Patent Application
20200023223
The present disclosure is directed to flat resistance bands for exercise and improvements thereto. More particularly, the present disclosure is directed toward a flat resistance band with releasable connectible ends for creating a releasable flat loop resistance band, and methods of use thereof.
A resistance band is an elastic band used for strength training. They are also commonly used in physical therapy, specifically by convalescents of muscular injuries, including rehab patients to allow slow rebuilding of strength. Resistance bands are also popular tools to use for basic fitness, muscle strength, flexibility and exercise routines. There are many types of resistance bands that are used in many different ways, including, but not limited to: therapy bands used mainly for rehabilitation, which are bands with no handles; compact resistance bands used for the upper and lower body, which include plastic handles attached to the end of the band; flat loop bands used mainly for the lower body, which are continuous flat loop bands;
One problem that has been discovered with these flat loop resistance bands is the difficulty of wrapping the loop around the user's legs. This requires the user to either, sit down and bend over to position both of their feet inside the continuous loop, or to balance on one leg while bending over and inserting the other leg into the continuous loop and then switching legs. Either technique can be extremely difficult, especially for the inflexible, elderly or rehabbing users. As such, there is clearly a need to provide a flat loop resistance band that is easier to wrap around the user's legs.
Another problem that has been discovered with these flat loop resistance bands is that they are fixed sizes and are thus limited to the sizes provided by the manufacturer. This can limit the exercises available to the owner or user of each band and thus require either multiple bands to be purchased and used, or for the user to try and use bands that are not sized correctly, which can lead to rips, tears, and even injuries to the user. As such, there is clearly a need to provide a flat loop resistance band that is adjustable.
Another problem that has been discovered with these flat loop resistance bands is that while inserting the legs inside the continuous loop and/or while exercising, the flat loop bands can become wrinkled or folded over upon itself. This may cause discomfort for the user. As such, there is clearly a need to provide a means or method to keep flat loop resistance bands straighter of flatter positions.
Another problem that has been discovered with these flat loop resistance bands is that during exercise, the continuous loops tend to drift up the user's legs. This is especially problematic with certain type of athletic clothing, like yoga pants, sweat pants, jogging pants, or the like, where the material of the flat loop resistance band has a lower coefficient of friction against the athletic materials of these types of clothing. As such, there is clearly a need to provide a means or method to keep the flat loop resistance band in the desired position on the user's legs during exercise.
Yet another problem that has been discovered with these flat loop resistance bands is that during exercise, the continuous loop may rub the user's legs and irritate the leg or provide discomfort. This may be especially problematic when the flat loop resistance band is positioned directly on the skin of the user, like when the user is wearing shorts. As such, there is clearly a need to provide a means or method to provide cushion or protection between the flat loop resistance band and the user's legs.
The instant disclosure is designed to address at least certain aspects of the problems or needs discussed above by providing a resistance band with connectible ends for creating a flat loop resistance band.
Accordingly, in one aspect, the present invention embraces a flat resistance band with releasable connectible ends for creating a releasable flat loop resistance band. The flat resistance band with releasable connectible ends for creating a releasable flat loop resistance band may generally include a flat flexible band, a first connector and a second connector. The flat flexible band may have a length and a rectangular cross-section with a width and a thickness. The first connector may be on a first end portion of the flat flexible band. The second connector may be on a second end portion of the flat flexible band. Wherein, the first connector may be configured to releasably connect with the second connector thereby creating a releasable connection between the first end portion of the flat flexible band and the second end portion of the flat flexible band. Whereby, when the releasable connection is formed between the first connector on the first end portion of the flat flexible band and the second connector on the second end portion of the flat flexible band, a releasable flat loop resistance band may be created.
In select embodiments of the flat resistance band with releasable connectible ends for creating a releasable flat loop resistance band, the first connector may be a male portion of a side release plastic buckle. Likewise, in this embodiment, the second connector may be a female portion of the side release plastic buckle.
One feature of the instant flat resistance band with releasable connectible ends for creating a releasable flat loop resistance band may be that the first connector or the second connector may be adjustable. With this feature, the length of the flat flexible band may be adjustable, and/or a loop length of the releasable flat loop resistance band may be adjustable. In select adjustable embodiments, the first end portion may include a first strap slip lock. In other select adjustable embodiments, the second end portion may include a second strap slip lock. Yet, in other select adjustable embodiments of the flat resistance band with releasable connectible ends for creating a releasable flat loop resistance band, the first connector and the second connector may be adjustable. With the first connector and the second connector adjustable, the releasable flat loop resistance band may be adjustable at two adjustment locations. In addition, in select embodiments, the first end portion may include a first strap slip lock, and the second end portion may include a second strap slip lock. In other select adjustable embodiments of the flat resistance band with releasable connectible ends for creating a releasable flat loop resistance band, the first connector may be an adjustable male portion of an adjustable side release plastic buckle, and/or the second connector may be an adjustable female portion of the adjustable side release plastic buckle.
