Oneband Resistance Exercise System

This application is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/445,304, entitled “Oneband Resistance Exercise System,” filed Jun. 30, 2023, which is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/932,796, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,738,232, entitled “Oneband Resistance Exercise System,” filed Apr. 27, 2018, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/602,568, entitled “Rope-A-Dope Resistance Exercise System,” filed on Apr. 28, 2017. This application is additionally related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/445,303, entitled “Oneband Resistance Exercise System,” filed Jun. 29, 2023. The content of each application is incorporated herein, by reference, in its entirety.

The present invention relates to exercise devices. More specifically, the invention relates to a resistance exercise system and is an improvement over known conventional resistance exercise devices.

Conventional, resistance exercise devices are composed of rubber stretchable resistance tubes, elastic exercise straps, solid rubber stretch bands as well as flexible, woven strands of stretchable rubber and other elastic composite materials. These resistance exercise devices include coupling attachments, comprising loops, buckles, rings (such as O-rings), clamps including adjustable-clamp mechanisms, handles and/or snaps or other rigid connectable attachments such as metal or rigid plastics, course canvas straps including VELCRO®, rubber or foam. Also, a related art coupling and locking device (i.e., a roller pinch valve adjuster) is shown inandin US Patent Application Publication US 2010/0037380 A1 to Robbins et al.

A conventional, related art, resistance, exercise device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,468,789 to Williams (referring to) having a rigid plastic “mounting block” () connecting device, in association with a resistance band, where “Mounting blockgenerally comprises a rigid or semi rigid material” (see Williams column 5, lines 19-21).

Another conventional, related art, resistance, exercise device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,870,722 to Kassel (referring to at least,,,,,,,, and) including an assortment of connector devices, such as plastic or metal “carabineer for providing multiple exercise options . . . [including] handles, loops, straps, bands, rings, rope, grips” (see Kassel, column 6, lines 51-56)

An additional related art, resistance, exercise device, U.S. Pat. No. 9,248,331 to Collier, et al., discusses a resistance band exercise device having markings, where (referring to,,,,, and) “the markings on the resistance band correspond to the amount of free weights that a user would be lifting” (see Collier, column 2, lines 50-55).

In another related art, resistance, exercise device, U.S. Pat. No. 7,344,485, to Simpson et al., which (referring to) discloses a “resistance-type exercise apparatus adaptable for a variety of body exercises . . . [it] includes a length of resilient tubing having first and second free ends. Strap handles are connected to the free ends of the tubing” (see Simpson, column 1, lines 25-30). Additional related art cited in Office Action Rejections of the Prior Parent Application; see at least Office Action mailed Jun. 3, 2021, which includes: US Patent Application Publication US 2016/0310777 A1, to Crowell et al. (which shows an exercise device band, see);

US Patent Application Publication US 2014/0283339 A1, to Gallagher et al. (which shows a locking clip, see);

US Patent Application Publication US 2012/0202662 A1, to DeMarco et al. (which shows EPDM and Latex;

US Patent Application Publication US 2008/0139369 A1, to Vigilia (which shows an exercise apparatus);

US Patent Application Publication US 2007/0213186 A1 to Longo (which shows linked stretch tubing);

U.S. Pat. No. 6,026,548 to Jackson (which shows a shoe lace fastner, see,and);

US Patent Application Publication US 2014/0323271 A1, to Hinds et al. (which shows force sensors and a digital CPU); and

U.S. Pat. No. 5,538,486 to France et al. (which shows an instrument therapy cord, having a microprocessor control module, seeand col. 9, line13). However, the above listed related art references neither individually nor combined together, and neither explicitly nor implicitly show or suggest all of the limitations and/or elements claimed by the instant invention. Furthermore, according to guidance from MPEP 2143.01 any proposed modification opined in an Office Action, cannot render the prior art unsatisfactory for its intended purpose; and the proposed modification opined in an Office Action, cannot change the principle of operation of a reference. This is note-worthy, because modification of the reference to at least Jackson, as suggested in the Office Action mailed on Jun. 3, 2021 would have rendered the invention unsatisfactory for the intended purpose of the invention, as well as changed the principle of operation of a reference.

