U.S. patent application number 13/911676 was filed with the patent office on 2013-10-10 for therapeutic, fitness, and sports enhancement device.
The applicant listed for this patent is Kipp K. Dye. Invention is credited to Kipp K. Dye.
Application Number | 20130267396 13/911676 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45556556 |
Filed Date | 2013-10-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130267396 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dye; Kipp K. |
October 10, 2013 |
THERAPEUTIC, FITNESS, AND SPORTS ENHANCEMENT DEVICE
Abstract
A therapeutic, fitness, and sports enhancement device which
includes a cylindrically shaped body having a predetermined density
and predetermined diameter, the body including a plurality of
projections of a predetermined shape. One or more of the
predetermined density and the predetermined diameter in combination
with the predetermined shape of the projections optimize
mobilization of soft tissue structures of the human body.
Inventors: |
Dye; Kipp K.; (Natick,
MA) |
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Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Dye; Kipp K. |
Natick |
MA |
US |
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|
Family ID: |
45556556 |
Appl. No.: |
13/911676 |
Filed: |
June 6, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13065850 |
Mar 31, 2011 |
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13911676 |
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11827361 |
Jul 11, 2007 |
7918774 |
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13065850 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
482/132 ;
264/177.1; 264/328.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61H 2015/0014 20130101;
A63B 23/02 20130101; B29L 2031/52 20130101; B29L 2031/463 20130101;
A63B 21/0004 20130101; B29C 45/00 20130101; B29C 65/48 20130101;
B29C 66/71 20130101; B29C 44/02 20130101; A63B 26/003 20130101;
B29K 2105/048 20130101; A61H 15/0092 20130101; A61H 2201/1695
20130101; B29C 66/727 20130101; B29L 2023/003 20130101; B29C 66/45
20130101; B29K 2105/24 20130101; B29C 66/14 20130101; A63B 21/4033
20151001; B29C 48/001 20190201; B29D 23/001 20130101; B29C 48/03
20190201; B29C 44/445 20130101; B29C 48/12 20190201; B29C 66/4322
20130101; B29C 66/128 20130101; A61H 2201/169 20130101; A63B
21/4049 20151001; B29K 2023/06 20130101; B29C 53/40 20130101; B29K
2105/046 20130101; B29C 48/022 20190201; B29C 48/06 20190201; B29C
66/71 20130101; B29K 2023/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/132 ;
264/177.1; 264/328.1 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/00 20060101
A63B021/00; B29C 45/00 20060101 B29C045/00; B29C 47/00 20060101
B29C047/00 |
Claims
1. A therapeutic, fitness, and sports enhancement device
comprising: a cylindrically shaped body having a predetermined
density and predetermined diameter, the body including a plurality
of solid projections of a predetermined shape; and wherein one or
more of the predetermined density and the predetermined diameter in
combination with the predetermined shape of the projections
optimize mobilization of soft tissue structures of the human
body.
2. The device of claim 1 wherein one or more of the predetermined
density and the predetermined diameter in combination with the
predetermined shape of the projections optimize body core strength
and optimize balance training.
3. The device of claim I in which the one or more of the
predetermined density and the predetermined diameter in combination
with the predetermined shape of the projections effectively break
up collagenous fibers of the soft tissue structures.
4. The device of claim 1 in which the one or more of the
predetermined density and the predetermined diameter in combination
with the predetermined shape of the projections enhance flexibility
of the soft tissue structures.
5. The device of claim 1 in which the one or more of the
predetermined density and the predetermined diameter in combination
with the predetermined shape of the projections enhance
distensibility of the soft tissue structures.
6. The device of claim 1 in which the predetermined shape of the
projections includes a rounded shape, a curved shape, a triangle
shape, a square, a notch shape, a cylindrical shape with rounded
ends, and cylindrical shape with flat ends.
7. The device of claim 1 in which the projections longitudinally
extend over a length of the body.
8. The device of claim 1 in which the projections extend
perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the body.
9. The device of claim 1 in which the projections radially extend
from the body are at the same angles.
10. The device of claim 1 in which the projections radially extend
from the body at different angles.
11. The device of claim 1 in which the projections are configured
in a wave pattern.
12. The device of claim 1 in which the projections are configured
in a Z pattern.
13. The device of claim 1 in which the projections are configured
in a helical pattern.
14. The device of claim 1 in which the projections are individually
spaced in a predetermined pattern over the body.
15. The device of claim 14 in which the predetermined pattern
includes an aligned pattern of a plurality of shaped
projections.
16. The device of claim 14 in which the predetermined pattern
includes an offset pattern of a plurality of shaped
projections.
17. The device of claim 1 in which the cylindrically shaped body
and the projections are made of a pliable material.
18. The device of claim 17 in which the pliable material includes a
closed-cell foam material.
19. The device of claim 17 in which the closed-cell foam material
includes a chemically cross-linked polyethylene foam.
20. The device of claim 17 in which the pliable material includes
expandable polyethylene.
