Tubular exercise device

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention are directed towards a tubular exercise device for performing loaded movement training exercises and a method of manufacturing the device. In embodiments, the device may comprise a substantially cylindrical, tubular body have flared ends that extend radially outward from the longitudinal axis providing added grip versatility and various structural benefits. In embodiments, the device may comprise one or more apertures have sides with curved indentations that are suitably shaped to facilitate the entry of one or more hands into the apertures and to increase the versatility of gripping positions. The device may comprise a thermoplastic elastomer for its rigidity and structural stability. In further embodiments, the exterior surface of the body may be textured to facilitate gripping the exterior of the surface. In embodiments, the device may comprise one or more interior ribs that provide desirable inertial properties to the device for performing various exercises.

1 . A method of manufacturing a device for use in physical exercise, comprising the steps of:
 forming a mold of a substantially cylindrical tubular body comprising two flared ends and one or more projections on an exterior surface of the body, wherein the body is centered about a longitudinal axis, wherein the mold is configured to receive a cylindrical core comprising one or more projections;   mounting the mold onto a hydraulic press;   applying heat to the mold;   putting a material into a container mounted onto the hydraulic press;   preheating the material in the container to remove moisture;   melting the material and injecting the material into the mold;   allowing the molten material to cool inside of the mold;   applying axial force to remove the cylindrical core from the mold;   removing the device from the mold; and   allowing the device to further cool in ambient room temperature.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the material comprises pellets of a thermoplastic elastomer. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the projections comprise one or more of: a projection to form a first aperture spanned by a first handle, wherein the first handle comprises an arc extending from the body and centered about the longitudinal axis; a projection to form a second aperture spanned by a second handle extending from the body and parallel to the longitudinal axis, wherein the second handle comprises a curved interior rib that protrudes towards the longitudinal axis, and wherein the curved interior rib extends towards the ends of the mold in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis; and a projection to form a texture on the exterior surface of the body. 
     
     
         4 . A method of manufacturing a device for use in physical exercise, comprising the steps of:
 forming a mold of a substantially cylindrical tubular body comprising two flared ends and one or more projections on an exterior surface of the body, wherein the body is centered about a longitudinal axis, wherein the mold is configured to receive a cylindrical core comprising one or more projections;   mounting the mold onto a hydraulic press;   applying heat to the mold;   putting a material into a container mounted onto the hydraulic press;   preheating the material in the container to remove moisture; and   melting the material and injecting the material into the mold.   
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , further comprising allowing the molten material to cool inside of the mold. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , further comprising applying axial force to remove the cylindrical core from the mold. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , further comprising removing the device from the mold. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , further comprising allowing the device to further cool in ambient room temperature. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the material comprises pellets of a thermoplastic elastomer. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the projections comprise one or more of: a projection to form a first aperture spanned by a first handle, wherein the first handle comprises an arc extending from the body and centered about the longitudinal axis; a projection to form a second aperture spanned by a second handle extending from the body and parallel to the longitudinal axis, wherein the second handle comprises a curved interior rib that protrudes towards the longitudinal axis, and wherein the curved interior rib extends towards the ends of the mold in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis; and a projection to form a texture on the exterior surface of the body.