Exercise devices – Isometric
Reexamination Certificate
1998-03-25
2001-06-12
Donnelly, Jerome W. (Department: 3764)
Exercise devices
Isometric
C482S124000, C482S907000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06244994
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to an exercise device and, in particular, to an exercising device that advantageously requires the user to tense the upper body muscles only to an extent determined by the user.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The prior art discloses many forms of exercising devices for the upper torso in which elastic parts or straps require the user's arms to move away from the body against or counter to a biasing force.
In U.S. Pat. No. 5,518,481 a continuous elastic cord is adapted to be looped around a user's shoulder. Handgrips at each cord end are grasped and the upper body is exercised against the biasing resistance of the cord.
In U.S. Pat. No. 4,961,573 a boxing exercise harness is worn on the upper torso and includes handgrips, a pulley system and interposed elastic straps. The user performs a boxing routine and an elastic force provided by the straps opposes the arm movements.
In U.S. Pat. No. 5,433,688, elastic cords having a handgrip at each end are attached to a waist belt. The user's arm and upper body are moved against the resistance of the elastic cords.
In U.S. Pat. No. 5,473,435, the user wears a belt to which is attached a pair of swivel assemblies having coupled thereto counterforce units that provide an elastic biasing force for performing arm curls.
In UK Patent No. 434,067, shoulder straps extend from a belt and have coupled thereto springs having foot engaging loops for developing the muscles of the arm, chest and back.
In U.S. Pat. No. 4,911,439 an elastic cord is looped around the shoulders of a user and handles attached to the cord are grasped. The user exercises by stretching the cord.
In U.S. Pat. No. 4,993,705, an expandable strap having wrist cuffs is attached to a vest. Arm movements exert a pulling force on the strap.
Exercising devices of the foregoing types are oftentimes complicated but, more importantly, require constant expanding and contracting of the user's arms thereby causing arm weariness and the magnitude of tension is normally not dictated by the user but the parameters of the elastic member.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A principal object of the present invention is to provide an exercising device with no elastic parts so that the arms of the user do not move away from the body axis and the tension amount offered by the device is determined by the user.
Another object is to provide an exercising device of the foregoing type which, when used, tenses the upper torso as a result of pushing on handles while twisting the upper body.
A further object is to provide an exercising device of the foregoing type which may be used during walking, running, standing or sitting.
The exercising device of the present invention benefits all upper-body muscle groups effectively and quickly. It increases tone, endurance, strength and flexibility. It is intended as an exerciser that is serious but fun to use. It provides a simultaneous work-out to accompany running, jogging or walking. Thus, can be used outdoors but indoors, as well on a treadmill. Moreover, it puts no undue strain on joints or muscles.
The exercise device of this invention balances the equation between lower body expenditure of energy with that of the upper body, by equaling a torsion or twist repetition for each step of a run, walk or jog. The normal withering of the upper body that follows serious running or walking is not only eliminated but reversed. Upper body muscle increases and serious fitness and muscle tone ensue.
These and other objects are attained by a static exercising device that advantageously employs a non-elastic strap that fits around the outside of a user's upper back, shoulders and upper arm. By pushing equally with both hands against the strap with grasped handles and then a twisting motion of the upper body, pressure or load is placed on the back. This pressure is preferably spread over a large area; and, it is additionally preferred that the strap does not move or slide. Handles at each strap end when grasped by the user remain parallel and at a fixed distance from the axis of the body during the twisting motion. Thus, the user tenses the arms and upper body muscles to an extent determined by the user while twisting the upper body in a fashion simulating a boxing motion during walking, running, standing or sitting.
Other objects and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description which is to be taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4466610 (1984-08-01), Israel
patent: 5498218 (1996-03-01), Proctor et al.
patent: 5857948 (1999-01-01), Barnett
Donnelly Jerome W.
Pitney Hardin Kipp & Szuch LLP
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