FLAT RESISTANCE BAND WITH RELEASABLE CONNECTIBLE ENDS FOR CREATING A RELEASABLE FLAT LOOP RESISTANCE BAND

Abstract

A flat resistance band with releasable connectible ends for creating a releasable flat loop resistance band includes a flat flexible band, a first connector and a second connector. The flat flexible band has a length and a rectangular cross-section with a width and a thickness. The first connector is on a first end portion of the flat flexible band. The second connector is on a second end portion of the flat flexible band. Wherein, the first connector is 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 and the second connector, a releasable flat loop resistance band is created.

Claims

1. A flat resistance band comprising: a flat flexible band with a length and a rectangular cross-section with a width and a thickness; a first connector on a first end portion of the flat flexible band; a second connector on a second end portion of the flat flexible band; wherein, the first connector is 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 is created.

2. The flat resistance band of claim 1, wherein: the first connector is a male portion of a side release plastic buckle; and the second connector is a female portion of the side release plastic buckle.

3. The flat resistance band of claim 1, wherein: the first connector or the second connector is adjustable; whereby the length of the flat flexible band is adjustable, and a loop length of the releasable flat loop resistance band is adjustable.

4. The flat resistance band of claim 3, wherein: the first end portion including a first strap slip lock; or the second end portion including a second strap slip lock.

5. The flat resistance band of claim 3, wherein the first connector and the second connector are adjustable, wherein the releasable flat loop resistance band is adjustable at two adjustment locations.

6. The flat resistance band of claim 5, wherein: the first end portion including a first strap slip lock; and the second end portion including a second strap slip lock.

7. The flat resistance band of claim 6, wherein: the first connector is an adjustable male portion of an adjustable side release plastic buckle; and the second connector is an adjustable female portion of the adjustable side release plastic buckle.

8. The flat resistance band of claim 1, wherein the releasable flat loop resistance band including at least one straightening bracket removably attached to the flat flexible band along the width of the flat flexible band, the at least one straightening bracket being configured to maintain the flat flexible band of the releasable flat loop resistance band in a flat position.

9. The flat resistance band of claim 8, wherein the releasable flat loop resistance band including four straightening brackets removably positioned around the releasable flat loop resistance band.

10. The flat resistance band of claim 8, wherein each of the at least one straightening brackets having: a flat inner side extending the width of the flat flexible band; and an outer side with an opening configured to receive the flat flexible band for attaching the straightening bracket on the flat flexible band.

11. The flat resistance band of claim 1, further including at least one gripping member removably attached to the flat flexible band along the width of the flat flexible band, the at least one gripping member being configured to grip a user or clothing of the user for maintaining a desired position of the releasable flat loop resistance band on the user or the clothing of the user.

12. The flat resistance band of claim 11 including four gripping members removably positioned around the releasable flat loop resistance band.

13. The flat resistance band of claim 11, wherein each of the at least one gripping members is attached to a flat inner side of a straightening bracket.

14. The flat resistance band of claim 1 further comprising at least one cushion device removably attached to the flat flexible band along the width of the flat flexible band, the at least one cushion device being configured to provide comfort or protection to a user.

15. The flat resistance band of claim 14 including two cushion devices on opposite sides of the releasable flat loop resistance band.

16. The flat resistance band of claim 14, wherein each of the at least one cushion devices including: a cloth material with a cushion width and a cushion length, the cushion length of the cloth material being configured to wrap around the flat flexible band; a loop connector on a loop end portion of the cloth material; and a hook connector on a hook end portion of the cloth material; wherein, each of the at least one cushion devices is 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.

17. A flat loop resistance band comprising: a flexible loop band with a loop length and a rectangular cross-section with a width and a thickness, the flexible loop band further comprising: at least one straightening bracket removably attached to the flexible loop band along the width of the flexible loop band, the at least one straightening bracket being configured to maintain the flexible loop band in a flat position; at least one gripping member removably attached to the flexible loop band along the width of the flexible loop band, the at least one gripping member being configured to grip a user or clothing of the user for maintaining a desired position of the flexible loop band on the user or clothing of the user; at least one cushion device removably attached to the flexible loop band along the width of the flexible loop band, the at least one cushion device being configured to provide comfort or protection to the user; or combinations thereof.

