Exercise devices – User manipulated force resisting apparatus – component... – Utilizing inertial force resistance
Reexamination Certificate
2001-11-29
2004-08-17
Lucchesi, Nicholas D. (Department: 3764)
Exercise devices
User manipulated force resisting apparatus, component...
Utilizing inertial force resistance
C482S148000, C482S118000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06776742
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to handheld exercise devices and/or amusement devices, which utilize a central handle and a pair of weights which can rotate about the handle so as to impact one another.
2. Discussion of Background Information
The public, young and old, have become more and more aware of the benefits of exercising, which have presently become almost axiomatic. One reason for this is because exercising translates into a healthier and longer life. Additionally, exercising and being fit is no longer a question of looks, it is a matter of having a better quality of life. As a result, the types of machines and exercising devices that have appeared on the market have multiplied greatly to the point that it is difficult to provide an exhaustive description or classification of such devices. However, in general, such exercising devices may be characterized as being bulky, complicated and expensive. Other common features of most of these conventional exercising devices are that their use is often monotonous and even extremely boring. Accordingly, there exists a need for an exerciser which has at least some of the following advantages: simplicity in its mechanical structure; high reliability; low cost; small size; and fun to use, i.e., thereby providing amusement. Moreover, such a device should also offer to the user the challenge of becoming more and more proficient in executing the numerous, varied and beneficial exercises which can be performed with the device.
One type of conventional inertial exerciser utilizes eccentric weights. Some selected patents illustrating this type of exerciser are the following: U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,714,246; 4,513,963 and 4,043,553.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,714,246 discloses a disk provided with two diametrically opposed handles. A resilient ball is tethered to the center of the disk by a flexible, but substantially inelastic line, the line being slightly shorter than the radius of the disk. Weights may be attached to the device. Proper flexions and extensions of the arms or of other parts of the user's body set the ball in a periodic bouncing motion. The rhythm thus established regulates the various exercises of the user.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,513,963 discloses a body exercise apparatus which includes a tubular member having a length significantly greater than the width of a person's shoulders with bearings disposed within the tubular member adjacent the ends thereof. A bar member is disposed within the tubular member along the axis thereof, the ends of the bar member extending through and beyond the bearings and connector sections associated with the exposed end sections of the bar member. Each of the connector sections includes at least one opening, the opening being of a size slightly larger than the cross section of the exposed bar member end section. A weight is permanently affixed adjacent the opposite end of each connector section, the exposed bar member end section being engageable with the connector section opening. A fastener secures each connector section to an exposed bar member end section in an orientation substantially perpendicular to the tubular member, and a protective covering is disposed over the weight, the connector sections and at least a portion of the tubular member.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,043,553 discloses an exercise device for improving muscular tone, primarily of the upper torso and arms. Circular motion is imparted to a pair of hand grips rotatably secured to an eccentrically weighted cross shaft. Sufficient tolerance is provided between the cross shaft and the hand grips so that the cross shaft is free to move in an orbital path eccentric to the center of the hand grips, wherein the orbital movement of the hand grips and the eccentric orbital movement of the cross shaft may be utilized to exercise various muscles of the body.
Other conventional exercise devices are discussed below.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,796,431 discloses an exercising device in the form of a dumbbell. The device is provided with rotatable spherical weights, which allow the device to be used by being rolled along a flat surface such as a floor or wall, in addition to being used by lifting the device in a conventional manner.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,900,017 is a device similar to that described above, in which an inertial force exercise device includes a wheel member operable to engage and roll on a surface during an exercise routine. An axle member extends in a predetermined manner so as to be controlled by an operator of the device. An inertial mass structure is connected to the axle for translation with the axle, without rotation with respect to the axle, for providing an inertial resistance through non-rotational translation so as to exercise a user's body. Due to the mass of the device, a substantial linear inertia is produced.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,140,580 discloses a hand-held ball shaped case having a shaft mounted inertial wheel or rotor provided with fins. The casing leaves part of the rotor exposed, so that an initial spin can be imparted to it. Afterwards, the rotor spins so that it is maintained by imparting a periodic motion thereto. The device is basically a gyroscope with a race designed for providing smooth rotor movement.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,809,393 discloses an exercise device having a handle supported by at least three swivel casters. The device can be moved about a floor. However, this device does not appear to truly be an inertial exercise device as it does not produce inertial resistance to the movement imparted to the device by a user.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,775,147 is an inertial exercise device having three independent rotational inertial systems. A plurality of wheel and axle elements cooperate with weight elements so that rolling of the devices produces an inertial force. The device appears to be for floor-type exercise and is directed to an open-type, non-protected weight element for providing the inertial force when initially moved by a user.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,171,805 is directed to a rollable hand held exercise device that requires an additional, stationary element to provide a rolling surface. The device is not a true inertial-type exercise device as it requires a special surface to provide rolling contact surfaces which the user must use in conjunction with the weights so as to guide the weights in a manner designed to force certain muscle groups to work.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,046,727 is a wrist exercise device having a hollow shaft which houses a spring element. Tension disks are connected to the springs so that the disks can be moved toward and away from each other by turning a tension adjusting knob at ends of the device.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,643,162 discloses an exercise apparatus which is used in a forward and/or lateral movement in an extension type of exercise. While rolling and/or sliding of the device is considered, inertial exercise is not truly disclosed. This is an example of a low-friction type exercise device that, on its surface, may appear to be an inertial exercise device. However, it is apparent that low-friction type exercise does not imply an inertial exercise element.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,707,325 discloses an exercise device relating to a roller type device. The exerciser includes a roller for rolling along a first direction from a first position. Intermediate positions are defined as the device proceeds from the first position to the final position. The route of the device is then repeated back to the start position. Energy storing devices are provided to effect movement from one position to another. The energy storing devices are springs which are contracted and released as the device moves from one position to another.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,163,888 discloses an exercising apparatus in which different linkages are moved in response to movement of a user. The movements of the various links function to provide a resistance against which the user must work.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,304,108 discloses a resist and assist exercising device. The device allows the user to impart movement to the exercise device along a
Amerson L
Greenblum & Bernstein P.L.C.
Lucchesi Nicholas D.
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