U.S. patent application number 15/075072 was filed with the patent office on 2017-07-06 for body alignment and correction device.
The applicant listed for this patent is FLEX EX SOLUTIONS, LLC. Invention is credited to Cindy Angulo.
Application Number | 20170189758 15/075072 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 59236200 |
Filed Date | 2017-07-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170189758 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Angulo; Cindy |
July 6, 2017 |
BODY ALIGNMENT AND CORRECTION DEVICE
Abstract
The body alignment and correction device disclosed herein
includes a belt for wearing about the waist of a user. The device
further includes removable and repositionable foam blocks to
displace portions of the belt away from the user's body. A method
of stimulating abdominal or back muscles of a user of the device by
selectively placing foam blocks to space a portion of the belt away
from a user's body is also disclosed.
Inventors: |
Angulo; Cindy; (Phoenix,
AZ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
FLEX EX SOLUTIONS, LLC |
Scottsdale |
AZ |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
59236200 |
Appl. No.: |
15/075072 |
Filed: |
March 18, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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14987148 |
Jan 4, 2016 |
|
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15075072 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 23/03541 20130101;
A63B 21/4009 20151001; A63B 21/0724 20130101; A63B 21/00065
20130101; A63B 21/0552 20130101; A63B 2022/0094 20130101; A63B
23/0205 20130101; A63B 69/0057 20130101; A63B 2225/09 20130101;
A63B 71/023 20130101; A63B 23/0233 20130101; A63B 21/4035 20151001;
A61F 5/30 20130101; A63B 2209/10 20130101; A63B 2210/50 20130101;
A63B 21/068 20130101; A63B 21/16 20130101; A63B 23/03525 20130101;
A63B 21/00061 20130101; A61F 5/028 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63B 26/00 20060101
A63B026/00; A63B 21/055 20060101 A63B021/055; A63B 21/04 20060101
A63B021/04 |
Claims
1. A belt for wearing about a user's body, the belt having a first
end and a second end, and a front surface facing away from the
user's body and a rear surface including hook and loop fasteners
facing towards a user's body, a fastener for fastening the belt
about the user's waist, and a pair of blocks positioned on the rear
surface of the belt to space a portion of the rear surface of the
belt away from the user's body.
2. The belt of claim 1, wherein the blocks are enclosed in a fabric
covering.
3. The belt of claim 2, wherein the fabric covering includes an
attachment assembly including a strap to capture the belt between
the fabric covering and the strap.
4. The belt of claim 1, wherein the blocks are positioned on the
rear surface of the belt so that each block is positioned on the
user's back, thereby spacing the rear surface of the belt away from
the user's back.
5. The belt of claim 1, wherein the blocks are positioned on the
rear surface of the belt so that each block is positioned on the
user's abdomen, thereby spacing the rear surface of the belt away
from the user's abdomen.
6. The belt of claim 1, wherein the front surface of the belt
includes a first band and a second band, each band attached to the
front surface of the belt, and each band having a free end
terminating in a fastener.
7. The belt of claim 6, wherein each band is partially covered by a
neoprene sleeve.
8. The belt of claim 6, wherein the first band and second band are
used drawstrings to tighten the belt about the user's waist.
9. The belt of claim 6 wherein the first and second band, have an
elastic quality.
10. The belt of claim 1, further including a first band and a
second band connected to the front surface of the belt, an
additional piece of fabric attached to the front surface of the
belt, the additional piece of fabric forming a tunnel, a portion of
the first and second bands being positioned within the tunnel.
11. The belt of claim 1, wherein the blocks are made of foam.
12. The belt of claim 11, wherein the blocks include two densities
of foam, where a higher density of foam is positioned closer to the
belt when the block is on the belt.
13. The belt of claim 1 wherein the blocks include hook and loop
fasteners on a surface of the block.
14. The belt of claim 6 wherein the first and second bands include
an elastic portion, and an inelastic portion, the inelastic portion
being secured to the rear surface of the belt by stitching.
15. The belt of claim 12 wherein the blocks are enclosed in a
covering, the covering including a hook and loop fastener on the
surface of the covering facing the belt, a strap attached to a
bottom end of the covering and a buckle attached to a top end of
the covering, the strap being placed through the buckle and
attached to itself to secure the belt between the strap and the
covering.