21. The device of claim 17 in which the pliable material includes
plastic.
22. The device of claim 1 in which the number of the projections
are configured to optimize mobilization of the soft tissue
structures and/or optimize body core and balance training and/or
effectively break up collagenous fibers of the soft tissue
structures and/or enhance flexibility of the soft tissue structures
and/or enhance distensibility of the soft tissue structures.
23. A therapeutic, fitness, and sports enhancement device
comprising: a cylindrically shaped core having a predetermined
diameter; an overlay about the core having a predetermined density,
the overlay including a plurality of projections of a predetermined
shape; and wherein one or more of the predetermined density and the
predetermined diameter in combination with the predetermined shape
of the projections optimize mobilization of soft tissue structures
of the human body.
24. The device of claim 23 wherein one or more of the predetermined
density and the predetermined diameter in combination with the
predetermined shape of the projections optimize body core strength
and optimize balance training.
25. The device of claim 23 in which the one or more of the
predetermined density and the predetermined diameter in combination
with the predetermined shape of the projections effectively break
up collagenous fibers of the soft tissue structures.
26. The device of claim 23 in which the one or more of the
predetermined density and the predetermined diameter in combination
with the predetermined shape of the projections enhance flexibility
of the soft tissue structures.
27. The device of claim 23 in which the one or more of the
predetermined density and the predetermined diameter in combination
with the predetermined shape of the projections enhance
distensibility of the soft tissue structures.
28. The device of claim 23 in which the predetermined shape of the
projections includes a rounded shape, a curved shape, a triangle
shape, a square, a notch shape, a cylindrical shape with rounded
ends, and cylindrical shape with flat ends.
29. The device of claim 23 in which the projections longitudinally
extend over a length of the body.
30. The device of claim 23 in which the projections extend
perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the body.
31. The device of claim 23 in which the projections radially extend
from the body are at the same angles.
32. The device of claim 23 in which the projections radially extend
from the body at different angles.
33. The device of claim 23 in which the projections are configured
in a wave pattern.
34. The device of claim 23 in which the projections are configured
in a Z pattern.
35. The device of claim 23 in which the projections are configured
in a helical pattern.
36. The device of claim 23 in which the projections are
individually spaced in a predetermined pattern over the body.
37. The device of claim 36 in which the predetermined pattern
includes an aligned pattern of a plurality of shaped
projections.
38. The device of claim 36 in which the predetermined pattern
includes an offset pattern of a plurality of shaped
projections.
39. The device of claim 23 in which the cylindrically shaped body
and the projections are made of a pliable material.
40. The device of claim 39 in which the pliable material includes a
closed-cell foam material.
41. The device of claim 39 in which the closed-cell foam material
includes a chemically cross-linked polyethylene foam.
42. The device of claim 23 in which the pliable material includes
expandable polyethylene.
43. The device of claim 23 in which the pliable material includes
plastic.
44. The device of claim 23 in which the number of the projections
are configured to optimize mobilization of the soft tissue
structures and/or optimize body core and balance training and/or
efficiently break up collagenous fibers of the soft tissue
structures and/or enhance flexibility of the soft tissue structures
and/or enhance distensibility of the soft tissue structures.
45. A method of making a therapeutic, fitness, and sports
enhancement device, the method comprising: extruding a
cylindrically shaped body having a predetermined density and
predetermined diameter, the body including a plurality of
projections of a predetermined shape; and wherein one or more of
the predetermined density and the predetermined diameter in
combination with the predetermined shape of the projections
optimize mobilization of soft tissue structures of the human
body.
46. The method of claim 45 in which the extruding includes forming
the plurality of projections having a shape including one or more
of: a rounded shape, a curved shape, a triangle shape, a square, a
notch shape, a cylindrical shape with rounded ends, and cylindrical
shape with flat ends.
47. The method of claim 45 in which the extruding includes forming
the plurality of projections in a wave pattern.
48. The method of claim 45 in which the extruding includes forming
the plurality of projections in a Z-pattern.
49. The method of claim 45 in which the extruding includes forming
the plurality of solid projections in a helical pattern.
50. A method of making a therapeutic, fitness, and sports
enhancement device, the method comprising: injection molding a
cylindrically shaped body having a predetermined density and
predetermined diameter, the body including a plurality of
projections of a predetermined shape; and wherein one or more of
the predetermined density and the predetermined diameter in
combination with the predetermined shape of the projections
optimize mobilization of soft tissue structures of the human
body.
51. The method of claim 50 in which the injection molding includes
forming the plurality of solid projections having a shape including
one or more of: a rounded shape, a curved shape, a triangle shape,
a square, a notch shape, a cylindrical shape with rounded ends, and
cylindrical shape with flat ends.
52. The method of claim 50 in which the injection molding includes
forming the plurality of projections in a wave pattern.
53. The method of claim 50 in which the injection molding includes
forming the plurality of projections in a Z-pattern.
