On this day in 1904 Jay L. Roberts was granted the patent for EXERCISING APPARATUS. U.S. Patent No. 775,989.
This invention relates to an exercising or athletic apparatus having an elastic cord to which handles are applied for the purpose of manipulation to give the desired movement. The cords are fastened to the handle and two or more cords are coupled together to allow for engagement between a door and the casing thereof. This device was made portable so that it can be used in any place at anytime.
This invention has grown to be used as more than just an exercising apparatus. The cords, originally made of surgical tubing, were used for body and muscle rehabilitation. Over time the apparatus has grown in popularity and is now used for physical therapy rehab, kinetic and plyometric training, while also helping with fitness, strength, power and flexibility. The cords come in different sizes, strengths and shapes and are affordable pieces of equipment that everyone can own. The cords’ materials have also advanced from surgical tubing. The materials progressively improved and were made of latex but, due to allergies changes had to be made. Now the most common cord/resistance band seen is the FDA approved polymer resistance band.