17. A method of stimulating the abdominal muscles of a flexion
intolerant person, including the steps of providing a belt placed
about the flexion intolerant person's waist, the belt including
blocks to space a portion of the belt away from the user's back
when the belt is worn around the user's waist.
18. A method of stimulating the back muscles of an extension
intolerant person, including the steps of providing a belt placed
about the extension intolerant person's waist, the belt including
blocks to space a portion of the belt away from the user's abdomen
when the belt is worn around the user's waist.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] Field of the Invention
[0002] The invention relates generally to exercise equipment and in
particular to a body alignment and correction device.
[0003] Background Art
[0004] Exercise equipment, particularly when used in an athletic
club, has become very popular. Unfortunately, to put it simply,
most people who are working out are doing it wrong. They hold their
bodies and limbs in incorrect positions, resulting in repetitive
motion injuries, imbalanced development of their muscle groups, and
other long-term problems that are easily avoided with the correct
posture and limb positioning. A body alignment and correction
device, which secures the user's body and limbs in the correct
positions when working out, would resolve this problem.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Accordingly, the invention is directed to a body alignment
and correction device. The device provides a rectangular platform,
with a front post and a rear post which unfold and telescope into
position. Carabiner clips are provided along the sides of the
platform. Various elastic and other workout attachments may be
clipped to the carabiner clips, and to the upper ends of the front
post and rear post, providing resistance for the user during a
workout. An adjustable, removable claw attachment on the rear post
secures the user's shoulders and upper body in the correct
alignment during the workout. Four retractable caster wheels at the
corners of the platform enable the user to easily move the device
around the workout area as desired.
[0006] Additional features and advantages of the invention will be
set forth in the description which follows, and will be apparent
from the description, or may be learned by practice of the
invention. The foregoing general description and the following
detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended
to provide further explanation of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further
understanding of the invention and are incorporated into and
constitute a part of the specification. They illustrate one
embodiment of the invention and, together with the description,
serve to explain the principles of the invention,
[0008] FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of the first exemplary
embodiment in the unfolded position, displaying the platform 10,
the front post 11, the rear post 12, the claw attachment 12A, the
carabiner clips 13, the barbell table 14, and the workout
attachments 15;
[0009] FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the platform component
of the first exemplary embodiment in the folded position,
displaying the platform 10, and the caster wheels 10A;
[0010] FIG. 3 is a rear view of a portion of the belt component of
the first exemplary embodiment;
[0011] FIG. 4 is a rear view of the belt component of the first
exemplary embodiment;
[0012] FIG. 5 is a front view of belt component of the first
exemplary embodiment in a reverse bent position;
[0013] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the belt of
the invention, without blocks.
[0014] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the belt of
the invention with a pair of blocks positioned on the rear or
inside surface of the belt.
[0015] FIG. 8 is a top view of the belt with blocks positioned on
the abdomen of the user.
[0016] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a block with an enclosure
and attachment assembly.
[0017] FIG. 10 is a side elevation view of the block of FIG. 9,
with breakouts showing composition of the block.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0018] Referring now to the invention in more detail, the invention
is directed to a body alignment and correction device.
[0019] The first exemplary embodiment is comprised of a body
alignment and correction device for use during workouts. The device
provides a rectangular platform 10, with a front post 11 and a rear
post 12 which unfold and telescope into position, rotate fully
through a 180.degree. arc, and may be locked into position at any
length or angle as desired. Carabiner clips 13 are provided along
the sides of the platform 10. Various elastic and other workout
attachments 15 may be clipped to the carabiner clips 13, and to the
upper ends of the front post 11 and rear post 12, providing
resistance for the user during a workout.
[0020] An adjustable, removable claw attachment 12A on the rear
post secures the user's shoulders and upper body in the correct
alignment during the workout. A removable barbell table 14 may be
secured to the platform 10, enabling the user to work out with
barbells or other hand weights while secured in the correct posture
by the claw attachment 12A. Four retractable caster wheels 10A at
the corners of the platform 10 enable the user to easily move the
device around the workout area as desired. The platform 10 is
hinged in the center such that it may be folded in half for easy
transport and storage.
[0021] A broad, padded belt 16 is provided, with hook-and-loop
fasteners 21 at either end. The belt 16 is preferably 3-4 inches
wide. The layers of the belt 16 are affixed to each other with
snaps 17. The layers of the belt 16 may also be fastened with other
fastening devices such as zippers and hook and loop fasteners. The
layers of the belt 16 may also be sewn together with stitching.
