Resistive band/loop exerciser of thermoplastic elastomer

Abstract

A hypo-allergenic, latex-free, durable, versatile resistance exercise device in the form of a continuous, seamless loop comprised of a thermoplastic elastomer with an elastic range of 10-12 times resting length to allow resistance in a full range of motion and with thickness of 0.5 cm to 1.6 cm to allow the exercise device to stay in place without rolling up or pinching, thereby increasing the comfort for the user. In another embodiment, the device is a resistance band comprised of a first end and a second end and one or more grip holes through the first end and the second end which provide a means of facilitating grip for a user as to prevent or lessen the accidental release of the resistance exercise device.

1 . A resistance exercise device in the form of a continuous, seamless loop being comprised of a thermoplastic elastomeric material with Shore OO Durometer of less than 30. 
     
     
         2 . The resistance exercise device of  claim 1  wherein said resistance exercise device being capable of stretching to a length of 10 to 12 times its resting length providing resistance throughout a full range of motion. 
     
     
         3 . The resistance exercise device of  claim 1  wherein said device having a circumference in the range of 30 to 80 centimeters. 
     
     
         4 . The resistance exercise device of  claim 1  wherein said device having a material thickness of 0.5 to 1.6 centimeters to prevent said device from rolling and/or sliding out of position throughout a full range of motion. 
     
     
         5 . The resistance exercise device of  claim 1  further comprising:
 an antimicrobial agent incorporated into the thermoplastic elastomeric material to prevent or minimize bacterial growth on or within said device.   
     
     
         6 . The resistance exercise device of  claim 1  wherein said device having a specific gravity of less than 0.9 and being non-water absorbent thereby allowing said device to float in water and be used for aquatic applications. 
     
     
         7 . The resistance exercise device of  claim 1  wherein the resistance of said device being changed by altering the composition of the thermoplastic elastomeric material without altering the thickness of said device. 
     
     
         8 . The resistance exercise device of  claim 1  wherein said device being tear and/or break resistant, even when damaged, cut, punctured, or abraded. 
     
     
         9 . A resistance exercise device in the form of a band with Shore OO durometer of less than 30 having no knit line comprising:
 a first end having one or more grip holes; and a second end having one or more grip holes; wherein said grip holes provide facilitation of grip for a user as to prevent accidental release of said resistance exercise device.   
     
     
         10 . The resistance exercise device of  claim 9  further comprising:
 one or more gripping materials being encapsulated into said first end and said second end;   wherein said gripping materials being selected from the group comprising: a mesh, a cord, a plastic shape, or combinations thereof.   
     
     
         11 . The resistance exercise device of  claim 9  being comprised of a thermoplastic elastomeric material having a thickness of 0.5 to 1.6 centimeters to prevent said device from rolling, bunching and/or sliding out of position throughout a full range of movement. 
     
     
         12 . The resistance exercise device of  claim 9  wherein said resistance exercise device being capable of stretching to a length of 10 to 12 times its resting length, providing resistance throughout a full range of motion. 
     
     
         13 . The resistance exercise device of  claim 9  wherein said device having a length in the range of 15 to 35 centimeters. 
     
     
         14 . The resistance exercise device of  claim 10  wherein said device having a specific gravity of less than 0.9 and being non-water absorbent thereby allowing said device to float in water and be used for aquatic applications. 
     
     
         15 . The resistance exercise device of  claim 9  wherein the resistance of said device being changed by altering the composition of the thermoplastic elastomeric material without altering the thickness of said device. 
     
     
         16 . The resistance exercise device of  claim 9  wherein said device being tear and/or break resistant, even when damaged, cut, punctured, or abraded. 
     
     
         17 . A method of producing a resistance exercise device using injection molding comprising the steps of:
 heating and mixing a thermoplastic elastomer material in an extruder to a temperature in excess of 175 degrees centigrade;   extruding said thermoplastic elastomer into a heated injection cylinder;   injecting said thermoplastic elastomer into a heated centrifugal aluminum mold while said centrifugal aluminum mold is spinning at a rate of 100 to 350 RPM;   cooling said centrifugal aluminum mold as it continues to spin until said thermoplastic elastomer has cured enough to maintain its shape while handled;   stopping said centrifugal aluminum mold;   removing said thermoplastic elastomer; and   curing said thermoplastic elastomer by cooling in air or liquid.   
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17  further comprising the steps of:
 incorporating an antimicrobial agent into the thermoplastic elastomeric material to prevent or minimize bacterial growth on or within said device.   
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 17  wherein said resistance exercise device having a thickness of 0.5 to 1.6 centimeters. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 17  wherein said resistance exercise device being capable of stretching to a length of 10 to 12 times its resting length. 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 17  wherein said resistance exercise device having a Shore OO durometer of less than 30. 
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 17  wherein said resistance exercise device having a circumference in the range of 30 to 80 centimeters.