Patent ID: 12201571

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Aside from the preferred embodiment or embodiments disclosed below, this invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various ways. Thus, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. If only one embodiment is described herein, the claims hereof are not to be limited to that embodiment. Moreover, the claims hereof are not to be read restrictively unless there is clear and convincing evidence manifesting a certain exclusion, restriction, or disclaimer.

There is shown inFIG.1, one embodiment of therapeutic, fitness, and sports enhancement device10of this invention including cylindrically shaped body12having a predetermined density and predetermined diameter. Body12includes a plurality of projections14of a predetermined shape. One or more of the predetermined density and the predetermined diameter of body12in combination with the shape of the projections effectively mobilize soft tissue structures of the human body, as discussed in further detail below.

Body12with projections14is preferably made of a pliable material, e.g., a closed-cell foam material, e.g., a chemically, cross-linked closed-cell polyethylene foam, such as MINICEL® L200, L300 or L380, available from Sekisui Voltek (Lawrence, MA). In other examples, body12may be made of expandable polyethylene (EPE) or a plastic type material using foam fabricators, as known by those skilled in the art. Other similar type of pliable materials and closed-cell foams known to those skilled in the art may also be utilized to manufacture device10.

In one example, the density of body12, the diameter, d-13,FIG.2, of body12in combination with and the shape of projections14are preferably chosen to effectively mobilize soft tissue structures of the human body. The soft tissue structures mobilized in one embodiment may include, inter alia, the Quadriceps, Hamstrings, Rhomboids, Mid/Lower Back, Glutes/Piriformis. Hip Rotators, Hamstrings, IT band, Calf, and Shins. In this example, which may be referred to as the “soft” device10, the density of the pliable material of body12is preferably in the range of about 2.0 lb/ft3to about 6.0 lb/ft2. The diameter, d-27, is typically in the range between about 3 inches to about 15 inches, e.g., about 7 inches. In this example, cylindrically shaped body12,FIG.3, preferably has a length, l-31, between about 18 inches and 36 inches. In one preferred example, body12has a diameter of about 7 inches and a length of about 18 inches. In another example, body12has a diameter of about 7 inches and a length of about 36 inches.

The shape projections14may be rounded, as shown at17,FIGS.2and3. In other designs, the shape of projections14may have triangle-shaped, as shown inFIG.4. In this example, the projections14may radially extend from body12at the same angle. In other examples, projections14,FIG.5, may radially extend from body12at different angles, as indicated at20,22, and24. In other examples, projections14,FIG.6, may be cylindrically shaped with rounded ends or may also be cylindrically shaped with flat ends, as shown inFIG.7. Projections14,FIGS.1-7, may also extend over the length, l-31,FIGS.1and3of body12, e.g., in a right angle pattern, as shown inFIG.8A, in a helical pattern, as shown inFIG.8B, in a wave pattern, as shown inFIG.8C, in a Z pattern, as shown inFIG.8D, or in a pattern perpendicular to longitudinal axis15, as shown inFIG.8E. In other designs, the plurality of shaped projections14may extend over body12in an individual pattern as shown inFIGS.9A and9B. Each of the plurality of shaped projections14,FIGS.1-9B, preferably radially, extends about ⅛ inch to about 3 inches from body12, e.g., as shown by r-70,FIG.2. In one example, “soft” device10,FIGS.1-3, may include eleven projections14. In another example, “soft” device10,FIG.10, indicated at41, may have twelve projections14. In other examples, device10may have as few as 6 projections or as many as 20 projections14, although device10may have any number of projections of various shapes, disclosed above, depending on the therapeutic use of device10.

