Exercise devices – User manipulated force resisting apparatus – component... – Utilizing weight resistance
Reexamination Certificate
1998-07-02
2001-05-01
Mulcahy, John (Department: 3739)
Exercise devices
User manipulated force resisting apparatus, component...
Utilizing weight resistance
C482S105000, C482S108000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06224517
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention resides in the field of weighted exercise devices and more particularly relates to a flexible weight training device designed to work parts of the entire body.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Health and fitness professionals agree that exercise is an important part of staying healthy. Exercise experts recommend an exercise program which includes weight training, aerobic conditioning, and flexibility exercises. Weight training has many beneficial effects including increasing the percentage of muscle over the percentage of fat in the body. Weight training has also been shown to help in preventing and reversing the effects of osteoporosis. Weight training also strengthens the body and increases endurance so that one's daily activities are less tiring.
Clearly, exercise has many benefits. Yet many people do not exercise on a regular basis. There are various reasons for this, including lack of time and the expense of health club memberships. Many also do not have the physical space required for the equipment needed to receive a total body workout. Even when one has invested the money and has the space for such equipment, many exercise devices are not portable and thus impractical for those who regularly travel.
Among the types of patented exercise devices are barbell and dumbbell devices. Some are designed to accommodate varying levels of weight. Examples include Pelletier et al. U.S. Pat. No. 850,964; Matysek U.S. Pat. No. 1,366,200; and Ionel U.S. Pat. No. 4,076,236. In certain devices a user regulates the weight by filling the device with a fluid. Examples include Mackenzie et al. U.S. Pat. No. 812,144; Bosko et al. U.S. Pat. No. 3,334,899; and Jenison U.S. Pat. No. 4,695,051.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,393,284 to Wesley discloses a flexible barbell apparatus. An elongated flexible tube has at opposite ends vessels for holding weight. The tube is adapted to receive a rigid bar. The device is flexible and can be used for various exercises but is not designed to form fit around a body part or to isolate specific areas of the body for a workout. Weighted flexible bags are also found in the prior art and can drape around a body part.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,538,806 to Wilkerson describes an exercise barbell. Each of its ends contains a soft, pliable covering over a mass of weighting material. The center, however, is supported by a rigid axial member, reducing any flexibility at its central portion. Thus, the device cannot accommodate certain exercises.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention discloses an I-shaped flexible weight that can be held in the hands of the user for all dumbbell type exercises and can also be draped over any part of the body for isolated weight resistance training. It can be used on virtually every muscle to provide a total body workout. This device helps to strengthen, tone, and stretch muscles and soft connective tissues.
It is an object of this invention to provide a flexible weight training device that helps an individual stretch, build, tone, and strengthen muscles and connective tissues. The device helps the exerciser raise his metabolism and lose unwanted body fat. It provides balanced, consistent weight resistance without having to twist, strap, or tie anything.
It is a further object of this invention to provide a device that promotes safety in all aspects of its use. Unlike ankle weights, the device of this invention cannot be strapped to the user, thus preventing injuries, such as shin splints, caused by strapped exercise devices. Also, with this device, the user cannot simply propel his body around in a dangerous manner. The device forces the user to use safe, slow, and controlled movements which most health professionals recommend. Also, the device is soft and cannot cause injury when accidentally dropped.
It is yet a further object of this invention to provide a portable device ideal for travel. The device is easy to pack and thus can be used anywhere. It takes up little space and can be easily stored.
It is yet still a further object of this invention to provide an exercise device that allows a user to increase flexibility to help prevent injuries. One simply places the device on a certain body part; and by using specific relaxation techniques, one stretches the desired body part. One can also apply the device to achieve resistance stretches such as those used in physical therapy. For example, to stretch the calf muscles, one would place his toes in the handle or central portion of the device and hold the ends of the device, pulling back until one feels the stretch, and then holding the stretch and resisting by pushing the toes forward, relaxing, and then stretching again.
It is yet still a further object of this invention to provide a versatile exercise device that can work areas of the body that many weight machines are not designed for working. For example, a weight machine may only be designed to work the hamstring and only in a selected area of that muscle. This device lets an individual work the muscle group of the inside, outside, lower hamstring, and upper hamstring simply by changing the positioning slightly of the device. Therefore, by using the device of this invention one receives a more balanced overall total body workout by working the entire group of muscles, instead of just one spot.
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Dennison, Scheiner Schultz & Wakeman
Mulcahy John
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