54. The method of claim 45 in which the injection molding includes
forming the plurality of projections in a helical pattern.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/065,850 filed on Mar. 3, 2011, which is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/827,361
filed on Jul. 11, 2007 (U.S. Pat. No. 7,918,774, issued Apr. 5,
2011), and claims the benefit of and priority thereto under 35
U.S.C. .sctn..sctn.119, 120, 363, 365, and 37 C.F.R. .sctn.1.55 and
.sctn.1.78, incorporated by reference herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This subject invention relates to a therapeutic, fitness,
and sports enhancement device.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Conventional cylindrical foam rolls are often used for
tissue mobilization, improving body core strength and balance
training. When used for tissue mobilization, the user typically
lies or sits on the cylindrical foam roll and moves back and forth
to mobilize target soft tissue. The benefits of soft tissue
mobilization include, inter alia, decreased muscle soreness, relief
from joint stress, decreased neuromuscular hypertonicity, increased
joint range motion, extensibility of musculotendinous junctions,
increased neuromuscular efficiency, and maintenance of normal
functional muscle length. These benefits enhance recovery of
injuries and also maximize sports performance and result in
improved fitness.
[0004] However, the completely cylindrical shape of a conventional
foam roll minimizes the effect of tissue mobilization. Moreover,
such a design often results in the user falling off the
cylindrically shaped foam roll, which is aggravating and
cumbersome.
[0005] When used for body core strength and balance training, the
user typically stands or on the cylindrical foam roll device to
enhance balance, coordination and core strength. However, because
the user can easily fall off the cylindrical shaped foam roll, the
effectiveness of the body core strength and balance training
session is often minimized.
[0006] Smaller sized cylindrical foam rolls may be used to mobilize
small soft tissue structures, such as the foot, plantar fascia,
heel, Achilles tendon and associated calf tissue, elbow, wrist,
knee, head, neck, and the like, to assist in the recovery of
plantar fasciitis or similar type ailments.
[0007] However, conventional smaller sized cylindrical foam rolls
are typically ineffective at mobilizing the soft tissue of small
soft tissue structures because they cannot effectively break up
collagenous fibers therein.
[0008] Conventional foot massaging devices and patient positioning
devices are known which may include rolls with projections or cone
shaped rolls. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,039,495, 5,359,739,
5,411,470, and 6,764,456. However, the rolls and devices disclosed
therein are limited to a one diameter, one density, and a one type
of shape of the projections and thus fail to effectively mobilize
soft tissue structures of the human body.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a
therapeutic, fitness, and sports enhancing device.
[0010] It is a further object of this invention to provide such a
therapeutic, fitness, and sports enhancement device in which one or
more of the density and diameter in combination with the shape of
the projections may be chosen to effectively mobilize soft tissue
structures of the human body.
[0011] It is a further object of this invention to provide such a
therapeutic, fitness, and sports enhancement device which maximizes
mobilization of soft tissue.
[0012] It is a further object of this invention to provide such a
therapeutic, fitness, and sports enhancement device which enhances
flexibility.
[0013] It is a further object of this invention to provide such a
therapeutic, fitness, and sports enhancement device which improves
body core strength training.
[0014] It is a further object of this invention to provide such a
therapeutic, fitness, and sports enhancement device which optimizes
soft tissue distensibility.
[0015] It is a further object of this invention to provide such a
therapeutic, fitness, and sports enhancement device which improves
balance training.
[0016] It is a further object of this invention to provide such a
therapeutic, fitness, and sports enhancement device which enhances
recovery from injury.
[0017] It is a further object of this invention to provide such a
therapeutic, fitness, and sports enhancement device which maximizes
sports performance.
[0018] It is a further object of this invention to provide such a
therapeutic, fitness, and sports enhancement device which improves
fitness.
[0019] It is a further object of this invention to provide such a
therapeutic, fitness, and sports enhancement device which improves
mobilization of the soft tissue of small soft tissue
structures.
[0020] It is a further object of this invention to provide such a
therapeutic, fitness, and sports enhancement device which
effectively breaks up collagenous fibers of soft tissue
structures.
[0021] It is a further object of this invention to provide such a
therapeutic, fitness, and sports enhancement device which
effectively helps treat plantar fasciitis.
[0022] This invention features a therapeutic, fitness, and sports
enhancement device including a cylindrically shaped body having a
predetermined density and predetermined diameter, the body
including a plurality of projections of a predetermined shape. One
or more of the predetermined density and the predetermined diameter
in combination with the predetermined shape of the projections
optimize mobilization of soft tissue structures of the human
body.