In another example, one or more of the density of body12and the diameter of body12in combination with the shape of projections14are preferably chosen to mobilize soft tissue structures of the human body which may include, inter alia, the Quadriceps, Hamstrings, Rhomboids, Rotator cuff, Glutes/Piriformis, Iliotibial band, Achilles tendon, Calf, feet, Head and Neck. In this example, often referred to as “firm” device10, the density of the pliable material of body12is in the range of about 2.0 lb/ft2to about 12 lb/ft2, e.g., preferably about 4 lb/ft2. The diameter, d-27,FIG.2, of body12is in the range of about 3 inches to about 8 inches, e.g., preferably about 3.5 or 7 inches. The length of body12, length l-31,FIG.3, is in the range of about 2 inches to about 36 inches. In one preferred example, body12has a diameter of about 3 inches and a length of about 8 inches. In yet another example, body12has a diameter of about 3.5 inches and a length of about 12 inches. In yet another example, body12has a diameter of about 7 inches and a length of about 18 inches. In another example, body12has a diameter of about 7 inches and a length of about 36 inches. Similar as discussed above, the plurality of shaped projections14have a predetermined shaped as discussed above with reference toFIGS.1-10and preferably radially extend about ⅛ inch to about 3 inches from body12.FIG.10shows on example of“firm” device10, indicated at43. In this example, projections14may have a triangle shape as shown. In this design, device10has about thirteen projections14, although device10could have any number of projections of various shapes, discussed above, depending on the therapeutic use of device10.

In yet another example, the one or more of density of body12and the diameter of body12in combination with the shape of projections14are preferably chosen to mobilization soft tissue structures of the human body which may include, inter alia, the Quadriceps, Hamstrings, Rhomboids, Upper Trapezius. Forearm, Rotator cuff, Glutes, Piriformis, Calf, Feet, Head and Neck. In this example, which may be referred to as “hard” device10, the density of the pliable material of body12is in the range of about 4.0 lb/ft2to about 12 lb/ft3, e.g., preferably about 6 lb/ft3. The diameter, d-27,FIG.2, of body12is in the range of about 3 inches to about 8 inches, e.g., preferably about 3.5 or 7 inches. The length of body12, length l-31,FIG.3, is in the range of about 2 inches to about 36 inches. In one preferred example, body12has a diameter of about 3 inches and a length of about 8 inches. In yet another example, body12has a diameter of about 3.5 inches and a length of about 12 inches. In another example, body12has a diameter of about 7 inches and a length of about 18 inches. In another example, body12has a diameter of about 7 inches and a length of about 36 inches. Similar as discussed above, the plurality of shaped projections14have a predetermined shaped as discussed above with reference toFIGS.1-10and preferably radially extend about ⅛ inch to about 3 inches from body12.FIG.10shows an example of device10, indicated at45. In this example, device10may include about seven projections with a curved shape as shown, although device10may have any number of projections of various shapes, discussed above, depending on the therapeutic use of device10.

In the examples above, one or more of the predetermined density and the predetermined diameter in combination with the predetermined shape of the projections effectively mobilize soft tissue structures of the human body. In other examples, one or more of the predetermined density and predetermined diameter in combination with the predetermined shape of the projections may be chosen to effectively optimize body core strength and optimize balance training and/or efficiently break up collagenous fibers of soft tissue structures and/or enhance flexibility of soft tissue structures and/or enhance distensibility of soft tissue structures. Moreover, projections14stabilize device10when used for body core strength and balance training.

Examples of the operation of therapeutic, fitness and sports enhancement device10with projections14of one or more embodiments of this invention used to mobilize soft tissue structures of the human body and/or effectively optimize body core strength and optimize balance training and/or efficiently break up collagenous fibers of soft tissue structures and/or enhance flexibility of soft tissue structures and/or enhance distensibility of soft tissue structures are shown inFIGS.11A-11M. For example,FIG.11Ashows an example of device10being used to mobilize the soft tissue of Quadriceps98. When moved back and forth in direction100, projections14extend into the soft tissue of Quadriceps98and mobilize Quadriceps98. This breaks up the collagenous fibers of the Quadriceps98, enhances flexibility and enhances distensibility of Quadriceps98.

