Exercise loop hoop and toy

Abstract

An exercise/play loop is formed from a strap of predetermined length, cross-section, strength and extensibility, being selected from polyolefin and polyurethane elastomers and rubber, with a cross-section having a width to thickness ratio greater than five, and having the elastic extensibility of the loop limited to about 100%. A polyurethane elastomer is selected from the group consisting of polyester and polyether urethanes whch may be extruded and mechanically conditioned to provide a modified molecular structure of enhanced elasticity and reduced plasticity, having tensile strength of up to about 6,000 lbs per square inch. The polyolefin elastomers have a hardness number of at least about Shore 80. The ends of the plastic strap are thermally welded to each other, to form the loop. A method of mechanically enhancing the plastics is given.

1 . An exercise/play loop formed from a strap of predetermined length, cross-section, strength and extensibility, of material selected from the group consisting of polyolefin and polyurethane elastomers and rubber, said predetermined cross-section having a width to thickness ratio greater than five, and having the elastic extensibility of the loop limited to about 100%.  
     
     
         2 . The loop as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said polyurethane elastomer is selected from the group consisting of polyester and polyether urethanes.  
     
     
         3 . The loop as set forth in  claim 2 , wherein said elastomer is extruded and mechanically conditioned to provide a modified molecular structure of enhanced elasticity and reduced plasticity, having tensile strength of up to about 6,000 lbs per square inch.  
     
     
         4 . The loop as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said material consists of polyolefin elastomer having a hardness number of at least about Shore 80.  
     
     
         5 . The loop as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said material consists of rubber.  
     
     
         6 . The loop as set forth in  claim 5 , wherein said rubber consists of synthetic rubber.  
     
     
         7 . The loop as set forth in  claim 5 , wherein said rubber consists of natural rubber.  
     
     
         8 . The loop as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the ends of said strap are thermally welded to each other, to form said loop.  
     
     
         9 . The loop as set forth in  claim 5 , wherein the ends of said strap are vulcanized, prior to being secured to each other.  
     
     
         10 . A large flexible, high strength exercise/play loop of thermoplastic selected from the group consisting of polyolefins and polyurethanes, having a thickness in the range of 40 to 70 mils, a width of one to two inches, and a strap length of from 72 to 96 inches.  
     
     
         11 . The method of reducing the extensibility of a thermoplastic strap, consisting of the steps of extruding the strap at a predetermined first rate, drawing-off the extruded strap at a second rate slightly in excess of the first rate, tensioning the strap through a tensioning nip operating at a third rate in excess of 100% higher than said second rate, whereby the tensile strength of said strap is significantly increased, and its propensity for plastic yield extensibility is substantially reduced.  
     
     
         12 . The method as set forth in  claim 11 , wherein said third rate is as high as about 250% of said second rate  
     
     
         13 . The method as set forth in  claim 12 , including winding said strap on a drum, under a light tension.