Flat bands 19, terminating in rings or carabiner style belt clips
18, are provided on the front and rear surfaces of the belt 16,
which may be used as drawstrings to tighten and secure the belt 16
around the user's waist, or secure the user's body to the
device.
[0022] In other embodiments the bands 19 may each terminate in a
complimentary buckle member 30a and 30b as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7,
so that the bands 19 may be fastened in front of the user when
worn. The bands 19 may also include adjustment buckles 35 so that
the bands 19 may be adjusted in length. In other embodiments, the
buckles 35 may be used to join or connect portions of the bands
that have different characteristics, such as elasticity. A ring 36
may also be attached near the buckle members 30a and 30b on each
band 19. The bands 19 are preferably 1.5 inches wide, and covered
for two-thirds of their length with neoprene sleeves. Divots and
snaps 17 hold the neoprene sleeves together. However, in some
embodiments, the bands need not be covered.
[0023] The snaps 17 enable the user to remove and replace the bands
19 if they are broken or worn out, or if the belt 16 needs to be
laundered. The foam blocks 20 may be positioned such that they are
just above the kidneys on the back for users who are flexion
intolerant. This allows the belt 16 to only contact the user's
abdomen, not the lower back. Alternatively, the foam blocks 20 may
be positioned such that they are just above the hip bones in front
for users who are extension intolerant. This allows the belt 16 to
only contact the user's lower back, not the abdomen.
[0024] In other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 6, the bands 19 may
include an elastic portion 40. The elastic portion 40 is preferably
attached to the belt 16 at the midpoint of the belt length. The
elastic portion 40 may be secured to the belt by any means known.
As shown in FIG. 6, the elastic portion 40 is secured to the
midpoint of the belt 16 by stitching 45. While the entire band 19
may be made of elastic, in the most preferred embodiment the
elastic portion 40 is attached to an inelastic portion 41. The
elastic and inelastic portions may be attached to one another by
stitching, snaps, buckles, or any other mechanism known to attach
bands. As shown in FIG. 6, each band portion includes a loop, which
is fitted through a buckle 35. In the most preferred embodiment,
buckles 35 is an adjustment buckle which allows the user to adjust
the overall length of the bands 19. In other embodiments, the
length of the bands 19 may be adjusted at the buckles 30a and 30b.
In other embodiments, buckle 35 may be omitted and the portions of
the bands may be joined to each other with stitching.
[0025] As shown in FIG. 6, the belt 16 may include an additional
piece of material about a portion of its length to partially
conceal the bands 19. In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 6,
the additional piece of material 60 is approximately 1/4 of the
length of the belt 16, and is located about the midpoint of the
belt's length. With such a location, it is generally to the rear of
the user when the belt is worn. As shown in FIG. 6, the additional
piece of material 60 is fastened to the outer or front surface 32
of the belt 16 so as to form a tunnel in which a portion of the
band 19, may run or reside. The outer or front surface 32 of the
belt is the surface that is away from the user when the belt is
worn. Specifically as shown in FIG. 6, the elastic portion 40 of
the bands 19 is partially covered by the additional piece of
material 60. In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the upper
and lower perimeter edges of the additional piece of material 60
are sewn or otherwise fastened to the front surface 32 of the belt
16. In other embodiments, the additional piece of material 60 may
be omitted and the tunnel created between the front surface 32 and
the rear surface 31 of the belt. In other words, the bands 19 are
positioned for part of their length, between the front surface 32
and rear surface 31 of the belt 16.
[0026] Foam blocks 20 are also provided, and affixed to the belt 16
such that when the belt 16 is worn, the foam blocks 20 are located
on or below the user's kidney area. In the preferred embodiment,
the dimensions of the foam blocks 20 are approximately 2.5''
(thickness).times.3'' (width).times.4.5'' (length). The foam blocks
20 are preferably made of at least two types of foam to provide a
firmer base of support nearer the belt 16. In the most preferred
embodiment, the foam blocks 20 are constructed of a first layer of
high density foam 22, and a second layer of lower density foam 23.
