An arm-training device, and methods of making and using such an arm-training device, whereby the arm-training device includes a flexible elongate member having an elastic length disposed between opposing first and second ends; a first loop formed proximate the first end; a second loop formed proximate the second end; a first slide coupled to the first loop, the first slide movable along the length of the elongate member; and a second slide coupled to the second loop, the second slide movable along the length of the elongate member.
Legal claims defining the scope of protection, as filed with the USPTO.
. An arm-training device comprising:
. The arm-training device of, further comprising an intermediate portion disposed between said first and second loops.
. The arm-training device of, said length resiliently stretchable between a relaxed state and an extended state.
. The arm-training device of, said extended state generated from said relaxed state by the application of tensile force that acts on said elongate member along said length.
. The arm-training device of, said length in a range of between about 30 inches to about 50 inches.
. The arm-training device of, said elongate member having a width in a range of between about 1 inch to about 3 inches.
. The arm-training device of, said width substantially constant along said length.
. The arm-training device of, said elongate member generally planar.
. The arm-training device of, said elongate member a single or one-piece or monolithic or integrated construct.
. The arm-training device of, said elongate member seamlessly continuous between said first and second ends.
. The arm-training device of, said elongate member formed from an elastic material.
. The arm-training device of, said elongate member formed from a flexible material.
. The arm-training device of, said elongate member formed from a conformable material.
. The arm-training device of, said elongate member formed from a textile.
. The arm-training device of, said elongate member formed from a polyester elastic webbing.
. The arm-training device of, each of said first and second loops defining an arm-receiving aperture.
. The arm-training device of, each of said first and second loops formed from said elongate member.
. The arm-training device of, each of said first and second loops formed by overlayingly engaging portions of said elongate member.
. The arm-training device of, each of said first and second loops generally planar such that rear faces of said overlayingly engaging portions dispose adjacent one another and directly define said arm-receiving aperture.
. The arm-training device of, wherein the top edges of said overlayingly engaging portions align with one another and the bottom edges of said overlayingly engaging portions align with one another.
. The arm-training device of, each of said first and second loops two layers thick.
. The arm-training device of, said intermediate portion one layer thick.
. The arm-training device of, said first slide coupled to said elongate member to form said first loop.
. The arm-training device of, said first slide comprising a peripheral frame with an intermediate divider and outer sides defining laterally adjacent first and second openings.
. The arm-training device of, said divider movably attached to said frame.
. The arm-training device of, said divider fixedly disposed within said frame.
. The arm-training device of, said first slide a single or one-piece or monolithic or integrated construct.
. The arm-training device of, said first and second openings equal in size and shape.
. The arm-training device of, said first end of said elongate member coupled to said first slide.
. The arm-training device of, said first end of said elongate member coupled to said divider.
. The arm-training device of, said first end fixedly secured about said divider.
. The arm-training device of, said first end fixedly secured about said divider via a fastener.
. The arm-training device of, said fastener substantially flush with said elongate member.
. The arm-training device of, said first slide movable along said length of said elongate member in both lateral directions.
. The arm-training device of, said first loop formed via said first slide from an inner portion of said elongate member proximate said first end.
. The arm-training device of, said second slide coupled to said elongate member to form said second loop.
. The arm-training device of, said second slide comprising a peripheral frame with an intermediate divider and outer sides defining laterally adjacent first and second openings.
. The arm-training device of, said divider movably attached to said frame.
. The arm-training device of, said divider fixedly disposed within said frame.
. The arm-training device of, said second slide a single or one-piece or monolithic or integrated construct.
. The arm-training device of, said first and second openings equal in size and shape.
. The arm-training device of, said second end of said elongate member coupled to said second slide.
. The arm-training device of, said second end of said elongate member coupled to said divider.
. The arm-training device of, said second end fixedly secured about said divider.
. The arm-training device of, said second end fixedly secured about said divider via a fastener.
. The arm-training device of, said fastener substantially flush with said elongate member.