Major disadvantages of the above conventional exercise devices are caused by metal or rigid connector attachments and/or handles which are not stable and move out of position, riding and slipping on the clothing and limbs of the users, as the users progress through their exercise routines, thus reducing the efficiency of exercise routines and causing injuries to the exercise device users, such as bruising and cuts and scrapes. Another disadvantage of conventional resistance exercise devices, is that the rigid connector attachments can cause the exercise straps and bands to tear or separate, thus increasing the possibility of injury to the resistance exercise device users. Additionally, conventional resistance exercise devices are not scalable and/or are not easily calibrated to be used for multi-functional, assisted resistance control during free motion exercises, or when using free weights or exercise machines. Most conventional exercise straps are not calibrated, but have labels characterizing the bands as merely being light weight (such as, light duty), medium weight (such as, medium duty) or heavy weight (heavy duty). Further, the conventional attachments along with the conventional resistance exercise devices are not easily adjustable to the different sizes and body types and varying strength levels of various users. Additionally, conventional wisdom suggests that 80% of United States citizens do not exercise, because exercise is traditionally associated with heavy weights, or cumbersome, one-size-fits-all cables and straps, all of which are considered to be difficult to use and if used improperly can cause serious injuries. Over time, and also due to environmental conditions, conventional resistance exercise bands tend to stretch, the coatings stiffen or crack and are prone to having abrasions and prone to look discolored or take on a dusty powdery appearance due to the solubility of rubber chemical compounds leading to what is known as bloom. (Because of the solubility of natural rubber compounds, some chemicals in the compound will flow and migrate in the rubber, giving the surface of the rubber the dusty powdery appearance).

Therefore the need exists for a resistance exercise system which is constructed of a single, continuous length of elastic flexible and/or stretchable tubing (solid, hollow, or extruded woven strands), banding, and/or strapping, formed in a continuous loop, by having the two free ends of the length of tubing, banding, and/or strapping knotted securely together, thus forming a continuous loop exercise device, having at least three scalable calibrated sections demarcated by a plurality of knotted sections (forming a chain of loops with knotted stays) strategically spaced along the length of the formed continuous loop device.

The need exists for an exercise system which can be used in the gym or packed in a briefcase or gym bag and carried easily anywhere, such as through security check points and used anywhere, anytime or even while commuting.

Further, the need exists for a resistance band exercise system having creative compound formulas designed to inhibit abrasions, and inhibit bloom, and further having compound formulas which will allow the exercise band to be less prone to cracks and be more resistant to oil, and other environmental conditions.

A preferred embodiment of the non-complex design of the OneBand™ resistance exercise system eliminates the need for attachments or handles and/or connectors. The continuous loop having scalable calibrated sections can be connected to stationary hooks, knobs, handles affixed to walls doors and furniture, or other exercise machines and fixtures, or held by a second spotter (exercise personnel) allowing planned or spontaneous, as well as scheduled initiation of exercise routines in the gym, in the office or in the bedroom or any location convenient mobile or stationary platform for such exercises. This new and improved exercise apparatus can be easily calibrated to be used for multi-functional, assisted resistance control during free motion exercises, or when using free weights or exercise machines and can easily be adjusted to the different sizes and body types and varying strength levels of various users, while providing safe and injury free use. Also, in the preferred embodiment, the polymer ID of the rubber base can include a wide range of types of rubber to be used from natural gum rubber which exhibits strength, durability, flexibility and good rebound characteristics) to synthetic rubber, such as butadiene or polyurethane or EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer—which exhibits resistance to environmental conditions) or extruded latex (rubber strands or rods dipped in latex and formed by coagulation). The base polymer ID can be compounded to have performance specifications associated with anti-abrasion and anti-bloom properties and/or compounded with EPDM which has good oil resistance (even resistance to oils found on human skin) as well as resistance to ozone, oxidation and other environmental elements.

The present invention provides solutions to the short comings in the related art of resistance exercise devices, by eliminating the use of metal or rigid connector attachments and/or handles which are not stable and move out of position, riding and slipping on the clothing and limbs of the users, as the users progress through their exercise routines, thus reducing the efficiency of exercise routines and causing injuries to the exercise device users, such as bruising and cuts and scrapes. Furthermore, the present invention provides a solution to the short comings of the related art resistance exercise devices by providing a stronger more reliable resistance exercise device which will not separate under high resistance forces. Additionally, the present invention provides a resistance exercise device which is easily adjustable, scalable and/or easily calibrated to be used for multi-functional, assisted, resistance control, free motion exercises, or when using free weights or exercise machines. Further, the present invention provides solutions to the short comings in the related art of resistance exercise devices by providing a resistance exercise device and system, which includes adjustments for different sizes and body types and persons having varying strength levels and/or disabilities.

