A BIODEGRADABLE THERA TUBE COMPOSITION AND DEVICE FOR PHYSIOTHERAPY AND FITNESS

Abstract

The present invention relates to an eco-friendly biodegradable resistance tube designed for physiotherapy rehabilitation and fitness exercises. The Thera Tube is constructed from a unique blend of natural latex and biodegradable plastics, engineered to provide the necessary resistance, flexibility, and durability comparable to conventional Thera Tubes, while significantly reducing environmental impact. Sourced from Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS)-certified suppliers, the natural latex offers exceptional elasticity, while the biodegradable plastics, such as Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) and Polycaprolactone (PCL), enhance the tube's strength and longevity. This combination allows the Thera Tube to retain its performance over extended periods of use while naturally degrading over time, minimizing plastic waste. The Thera Tube is hypoallergenic, free from harmful chemicals, and is available in various resistance levels suitable for different rehabilitation and fitness needs. Additionally, the manufacturing process is energy-efficient and eco-friendly, aligning with the growing demand for sustainable fitness solutions.

Specification

Description:[0024].The following description provides specific details of certain aspects of the disclosure illustrated in the drawings to provide a thorough understanding of those aspects. It should be recognized, however, that the present disclosure can be reflected in additional aspects and the disclosure may be practiced without some of the details in the following description.
[0025].The various aspects including the example aspects are now described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the various aspects of the disclosure are shown. The disclosure may, however, be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the aspects set forth herein. Rather, these aspects are provided so that this disclosure is thorough and complete, and fully conveys the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, the sizes of components may be exaggerated for clarity.
[0026].It is understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "connected to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, it can be directly on, connected to, or coupled to the other element or layer or intervening elements or layers that may be present. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
[0027].The subject matter of example aspects, as disclosed herein, is described with specificity to meet statutory requirements. However, the description itself is not intended to limit the scope of this patent. Rather, the inventor/inventors have contemplated that the claimed subject matter might also be embodied in other ways, to include different features or combinations of features similar to the ones described in this document, in conjunction with other technologies.
[0028].The present invention relates to the field of physiotherapy, rehabilitation, and fitness equipment, specifically focusing on eco-friendly resistance tubes. More precisely, the invention pertains to a biodegradable resistance tube, commonly referred to as a Thera Tube, designed for therapeutic and fitness exercises. This tube is made from a blend of natural latex and biodegradable plastics, engineered to provide the same performance in terms of flexibility, stretchability, and resistance as conventional resistance tubes, while significantly reducing environmental impact. The invention is aimed at promoting sustainability and environmental responsibility within the physiotherapy and fitness sectors by offering a product that balances performance with eco-conscious material composition.
[0029].The present invention discloses an eco-friendly, biodegradable resistance tube, commonly referred to as a Thera Tube, designed for use in physiotherapy, rehabilitation, and fitness exercises. This innovative tube is constructed from a carefully engineered blend of natural latex and biodegradable plastics, offering the same performance characteristics-such as flexibility, stretchability, and resistance-as conventional resistance tubes, while significantly reducing its environmental impact.
[0030].The natural latex used in the tube is sustainably sourced from certified suppliers adhering to the Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS). This ensures that the latex is harvested responsibly, minimizing the ecological footprint of the material. Natural latex offers superior elasticity and tensile strength, which are crucial for resistance tubes used in physical therapy and fitness routines. It allows for smooth stretching and retraction during exercises, ensuring durability even under high-tension conditions. The blend ratio of natural latex in the tube ranges from 70% to 80%, ensuring optimal flexibility and elasticity, which are key performance indicators for resistance tubes.
[0031].In addition to natural latex, the Thera Tube incorporates biodegradable plastics, such as Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) and Polycaprolactone (PCL), at a ratio of 20% to 30%. These biodegradable plastics are derived from renewable resources and provide enhanced structural integrity and durability, making the tube suitable for prolonged use. Importantly, these plastics degrade naturally over time, thereby reducing the environmental burden associated with synthetic materials like PVC and synthetic rubber, which are typically used in conventional resistance tubes. The inclusion of biodegradable plastics enhances the tube's strength without compromising its eco-friendliness.
[0032].The Thera Tube is available in multiple resistance levels, ranging from light to extra-heavy, catering to users of different fitness levels and rehabilitation needs. The resistance levels are achieved by varying the wall thickness of the tube, with thicker walls providing higher resistance. Each resistance level is color-coded for easy identification: yellow for light resistance, red for medium resistance, green for heavy resistance, and blue or black for extra-heavy resistance. This ensures that both professionals and users can easily select the appropriate tube for their exercise or therapy requirements.
[0033].A key feature of the Thera Tube is its smooth yet grippy outer surface, which enhances user comfort during exercises. The grip prevents slipping, ensuring safety and control even during high-tension stretches. This is particularly important for physiotherapy sessions, where controlled movements are crucial for effective rehabilitation.