. The arm-training device of, said second slide movable along said length of said elongate member in both lateral directions.
. The arm-training device of, said second loop formed via said second slide from an inner portion of said elongate member proximate said second end.
. The arm-training device of, said first and second slides formed from a semirigid or flexible or conformable material.
. The arm-training device of, said first and second slides configured as tri-bar buckles.
. The arm-training device of, at least one of said first and second slides comprising at least one frictional element coupled thereto.
. The arm-training device of, said frictional element coupled to a front face of a divider of said slide.
. The arm-training device of, said frictional element coupled to a rear face of outer sides of said slide.
. An arm-training device consisting of:
. An arm-training device consisting of:
. A method of making an arm-training device, comprising:
. The method of, wherein an intermediate portion disposes between said first and second loops.
. The method of, said length resiliently stretchable between a relaxed state and an extended state.
. The method of, said extended state generated from said relaxed state by the application of tensile force that acts on said elongate member along said length.
. The method of, said length in a range of between about 30 inches to about 50 inches.
. The method of, said elongate member having a width in a range of between about 1 inch to about 3 inches.
. The method of, said width substantially constant along said length.
. The method of, said elongate member generally planar.
. The method of, said elongate member a single or one-piece or monolithic or integrated construct.
. The method of, said elongate member seamlessly continuous between said first and second ends.
. The method of, said elongate member formed from an elastic material.
. The method of, said elongate member formed from a flexible material.
. The method of, said elongate member formed from a conformable material.
. The method of, said elongate member formed from a textile.
. The method of, said elongate member formed from a polyester elastic webbing.
. The method of, each of said first and second loops defining an arm-receiving aperture.
. The method of, further comprising forming each of said first and second loops from said elongate member.
. The method of, further comprising forming each of said first and second loops by overlayingly engaging portions of said elongate member.
. The method of, each of said first and second loops generally planar such that rear faces of overlayingly engaging portions dispose adjacent one another and directly define said arm-receiving aperture.
. The method of, wherein the top edges of said overlayingly engaging portions align with one another and the bottom edges of said overlayingly engaging portions align with one another.
. The method of, each of said first and second loops two layers thick.
. The method of, said intermediate portion one layer thick.
. The method of, further comprising coupling said first slide to said elongate member to form said first loop.
. The method of, said first slide comprising a peripheral frame with an intermediate divider and outer sides defining laterally adjacent first and second openings.
. The method of, said divider movably attached to said frame.
. The method of, said divider fixedly disposed within said frame.
. The method of, said first slide a single or one-piece or monolithic or integrated construct.
. The method of, said first and second openings equal in size and shape.
. The method of, further comprising coupling said first end of said elongate member to said first slide.
. The method of, further comprising coupling said first end of said elongate member to said divider.
. The method of, further comprising coupling said first end of said elongate member to said divider by passing said first end through said first opening, over a front face of said divider, and through said second opening.
. The method of, further comprising passing said first end through said first opening from a rearward toward a frontward direction.
. The method of, further comprising passing said first end through said second opening from a frontward toward a rearward direction.
. The method of, further comprising fixedly securing said first end about said divider.
. The method of, further comprising fixedly securing said first end about said divider by coupling said first end to an inner portion of said elongate member.
. The method of, further comprising fixedly securing said first end about said divider by coupling said first end to said inner portion via a fastener.
. The method of, further comprising fixedly securing said first end about said divider by sewing said first end and said inner portion together to generate stitches.
. The method of, said fastener substantially flush with said elongate member.
. The method of, said first slide movable along said length of said elongate member in both lateral directions.
. The method of, further comprising forming said first loop via said first slide from an inner portion of said elongate member proximate said first end.
. The method of, further comprising coupling said second slide to said elongate member to form said second loop.
. The method of, said second slide comprising a peripheral frame with an intermediate divider and outer sides defining laterally adjacent first and second openings.
. The method of, said divider movably attached to said frame.