The above described drawings present exemplary images of the various exercises which can be performed using the OneBand exemplary embodiments, but the present invention and the various exercises shown in the above drawings are not limited to the drawings discussed above; moreover various other exercises incorporate the features of using the exemplary embodiments of the OneBand exercise system, i.e., drawings of various exercises which can implement use of the OneBand exercise system and which number at or about 1000 or more different types of exercise drawings

The disclosed embodiments are intended to be illustrative only, since numerous modifications and variations therein will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Further, the terms “a”, “an”, “first”, “second” and “third” herein do not denote limitations of quantity, but rather denote the presence of one or more of the referenced item(s). In reference to the drawings, like numbers will indicate like parts continuously throughout the views.

Referring to, in a first, preferred embodiment, the present invention, referred to herein as the OneBand™ continuous loop () exercise system, comprises a single, continuous length of elastic flexible and/or stretchable tubing, banding, and/or strapping, formed in a continuous loop, by having the two free ends: free end () and free end () of the length of elastic flexible tubing (), banding, and/or strapping knotted securely together, thus forming a continuous loop () exercise device/system, having at least three scalable calibrated sections demarcated by a plurality of knots () forming a plurality of knotted sections (), wherein the knots () can also be referred to as knotted stays () forming the plurality of knotted sections (), which can also be referred to as a plurality of loops chained together as knotted sections (), where the knotted stays () are strategically spaced along the length of the formed continuous loop device to facilitate the scalable calibrated knotted sections ().

Each loop is one foot. And 6 feet plus 11 inches (i.e., equals 83 inches) of rubber tubing is required to make the rope. 36/75 will be needed to start with (and 78 for gray). Ends should be 3 centimeters (cm) from the tip. Color coding will be used to designate resistance levels. In exemplary embodiments:

The knotted stays () are tied together before the two free ends, such as free end () and free end () are tied together, wherein, the plurality of knots () can be designated as knots: (); (); (); (); (); (), up to (), respectively. The knotted stays () can be substituted with adjustable stays, such as the releasable adjustable stay illustrated in, as adjustable stay (). Also, the knotted stays () can be substituted with slidably adjustable roller stays (), as illustrated in,; andand. And, wherein, the plurality of knotted sections () can be designated as sections (S); (S); (S); (S); (S); (S) up to (S) respectively. Furthermore, the knotted stays () can be substituted with hard rubber or wooden slidably adjustable slip stays (), as illustrated inand.

Referring to, in the preferred embodiment, the OneBand continuous loop () exercise system is configured to attach to an exercise machine or configured to reduce the length of the exercise system by threading one end, such as, the knotted end () of the exercise device through one of the plurality of knotted sections (); also seeand. The continuous loop () exercise system can be used in the gym or packed in a briefcase of a gym bag or suit case or back pack and carried easily anywhere, such as through security check points and used anywhere, anytime or even while commuting in various mobile platforms. In a preferred embodiment, the non-complex design of the OneBand resistance exercise system eliminates the need for attachments or handles and/or connectors. The continuous loop having scalable calibrated sections can be connected to stationary hooks, knobs, handles affixed to walls doors and furniture, or other exercise machines and fixtures, allowing planned/scheduled or spontaneous initiation of exercise routines in the gym, in the office or in the bedroom or any location convenient for such exercises. This new and improved exercise system can be easily calibrated to be used for multi-functional, varying configurations of assisted resistance control during free motion exercises, or when using free weights or exercise machines and can easily be adjusted to different sizes and body type by having adjustments for different sizes and body types and varying strength levels (including exercise system users who are young children from ages of eight up to older/senior exercise system users reaching ages up to about one hundred years old or more; and obese patients in rehabilitation facilities), while providing safe and injury free exercise use, due to features of the present invention, which include regulating exercises within the range of motion and strength levels of individual users, where these users include patients undergoing and/or participating in medical and rehabilitation therapy, as well as aerobic exercises, body building exercises, FITBIT® adaptation exercises, TRX® Workout Training, YOGA exercises, and general band Flexibility training and other exercise routines, which change lives and change bodies by facilitating health benefits derived from exercises performed properly. Additional features include small size, light weight, portable, adaptable, convenient exercise systems, which can be easily transported, easily configured for multiple exercise routine adaptations, also precisely calibrated for precision physical therapy and rehabilitation applications, and having relatively minimal cost, and less prone to causing user injuries as compared to pumping iron systems, or even using pneumatic or hydraulic exercise systems. The OneBand resistance exercise systems will reduce or eliminate and/or help rehabilitate users suffering from tendonitis, or tendon tears or muscle strain.

