Abstract: The present invention provides in some embodiments, a cover for an exercise roller. The cover can include an elongate tubular structure defining a generally cylindrical elongate lumen extending through the length of the elongate tubular structure. A wall of the cover can have an inner face surrounding the generally cylindrical elongate lumen, which is configured to surround an outer surface of the exercise roller. The outer face of the elongate tubular structure can have a textured surface, and the elongate tubular structure has a density configured for myofascial release. Additionally, the inner face of the wall and the outer face of the wall define a thickness of the cover for an exercise device. The invention can also include a method of using a progression of covers having different densities, thicknesses, and textures to provide myofascial release.

Abstract: The present invention provides in some embodiments, a portable device for massaging and treating a person's muscles. The device can include an elongate center shaft and a roller section rotatably positioned about the outer surface of the elongate cylindrical center shaft and extending at least a portion of a distance between the first end of the elongate cylindrical center shaft and the second end of the elongate cylindrical center shaft. The device can also include a first and second handle coupled to the elongate center shaft. The first and second handles can be configured to collapse in order to decrease an overall length of the portable roller massager.

Abstract: The present invention provides in some embodiments, a device for massaging and treating a person's muscles. The device can include an elongate cylindrical center and a roller section rotatably positioned about the outer surface of the elongate cylindrical center shaft and extending at least a portion of a distance between the first end of the elongate cylindrical center shaft and the second end of the elongate cylindrical center shaft. A first handle can be coupled to the first end of the elongate cylindrical center shaft. The first handle can also be removable, such that the interchangeable roller section can be removed and changed. A second handle can be coupled to the second end of the elongate cylindrical center shaft. The second handle can be configured to prevent the roller section from sliding off of the elongate cylindrical center shaft in a direction of the second end.

Abstract: The present invention provides in some embodiments, a cover for an exercise roller. The cover can include an elongate tubular structure defining a generally cylindrical elongate lumen extending through the length of the elongate tubular structure. A wall of the cover can have an inner face surrounding the generally cylindrical elongate lumen, which is configured to surround an outer surface of the exercise roller. The outer face of the elongate tubular structure can have a textured surface, and the elongate tubular structure has a density configured for myofascial release. Additionally, the inner face of the wall and the outer face of the wall define a thickness of the cover for an exercise device. The invention can also include a method of using a progression of covers having different densities, thicknesses, and textures to provide myofascial release.

Abstract: The present invention provides in some embodiments, a device for stretching muscles having a series of loops. The device can be formed from strips of elastic material periodically joined in order to form loops. More particularly, a top portion of elastic material can be laid on top of a bottom portion of elastic material. The top and bottom portions of materials can be joined in a variety of ways. A user of the device can engage different body parts with the loops and use the device to facilitate a dynamic stretch of a muscle. Dynamic stretching involves active contraction of the muscle prior to the stretch.

Abstract: A universal resistance cross-training system is described which is adapted to direct a variety of resistance forces to robust portions of an exerciser's limb, while leaving hands and feet free for normal use. The system is based upon an arched cuff which provides both transverse compression sockets at either end and ratcheted channels following the outside surface of the cuff and extending between the two compression mounts. Resistance devices such as fins, elastics, weights, parachutes, floats and linkages are connected to the cuff via either the compression sockets or the ratcheted channel. The resistance forces are transferred from the resistance devices through the arch to the user's limbs.

Abstract: A polyurethane composition is provided for the formulation of a hand exercise device having a variety of configurations. The compositions comprise 140 parts by weight of a diol; from about 50 to 70 parts by weight of a diisocyanate compound, the diols and diisocyanate compounds being selected from the group consisting of reactants capable of forming polyurethanes; from about one to 30 percent by weight of a plasticizer, based upon the weight of the polyurethane composition; and from 0 to about 100 parts by weight of a mineral filler, based upon 100 parts by weight of the polyurethane composition.

Abstract: A connector (10) for securing an exercise member (12) to a section of flexible material (18) includes a slide (50) and first (20) and second (22) cinchable loops. First (20) and second (22) cinchable loops are formed in the material (18) and in cooperation with the slide (50) and are connected by a third loop (24). The third loop (24) has a first end (30) and a second end (32) that are restrained by a restraint (40). The restraint (40) prevents the first (20) and second (22) cinchable loops from pulling out of the frame (50). The connector (10) secures an exercise member (12) by holding the exercise member (12) in the two cinchable loops (20,22). The connector (10) may also be used to anchor an exercise member (12) to a door (300), a door hold (16), or a hand hold (14). Multiple connectors (10) may also be used in conjunction with a single section of material (18) to provide additional and varying exercise device configurations.

Abstract: A polyurethane composition is provided for the formulation of a hand exercise device having a variety of configurations. The compositions comprise 140 parts by weight of a diol; from about 50 to 70 parts by weight of a diisocyanate compound, the diols and diisocyanate compounds being selected from the group consisting of reactants capable of forming polyurethanes; from about one to 30 percent by weight of a plasticizer, based upon the weight of the polyurethane composition; and from 0 to about 100 parts by weight of a mineral filler, based upon 100 parts by weight of the polyurethane composition.

Abstract: A method for applying a therapeutic heat treatment to a body part comprises the steps of placing a suitable fluid (20) in a container (10); placing wax (22) in the container; heating the combination (16) of the wax (22) and the fluid (20) until the wax (22) has melted forming a layer and the fluid (20) has reached the treatment temperature; and passing the body part (40) through the layer of wax (46) and into the fluid to form a glove around the body part. The present invention also provides for a kit (60) for providing therapeutic heat treatment, the kit comprising a microwavable container (20) a removable lid (30); and a quantity of wax (22).

Abstract: A method for retaining a dental dam comprises the steps of positioning a dental dam (11) over a plurality of teeth in the mouth of a patient; selecting a section of elastomeric cord (10); elongating the section to reduce the cross-sectional area thereof; interposing a portion of the elongated section between at least two adjacent teeth and over the dam; and allowing the section to expand toward its original cross-sectional area thereby prohibiting the removal of the dam from the teeth. Also provided in combination with a dental dam (11) having a plurality of individual holes to fit over a like plurality of teeth in the mouth of a patient, is an elastomeric cord (10) having a first, relaxed diameter and a second elongated diameter of lesser dimension than the first, the second diameter being interposed between a pair of adjacent teeth and over the dam in position with respect to the teeth, wherein the first diameter forms an elastomeric wedge between the teeth to retain the dam.

Abstract: A novel process for providing a thermoplastic polymer having novel thermal characteristics including the critical step of masticating the polymer, either continuously or discontinuously, until the melt index of the polymer is substantially increased.

Abstract: A novel process for providing a thermoplastic polymer having unique thermal characteristics including the step of cooling the polymer during extended mastication until the melt index of the polymer is substantially increased.

Abstract: A novel process for providing a thermoplastic polymer having unique thermal characteristics including the step of cooling the polymer during extended mastication until the melt index of the polymer is substantially increased.

Abstract: A novel process for providing a thermoplastic polymer having novel thermal characteristics including the critical step of masticating the polymer, either continuously or discontinuously, until the melt index of the polymer is substantially increased.