. The method of, said divider fixedly disposed within said frame.
. The method of, said second slide a single or one-piece or monolithic or integrated construct.
. The method of, said first and second openings equal in size and shape.
. The method of, further comprising coupling said second end of said elongate member to said second slide.
. The method of, further comprising coupling said second end of said elongate member to said divider.
. The method of, further comprising coupling said second end of said elongate member to said divider by passing said second end through said first opening, over a front face of said divider, and through said second opening.
. The method of, further comprising passing said second end through said first opening from a rearward toward a frontward direction.
. The method of, further comprising passing said second end through said second opening from a frontward toward a rearward direction.
. The method of, further comprising fixedly securing said second end about said divider.
. The method of, further comprising fixedly securing said second end about said divider by coupling said second end to an inner portion of said elongate member.
. The method of, further comprising fixedly securing said second end about said divider by coupling said second end to said inner portion via a fastener.
. The method of, further comprising fixedly securing said second end about said divider by sewing said second end and said inner portion together to generate stitches.
. The method of, said fastener substantially flush with said elongate member.
. The method of, said second slide movable along said length of said elongate member in both lateral directions.
. The method of, further comprising forming said second loop via said second slide from an inner portion of said elongate member proximate said second end.
. The method of, said first and second slides formed from a semirigid or flexible or conformable material.
. The method of, said first and second slides configured as tri-bar buckles.
. The method of, at least one of said first and second slides comprising at least one frictional element coupled thereto.
. The method of, said frictional element coupled to a front face of a divider of said slide.
. The method of, said frictional element coupled to a rear face of outer sides of said slide.
. A method of making an arm-training device, consisting of:
. A method of making an arm-training device, consisting of:
. A method of using an arm-training device, comprising:
. The method of, wherein said intermediate portion extends only across said back of said wearer.
. The method of, wherein said intermediate portion does not extend across the front of said wearer.
. The method of, further comprising:
. The method of, further comprising moving at least one of said arms and correspondingly stretching or elongating said elongate member from a lesser span to a greater span.
. The method of, wherein said stretching or elongating generates tension in said elongate member.
. The method of, wherein said arm-training device limits predetermined undesirable movement or relative positioning of one or both of said arms by providing a pulling force to said arms when stretched or elongated from said lesser span to said greater span.
. The method of, wherein said arm-training device helps said wearer be mindful and/or remind said wearer of the relative position of said arms to preclude said undesirable movement of said arms.
. The method of, wherein said arm-training device trains said wearer to avoid said undesirable movement of said arms.
. The method of, wherein said arm-training device reinforces a desirable relative positioning of said arms.
. The method of, wherein said arm-training device restrains excessive relative movement of said arms.
. The method of, wherein said arm-training device does not completely restrict or inhibit arm movement in any one direction.
. The method of, wherein said arm-training device allows a predetermined first range of arm movement while aiming to prevent a predetermined second range of arm movement.
. The method of, wherein said predetermined first range of arm movement corresponds to desirable relative positioning of said arms.
. The method of, wherein said predetermined second range of arm movement corresponds to undesirable relative positioning of said arms.
. The method of, wherein said undesirable relative positioning of said arms comprises not positioning said upper arm portion beyond 45° (from a 0° position in which said upper arm portion dispose straight down).
. The method of, wherein said undesirable relative positioning of said arms comprises not positioning said upper arm portion beyond 90° (from a 0° position in which said upper arm portion dispose straight down).
. The method of, wherein said undesirable relative positioning of said arms applies tensile force that acts on said elongate member along its length.
. The method of, wherein said elongate member conforms about (i) at least a portion of the circumference of said upper arm portions and (ii) said back.
. The method of, further comprising machine washing said arm-training device.
. The method of, further comprising machine drying said arm-training device.
. The method of, further comprising wearing said arm-training device over clothing.
. The method of, further comprising wearing said arm-training device underneath clothing.
. The method of, further comprising moving said first slide along said length of said elongate member.