18. The flat loop resistance band of claim 17, wherein: the flexible loop band including four straightening brackets removably positioned around the flexible loop band, wherein each of the four straightening brackets having: a flat inner side extending the width of the flexible loop 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; the flexible loop band including four gripping members removably positioned around the flexible loop band, wherein each of the four gripping members is attached to the flat inner side of one of the four straightening brackets; the flexible loop band including two cushion devices on opposite sides of the releasable flat loop resistance band, wherein each of the two cushion devices including: a cloth material with a cushion width and a cushion length, the cushion length of the cloth material being configured to wrap around the flat flexible loop band; a loop connector on a loop end portion of the cloth material; and a hook connector on a hook end portion of the cloth material; wherein, each of the two cushion devices are 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; or combinations thereof.

19. A method of wrapping a flat loop exercise band around legs of a user comprising: providing a flat resistance band comprising: a flat flexible band with a length and a rectangular cross-section with a width and a thickness; a first connector on a first end portion of the flat flexible band; a second connector on a second end portion of the flat flexible band; wherein, the first connector is 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; wrapping the flat flexible band around the legs of the user; connecting the first connector with the second connector thereby forming a releasable flat loop resistance band around the legs of the user.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the provided length of the flat flexible band of the provided flat resistance band is adjustable, whereby, the method further comprising adjusting the length of the flat flexible band thereby adjusting a loop length of the formed releasable flat loop resistance band.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] 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:

[0022] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the flat resistance band with releasable connectible ends for creating a releasable flat loop resistance band according to select embodiments of the instant disclosure;

[0023] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the flat resistance band with releasable connectible ends for creating a releasable flat loop resistance band according to select embodiments of the instant disclosure showing the adjustability of the releasable flat loop resistance band;

[0024] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the flat resistance band with releasable connectible ends for creating a releasable flat loop resistance band according to select embodiments of the instant disclosure with straightening brackets with gripping members and cushion devices included;

[0025] FIG. 4 is a perspective environmental view of the flat resistance band with releasable connectible ends for creating a releasable flat loop resistance band according to select embodiments of the instant disclosure being wrapped around the legs of a user and connected for exercise with the cushion devices positioned on the legs of the user and the straightening brackets maintaining the flat resistance band flat;

[0026] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the straightening brackets with gripping members according to select embodiments of the instant disclosure positioned on a flat loop resistance band;

[0027] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the cushion devices according to select embodiments of the instant disclosure positioned on opposite ends of a flat loop resistance band with a zoomed in view of one of the cushion devices; and

[0028] FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of the method of wrapping a flat loop exercise band around the legs of a user according to select embodiments of the instant disclosure.

[0029] 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.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Referring now to the instant disclosure, as shown in FIGS. 1-7, in describing the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. The present disclosure, however, is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish similar functions. Embodiments of the claims may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed to be limited to the embodiments set forth herein. The examples set forth herein are non-limiting examples and are merely examples among other possible examples.

[0031] Referring now specifically to FIGS. 1-6, in a possibly preferred embodiment, the present disclosure overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and meets the recognized need for such an apparatus or method by providing of flat resistance band 10 with connectible ends 11. Flat resistance band 10 may be for creating releasable flat loop resistance band 32, as shown in FIGS. 1-4. As such, flat resistance band 10 may include releasable connectible ends 11 for creating releasable flat loop resistance band 32. Flat resistance band 10 with releasable connectible ends 11 for creating releasable flat loop resistance band 32 may generally include flat flexible band 12, first connector 22 and second connector 26. Flat flexible band 12 may have length 14 and rectangular cross-section 16 with width 18 and thickness 20. Length 14 of flat flexible band 12 may vary depending on the desired use and the size of user 68. In addition, cross-section 16 may vary with varying width 18 and/or thickness 20 for increasing and/or decreasing the resistance provided by flat flexible band 12. First connector 22 may be on first end portion 24 of flat flexible band 12. Second connector 26 may be on second end portion 28 of flat flexible band 12. Wherein, first connector 22 may be configured to releasably connect with second connector 26 thereby creating releasable connection 30 between first end portion 24 of flat flexible band 12 and second end portion 28 of flat flexible band 12. Whereby, when releasable connection 30 is formed between first connector 22 on first end portion 24 of flat flexible band 12 and second connector 26 on second end portion 28 of flat flexible band 12 releasable flat loop resistance band 32 may be created, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4.

[0032] Referring to FIGS. 1-4, in select embodiments of flat resistance band 10 with releasable connectible ends 11 for creating releasable flat loop resistance band 32, first connector 22 may be male portion 34 of side release plastic buckle 36. Likewise, in this embodiment, second connector 26 may be female portion 38 of side release plastic buckle 36 (or vice versa). However, the instant disclosure of use of side release plastic buckle 36 for creating releasable connectible ends 11 is not so limited, and any other releasable connections may be used, including, but not limited to, any snaps, buckles, fasteners, clips, the like, etc.