Another feature of the instant flat resistance band with releasable connectible ends for creating a releasable flat loop resistance band may be the inclusion of at least one straightening bracket. Each of the at least one straightening brackets may be removably attached to the flat flexible band along the width of the flat flexible band. Each of the at least one straightening brackets may be configured to maintain the flat flexible band of the releasable flat loop resistance band in a flat position. In select embodiments of the flat resistance band with releasable connectible ends for creating a releasable flat loop resistance band, four straightening brackets may be included with the releasable flat loop resistance band that are removably positioned around the releasable flat loop resistance band. In select embodiments, each of the straightening brackets may have a flat inner side and an outer side. The flat inner side may extend the width of the flat flexible band. The outer side may have an opening configured to receive the flat flexible band for attaching the straightening bracket on the flat flexible band.
Another feature of the instant flat resistance band with releasable connectible ends for creating a releasable flat loop resistance band may be the inclusion of at least one gripping member. Each of the at least one gripping members may be removably attached to the flat flexible band along the width of the flat flexible band. Each of the at least one gripping members may be configured to grip the user or clothing of the user for maintaining a desired position of the releasable flat loop resistance band on the user or on the clothing of the user. In select embodiments, the flat resistance band with releasable connectible ends for creating a releasable flat loop resistance band may include four gripping members removably positioned around the releasable flat loop resistance band. In select embodiments, each of the at least one gripping members may be attached to a flat inner side of one of the straightening brackets.
Another feature of the instant flat resistance band with releasable connectible ends for creating a releasable flat loop resistance band may be the inclusion of at least one cushion device. Each of the cushion devices may be removably attached to the flat flexible band along the width of the flat flexible band. Each of the cushion devices may be configured to provide comfort or protection to the user. In select embodiments of the instant flat resistance band with releasable connectible ends for creating a releasable flat loop resistance band, two cushion devices may be included on opposite sides of the releasable flat loop resistance band. In select embodiments, each of the cushion devices may include a cloth material, a loop connector and a hook connector. The cloth material may have a cushion width and a cushion length. The cushion length of the cloth material may be configured to wrap around the flat flexible band. The loop connector may be on a loop end portion of the cloth material. The hook connector may be on a hook end portion of the cloth material. Wherein, each of the cushion devices may be configured to be attached to the flat flexible band by wrapping the cloth material around the flat flexible band and connecting the loop connector with the hook connector to form a hook and loop connection.
In another aspect, the instant disclosure embraces a flat loop resistance band including a flexible loop band and at least one straightening bracket. The flexible loop band may have a length and a rectangular cross-section with a width and a thickness. Each of the straightening brackets may be removably attached to the flexible loop band along the width of the flexible loop band. Each of the straightening brackets may be configured to maintain the flexible loop band in a flat position. In select embodiments of the flat loop resistance band, the flexible loop band may include four straightening brackets removably positioned around the flexible loop band. In select embodiments of the flat loop resistance band, each of the straightening brackets may have a flat inner side extending the width of the flat flexible band, and an outer side with an opening configured to receive the flexible loop band for attaching the straightening bracket on the flexible loop band.
In another aspect, the instant disclosure embraces a flat loop resistance band including a flexible loop band and at least one gripping member. The flexible loop band may have a length and a rectangular cross-section with a width and a thickness. Each of the gripping members may be removably attached to the flexible loop band along the width of the flexible loop band. Each of the gripping members may be configured to grip the user or clothing of the user for maintaining a desired position of the flexible loop band on the user or clothing of the user. In select embodiments, the flexible loop band may include four gripping members removably positioned around the flexible loop band. In select embodiments, each of the gripping members may be attached to a flat inner side of one of the straightening brackets.
In another aspect, the instant disclosure embraces a flat loop resistance band including a flexible loop band and at least one cushion device. The flexible loop band may have a length and a rectangular cross-section with a width and a thickness. Each of the cushion devices may be removably attached to the flexible loop band along the width of the flexible loop band. Each of the cushion devices may be configured to provide comfort or protection to a user. In select embodiments, the flexible loop band may include two cushion devices on opposite sides of the releasable flat loop resistance band. In select embodiments, each of the cushion devices may include a cloth material, a loop connector and a hook connector. The cloth material may have a cushion width and a cushion length. The cushion length of the cloth material may be configured to wrap around the flat flexible band. The loop connector may be on a loop end portion of the cloth material. The hook connector may be on a hook end portion of the cloth material. Wherein, the cushion device may be configured to be attached to the flat flexible band by wrapping the cloth material around the flat flexible band and connecting the loop connector with the hook connector to form a hook and loop connection.