. The method of, further comprising sliding said first slide along said length of said elongate member.
. The method of, wherein movement of said first slide adjusts the size of said first loop.
. The method of, wherein movement of said first slide adjusts the span of said elongate member.
. The method of, wherein movement of said first slide adjusts a pulling force applied to said arms by the tension generated in said elongate member.
. The method of, further comprising passing an amount of said elongate member through said first slide.
. The method of, further comprising passing an amount of said elongate member through said first slide to adjust the size of said first loop.
. The method of, further comprising moving said second slide along said length of said elongate member.
. The method of, further comprising sliding said second slide along said length of said elongate member.
. The method of, wherein movement of said second slide adjusts the size of said second loop.
. The method of, wherein movement of said second slide adjusts the span of said elongate member.
. The method of, wherein movement of said second slide adjusts a pulling force applied to said arms by the tension generated in said elongate member.
. The method of, further comprising passing an amount of said elongate member through said second slide.
. The method of, further comprising passing an amount of said elongate member through said second slide to adjust the size of said second loop.
. The method of, further comprising independently adjusting said pulling force applied to each said arm.
. An arm-training device comprising,
. The arm-training device of, said length resiliently stretchable between a relaxed state and an extended state.
. The arm-training device of, said extended state generated from said relaxed state by the application of tensile force that acts on said elongate member along said length.
. The arm-training device of, said length in a range of between about 30 inches to about 50 inches.
. The arm-training device of, said elongate member having a width in a range of between about 1 inch to about 3 inches.
. The arm-training device of, said elongate member generally planar.
. An arm-training device comprising,
. The arm-training device of, said second end of said elongate member coupled to said second slide.
. The arm-training device of, said length resiliently stretchable between a relaxed state and an extended state.
. The arm-training device of, said extended state generated from said relaxed state by the application of tensile force that acts on said elongate member along said length.
. The arm-training device of, said length in a range of between about 30 inches to about 50 inches.
. The arm-training device of, said elongate member having a width in a range of between about 1 inch to about 3 inches.
. The arm-training device of, said elongate member generally planar.
. An arm-training device comprising,
. The arm-training device of, said first end of said elongate member coupled to said first slide.
. The arm-training device of, said length resiliently stretchable between a relaxed state and an extended state.
. The arm-training device of, said extended state generated from said relaxed state by the application of tensile force that acts on said elongate member along said length.
. The arm-training device of, said length in a range of between about 30 inches to about 50 inches.
. The arm-training device of, said elongate member having a width in a range of between about 1 inch to about 3 inches.
. The arm-training device of, said elongate member generally planar.
. An arm-training device consisting essentially of,
. The arm-training device of, said length resiliently stretchable between a relaxed state and an extended state.
. The arm-training device of, said extended state generated from said relaxed state by the application of tensile force that acts on said elongate member along said length.
. The arm-training device of, said length in a range of between about 30 inches to about 50 inches.
. The arm-training device of, said elongate member having a width in a range of between about 1 inch to about 3 inches.
. The arm-training device of, said elongate member generally planar.
. An arm-training device comprising,
. The arm-training device of, said second end of said elongate member coupled to said second slide.
. The arm-training device of, said length resiliently stretchable between a relaxed state and an extended state.
. The arm-training device of, said extended state generated from said relaxed state by the application of tensile force that acts on said elongate member along said length.
. The arm-training device of, said length in a range of between about 30 inches to about 50 inches.
. The arm-training device of, said elongate member having a width in a range of between about 1 inch to about 3 inches.
. The arm-training device of, said elongate member generally planar.
. An arm-training device comprising,
. The arm-training device of, said first end of said elongate member coupled to said first slide.
. The arm-training device of, said length resiliently stretchable between a relaxed state and an extended state.
. The arm-training device of, said extended state generated from said relaxed state by the application of tensile force that acts on said elongate member along said length.
. The arm-training device of, said length in a range of between about 30 inches to about 50 inches.