Additional embodiments of the OneBand resistance exercise system can be adapted to FITBIT®connected routines, such as, where analog and digital electronic computer based measurement devices, including scales, are mechanically and/or electronically integrated into and seamlessly coupled (using radio broadcast or RFI or fiber optic circuits and even mechanical connectors) with the OneBand resistance exercise band systems in manners such as wearable computer technology applications having direct precision calibration and measurement capabilities, associated with exercise routines.

Referring to, the OneBand continuous loop () exercise system is used in a method of performing seated bicep curls illustrating placement of the feet on one side of the calibrated knotted section (S) of the OneBand continuous loop (). The exercise user grips an end of knotted section (S) with the right hand and grips the knotted end (), then slowly performs an arm curling motion, using both hands, while holding the elbows close to the body above the hips, wherein any one or more of the plurality of knotted stays (), (), and () can be loosened and moved to different positions slidably along the length of the elastic flexible tubing (), banding, and/or strapping, and then the knotted stays can be re-tightened, to accomplish adjustability of the continuous loop () resistance band exercise system.

Referring to, the OneBand continuous loop () resistance band user is shown performing a combination leg raise, outer thigh and hip exercise using only two knotted sections (S) and (S) of the OneBand continuous loop () exercise system.illustrates an exemplary configuration of the varying configurations of the continuous loop () exercise system for using just two sections, i.e., knotted section (S) and knotted section (S) for modified resistance band combination outer thigh and hip exercises.

Referring to, the OneBand continuous loop () exercise system's knotted section (S) is looped around the leg of an exercise machine and then the knotted end () is threaded through the knotted section (S) securing the loop on the leg of the exercise machine, and the continuous loop () exercise system user positions her left heel inside the end of the knotted section () facilitating performing a standing back leg raise exercise. Therefore,illustrates an exemplary configuration of the plurality of varying configurations of the continuous loop () exercise system for using just two sections, i.e., knotted section (S) and knotted section (S) as a modified resistance band back leg raise exercise

Referring to, the user places her right foot on one side of the calibrated knotted section (S), and grips the knotted end () with her right hand, and grips the end of the knotted section (S) with her left hand and performing a front lunge exercise movement by placing her right foot and leg in the lunge position, using OneBand continuous loop () exercise system. Therefore,illustrates an exemplary configuration of the varying configurations of the continuous loop () exercise system.

Referring to, the OneBand continuous loop () exercise system's knotted section (S) is looped around a column, securing the continuous loop () exercise system for use by the resistance band exercise system user to grip the knotted end () in her right hand and grip the end of knotted section (S) in her left hand allowing the user to perform a standing, two arm, high, lat pull, using the OneBand continuous loop () exercise system. Therefore,illustrates an exemplary configuration of the varying configurations of the continuous loop () exercise system.

In further embodiments, referring to, the OneBand second embodiment continuous loop () exercise system having four knotted sections (S), (S), (S) and (S), the method of performing pushups is illustrated using the OneBand second embodiment continuous loop () exercise system, by draping the second embodiment continuous loop () exercise system over the shoulders and the user grasping the ends of section (S) and (S) by the right and left hands respectively. Furthermore, with four knotted sections, the length of the second embodiment continuous loop () exercise system can be folded in half to increase the resistance force (see equation (1), equation (2), equation (3) and equation (4) below) needed to be applied to the exercise system, by differing users some stronger, some weaker, requiring less force resistance. This new and improved exercise apparatus can be easily calibrated to be used for multi-functional exercises, in varying configurations of assisted resistance control during free motion exercises, or when using free weights or exercise machines and can easily be adjusted to the different sizes and body types, having adjustments for different sizes and body types and varying strength levels (including exercise system users who are young children from the age of eight up to older/senior exercise system users reaching the age of up to one hundred years old or more; and obese patients in rehabilitation facilities or other patients in various stages of health and rehabilitation can benefit from using the continuous loop () exercise system), while providing safe and injury free use. Thusillustrates an exemplary configuration of the varying configurations of the second embodiment continuous loop () exercise system; and wherein:

