
to stop the mold and remove the device. The device is then allowed
to completely cure by cooling in air or liquid for an additional 10
to 15 minutes.
[0031] In another embodiment of the present invention, the
continuous loop of FIG. 3 can be formed by a process of
displacement molding. In this method, the molten material is
injected into a cylindrical mold, followed by the pressing of an
aluminum core into the liquid, forming the liquid into a continuous
loop. After curing for a sufficient length of time to prevent
deformation, the core is removed and the device is removed from the
cylindrical mold.
[0032] FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 illustrate yet another embodiment of the
present invention in which the band may be a straight,
substantially planar shape 40 with enlarged sections on the ends 30
that allow the user to grip the band and use it in a variety of
exercises. The planar center section of the band 40 may have a
thickness of between 0.5 and 1.6 centimeters. The enlarged ends may
also have a single hole 25 through which a user can insert their
hands and/or feet to secure the resistance exercise device without
gripping or a series of holes to accommodate the fingers 20. In
this embodiment, the resistance exercise device is also injection
molded in traditional fashion into a two part aluminum mold at a
temperature in excess of 148.degree. C. as described above.
[0033] The present invention may be embodied in other forms without
departing from the spirit and the essential attributes thereof,
and, accordingly, reference should be made to the appended claims,
rather than to the forgoing specification, as indicated in the
scope of the invention.
* * * * *