. The arm-training device of, said elongate member having a width in a range of between about 1 inch to about 3 inches.
. The arm-training device of, said elongate member generally planar.
. An arm-training device consisting of,
Complete technical specification and implementation details from the patent document.
A broad object of a particular embodiment of the invention can be to provide an arm-training device, and methods of making and using such an arm-training device, whereby the arm-training device includes a flexible elongate member having an elastic length disposed between opposing first and second ends; a first loop formed proximate the first end; a second loop formed proximate the second end; a first slide coupled to the first loop, the first slide movable along the length of the elongate member; and a second slide coupled to the second loop, the second slide movable along the length of the elongate member.
Naturally, further objects of the invention are disclosed throughout other areas of the specification, drawings, and claims.
Now referring primarily to, which illustrate a method of using a particular embodiment of the inventive arm-training (or restraining) device () including a flexible elongate member () having opposing adjustable first and second loops () () coupled thereto and an intermediate portion () disposed between the first and second loops () (), whereby when worn or donned by a wearer (), each loop () () can receive an arm () and in particular, an upper arm portion, of a wearer (), and the intermediate portion () can extend across the back () of the wearer () between the arms ().
Notably, when worn by a wearer (), the intermediate portion () does not extend across the front (or anterior portion or ventral portion) of the wearer (), and extends only across the back () (or posterior portion or dorsal portion) of the wearer (); following, when used, the arm-training device () may not interfere with or hinder the front of the wearer ().
For the sake of simplicity, the arm-training device () will be described herein as affecting both arms () but, while worn about both arms (), it is herein contemplated that the arm-training device () may be intended to affect only one arm (), depending upon the circumstances.
In use, the arm-training device () can function to limit predetermined undesirable movement or relative positioning of one or both arms () by providing a pulling force () to the arms () when stretched or elongated from a lesser span () to a greater span () (for example, by undesired movement of the arms (), this movement generating tension in the elongate member ()). Following, the arm-training device () may help the wearer () be mindful and/or remind the wearer () of the relative position of their arms () to preclude the undesirable movement of the arms (). Correspondingly, the arm-training device () may reinforce a desirable relative positioning of the arms () and thus, may train the wearer () to avoid the undesirable movement of the arms (). Additionally, the arm-training device () may effectively restrain excessive relative movement of the arms ().
Significantly, the instant arm-training device () does not completely restrict or inhibit arm movement in any one direction, as may be done by a pair of handcuffs. Conversely, the arm-training device () disclosed herein allows a predetermined first range of arm movement (corresponding to the desirable relative positioning of the arms ()) while aiming to prevent a predetermined second range of arm movement (corresponding to the undesirable relative positioning of the arms ()).
Concerning the predetermined undesirable and desirable movement or relative positioning of the arms (), the term “predetermined” as used herein means established or decided in advance. For example, it may be recommended that a patient recovering from an injury or surgery not move their arms () forwardly and/or upwardly and/or outwardly beyond a predetermined point which may negatively affect their recovery and/or healing process. As but one detailed example, during recovery from a mastectomy, it may be recommended that (i) a patient not position their upper arm portions beyond 45° (from a 0° position in which the upper arm portions dispose straight down) for the first several weeks (such as four weeks) following surgery and then, (ii) the patient not position their upper arm portions beyond 90° for the next several weeks (such as six weeks). In such a scenario, the instant arm-training device () may be particularly useful for enhancing patient compliance with the recommended restrictions.
Now referring primarily to, the arm-training device () includes a flexible elongate member () whereby as used herein, the term “elongate member” may be construed as similar to or synonymous with “band” or “strip,” which can mean a generally planar (or flat) piece of material having a substantially greater length than width. Due to the flexibility of the elongate member (), it can be conformable to a wearer () and in particular, the elongate member () can conform about (i) a portion or an entirety of the circumference of the upper arm portions and (ii) the back () of the wearer ().