In physics, resistance force is the force which an effort force must overcome in order to do work on an object via a simple machine. Resistance force, like most other forces, is measured in Newtons or in pounds-force . . . resistance force obeys the equation . . . [:]

where:

Resistance force is used to calculate the work output using the following equation:

RESISTANCE FORCE. WIKIPEDIA, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Resistance force. [Internet] Accessed 21 Apr. 2017.

Additionally, the “modulus of elasticity” (also known as the elastic modulus, the tensile modulus) is a number that measures an object or substance's resistance to being deformed elastically (i.e., non-permanently) when a force is applied to it. The elastic modulus of an object is defined as the slope of its stress-strain curve in the elastic deformation region A stiffer material will have a higher elastic modulus. An elastic modulus has the form:

Elastic modulus. WIKIPEDIA, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elastic modulus. [Internet] Accessed 27 Apr. 2017.

Tensile modulus (i.e., Tensile strength can be represented in units of Pascals (Pa) [also Mega Pascals (MPa)] or pounds per square inch (psi) where:

Tensile Strength. WIKIPEDIA, https://www.oringsusa.com/html/tensile-strength.html [Internet] Accessed 27 Apr. 2017.The Tensile strength for natural rubber is 4800 psi. Typically, the Tensile strength for elastomers, natural rubber and polyesters and various rubber compounds, vary from about between 600 psi up to about 6000 psi. (Tensile Strength. WIKIPEDIA, https://us.wow.com/image?q=rubber+tensile+strength+chart&s it=imag-ans&imgld=F3B1ACIF3432937E94D0553D&DF3cfE78A11DA5&s chn=263&s pt=ao [Internet] Accessed 27 Apr. 2017).

The rubber tubing, elastomer resistance bands, and straps disclosed herein as exemplary embodiments are tested for tensile strength using tensometers according to ASTM D 412 etc. standard specifications And from such testing, the various proportional forces measured in Newtons, associated with the tensile strengths of the various resistance exercise bands and straps composed of rubber and elastomer samples disclosed herein comprising tensile strengths varying from a range of about 600 psi up to about 6000 psi.

Preferred embodiments of the OneBand continuous loop () () and () exercise systems range from either a natural rubber latex or polyisoprene latex (synthetic natural rubber). Even though some conventional exercise bands are formed from latex dipped manufacturing processes, the initial product produced for the OneBand continuous loop () () () exercise systems will comprise a solid mixed compounds or hollow tube compounds that achieve tensile strength values that will be close to the latex dipped, ranging from about 2000˜5000 psi tensile strength; more particularly ranging from about 2300 psi up to about 4894 psi, having a polymer blend of natural rubber and EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer), where, the compounds are made as strong as possible; and different tension force values are controlled by the thickness of the part.

In alternate embodiments of the OneBand continuous loop () exercise system, the OneBand continuous loop () exercise system and the OneBand continuous loop () exercise system, a plurality of knotted stays (S), (S), (S), (S), up to (S) can be implemented into the first, second and third embodiments.

illustrates a conventional the adjuster roller valve () initially designed to control water flow volume in a conventional toilet, as disclosed in US Patent Application Publication US2010/0037380 assigned to FLUIDMASTER®. Additional embodiments include adjustable stays that are formed in the shape of a knot. Even thoughillustrates a conventional adjuster roller valve (), said adjuster roller valve can be modified to be used, in a manner not anticipated in US2010/0037380 patent application publication to FLUIDMASTER, to form an alternate embodiment of the adjustable stays of the present invention, in a way that provides unexpected results when used as an adjustable stay in the various embodiments of the present invention.

In an alternate exemplary embodiment, referring to, a length of elastic flexible tubing () folded into the form of a section (S) and both ends of the elastic flexible tubing () threaded through the hole at the non-roller end of the slidably adjustable roller stay () thus forming a replacement for the knotted stay () and thus forming a slidably adjustable section (S).