The high density foam 22 is preferably 0.5 inches thick, and the
lower density foam 23 is approximately 2 inches thick. The high
density foam is positioned nearer the rear surface 31 of the belt
16. Such positioning helps the foam block 20 maintain its shape and
resist rolling or the formation about the belt 16.
[0027] The foam blocks 20 are removable in the event that the user
wishes to rely on the pull of the bands 19. In the most preferred
embodiment, the rear surface 31 of the belt 16 which is the surface
that faces the user when the belt 16 is worn, may include hook and
loop fastener 70 material on a portion of its length to allow the
foam blocks 20, or enclosures or coverings 37 for the foam blocks,
to be selectively attached at various positions along the belt 16.
In such an embodiment, the surface of the foam block 20 or its
enclosure or covering 37 has a hook or loop fastener on the outer
surface that is complimentary to the fastener on the rear surface
of the belt 16. In some embodiments, the front surface 31 of the
belt will include hook and loop fastener 70 material on
substantially the entire length of the belt 16. The presence of the
hook and loop fastener 70 material on substantially the entire
length of the belt 16, allows the foam blocks 20 or the enclosure
37 having complementary hook and loop fastener 70 material placed
on its exterior, to be positioned anywhere on the rear surface 31
of the belt 16. With such positioning options, the user may easily
move the foam blocks 22 to contact the users back or abdomen as
desired.
[0028] The foam blocks 20 are preferably placed in an enclosure or
covering 37, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. This prevents
deterioration of the foam blocks 20 from abrasion or contact with
the user's perspiration. The enclosure or covering 37 preferably
covers all sides of the blocks 20 and includes a closure such as a
zipper 38 to allow a block to be inserted and removed. This is of
benefit if the enclosure or covering 37 becomes soiled and needs
laundering. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the zipper 38 is preferably
placed about the perimeter of a surface of the enclosure 37. In the
most preferred embodiment, the zipper 38 is about the surface of
the enclosure that attaches or abuts the belt 16 when the block is
placed on the belt 16. In the most preferred embodiment, the zipper
38 ends adjacent to a block securing assembly that is used to
attach and further secure the enclosure or covering 37 to the belt.
In such an arrangement, when the zipper is closed, the zipper pull
or tab is placed underneath a portion of the securing assembly so
that the zipper pull is restrained and does not move about as the
user exercises.
[0029] The enclosure or covering 37 preferably also includes hook
or oop fasteners 70 on at least one outer surface so that it may be
attached to selected locations about the rear surface of the belt
16. In the preferred embodiment, the loop portion of the fasteners
are located on the rear surface 31 of the belt 16, and the
complimentary loop portions are on the block enclosure or covering
37.
[0030] The enclosure or covering 37 may also include a block
securing assembly to further secure the blocks 20 to the belt 16.
The block securing assembly generally connects the top and bottom
of a block, enclosure, or covering 37, and is positioned so that
the belt 16 is captured between a strap 52 of the assembly and a
block 20 and its enclosure or covering 37. The strap 52 of the
preferred embodiment is a length of webbing approximately 2 inches
wide and 7 inches in length. The block securing assembly includes a
slotted loop or buckle 39 attached directly, or by a web 57, to the
top of the enclosure or covering 37, and an end 51 of the strap 52
is attached to the bottom of the enclosure or covering 37. In the
preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the web 57 is
attached to the top surface of the enclosure 37 with two lines of
stitching so as to form a tunnel into which the zipper pull may be
placed when the zipper 38 is closed. The web 57 may be made of an
elastic material. In such an event, the tunnel may be easily
stretched and lifted by the user, allowing the zipper pull to be
inserted into the tunnel and held secure. With the enclosure or
covering 37 positioned on the rear surface 31 of the belt 16, the
strap 52 is positioned so that it is proximate to the front surface
32 of the belt 16, and the free end 51 of the strap 52 is fed
through the slotted loop 39. The strap 52 is then pulled tight and
secured against itself with fasteners, such as snaps or
complimentary hook and loop fasteners as shown in FIGS. 7, 9, and
10.