[0023] In one embodiment, one or more of the predetermined density
and the predetermined diameter in combination with the
predetermined shape of the projections may optimize body core
strength and optimize balance training. One or more of the
predetermined density and the predetermined diameter in combination
with the predetermined shape may effectively break up collagenous
fibers of the soft tissue structures. One or more of the
predetermined density and the predetermined diameter in combination
with the predetermined shape of the projections may enhance
flexibility of the soft tissue structures. One or more of the
predetermined density and the predetermined diameter in combination
with the predetermined shape of the projections may enhance
distensibility of the soft tissue structures. The predetermined
shape of the projections may include a rounded shape, a curved
shape, a triangle shape, a square, a notch shape, a cylindrical
shape with rounded ends, and cylindrical shape with flat ends. The
projections may longitudinally extend over a length of the body.
The projections may extend perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of
the body. The projections may radially extend from the body are at
the same angles. The projections may radially extend from the body
at different angles. The projections may be configured in a wave
pattern. The projections may be configured in a Z pattern. The
projections may be configured in a helical pattern. The projections
may be individually spaced in a predetermined pattern over the
body. The predetermined pattern may include an aligned pattern of a
plurality of shaped projections. The predetermined pattern may
include an offset pattern of a plurality of shaped projections. The
cylindrically shaped body and the projections may be made of a
pliable material. The pliable material may include a closed-cell
foam material. The closed-cell foam material may include a
chemically cross-linked polyethylene foam. The pliable material may
include expandable polyethylene. The pliable material may include
plastic. The number of the projections may be configured to
optimize mobilization of the soft tissue structures and/or optimize
body core and balance training and/or effectively break up
collagenous fibers of the soft tissue structures and/or enhance
flexibility of the soft tissue structures and/or enhance
distensibility of the soft tissue structures. The device may
include a handle extending through the body.
[0024] This invention also features a therapeutic, fitness, and
sports enhancement device including a cylindrically shaped core
having a predetermined diameter. An overlay is about the core
having a predetermined density, the overlay including a plurality
of projections of a predetermined shape. One or more of the
predetermined density and the predetermined diameter in combination
with the predetermined shape of the projections optimize
mobilization of soft tissue structures of the human body.
[0025] In one embodiment, one or more of the predetermined density
and the predetermined diameter in combination with the
predetermined shape of the projections may effectively optimize
body core strength and optimize balance training. One or more of
the predetermined density and the predetermined diameter in
combination with the predetermined shape of the projections may
effectively break up collagenous fibers of the soft tissue
structures. One or more of the predetermined density and the
predetermined diameter in combination with the predetermined shape
of the projections may enhance flexibility of the soft tissue
structures. One or more of the predetermined density and the
predetermined diameter in combination with the predetermined shape
of the projections may enhance distensibility of the soft tissue
structures. The predetermined shape of the projections may include
a rounded shape, a curved shape, a triangle shape, a square, a
notch shape, a cylindrical shape with rounded ends, and cylindrical
shape with flat ends. The projections longitudinally may extend
over a length of the body. The projections may extend perpendicular
to a longitudinal axis of the body. The projections may radially
extend from the body are at the same angles. The projections may
radially extend from the body at different angles. The projections
may be configured in a wave pattern. The projections may be
configured in a Z pattern. The projections may be configured in a
helical pattern. The projections may be individually spaced in a
predetermined pattern over the body. The predetermined pattern may
include an aligned pattern of a plurality of shaped projections.
The predetermined pattern may include an offset pattern of a
plurality of shaped projections. The cylindrically shaped body and
the projections may be made of a pliable material. The pliable
material may include a closed-cell foam material. The closed-cell
foam material may include a chemically cross-linked polyethylene
foam. The pliable material may include expandable polyethylene. The
pliable material may include resin. The number of the projections
may be configured to optimize mobilization of the soft tissue
structures and/or optimize body core and balance training and/or
effectively break up collagenous fibers of the soft tissue
structures and/or enhance flexibility of the soft tissue structures
and/or enhance distensibility of the soft tissue structures. The
device may include a handle extending through the body.