Now referring primarily to, the elongate member () can have an elastic length () disposed between opposing first and second ends () (); thus, the length () can be along the longitudinal axis of the elongate member (). As elastic, the length () can be resiliently stretchable between a relaxed state () and an extended state () (as shown in the examples of, respectively), whereby the extended state () can be generated from the relaxed state () by the application of tensile force that acts on the elongate member () along its length (), for example by undesired movement of the arms (). Regarding dimensions, the length () can be sufficient to loop around both upper arm portions and extend between both upper arm portions along the back () of a wearer (), thereby connecting both arms () together. Of course, it is herein contemplated that various lengths of elongate members () may be provided for differently sized wearers ().
As but one illustrative example, the length () of the elongate member () can be in a range of between about 30 inches to about 50 inches.
As but one illustrative example, the length () of the elongate member () can be about 40 inches.
The width () of the elongate member () may or may not be elastic, depending upon the embodiment. Concerning dimensions, the width () can be sufficiently large enough to preclude the elongate member () from cutting into the skin or irritating the adjacent tissue, which may be in contrast to a relatively narrow elongate member, such as a rope or cord or wire.
As but one illustrative example, the width () of the elongate member () can be in a range of between about 1 inch to about 3 inches.
Also for relative comfort, the elongate member () can be generally planar; thus, comfort against the body of the wearer () may be enhanced relative to an elongate member having a nonplanar surface(s), such as a rope or cord or wire, which can have a generally circular cross section and a correspondingly arcuate outer surface(s).
As to particular embodiments, the elongate member () can be generally rectangular (or have a generally rectangular cross-section) and can have a substantially constant width () along its length (). However, the elongate member () need not be limited to this particular configuration.
Again referring primarily to, structurally, the length () and width () of the elongate member () can be defined by a top edge () connected to an opposing bottom edge () by opposing left and right edges which provide the first and second ends () (). The elongate member () further includes a front face () and an opposing rear face ().
As to particular embodiments, the elongate member () can be a single or one-piece or monolithic or integrated construct, meaning seamlessly continuous between the first and second ends () ().
The elongate member () can be formed from a numerous and wide variety of elastic materials which are of sufficient strength to (i) withstand the repeated stretching of the elongate member () along its length (), and (ii) provide the requisite pulling force () to preclude the predetermined second range of arm movement (corresponding to the undesirable relative positioning of the arms ()) while allowing the predetermined first range of arm movement (corresponding to the desirable relative positioning of the arms ()).
Further, the elongate member () can be formed from a flexible and/or conformable material, which can enhance the comfort of the arm-training device () for the wearer (). Additionally, the elongate member () can be formed from a material which may be compatible with washing, for example machine washing, and/or machine drying.
As but one illustrative example, the elongate member () can be formed from a textile, such as a polyester elastic webbing. Of course, the elongate member () is not limited to being formed from this material, and can be formed from a numerous and wide variety of materials which provide a similar or identical function.
In use, depending upon the preference of the wearer (), the arm-training device () can be worn over clothing or underneath clothing.
Now referring primarily to, the elongate member () can be coupled to, include, or have formed therein a pair of loops and namely, a first loop () proximate the first end () and a second loop () proximate the second end (), whereby an intermediate portion () can dispose between the first and second loops () ().
Each loop () () can define an arm-receiving aperture () and consequently, can be configured or sized to extend about the arm () of a wearer () and specifically, around an upper arm portion, whereby the loop () () can entirely surround the upper arm portion.
In addition to surrounding the upper arm portion, the loop () () can also conform about the curved shape of the upper arm portion as a result of its flexibility and/or conformability, thereby providing a relatively comfortable fit on the arm () of a wearer ().
As to particular embodiments, each loop () () can be formed from the elongate member (), for example by overlayingly engaging portions of the elongate member () to generate a generally planar loop such that the rear faces () of the overlaying portions of the elongate member () dispose adjacent one another and directly define the arm-receiving aperture (). In this configuration, the top edges () of the overlaying portions of the elongate member () can align with one another and the bottom edges () of the overlaying portions of the elongate member () can align with one another. Further, in this embodiment, while the loops () () can be formed from overlaying portions of the elongate member () (thus making a planar loop two layers thick), the intermediate portion () can be only one layer thick.