[0033] Referring now to FIG. 2, one feature of flat resistance band 10 with releasable connectible ends 11 for creating releasable flat loop resistance band 32 may be that first connector 22 or second connector 26 may be adjustable. With this adjustable feature of flat resistance band 12, length 14 of flat flexible band 12 may be adjustable, and/or loop length 44 of releasable flat loop resistance band 32 may be adjustable. Flat resistance band 12 may be adjustable by any means and in various locations on or in flat resistance band 12. As shown in FIGS. 1-4, in select adjustable embodiments, first end portion 24 may include first strap slip lock 40. First strap slip lock 40 may allow for first end portion 24 of flat flexible band 12 to be wrapped around an opening in first connector 22, where first end portion 24 is overlapped upon itself, where first strap slip lock 40 may allow length 14 or loop length 44 (when connected) to be adjusted and locked into place. First strap slip lock 40 may be similar to a standard strap slip lock. In other select adjustable embodiments, second end portion 28 may include second strap slip lock 42 (see FIG. 1). Second strap slip lock 42 may allow for second end portion 28 of flat flexible band 12 to be wrapped around an opening in second connector 26, where second end portion 28 is overlapped upon itself, where second strap slip lock 42 may allow length 14 or loop length 44 (when connected) to be adjusted and locked into place. Second strap slip lock 42 may be similar to a standard strap slip lock. Yet, in other select adjustable embodiments of flat resistance band 10 with releasable connectible ends 11 for creating releasable flat loop resistance band 32, first connector 22 and second connector 26 may be adjustable (see FIG. 1). With first connector 22 and second connector 26 adjustable, releasable flat loop resistance band 32 may be adjustable at two adjustment locations 46. As such, as shown in FIG. 1, in select embodiments, first end portion 24 may include first strap slip lock 40, and second end portion 28 may include second strap slip lock 42 for providing two adjustment locations 46 on flat flexible band 12 and/or releasable flat loop resistance band 32 (when connected). Although not shown in the FIGS, in other select adjustable embodiments of flat resistance band 10 with releasable connectible ends 11 for creating releasable flat loop resistance band 32, first connector 22 may be adjustable male portion 48 of adjustable side release plastic buckle 50, and/or second connector 26 may be adjustable female portion 52 of adjustable side release plastic buckle 50. In these adjustable side release plastic buckle 50 versions of flat resistance band 10, first strap slip lock 40 may be built into the end of first connector 22 and/or second strap slip lock 42 may be built into the end of second connector 26.

[0034] Referring now to FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, another feature of flat resistance band 12 with releasable connectible ends 11 for creating releasable flat loop resistance band 32 may be the inclusion of at least one straightening bracket 54. Straightening brackets 54 may be for holding or maintain flat flexible band 12 in flat position 55. Each of the straightening brackets 54 may be removably attached to flat flexible band 12 along width 18 of flat flexible band 12. As such, each of the straightening brackets 54 may be configured to maintain flat flexible band 12 of releasable flat loop resistance band 32 in flat position 55. Any desired number of straightening brackets 54 may be included or attached onto flat resistance band 10. In select embodiments of flat resistance band 10 with releasable connectible ends 11 for creating releasable flat loop resistance band 32, four straightening brackets 54 may be included with releasable flat loop resistance band 32, as shown in FIG. 5. As shown, each straightening bracket 54 may be removably positioned around releasable flat loop resistance band 32. Straightening brackets 54 may be attached or removably attached to resistance band 10 by any means. In select embodiments, as shown in the Figures, each straightening bracket 54 may have flat inner side 56 and outer side 58. Flat inner side 56 may extend width 18 of flat flexible band 12. Flat inner side 56 may be configured to maintain or hold flat flexible band 12 in flat position 55. In addition, flat inner side 56 may provide for low friction and comfort on the inner side of resistance band 10. Outer side 58 may have opening 60 configured to receive flat flexible band 12 for attaching straightening bracket 54 on flat flexible band 12. Opening 60 may a gap along the height of outer side 58 of straightening bracket 54. In addition, opening 60 may include an opening along the width of outer side 58 of straightening bracket 54, which may allow for easy adjustment along length 14 of flat flexible band 12.