[0026] The subject invention, however, in other embodiments, need
not achieve all these objectives and the claims hereof should not
be limited to structures or methods capable of achieving these
objectives.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] Other objects, features and advantages will occur to those
skilled in the art from the following description of a preferred
embodiment and the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0028] FIG. 1 is a three-dimensional perspective side-view of one
embodiment of the therapeutic, fitness, and sports enhancement
device of this invention;
[0029] FIG. 2 is a schematic end-view showing in further detail one
embodiment of the projections shown in FIG. 1;
[0030] FIG. 3 is another three-dimensional perspective side-view of
the therapeutic, fitness, and sports enhancement device shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2;
[0031] FIG. 4 is a schematic end-view showing another embodiment of
the projections of this invention;
[0032] FIG. 5 is a schematic end-view showing an example of the
shaped projections shown in FIG. 4 extending at different
angles;
[0033] FIG. 6 is a schematic end-view of another embodiment of the
projections of this invention;
[0034] FIG. 7 is a schematic end-view of yet another embodiment of
the projections of this invention;
[0035] FIGS. 8A-8E are schematic views showing additional
embodiments of the projections of this invention;
[0036] FIGS. 9A and 9B are schematic top-views showing exemplary
individual patterns of the projections of this invention;
[0037] FIG. 10 is a three-dimensional side view showing three
different examples of the therapeutic, fitness, and sports
enhancement device of this invention having different densities,
diameter, and shaped projections;
[0038] FIG. 11A-11M are three-dimensional views showing examples of
one embodiment of the therapeutic, fitness, and sports enhancement
device shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 10 used to mobilize exemplary soft
tissue structures of the human body in accordance with this
invention;
[0039] FIG. 12A-12I are three-dimensional views showing examples of
another embodiment of the therapeutic, fitness, and sports
enhancement device shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 10 used to mobilize
different exemplary soft tissue structures of the human body in
accordance with this invention;
[0040] FIG. 13 is a schematic side-view showing one example of an
extrusion process which may be used to manufacture the therapeutic,
fitness, and sports enhancement device shown in FIGS. 1-10;
[0041] FIG. 14 is a schematic side-view showing one example of a
molding process which may be used to manufacture the therapeutic,
fitness, and sports enhancement device shown in FIGS. 1-10;
[0042] FIG. 15 is a schematic end-view showing one example of a
plurality of bands which may be used to manufacture one embodiment
of the therapeutic, fitness, and sports enhancement device of this
invention;
[0043] FIG. 16 is a three-dimensional perspective side-view of
another embodiment of the therapeutic, fitness, and sports
enhancement device of this invention;
[0044] FIG. 17 is a three-dimensional perspective end-view of the
therapeutic, fitness, and sports enhancement device shown in FIG.
16;
[0045] FIG. 18 is a three-dimensional perspective side-view showing
one example of end caps which may be utilized with the therapeutic,
fitness, and sports enhancement device shown in FIGS. 1-16 of this
invention;
[0046] FIG. 19A is a schematic side-view showing one embodiment of
the therapeutic, fitness, and sports enhancement device of this
invention with a handle;
[0047] FIG. 19B is a schematic end-view of the therapeutic,
fitness, and sports enhancement device shown in FIG. 18A; and
[0048] FIG. 19C is another schematic end-view of the therapeutic,
fitness, and sports enhancement device shown in FIG. 18A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0049] Aside from the preferred embodiment or embodiments disclosed
below, this invention is capable of other embodiments and of being
practiced or being carried out in various ways. Thus, it is to be
understood that the invention is not limited in its application to
the details of construction and the arrangements of components set
forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings.
If only one embodiment is described herein, the claims hereof are
not to be limited to that embodiment. Moreover, the claims hereof
are not to be read restrictively unless there is clear and
convincing evidence manifesting a certain exclusion, restriction,
or disclaimer.
[0050] There is shown in FIG. 1, one embodiment of therapeutic,
fitness, and sports enhancement device 10 of this invention
including cylindrically shaped body 12 having a predetermined
density and predetermined diameter. Body 12 includes a plurality of
projections 14 of a predetermined shape. One or more of the
predetermined density and the predetermined diameter of body 12 in
combination with the shape of the projections effectively mobilize
soft tissue structures of the human body, as discussed in further
detail below.
[0051] Body 12 with projections 14 is preferably made of a pliable
material, e.g., a closed-cell foam material, e.g., a chemically,
cross-linked closed-cell polyethylene foam, such as MINICEL.RTM.
L200, L300 or L380, available from Sekisui Voltek (Lawrence,
Mass.). In other examples, body 12 may be made of expandable
polyethylene (EPE) or a plastic type material using foam
fabricators, as known by those skilled in the art. Other similar
type of pliable materials and closed-cell foams known to those
skilled in the art may also be utilized to manufacture device
10.
[0052] In one example, the density of body 12, the diameter, d-13,
FIG. 2, of body 12 in combination with and the shape of projections
14 are preferably chosen to effectively mobilize soft tissue
structures of the human body. The soft tissue structures mobilized
in one embodiment may include, inter cilia, the Quadriceps,
Hamstrings, Rhomboids, Mid/Lower Back, Glutes/Piriformis, Hip
Rotators, Hamstrings, IT band, Calf, and Shins. In this example,
which may be referred to as the "soft" device 10, the density of
the pliable material of body 12 is preferably in the range of about
2.0 lb/ft.sup.3 to about 6.0 lb/ft.sup.3. The diameter, d-27, is
typically in the range between about 3 inches to about 15 inches,
e.g., about 7 inches. In this example, cylindrically shaped body
12, FIG. 3, preferably has a length, l-31, between about 18 inches
and 36 inches. In one preferred example, body 12 has a diameter of
about 7 inches and a length of about 18 inches. In another example,
body 12 has a diameter of about 7 inches and a length of about 36
inches.
[0053] The shape projections 14 may be rounded, as shown at 17,
FIGS. 2 and 3. In other designs, the shape of projections 14 may
have triangle-shaped, as shown in FIG. 4. In this example, the
projections 14 may radially extend from body 12 at the same angle.