In other examples, therapeutic, fitness, and sports enhancement device10may be used in a similar manner as discussed above with reference toFIG.11Ato mobilize soft tissue structures of the Iliotibial band (ITB), as shown inFIG.11B, the inner thigh, as shown inFIG.11C, the Glutes, as shown inFIG.11E, the Piriformis, as shown inFIG.11F, the Hamstrings, as shown inFIG.10G, the Lumbar region, as shown inFIG.11H, the Rhomboids, as shown inFIG.11I, the Thoracic region (Mid/Lower Back), as shown inFIGS.11J and11K, the Shins, as shown inFIG.11L, and the calf, as shown inFIG.11M.

Examples of the operation of “firm” and/or “hard” therapeutic, fitness, and sports enhancement device10used to mobilize soft tissue structures of the human body, break up collagenous fibers and/or enhance flexibility and/or enhance distensibility are shown inFIGS.12A-12I. For example, device10may be used to effectively mobilize soft tissue, break up collagenous fibers and/or enhance flexibility and distensibility of the Neck, as shown inFIG.12A, the upper Neck, as shown inFIG.12B, the upper Trapezius, as shown inFIG.2C, the shoulder and Rotator cuff, as shown inFIG.12D, the Rhomboids, as shown inFIG.12E, the Lower Back, as shown inFIG.12F, the arch of the foot, as shown inFIG.12G, the Achilles, as shown inFIG.12I, and the Calf, as shown inFIG.12I.

The result is therapeutic, fitness and sports enhancement device10with a unique combination of one or more of density and diameter and the shape of projections14maximizes mobilization of soft tissue structures. Typical target soft tissue mobilized by the plurality of shaped projections14may include muscles, tendons, ligaments fascia of the human body and the like. Mobilization of soft tissue by projections14massages soft tissue and breaks up scar tissue. This increases flexibility of soft tissue, decreases muscle soreness, relieves joint stress, decreases neuromuscular hypertonicity, increases joint range motion and extensibility of musculotendinous junctions, optimizes soft tissue distensibility, increases neuromuscular efficiency, increases flexibility and helps maintain normal functional muscle length. These benefits enhance recovery of injuries when used as a therapeutic tool, maximize sports performance, and improved fitness. Device10also optimizes body core strength and optimizes balance training.

In one example, therapeutic fitness and sports enhancement device10,FIGS.1-12Imay be manufactured using extrusion process as know by those skilled in the art. In this example, raw material in the form of granules of plastic, e.g., polyethylene, is put hopper150,FIG.13, and fed into heated chamber152. Press154pushes the material in chamber152through die156. Die plate has the shape of body12with projections14. In this example, die14has a shape similar to body12,FIGS.1-3, with rounded projections14. In other examples, die156can be shaped with any configuration to manufacture device10with the projections shaped as shown inFIGS.1-9B, or any other various shape known by those skilled in the art. The extruded material is then allowed to cure in a controlled temperature room to strengthen the material and provide a more finished look to device10.

In another example, therapeutic fitness and sports enhancement device10,FIGS.1-12Imay be manufactured using molding process, as known to those skilled in the art. In this example, raw material, e.g., beads of expandable polyethylene (EPE), is put into a hopper160,FIG.14, and then fed into chamber162which includes a die in the shape of device10,FIGS.1-12I. The chamber is heated and chamber162is pressurized. This allows the beads of EPE to shape to the contours of the die. Then a curing phase occurs to allow the EPE form the shape of device10, e.g., as shown inFIGS.1-98. This curing phase occurs in a heated room to allow the polymer to cure.

In another example, therapeutic fitness and sports enhancement device10, may be manufactured with a large sheet of the pliable material is cut using a high speed vertical band saw which forms cylindrically shaped body12and the plurality of shaped projections14thereon.

