TangleTube™

The TangleTube™ is designed to facilitate bilateral coordination and visual tracking skills by maneuvering a group of colorful beads from one end of a clear flexible tube to the other. The TangleTube™ is constructed of a clear plastic flexible tube (approximately 6’ long) with colorful beads inside, captivated by non-removable end plugs. The TangleTube™ can be configured as a straight tube, a simple coil, a spiral, or other 3 dimensional shapes. One arrangement is coiled into a spherical shape in which the user must visually track the beads in different orientations and directions.

Set-Up:
The TangleTube™ may be tied, tangled or twisted into any desired shape. An easy way to begin is by forming a loose knot, or pretzel shape, about 6-8” in diameter in the middle of the tube. Then begin to feed the ends of the tube through spaces formed where two tube surfaces meet. A more intricate shape will produce a more challenging arrangement. One trick is to form a loop in the opposite direction (against the TangleTube’s normal resting loop). This will require the user to work the beads from right to left and also from left to right to reach the end of the tube. When tangling the tube please avoid kinks and/or flat spots as this will impede the beads from rolling smoothly. Be creative and let your imagination go.

Suggested methods of use:

•   Using a two handed grasp requires the user to continuously reposition both hands.
• Using a fixed two handed grasp requires the user to shift their weight and body position.
• Using a fixed one hand grasp facilitates wrist rotation and mobility.
• For a more challenging configuration, intertwine 2 or more TangleTubes™ together.