In other examples, projections 14, FIG. 5, may radially extend from
body 12 at different angles, as indicated at 20, 22, and 24. In
other examples, projections 14, FIG. 6, may be cylindrically shaped
with rounded ends or may also be cylindrically shaped with flat
ends, as shown in FIG. 7. Projections 14, FIGS. 1-7, may also
extend over the length, l-31, FIGS. 1 and 3 of body 12, e.g., in a
right angle pattern, as shown in FIG. 8A, in a helical pattern, as
shown in FIG. 8B, in a wave pattern, as shown in FIG. 8C, in a Z
pattern, as shown in FIG. 8D, or in a pattern perpendicular to
longitudinal axis 15, as shown in FIG. 8E. In other designs, the
plurality of shaped projections 14 may extend over body 12 in an
individual pattern as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B. Each of the
plurality of shaped projections 14, FIGS. 1-9B, preferably
radially, extends about 1/8 inch to about 3 inches from body 12,
e.g., as shown by r-70, FIG. 2. In one example, "soft" device 10,
FIGS. 1-3, may include eleven projections 14. In another example,
"soft" device 10, FIG. 10, indicated at 41, may have twelve
projections 14. In other examples, device 10 may have as few as 6
projections or as many as 20 projections 14, although device 10 may
have any number of projections of various shapes, disclosed above,
depending on the therapeutic use of device 10.
[0054] In another example, one or more of the density of body 12
and the diameter of body 12 in combination with the shape of
projections 14 are preferably chosen to mobilize soft tissue
structures of the human body which may include, inter glia, the
Quadriceps, Hamstrings, Rhomboids, Rotator cuff, Glutes/Piriformis,
Iliotibial band, Achilles tendon, Calf, feet, Head and Neck. In
this example, often referred to as "firm" device 10, the density of
the pliable material of body 12 is in the range of about 2.0
lb/ft.sup.2 to about 12 lb/ft.sup.3, e.g., preferably about 4
lb/ft.sup.3. The diameter, d-27, FIG. 2, of body 12 is in the range
of about 3 inches to about 8 inches, e.g., preferably about 3.5 or
7 inches. The length of body 12, length l-31, FIG. 3, is in the
range of about 2 inches to about 36 inches. In one preferred
example, body 12 has a diameter of about 3 inches and a length of
about 8 inches. In yet another example, body 12 has a diameter of
about 3.5 inches and a length of about 12 inches. In yet another
example, body 12 has a diameter of about 7 inches and a length of
about 18 inches. In another example, body 12 has a diameter of
about 7 inches and a length of about 36 inches. Similar as
discussed above, the plurality of shaped projections 14 have a
predetermined shaped as discussed above with reference to FIGS.
1-10 and preferably radially extend about 1/8 inch to about 3
inches from body 12. FIG. 10 shows on example of "firm" device 10,
indicated at 43. In this example, projections 14 may have a
triangle shape as shown. In this design, device 10 has about
thirteen projections 14, although device 10 could have any number
of projections of various shapes, discussed above, depending on the
therapeutic use of device 10.
[0055] In yet another example, the one or more of density of body
12 and the diameter of body 12 in combination with the shape of
projections 14 are preferably chosen to mobilization soft tissue
structures of the human body which may include, inter alfa, the
Quadriceps, Hamstrings, Rhomboids, Upper Trapezius, Forearm,
Rotator cuff, Glutes, Piriformis, Calf, Feet, Head and Neck. In
this example, which may be referred to as "hard" device 10, the
density of the pliable material of body 12 is in the range of about
4.0 lb/ft.sup.2 to about 12 lb/ft.sup.3, e.g., preferably about 6
lb/ft.sup.3. The diameter, d-27, FIG. 2, of body 12 is in the range
of about 3 inches to about 8 inches, e.g., preferably about 3.5 or
7 inches. The length of body 12, length l-31, FIG. 3, is in the
range of about 2 inches to about 36 inches. In one preferred
example, body 12 has a diameter of about 3 inches and a length of
about 8 inches. In yet another example, body 12 has a diameter of
about 3.5 inches and a length of about 12 inches. In another
example, body 12 has a diameter of about 7 inches and a length of
about 18 inches. In another example, body 12 has a diameter of
about 7 inches and a length of about 36 inches. Similar as
discussed above, the plurality of shaped projections 14 have a
predetermined shaped as discussed above with reference to FIGS.
1-10 and preferably radially extend about 1/8 inch to about 3
inches from body 12. FIG. 10 shows an example of device 10,
indicated at 45. In this example, device 10 may include about seven
projections with a curved shape as shown, although device 10 may
have any number of projections of various shapes, discussed above,
depending on the therapeutic use of device 10.