In yet another example, device10may include cylindrically shaped body12,FIG.15that includes a plurality of bonded sections, e.g., sections19,21,23, and25, each having a plurality of shaped projections14thereon of a predetermined type, e.g., as shown in any ofFIGS.1-9B. Each of sections19-25,FIG.15, is similarly made of a pliable material, e.g., closed-cell polyethylene foam, such as MINICEL® L200, L300 or L380 discussed above, and is bonded to each other using a high bonding adhesive. The sheets of the pliable material used for the plurality of bonded sections, e.g., sections19-25, typically has predetermined width, e.g., about 2 inches to 3 inches, or up to 4 inches, although the sheets of pliable material and the resulting width of sections19-25may have any width as known to those skilled in the art. The shape of the plurality of shaped projections16and cylindrically shaped body12made of sections19-25is similarly formed using a high speed versatile band saw, as discussed above.

In another embodiment, therapeutic, fitness, and sports enhancement device10′,FIG.16, of this invention includes cylindrically shaped core12and overlay13about core12. Similar as discussed above, one or more of the predetermined density and the predetermined diameter of body12and overlay13in combination with the shape of the projections are chosen to effectively mobilize soft tissue structures of the human body. Overlay13includes a plurality of shaped projections14, similar as discussed above with reference toFIGS.1-9B, which are shaped to mobilize soft tissue structures of the human body and/or improve body core strength and balance training and/or enhance flexibility and/or optimize soft tissue distensibility. Core12is similarly made of pliable material, as discussed above. Overlay13is typically made of MINICEL® L200, L300 or L380. Body12and overlay13with projections14thereon may also be formed from an extrusion process or a die cast process or cut by a high speed foam band saw, as known to those skilled in the art. Similar as discussed above with reference toFIG.2, projections14on overlay13,FIG.16, radially extends about ⅛ inches to about 3 inches from overlay13, e.g., as indicated at r-70.FIG.2, as needed to maximize soft tissue mobilization, and improve balance and core strength training, enhance flexibility and optimize soft tissue distensibility. Therapeutic, fitness, and sports enhancement device preferably has a density and d10may have a length as indicated by l-31,FIG.16, and has a diameter, d-27,FIG.17, similar to any of the embodiment of device10discussed above with reference toFIGS.1-9B.

In one embodiment, therapeutic, fitness, and sports enhancement device10,FIGS.1-16, may include end caps212,FIG.18, on each end of device10.

Therapeutic, fitness, and sports enhancement device10,FIGS.1-18, may also include handle300,FIG.19A. Handle300preferably extends though opening302, FIG.19B, having inner diameter d-304, which can vary from about ¼ inch to about 5 inches, e.g., about 2 inches as shown inFIG.19C. Opening302,FIG.19B, with inner diameter d-304is typically created using an extrusion process. Inner sleeve306fits inside opening302and handle300extends through inner sleeve306. Handle300may be used for gripping to allow the ridged roll to roll over the soft tissue of the body, e.g., the Quadriceps, Upper Trapezius, Iliotibial band, and the like, as discussed above with reference toFIGS.11A-12I.

Although specific features of the invention are shown in some drawings and not in others, this is for convenience only as each feature may be combined with any or all of the other features in accordance with the invention. The words “including”, “comprising”, “having”, and “with” as used herein are to be interpreted broadly and comprehensively and are not limited to any physical interconnection. Moreover, any embodiments disclosed in the subject application are not to be taken as the only possible embodiments. Other embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art and are within the following claims.

In addition, any amendment presented during the prosecution of the patent application for this patent is not a disclaimer of any claim element presented in the application as filed: those skilled in the art cannot reasonably be expected to draft a claim that would literally encompass all possible equivalents, many equivalents will be unforeseeable at the time of the amendment and are beyond a fair interpretation of what is to be surrendered (if anything), the rationale underlying the amendment may bear no more than a tangential relation to many equivalents, and/or there are many other reasons the applicant can not be expected to describe certain insubstantial substitutes for any claim element amended.