As to particular embodiments, the arm-training device () can further include a first slide () coupled to the first loop (), whereby the first slide () can be movable along the length () of the elongate member () to allow adjustment of (i) the size (or circumference) of the first loop () and/or the span () of the elongate member ().
As to particular embodiments, the first slide () can be coupled, connected, or directly connected to the elongate member () to form the first loop ().
Now referring primarily to, the first slide () can include a peripheral frame () with an intermediate divider () and outer sides () defining laterally adjacent first and second openings () (). Moreover, the first slide () can include opposing front and rear faces () ().
As to particular embodiments, the divider () can be movably attached to the frame () such that the divider () can laterally move between the outer sides () (not shown).
As to other particular embodiments, the divider () can be fixedly disposed within the frame (), thus precluding lateral movement between the outer sides (). As to these embodiments, the first slide () can be a single or one-piece or monolithic or integrated construct.
As to particular embodiments, the divider () can provide first and second openings () () which may be equal in size and shape.
Now referring primarily to, the first end () of the elongate member () can be coupled, connected, or directly connected to the first slide () and in particular, to the divider () of the first slide (). For example, the first end () can be coupled to the divider () by passing the first end () through the first opening () (for example, from a rearward toward a frontward direction), over the front face () of the divider (), and through the second opening () (for example, from a frontward toward a rearward direction), and then securing the first end () about the divider (), such as by coupling the first end () to an inner portion () of the elongate member () by means of a fastener (), such as by sewing the two together to generate stitches. Of course, it should be understood that the first end () can be secured about the divider () by various different processes (not necessarily sewn to an inner portion () of the elongate member ()) so long as the end result fixedly secures the first end () about the divider ().
It may be desirable that the fastener (), upon securing the first end () about the divider (), be substantially flush with the elongate member (), as opposed to outwardly extending from the elongate member (), as an outwardly extending fastener may be a source of discomfort to the wearer ().
Importantly, while the divider () of the first slide () may be fixedly coupled to the first end (), the first slide () can move or slide along the length () of the elongate member () in both lateral directions, which may be in contrast to a fastener which can move in only one direction and is prohibited from movement in the opposite direction.
Advantageously, movement of the first slide () in both directions along the length () of the elongate member () a permits adjustment of (i) the size of the first loop () and/or (ii) the span () of the elongate member (), correspondingly allowing adjustment of the pulling force () applied to the arms () by the tension generated in the elongate member ().
Now referring primarily to, once the first end () of the elongate member () is secured about the divider () of the first slide (), the first loop () can be formed via the first slide () from an inner portion () of the elongate member () proximate the first end (). For example, the second end () of the elongate member () can be passed through the second opening () (for example, from a rearward toward a frontward direction), over the front face () of the divider (), and through the first opening () (for example, from a frontward toward a rearward direction). As a result, the first loop () can be formed proximate the rear face () of the first slide (), whereby the size of the first loop () and the span () of the elongate member () can be adjusted by varying the amount of the elongate member () which is passed through the second and first openings () () of the first slide (); of course, this amount can correspond with the position of the first slide () along the length () of the elongate member ().
For example, when a greater amount of the elongate member () is passed through the second and first openings () () of the first slide () after securement of the first end () about the divider (), a first loop () with a relatively lesser size will result and the first slide () will dispose relatively farther from the middle of the length () of the elongate member () (as shown in the example ofrelative to). Accordingly, the span () of the elongate member () is relatively greater, thereby decreasing tension in the elongate member () when the loops () () are disposed about the arms () of the wearer () and the wearer () moves his or her arms () forwardly, upwardly, outwardly, or a combination thereof, thus applying a lesser pulling force () to the arms () in an opposite direction, such as rearwardly, downwardly, inwardly, or a combination thereof.