[0034].The manufacturing process of the Thera Tube is designed to be both energy-efficient and environmentally responsible. The materials are blended to ensure uniform distribution, and the tubes are extruded into varying thicknesses based on the required resistance levels. After extrusion, the tubes undergo a vulcanization process to harden the latex and improve their resilience and elasticity. Vulcanization also enhances the tube's durability, ensuring that it can withstand repeated stretching without losing its performance characteristics.
[0035].Once the vulcanization process is complete, the tubes are cut to standard lengths-typically 48 inches (1.2 meters)-which is optimal for a wide range of exercises targeting both upper and lower body movements. The final product undergoes a surface finishing process to ensure a smooth texture and comfortable grip for users. The combination of natural latex and biodegradable plastics ensures that the tube maintains its essential functional properties while being environmentally sustainable.
[0036].From an environmental perspective, the biodegradable nature of the materials used in this invention sets it apart from traditional resistance tubes. Over time, the Thera Tube degrades naturally, significantly reducing plastic waste. Unlike PVC-based products, which can persist in the environment for hundreds of years, the Thera Tube offers a much shorter decomposition timeline, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable ecosystem. Additionally, the absence of harmful chemicals such as phthalates and heavy metals ensures that the Thera Tube is safe for prolonged use, especially in therapeutic settings where users may have sensitive skin or existing health conditions.
[0037].This invention addresses the growing demand for sustainable fitness equipment without compromising on performance. The biodegradable Thera Tube offers a practical solution for individuals and professionals seeking eco-friendly alternatives to traditional synthetic materials. Its versatility, durability, and environmental benefits make it an ideal choice for a wide range of users, from rehabilitation patients to fitness enthusiasts.
[0038].In summary, the biodegradable Thera Tube combines the functional benefits of resistance training with eco-conscious design. Its blend of natural latex and biodegradable plastics ensures durability, flexibility, and resistance, while promoting environmental sustainability. This innovation is a significant step toward reducing the environmental impact of fitness and rehabilitation equipment, offering a high-performance, eco-friendly alternative to conventional resistance tubes.
[0039].The biodegradable Thera Tube offers a groundbreaking solution to the environmental challenges posed by conventional resistance tubes used in physiotherapy, rehabilitation, and fitness. By combining natural latex with biodegradable plastics, this invention successfully retains the essential properties of flexibility, stretchability, and durability while significantly reducing its environmental impact. The use of sustainably sourced materials, such as GOLS-certified natural latex and renewable biodegradable plastics like Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) and Polycaprolactone (PCL), ensures that the Thera Tube degrades naturally over time, contributing to the reduction of plastic waste in landfills and oceans.
[0040].This eco-friendly resistance tube is available in multiple resistance levels, catering to a wide range of users, from rehabilitation patients to fitness enthusiasts. Its hypoallergenic and non-toxic composition ensures user safety, particularly in therapeutic settings, where prolonged skin contact is common. The Thera Tube's smooth, grippy outer surface enhances user comfort and control during exercises, further improving its usability.
[0041].The manufacturing process is designed to minimize energy consumption and the use of harmful chemicals, making the Thera Tube not only an environmentally sustainable product but also one that promotes health and safety. With its versatility, durability, and eco-conscious design, the biodegradable Thera Tube addresses the growing demand for sustainable fitness equipment and represents a significant advancement in the rehabilitation and fitness industry.
[0042].In conclusion, the biodegradable Thera Tube sets a new standard for environmentally responsible fitness and rehabilitation products, offering the perfect balance between performance and sustainability. It is an ideal solution for individuals, professionals, and industries seeking to align their practices with eco-friendly values without compromising on quality and effectiveness. , Claims:1.A biodegradable Thera Tube comprising a blend of natural latex and biodegradable plastics, engineered to provide resistance and stretchability suitable for physiotherapy rehabilitation and fitness exercises.
2.The Thera Tube as claimed in claim 1, wherein the natural latex is sustainably sourced from Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS)-certified suppliers, ensuring environmental sustainability and reduced chemical exposure.
3.The Thera Tube as claimed in claim 1, wherein the biodegradable plastics are selected from the group consisting of Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) and Polycaprolactone (PCL), enhancing the structural integrity and durability of the tube while maintaining eco-friendliness.
4.The Thera Tube as claimed in claim 1, wherein the variation in wall thickness provides different resistance levels, suitable for a wide range of rehabilitation and fitness applications, from light to extra-heavy resistance.
5.The Thera Tube as claimed in claim 1, wherein the outer surface is designed to be smooth yet grippy, ensuring user comfort and preventing slipping during use.
6.The Thera Tube as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ratio of natural latex to biodegradable plastics ranges from 70% to 80% natural latex and 20% to 30% biodegradable plastics, ensuring optimal elasticity, stretchability, and durability.
7.The Thera Tube as claimed in claim 1, wherein the production process minimizes energy consumption and harmful chemical usage, contributing to its environmental sustainability.
8.The Thera Tube as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tube is hypoallergenic and free from harmful chemicals, such as phthalates and heavy metals, ensuring safe usage for individuals with skin sensitivities or allergies.

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