[0056] In the examples above, one or more of the predetermined
density and the predetermined diameter in combination with the
predetermined shape of the projections effectively mobilize soft
tissue structures of the human body. In other examples, one or more
of the predetermined density and predetermined diameter in
combination with the predetermined shape of the projections may be
chosen to effectively optimize body core strength and optimize
balance training and/or efficiently break up collagenous fibers of
soft tissue structures and/or enhance flexibility of soft tissue
structures and/or enhance distensibility of soft tissue structures.
Moreover, projections 14 stabilize device 10 when used for body
core strength and balance training.
[0057] Examples of the operation of therapeutic, fitness and sports
enhancement device 10 with projections 14 of one or more
embodiments of this invention used to mobilize soft tissue
structures of the human body and/or effectively optimize body core
strength and optimize balance training and/or efficiently break up
collagenous fibers of soft tissue structures and/or enhance
flexibility of soft tissue structures and/or enhance distensibility
of soft tissue structures are shown in FIGS. 11A-11M. For example,
FIG. 11A shows an example of device 10 being used to mobilize the
soft tissue of Quadriceps 98. When moved back and forth in
direction 100, projections 14 extend into the soft tissue of
Quadriceps 98 and mobilize Quadriceps 98. This breaks up the
collagenous fibers of the Quadriceps 98, enhances flexibility and
enhances distensibility of Quadriceps 98.
[0058] In other examples, therapeutic, fitness, and sports
enhancement device 10 may be used in a similar manner as discussed
above with reference to FIG. 11A to mobilize soft tissue structures
of the Iliotibial band (ITB), as shown in FIG. 11B, the inner
thigh, as shown in FIG. 11C, the Glutes, as shown in FIG. 11E, the
Piriformis, as shown in FIG. 11F, the Hamstrings, as shown in FIG.
10G, the Lumbar region, as shown in FIG. 11H, the Rhomboids, as
shown in FIG. 11I, the Thoracic region (Mid/Lower Back), as shown
in FIGS. 11J and 11K, the Shins, as shown in FIG. 11L, and the
calf, as shown in FIG. 11M.
[0059] Examples of the operation of "film" and/or "hard"
therapeutic, fitness, and sports enhancement device 10 used to
mobilize soft tissue structures of the human body, break up
collagenous fibers and/or enhance flexibility and/or enhance
distensibility are shown in FIGS. 12A-12I. For example, device 10
may be used to effectively mobilize soft tissue, break up
collagenous fibers and/or enhance flexibility and distensibility of
the Neck, as shown in FIG. 12A, the upper Neck, as shown in FIG.
12B, the upper Trapezius, as shown in FIG. 12C, the shoulder and
Rotator cuff, as shown in FIG. 12D, the Rhomboids, as shown in FIG.
12E, the Lower Back, as shown in FIG. 12F, the arch of the foot, as
shown in FIG. 12G, the Achilles, as shown in FIG. 12H, and the
Calf, as shown in FIG. 12I.
[0060] The result is therapeutic, fitness and sports enhancement
device 10 with a unique combination of one or more of density and
diameter and the shape of projections 14 maximizes mobilization of
soft tissue structures. Typical target soft tissue mobilized by the
plurality of shaped projections 14 may include muscles, tendons,
ligaments fascia of the human body and the like. Mobilization of
soft tissue by projections 14 massages soft tissue and breaks up
scar tissue. This increases flexibility of soft tissue, decreases
muscle soreness, relieves joint stress, decreases neuromuscular
hypertonicity, increases joint range motion and extensibility of
musculotendinous junctions, optimizes soft tissue distensibility,
increases neuromuscular efficiency, increases flexibility and helps
maintain normal functional muscle length. These benefits enhance
recovery of injuries when used as a therapeutic tool, maximize
sports performance, and improved fitness. Device 10 also optimizes
body core strength and optimizes balance training.
[0061] In one example, therapeutic fitness and sports enhancement
device 10, FIGS. 1-12I may be manufactured using extrusion process
as know by those skilled in the art. In this example, raw material
in the fount of granules of plastic, e.g., polyethylene, is put
hopper 150, FIG. 13, and fed into heated chamber 152. Press 154
pushes the material in chamber 152 through die 156. Die plate has
the shape of body 12 with projections 14. In this example, die 14
has a shape similar to body 12, FIGS. 1-3, with rounded projections
14. In other examples, die 156 can be shaped with any configuration
to manufacture device 10 with the projections shaped as shown in
FIGS. 1-9B, or any other various shape known by those skilled in
the art. The extruded material is then allowed to cure in a
controlled temperature room to strengthen the material and provide
a more finished look to device 10.
[0062] In another example, therapeutic fitness and sports
enhancement device 10, FIGS. 1-12I may be manufactured using
molding process, as known to those skilled in the art. In this
example, raw material, e.g., beads of expandable polyethylene
(EPE), is put into a hopper 160, FIG. 14, and then fed into chamber
162 which includes a die in the shape of device 10, FIGS. 1-12I.