Conversely, when a lesser amount of the elongate member () is passed through the second and first openings () () of the first slide () after securement of the first end () about the divider (), a first loop () with a relatively greater size will result and the first slide () will dispose relatively nearer to the middle of the length () of the elongate member () (as shown in the example ofrelative to). Consequently, the span () of the elongate member () is relatively lesser, thereby creating increased tension in the elongate member () when the loops () () are disposed about the arms () of the wearer () and the wearer () moves his or her arms () forwardly, upwardly, outwardly, or a combination thereof, accordingly applying a greater pulling force () to the arms () in an opposite direction, such as rearwardly, downwardly, inwardly, or a combination thereof.
Now referring primarily to, the arm-training device () can further include a second slide () coupled to the second loop (), whereby the second slide () can be movable along the length () of the elongate member () to allow adjustment of (i) the size (or circumference) of the second loop () and/or the span () of the elongate member (). As to particular embodiments, the second slide () can be similar or identical to the first slide () detailed above; thus, the above description of the first slide () may be extrapolated to the second slide ().
By having two slides () (), one proximate each end () () of the elongate member (), the pulling force () applied to each arm () can be independently adjusted, as the tension can be differentially distributed. For example, by sliding the first slide () along the length () to dispose the first slide () relatively nearer to the middle of the length () of the elongate member () and sliding the second slide () along the length () to dispose the second slide () relatively farther from the middle of the length () of the elongate member (), a greater pulling force () may be applied to the arm () received within the first loop () in relation to the arm () received within the second loop ().
Additionally, by having the slides () () disposed proximate the ends () (), it may be easier for the wearer () to adjust the slides () (), for example via sliding along the length () of the elongate member () when the arm-training device () is being worn. In contrast, a similar device having a medially or centrally located buckle which, when in use, would dispose proximate the middle of the wearer's back, may only be conducive to adjustment or movement by a wearer when the device is removed from the wearer.
The slide () () can be formed from a numerous and wide variety of materials which are of sufficient strength to withstand the repeated stretching of the elongate member () along its length (). As to particular embodiments, the slide () () can be formed from a semirigid or flexible or conformable material, which can enhance the comfort of the arm-training device () for the wearer (), as a rigid slide, for example formed from a rigid metal, may be relatively less comfortable. Also, the slide () () can be formed from a material which may be compatible with washing, for example machine washing, and/or machine drying.
The slide () () can have a numerous and wide variety of configurations, provided the functionality remains similar to or the same as that of the slide () () disclosed herein.
As but one illustrative example, the slide () () can be configured as a tri-bar buckle.
As but one illustrative example, the slide () () can be a Heavy Duty Sliplok®, which can be obtained from Duraflex®.
Of course, it should be understood that the slide () () may be configured differently from the examples disclosed herein without departing from the scope of the invention.
As to particular embodiments, one or more frictional elements () can be coupled to the slide () (). As but one illustrative example, a plurality of frictional elements () can be coupled to the front face () of the divider () (as shown in the example of) to enhance the frictional engagement between the front face () of the divider () and the rear face () of the elongate member (). As but a second illustrative example, a plurality of frictional elements () can be coupled to the rear face () of the slide () () proximate the outer sides () (as shown in the example of) to enhance the frictional engagement between the rear face () of the slide () () and the front face () of the elongate member ().
As to particular embodiments, the frictional elements () can be configured as protrusions outwardly extending from a face () () of the slide () () in spaced apart relation.
Now regarding production, a method of making a particular embodiment of the arm-training device () can include providing a flexible elongate member () having opposing adjustable first and second loops () () and an intermediate portion () therebetween, whereby when worn or donned by a wearer (), each loop () () can receive an arm () and in particular, an upper arm portion, of a wearer (), and the intermediate portion () can extend across the back () of the wearer () between the arms ().
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October 30, 2025
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