In another aspect, the instant disclosure embraces a method of wrapping a flat loop exercise band around legs of a user. The method of wrapping a flat loop exercise band around the legs of the user may generally include providing the flat resistance band with releasable connectible ends for creating a releasable flat loop resistance band in any of the various embodiments shown and/or described herein. As a result, the method of wrapping a flat loop exercise band around the legs of the user may further include the step of wrapping the flat flexible band around the legs of the user and connecting the first connector with the second connector thereby forming a releasable flat loop resistance band around the legs of the user.
In select embodiments of the instant method of wrapping a flat loop exercise band around legs of a user, wherein the provided length of the flat flexible band of the provided flat resistance band is adjustable, whereby, the method of wrapping a flat loop exercise band around legs of a user may further comprise adjusting the length of the flat flexible band thereby adjusting the loop length of the formed releasable flat loop resistance band.
The foregoing illustrative summary, as well as other exemplary objectives and/or advantages of the invention, and the manner in which the same are accomplished, are further explained within the following detailed description and its accompanying drawings.
The present intravenous protector will be better understood by reading the Detailed Description with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in which like reference numerals denote similar structure and refer to like elements throughout, and in which:
It is to be noted that the drawings presented are intended solely for the purpose of illustration and that they are, therefore, neither desired nor intended to limit the disclosure to any or all of the exact details of construction shown, except insofar as they may be deemed essential to the claimed disclosure.
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In select embodiments of method 100 of wrapping a flat loop exercise band around legs of a user, wherein the provided length 14 of flat flexible band 12 of the provided flat resistance band 12 is adjustable, whereby, method 100 of wrapping a flat loop exercise band around legs of a user may further comprise step 108 of adjusting length 14 of flat flexible band 12 thereby adjusting loop length 44 of the formed releasable flat loop resistance band 32.
In sum, the present disclosure is directed to a workout band that would have means to attach the ends of the band together to form a loop. The band could also have a clip or straightening bracket 54 to keep the band straight and a cushion, like cushion device 66, for additional comfort. This would make exercising with flat loop resistance bands easier to use, more comfortable, hold in desired positions without slipping, remain straight at all times, adjustable to the exact length needed for each body size, and allow for speed to move from one exercise to the other. In addition to using for regular exercise routines, the ease with which these snap or connect together will also promote usage throughout the day. People can use these at work, watching TV, sitting in a chair or relaxing on the couch
As such, a feature of resistance band 10 with releasable connectible ends 11 for forming releasable flat loop resistance band 32 may be that it can allow the device to be put on easier by simply wrapping around and snapping it together. When done snap it off. This allows the exercise device to go on fast, go on straight and be put in the right place every time.
Another feature of the resistance band 10 with releasable connectible ends 11 for forming releasable flat loop resistance band 32 may be that it can be used by less flexible people as they don't have to bend over and reach across both legs to put a loop band around legs and pull it up. In doing so this prevents injury from bending awkwardly and also from people falling over when they try to put on normal loop bands.
Another feature of the resistance band 10 with releasable connectible ends 11 for forming releasable flat loop resistance band 32 may be that it can be adjustable. The adjustable length feature will ensure the band can fit all body sizes. By adjusting to the right length, the device will also ensure the proper resistance tension can be achieved. This may also allow for less frequent ripping/tearing of the bands.
Another feature of the resistance band 10 may be that it can include cushion device 66 which can be soft cloth like attachment to two sides of the band. These can be taken on and off. The purpose of these is for comfort when holding the bands and most importantly when the bands are wrapped around the bare body, or legs they don't grab/attach/rip the skin or hair on the body.
Another feature of resistance band 10 may be that it can include straightening brackets 54 or plastic connectors along the flat flexible band 12 at various points to ensure the band stays flat (flat position 55) when in use and doesn't roll or shrivel as it moves.
In the specification and/or figures, typical embodiments of the disclosure have been disclosed. The present disclosure is not limited to such exemplary embodiments. The use of the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. The figures are schematic representations and so are not necessarily drawn to scale. Unless otherwise noted, specific terms have been used in a generic and descriptive sense and not for purposes of limitation.
The foregoing description and drawings comprise illustrative embodiments. Having thus described exemplary embodiments, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that the within disclosures are exemplary only, and that various other alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the scope of the present disclosure. Merely listing or numbering the steps of a method in a certain order does not constitute any limitation on the order of the steps of that method. Many modifications and other embodiments will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Although specific terms may be employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Accordingly, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein but is limited only by the following claims.