The chamber is heated and chamber 162 is pressurized. This allows
the beads of EPE to shape to the contours of the die. Then a curing
phase occurs to allow the EPE form the shape of device 10, e.g., as
shown in FIGS. 1-9B. This curing phase occurs in a heated room to
allow the polymer to cure.
[0063] In another example, therapeutic fitness and sports
enhancement device 10, may be manufactured with a large sheet of
the pliable material is cut using a high speed vertical band saw
which forms cylindrically shaped body 12 and the plurality of
shaped projections 14 thereon.
[0064] In yet another example, device 10 may include cylindrically
shaped body 12, FIG. 15 that includes a plurality of bonded
sections, e.g., sections 19, 21, 23, and 25, each having a
plurality of shaped projections 14 thereon of a predetermined type,
e.g., as shown in any of FIGS. 1-9B. Each of sections 19-25, FIG.
15, is similarly made of a pliable material, e.g., closed-cell
polyethylene foam, such as MINICEL.RTM. L200, L300 or L380
discussed above, and is bonded to each other using a high bonding
adhesive. The sheets of the pliable material used for the plurality
of bonded sections, e.g., sections 19-25, typically has
predetermined width, e.g., about 2 inches to 3 inches, or up to 4
inches, although the sheets of pliable material and the resulting
width of sections 19-25 may have any width as known to those
skilled in the art. The shape of the plurality of shaped
projections 16 and cylindrically shaped body 12 made of sections
19-25 is similarly formed using a high speed versatile band saw, as
discussed above.
[0065] In another embodiment, therapeutic, fitness, and sports
enhancement device 10', FIG. 16, of this invention includes
cylindrically shaped core 12 and overlay 13 about core 12. Similar
as discussed above, one or more of the predetermined density and
the predetermined diameter of body 12 and overlay 13 in combination
with the shape of the projections are chosen to effectively
mobilize soft tissue structures of the human body. Overlay 13
includes a plurality of shaped projections 14, similar as discussed
above with reference to FIGS. 1-9B, which are shaped to mobilize
soft tissue structures of the human body and/or improve body core
strength and balance training and/or enhance flexibility and/or
optimize soft tissue distensibility. Core 12 is similarly made of
pliable material, as discussed above. Overlay 13 is typically made
of MINICEL.RTM. L200, L300 or L380. Body 12 and overlay 13 with
projections 14 thereon may also be formed from an extrusion process
or a die cast process or cut by a high speed foam band saw, as
known to those skilled in the art. Similar as discussed above with
reference to FIG. 2, projections 14 on overlay 13, FIG. 16,
radially extends about 1/8 inches to about 3 inches from overlay
13, e.g., as indicated at r-70, FIG. 2, as needed to maximize soft
tissue mobilization, and improve balance and core strength
training, enhance flexibility and optimize soft tissue
distensibility. Therapeutic, fitness, and sports enhancement device
preferably has a density and d10' may have a length as indicated by
l-31, FIG. 16, and has a diameter, d-27, FIG. 17, similar to any of
the embodiment of device 10 discussed above with reference to FIGS.
1-9B.
[0066] In one embodiment, therapeutic, fitness, and sports
enhancement device 10, FIGS. 1-16, may include end caps 212, FIG.
18, on each end of device 10.
[0067] Therapeutic, fitness, and sports enhancement device 10,
FIGS. 1-18, may also include handle 300, FIG. 19A. Handle 300
preferably extends though opening 302, FIG. 19B, having inner
diameter d-304, which can vary from about 1/4 inch to about 5
inches, e.g., about 2 inches as shown in FIG. 19C. Opening 302,
FIG. 19B, with inner diameter d-304 is typically created using an
extrusion process. Inner sleeve 306 fits inside opening 302 and
handle 300 extends through inner sleeve 306. Handle 300 may be used
for gripping to allow the ridged roll to roll over the soft tissue
of the body, e.g., the Quadriceps, Upper Trapezius, Iliotibial
band, and the like, as discussed above with reference to FIGS.
11A-12I.
[0068] Although specific features of the invention are shown in
some drawings and not in others, this is for convenience only as
each feature may be combined with any or all of the other features
in accordance with the invention. The words "including",
"comprising", "having", and "with" as used herein are to be
interpreted broadly and comprehensively and are not limited to any
physical interconnection. Moreover, any embodiments disclosed in
the subject application are not to be taken as the only possible
embodiments. Other embodiments will occur to those skilled in the
art and are within the following claims.
[0069] In addition, any amendment presented during the prosecution
of the patent application for this patent is not a disclaimer of
any claim element presented in the application as filed: those
skilled in the art cannot reasonably be expected to draft a claim
that would literally encompass all possible equivalents, many
equivalents will be unforeseeable at the time of the amendment and
are beyond a fair interpretation of what is to be surrendered (if
anything), the rationale underlying the amendment may bear no more
than a tangential relation to many equivalents, and/or there are
many other reasons the applicant can not be expected to describe
certain insubstantial substitutes for any claim element
amended.
* * * * *