[0031] In such an embodiment, the strap 52 has an inner surface 53
and an outer surface 54. On a first portion of the outer surface 44
is attached the hook, portion 70a of the hook and loop fasteners
70, and on a second portion of the outer surface 54 is attached the
loop portion 70b of the hook and loop fasteners. In the preferred
embodiment the portions of the strap 52 each occupy approximately
1/2 of the entire length of the strap 52. With this arrangement,
when the strap 52 is pulled tight, the first portion of the strap
52 is pulled through the slotted loop 39 to and is then folded
about the slotted loop 39 allowing the hook fasteners 70a on the
first portion to be secured against the loop fasteners 70b on the
second portion of the strap 52. The free end 51 of the strap 52 is
thereby positioned at or near the lower end of the block 20 or
enclosure or covering 37. In the most preferred embodiment, the
free end 51 extends no more than a half inch below the lower end of
the enclosure 37. One skilled in the art will recognize that the
hook and loop fasteners may be substituted for one another. However
one skilled in the art will also realize that it is preferable to
have the loop fasteners 70b positioned in areas that will be
exposed to the user or the user's clothing, as the hook fasteners
70a can be rough and abrasive. This observation holds true not just
for the coverings or enclosures 37 but also for the positioning of
the hook and loop fasteners 70 on the belt 16.
[0032] To use the first exemplary embodiment, the user may place
the platform 10 in the workout area, extend the front pole 11 and
the rear pole 12 at any angle and to any length desired, and lock
them into position. The user may then attach one or more workout
attachments 15 to the carabiner clips 13, or the upper ends of the
front pole 11 and the rear pole 12 as desired. The user may secure
the claw attachment 12A to the rear pole 12 at the desired height,
then secure the claw attachment 12A to the shoulders and upper
body, pick up the workout attachments 15, and being the workout.
Alternately, the user may secure the barbell table 14 to the
platform 10 and work out with barbells or other hand weights, or
the user may wear the belt 16 around the waist and secure the claw
attachment 12A to the belt 16,
[0033] When finished with the workout, the user may extend the
caster wheels 10A and roll the platform 10 wherever desired.
Alternately, the user may detach the barbell table 14 or the
workout attachments 15, and remove the claw attachment 12A. Then
the user may unlock, retract, and fold the front post 11 and the
rear post 12, and fold up the platform 10 for transport or
storage,
[0034] The device is a flexion extension dominant system, which
determines the environment wherein a particular human body will
function at its highest level. This theory was derived from the
rehabilitation concepts of flexion intolerance and extension
intolerance. Flexion intolerance is posterior chain weakness, while
extension intolerance is anterior chain weakness. When the
intolerance is observed, the therapist can determine the injury
trail a patient may have and lifestyle influences such as
employment and sports wherein the patient would excel. This
information could substantially impact future wear and tear on
joints, direction of an athlete in particular sports, and which
employment career is best suited for an individual. It is also
observed that this may have an influence on the learning styles of
various people based on environments.
[0035] It is found that flexion intolerant people have possible
damage to the spine where it is advised for them not to crunch or
flex the spine. However, they need to keep their abdominal muscles
stimulated by weight behind them, such as a backpack or band, or
pressure against the lower abdominal muscles. If not stimulated,
their posterior muscles will not activate. These people tend to
prefer standing more than sitting, and they tend to lean on objects
such as tables and counters for relief. These, people like to sleep
on the side or the stomach. They tend to have weak hamstrings,
biceps, shoulders, upper trapezius, upper chest, lower back, and
calves. The common overuse injuries are plantar fasciitis, ACL
tears, bicipital tendinitis, low back injuries like herniations,
lordosis, and neck issues. Diastasis is also noted. These people
tend to prefer activities where they push down, lift a knee, or use
their abdominal muscles, such as mopping floors, massage, hiking
uphill, and picking up items from the floor or lower shelves.
Sports these people excel in are sprinting, hockey, wrestling,
kickboxing, and soccer. Careers these people excel in are massage
therapy, construction, flooring installation, and cleaning. These
people tend to comprehend best while looking down or writing, such
as highlighting a book or using an iPad. The belt 16 of the device
is worn where it touches the abdominal muscles and not the lower
back, or a band can be worn touching the abdominal muscles and
pulling the hips backward where a flexion intolerant person must
engage the posterior chain. This pull allows for the shoulders and
hamstrings to activate properly and develop. The belt 16, the
device, and the cardio attachments can help elicit this force to
produce proper body mechanics that traditional exercises are
missing.