[0035] Referring now specifically to FIGS. 3 and 5, another feature of flat resistance band 10 with releasable connectible ends 11 for creating releasable flat loop resistance band 32 may be the inclusion of at least one gripping member 62. Each gripping member 62 may be for providing grip to user 68 (like the legs) or to clothing 64 of user 68. Each gripping member 62 may be removably attached to flat flexible band 12 along width 18 of flat flexible band 12. As such, each gripping member 62 may be configured to grip user 68 or clothing 64 of or worn by user 68 for maintaining a desired position of releasable flat loop resistance band 32 on user 68 or on clothing 64 of or worn by user 68. Any desired number of gripping members 62 may be included or attached onto flat resistance band 10. In select embodiments of flat resistance band 10 with releasable connectible ends 11 for creating releasable flat loop resistance band 32, four gripping members 62 may be removably positioned around releasable flat loop resistance band 32. As shown in the Figures, in select embodiments, each gripping member 62 may be attached to flat inner side 56 of one of straightening brackets 54.

[0036] Referring now specifically to FIGS. 3, 4 and 6, another feature of flat resistance band 10 with releasable connectible ends 11 for creating releasable flat loop resistance band 32 may be the inclusion of at least one cushion device 66. Each cushion device 66 may be for providing a layer of protection or cushion between user 68 and flat flexible band 12. Each cushion device 66 may be removably attached to flat flexible band 12 along width 18 of flat flexible band 12. As such, each cushion device 66 may be configured to provide comfort or protection to user 68, including to the outer portions of the legs of user 68, as shown in FIG. 4. Any desired number of cushion devices 66 may be included on or with flat resistance band 10. In select embodiments of flat resistance band 10 with releasable connectible ends 11 for creating releasable flat loop resistance band 32, two cushion devices 66 may be included on opposite sides 70 of releasable flat loop resistance band 32. With this configuration, as shown in FIG. 4, the outside of the legs of user 68, where most of the force and friction may occur, may be cushioned or protected from flat flexible band 12. Cushion devices 66 may be constructed of any desired material and in any desired shape for protecting or cushioning the user from flat flexible band 12. In select embodiments, as shown in the zoomed in section of FIG. 6, each cushion device 66 may include cloth material 72, loop connector 78 and hook connector 82. Cloth material 72 may have cushion width 74 and cushion length 76. Cushion length 76 of cloth material 72 may be configured to wrap around flat flexible band 12. Loop connector 78 may be on loop end portion 80 of cloth material 72. Hook connector 82 may be on hook end portion 84 of cloth material 72. Wherein, each cushion device 66 may be configured to be attached to flat flexible band 12 by wrapping cloth material 72 around flat flexible band 12 and connecting loop connector 78 with hook connector 82 to form hook and loop connection 86. However, the instant disclosure is not so limited to cloth material 72 nor hook and loop connection 86, and any desired cushion material may be used and any desired connection may be utilized for connecting the material around or on flat flexible band 12.

[0037] Referring now specifically to FIG. 5, in another aspect, the instant disclosure embraces flat resistance band 10 including continuous flexible loop band 88 (i.e. without connectible ends 11) and at least one straightening bracket 54. As such, the instant disclosure embraces utilizing one or more straightening brackets 54 on any flexible loop band, whether it be continuous (continuous flexible loop band 88) or releasable (releasable flat loop resistance band 32) as disclosed in the instant disclosure.

[0038] Referring again specifically to FIG. 5, in another aspect, the instant disclosure embraces flat resistance band 10 including continuous flexible loop band 88 (i.e. without connectible ends 11 and at least one gripping member 62. As such, the instant disclosure embraces utilizing one or more gripping members 62 on any flexible loop band, whether it be continuous (continuous flexible loop band 88) or releasable (releasable flat loop resistance band 32) as disclosed in the instant disclosure.

[0039] Referring now specifically to FIG. 6, in another aspect, the instant disclosure embraces flat resistance band 10 including continuous flexible loop band 88 and at least one cushion device 66. As such, the instant disclosure embraces utilizing one or more cushion devices 66 on any flexible loop band, whether it be continuous (continuous flexible loop band 88) or releasable (releasable flat loop resistance band 32), as disclosed in the instant disclosure.

[0040] Referring now to FIG. 7, in another aspect, the instant disclosure embraces method 100 of wrapping flat loop exercise band around legs of user. Method 100 of wrapping flat loop exercise band around legs of user may generally include step 102 of providing flat resistance band 10 with releasable connectible ends 11 for creating releasable flat loop resistance band 32 in any of the various embodiments shown and/or described herein. As a result, method 100 of wrapping flat loop exercise band around the legs of the user may further include step 104 of wrapping flat flexible band 12 around the legs of user 68 and step 106 of connecting first connector 22 with second connector 26 thereby forming releasable flat loop resistance band 32 around the legs of the user 68.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.