Exercise devices – Miscellaneous
Reexamination Certificate
1999-10-22
2001-05-01
Crow, Stephen R. (Department: 3764)
Exercise devices
Miscellaneous
C482S121000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06224525
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an exercise device for strengthening the muscles of the pelvis, particularly the collective group of muscles involved in human sexual response, which are also important for controlling the evacuation of the intestines and the bladder. The exercise device focuses on increasing the muscle mass, strength and tone of these muscles.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The lower pelvic muscles may become damaged or weakened through childbirth, lack of use, age or other reasons. One of the symptoms related to a weakening of these muscles is urinary incontinence. Various exercise devices were developed in an attempt to strengthen the pelvic muscles, with the specific goal of strengthening the muscles that surround the urethra to overcome urinary incontinence in women.
Perhaps the oldest patented device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 1,928,893 that was issued to Dr. Ralph D. Hoard in 1933. The device was designed to be inserted in a patient's vagina to exercise the vaginal muscles. It is comprised of a two sided tubular apparatus whose sides are held slightly apart by springs. The sides of the tubular device are squeezed shut against the pressure of the springs by the vaginal muscles.
A number of devices were invented by Dr. Arnold Kegel; some devices use a pressurized sleeve that is inserted within the vagina to exercise the muscle tissue within and around the vagina and to measure their strength. Another Kegel device comprises a solid elongate shaft, having a varied cross-section, which is inserted within the vagina so that the patient can squeeze the muscles of the vagina, as well as many of the other muscle groups in the lower pelvis, against the hard, unyielding device, providing isometric exercise. It was discovered that strengthening these muscles increased the patient's sexual response.
Additional patents were issued for a number of other isometric exercisers, including U.S. Pat. No. 2,763,265, issued to E. G. Waters and U.S. Pat. No. 5,554,092, issued to Stanley D. Harpstead, et al. The Waters device is a generally hard tubular device that has varying cross sectional dimensions for assistance in identifying the various muscle groups and for applying isometric exercise to those muscle groups within or connected to the vagina. The Harpstead device is a hollow body designed to receive various configurations of weights. When inserted within the vagina the muscles of the vagina and the pelvic area must be constricted to hold the device therein.
Notwithstanding the existence of such prior art exercisers, it remains clear that there is a need for an exerciser that dynamically exercises the muscle groups, is simple to use, has a low risk of injury and is easy to maintain.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an exerciser for the muscles of the pelvis, particularly the collective group of muscles involved in human sexual response. The proper conditioning of these muscles is also important for maintaining good health and body function. One preferred embodiment of the device of the present invention comprises a pair of longitudinally extending members that are connected to one another at their first ends. The opposing second ends of these members are movable between an open position and a closed position, but are biased toward the open position providing resistance to movement toward the closed position. In the open position the second ends of the members are spaced apart from one another further than the first ends of the members are spaced apart from one another. A gripper, having a first part formed on one member proximal to the first end of that member and a second part formed on the other member proximal to the second end of that member. The gripper is used to grasp the device with one hand so that the second ends may be moved from the open position toward the closed position. The device is sized and configured to be received within the vaginal and anal cavities of the human body to exercise the groups of muscles related thereto.
The invention accordingly comprises an article of manufacturer possessing the features, properties, and the relation of elements which will be exemplified in the article hereinafter described, and the scope of the invention will be indicated in the claims.
REFERENCES:
patent: 1851865 (1932-03-01), Ptacek
patent: 1928893 (1933-10-01), Hoard
patent: 2763265 (1956-09-01), Waters
patent: 4241912 (1980-12-01), Mercer et al.
patent: 4280696 (1981-07-01), Ramon
patent: 4574791 (1986-03-01), Mitchener
patent: 4583542 (1986-04-01), Boyd
patent: 4971036 (1990-11-01), Collins
patent: 5407412 (1995-04-01), Plevnik et al.
patent: 5554092 (1996-09-01), Harpstead et al.
patent: 5755236 (1998-05-01), Dann et al.
American Sex Machines The Hidden History of Sex At The U.S. Patent Office (Author: Hoag Levins).
Kegelmaster The World's First Progressive Resistance Vaginal Exerciser!
Crow Stephen R.
Pettis & Van Royen, P.A.
LandOfFree
Exerciser for muscle groups of the pelvis does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Exerciser for muscle groups of the pelvis, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Exerciser for muscle groups of the pelvis will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2515352