[0036] It is found that extension intolerant people have possible
damage to the spine where it is advised for them not to hyperextend
the spine or dead lift. However, they need to keep their lower back
or extensor muscles stimulated by weight in front of them, such as
a front pack below the neck, or by a band, or pressure against the
lower back. If not stimulated, their posterior muscles will not
activate. These people tend to like to sit and sleep on their sides
or their backs. They tend to have weak quadriceps, latissimus
dorsi, lower chest, abdominals, gluteus, and triceps. The common
overuse injuries are Achilles tendinitis, Achilles rupture,
meniscus tears, quadriceps tears, hip pain, slipped discs, torn
rotator cuffs, cervical problems, kyphosis, tennis elbow, and
carpal tunnel. Hernias are also noted. These people tend to like
activities where they stand tall, extend their arms above the head,
sit up straight, and hold weight in front of them. Sports these
people tend to excel in are gymnastics, basketball, baseball, golf,
distance running, tennis, and dance. Careers these people excel in
are hairdressing, computer jobs, servers, drivers, and painters.
These people tend to comprehend best while looking up or leaning
back in a chair or bed. They tend to do better with desktop
computers. The belt 16 of the device is worn where it touches the
lower back and not the abdominal muscles, or a band can be worn
touching the lower back and pulling the hips forward where an
extension intolerant person must engage their anterior chain. This
pull allows for the latissimus dorsi, abdominals, gluteus and
quadriceps to properly activate and develop. The belt 16, the
device, and the cardio attachments can help elicit this force to
produce proper body mechanics that traditional exercises are
missing.
[0037] The device will improve health care, injury prevention, and
rehabilitation, lowering incidences of injury and speeding up
rehabilitation. Work related injuries which will be reduced include
lower back, knees, carpal tunnel, neck, and headaches. The device
will assist in directing people into sports and careers, including
military specialties, that are compatible with their body type. The
device may help improve sexual enjoyment and fertility, indicating
which positions may be most suitable. The device will help with
exercise and obesity control, since people do not like to
experience pain when working out, and a pain-free workout is more
likely to be completed regularly. The device will help with sleep
positions and the selection of vehicles, chairs, and other
furniture to prevent discomfort, generally improving comfort and
quality of life. The device will also improve cognition and
learning by informing the user regarding the best positions for
reading.
[0038] The platform 10 and the barbell table 14 are preferably
manufactured from a rigid, durable material, such as steel,
aluminum alloy, or wood. The caster wheels 10A are preferably
manufactured from a rigid, durable material such as steel or
aluminum alloy, providing solid tires which are preferably
manufactured from a flexible, durable material such as rubber or
silicone. The front post 11, the rear post 12, and the carabiner
clips 13 are preferably manufactured from a rigid, durable material
such as steel or aluminum alloy. The claw attachment 12A is
preferably manufactured from a rigid, durable material such as
steel or aluminum alloy, coated with a flexible, durable material
such as rubber or silicone.
[0039] The workout attachments 15 are preferably manufactured from
a variety of rigid, durable materials such as steel, aluminum
alloy, plastic, and wood, and flexible, durable materials such as
rubber and nylon webbing. The belt 16 is preferably manufactured
from a flexible, durable material such as nylon webbing. The snaps
17 and the belt clips 18 are preferably manufactured from a rigid,
durable material such as plastic or steel. The bands 19 are
preferably manufactured from a flexible, durable material with a
substantial elastic quality, such as rubber, covered for two-thirds
of their length by sleeves which are preferably manufactured from a
flexible, durable material such as neoprene.
[0040] The foam blocks 20 are preferably manufactured from a
semi-rigid, durable material such as foam rubber. The fasteners 21
are preferably manufactured from a flexible, durable material such
as plastic or nylon. Components, component sizes, and materials
listed above are preferable, but artisans will recognize that
alternate components and materials could be selected without
altering the scope of the invention. Further on skilled in the art
will recognize that when the application refers to foam blocks or
block, the reference can refer to foam block alone, or foam blocks
with an enclosure or covering or other assemblies to allow the
blocks to be secured on the belt 16.
[0041] While the foregoing written description of the invention
enables' one of ordinary skill to make and use what is presently
considered tube the best mode thereof, those or ordinary skill in
the art will understand and appreciate the existence of variations,
combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method,
and examples herein. The invention should, therefore, not be
limited by the above described embodiment, method, and examples,
but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of
the invention.
* * * * *